Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Long-lived Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 73,638	$ 71,708
Fiber Optics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	26,017	24,209
Photovoltaics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	38,868	40,252
Unallocated Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 8,753	$ 7,247

Long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 131

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph b(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant