Note 10 - Investments in Financial Instruments (Details) - Summary of Investments (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Marketable securities
Available-for-sale investment, aggregate fair value	$ 150,747,000	$ 136,994,000
Available-for-sale investment, amortized cost basis	47,977,000	47,976,000
Available-for-sale investment, pretax unrealized gains	102,770,000	89,018,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Marketable securities
Available-for-sale investment, aggregate fair value	143,278,000	129,699,000
Available-for-sale investment, amortized cost basis	43,042,000	43,042,000
Available-for-sale investment, pretax unrealized gains	100,235,000	86,657,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Marketable securities
Available-for-sale investment, aggregate fair value	7,469,000	7,295,000
Available-for-sale investment, amortized cost basis	4,935,000	4,934,000
Available-for-sale investment, pretax unrealized gains	$ 2,535,000	$ 2,361,000