Note 10 - Income Taxes (Details) - Summary provision for income taxes: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Increases (decreases):
Effect of lower foreign statutory rates	$ (3,425)	$ (4,540)	$ (175)
Change in valuation allowance on net operating loss	4,294	(1,782)	(395)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(43)	(22)	33
Local taxes, non-U.S.	1,045	1,018	611
Change of uncertain tax positions	16	(71)	(46)
Reflection of tax rate change – non-U.S.	(641)	(2,506)	1,748
Fair market value of warrants		(32)	(422)
R&D credits	(67)	(33)	(186)
Other	109	57	88
	1,362	1,182	911
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
At statutory rate:
Income tax (benefit) expense on income (loss) from operations	2,243	8,172	(905)
Mexico Inflationary Adjustment [Member]
Increases (decreases):
Mexico inflationary adjustment	(772)	921	560
True up for Mexico inflationary adjustment	772	(921)	(560)
True Up Mexico Inflationary Adjustment [Member]
Increases (decreases):
Mexico inflationary adjustment	1,397
True up for Mexico inflationary adjustment	$ (1,397)