Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 26, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	LIQUIDITY SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001235468
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,090,686,912
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,453,924
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 104,782	$ 128,984
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,248 and $514 in 2012 and 2011, respectively	16,226	6,049
Inventory	20,669	15,065
Prepaid and deferred taxes	16,927	16,073
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,973	4,805
Current assets of discontinued operations		277
Total current assets	162,577	171,253
Property and equipment, net	10,382	7,042
Intangible assets, net	34,204	2,993
Goodwill	185,771	40,549
Other assets	7,474	5,970
Total assets	400,408	227,807
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,997	8,590
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	36,425	23,411
Profit-sharing distributions payable	4,041	7,267
Current portion of acquisition earn out payable	14,511	5,410
Customer payables	34,255	12,728
Current portion of note payable	10,000
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	154	2,160
Total current liabilities	109,383	59,566
Acquisition earn out payable		4,741
Note payable, net of current portion	32,000
Deferred taxes and other long-term liabilities	9,022	2,087
Total liabilities	150,405	66,394
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized; 31,138,111 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012; 31,192,608 shares issued and 29,030,552 shares outstanding at September 30, 2011	31	29
Additional paid-in capital	182,361	124,886
Treasury stock, at cost		(21,884)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,246	52
Retained earnings	66,365	58,330
Total stockholders' equity	250,003	161,413
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 400,408	$ 227,807

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$ 1,248	$ 514
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	31,138,111	31,192,608
Common stock, shares outstanding	31,138,111	29,030,552

Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation.

+ References+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Revenue	$ 415,829	$ 297,584	$ 249,337
Fee revenue	59,475	29,794	23,678
Total revenue from continuing operations	475,304	327,378	273,015
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
Cost of goods sold (excluding amortization)	198,123	126,395	109,376
Profit-sharing distributions	43,242	49,318	41,310
Technology and operations	67,553	52,178	45,700
Sales and marketing	31,252	23,279	20,381
General and administrative	37,107	26,484	23,606
Amortization of contract intangibles	7,943	813	813
Depreciation and amortization	6,223	4,881	3,609
Acquisition costs	1,695	6,702	524
Total costs and expenses	393,138	290,050	245,319
Income from continuing operations	82,166	37,328	27,696
Interest and other expense, net	2,218	1,190	428
Income before provision for income taxes from continuing operations	79,948	36,138	27,268
Provision for income taxes	31,652	15,459	12,194
Income from continuing operations	48,296	20,679	15,074
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		12,167	3,061
Net income	$ 48,296	$ 8,512	$ 12,013
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.57	$ 0.75	$ 0.55
From discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		$ (0.44)	$ (0.11)
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.57	$ 0.31	$ 0.44
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.47	$ 0.71	$ 0.55
From discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		$ (0.42)	$ (0.11)
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.47	$ 0.29	$ 0.44
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	30,854,796	27,736,865	27,098,016
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	32,783,079	29,081,933	27,406,883

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Treasury Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
Balance at Sep. 30, 2009	$ 103,982	$ (3,874)	$ 28	$ 73,641	$ (3,618)	$ 37,805
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2009		(707,462)	28,271,983
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Common stock repurchase	(14,470)	(14,469)	(1)
Common stock repurchase (in shares)	(1,225,019)	(1,225,019)
Exercise of common stock options and restricted stock	3,238			3,238
Exercise of common stock options and restricted stock (in shares)			555,089
Compensation expense and incremental tax benefit from grant of common stock options and restricted stock	8,638			8,638
Comprehensive income:
Net income	12,013					12,013
Foreign currency translation and other	(1,027)				(1,027)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	112,374	(18,343)	27	85,517	(4,645)	49,818
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2010		(1,932,481)	28,827,072
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Common stock repurchase	(3,541)	(3,541)
Common stock repurchase (in shares)	(229,575)	(229,575)
Exercise of common stock options and restricted stock	23,639		2	23,637
Exercise of common stock options and restricted stock (in shares)			2,365,536
Compensation expense and incremental tax benefit from grant of common stock options and restricted stock	15,732			15,732
Comprehensive income:
Net income	8,512					8,512
Foreign currency translation and other	4,697				4,697
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	161,413	(21,884)	29	124,886	52	58,330
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2011		(2,162,056)	31,192,608
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Common stock repurchase	(29,999)	(29,999)
Common stock repurchase (in shares)		(505,067)
Common stock retired		51,883		(11,622)		(40,261)
Common stock retired (in shares)		2,667,123	(2,667,123)
Exercise of common stock options and restricted stock	15,491		1	15,490
Exercise of common stock options and restricted stock (in shares)			1,712,455
Stock consideration paid for acquisition	24,538		1	24,537
Stock consideration paid for acquisition (in shares)			900,171
Compensation expense and incremental tax benefit from grant of common stock options and restricted stock	29,070			29,070
Comprehensive income:
Net income	48,296					48,296
Defined benefit pension plan - unrecognized amounts, net of taxes	584				584
Foreign currency translation and other	610				610
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 250,003		$ 31	$ 182,361	$ 1,246	$ 66,365
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012			31,138,111

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Operating activities
Net income	$ 48,296	$ 8,512	$ 12,013
Less: Discontinued operations, net of tax		(12,167)	(3,061)
Income from continuing operations	48,296	20,679	15,074
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	14,166	5,694	4,422
Stock compensation expense	12,117	9,136	7,891
Provision for inventory allowance	884	(22)	512
Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts	117	221	(62)
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	(1,719)	66	(893)
Incremental tax benefit from exercise of common stock options	(16,953)	(6,597)	(747)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,596)	(1,809)	162
Inventory	(132)	(392)	(2,624)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	17,890	7,815	234
Accounts payable	(7,570)	1,552	1,816
Accrued expenses and other	(8,534)	(691)	6,137
Profit-sharing distributions payable	(3,226)	1,671	1,058
Customer payables	2,510	2,945	(124)
Acquisition earn out payable	(3,826)	358	2,805
Other liabilities	205	(1)	(1,895)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	52,629	40,625	33,766
Net cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations	(483)	(739)	(1,833)
Net cash provided by operating activities	52,146	39,886	31,933
Investing activities
Purchases of short-term investments		(10,292)	(61,024)
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments		43,812	58,123
Cash paid for acquisitions and increase in goodwill and intangibles	(71,796)	(9,092)	(4,102)
Purchases of property and equipment	(6,793)	(4,822)	(3,624)
Investment activities from discontinued operations			(92)
Net cash provided (used) in investing activities	(78,589)	19,606	(10,719)
Financing activities
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations and debt			(138)
Repurchases of common stock	(29,999)	(3,541)	(14,470)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options (net of tax)	15,491	23,639	3,238
Incremental tax benefit from exercise of common stock options	16,953	6,597	747
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	2,445	26,695	(10,623)
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash and cash equivalents	(309)	(476)	(751)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(24,307)	85,711	9,840
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	129,089	43,378	33,538
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	104,782	129,089	43,378
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of year		105	844
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year	104,782	128,984	42,534
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for income taxes	14,482	6,245	12,486
Cash paid for interest	117	62	64
Note payable issued in connection with acquisition	40,000
Contingent purchase price accrued	$ 7,438	$ 6,989	$ 2,805

Organization

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Organization

Organization

1. Organization

Liquidity Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (LSI or the Company) is a leading online auction marketplace for surplus and salvage assets. LSI enables buyers and sellers to transact in an efficient, automated online auction environment offering over 500 product categories. The Company's marketplaces provide professional buyers access to a global, organized supply of surplus and salvage assets presented with digital images and other relevant product information. Additionally, LSI enables its corporate and government sellers to enhance their financial return on excess assets by providing a liquid marketplace and value-added services that integrate sales and marketing, logistics and transaction settlement into a single offering. LSI organizes its products into categories across major industry verticals such as consumer electronics, general merchandise, apparel, scientific equipment, aerospace parts and equipment, technology hardware, energy equipment, industrial capital assets, fleet and transportation equipment and specialty equipment. The Company's online auction marketplaces are www.liquidation.com, www.govliquidation.com, www.govdeals.com, www.networkintl.com, www.truckcenter.com, www.secondipity.com, and www.go-dove.com. LSI has one reportable segment consisting of operating online auction marketplaces for sellers and buyers of surplus, salvage and scrap assets.

The Company's operations are subject to certain risks and uncertainties associated with technology-oriented companies including, but not limited to, the Company's dependence on use of the Internet, the effect of general business and economic trends, its susceptibility to rapid technological change, actual and potential competition by entities with greater financial resources, and the potential for the U.S. Government agencies from which the Company has derived a significant portion of its inventory to change the way they conduct their surplus disposition or to otherwise not renew their contracts with the Company.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that these financial statements were issued and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been included.

Discontinued Operations

In determining whether a group of assets disposed (or to be disposed) of should be presented as discontinued operations, the Company makes a determination of whether the group of assets being disposed of comprises a component of the entity; that is, whether it has historical operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished (both operationally and for financial reporting purposes). The Company also determines whether the cash flows associated with the group of assets have been significantly (or will be significantly) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of the disposal transaction and whether the Company has no significant continuing involvement in the operations of the group of assets after the disposal transaction. If these determinations can be made affirmatively, the results of operations of the group of assets being disposed of (as well as any gain or loss on the disposal transaction) are aggregated for separate presentation apart from continuing operating results of the Company in the consolidated financial statements. See "Note 5" for additional information.

Business Combinations

The Company recognizes all of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair value on the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred. Generally, restructuring costs incurred in periods subsequent to the acquisition date are expensed when incurred. Subsequent changes to the purchase price (i.e., working capital adjustments) or other fair value adjustments determined during the measurement period are recorded as an adjustment to goodwill, with the exception of contingent consideration, which is expensed in the period it is modified. All subsequent changes to a valuation allowance or uncertain tax position that relate to the acquired company and existed at the acquisition date that occur both within the measurement period and as a result of facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date are recognized as an adjustment to goodwill. All other changes in valuation allowances are recognized as a reduction or increase to income tax expense or as a direct adjustment to additional paid-in capital as required.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid securities purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Short-Term Investments

Available-for-sale securities, which approximate par value, were stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. For the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the amount of unrealized losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income was $0, $0, and $116,000, respectively. Realized gains and losses and declines in fair value that are determined to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income and other income, net. The cost of securities sold was based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in Interest and other income (expense), net. Realized losses for sales of investments for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $0, $15,000, and $111,000, respectively.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are non-interest bearing. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. Allowances are based on management's judgment, which considers historical experience and specific knowledge of accounts where collectability may not be probable. The Company makes provisions based on historical bad debt experience, a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices and an assessment of general economic conditions.

Inventory

Inventory consists of property obtained for resale, generally through the online auction process, and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the specific identification method. Charges for unsellable inventory are included in cost of goods sold in the period in which they have been determined to occur.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost, and depreciated and amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:


Computers and purchased software		One to five years
Office equipment		Three years
Furniture and fixtures		Five to seven years
Leasehold improvements		Shorter of lease term or useful life

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets primarily consist of contract acquisition costs, covenants not to compete, and other intangible assets associated with acquisitions (see Note 4). Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from three to seven years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If an impairment indicator is present, the Company evaluates recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill and other non amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Examples of such events or circumstances could include a significant change in business climate or the loss of a significant customer. The Company applies a two-step fair value-based test to assess goodwill for impairment. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is then performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill to the fair value of the goodwill. If the fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss would be recorded in the statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met:

•

a buyer submits the winning bid in an auction and, as a result, evidence of an arrangement exists and the sale price has been determined;

•

title has passed to the buyer and the buyer has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership; and

•

collection is reasonably assured.

Revenue is also evaluated for reporting revenue of gross proceeds as the principal in the arrangement or net of commissions as an agent. In arrangements in which the Company is deemed to be the primary obligor, bears physical and general inventory risk, and credit risk, LSI recognizes as revenue the gross proceeds from the sale, including buyer's premiums. The Company has evaluated its revenue recognition policy related to sales under LSI's profit-sharing model and determined it is appropriate to account for these sales on a gross basis. In the Company's evaluation, the Company relied most heavily upon its status as primary obligor in the sales relationship and the fact that the Company has general inventory risk.

In arrangements in which the Company acts as an agent or broker on a consignment basis, without taking physical or general inventory risk, revenue is recognized based on the sales commissions that are paid to the Company by the sellers for utilizing LSI's services; in this situation, sales commissions represent a percentage of the gross proceeds from the sale that the seller pays to the Company upon completion of the transaction. Such revenue is presented as Fee Revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company collects and remits sales taxes on merchandise that it purchases and sells, and reports such amounts under the net method in its consolidated statements of operations.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes the costs of purchasing and transporting property for auction as well as credit card transaction fees. The Company purchases the majority of its inventory at a percentage of the supplier's original acquisition cost under the Surplus and certain commercial contracts, a percentage of the supplier's last retail price under certain commercial contracts and varies depending on the type of the inventory purchased or a fixed price per pound under the Scrap Contract. Title for the inventory passes to the Company at the time of purchase and the Company bears the risks and rewards of ownership. The Company does not have title to assets sold on behalf of its commercial or government customers when it receives only sales commission revenue and, as such, recognizes no cost of goods sold associated with those sales. Cost of goods sold also includes shipping and handling costs and amounts paid by customers for shipping and handling.

Risk Associated with Certain Concentrations

The Company does not perform credit evaluations for the majority of its buyers. However, substantially all sales are recorded subsequent to payment authorization being received. As a result, the Company is not subject to significant collection risk, as most goods are not shipped before payment is received.

For consignment sales transactions, funds are collected from buyers and are held by the Company on the sellers' behalf. The funds are included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated financial statements. The Company releases the funds to the seller, less the Company's commission and other fees due, after the buyer has accepted the goods or within 30 days, depending on the state where the buyer and seller conduct business. The amount of cash held on behalf of the sellers is recorded as customer payables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents in banks over FDIC limits, short-term investments and accounts receivable. The Company deposits its cash with financial institutions that the Company considers to be of high credit quality.

For the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011, and 2010, approximately 20%, 11%, and 11% of the Company's Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) was generated from Wal-Mart under multiple contracts / programs.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for the years in which the taxes are expected to be paid or recovered. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the deferred tax assets to a level that the Company believes will more likely than not be realized. The resulting net deferred tax asset reflects management's estimate of the amount that will be realized.

The Company applies the authoritative guidance related to uncertainty in income taxes. The Company has concluded that there were no uncertain tax positions identified during its analysis.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company estimates the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The determination of the fair value of the Company's stock option awards and restricted stock awards is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the Company's common stock price, expected stock price volatility over the expected life of awards, and actual and projected exercise behavior. Additionally, the Company has estimated forfeitures for share-based awards at the dates of grant based on historical experience, adjusted for future expectation. The forfeiture estimate is revised as necessary if actual forfeitures differ from these estimates.

The Company issues restricted stock awards where restrictions lapse upon either the passage of time (service vesting), achieving performance targets, or some combination of these restrictions. For those restricted stock awards with only service conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the explicit service period. For awards with both performance and service conditions, the Company starts recognizing compensation cost over the remaining service period, when it is probable the performance condition will be met. For stock awards that contain performance vesting conditions, the Company excludes these awards from diluted earnings per share computations until the contingency is met as of the end of that reporting period.

The Company presents the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) as a financing activity with a corresponding operating cash outflow in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Advertising Costs

Advertising expenditures are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs charged to expense were $4,939,000, $4,768,000, and $4,012,000 for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, profit-sharing distributions payable, and consignment payables reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. The translation of the subsidiary's financial statements into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using an average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders' equity. Realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses for 2011 and 2010 are included in losses from discontinued operations and for 2012 are included in interest income and other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income adjusted for foreign currency translation; unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and pension benefit adjustments, and is reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity. For the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, comprehensive income was $49,490,000, $13,209,000, and $10,986,000.

Earnings per Share

Basic net income attributable to common stockholders per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders per share includes the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The Company had 973,167 unvested restricted shares, which were issued at prices ranging from $7.48 – $13.96, during the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, of which only 308,867 shares have been included in the calculation of diluted income per share for the year ended September 30, 2010. The Company had 1,294,082 unvested restricted shares, which were issued at prices ranging from $7.48 – $25.52, during the years ended September 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, of which all have been included in the calculation of diluted income per share for the year ended September 30, 2011, due to the significant difference between the issuance price and the average market price for the period in which they have been outstanding. The Company had 1,399,609 unvested restricted shares, which were issued at prices ranging from $7.48 – $52.55, during the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009, of which all have been included in the calculation of diluted income per share for the year ended September 30, 2012. The Company has also not included the following stock options in the calculation of diluted income per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market prices for the applicable periods:

(a) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 – 0 options;

(b) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 – 0 options; and

The following summarizes the potential outstanding common stock of the Company as of the dates set forth below:

	September 30,

	2012		2011			2010
	(dollars in thousands except per share and share data)
Weighted average shares calculation:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		30,854,796		27,736,865			27,098,016
Treasury stock effect of options and restricted stock		1,928,283		1,345,068			308,867

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		32,783,079		29,081,933			27,406,883

Income from continuing operations	$	48,296	$	20,679		$	15,074
Income from discontinued operations		—		(12,167	)		(3,061	)

Net income	$	48,296	$	8,512		$	12,013

Basic income (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations	$	1.57	$	0.75		$	0.55
From discontinued operations		—		(0.44	)		(0.11	)

Basic income per common share	$	1.57	$	0.31		$	0.44

Diluted income (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations	$	1.47	$	0.71		$	0.55
From discontinued operations		—		(0.42	)		(0.11	)

Diluted income per common share	$	1.47	$	0.29		$	0.44

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the FASB amended its guidance for testing goodwill for impairment by allowing an entity to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. The amended guidance, included in ASU 2011-08, "Testing Goodwill for Impairment" is effective for the Company for its annual reporting period beginning on October 1, 2012. The amended guidance is intended to reduce complexity and costs by allowing an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. The Company currently believes there will be no significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. ASU 2011-05 is effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2013 (quarter ended December 31, 2012) and should be applied retrospectively. The Company currently believes there will be no significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Organization (Details)	12 Months Ended
Organization (Details)	Sep. 30, 2012 segment productcategory
Organization
Product categories offered, number	500
Reportable segment, number	1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	Sep. 30, 2012
Computers and purchased software \| Minimum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful life	1 year
Computers and purchased software \| Maximum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful life	5 years
Office equipment
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Furniture and fixtures \| Minimum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful life	5 years
Furniture and fixtures \| Maximum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful life	7 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)	Sep. 30, 2012
Minimum
Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life	3 years
Maximum
Intangible Assets
Estimated useful life	7 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Weighted average shares calculation:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	31,045,293	31,140,261	30,840,322	30,393,309	28,512,433	27,928,750	27,798,989	27,207,288	30,854,796	27,736,865	27,098,016
Treasury stock effect of options and restricted stock (in shares)									1,928,283	1,345,068	308,867
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	32,788,205	33,183,165	32,778,428	32,382,518	30,527,438	29,440,811	28,068,461	28,291,022	32,783,079	29,081,933	27,406,883
Income from continuing operations	$ 5,545	$ 14,863	$ 18,762	$ 9,126	$ 6,683	$ 5,691	$ 6,158	$ 2,147	$ 48,296	$ 20,679	$ 15,074
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax					(3,557)	(6,747)	(1,099)	(764)		(12,167)	(3,061)
Net income	$ 5,545	$ 14,863	$ 18,762	$ 9,126	$ 3,126	$ (1,056)	$ 5,059	$ 1,383	$ 48,296	$ 8,512	$ 12,013
Basic income (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.48	$ 0.61	$ 0.30	$ 0.23	$ 0.20	$ 0.22	$ 0.08	$ 1.57	$ 0.75	$ 0.55
From discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					$ (0.12)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.03)		$ (0.44)	$ (0.11)
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.48	$ 0.61	$ 0.30	$ 0.11	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.05	$ 1.57	$ 0.31	$ 0.44
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.45	$ 0.57	$ 0.28	$ 0.22	$ 0.19	$ 0.22	$ 0.08	$ 1.47	$ 0.71	$ 0.55
From discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					$ (0.12)	$ (0.23)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.03)		$ (0.42)	$ (0.11)
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.45	$ 0.57	$ 0.28	$ 0.10	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.05	$ 1.47	$ 0.29	$ 0.44

Significant Contracts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Significant Contracts (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Disposition Services Contracts
Profit-sharing distributions	$ 43,242,000	$ 49,318,000	$ 41,310,000
Profit-sharing distributions accrued	4,041,000	7,267,000
Amount of performance incentive earned	1,651,000	1,601,000	1,286,000
Surplus contract
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Disposition Services Contracts
Number of renewal options	2
Term of renewal options	1 year
Usable surplus property to be purchased as a fixed percentage of DoD's original acquisition value	1.80%
Profits from resale of the property retained (as a percent)	100.00%
Scrap contract
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Disposition Services Contracts
Profit-sharing distributions	43,242,000	49,318,000	40,926,000
Profit-sharing distributions accrued	$ 4,041,000	$ 7,203,000	$ 5,349,000
Number of renewal options	3
Term of renewal options	1 year
Profits distributed to DLA Disposition Services (as a percent)	77.00%
Additional profit sharing distribution (as a percent)	2.00%
Performance incentive measurement period	12 months
Number of consecutive quarterly periods in which performance ratio does not exceed benchmark ratios resulting in contract termination	2
Number of preceding months in which performance ratio does not exceed benchmark ratios resulting in contract termination	12 months

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		18 Months Ended					12 Months Ended		24 Months Ended						0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012 Network International, Inc.	Sep. 30, 2011 Network International, Inc. item	Dec. 31, 2011 Network International, Inc.	Dec. 31, 2011 Network International, Inc. item	Sep. 30, 2010 Network International, Inc.	Jun. 15, 2010 Network International, Inc.	Jun. 15, 2010 Network International, Inc. Covenants not to compete	Sep. 30, 2012 TC	Aug. 31, 2012 TC	May 31, 2013 TC item	Sep. 30, 2011 TC	Jun. 02, 2011 TC	Jun. 02, 2011 TC Brand assets	Jun. 02, 2011 TC Intangible technology assets	Jun. 02, 2011 TC Covenants not to compete	Oct. 02, 2011 Jacobs Trading, LLC	Mar. 31, 2012 Jacobs Trading, LLC	Sep. 30, 2012 Jacobs Trading, LLC	Sep. 30, 2011 Jacobs Trading, LLC	Sep. 30, 2013 Jacobs Trading, LLC	Oct. 02, 2011 Jacobs Trading, LLC Seller subordinated unsecured note	Oct. 02, 2011 Jacobs Trading, LLC Covenants not to compete	Oct. 02, 2011 Jacobs Trading, LLC Vendor contract intangible asset	Jul. 31, 2012 GoIndustry pencepershare item	Jul. 31, 2012 GoIndustry Brand and technology intangible assets
Acquisitions
Share purchase price (in pence per share)																								73
Acquisition price						$ 10,305,000						$ 15,989,000												$ 11,600,000
Upfront cash payment						7,500,000						9,000,000				80,000,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)																					5.00%
Note issued to seller																					40,000,000
Number of shares of restricted stock issued																900,171
Stock consideration																24,500,000
Discount rate (as a percent)																15.00%
Number of months for which stock is not freely tradable																	6 months
Number of six month periods after the closing date of acquisition during which EBITDA earned is used to calculate the earn-out				3
Period of actual performance of the acquiree entity after the closing date of acquisition to calculate the earn-out			6 months						12 months	12 months										12 months
Number of twelve month periods after the closing date of acquisition during which revenue earned is used to calculate the earn-out										2
Estimate of the fair value of the earn-out as of the end of the period					2,805,000						6,989,000							14,500,000
Estimated fair value of earn-out, acquisition date																8,300,000
Possible total earn our payment						7,500,000						9,000,000				30,000,000
Additional liability accrued (liability reversed)		4,695,000						(6,989,000)										6,200,000
Earn-out payments made	3,162,000	4,338,000
Number of first six month measurement periods for which earn-out was accrued and payments were made		2
Number of countries in North America, Europe and Asia in which the entity operates																								25
Purchase consideration allocated to acquired tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, liabilities assumed and goodwill
Cash						3,913,000																		10,091,000
Current assets												239,000
Accounts receivable																4,710,000								3,987,000
Inventory																6,059,000								297,000
Prepaid expenses																120,000								1,075,000
Goodwill						5,991,000						14,167,000				110,226,000								34,152,000
Receivables and other assets						648,000
Deferred tax assets						3,753,000
Finite-lived intangible assets							500,000						623,000	250,000	700,000							2,400,000	33,300,000		4,877,000
Property and equipment						133,000						48,000				847,000								354,000
Deferred tax liability						(196,000)
Current liabilities												(38,000)
Accounts payable																(1,837,000)								(5,788,000)
Accrued liabilities																(3,101,000)								(11,087,000)
Pension liability																								(6,468,000)
Due to customers																								(19,017,000)
Other liabilities						(4,437,000)																		(846,000)
Total consideration						10,305,000						15,989,000				152,724,000								11,627,000
Revenue																		94,800,000
Pro forma revenue																			403,000,000
Pro forma EBITDA																			57,600,000
Expected tax deductible amount of goodwill																								$ 5,500,000

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 25,998,000	$ 15,988,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(15,616,000)	(8,946,000)
Property and equipment, net	10,382,000	7,042,000
Depreciation and amortization	4,714,000	4,180,000	3,087,000
Computers and purchased software
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	15,125,000	9,229,000
Office/Operational equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	4,475,000	3,398,000
Furniture and fixtures
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	1,253,000	504,000
Vehicles
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	1,110,000	559,000
Leasehold improvements
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 4,035,000	$ 2,298,000

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 40,549,000	$ 39,831,000
New acquisitions	144,378,000	14,167,000
Impairment losses		(13,449,000)
Translation adjustments	844,000
Balance at the end of the period	185,771,000	40,549,000
Accumulated impairment losses	$ 13,400,000	$ 13,400,000

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Contract intangibles	Sep. 30, 2011 Contract intangibles	Sep. 30, 2012 Contract intangibles Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Contract intangibles Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Brand and technology	Sep. 30, 2011 Brand and technology	Sep. 30, 2012 Brand and technology Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Brand and technology Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Covenants not to compete	Sep. 30, 2011 Covenants not to compete	Sep. 30, 2012 Covenants not to compete Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Covenants not to compete Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Patent and trademarks	Sep. 30, 2011 Patent and trademarks	Sep. 30, 2012 Patent and trademarks Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Patent and trademarks Maximum
Intangible Assets
Useful Life (in years)			3 years	7 years			5 years	7 years			3 years	5 years			3 years	5 years			3 years	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount					$ 33,300	$ 5,694			$ 6,325	$ 1,447			$ 4,400	$ 2,500			$ 374	$ 289
Accumulated Amortization					(7,266)	(5,016)			(1,023)	(490)			(1,770)	(1,336)			(136)	(95)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 34,204	$ 2,993			$ 26,034	$ 678			$ 5,302	$ 957			$ 2,630	$ 1,164			$ 238	$ 194

Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Future expected amortization of intangible assets
2013	$ 9,202,000
2014	9,031,000
2015	9,026,000
2016	6,115,000
2017 and after	830,000
Net Carrying Amount	34,204,000	2,993,000
Amortization expense	$ 9,451,000	$ 1,514,000	$ 1,335,000

Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012 Senior Credit Facility, expiring April 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2010 Senior Credit Facility, expiring April 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012 Amended Senior Credit Facility, expiring May 31, 2014	Mar. 13, 2012 Amended Senior Credit Facility, expiring May 31, 2014	Oct. 02, 2011 Subordinted Note Jacobs Trading
Debt
Maximum borrowings		$ 30,000,000		$ 75,000,000
Interest rate basis	30 day LIBOR
Percentage added to reference rate	1.25%
Interest rate at period end (as a percent)	1.471%
Available borrowing capacity	70,500,000
Issued letters of credit			4,500,000
Principal amount of debt issued					$ 40,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)					5.00%

Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Commitments
Deferred rent	$ 592,000	$ 513,000
Future minimum payments under the leases
2013	8,667,000
2014	6,168,000
2015	4,230,000
2016	3,598,000
2017	2,778,000
2018 and after	2,999,000
Total future minimum lease payments	28,440,000
Rent expense	$ 8,639,000	$ 6,800,000	$ 6,684,000

401(k) Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
401(k) Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
401(k) Benefit Plan
Amount contributed and recorded expense under the 401(k) Benefit Plan	$ 1,113,000	$ 703,000	$ 554,000

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses-Foreign	$ 3,170	$ 3,341
Net operating losses-US	2,541	3,408
Accrued vacation and bonus	1,360	952
Inventory capitalization	2,815	1,810
Allowance for doubtful accounts	336	200
Stock compensation expense	5,134	4,672
Pension liability	1,389
Other	3,842	1,441
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	20,587	15,824
Less: valuation allowance	(4,558)	(3,341)
Net deferred tax assets	16,029	12,483
Deferred tax liabilities:
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles	2,644	1,556
Depreciation	1,936	1,781
Other		110
Total deferred tax liabilities	4,580	3,447
Net deferred taxes	$ 11,449	$ 9,036

Income Taxes (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Reconciliation of the U.S.federal statutory rate to the effective rate for continuing operations
U.S. statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Permanent items (as a percent)		3.50%	2.20%
State taxes (as a percent)	3.90%	4.30%	7.60%
Changes in valuation allowance and other (as a percent)			(0.10%)
Net foreign rate differential (as a percent)	0.70%
Provision for income taxes (as a percent)	39.60%	42.80%	44.70%

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2010 Network International	Sep. 30, 2012 Foreign	Sep. 30, 2011 Foreign
Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards
Foreign net operating loss		$ 3,170,000	$ 3,341,000
Deferred tax assets related to NOL carryforwards related to acquisition	$ 3,753,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)					12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009	Dec. 02, 2005	Sep. 30, 2012 Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Options	Sep. 30, 2011 Options	Sep. 30, 2010 Options	Sep. 30, 2012 Options Minimum	Sep. 30, 2011 Options Minimum	Sep. 30, 2010 Options Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Options Maximum	Sep. 30, 2011 Options Maximum	Sep. 30, 2010 Options Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Options Performance-based	Sep. 30, 2012 Options Performance-based Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Options Performance-based Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Restricted shares	Sep. 30, 2011 Restricted shares	Sep. 30, 2010 Restricted shares	Sep. 30, 2012 Restricted shares Minimum	Sep. 30, 2011 Restricted shares Minimum	Sep. 30, 2010 Restricted shares Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Restricted shares Maximum	Sep. 30, 2011 Restricted shares Maximum	Sep. 30, 2010 Restricted shares Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Restricted shares Performance-based Non-employee	Sep. 30, 2012 Options or stock appreciation rights Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Other than options or stock appreciation rights Maximum	Sep. 30, 2012 Incentive stock options Minimum
2006 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2006 Plan)
Actual payout as a percent of employee target payout, based upon the entity's actual performance during the previous twelve months																	0.00%	100.00%
Actual performance period for calculation of actual payout																12 months
Shares initially reserved for issuance				10,000,000
Remaining shares reserved for issuance	2,553,574	3,986,513	5,189,996
Options granted (in shares)							181,783	321,072	624,566
Options granted, exercise prices (in dollars per share)							$ 34.42	$ 15.21		$ 31.37	$ 14.30	$ 9.05	$ 42.31	$ 17.02	$ 13.96
Options forfeited (in shares)							78,148	73,591	75,467
Restricted shares granted (in shares)																			633,647	736,340	699,410							100,000
Restricted shares granted, price (in dollars per share)																			$ 34.05	$ 16.20		$ 31.37	$ 12.88	$ 9.05	$ 52.55	$ 25.52	$ 13.96
Restricted shares forfeited (in shares)																			138,052	150,112	45,026
Number of shares awarded per person per year																													1,000,000	700,000
Shares and options vesting period (in years)					1 year	4 years
Exercise price of stock option as a percentage of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant																															100.00%
Percentage of common stock held by grant recipient who receives an incentive stock option																															10.00%
Exercise price of stock option as a percentage of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant for recipients holding at least 10% of Company's common stock																															110.00%
Term of stock option													10 years

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	May 17, 2012	May 03, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Feb. 02, 2010	Dec. 02, 2008	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Stockholders' Equity
Share repurchase program approved amount					$ 10,000,000
Additional amount authorized under share repurchase program	30,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Shares purchased							229,575	1,225,019	707,462
Shares purchased amount						29,999,000	3,541,000	14,470,000	3,874,000
Shares purchased and retired						505,067
Shares purchased and retired amount						29,999,000
Amount yet to be expended under the program						$ 18,114,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) (Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) (Options, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Options
Stock option activity
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	2,894,547	4,747,289
Options granted (in shares)	181,783	321,072	624,566
Options exercised (in shares)	(1,322,387)	(2,100,223)
Options cancelled (in shares)	(78,148)	(73,591)
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,675,795	2,894,547	4,747,289
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	922,156
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 11.55	$ 11.20
Options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 34.42	$ 15.21
Options exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 11.72	$ 11.26
Options cancelled (in dollars per share)	$ 12.72	$ 13.18
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.84	$ 11.55	$ 11.20
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 11.77

Stockholders' Equity (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details 4) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012
Options Outstanding
Number of Options (in shares)	1,675,795
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 6 months 7 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 13.84
$2.00 - 8.00
Options outstanding and exercisable, range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 2.00
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 8.00
Options Outstanding
Number of Options (in shares)	242,781
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 10 months 2 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 7.31
$8.23 - $42.31
Options outstanding and exercisable, range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 8.23
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 42.31
Options Outstanding
Number of Options (in shares)	1,433,014
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 7 months 20 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.95
$3.00 - $19.30
Options outstanding and exercisable, range of exercise prices
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 3.00
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 19.30
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	922,156
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 10 months 20 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 11.77

Stockholders' Equity (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details 5) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Intrinsic value
Stock price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.21
Options
Fair value assumptions
Expected volatility (as a percent)	60.40%
Expected volatility, minimum (as a percent)		63.90%	66.50%
Expected volatility, maximum (as a percent)		64.80%	69.40%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.60%
Risk free interest rate, minimum (as a percent)		0.30%	0.30%
Risk free interest rate, maximum (as a percent)		1.70%	1.80%
Expected forfeiture rate (as a percent)	19.00%	18.40%	19.60%
Intrinsic value
Intrinsic value of outstanding shares	$ 60,946,000
Intrinsic value of exercisable options	35,448,000
Weighted average grant date fair value
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 34.42	$ 15.21	$ 4.02
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 26,911,000	$ 43,706,000	$ 3,342,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details 6) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Weighted-Average Fair Value
Stock-based compensation	$ 12,117,000	$ 9,136,000	$ 7,891,000
Unvested awards
Costs related to unvested awards, not yet recognized	$ 27,136,000
Weighted average vesting period for recognition of cost related to unvested awards	27 months 15 days
Restricted shares
Restricted share activity
Unvested restricted shares at the beginning of the period	1,294,082	973,167
Restricted shares granted (in shares)	633,647	736,340	699,410
Restricted shares vested (in shares)	(390,068)	(265,313)
Restricted shares cancelled (in shares)	(138,052)	(150,112)	(45,026)
Unvested restricted shares at the end of the period	1,399,609	1,294,082	973,167
Weighted-Average Fair Value
Unvested restricted shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 13.13	$ 9.73
Restricted shares granted (in dollars per share)	$ 34.05	$ 16.20
Restricted shares vested (in dollars per share)	$ 12.53	$ 9.77
Restricted shares cancelled (in dollars per share)	$ 15.70	$ 12.06
Unvested restricted shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 22.51	$ 13.13	$ 9.73

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (Recurring basis, Level 3, Network International, Truckcenter.com and Jacobs Trading Company, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Recurring basis \| Level 3 \| Network International, Truckcenter.com and Jacobs Trading Company
Fair value measurement
Estimate of the fair value of the earn-out as of the end of the period	$ 14,511,000	$ 10,151,000

Fair Value Measurement (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurement (Details 2) (USD $)	Oct. 02, 2011 Jacobs Trading	Sep. 30, 2012 Contingent consideration	Sep. 30, 2011 Contingent consideration	Sep. 30, 2012 Contingent consideration TruckCenter.com	Sep. 30, 2012 Contingent consideration Jacobs Trading	Sep. 30, 2012 Level 3 Contingent consideration Minimum	Sep. 30, 2012 Level 3 Contingent consideration Maximum
Changes in liabilities measured at fair value for which the Company has used Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 10,151,000	$ 2,805,000
Acquisition contingent consideration		8,185,000	11,684,000
Settlements		(3,162,000)	(4,338,000)
Increase (decrease) of contingent consideration		(663,000)		(6,989,000)	6,326,000
Balance at the end of the period		$ 14,511,000	$ 10,151,000
Discount rate (as a percent)	15.00%					2.00%	9.70%

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012
Information about plan assets
Actual (as a percent)	100.00%
Target allocation (as a percent)	100.00%
Equity securities:
Information about plan assets
Actual (as a percent)	47.00%
Number of pooled funds	1
Percentage of UK company shares (domestic)	70.00%
Percentage of international equity securities	30.00%
Target allocation (as a percent)	70.00%
Fixed-income securities
Information about plan assets
Actual (as a percent)	52.00%
Number of pooled funds	1
Target allocation (as a percent)	30.00%
Cash equivalents
Information about plan assets
Actual (as a percent)	1.00%
Target allocation (as a percent)	0.00%
Defined benefit pension plan
Net periodic benefit cost recognized
Interest cost	$ 269,000
Expected return on plan assets	(248,000)
Total net periodic benefit cost	21,000
Change in benefit obligation
Acquisitions/divestitures	24,263,000
Interest cost	269,000
Benefits paid	(264,000)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	838,000
Ending balance	25,106,000
Change in plan assets
Acquisitions/divestitures	17,795,000
Actual return on plan assets	820,000
Benefits paid	(264,000)
Employer's contributions	322,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	647,000
Ending balance at fair value	19,320,000
Underfunded status of the plan	(5,786,000)
Amount recorded in the consolidated balance sheet
Accrued pension liability recorded in deferred taxes and other long-term liabilities	5,800,000
Accumulated benefit obligation (PBO)	25,106,000
Accumulated OCI
New actuarial (gains)/losses	(584,000)
Accumulated OCI at end of year	(584,000)
Estimated amounts to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost during 2013
Estimated amounts to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost during next fiscal year	0
Expected contribution
Amount of expected contribution in next fiscal year	1,700,000
Expected benefit payments over the next 10 years
2013	1,684,000
2014	1,684,000
2015	1,684,000
2016	1,684,000
2017	561,000
Total	$ 7,297,000
Actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate, benefit obligations (as a percent)	4.40%
Discount rate, net periodic benefit cost (as a percent)	4.40%
Expected return on plan assets, net periodic benefit cost (as a percent)	5.50%
Increases to non-GMP pensions in payment accrued pre 4/6/97 (as a percent)	0.00%
Increases to non-GMP pensions in payment accrued post 4/6/97 (as a percent)	2.30%
Rate of increases to deferred CPI linked benefits (as a percent)	2.30%
Rate of increases to deferred RPI linked benefits (as a percent)	3.00%
Mortality (as a percent)	95.00%
Long-term rate of improvement (as a percent)	1.00%

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Level 1
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	$ 150
Level 2
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	19,170
Total
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	19,320
International equity \| Level 2
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	9,115
International equity \| Total
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	9,115
Fixed-income securities \| Level 2
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	10,055
Fixed-income securities \| Total
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	10,055
Cash equivalents \| Level 1
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	150
Cash equivalents \| Total
Defined benefit pension plan
Fair values	$ 150

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Unaudited quarterly consolidated statement of operations
Revenue from continuing operations	$ 122,275,000	$ 121,273,000	$ 125,724,000	$ 106,031,000	$ 79,205,000	$ 83,310,000	$ 89,413,000	$ 75,450,000	$ 475,304,000	$ 327,378,000	$ 273,015,000
Income before provision for income taxes from continuing operations	8,765,000	25,289,000	31,853,000	16,260,000	9,613,000	12,454,000	11,488,000	3,773,000	82,166,000	37,328,000	27,696,000
Income from continuing operations	5,545,000	14,863,000	18,762,000	9,126,000	6,683,000	5,691,000	6,158,000	2,147,000	48,296,000	20,679,000	15,074,000
Loss from discontinued operations					(3,557,000)	(6,747,000)	(1,099,000)	(764,000)		(12,167,000)	(3,061,000)
Net income	5,545,000	14,863,000	18,762,000	9,126,000	3,126,000	(1,056,000)	5,059,000	1,383,000	48,296,000	8,512,000	12,013,000
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.48	$ 0.61	$ 0.30	$ 0.23	$ 0.20	$ 0.22	$ 0.08	$ 1.57	$ 0.75	$ 0.55
From discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					$ (0.12)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.03)		$ (0.44)	$ (0.11)
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.48	$ 0.61	$ 0.30	$ 0.11	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.05	$ 1.57	$ 0.31	$ 0.44
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
From continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.45	$ 0.57	$ 0.28	$ 0.22	$ 0.19	$ 0.22	$ 0.08	$ 1.47	$ 0.71	$ 0.55
From discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					$ (0.12)	$ (0.23)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.03)		$ (0.42)	$ (0.11)
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.45	$ 0.57	$ 0.28	$ 0.10	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.05	$ 1.47	$ 0.29	$ 0.44
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	31,045,293	31,140,261	30,840,322	30,393,309	28,512,433	27,928,750	27,798,989	27,207,288	30,854,796	27,736,865	27,098,016
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	32,788,205	33,183,165	32,778,428	32,382,518	30,527,438	29,440,811	28,068,461	28,291,022	32,783,079	29,081,933	27,406,883
Additional disclosures relating to discontinuing operations
Goodwill impairment charge related to discontinuing operations										(13,449,000)
UK subsidiary
Unaudited quarterly consolidated statement of operations
Loss from discontinued operations										(12,167,000)	(3,061,000)
Additional disclosures relating to discontinuing operations
Goodwill impairment charge related to discontinuing operations						16,600,000
Worthless stock deduction tax benefit						9,200,000
Currency translation adjustment losses					$ (800,000)					$ (3,900,000)

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)				0 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 02, 2011 Jacobs Trading, LLC	Oct. 02, 2011 Jacobs Trading, LLC Seller subordinated unsecured note	Nov. 02, 2012 Subsequent event Acquisition of NESA	Nov. 02, 2012 Subsequent event Acquisition of NESA Minimum item	Nov. 02, 2012 Subsequent event Acquisition of NESA Maximum item	Oct. 02, 2011 Subsequent event Jacobs Trading, LLC Seller subordinated unsecured note Repayment of debt
Subsequent Events
Upfront cash payment	$ 80,000,000		$ 18,300,000
Number of months, after the closing date of acquisition, during which EBITDA earned is used to calculate the earn-out				36	48
Estimate of the fair value of the earn-out	8,300,000		17,800,000
Note issued to seller		$ 40,000,000				$ 40,000,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)		5.00%				5.00%