Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income	$ (25,216,000)	$ 8,201,000	$ (918,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	589,000	3,678,000	5,586,000
Goodwill impairment	13,400,000
Gains on sales of marketable securities		(3,182,000)
Deferred income taxes	(6,392,000)	(19,241,000)	(4,574,000)
Discount earned on bonds			(3,000)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments		4,560,000
Unrealized losses on investment	17,715,000
(Increase) decrease in current assets
Accounts receivable, net	(2,233,000)	555,000	(651,000)
Inventories	6,000	(6,000)	1,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,000	286,000	2,000
Income tax receivable	117,000	639,000	(19,000)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities
Accounts payable	1,700,000	(229,000)	405,000
Accrued liabilities	831,000	1,325,000	(143,000)
Income taxes			(2,723,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,615,000	(1,881,000)	(2,651,000)
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales of marketable securities		8,125,000
Purchases of marketable securities			(5,013,000)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(165,000)	(212,000)	(253,000)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(165,000)	7,913,000	(5,266,000)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of loan principal	(121,000)	(115,000)	(110,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(121,000)	(115,000)	(110,000)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,329,000	5,917,000	(8,027,000)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year	9,301,000	3,384,000	11,411,000
End of year	10,630,000	9,301,000	3,384,000
Interest paid during year	963,000	736,000	516,000
Income taxes refunded during year	(121,000)	(1,077,000)	(3,000)
Subscription and Circulation [Member]
Increase (decrease) in liabilities
Deferred revenue arrangements	21,000	(110,000)	(118,000)
Installation Contracts [Member]
Increase (decrease) in liabilities
Deferred revenue arrangements	1,695,000	(2,518,000)	(2,268,000)
License and Maintenance [Member]
Increase (decrease) in liabilities
Deferred revenue arrangements	$ (622,000)	$ 4,161,000	$ 2,772,000