EMCORE (EMKR) 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'EMCORE CORPORATION	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000808326	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	30,640,807

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$42,247	$42,277	$86,458	$91,583
Cost of revenue	35,381	34,444	69,457	72,802
Gross profit	6,866	7,833	17,001	18,781
Operating expense (income):	'	'	'	'
Selling, general, and administrative	6,911	6,771	14,883	13,675
Research and development	5,204	4,112	9,607	9,502
Flood-related insurance proceeds	0	-14,808	0	-19,000
Gain on sale of assets	0	-413	0	-413
Total operating expense (income)	12,115	-4,338	24,490	3,764
Operating (loss) income	-5,249	12,171	-7,489	15,017
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net	-117	-186	-243	-424
Foreign exchange (loss) gain	-90	-21	10	80
Gain on sale of investment	17	0	307	0
Change in fair value of financial instruments	7	-267	-71	-30
Total other (expense) income	-183	-474	3	-374
(Loss) income before income tax expense	-5,432	11,697	-7,486	14,643
Income tax expense	0	0	0	-120
Net (loss) income	-5,432	11,697	-7,486	14,523
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	-43	-76	2	-7
Comprehensive (loss) income	($5,475)	$11,621	($7,484)	$14,516
Per share data:	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income per basic share (in dollars per share)	($0.18)	$0.44	($0.25)	$0.55
Net (loss) income per diluted share (in dollars per share)	($0.18)	$0.44	($0.25)	$0.54
Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding	30,392	26,310	30,162	26,142
Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding	30,392	26,642	30,162	26,432

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$18,175	$16,104
Restricted cash	1,993	815
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $98 and $3,363, respectively	37,453	41,826
Inventory	28,518	32,115
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,144	9,437
Total current assets	93,283	100,297
Property, plant, and equipment, net	47,213	49,744
Goodwill	20,384	20,384
Other intangible assets, net	1,650	2,159
Other non-current assets, net of allowance of $3,561 and $3,533, respectively	888	1,130
Total assets	163,418	173,714
Current liabilities:	'	'
Borrowings from credit facility	17,600	21,706
Accounts payable	19,006	19,643
Deferred gain associated with sale of assets	3,400	0
Warrant liability	226	155
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	20,461	21,597
Total current liabilities	60,693	63,101
Asset retirement obligations	5,157	5,053
Deferred gain associated with sale of assets	0	3,400
Other long-term liabilities	898	981
Total liabilities	66,748	72,535
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,882 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 30,674 shares issued and 30,634 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014; 30,022 shares issued and 29,982 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2013	752,241	749,266
Treasury stock, at cost; 40 shares	-2,071	-2,071
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,625	1,623
Accumulated deficit	-655,125	-647,639
Total shareholders’ equity	96,670	101,179
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$163,418	$173,714

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - Parenthetical (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$98	$3,363
Other non-current assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,561	$3,533
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,882,000	5,882,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,674,000	30,022,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	30,634,000	29,982,000
Treasury stock, shares held	40,000	40,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net (loss) income	($7,486)	$14,523
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	4,163	4,062
Stock-based compensation expense	2,239	2,133
Gain on sale of an investment	-307	0
Provision adjustments related to doubtful accounts	361	15
Provision adjustments related to product warranty	1,562	2,401
Change in fair value of financial instruments	71	30
Non-cash insurance proceeds	0	-19,000
Total non-cash adjustments	8,089	-10,359
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	4,003	-2,628
Inventory	3,526	-600
Other assets	2,496	2,448
Accounts payable	-630	-9,176
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-2,698	-4,406
Total change in operating assets and liabilities	6,697	-14,362
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	7,300	-10,198
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash proceeds from sale of investment	307	0
Purchase of equipment	-1,039	-4,961
Deposits on equipment orders	0	-3
Increase in restricted cash	-1,178	-248
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	0	396
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,910	-4,816
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net (payments) proceeds from borrowings from credit facilities	-4,106	1,463
Proceeds from sale of common stock	0	9,475
Proceeds from stock plans	659	1,006
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-3,447	11,944
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency	128	-55
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,071	-3,125
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	16,104	9,047
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	18,175	5,922
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest	272	370
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	4	15
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Forgiveness of capital lease and accounts payable	0	10,761
Note Receivable from contract manufacturer	$0	$8,239

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business	'
	Description of Business
	Business Overview
	EMCORE Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “our”, or “EMCORE”) offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the fiber optics and solar power markets. We were established in 1984 as a New Jersey corporation and we have two reporting segments: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics. Our Fiber Optics business segment provides optical components, subsystems and systems for high-speed telecommunications, Cable Television (CATV), Wireless and Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) networks, as well as products for satellite communications, video transport and specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications. EMCORE's Solar Photovoltaics business segment provides products for space power applications including high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells (CICs) and complete satellite solar panels, and terrestrial applications, including high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for concentration photovoltaic (CPV) power systems.
	Interim Financial Statements
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim information, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In our opinion, the interim financial statements reflect all normal adjustments that are necessary to provide a fair presentation of the financial results for the interim periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for an entire fiscal year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of such date. For a more complete understanding of our business, financial position, operating results, cash flows, risk factors and other matters, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We are not the primary beneficiary of, nor do we hold a significant variable interest in, any variable interest entity. We have evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.
	Sale of Fiber Optics-related Assets
	On March 27, 2012, we entered into a Master Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD (SEI), pursuant to which we agreed to sell certain assets and transfer certain obligations associated with our Fiber Optics segment. On May 7, 2012, we completed the sale of these assets to SEI and recorded a gain of approximately $2.8 million. Under the terms of the Master Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify SEI for up to $3.4 million of potential claims and expenses for the two-year period following the sale and we have recorded this amount as a deferred gain on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 as a result of these contingencies. SEI paid $13.1 million in cash and deposited approximately $2.6 million into escrow as security for indemnification obligations and any purchase price adjustments. Settlement of escrow amounts occurs over a two-year period and is subject to claim adjustments. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, we resolved the purchase price contingencies resulting in the reduction of the purchase price by $1.1 million. The reduced purchase price is recorded as an offset to the escrow receivable of $2.6 million while an additional $0.4 million of gain on sale of assets was recognized during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. There remains a deferred gain of $3.4 million related to our indemnification obligation at March 31, 2014.
	In May 2012, we also entered into a separate facility lease and transition services agreement (TSA) with SEI related to financial services, supply chain, facility, and information infrastructure support functions to be provided by us. We believe the values assigned to the facility lease and TSA approximate fair value. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to TSA fees and facility rental income which was recorded as a benefit against operating expenses incurred for such services. During the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized $1.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, related to TSA fees and facility rental income which was recorded as a benefit against operating expenses incurred for such services.
	Liquidity and Capital Resources
	Historically, we have consumed cash from operations and incurred significant net losses. We have managed our liquidity position through a series of cost reduction initiatives, borrowings from our credit facility, capital markets transactions, and the sale of assets.
	As of March 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents totaled $18.2 million and net working capital totaled approximately $32.6 million. Working capital, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities, is a financial metric we use which represents available operating liquidity. For the six months ended March 31, 2014, we incurred a net loss of $7.5 million. Net cash provided from operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $7.3 million.
	With respect to measures taken to improve liquidity:
	•	Credit Facility: On November 11, 2010, we entered into a Credit and Security Agreement (credit facility) with Wells Fargo Bank. The credit facility, as it has been amended through its five amendments, currently provides us with a revolving credit of up to $35 million through November 2015 that can be used for working capital requirements, letters of credit, and other general corporate purposes. The credit facility is secured by the Company's assets and is subject to a borrowing base formula based on the Company's eligible accounts receivable, inventory, and machinery and equipment accounts.
	Our credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, cash balance and excess availability requirements, and limitations on liens and certain additional indebtedness and guarantees, in addition to minimum tangible net worth, fixed charge coverage, and EBITDA covenants. The covenants are written such that as long as we maintain the minimum cash balance and excess availability requirement, the other covenants are not required to be met. As of March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the credit facility since cash on deposit and excess availability exceeded the $2.5 million minimum financial covenant requirement.
	Our credit facility also contains certain events of default, including a subjective acceleration clause. Under this clause, Wells Fargo may declare an event of default if it believes in good faith that our ability to pay all or any portion of our indebtedness with Wells Fargo or to perform any of our material obligations under the credit facility has been impaired, or if it believes in good faith that there has been a material adverse change in the business or financial condition of the Company. If an event of default is not cured within the grace period (if applicable), then Wells Fargo may, among other things, accelerate repayment of amounts borrowed under the credit facility, cease making advances under the credit facility, or take possession of the Company's assets that secure its obligations under the credit facility. We do not anticipate at this time any change in the business or financial condition of the Company that could be deemed a material adverse change by Wells Fargo.
	The borrowing availability provided by the credit facility includes approximately $3.9 million secured by machinery and equipment, which is reduced monthly by approximately $91,000. The borrowing base also includes amounts which are not yet earned by the final rendition of services by the Company including progress billings and that portion of those amounts earned but not yet invoiced. The borrowing base for these amounts will be the lesser of (1) 60% of these amounts, or (2) $5.0 million.
	The credit facility established the Company's minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement at $2.5 million until June 30, 2014, when it will increase by $750,000 and thereafter on the first day of each quarter until it reaches a maximum of $5.0 million. If the minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement falls below the specified amounts, the other financial covenants noted above are triggered.
	On August 26, 2013, we entered into a Fifth Amendment to the credit facility, pursuant to which Wells Fargo agrees, among other things, to provide up to $7.5 million in additional secured financing to the Company using certain real estate as collateral, subject to the terms and conditions of the Fifth Amendment and the credit facility. This change to the borrowing base calculation was not implemented as of March 31, 2014 as not all conditions required had been completed.
	As of March 31, 2014, we had a $17.6 million LIBOR rate loan outstanding under our credit facility, with an interest rate of 3.3%. As of April 30, 2014, the outstanding balance under this credit facility totaled approximately $2.2 million. As of March 31, 2014, the credit facility also had $1.5 million reserved for five outstanding stand-by letters of credit, leaving a remaining $1.9 million borrowing availability balance under this credit facility. We now expect at least 50% of the $35.0 million credit facility to be available for use during fiscal year 2014.
	•	Stock Sales: During August 2012, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC pursuant to which we may, from time to time, sell up to an aggregate of $50 million of our common or preferred stock, warrants or debt securities. On August 23, 2012, the registration statement was declared effective by the SEC, which will allow us to access the capital markets for the three year period following this effective date as long as we continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the use of Form S-3. On September 18, 2013, we sold 2,875,000 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $11.7 million, which was the second stock sale completed under the above referenced shelf registration.
	We believe that our existing balances of cash and cash equivalents and amounts expected to be available under our credit facility will provide us with sufficient financial resources to meet our cash requirements for operations, working capital, and capital expenditures for the next twelve months.
	However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, unfavorable market or economic developments, unfavorable results from operations, material claims made under the indemnification provisions of our Master Purchase Agreement with SEI in excess of amounts held in escrow, or if Wells Fargo declares an event of default on the credit facility, we may have to raise additional funds or reduce expenditures by any one or a combination of the following: issuing equity, debt or convertible debt, selling certain product lines and/or portions of our business, furloughs, or reduction of discretionary spending. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional funds on terms acceptable to us, or at all. A significant contraction in the capital markets, particularly in the technology sector, or adverse developments in our business may make it difficult for us to raise additional capital if or when it is required, especially if we experience negative operating results. If adequate capital is not available to us as required, or is not available on favorable terms, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows may be adversely affected.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements that are of significance, or of potential significance, to us other than those discussed below:
	•	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters. This accounting standard update requires an entity to release into net income the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to its investment in a foreign entity when as a parent it either sells a part or all of its investment in the foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within the foreign entity. This accounting standard update will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	•	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The guidance requires a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit to be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively to unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Early adoption and retrospective application of the new guidance is permitted. We implemented this accounting standard update during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014 and it had no significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair_Value_Accounting

Fair Value Accounting	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Accounting	'
	Fair Value Accounting
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value:
	•	Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We classify investments within Level 1 if quoted prices are available in active markets.
	•	Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. We classify items in Level 2 if the investments are valued using observable inputs to quoted market prices, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
	•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability's classification within this hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We do not hold any financial assets or liabilities within Level 3.
	Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following table lists our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Fair Value Measurement
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Remaining Inputs	Significant Unobservable Inputs	Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	18,175	—	—	$	18,175
	Restricted cash	1,993		—	—	1,993
	Liabilities:
	Warrant liability	—		226	—	226
	As of September 30, 2013
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,104	—	—	$	16,104
	Restricted cash	815		—	—	815
	Liabilities:
	Warrant liability	—		155	—	155
	Cash consists primarily of bank deposits or, occasionally, highly liquid short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase.
	Restricted cash represents temporarily restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements.
	As of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, warrants representing the right to purchase 400,001 shares of our common stock were outstanding. All of our warrants meet the classification requirements for liability accounting pursuant to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Each quarter, we expect an impact on our statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income when we record the change in fair value of our outstanding warrants using the Monte Carlo option valuation model. The Monte Carlo option valuation model is used since it allows the valuation of each warrant to factor in the value associated with our right to effect a mandatory exercise of each warrant. The valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the warrant's expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The change in the fair value of our warrants has been primarily due to the change in the closing price of our common stock.
	The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, borrowings from our credit facility, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	The components of accounts receivable consisted of the following:
		As of			As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,			September 30, 2013
		2014
	Accounts receivable	$	33,989		$	39,827
	Accounts receivable – unbilled	3,562			5,362
	Accounts receivable, gross	37,551			45,189
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(98		)	(3,363		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	37,453		$	41,826
	Unbilled accounts receivable represents revenue recognized but not yet billed as of the period ended. Billings on contracts using the percentage-of-completion method usually occur upon completion of predetermined contract milestones or other contract terms, such as customer approval. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the age of receivables and a specific identification of receivables considered at risk of collection.
	As of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, we had $7.3 million and $9.2 million, respectively, of accounts receivable recorded using the percentage of completion method. Of these amounts, $4.5 million was invoiced and $2.8 million was unbilled as of March 31, 2014 and $4.6 million was invoiced and $4.6 million was unbilled as of September 30, 2013.
	Included in accounts receivable, net at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 is $0.1 million and $6.5 million, respectively, from sales to Suncore. See Note 15 - Suncore Joint Venture for additional disclosures related to Suncore.
	The decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the six months ended March 31, 2014 is primarily due to historical amounts that were written off.

Inventory

Inventory	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory	'
	Inventory
	The components of inventory consisted of the following:
		As of		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,		September 30, 2013
		2014
	Raw materials	$	11,639	$	12,094
	Work in-process	5,257		4,122
	Finished goods	11,622		15,899
	Inventory	$	28,518	$	32,115

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_n

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	'
	Property, Plant, and Equipment, net
	The components of property, plant, and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		As of		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,		September 30, 2013
		2014
	Land	$	1,502	$	1,502
	Building and improvements	18,110		18,423
	Equipment	21,484		23,134
	Furniture and fixtures	81		95
	Computer hardware and software	848		933
	Leasehold improvements	2,647		3,029
	Construction in progress	2,541		2,628
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	47,213	$	49,744
	As of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, accumulated depreciation was approximately $83.4 million and $79.9 million, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	The following table sets forth the carrying value of intangible assets by reporting segment:
	(in thousands)		As of March 31, 2014							As of September 30, 2013
			Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross Assets		Accumulated			Net
			Assets		Amortization			Assets				Amortization			Assets
	Fiber Optics:
	Core Technology		$	12,727	$	(12,033	)	$	694	$	12,727	$	(11,822	)	$	905
	Customer Relations		3,511		(2,791		)	720		3,511		(2,647		)	864
	Patents		4,697		(4,557		)	140		4,697		(4,498		)	199
			20,935		(19,381		)	1,554		20,935		(18,967		)	1,968
	Photovoltaics:
	Patents		1,972		(1,876		)	96		1,972		(1,781		)	191
	Total		$	22,907	$	(21,257	)	$	1,650	$	22,907	$	(20,748	)	$	2,159
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets is included in selling, general, and administrative expense on our statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Based on the carrying amount of our intangible assets as of March 31, 2014, the estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
	Estimated Future Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
	Six months ended September 30, 2014	$	509
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2015	555
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2016	554
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2017	32
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 and thereafter	—
	Total	$	1,650

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
	The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
		As of			As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,			September 30, 2013
		2014
	Compensation	$	3,833		$	4,361
	Warranty	4,833			4,030
	Termination fee	2,775			2,775
	Professional fees	748			676
	Royalty	815			1,061
	Customer deposits	1,254			730
	Deferred revenue	831			2,565
	Self insurance	1,360			1,352
	Income and other taxes	1,385			1,345
	Loss on sale contracts	428			415
	Severance and restructuring accruals	585			601
	Other	1,614			1,686
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	20,461		$	21,597
	Severance and restructuring accruals: In August 2012, Mr. Reuben Richards, Jr. proposed to the Board to step-down from his position as the Company's Executive Chairman and all other positions he held as an officer or employee of the Company and its affiliates, effective as of September 30, 2012. Mr. Richards remained as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Board.
	The Company and Mr. Richards entered into a separation agreement and general release, dated August 6, 2012 (Separation Agreement), which includes mutual releases by Mr. Richards and the Company of all claims related to Mr. Richards' employment and service relationship with, and termination of employment and service from, the Company. Under the terms of the Separation Agreement, Mr. Richards acknowledged and agreed that the restrictive covenants contained in his employment agreement would remain in full force and effect. The separation agreement provides for among other things, the continuation of his base salary for 88 weeks, benefits for 18 months, and immediate vesting of all his outstanding non-vested equity awards. These payments are not contingent upon any future service by Mr. Richards. In fiscal year 2012, we recorded a charge of $1.1 million related to Mr. Richards' separation agreement.
	On November 15, 2013, Mr. Chris Larocca proposed to resign as the Company's Chief Operating Officer, effective as of November 30, 2013. The Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2013 related to the separation agreement entered into as part of Mr. Larocca's resignation.
	Our severance and restructuring-related accrual specifically relates to the Separation Agreement and non-cancelable obligations associated with an abandoned leased facility. Expense related to severance and restructuring accruals is included in selling, general, and administrative expense on our statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The following table summarizes the changes in the severance and restructuring-related accrual accounts:
	(in thousands)	Severance-related accruals			Restructuring-related accruals			Total
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	523		$	78		601
	Expense - charged to accrual	812			—			812
	Payments and accrual adjustments	(750		)	(78		)	(828		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	585		$	—		$	585
	Warranty: We generally provide product and other warranties on our solar cells, components, power systems, and fiber optic products, in addition to certain already divested product lines where we retained the warranty obligations. Certain parts and labor warranties from our vendors can be assigned to our customers. Our reported financial position or results of operations may be materially different under changed conditions or when using different estimates and assumptions. In the event that estimates or assumptions prove to differ from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information.
	The following table summarizes the changes in our product warranty accrual accounts:
	Product Warranty Accruals	For the three months ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	4,415		$	4,580		$	4,561		$	4,100
	Provision for product warranty - expense	1,296			1,772			1,562			2,401
	Adjustments and utilization of warranty accrual	(347		)	(2		)	(759		)	(151		)
	Balance at end of period	$	5,364		$	6,350		$	5,364		$	6,350
	Current portion	$	4,833		$	5,942		$	4,833		$	5,942
	Non-current portion	531			408			531			408
	Product warranty liability at end of period	$	5,364		$	6,350		$	5,364		$	6,350
	The decrease in our provision for product warranty expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to specific customer warranty claims in 2013.

Impact_from_Thailand_Flood

Impact from Thailand Flood	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]	'
Impact from Thailand Flood	'
	Impact from Thailand Flood
	In October 2011, we announced that flood waters had severely impacted the inventory and production operations of our primary contract manufacturer in Thailand. The impacted areas included certain product lines for the Telecom and Cable Television (CATV) market segments. Our Photovoltaics segment was not affected by the Thailand floods.
	In December 2012, we received flood-related insurance proceeds of $4.2 million in the form of forgiveness of $2.2 million of outstanding capital lease obligations and $2.0 million of outstanding payables. In March 2013, we received the final flood-related insurance proceeds of $14.8 million in the form of a receivable of $8.2 million, which we received cash payment for in April 2013, forgiveness of $3.4 million of outstanding capital lease obligations and $3.2 million of outstanding payables. No additional flood-related insurance proceeds associated with this event are anticipated.

Credit_Facilities

Credit Facilities	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Credit Facilities	'
	Credit Facilities
	On November 11, 2010, we entered into a Credit and Security Agreement (credit facility) with Wells Fargo Bank. The credit facility, as it has been amended through its five amendments, currently provides us with a revolving credit of up to $35 million through November 2015 that can be used for working capital requirements, letters of credit, and other general corporate purposes. The credit facility is secured by the Company's assets and is subject to a borrowing base formula based on the Company's eligible accounts receivable, inventory, and machinery and equipment accounts.
	The credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, cash balance and excess availability requirements, and limitations on liens and certain additional indebtedness and guarantees, in addition to minimum tangible net worth, fixed charge coverage, and EBITDA covenants. The covenants are written such that as long as we maintain the minimum cash balance and excess availability requirement, the other covenants are not required to be met. As of March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the credit facility since cash on deposit and excess availability exceeded the $2.5 million minimum financial covenant requirement.
	The credit facility also contains certain events of default, including a subjective acceleration clause. Under this clause, Wells Fargo may declare an event of default if it believes in good faith that our ability to pay all or any portion of our indebtedness with Wells Fargo or to perform any of our material obligations under the credit facility has been impaired, or if it believes in good faith that there has been a material adverse change in the business or financial condition of the Company. If an event of default is not cured within the grace period (if applicable), then Wells Fargo may, among other things, accelerate repayment of amounts borrowed under the credit facility, cease making advances under the credit facility, or take possession of the Company's assets that secure its obligations under the credit facility. We do not anticipate at this time any change in the business or financial condition of the Company that could be deemed a material adverse change by Wells Fargo.
	The borrowing availability provided by the credit facility includes approximately $3.9 million secured by machinery and equipment, which is reduced monthly by approximately $91,000. The borrowing base also includes amounts which are not yet earned by the final rendition of services by the Company including progress billings and that portion of those amounts earned but not yet invoiced. The borrowing base for these amounts will be the lesser of (1) 60% of these amounts, or (2) $5.0 million.
	The credit facility established the Company's minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement at $2.5 million until June 30, 2014, when it will increase by $750,000 and thereafter on the first day of each quarter until it reaches a maximum of$5.0 million. If the minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement falls below the specified amounts, the other financial covenants noted above are triggered.
	On August 26, 2013, we entered into a Fifth Amendment to the credit facility, pursuant to which Wells Fargo agrees, among other things, to provide up to $7.5 million in additional secured financing to the Company using certain real estate as collateral, subject to the terms and conditions of the Fifth Amendment and the credit facility. This change to the borrowing base calculation was not implemented as of March 31, 2014 as not all conditions required had been completed.
	As of March 31, 2014, we had a $17.6 million LIBOR rate loan outstanding, with an interest rate of 3.3%, and approximately $1.5 million reserved for five outstanding stand-by letters of credit under the credit facility. We now expect at least 50% of the $35.0 million credit facility to be available for use during fiscal year 2014.

Income_and_other_Taxes

Income and other Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income and other Taxes	'
	Income and other Taxes
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no material increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits and we do not anticipate any material increases or decreases in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the remaining fiscal year 2014. As of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, we had approximately $387,000 and $354,000, respectively, of interest and penalties accrued as tax liabilities on our balance sheet.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we incurred no income tax expense. During the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we incurred $0 and $0.1 million, respectively, of income tax expense. The provision for 2013 is primarily due to federal alternative minimum tax and state income tax.
	We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, state, and local jurisdictions and, currently, no federal and local income tax returns are under examination. We are currently under examination by one state for the fiscal years 2009 through 2011. The following tax years remain open to assessment for each of the more significant jurisdictions where we are subject to income taxes: after fiscal year 2009 for U.S. federal, after fiscal year 2008 for the state of California, and after fiscal year 2009 for the state of New Mexico.
	Included in our operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2014 were $0.6 million of New Mexico incentive tax credits received. The amount received was allocated to cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative and research and development expense primarily based on the number of employees allocated to the related departments. These credits will result in cash refunds and reduction of future payroll and compensation taxes. There were $1.4 million of incentive tax credits received during the three and six months ended March 31, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Lease Obligations: We lease certain land, facilities, and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Operating lease amounts exclude renewal option periods, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses on leased properties. Our facility leases typically provide for rental adjustments for increases in base rent (up to specific limits), property taxes, insurance, and general property maintenance that would be recorded as rent expense. Rent expense was approximately $0.4 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively and approximately $0.8 million and $1.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There are no off-balance sheet arrangements other than our operating leases.
	Asset Retirement Obligations: We have known conditional asset retirement conditions, such as certain asset decommissioning and restoration of rented facilities to be performed in the future. Our asset retirement obligations include assumptions related to renewal option periods for those facilities where we expect to extend lease terms. In future periods, the asset retirement obligation is accreted for the change in its present value and capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. If the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligation changes, an adjustment will be recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the asset retirement capitalized cost. Revisions in estimated liabilities can result from revisions of estimated inflation rates, escalating retirement costs, and changes in the estimated timing of settling asset retirement obligations. The fair value of our asset retirement obligations were estimated by discounting projected cash flows over the estimated life of the related assets using credit adjusted risk-free rates which ranged from 3.25% to 5.78%. There were no asset retirement obligations settled during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Accretion expense of $0.1 million and $0.1 million was recorded during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
	Indemnifications: We have agreed to indemnify certain customers against claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others in our sales contracts with these customers. Historically, we have not paid any claims under these indemnification obligations. On September 19, 2013, we received written notice from a customer of our broadband products requesting indemnification relating to a lawsuit brought against them alleging patent infringement of a system incorporating our product. As of March 31, 2014, there has been no resolution to this claim. In March 2012, we entered into a Master Purchase Agreement with SEI, pursuant to which we agreed to sell certain assets and transfer certain obligations associated with our Fiber Optics segment. Under the terms of the Master Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify SEI for up to $3.4 million of potential claims and expenses for the two-year period following the sale and we recorded this amount as a deferred gain on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 as a result of these contingencies. In April and May 2013, we received letters from SEI asserting indemnification claims under the Master Purchase Agreement up to $1.5 million. As of March 31, 2014, there has been no resolution to these claims. See Note 1 - Description of Business in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to this asset sale.
	Legal Proceedings: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and litigation, either asserted or unasserted that arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, we do not expect the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty. Professional legal fees are expensed when incurred. We accrue for contingent losses when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable. In the event that estimates or assumptions prove to differ from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. Should we fail to prevail in any legal matter or should several legal matters be resolved against the Company in the same reporting period, then the financial results of that particular reporting period could be materially affected.
	a) Intellectual Property Lawsuits
	We protect our proprietary technology by applying for patents where appropriate and, in other cases, by preserving the technology, related know-how and information as trade secrets. The success and competitive position of our product lines are impacted by our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our research and development efforts. We have, from time to time, exchanged correspondence with third parties regarding the assertion of patent or other intellectual property rights in connection with certain of our products and processes.
	b) Nichia Corporation
	On October 8, 2013, we were served with a complaint filed by Nichia Corporation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging patent infringement by one of our broadband products, unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief (Nichia Corporation v. EMCORE Corporation, Case No.: 2-13-CV480). We answered the complaint and denied the allegations. We will vigorously defend ourselves against the plaintiff's claims.

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Equity
	Stock Sales
	During August 2012, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC pursuant to which we may, from time to time, sell up to an aggregate of $50 million of our common or preferred stock, warrants or debt securities. On August 23, 2012, the registration statement was declared effective by the SEC, which will allow us to access the capital markets for the three year period following this effective date as long as we continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the use of Form S-3. On October 3, 2012, we sold 1,832,410 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $9.5 million. In addition, on September 18, 2013, we sold 2,875,000 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $11.7 million.
	Equity Plans
	We provide long-term incentives to eligible officers, directors, and employees in the form of equity-based awards.  We maintain three equity incentive compensation plans, collectively described below as our Equity Plans:
	•	the 2000 Stock Option Plan (2000 Plan),
	•	the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (2010 Equity Plan),
	•	the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (2012 Equity Plan).
	On March 5, 2014, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2012 Equity Plan to increase the total number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2012 Equity Plan by 1,000,000 shares, to a total authorized of 2,000,000 shares.
	We issue new shares of common stock to satisfy awards issued under our Equity Plans.
	Stock Options
	Most of our stock options vest and become exercisable over a four to five year period and have a contractual life of 10 years. Certain stock options awarded are intended to qualify as incentive stock options pursuant to Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Equity Plans for the six months ended March 31, 2014:
		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (*) (in thousands)
							Remaining Contractual Life
							(in years)
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013	1,745,948			$17.78
	Granted	24,575			$4.97
	Exercised	(6,100	)		$4.52				$	4
	Forfeited	(30,805	)		$4.55
	Expired	(59,230	)		$20.81
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2014	1,674,388			$17.77		3.74
	Exercisable as of March 31, 2014	1,504,207			$19.23		3.24		$	120
	Vested and expected to vest as of March 31, 2014	1,647,359			$17.99		3.66		$	209
	(*) Intrinsic value for stock options represents the “in-the-money” portion or the positive variance between a stock option's exercise price and the underlying stock price. For the six months ended March 31, 2013, the intrinsic value of options exercised was $92,000.
	As of March 31, 2014, there was approximately $0.6 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock options granted under the Equity Plans which is expected to be recognized over an estimated weighted average life of 2.9 years.
	Valuation Assumptions
	The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, adhering to the straight-line attribution approach using the following weighted-average assumptions, of which the expected term and stock price volatility rate are highly subjective:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,							For the Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013				2014				2013
	Black-Scholes weighted average assumptions:
	Expected dividend rate	—	%		—		%		—		%		—		%
	Expected stock price volatility rate	93.4	%		96.5		%		93.8		%		96.9		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.9	%		1.1		%		1.9		%		1		%
	Expected term (in years)	6			6				6				6
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted:	$3.76			$	4.28			$	3.79			$	3.94
	Restricted Stock
	Restricted stock awards (RSAs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) granted under the 2010 Equity Plan and 2012 Equity Plan typically vest over 3 years and are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the lapse of the restrictions. RSAs are considered issued and outstanding shares on the grant date and have the same dividend and voting rights as other common stock. RSUs are not considered issued or outstanding common stock until they vest.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to RSAs and RSUs for the six months ended March 31, 2014:
	Restricted Stock Activity	Restricted Stock Awards					Restricted Stock Units
		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested as of September 30, 2013	99,561			$5.84		854,928			$4.51
	Granted	—			—		656,750			$4.89
	Vested	(92,932	)		$5.68		(326,657	)		$4.35
	Forfeited	(2,463	)		$5.68		(71,974	)		$4.41
	Non-vested as of March 31, 2014	4,166			$9.64		1,113,047			$4.79
	Restricted stock awards: As of March 31, 2014, there was approximately $3,000 of remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, associated with RSAs, which will be expensed over a weighted average remaining service period of approximately 0.1 years.
	Restricted stock units: As of March 31, 2014, there was approximately $3.9 million of remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, associated with RSUs, which will be expensed over a weighted average remaining service period of approximately 2.2 years. The 1.1 million outstanding non-vested RSUs have an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $5.6 million and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 1.4 years. Of the 1.1 million outstanding non-vested RSUs, approximately 1.0 million RSUs are expected to vest and have an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $4.9 million and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 1.4 years.
	Stock-based compensation
	The effect of recording stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
	Stock-based Compensation Expense - by award type	For the Three Months Ended March 31,								For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Employee stock options	$	43			$	123			$	110			$	381
	Restricted stock awards and units	618				515				1,296				921
	Employee stock purchase plan	108				125				228				256
	401(k) match in common stock	250				257				410				513
	Outside director fees in common stock	85				31				195				62
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	1,104			$	1,051			$	2,239			$	2,133
	Stock-based Compensation Expense - by expense type	For the Three Months Ended March 31,								For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Cost of revenue	$	214			$	290			$	431			$	605
	Selling, general, and administrative	579				459				1,220				841
	Research and development	311				302				588				687
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	1,104			$	1,051			$	2,239			$	2,133
Income (Loss) Per Share.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share	For the Three Months Ended March 31,								For the Six Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share)	2014				2013				2014				2013
Numerator - Net (loss) income	$	(5,432	)		$	11,697			$	(7,486	)		$	14,523
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	—				(94		)		—				(118		)
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for basic net (loss) income per share	$	(5,432	)		$	11,603			$	(7,486	)		$	14,405
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for diluted net (loss) income per share	$	(5,432	)		$	11,603			$	(7,486	)		$	14,405
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted average shares outstanding	30,392				26,310				30,162				26,142
Dilutive options outstanding, unvested stock units and ESPP	—				332				—				290
Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding	30,392				26,642				30,162				26,432
Basic net (loss) income per share	$	(0.18	)		$	0.44			$	(0.25	)		$	0.55
Diluted net (loss) income per share	$	(0.18	)		$	0.44			$	(0.25	)		$	0.54
Weighted average antidilutive options, unvested restricted stock units and awards, warrants and ESPP shares excluded from the computation	3,028				1,869				2,653				2,265
Average market price of common stock	$	4.96			$	5.66			$	5			$	5.16
The antidilutive stock options and unvested stock were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share due to the assumed proceeds from the award’s exercise or vesting being greater than the average market price of the common shares or due to the Company incurring a net loss for the periods presented.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We maintain an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) that provides employees an opportunity to purchase common stock through payroll deductions. The ESPP is a 6-month duration plan with new participation periods beginning on February 25 and August 26 of each year. The purchase price is set at 85% of the average high and low market price of our common stock on either the first or last day of the participation period, whichever is lower, and contributions are limited to the lower of 10% of an employee's compensation or $25,000. On March 5, 2014, our shareholders approved an amendment to the ESPP that increased the total number of shares of common stock on which options may be granted under the ESPP to 3,250,000 shares.
Future Issuances
As of March 31, 2014, we had common stock reserved for the following future issuances:
Future Issuances	Number of Common Stock Shares Available for Future Issuances
Exercise of outstanding stock options	1,674,388
Unvested restricted stock units	1,113,047
Purchases under the employee stock purchase plan	1,245,506
Issuance of stock-based awards under the Equity Plans	1,037,540
Exercise of outstanding warrants	400,001
Purchases under the officer and director share purchase plan	88,741
Total reserved	5,559,223

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor

Segment Data and Related Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Data and Related Information	'
	Segment Data and Related Information
	We have three operating divisions within the following two reporting segments:
	•	Fiber Optics: EMCORE Digital Fiber Optics Products and EMCORE Broadband Fiber Optics Products are aggregated as a separate reporting segment, Fiber Optics. Our Fiber Optics reporting segment provides optical components, subsystems, and systems for high-speed telecommunications, cable television (CATV), and fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) networks, as well as products for satellite communications, video transport, and specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications.
	•	Photovoltaics: EMCORE Photovoltaics is a separate reporting segment, Photovoltaics. Our Photovoltaics reporting segment provides products for both space and terrestrial solar power applications. For space solar power applications, we offer high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, covered interconnect cells (CICs), and complete satellite solar panels. For terrestrial power applications, we offer high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) power systems.
	We evaluate our reportable segments pursuant to ASC 280, Segment Reporting. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is the chief operating decision maker and he assesses the performance of the operating segments and allocates resources to segments based on their business prospects, competitive factors, net revenue, operating results, and other non-GAAP financial ratios.
	Revenue: The following tables set forth revenue attributable to each of our reporting segments and by geographic region with revenue assigned to geographic regions based on our customers’ billing address.
	Segment Revenue	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics revenue	$	23,620		$	23,130	$	46,912		$	52,808
	Photovoltaics revenue	18,627			19,147		39,546			38,775
	Total revenue	$	42,247		$	42,277	$	86,458		$	91,583
	Revenue by Geographic Region	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	United States	$	27,016		$	28,324	$	55,113		$	62,991
	Asia	11,093			8,825		21,380			17,725
	Europe	3,986			4,892		9,420			10,105
	Other	152			236		545			762
	Total revenue	$	42,247		$	42,277	$	86,458		$	91,583
	Revenue by geographic location is determined based on the location of our customer.
	Significant Customers: Revenue from one of our customers of the Photovoltaics segment represented 12% and 11% of our consolidated revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014. No single customer from the Photovoltaics segment represented greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013. No single customer from the Fiber segment represented greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Operating (Loss) Income: The following table sets forth operating (loss) income attributable to each of our reporting segments.
	Operating (Loss) Income	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics operating (loss) income	$	(7,320	)	$	7,892	$	(13,891	)	$	7,497
	Photovoltaics operating income	2,071			4,279		6,402			7,520
	Total operating (loss) income	$	(5,249	)	$	12,171	$	(7,489	)	$	15,017
	Non-Cash Expenses: The following tables set forth our significant non-cash expenses attributable to each of our reporting segments.
	Depreciation, Amortization, and Accretion Expense	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics segment	$	1,456		$	1,384	$	2,940		$	2,666
	Photovoltaics segment	639			660		1,223			1,396
	Total depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	$	2,095		$	2,044	$	4,163		$	4,062
	Stock-based Compensation Expense	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics segment	$	674		$	702	$	1,429		$	1,428
	Photovoltaics segment	430			349		810			705
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	1,104		$	1,051	$	2,239		$	2,133
	Long-lived Assets: Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant, and equipment and also goodwill and intangible assets.  The following table sets forth long-lived assets for each of our reporting segments and our unallocated Corporate division.
	Long-lived Assets	As of			As of
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Fiber Optics segment	$	21,490		$	23,804
	Photovoltaics segment	39,408			40,048
	Unallocated Corporate division	8,349			8,435
	Long-lived assets	$	69,247		$	72,287
	As of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, approximately 81% and 80%, respectively, of our long-lived assets were located in the United States. The remaining assets are primarily located in China and Thailand.

Suncore_Joint_Venture

Suncore Joint Venture	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Suncore Joint Venture	'
	Suncore Joint Venture
	On July 30, 2010, we entered into a joint venture agreement with San'an Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. (San'an), for the purpose of engaging in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of CPV receivers, modules, and systems for terrestrial solar power applications under a technology license from us. The joint venture, Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. (Suncore), is a limited liability company under the laws of the People's Republic of China. In June 2013, we entered into an agreement to transfer our 40% registered ownership interest in Suncore to San'an Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. ("San'an") for a purchase price of $4.8 million. Under the terms of the Transfer Agreement, each of the parties agreed to indemnify the other for any losses incurred as a result of either party's breach of its obligations under the Transfer Agreement. Closing was subject to customary conditions, including Chinese regulatory approvals. The payment for the purchase price was made upon the completion of the share transfer, which occurred in September 2013. Upon completion of the share transfer in September 2013, the Company recognized $3.3 million of deferred revenue from Suncore included in the financial statements as of June 30, 2013, as well as the resulting gain of $4.8 million on our registered ownership interest.
	In November 2011, we agreed to grant Suncore an exclusive license to use certain intellectual property and know-how, both existing and to-be-developed, related to the fabrication process and testing of terrestrial CPV solar cells on terrestrial CPV solar systems solely within the PRC, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan (the licensed territory) and be able to use, market, and sell the terrestrial CPV solar cells worldwide, excluding only the United States. This licensing agreement was initially for $2.5 million and does not include intellectual property associated with the development of space qualified or radiation hardened solar cells. Suncore had not fulfilled all the requirements necessary to initiate payment for this license; as a result, we did not record any receivables from Suncore associated with this license agreement as of September 30, 2013. In October 2013, we amended the license agreement with Suncore that provides for the license agreement to be amended from $2.5 million to $0.8 million. In addition, we were only required to provide ongoing support through December 31, 2013 to Suncore. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, we received full payment from Suncore and recognized license revenue of $0.8 million related to the amendment.
	On August 5, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement which consolidated the Company's terrestrial CPV system engineering and development efforts, for both ground mount and rooftop terrestrial CPV products, into Suncore. EMCORE employees who were engaged in terrestrial CPV product and business development, as well as key engineering, sales, and marketing personnel, were transferred to Suncore upon the closing of the agreement on September 21, 2012. Suncore funded all ongoing R&D, marketing, sales, and business development functions related to terrestrial CPV systems. We sold these assets for $2.8 million. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at September 30, 2012 is the $2.8 million sale price, which amount was collected during the three months ended December 31, 2012. EMCORE will continue to own all of its intellectual property related to solar cell technology and maintain investment activities to advance CPV solar cell performance to serve a broader customer base within the CPV industry.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded revenue from Suncore of $0.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively. During the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded revenue from Suncore of $0.9 million and$5.5 million, respectively.
	Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, is $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for amounts due from Suncore related to transaction services provided in accordance with the August 2012 definitive agreement and other smaller amounts.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen1

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements that are of significance, or of potential significance, to us other than those discussed below:
	•	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters. This accounting standard update requires an entity to release into net income the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to its investment in a foreign entity when as a parent it either sells a part or all of its investment in the foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within the foreign entity. This accounting standard update will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	•	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The guidance requires a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit to be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively to unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Early adoption and retrospective application of the new guidance is permitted. We implemented this accounting standard update during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014 and it had no significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value:
	•	Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We classify investments within Level 1 if quoted prices are available in active markets.
	•	Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. We classify items in Level 2 if the investments are valued using observable inputs to quoted market prices, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
	•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability's classification within this hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We do not hold any financial assets or liabilities within Level 3.
	Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash consists primarily of bank deposits or, occasionally, highly liquid short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Restricted Cash	'
	Restricted cash represents temporarily restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements.
Derivatives	'
	All of our warrants meet the classification requirements for liability accounting pursuant to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Each quarter, we expect an impact on our statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income when we record the change in fair value of our outstanding warrants using the Monte Carlo option valuation model. The Monte Carlo option valuation model is used since it allows the valuation of each warrant to factor in the value associated with our right to effect a mandatory exercise of each warrant. The valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the warrant's expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The change in the fair value of our warrants has been primarily due to the change in the closing price of our common stock.
Receivables	'
	Unbilled accounts receivable represents revenue recognized but not yet billed as of the period ended. Billings on contracts using the percentage-of-completion method usually occur upon completion of predetermined contract milestones or other contract terms, such as customer approval. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the age of receivables and a specific identification of receivables considered at risk of collection.
Severance and Restructuring Accruals	'
	Our severance and restructuring-related accrual specifically relates to the Separation Agreement and non-cancelable obligations associated with an abandoned leased facility. Expense related to severance and restructuring accruals is included in selling, general, and administrative expense on our statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	We have known conditional asset retirement conditions, such as certain asset decommissioning and restoration of rented facilities to be performed in the future. Our asset retirement obligations include assumptions related to renewal option periods for those facilities where we expect to extend lease terms. In future periods, the asset retirement obligation is accreted for the change in its present value and capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. If the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligation changes, an adjustment will be recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the asset retirement capitalized cost. Revisions in estimated liabilities can result from revisions of estimated inflation rates, escalating retirement costs, and changes in the estimated timing of settling asset retirement obligations.
Legal Proceedings	'
	Professional legal fees are expensed when incurred. We accrue for contingent losses when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable.
Segment Reporting	'
	We have three operating divisions within the following two reporting segments:
	•	Fiber Optics: EMCORE Digital Fiber Optics Products and EMCORE Broadband Fiber Optics Products are aggregated as a separate reporting segment, Fiber Optics. Our Fiber Optics reporting segment provides optical components, subsystems, and systems for high-speed telecommunications, cable television (CATV), and fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) networks, as well as products for satellite communications, video transport, and specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications.
	•	Photovoltaics: EMCORE Photovoltaics is a separate reporting segment, Photovoltaics. Our Photovoltaics reporting segment provides products for both space and terrestrial solar power applications. For space solar power applications, we offer high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, covered interconnect cells (CICs), and complete satellite solar panels. For terrestrial power applications, we offer high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) power systems.
	We evaluate our reportable segments pursuant to ASC 280, Segment Reporting. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is the chief operating decision maker and he assesses the performance of the operating segments and allocates resources to segments based on their business prospects, competitive factors, net revenue, operating results, and other non-GAAP financial ratios.

Fair_Value_Accounting_Tables

Fair Value Accounting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring	'
	The following table lists our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Fair Value Measurement
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Remaining Inputs	Significant Unobservable Inputs	Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	18,175	—	—	$	18,175
	Restricted cash	1,993		—	—	1,993
	Liabilities:
	Warrant liability	—		226	—	226
	As of September 30, 2013
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,104	—	—	$	16,104
	Restricted cash	815		—	—	815
	Liabilities:
	Warrant liability	—		155	—	155

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	'
	The components of accounts receivable consisted of the following:
		As of			As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,			September 30, 2013
		2014
	Accounts receivable	$	33,989		$	39,827
	Accounts receivable – unbilled	3,562			5,362
	Accounts receivable, gross	37,551			45,189
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(98		)	(3,363		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	37,453		$	41,826

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current	'
	The components of inventory consisted of the following:
		As of		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,		September 30, 2013
		2014
	Raw materials	$	11,639	$	12,094
	Work in-process	5,257		4,122
	Finished goods	11,622		15,899
	Inventory	$	28,518	$	32,115

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_n1

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, plant and equipment	'
	The components of property, plant, and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		As of		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,		September 30, 2013
		2014
	Land	$	1,502	$	1,502
	Building and improvements	18,110		18,423
	Equipment	21,484		23,134
	Furniture and fixtures	81		95
	Computer hardware and software	848		933
	Leasehold improvements	2,647		3,029
	Construction in progress	2,541		2,628
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	47,213	$	49,744

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets	'
	The following table sets forth the carrying value of intangible assets by reporting segment:
	(in thousands)		As of March 31, 2014							As of September 30, 2013
			Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross Assets		Accumulated			Net
			Assets		Amortization			Assets				Amortization			Assets
	Fiber Optics:
	Core Technology		$	12,727	$	(12,033	)	$	694	$	12,727	$	(11,822	)	$	905
	Customer Relations		3,511		(2,791		)	720		3,511		(2,647		)	864
	Patents		4,697		(4,557		)	140		4,697		(4,498		)	199
			20,935		(19,381		)	1,554		20,935		(18,967		)	1,968
	Photovoltaics:
	Patents		1,972		(1,876		)	96		1,972		(1,781		)	191
	Total		$	22,907	$	(21,257	)	$	1,650	$	22,907	$	(20,748	)	$	2,159
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense	'
	Based on the carrying amount of our intangible assets as of March 31, 2014, the estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
	Estimated Future Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
	Six months ended September 30, 2014	$	509
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2015	555
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2016	554
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2017	32
	Fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 and thereafter	—
	Total	$	1,650

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	'
	The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
		As of			As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,			September 30, 2013
		2014
	Compensation	$	3,833		$	4,361
	Warranty	4,833			4,030
	Termination fee	2,775			2,775
	Professional fees	748			676
	Royalty	815			1,061
	Customer deposits	1,254			730
	Deferred revenue	831			2,565
	Self insurance	1,360			1,352
	Income and other taxes	1,385			1,345
	Loss on sale contracts	428			415
	Severance and restructuring accruals	585			601
	Other	1,614			1,686
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	20,461		$	21,597
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the severance and restructuring-related accrual accounts:
	(in thousands)	Severance-related accruals			Restructuring-related accruals			Total
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	523		$	78		601
	Expense - charged to accrual	812			—			812
	Payments and accrual adjustments	(750		)	(78		)	(828		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	585		$	—		$	585
Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in our product warranty accrual accounts:
	Product Warranty Accruals	For the three months ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	4,415		$	4,580		$	4,561		$	4,100
	Provision for product warranty - expense	1,296			1,772			1,562			2,401
	Adjustments and utilization of warranty accrual	(347		)	(2		)	(759		)	(151		)
	Balance at end of period	$	5,364		$	6,350		$	5,364		$	6,350
	Current portion	$	4,833		$	5,942		$	4,833		$	5,942
	Non-current portion	531			408			531			408
	Product warranty liability at end of period	$	5,364		$	6,350		$	5,364		$	6,350

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Equity Plans for the six months ended March 31, 2014:
		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (*) (in thousands)
							Remaining Contractual Life
							(in years)
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013	1,745,948			$17.78
	Granted	24,575			$4.97
	Exercised	(6,100	)		$4.52				$	4
	Forfeited	(30,805	)		$4.55
	Expired	(59,230	)		$20.81
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2014	1,674,388			$17.77		3.74
	Exercisable as of March 31, 2014	1,504,207			$19.23		3.24		$	120
	Vested and expected to vest as of March 31, 2014	1,647,359			$17.99		3.66		$	209
	(*) Intrinsic value for stock options represents the “in-the-money” portion or the positive variance between a stock option's exercise price and the underlying stock price. For the six months ended March 31, 2013, the intrinsic value of options exercised was $92,000.
Schedule of Valuation Assumptions	'
	The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, adhering to the straight-line attribution approach using the following weighted-average assumptions, of which the expected term and stock price volatility rate are highly subjective:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,							For the Six Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013				2014				2013
	Black-Scholes weighted average assumptions:
	Expected dividend rate	—	%		—		%		—		%		—		%
	Expected stock price volatility rate	93.4	%		96.5		%		93.8		%		96.9		%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.9	%		1.1		%		1.9		%		1		%
	Expected term (in years)	6			6				6				6
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted:	$3.76			$	4.28			$	3.79			$	3.94
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to RSAs and RSUs for the six months ended March 31, 2014:
	Restricted Stock Activity	Restricted Stock Awards					Restricted Stock Units
		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested as of September 30, 2013	99,561			$5.84		854,928			$4.51
	Granted	—			—		656,750			$4.89
	Vested	(92,932	)		$5.68		(326,657	)		$4.35
	Forfeited	(2,463	)		$5.68		(71,974	)		$4.41
	Non-vested as of March 31, 2014	4,166			$9.64		1,113,047			$4.79
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - By Award Type	'
	The effect of recording stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
	Stock-based Compensation Expense - by award type	For the Three Months Ended March 31,								For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Employee stock options	$	43			$	123			$	110			$	381
	Restricted stock awards and units	618				515				1,296				921
	Employee stock purchase plan	108				125				228				256
	401(k) match in common stock	250				257				410				513
	Outside director fees in common stock	85				31				195				62
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	1,104			$	1,051			$	2,239			$	2,133
Schedule Stock-based Compensation Expense - By Expense Type	'
	Stock-based Compensation Expense - by expense type	For the Three Months Ended March 31,								For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Cost of revenue	$	214			$	290			$	431			$	605
	Selling, general, and administrative	579				459				1,220				841
	Research and development	311				302				588				687
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	1,104			$	1,051			$	2,239			$	2,133
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	Income (Loss) Per Share.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share	For the Three Months Ended March 31,								For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands, except per share)	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Numerator - Net (loss) income	$	(5,432	)		$	11,697			$	(7,486	)		$	14,523
	Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	—				(94		)		—				(118		)
	Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for basic net (loss) income per share	$	(5,432	)		$	11,603			$	(7,486	)		$	14,405
	Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for diluted net (loss) income per share	$	(5,432	)		$	11,603			$	(7,486	)		$	14,405
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted average shares outstanding	30,392				26,310				30,162				26,142
	Dilutive options outstanding, unvested stock units and ESPP	—				332				—				290
	Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding	30,392				26,642				30,162				26,432
	Basic net (loss) income per share	$	(0.18	)		$	0.44			$	(0.25	)		$	0.55
	Diluted net (loss) income per share	$	(0.18	)		$	0.44			$	(0.25	)		$	0.54
	Weighted average antidilutive options, unvested restricted stock units and awards, warrants and ESPP shares excluded from the computation	3,028				1,869				2,653				2,265
	Average market price of common stock	$	4.96			$	5.66			$	5			$	5.16
Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuances	'
	As of March 31, 2014, we had common stock reserved for the following future issuances:
	Future Issuances	Number of Common Stock Shares Available for Future Issuances
	Exercise of outstanding stock options	1,674,388
	Unvested restricted stock units	1,113,047
	Purchases under the employee stock purchase plan	1,245,506
	Issuance of stock-based awards under the Equity Plans	1,037,540
	Exercise of outstanding warrants	400,001
	Purchases under the officer and director share purchase plan	88,741
	Total reserved	5,559,223

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor1

Segment Data and Related Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment revenue	'
	The following tables set forth revenue attributable to each of our reporting segments and by geographic region with revenue assigned to geographic regions based on our customers’ billing address.
	Segment Revenue	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics revenue	$	23,620		$	23,130	$	46,912		$	52,808
	Photovoltaics revenue	18,627			19,147		39,546			38,775
	Total revenue	$	42,247		$	42,277	$	86,458		$	91,583
Schedule of revenue by geographic region	'
	Revenue by Geographic Region	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	United States	$	27,016		$	28,324	$	55,113		$	62,991
	Asia	11,093			8,825		21,380			17,725
	Europe	3,986			4,892		9,420			10,105
	Other	152			236		545			762
	Total revenue	$	42,247		$	42,277	$	86,458		$	91,583
Statement of operations data	'
	The following table sets forth operating (loss) income attributable to each of our reporting segments.
	Operating (Loss) Income	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics operating (loss) income	$	(7,320	)	$	7,892	$	(13,891	)	$	7,497
	Photovoltaics operating income	2,071			4,279		6,402			7,520
	Total operating (loss) income	$	(5,249	)	$	12,171	$	(7,489	)	$	15,017
Schedule of depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	'
	The following tables set forth our significant non-cash expenses attributable to each of our reporting segments.
	Depreciation, Amortization, and Accretion Expense	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics segment	$	1,456		$	1,384	$	2,940		$	2,666
	Photovoltaics segment	639			660		1,223			1,396
	Total depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	$	2,095		$	2,044	$	4,163		$	4,062
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'
	Stock-based Compensation Expense	For the three months ended March 31,					For the six months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013		2014			2013
	Fiber Optics segment	$	674		$	702	$	1,429		$	1,428
	Photovoltaics segment	430			349		810			705
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	1,104		$	1,051	$	2,239		$	2,133
Schedule of long-lived assets	'
	The following table sets forth long-lived assets for each of our reporting segments and our unallocated Corporate division.
	Long-lived Assets	As of			As of
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Fiber Optics segment	$	21,490		$	23,804
	Photovoltaics segment	39,408			40,048
	Unallocated Corporate division	8,349			8,435
	Long-lived assets	$	69,247		$	72,287

Description_of_Business_Other_

Description of Business (Other Disclosures) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting:	'
Number of reporting segments	2

Description_of_Business_Sale_o

Description of Business (Sale of Fiber Optics-related Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	7-May-12	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
						Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD	Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD	Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD	Indemnification Obligation
									Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD
Footnote disclosures:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	'	'	'	'	'	$2,800,000	'	'	'
Indemnification associated with sale of assets (up to $3.4 million)	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,400,000	3,400,000	'
Indemnification period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years	'	'
Proceeds from sale of assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,100,000	'	'
Cash held in escrow	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,600,000	'
Escrow, payout period (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years	'	'
Deferred gain associated with sale of assets	3,400,000	'	3,400,000	'	0	'	'	'	3,400,000
Reduction of purchase price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,100,000	'
Additional gain recognized from sale	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	'
Fees billed under transition services agreement	$1,000,000	$600,000	$1,700,000	$1,200,000	'	'	'	'	'

Description_of_Business_Liquid

Description of Business (Liquidity and Capital Resources) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$18,175,000	$5,922,000	$18,175,000	$5,922,000	$16,104,000	$9,047,000
Working capital	32,600,000	'	32,600,000	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	-5,432,000	11,697,000	-7,486,000	14,523,000	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	$7,300,000	($10,198,000)	'	'

Description_of_Business_Credit

Description of Business (Credit Facility) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2013	Oct. 03, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 23, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 11, 2010	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 26, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014
					Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Subsequent Event [Member]
							Machinery and Equipment	Fifth Amendment	LIBOR Rate Loan	LIBOR Rate Loan	Revolving Credit Facility
									letter_of_credit		LIBOR Rate Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum revolving credit amount	'	'	'	'	'	$35,000,000	$5,000,000	$7,500,000	$35,000,000	'	'
Line of credit facility, minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement	'	'	'	'	2,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase in eligible borrowing base	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,900,000	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, monthly reduction amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	91,000	'	'	'	'
Borrowing base percent of accounts earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	60.00%	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, increase in minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement	'	'	'	'	750,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, increased minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility, amount outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,600,000	'	2,200,000
Credit facility, interest rate on outstanding balance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.30%	'	'
Standby letters of credit, total amount outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'
Number of standby letters of credit outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5	'	'
Credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,900,000	'
Credit facility, expected availability amount over next twelve month period, as percentage of maximum revolving credit amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Shelf registration, registered amount	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shelf registration, effective period	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued to underwriters (in shares)	2,875,000	1,832,410	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$11,700,000	$9,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Accounting_Fair_Val

Fair Value Accounting (Fair Value Measurement) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Account:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$18,175	$16,104	$5,922	$9,047
Restricted cash	1,993	815	'	'
Warrant liability	226	155	'	'
Recurring	'	'	'	'
Account:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	18,175	16,104	'	'
Restricted cash	1,993	815	'	'
Warrant liability	226	155	'	'
Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'	'	'
Account:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	18,175	16,104	'	'
Restricted cash	1,993	815	'	'
Warrant liability	0	0	'	'
Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'	'	'
Account:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Warrant liability	226	155	'	'
Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'	'	'
Account:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Warrant liability	$0	$0	'	'

Fair_Value_Accounting_Other_Di

Fair Value Accounting (Other Disclosure) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Number of outstanding warrants (in shares)	400,001	400,001

Accounts_Receivable_Schedule_o

Accounts Receivable (Schedule of Components of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable	$33,989	$39,827
Accounts receivable – unbilled	3,562	5,362
Accounts receivable, gross	37,551	45,189
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-98	-3,363
Accounts receivable, net	$37,453	$41,826

Accounts_Receivable_Other_Disc

Accounts Receivable (Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$37,453,000	$41,826,000
Accounts receivable, gross, using percentage of completion method	7,300,000	9,200,000
Billed contracts receivable, using percentage of completion method	4,500,000	4,600,000
Unbilled contracts receivable, using percentage of completion method	2,800,000	4,600,000
Suncore	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$100,000	$6,500,000

Inventory_Schedule_of_Componen

Inventory (Schedule of Components of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$11,639	$12,094
Work in-process	5,257	4,122
Finished goods	11,622	15,899
Inventory	$28,518	$32,115

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_n2

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	$83,400,000	$79,900,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	47,213,000	49,744,000
Land	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	1,502,000	1,502,000
Building and improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	18,110,000	18,423,000
Equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	21,484,000	23,134,000
Furniture and fixtures	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	81,000	95,000
Computer hardware and software	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	848,000	933,000
Leasehold improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	2,647,000	3,029,000
Construction in progress	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$2,541,000	$2,628,000

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_by_

Intangible Assets (Schedule by Reporting Segment) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	$22,907	$22,907
Accumulated Amortization	-21,257	-20,748
Total	1,650	2,159
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	'	'
Six months ended September 30, 2014	509	'
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2015	555	'
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2016	554	'
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2017	32	'
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 and thereafter	0	'
Total	1,650	2,159
Fiber Optics	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	20,935	20,935
Accumulated Amortization	-19,381	-18,967
Total	1,554	1,968
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	'	'
Total	1,554	1,968
Fiber Optics | Core Technology	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	12,727	12,727
Accumulated Amortization	-12,033	-11,822
Total	694	905
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	'	'
Total	694	905
Fiber Optics | Customer Relations	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	3,511	3,511
Accumulated Amortization	-2,791	-2,647
Total	720	864
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	'	'
Total	720	864
Fiber Optics | Patents	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	4,697	4,697
Accumulated Amortization	-4,557	-4,498
Total	140	199
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	'	'
Total	140	199
Photovoltaics | Patents	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	1,972	1,972
Accumulated Amortization	-1,876	-1,781
Total	96	191
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	'	'
Total	$96	$191

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'	'
Compensation	$3,833	$4,361	'
Warranty	4,833	4,030	5,942
Termination fee	2,775	2,775	'
Professional fees	748	676	'
Royalty	815	1,061	'
Customer deposits	1,254	730	'
Deferred revenue	831	2,565	'
Self insurance	1,360	1,352	'
Income and other taxes	1,385	1,345	'
Loss on sale contracts	428	415	'
Severance and restructuring accruals	585	601	'
Other	1,614	1,686	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$20,461	$21,597	'

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur3

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	$601
Expense - charged to accrual	812
Payments and accrual adjustments	-828
Ending balance	585
Severance-related accruals	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	523
Expense - charged to accrual	812
Payments and accrual adjustments	-750
Ending balance	585
Restructuring-related accruals	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	78
Expense - charged to accrual	0
Payments and accrual adjustments	-78
Ending balance	$0

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur4

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$4,415	$4,580	$4,561	$4,100	'
Provision for product warranty - expense	1,296	1,772	1,562	2,401	'
Adjustments and utilization of warranty accrual	-347	-2	-759	-151	'
Current portion	4,833	5,942	4,833	5,942	4,030
Non-current portion	531	408	531	408	'
Balance at end of period	$5,364	$6,350	$5,364	$6,350	'

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur5

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 06, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
	Executive Chairman	Executive Chairman	Chief Operating Officer
Severance and restructuring accruals:	'	'	'
Continuation of base salary, in weeks	'616 days	'	'
Continuation of benefits, in months	'18 months	'	'
Estimated charge related to separation agreement	'	$1.10	$0.50

Impact_from_Thailand_Flood_Det

Impact from Thailand Flood (Details) (Natural Disasters and Other Casualty Events, USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Natural Disasters and Other Casualty Events	'	'
Insurance Recoveries, To Date	'	'
Insurance proceeds payment, from contract manufacturer	$14.80	$4.20
Insurance proceeds payment, from contract manufacturer, forgiveness of capital lease obligations	3.4	2.2
Insurance proceeds payment, from contract manufacturer, outstanding payables	3.2	2
Insurance proceeds payment, from contract manufacturer, receivable	$8.20	'

Credit_Facilities_Details

Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 11, 2010	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 26, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
			Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility
					Machinery and Equipment	Fifth Amendment	LIBOR Rate Loan
							letter_of_credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	'	$35,000,000	$5,000,000	$7,500,000	$35,000,000
Line of credit facility, minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement	'	'	2,500,000	'	'	'	'
Increase in eligible borrowing base	'	'	'	'	3,900,000	'	'
Line of credit facility, monthly reduction amount	'	'	'	'	91,000	'	'
Borrowing base percent of accounts earned	'	'	'	'	60.00%	'	'
Line of credit facility, increase in minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement	'	'	750,000	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, increased minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement	'	'	5,000,000	'	'	'	'
Borrowings from credit facility	17,600,000	21,706,000	'	'	'	'	17,600,000
Credit facility, interest rate on outstanding balance	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.30%
Standby letters of credit, total amount outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,500,000
Number of standby letters of credit outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	5
Credit facility, expected availability amount over next twelve month period, as percentage of maximum revolving credit amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%

Income_and_other_Taxes_Other_D

Income and other Taxes (Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax penalties and interest accrued	$387,000	'	$387,000	'	$354,000
Income tax penalties and interest expense	0	100,000	'	'	'
Incentive tax credits received	'	$1,400,000	$600,000	$1,400,000	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating leases, rent expense, net	'	$0.40	$0.80	$0.80	$1.50
Fair value assumptions, credit adjusted risk-free rate, range minimal amount	'	3.25%	'	3.25%	'
Fair value assumptions, credit adjusted risk-free rate, range maximum amount	'	5.78%	'	5.78%	'
Asset retirement obligation, accretion expense	'	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Business combination, indemnification assets, range of outcomes, value (up to $3.4 million)	3.4	'	'	'	'
Business combination, indemnification duration, period taken into account for	'2 years	'	'	'	'
Business combination, indemnification assets, amount as of acquisition date (up to $1.5 million)	'	$1.50	'	$1.50	'

Equity_Schedule_of_Stock_Optio

Equity (Schedule of Stock Options Activity) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Number of Shares	'		'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,745,948		'
Granted (in shares)	24,575		'
Exercised (in shares)	-6,100		'
Forfeited (in shares)	-30,805		'
Expired (in shares)	-59,230		'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	1,674,388		'
Exercisable as of December 31, 2013 (in shares)	1,504,207		'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'		'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$17.78		'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$4.97		'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$4.52		'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$4.55		'
Expired (in dollars per share)	$20.81		'
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$17.77		'
Exercisable as of March 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$19.23		'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years):	'		'
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014	'3 years 8 months 27 days		'
Exercisable as of March 31, 2014	'3 years 2 months 27 days		'
Vested and Expected to Vest as of March 31, 2014	'		'
Number of stock options	1,647,359		'
Weighted average exercise price	$17.99		'
Weighted average remaining contractual term	'3 years 7 months 28 days		'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)	'		'
Exercised (in shares)	$4,000	[1]	$92,000	[1]
Exercisable as of March 31, 2014	120,000	[1]	'
Vested and expected to vest as of March 31, 2014	209,000	[1]	'
Employee stock options	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'
Stock options, average minimum vesting period (in years)	'4 years		'
Stock options, average maximum vesting period (in years)	'5 years		'
Stock options, contractual life (in years)	'10 years		'
Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense:	'		'
Unrecognized compensation expense	$600,000		'
Unrecognized compensation expense, period for recognition	'2 years 10 months 24 days		'
[1]	Intrinsic value for stock options represents the “in-the-money” portion or the positive variance between a stock option's exercise price and the underlying stock price. For the six months ended March 31, 2013, the intrinsic value of options exercised was $92,000.

Equity_Schedule_of_Valuation_A

Equity (Schedule of Valuation Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Black-Scholes weighted average assumptions:	'	'	'	'
Expected dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility rate	93.40%	96.50%	93.80%	96.90%
Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	1.10%	1.90%	1.00%
Expected term (in years)	'6 years	'6 years	'6 years	'6 years
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock option granted (in dollars per share)	$3.76	$4.28	$3.79	$3.94

Equity_Schedule_of_Restricted_

Equity (Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Number of Shares	'
Non-vested as of March 31, 2014 (in shares)	1,113,047
Restricted Stock Awards	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'3 years
Number of Shares	'
Non-vested as of September 30, 2013 (in shares)	99,561
Granted (in shares)	0
Vested (in shares)	-92,932
Forfeited (in shares)	-2,463
Non-vested as of March 31, 2014 (in shares)	4,166
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Non-vested as of September 30, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$5.84
Granted (in dollars per share)	$0
Vested (in dollars per share)	$5.68
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$5.68
Non-vested as of March 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$9.64
Restricted Stock Disclosures:	'
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense	$3,000
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition (in years)	'0 years 1 month 2 days
Restricted Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'3 years
Number of Shares	'
Non-vested as of September 30, 2013 (in shares)	854,928
Granted (in shares)	656,750
Vested (in shares)	-326,657
Forfeited (in shares)	-71,974
Non-vested as of March 31, 2014 (in shares)	1,113,047
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Non-vested as of September 30, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$4.51
Granted (in dollars per share)	$4.89
Vested (in dollars per share)	$4.35
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$4.41
Non-vested as of March 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$4.79
Restricted Stock Disclosures:	'
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense	3,900,000
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition (in years)	'2 years 2 months 12 days
Outstanding non-vested RSUs aggregate intrinsic value	5,600,000
Outstanding non-vested RSUs weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	'1 year 4 months 24 days
Share-based compensation arrangement, by share-based payment award, options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable, number	1,000,000
Share based compensation arrangement, by share based payment award, equity instruments other than options, expected to vest, intrinsic value	$4,900,000
Share based compensation arrangement, by share based payment award, equity investments other than options, expected to vest, weighted average contractual term (in years)	'1 year 4 months 24 days

Equity_Schedule_of_Stockbased_

Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Award Type) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,104	$1,051	$2,239	$2,133
Employee stock options	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	43	123	110	381
Restricted stock awards and units	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	618	515	1,296	921
Employee stock purchase plan	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	108	125	228	256
401(k) match in common stock	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	250	257	410	513
Outside director fees in common stock	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$85	$31	$195	$62

Equity_Schedule_of_Stockbased_1

Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Expense Category) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,104	$1,051	$2,239	$2,133
Cost of revenue	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	214	290	431	605
Selling, general, and administrative	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	579	459	1,220	841
Research and development	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$311	$302	$588	$687

Equity_Schedule_of_Earnings_pe

Equity (Schedule of Earnings per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Numerator - Net (loss) income	($5,432)	$11,697	($7,486)	$14,523
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	0	-94	0	-118
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for basic net (loss) income per share	-5,432	11,603	-7,486	14,405
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for diluted net (loss) income per share	($5,432)	$11,603	($7,486)	$14,405
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted average shares outstanding	30,392	26,310	30,162	26,142
Dilutive options outstanding, unvested stock units and ESPP	0	332	0	290
Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding	30,392	26,642	30,162	26,432
Basic net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.18)	$0.44	($0.25)	$0.55
Diluted net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.18)	$0.44	($0.25)	$0.54
Weighted average antidilutive options, unvested restricted stock units and awards, warrants and ESPP shares excluded from the computation	3,028	1,869	2,653	2,265
Average market price of common stock (in dollars per share)	$4.96	$5.66	$5	$5.16

Equity_Schedule_of_Common_Stoc

Equity (Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuances) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Exercise of outstanding stock options	1,674,388	1,745,948
Unvested restricted stock units	1,113,047	'
Purchases under the employee stock purchase plan	1,245,506	'
Issuance of stock-based awards under the Equity Plans	1,037,540	'
Exercise of outstanding warrants	400,001	400,001
Purchases under the officer and director share purchase plan	88,741	'
Total reserved	5,559,223	'

Equity_Other_Disclosures_Detai

Equity (Other Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2013	Oct. 03, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 23, 2012	Mar. 05, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 05, 2014
				plans		2012 Equity Plan	Employee stock purchase plan	Employee stock purchase plan
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shelf registration, registered amount	'	'	$50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Shelf registration, effective period	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'
Common stock issued to underwriters (in shares)	2,875,000	1,832,410	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	11,700,000	9,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of equity incentive compensation plans maintained by the company	'	'	'	3	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase in total number of shares available for grant	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000	'	'
Total number of shares authorized	'	'	'	'	'	2,000,000	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), biannual plan duration	'	'	'	'	'	'	'6 months	'
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), employee purchase price percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	85.00%	'
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), annual employee contribution limit percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'
Accelerated compensation cost	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25,000	'
Employee stock purchase plan ESPP, total shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,250,000

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor2

Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Segment Revenue) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$42,247	$42,277	$86,458	$91,583
Fiber Optics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	23,620	23,130	46,912	52,808
Photovoltaics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$18,627	$19,147	$39,546	$38,775

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor3

Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Region) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$42,247	$42,277	$86,458	$91,583
United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	27,016	28,324	55,113	62,991
Asia	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	11,093	8,825	21,380	17,725
Europe	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	3,986	4,892	9,420	10,105
Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$152	$236	$545	$762

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor4

Segment Data and Related Information (Statement of Operations Data) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	($5,249)	$12,171	($7,489)	$15,017
Fiber Optics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-7,320	7,892	-13,891	7,497
Photovoltaics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	$2,071	$4,279	$6,402	$7,520

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor5

Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Depreciation, Amortization, and Accretion Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	$2,095	$2,044	$4,163	$4,062
Fiber Optics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	1,456	1,384	2,940	2,666
Photovoltaics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense	$639	$660	$1,223	$1,396

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor6

Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,104	$1,051	$2,239	$2,133
Fiber Optics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	674	702	1,429	1,428
Photovoltaics	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$430	$349	$810	$705

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor7

Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Long-lived Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$69,247	$72,287
Fiber Optics	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	21,490	23,804
Photovoltaics	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	39,408	40,048
Unallocated Corporate	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$8,349	$8,435

Segment_Data_and_Related_Infor8

Segment Data and Related Information (Other Disclosures) (Details)	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	segment		Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk
	division		Sales Revenue, Segment	Sales Revenue, Segment	Sales Revenue, Segment	Sales Revenue, Segment	Sales Revenue, Segment	Sales Revenue, Segment	Sales Revenue, Segment	Sales Revenue, Segment
			Photovoltaics	Photovoltaics	Photovoltaics	Photovoltaics	Fiber Optics	Fiber Optics	Fiber Optics	Fiber Optics
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reporting segments	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue by customer, percentage	'	'	12.00%	0.00%	11.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Percentage of long-lived assets located in the United States	81.00%	80.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Suncore_Joint_Venture_Details

Suncore Joint Venture (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2011

Aug. 06, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

CPV

CPV

Suncore

Suncore

Suncore

Suncore

Suncore

Suncore

Emcore Solar New Mexico

Emcore Solar New Mexico

CPV Solar Cell License Agreement:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

License agreement, expected proceeds over term

'

$0.80

$2.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Licenses Revenue

0.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summarized Financial Information:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of assets

'

'

'

2.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepaid expense and other assets, current, portion of sales price of productive assets

'

'

'

'

2.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, revenue

'

'

'

'

'

0.1

2.9

0.9

5.5

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

0.3

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

Equity method investment, purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.8

'

'

Equity method investment, sale of interest, deferred revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.3

'

'

'

Gain on sale of equity method investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4.80

'

'

'