Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill at September 30, 2011	$ 12,521,971
Goodwill impairment on Dynasil Products	(2,284,499)
Currency translation on Hilger Crystals	16,688
Goodwill at September 30, 2012	10,254,160
Contract Research [Member]
Goodwill at September 30, 2011	4,938,625
Goodwill impairment on Dynasil Products	0
Currency translation on Hilger Crystals	0
Goodwill at September 30, 2012	4,938,625
Optics [Member]
Goodwill at September 30, 2011	1,283,775
Goodwill impairment on Dynasil Products	0
Currency translation on Hilger Crystals	16,688
Goodwill at September 30, 2012	1,300,463
Instruments [Member]
Goodwill at September 30, 2011	6,299,571
Goodwill impairment on Dynasil Products	(2,284,499)
Currency translation on Hilger Crystals	0
Goodwill at September 30, 2012	$ 4,015,072

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details