Income and other Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Deferred tax assets:
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$ 166,834	$ 158,875
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	4,052	3,593
Income tax credit carryforwards	2,641	2,773
Inventory reserves	3,743	5,891
Accounts receivable reserves	1,275	1,243
Accrued warranty reserve	799	1,053
State net operating loss carryforwards	14,289	15,984
Investment write-down	5,315	5,315
Legal reserves	0	267
Stock compensation	3,325	3,201
Deferred compensation	1,466	1,309
Fixed assets and intangibles	12,681	15,639
Other	1,320	7,199
Total deferred tax assets	217,740	222,342
Valuation allowance	(217,740)	(222,342)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 0	$ 0