Note 2 - Inventories (Detail) - Inventories, net of reserves: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Raw materials	$ 10,363	$ 8,631
Work-in-process	13,772	15,192
Finished goods	52,883	40,787
Consigned inventory	2,567	2,896
Supplies and other	350	436
	$ 79,935	$ 67,942

Amount before last-in first-out (LIFO) and valuation reserves of merchandise or goods held by the entity that are readily available for sale.

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Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

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Gross amount of unprocessed items to be consumed in the manufacturing or production process. Also includes purchased parts that will be used as components of a finished product.

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Gross amount of merchandise or goods which are partially completed, are generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, and which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

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Gross amount of merchandise or materials to which the entity holds the title, but physically at another entity's facilities (for example, but not limited to, work in process may be temporarily at the site of a subcontractor).

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Gross amount of products used directly or indirectly in the manufacturing or production process, which may or may not become part of the final product. May also include items used in the storage, presentation or transportation of physical goods.

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