Schedule of Certain Non-Cash Expense by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,275	$ 2,961	$ 5,997	$ 5,572
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	1,966	2,933	7,118	8,903
Fiber Optics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	843	1,876	3,813	3,478
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	993	1,644	3,919	4,922
Photovoltaics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	432	1,085	2,184	2,094
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	$ 973	$ 1,289	$ 3,199	$ 3,981