Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowances and reserves, beginning balance					$ 500	$ 502
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Expense	81		107
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Other Accounts	47		107
Deductions	147	[1]	216	[1]
Valuation allowances and reserves, ending balance	481				500	502
Inventory obsolescence reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowances and reserves, beginning balance					1,192	968
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Expense	520		(136)
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Other Accounts	(318)		365
Deductions	0	[2]	5	[2]
Valuation allowances and reserves, ending balance	1,394				1,192	968
Inventory LIFO reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowances and reserves, beginning balance					9,537	7,974
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Expense	(1,560)		1,563
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Other Accounts	0		0
Deductions	0		0
Valuation allowances and reserves, ending balance	7,977				9,537	7,974
Asset impairment reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowances and reserves, beginning balance					757	757
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Expense	72		0
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Other Accounts	0		0
Deductions	757	[3]	0	[3]
Valuation allowances and reserves, ending balance	72				757	757
Deferred tax valuation allowance [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowances and reserves, beginning balance					579	452
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Expense	139		127
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Other Accounts	0		0
Deductions	0		0
Valuation allowances and reserves, ending balance	718				579	452
Workers' compensation reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowances and reserves, beginning balance					663	655
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Expense	82		173
Additions (Reductions) Charged to Other Accounts	0		(6)
Deductions	1		159	[4]
Valuation allowances and reserves, ending balance	$ 744				$ 663	$ 655

[1] Accounts determined to be uncollectible, net of recoveries

[2] Inventory sold or otherwise disposed

[3] Equipment sold or otherwise disposed

[4] Payment of workers’ compensation claims