Note 8 - Stock Options - Transactions Involving the Directors Plans (Details) - Employee Plans [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Outstanding October 1, (in shares)	6,000	22,000	31,000
Outstanding October 1, (in dollars per share)	$ 3.44	$ 5.30	$ 5.57
Granted (in shares)
Granted (in dollars per share)
Canceled/expired (in shares)	(1,000)	(16,000)	(9,000)
Canceled/expired (in dollars per share)	$ 2.925	$ 6	$ 6.23
Outstanding September 30, ($2.925 to $11.00 per share) (in shares)	5,000	6,000	22,000
Outstanding September 30, ($2.925 to $11.00 per share) (in dollars per share)	$ 3.54	$ 3.44	$ 5.30
Exercisable September 30, (in shares)	5,000	6,000	20,000
Exercisable September 30, (in dollars per share)	$ 3.54	$ 3.44	$ 5.54