Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	$ 30,968	$ 28,875	$ 93,557	$ 77,075
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	3,295	2,790	7,688	7,455
Interest expense, net	124	24	352	88
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net	(9)	10	(28)	19
Other income, net	(114)	(118)	(349)	(352)
Income before income tax provision	3,302	2,879	7,731	7,738
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense	1,711	1,061	4,966	3,065
LIFO expense for the Forged Components Group	215	176	643	401
Forged Components Group [Member]
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	25,650	23,140	76,500	59,451
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	4,137	3,324	9,931	8,557
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense	1,477	844	4,269	2,389
Turbine Component Services and Repair Group [Member]
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	1,628	2,029	5,647	6,999
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	(393)	(84)	(854)	100
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense	87	75	250	223
Applied Surface Concepts Group [Member]
Net sales:
Consolidated net sales	3,690	3,706	11,410	10,625
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	234	326	942	893
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense	73	85	225	258
Corporate unallocated expenses [Member]
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	(683)	(776)	(2,331)	(2,095)
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense	$ 74	$ 57	$ 222	$ 195