Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Note 16    Fair Value Measurements

        The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the inputs used to determine fair value:

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  Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

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  Level 2—Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

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  Level 3—Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

        When available, the Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value and classifies such items within Level 1. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally-developed models that use, where possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters such as interest rates and currency rates. Items valued using internally-generated models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. If quoted market prices are not available, the valuation model used depends on the specific asset or liability being valued.

        The following table represents the Company's fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2011 and 2012:

	September 30, 2011 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Cash and money market funds	$	60,062	$	—	$	—	$	60,062
Pension plan assets		30,815		118,116		—		148,931
Total fair value	$	90,877	$	118,116	$	—	$	208,993

	September 30, 2012 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Cash and money market funds	$	46,740	$	—	$	—	$	46,740
Pension plan assets		38,562		143,449		—		182,011
Total fair value	$	85,302	$	143,449	$	—	$	228,751

        The Company has no Level 3 assets as of September 30, 2011 or 2012. Items such as accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value and would be considered level 1 if included in the table.