OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS [Abstract]
Auction rate securities	$ 7,991	$ 7,991
Other long-term assets	2,714	2,872
Other long-term investments	1,197	1,082
Total	11,902	11,945
Number of Auction rate securities	2
Number of Auction rate securities, pretax reduction maintained	1
Reduction in fair value Auction Rate Securities, pretax	234
Reduction in fair value Auction Rate Securities, net of tax	151
Long-term liability, SERP investments	$ 1,197