Information Regarding Segments of Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 30,284	$ 27,278	$ 88,578	$ 82,147
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	3,631	2,917	7,037	6,344
Interest expense, net	72	116	243	336
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net	7	(19)	7	(22)
Other income, net	(108)	(113)	(294)	(347)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision	3,660	2,933	7,081	6,377
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization expense	1,479	1,637	4,465	4,741
LIFO expense (income) for SIFCO Forged Components	(380)	214	(787)	643
SIFCO Forged Components
Net sales:
Net sales	28,672	25,650	84,121	76,500
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	5,457	4,137	12,740	9,931
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization expense	1,289	1,477	3,950	4,269
Turbine Component Services and Repair
Net sales:
Net sales	1,612	1,628	4,457	5,647
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	(561)	(393)	(1,659)	(854)
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization expense	99	86	260	250
Corporate unallocated expenses
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	(1,265)	(827)	(4,044)	(2,733)
Depreciation and amortization expense:
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 91	$ 74	$ 255	$ 222