SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Current assets:
Accounts receivable	$ (7,554)	$ (5,560)	$ (7,715)
Inventories	(3,463)	(13,627)	(1,613)
Other current assets	(4,655)	(2,265)	(1,630)
Total change in current assets	(15,672)	(21,452)	(10,958)
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	1,024	6,983	1,269
Accrued compensation	(1,476)	(8,250)	3,188
Accrued income taxes	(2,649)	(3,167)	4,863
Customer prepayments	1,162	2,028	6,354
Other current liabilities	1,208	765	(4,781)
Total change in current liabilities	(731)	(1,641)	10,893
Net change	$ (16,403)	$ (23,093)	$ (65)