Note 3 - Segment Information (Detail) - Summary of financial information on the Company's segments: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net sales	$ 35,877	$ 47,046
Cost of sales	26,800	33,868
Gross profit	9,077	13,178
Operating income (loss)	3,649	8,206
Depreciation	4,658	4,425
Capital expenditures	2,907	7,029
Carbon Fibers [Member]
Net sales	28,715	37,679
Cost of sales	22,178	27,661
Gross profit	6,537	10,018
Operating income (loss)	4,571	8,318
Depreciation	4,167	3,986
Capital expenditures	851	6,610
Technical Fibers [Member]
Net sales	6,590	8,834
Cost of sales	4,139	5,729
Gross profit	2,451	3,105
Operating income (loss)	2,346	2,749
Depreciation	370	322
Capital expenditures	1,769	207
Corporate / Other [Member]
Net sales	572	533
Cost of sales	483	478
Gross profit	89	55
Operating income (loss)	(3,268)	(2,861)
Depreciation	121	117
Capital expenditures	287	212
Total [Member]
Net sales	35,877	47,046
Cost of sales	26,800	33,868
Gross profit	9,077	13,178
Operating income (loss)	3,649	8,206
Depreciation	4,658	4,425
Capital expenditures	$ 2,907	$ 7,029