This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

+ References+ Details

The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of the tax credit carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the total of accruals as of the date of the statement of financial position for interest recognized for an underpayment of income taxes computed by applying the applicable statutory rate of interest to the difference between a tax position recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in a tax return of the entity and the amount of statutory penalties for a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed by the entity, in its tax return, that does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the total of interest expense recognized for an underpayment of income taxes computed by applying the applicable statutory rate of interest to the difference between a tax position recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in a tax return of the entity and the amount of statutory penalties in the period in which the entity claims or expects to claim a tax position, in its tax return, that does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense related to unrecognized tax benefits									$ 1,644,000	$ 56,000	$ 97,000
Interest and penalties accrued as tax liabilities	215,000				198,000				215,000	198,000
Equity method investment, deemed capital distribution and reinvestment, EMCORE				14,800,000
Foreign income tax rate				10.00%
Foreign income tax expense on capital distributions	0	0	0	1,644,000	0	0	0	0	1,644,000	0	0
Domestic
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	467,300,000								467,300,000
Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	16,500,000								16,500,000
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	407,800,000								407,800,000
Research and development
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Research and development tax credits	$ 2,800,000								$ 2,800,000