SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Current assets:
Accounts receivable	$ (5,560)	$ (7,715)	$ 8,828
Inventories	(13,627)	(1,613)	4,751
Other current assets	(2,265)	(1,630)	(2,940)
Total change in current assets	(21,452)	(10,958)	10,639
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	6,210	3,681	1,444
Accrued compensation	(8,250)	3,188	(4,791)
Accrued income taxes	(3,167)	4,863	(3,602)
Customer prepayments	2,801	3,942	(974)
Other current liabilities	765	(4,781)	(4,547)
Total change in current liabilities	(1,641)	10,893	(12,470)
Net change	$ (23,093)	$ (65)	$ (1,831)