Note 4 - Business Segment and Geopgraphic Information (Detail) - Summary of net sales, long-lived assets, and net assets by geographic area: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Net Long Lived Assets	$ 215,650	$ 215,083
United States [Member]
Net Sales	72,269	66,342	43,762
Net Long Lived Assets	47,645	41,403	41,536
Net Assets	82,337	74,232	79,892
Hungary [Member]
Net Long Lived Assets	96,394	98,326	112,034
Net Assets	135,521	126,589	132,827
Germany [Member]
Net Sales	34,600	26,250	21,336
Other Europe [Member]
Net Sales	56,030	45,761	52,441
Asia [Member]
Net Sales	21,374	11,266	9,989
Mexico [Member]
Net Long Lived Assets	71,611	75,354	78,091
Net Assets	83,113	80,726	79,979
Other Areas [Member]
Net Sales	2,064	2,067	936
Total [Member]
Net Sales	186,337	151,686	128,464
Net Long Lived Assets	215,650	215,083	231,661
Net Assets	$ 300,971	$ 281,547	$ 292,698