Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 item	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting
Number of Business Segment	1
Net revenues	$ 482,746	$ 579,561	$ 542,896
Long-lived assets	152,764	124,652
High-temperature resistant alloys
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	357,232	423,080	412,601
Corrosive-resistant alloys
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	125,514	156,481	130,295
United States
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	268,054	346,750	344,983
Long-lived assets	146,940	120,218
Europe
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	110,389	121,781	105,725
Long-lived assets	5,221	3,759
China
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	39,475	48,183	40,934
Long-lived assets	603	675
Other
Segment Reporting
Net revenues	$ 64,828	$ 62,847	$ 51,254