Note 3 - Segment Information (Details) - Summary of Financial Information by Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 35,123	$ 35,877
Cost of sales	29,842	26,800
Gross profit	5,281	9,077
Operating income (loss)	(405)	3,649
Depreciation	5,025	4,658
Capital expenditures	1,960	2,907
Balance as of	356,051	352,865	352,865
Carbon Fibers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	26,763	28,715
Cost of sales	23,555	22,178
Gross profit	3,208	6,537
Operating income (loss)	1,600	4,571
Depreciation	4,162	4,167
Capital expenditures	914	851
Balance as of	252,579	288,544
Technical Fibers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	7,995	6,590
Cost of sales	5,949	4,139
Gross profit	2,046	2,451
Operating income (loss)	1,955	2,346
Depreciation	502	370
Capital expenditures	125	1,769
Balance as of	45,597	44,946
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	365	572
Cost of sales	338	483
Gross profit	27	89
Operating income (loss)	(3,960)	(3,268)
Depreciation	361	121
Capital expenditures	921	287
Balance as of	$ 57,875	$ 19,375