Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 item	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting
Number of Business Segment	1
Net revenues	$ 579,561	$ 542,896	$ 381,543
Long-lived assets	130,670	117,118
High-temperature resistant alloys
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	423,080	412,601	286,157
Corrosive-resistant alloys
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	156,481	130,295	95,386
United States
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	346,750	344,983	231,607
Long-lived assets	126,236	112,354
Europe
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	121,781	105,725	81,332
Long-lived assets	3,759	3,986
China
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	48,183	40,934	33,693
Long-lived assets	675	778
Other
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	$ 62,847	$ 51,254	$ 34,911