EMCORE (EMKR) 10-K 14 Dec 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 07, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EMCORE CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	808,326
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,711,928
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 156.3

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 81,685	$ 55,514	$ 60,971
Cost of revenue	52,994	43,400	48,705
Gross profit	28,691	12,114	12,266
Operating expense (income):
Selling, general, and administrative	24,711	23,239	18,492
Research and development	9,119	9,306	10,509
Gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation	(845)	0	0
Flood-related insurance proceeds	0	0	(7,790)
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	228	(100)	0
Total operating expense	33,213	32,445	21,211
Operating loss	(4,522)	(20,331)	(8,945)
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	75	(522)	(800)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain	(138)	(7)	283
Gain on sale of investment	0	307	0
Change in fair value of financial instruments	122	34	515
Other income	0	51	0
Total other income (expense)	59	(137)	(2)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit	(4,463)	(20,468)	(8,947)
Income tax benefit	2,191	24,550	3,393
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(2,272)	4,082	(5,554)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	65,372	770	10,542
Net income	63,100	4,852	4,988
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	(990)	214	247
Comprehensive income	$ 62,110	$ 5,066	$ 5,235
Net (loss) income per basic share:
Net (loss) income per basic share, continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.13	$ (0.21)
Net income per basic share, discontinued operations (in usd per share)	2.18	0.03	0.40
Net income per basic share (in usd per share)	2.10	0.16	0.19
Net (loss) income per diluted share:
Net (loss) income per diluted share, continuing operations (in usd per share)	(0.08)	0.13	(0.21)
Net income per diluted share, discontinued operations (in usd per share)	2.18	0.03	0.40
Net income per diluted share (in usd per share)	$ 2.10	$ 0.16	$ 0.19
Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding (in shares)	30,012	30,453	26,531
Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	30,012	30,777	26,531

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 111,885	$ 20,687
Restricted cash	375	1,482
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $462 and $116, respectively	17,319	12,769
Inventory	17,130	15,644
Deferred income taxes, net	0	3,908
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,976	5,336
Current assets of discontinued operations	0	44,065
Total current assets	151,685	103,891
Property, plant, and equipment, net	8,925	10,446
Other intangible assets, net	0	82
Deferred income taxes, net	0	20,172
Other non-current assets, net of allowance of $3,561 and $3,561, respectively	297	512
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	0	56,239
Total assets	160,907	191,342
Current liabilities:
Borrowings from credit facility	0	26,518
Accounts payable	7,189	6,804
Deferred gain associated with sale of assets	3,400	3,400
Warrant liability	0	122
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	13,102	15,209
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	20,924
Total current liabilities	23,691	72,977
Asset retirement obligations	1,774	4,543
Other long-term liabilities	0	755
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	720
Total liabilities	$ 25,465	$ 78,995
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
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; 32,586 shares issued and 25,676 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2015; 31,149 shares issued and 31,109 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2014	762,003	755,368
Treasury stock at cost; 6,910 shares as of September 30, 2015 and 40 shares as of September 30, 2014	(47,721)	(2,071)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	847	1,837
Accumulated deficit	(579,687)	(642,787)
Total shareholders’ equity	135,442	112,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 160,907	$ 191,342

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts receivable:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 462	$ 116
Other non-current assets:
Allowance for non-current assets	$ 3,561	$ 3,561
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,882,000	5,882,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	32,586,000	31,149,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	25,676,000	31,109,000
Treasury stock, shares held (in shares)	6,910,000	40,000

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012		24,372,000
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 69,023	$ 722,345	$ (2,071)	$ 1,376	$ (652,627)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	4,988				4,988
Translation adjustment	247			247
Stock-based compensation (in shares)		475,000
Stock-based compensation	4,027	$ 4,027
Stock option exercises (in shares)		79,000
Stock option exercises	395	$ 395
Issuance of common stock - ESPP (in shares)		344,000
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	$ 1,292	$ 1,292
Issuance of common stock - ODPP (in shares)	4,500	5,000
Issuance of common stock - ODPP	$ 18	$ 18
Issuance of common stock from stock sales (in shares)		4,707,000
Issuance of common stock from stock sales	21,189	$ 21,189
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013		29,982,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	101,179	$ 749,266	(2,071)	1,623	(647,639)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	4,852				4,852
Translation adjustment	214			214
Stock-based compensation (in shares)		633,000
Stock-based compensation	4,074	$ 4,074
Stock option exercises (in shares)		120,000
Stock option exercises	573	$ 573
Issuance of common stock - ESPP (in shares)		341,000
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	$ 1,182	$ 1,182
Issuance of common stock - ODPP (in shares)	1,600	2,000
Issuance of common stock - ODPP	$ 8	$ 8
Issuance of common stock - Board of Directors (in shares)		31,000
Issuance of common stock - Board of Directors	$ 265	$ 265
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	31,109,000	31,109,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 112,347	$ 755,368	(2,071)	1,837	(642,787)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	63,100				63,100
Translation adjustment	(990)			(990)
Stock-based compensation (in shares)		948,000
Stock-based compensation	4,320	$ 4,320
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)		(6,870,000)
Purchase of treasury stock	$ (45,650)	$ 0	(45,650)
Stock option exercises (in shares)	289,467	290,000
Stock option exercises	$ 1,409	$ 1,409
Issuance of common stock - ESPP (in shares)		121,000
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	$ 493	$ 493
Issuance of common stock - ODPP (in shares)	0
Issuance of common stock - Board of Directors (in shares)		78,000
Issuance of common stock - Board of Directors	$ 413	$ 413
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015	25,676,000	25,676,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 135,442	$ 762,003	$ (47,721)	$ 847	$ (579,687)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 63,100	$ 4,852	$ 4,988
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense	2,952	8,518	8,688
Stock-based compensation expense	4,586	4,439	4,209
Deferred income taxes	24,080	(24,080)	0
Gain on sale of an investment	0	(307)	(4,800)
Provision adjustments related to doubtful accounts	556	245	119
Provision adjustments related to product warranty	838	2,114	2,914
Provision for losses on inventory purchase commitments	0	306	0
Change in fair value of financial instruments	(122)	(34)	(515)
Gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation	(845)	0	0
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment	(744)	0	0
Net loss on disposal (gain) of equipment	237	(100)	0
Settlement of customer related warranty claim	(442)	0	0
Expiration of specific historical sales allowance	(345)	0	0
Adjustments of unrecognized gross tax benefits	(207)	0	0
Non-cash insurance proceeds	0	0	(16,134)
Gain on sale of assets	0	0	(338)
Total non-cash adjustments	(58,408)	(8,899)	(5,857)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	3,526	(3,290)	(4,967)
Inventory	(3,440)	5,481	2,016
Other assets	359	2,879	5,370
Accounts payable	(3,231)	3,113	(14,032)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(5,823)	(3,135)	(9,623)
Total change in operating assets and liabilities	(8,609)	5,048	(21,236)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(3,917)	1,001	(22,105)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash proceeds from sale of investment	0	307	0
Cash proceeds from sale of equity method investment	0	0	4,800
Purchase of equipment	(2,799)	(3,001)	(7,242)
Deposits on equipment orders	0	0	(3)
Flood-related insurance proceeds from equipment	0	0	5,373
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0	1,150
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	1,107	(667)	(733)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	50	100	484
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	165,276	(3,261)	3,829
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on credit facilities	(26,518)	4,813	2,390
Repurchases of common stock	(45,650)	0	0
Proceeds from sale of common stock	0	0	21,189
Proceeds from stock plans	1,902	1,763	1,705
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(70,266)	6,576	25,284
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency	105	267	49
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	91,198	4,583	7,057
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	20,687	16,104	9,047
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	111,885	20,687	16,104
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for interest	194	429	704
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	938	0	15
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Forgiveness of capital lease and accounts payable	0	0	10,761
Changes in accounts payable related to purchases of equipment	514	0	0
Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Gain on sale of business	(86,958)	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of business	149,936	0	0
Digital Products Business [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Gain on sale of business	(1,994)	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of business	$ 16,982	$ 0	$ 0

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Business Overview EMCORE Corporation and its subsidiaries (referred to herein as the “Company”, “we”, “our”, or “EMCORE”), established in 1984 as a New Jersey corporation, designs and manufactures Indium Phosphide (InP) optical chips, components, subsystems and systems for the broadband and specialty fiber optics market. EMCORE is a provider of optical components, as well complete end-to end solutions for high-speed communications network infrastructures enabling systems and service providers to meet growing demand for bandwidth and connectivity. EMCORE's advance optical technologies are designed for Cable Television (CATV), Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) networks, telecommunications and data centers, satellite communications, aerospace and defense, wireless networks, and broadcast and professional audio/video systems. With its InP semiconductor wafer fabrication facility, EMCORE has fully vertically-integrated manufacturing capability and also provides contract design, foundry and component packaging services. We currently have one reporting segment: Fiber Optics. Until the first quarter of 2015, we operated as two segments: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics. EMCORE's Solar Photovoltaics business, which was sold in December 2014, provided products for space power applications including high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells and complete satellite solar panels. In addition, EMCORE sold certain assets, and transferred certain liabilities, of the Company's telecommunications business, including the ITLA, micro-ITLA, T-TOSA and T-XFP product lines within the Company’s telecommunications business in January 2015. In addition to organic growth and development of our existing Fiber Optics market, we intend to pursue other strategies to enhance shareholder value, which may include acquisitions, investments in joint ventures, partnerships, and other strategic alternatives, such as dispositions, reorganizations, recapitalizations or other similar transactions. Accordingly, the Strategy Committee of the Board of Directors and our management may from time to time be engaged in evaluating potential strategic opportunities and may enter into definitive agreements with respect to, such transactions or other strategic alternatives. Sale of Photovoltaics and Digital Products Businesses On September 17, 2014 , EMCORE entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Photovoltaics Agreement”) with SolAero Technologies Corporation ("SolAero") (formerly known as Photon Acquisition Corporation) pursuant to which SolAero agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets, and assume substantially all of the liabilities, primarily related to or used in connection with the Company's photovoltaics business, including EMCORE's subsidiaries EMCORE Solar Power, Inc. and EMCORE IRB Company, LLC (collectively, the "Photovoltaics Business" and, the sale of the Photovoltaics Business, the "Photovoltaics Asset Sale") for $150.0 million in cash, prior to a $0.1 million working capital adjustment pursuant to the Photovoltaics Agreement finalized and paid by EMCORE during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 . On December 10, 2014 , EMCORE completed the Photovoltaics Asset Sale. On October 22, 2014 , EMCORE entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Digital Products Agreement") with NeoPhotonics Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("NeoPhotonics"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell certain assets, and transfer certain liabilities, of the Company's telecommunications business (collectively, the "Digital Products Business" and, the sale of the Digital Products Business, the "Digital Products Assets Sale") to NeoPhotonics for an aggregate purchase price of $17.5 million , subject to certain adjustments, consisting of $1.5 million in cash at closing and a promissory note in the principal amount of $16.0 million (the "Promissory Note"). On January 2, 2015 , EMCORE and NeoPhotonics entered into Amendment No. 1 (the "APA Amendment") to the Digital Products Agreement dated October 22, 2014 . Among other things, the APA Amendment revised the nature and timing of the financial deliverable requirements of the Company to NeoPhotonics under the original Digital Products Agreement. The assets sold pursuant to the Digital Products Agreement included certain fixed assets, inventory, accounts receivable and intellectual property for the ITLA, micro-ITLA, T-TOSA and T-XFP product lines within the Company’s telecommunications business. On January 2, 2015 , EMCORE completed the sale of the Digital Products Business. On April 16, 2015 , EMCORE and NeoPhotonics entered into an agreement to adjust the purchase price resulting in an adjusted balance of the Promissory Note of $15.5 million . On April 17, 2015 , NeoPhotonics paid in full the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note of $15.5 million , plus accrued interest of $0.2 million . The Photovoltaics Asset Sale and Digital Products Asset Sale are reported as discontinued operations. Also see Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4 - Discontinued Operations. 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 business. 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 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 September 30, 2015 and 2014 . 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. 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 . There remains a deferred gain of $3.4 million related to our indemnification obligation to SEI and an escrow receivable of $1.9 million as of September 30, 2015 , as claims were made under the Master Purchase Agreement against these balances prior to the end of the indemnification period in May 2014. We are not able to determine at this time the outcome of any potential settlements associated with the remaining claims and as a result have not recorded any related adjustments to the deferred gain amount. 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 fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 , we recognized $3.3 million and $2.8 million , respectively, related to TSA fees and facility rental income which was recorded as a benefit against operating expenses incurred for such services in discontinued operations. The TSA included a $0.5 million credit to be applied against fees earned by Emcore over a twelve-month period through May 2013. We also incurred $0.6 million in expenses directly associated with this transaction. The TSA credit and transaction-related expenses incurred were applied against the proceeds received in determination of the gain recognized during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. Liquidity and Capital Resources Historically, we have consumed cash from operations and incurred significant net losses. We have managed our liquidity position through sale of assets, a series of cost reduction initiatives, borrowings from our credit facility and capital markets transactions. On June 15, 2015 , we completed the modified "Dutch auction" tender offer (the "Tender Offer") and purchased 6.9 million shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $6.55 per share, for an aggregate cost of $45.0 million excluding fees and expenses. Repurchased common stock was recorded to treasury stock. The Company incurred costs of $0.7 million in connection with the Tender Offer, which were recorded to treasury stock. As of September 30, 2015 , cash and cash equivalents totaled $111.9 million and net working capital totaled approximately $128.0 million . Net working capital, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities, is a financial metric we use which represents available operating liquidity. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , we earned net income of $63.1 million . For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the following changes to our liquidity occurred: • Sale of Photovoltaics Business : On December 10, 2014 , we completed the sale of our Photovoltaics Business for $150.0 million in cash prior to working capital adjustments of $0.1 million . We believe these proceeds will provide us with working capital for fiscal year 2016 and beyond. • Sale of Digital Products Business : On January 2, 2015 , we completed the sale of our Digital Products Business for $1.5 million in cash and an adjusted Promissory Note balance of $15.5 million . On April 17, 2015 , NeoPhotonics paid in full the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note of $15.5 million , plus accrued interest of $0.2 million . • Credit Facility : On November 11, 2010, we entered into a Credit and Security Agreement (credit facility) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"). The credit facility, as it has been amended through its seventh amendment, currently provides us with a revolving credit of up to $15.0 million through November 2018 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. On December 3, 2014 , we entered into a Sixth Amendment to the credit facility, pursuant to which Wells Fargo agrees, to automatically release all encumbrances covering certain of the Company’s assets to be sold pursuant to the Photovoltaics Agreement and the Digital Products Agreement. In addition, on December 10, 2014 upon notice to Wells Fargo of the closing of the transaction contemplated by the Photovoltaics Agreement, the maximum borrowing allowed under the credit facility was reduced from $35.0 million to $15.0 million , and certain other changes to the borrowing base calculations went into effect. As of September 30, 2015 , there were no amounts outstanding under the credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants. As of September 30, 2015 , the credit facility had approximately $0.9 million reserved for three stand-by letters of credit, leaving a remaining $8.6 million of borrowing available under the credit facility. As of December 14, 2015 , there was no outstanding balance under this credit facility. On November 10, 2015 , we entered into a Seventh Amendment of the credit facility which extended the maturity date of the facility to November 2018 , and adjusted the interest rate to LIBOR plus 2.5% .

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation : Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and include the assets, liabilities, shareholders' equity, and operating results of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. 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. Prior Period Reclassifications : On December 10, 2014 , we sold our Photovoltaics business to SolAero. On January 2, 2015 , we sold our Digital Products Business to NeoPhotonics. The Photovoltaics Asset Sale and Digital Asset Sale are reported as discontinued operations, which require retrospective restatement of prior periods to classify the results of operations as discontinued operations. We have also reclassified the assets and liabilities that were sold to "assets of discontinued operations" and "liabilities of discontinued operations" within current and non-current assets and liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 . No Photovoltaics or Digital Products assets or liabilities that were sold remain on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2015 . The financial results of the Photovoltaics Business and the Digital Products Business are presented as "discontinued operations" on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . See Note 4 - Discontinued Operations for additional information. The notes to our consolidated financial statements relate to our continuing operations only, unless otherwise indicated. Reclassification of prior period amounts related to discontinued operations as a result of the sale of the Photovoltaics and Digital Products Businesses have been made to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. There were no other reclassifications expect for amounts related to discontinued operations. Use of Estimates : The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. The accounting estimates that require our most significant, difficult, and/or subjective judgments include: • the valuation of inventory, intangible assets, warrants and stock-based compensation; • the useful lives of assets and assessment of recovery of long-lived assets; • asset retirement obligations and contingencies, including litigation and indemnification-related; • the allowance for doubtful accounts and warranty accruals; and, • the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. We develop estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the best information available to us. Our reported financial position or results of operations may be materially different under changed conditions or when using different estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to significant accounting policies. In the event that estimates or assumptions prove to differ from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. Concentration of Credit Risk : Financial instruments that may subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in safekeeping primarily with Wells Fargo. When necessary, we perform credit evaluations on our customers' financial condition and occasionally we request deposits in advance of shipping product to our customers. These financial evaluations require significant judgment and are based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current economic trends, historical payment patterns, bad debt write-off experience, and financial review of the particular customer. Cash and Cash Equivalents : Cash and cash equivalents consists primarily of bank deposits and highly liquid short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Restricted Cash : Restricted cash represents recently deposited cash that is temporarily restricted by our bank in accordance with the terms of the outstanding credit facility. Accounts Receivable : We regularly evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to meet their financial obligations to us. The allowance is based on the age of receivables and a specific identification of receivables considered at risk of collection. We classify charges associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts as selling, general, and administrative expense. Inventory : Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the standard cost method that includes material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs, which approximates weighted average cost. We write-down inventory once it has been determined that conditions exist that may not allow the inventory to be sold for its intended purpose or the inventory is determined to be excess or obsolete based on our forecasted future sales. The charge related to inventory write-downs is recorded as a cost of revenue. The majority of the inventory write-downs are related to inventory whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value and on excess raw material components resulting from finished product obsolescence. We do not track the selling price of individual raw material components that have been previously written down or written off, since such raw material components usually are only a portion of the finished products and related sales price. We evaluate inventory levels at least quarterly against sales forecasts on a significant part-by-part basis, in addition to determining its overall inventory risk. We have incurred, and may in the future incur charges to write-down our inventory. Property, Plant, and Equipment : Our property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Estimated Useful Life Equipment — three to ten years Furniture and fixtures — five years Computer hardware and software — five to seven years Leasehold improvements — three to six years Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the asset life or the lease term. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. The costs for major renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives of the related asset. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of the assets are removed from the accounts upon disposition and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. Other intangible assets : Our intangible assets consists primarily of intellectual property that has been internally-developed or acquired. Acquired intangible assets include core technology, trademarks and trade names, and customer contracts. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives that could range up to fifteen years. Valuation of Long-lived Assets : Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant, and equipment, net and intangible assets. Since our long-lived assets are subject to amortization, we review these assets for impairment in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Our impairment testing of long-lived assets consists of determining whether the carrying amount of the long-lived asset (asset group) is recoverable, in other words, whether the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset (asset group) exceeds its carrying amount. The determination of the existence of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows related to an asset or group of assets. In making this determination, we use certain assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, the length of service that assets will be used in our operations, and estimated salvage values. Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations : Pursuant to ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations , an asset retirement obligation is recorded when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset and the fair value of the liability can reasonably be estimated. Upon initial recognition of an asset retirement obligation, a company increases the carrying amount of the long-lived asset by the same amount as the liability. Over time, the liabilities are accreted for the change in their present value through charges to operations costs. The initial capitalized costs are depleted over the useful lives of the related assets through charges to depreciation, and/or amortization. If the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligation changes, an adjustment is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the asset retirement 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. We have known asset retirement conditions, such as certain asset decommissioning and restoration of rented facilities to be performed in the future. We previously completed a review of our asset retirement and environmental obligations and we recorded an asset retirement obligation with an offset to fixed assets totaling $1.8 million and $4.5 million as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. See Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencie s for additional information. Fair Value of Financial Instruments : We determine the fair value of our financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Equity investments : We accounted for our equity investment in our Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. ("Suncore") joint venture in accordance with ASC 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures . An equity investment, in which we exercised significant influence but did not control and were not the primary beneficiary, was accounted for using the equity method. We regularly reviewed our investment to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis was other than temporary. In our opinion, neither San'an Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. ("San'an") nor EMCORE held a controlling financial interest in Suncore because neither party had exclusive authority over decision-making related to significant ordinary course of business actions such as establishing a budget, compensation, and the hiring and firing of certain executive personnel. In June 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell our 40% registered ownership interest in Suncore to San'An for a purchase price of $4.8 million . The sale closed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. S ee Note 4 - Discontinued Operations for additional information. Revenue Recognition : Revenue is recognized upon shipment, provided persuasive evidence of a contract exists, the price is fixed, the product meets our customer's specifications, title and ownership have transferred to the customer, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The majority of our products have shipping terms that are free on board or free carrier alongside (FCA) shipping point, which means that we fulfill our delivery obligation when the goods are handed over to the freight carrier at our shipping dock. This means the customer bears all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that point. In certain cases, we pay for the cost of shipping and insurance to the customer's designated location but we invoice those costs to the customer. Under this arrangement, revenue is recognized under FCA shipping point terms. We account for shipping and related transportation costs by recording the charges that are invoiced to customers as revenue, with the corresponding cost recorded as cost of revenue. In those instances where inventory is maintained at a consigned location, revenue is recognized only when our customer pulls product for use and after title and ownership has transferred to the customer. Any warranty cost and remaining obligations that are inconsequential or perfunctory are accrued when the corresponding revenue is recognized. Distributors: We use a number of distributors around the world and recognize revenue upon shipment of product to these distributors. Title and risk of loss pass to the distributors upon shipment, and our distributors are contractually obligated to pay us on standard commercial terms, just like direct customers. We do not sell to our distributors on consignment and, except in the event of product discontinuance, do not give distributors a right of return. Contract Manufacturers: Prior to certain customers accepting product that is manufactured at one of our contract manufacturers, these customers require that they first qualify the product and manufacturing processes at our contract manufacturer. The customers' qualification process determines whether the product manufactured at our contract manufacturer achieves their quality, performance, and reliability standards. After a customer completes the initial qualification process, we receive approval to ship qualified product to that customer. As part of the manufacturing process at our contract manufacturers, the finished product is tested prior to shipment to the customer using the same criteria that our customer uses to test product it receives. Revenue is recognized upon shipment of customer-qualified product, provided persuasive evidence of a contract exists, the price is fixed, the product meets our customer's specifications, title and ownership have transferred to the customer, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. Product Warranty Reserves : We provide our customers with limited rights of return for non-conforming shipments and warranty claims for certain products. Pursuant to ASC 450, Contingencies, we make estimates of product warranty expense using historical experience rates as a percentage of revenue and accrue estimated warranty expense as a cost of revenue. We estimate the costs of our warranty obligations based on historical experience of known product failure rates and anticipated rates of warranty claims, use of materials to repair or replace defective products, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product issues. In addition, from time to time, specific warranty accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise. Should our actual experience relative to these factors differ from our estimates, we may be required to record additional warranty reserves. Alternatively, if we provide more reserves than needed, we may reverse a portion of such provisions in future periods. Litigation Contingencies : We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and litigation, either asserted or unasserted that arise in the ordinary course of business. 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. Research and Development : Research and development costs are charged as an expense when incurred. Stock-Based Compensation : Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the stock option grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded to cost of revenue, sales, general, and administrative, and research and development expense based on an employee's responsibility and function over the requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the straight-line attribution approach to determine the fair value of stock-based awards in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation. This option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option's expected life, the price volatility and risk-free interest rate of the underlying stock, and expected forfeitures. Insurance Recoveries : Insurance recoveries related to impairment losses previously recorded and other recoverable expenses will be recognized up to the amount of our related loss or expense in the period that recoveries become realizable. Insurance recoveries under business interruption coverage and insurance gains in excess of amounts previously written off related to impaired inventory and equipment or in excess of other recoverable expenses previously recognized will be recognized when they become realizable and all contingencies have been resolved. The evaluation of insurance recoveries requires estimates and judgments about future results which affect reported amounts and certain disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As of September 30, 2015 , we do not expect to receive any further insurance recoveries. Foreign Exchange : We recognize gains and losses due to the effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency primarily due to our operations in China. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated from their respective functional currencies into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet dates, and the revenue and expense amounts are translated at the average rate during the applicable periods reflected on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, both realized and unrealized, are recorded as foreign exchange (loss) gain on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Income Taxes : In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. We record valuation allowances against all deferred tax assets for amounts which are not considered more likely to be realized. Comprehensive Income : ASC 220, Comprehensive Income , establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in financial statements. It requires that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in the financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. Our comprehensive income consists of both net income and foreign currency translation adjustments and it is presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Income (Loss) Per Share : We are required, in periods in which we have net income, to calculate basic and diluted income per share using the two-class method. The two-class method is required because our unvested restricted stock awards are considered participating securities as these securities have the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents should we declare dividends on our common stock. Under the two-class method, during periods of net income, net income is first reduced for distributions declared on all classes of securities to arrive at undistributed earnings. The undistributed earnings are then allocated on a pro-rata basis between the common shareholders and participating securities holders. The weighted-average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period is then used to calculate basic and diluted income per share. In periods in which we have a net loss, basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity . This standard changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. While early adoption is allowed, we have determined that we would not early adopt and as a result this accounting standard update will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In May 2014, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the convergence of U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Under the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs the seller satisfies a performance obligation by transferring to the customer promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers to defer the effective date of implementation by one year. The new standard will be effective for us beginning October 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted as of October 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We anticipate this standard will not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern . The standard provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in the financial statements. In addition, the standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. The guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. This accounting standard update will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . The standard simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. This standard requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value and applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in-first-out and the retail inventory method. Under this guidance, net realizable value is one of several calculations an entity needs to make to measure inventory at lower of cost or market. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. Under this guidance, organizations that present a classified balance sheet are required to classify all deferred taxes as non-current assets or non-current liabilities. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The new standard will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations Sale of Photovoltaics Business On September 17, 2014 , EMCORE entered into the Photovoltaics Agreement with SolAero pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell the Photovoltaics Business for $150.0 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. On December 10, 2014 , EMCORE completed the Photovoltaics Asset Sale. The financial results of the Photovoltaics Business are reported as discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. In connection with this transaction, we sold net assets of $60.3 million to SolAero and incurred transaction costs of $2.7 million . During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , we recognized a gain of $56.8 million , net of tax on the sale of the Photovoltaics Business which is recorded within discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , we made a payment of $0.1 million to SolAero to complete the working capital adjustment under the Photovoltaic Agreement. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , we recognized gains of $0.4 million associated with the settlement of outstanding obligations on retained product warranties associated with the Photovoltaics Business. We have classified the assets and liabilities that were sold as "assets of discontinued operations" and "liabilities of discontinued operations" within current and non-current assets and liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 . As of September 30, 2014 , the carrying amount of goodwill related to the Photovoltaics Business was $20.4 million and this balance was reclassified to non-current assets of discontinued operations. No assets and liabilities of the Photovoltaics Business that were sold remain on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2015 . The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to the Photovoltaics Business as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 : As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, Assets of discontinued operations: Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0 $ — $ 17,827 Inventory — 7,203 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1,512 Current assets of discontinued operations — 26,542 Property, plant and equipment, net — 26,660 Goodwill — 20,384 Other non-current assets, net — 254 Non-current assets of discontinued operations — 47,298 Total assets of discontinued operations $ — $ 73,840 Liabilities of discontinued operations: Accounts payable $ — $ 4,640 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities — 5,398 Current liabilities of discontinued operations — 10,038 Asset retirement obligations — 720 Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations — 720 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ — $ 10,758 The following table presents the statements of operations for the discontinued operations of the Photovoltaics Business: For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ 12,614 $ 73,226 $ 71,170 Cost of revenue 8,245 52,317 52,806 Gross profit 4,369 20,909 18,364 Operating expense 2,240 6,654 5,107 Other income 779 17 90 Gain on sale of equity method investment — — 4,800 Gain on sale of discontinued operations 86,958 — — Income from discontinued operations before income tax 89,866 14,272 18,147 Income tax expense (28,700 ) (5,412 ) (4,536 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 61,166 $ 8,860 $ 13,611 In March 2013, we sold certain solar assets and our ownership interest in Emcore Solar New Mexico (“ESNM”) to Suncore for $1.5 million . In June 2013, we entered into an agreement to transfer our 40% registered ownership interest in Suncore to San'an for a purchase price of $4.8 million . Upon completion of the share transfer, the Company recognized $3.3 million of deferred revenue from Suncore as well as the resulting gain of $4.8 million on our registered ownership interest which was recorded within discontinued operations. Sale of Digital Products Business On October 22, 2014 , EMCORE entered into the Digital Products Agreement with NeoPhotonics pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell certain assets, and transferred certain liabilities of the Company's Digital Products Business to NeoPhotonics for an aggregate purchase price of $17.5 million , subject to certain purchase price adjustments, consisting of $1.5 million in cash at closing and the Promissory Note. The Promissory Note provided that it would bear interest of 5.0% per annum for the first year and 13.0% per annum for the second year, payable semi-annually in cash, and would mature two years from the closing of the transaction. In addition, the Promissory Note was subject to prepayments under certain circumstances, and is secured by certain of the assets sold to NeoPhotonics in the transaction. On January 2, 2015 , EMCORE and NeoPhotonics entered into the APA Amendment. Among other things, the APA Amendment revised the nature and timing of the financial deliverable requirements of the Company to NeoPhotonics under the original Digital Products Agreement. The assets sold pursuant to the Digital Products Agreement included certain fixed assets, inventory, accounts receivable and intellectual property for the ITLA, micro-ITLA, T-TOSA and T-XFP product lines within the Company’s telecommunications business. On January 2, 2015 , EMCORE completed the sale of the Digital Products Business. On April 16, 2015 , EMCORE and NeoPhotonics entered into an agreement to adjust the purchase price resulting in an adjusted balance of the Promissory Note of $15.5 million . On April 17, 2015 , NeoPhotonics paid in full the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note of $15.5 million , plus accrued interest of $0.2 million . The financial results of the Digital Products Business are reported as discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . In connection with this transaction, we sold net assets of $13.3 million to NeoPhotonics and incurred transaction costs of $1.6 million . During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , we recognized a gain of $2.0 million on the sale of the Digital Products Business which is recorded within discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. We have classified the assets and liabilities that were sold within the descriptions "assets of discontinued operations" and "liabilities of discontinued operations" within current and non-current assets and liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 . No assets or liabilities from the Digital Products Business remain on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2015 . The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to the Digital Products Business as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 : As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, Assets held for sale: Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0 and $17, respectively $ — $ 14,268 Inventory — 3,225 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 30 Current assets of discontinued operations — 17,523 Property, plant and equipment, net — 7,881 Other intangible assets, net — 1,060 Non-current assets of discontinued operations — 8,941 Total assets of discontinued operations $ — $ 26,464 Liabilities held for sale: Accounts payable — 10,848 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities — 38 Current liabilities of discontinued operations $ — $ 10,886 The following table presents the statements of operations for the discontinued operations of the Digital Products Business: For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ 11,944 $ 46,038 $ 36,006 Cost of revenue 9,107 46,387 38,438 Gross profit (loss) 2,837 (349 ) (2,432 ) Operating expense 2,800 12,683 12,870 Flood-related insurance proceeds — — (11,210 ) Gain on sale of discontinued operations 1,994 — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax 2,031 (13,032 ) (4,092 ) Income tax benefit 2,175 4,942 1,023 Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ 4,206 $ (8,090 ) $ (3,069 ) During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 , we recorded flood-related insurance proceeds of $11.2 million within discontinued operations. See Note 11 - Impact of Thailand Flood for additional information.

Fair Value Accounting

Fair Value Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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. • Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly, through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets or liabilities at fair value. Classification of an asset or liability within this hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. 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 September 30, 2015 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 111,885 — — $ 111,885 Restricted cash 375 — — 375 As of September 30, 2014 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,687 — — $ 20,687 Restricted cash 1,482 — — 1,482 Liabilities: Warrant liability — 122 — 122 Cash consists primarily of bank deposits or, 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 September 30, 2014 , warrants representing the right to purchase 400,001 shares, of our common stock were outstanding. Since the warrants expired on April 1, 2015 , no warrants were outstanding as of September 30, 2015 . All of our warrants met the classification requirements for liability accounting pursuant to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging . Historically, recording the change in the fair value of our warrants impacted our statements of operations and comprehensive income and was primarily due to the change in the closing price of our common stock. Assumptions used in Monte Carlo Option Valuation Model Warrants issued on October 1, 2009 As of September 30, 2015 As of September 30, 2014 Number of warrants issued — 400,001 Expiration date — 4/1/2015 Exercise price — $6.76 - $9.44 Expected dividend yield — — Expected stock price volatility — 51.71 % Risk-free interest rate — 0.30 % Expected term (in years) — 0.5 Total warrant valuation — $121,667 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. Impairment tests related to our long-lived assets involves comparing fair value to carrying amount. See Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment for disclosures related to recent long-lived asset impairment tests.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The components of accounts receivable consisted of the following: As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, 2014 Accounts receivable, gross $ 17,781 $ 12,885 Allowance for doubtful accounts (462 ) (116 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 17,319 $ 12,769 The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the age of receivables and a specific identification of receivables considered at risk of collection. The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts within accounts receivable: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (in thousands) For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 116 $ 22 $ 108 Provision adjustment - expense, net of recoveries 556 54 — Write-offs and other adjustments - additions (deductions) to receivable balances (210 ) 40 (86 ) Balance at end of period $ 462 $ 116 $ 22

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	Inventory The components of inventory consisted of the following: As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, 2014 Raw materials $ 9,261 $ 7,255 Work in-process 3,207 4,403 Finished goods 4,662 3,986 Inventory $ 17,130 $ 15,644

Property, Plant, and Equipment,

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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) September 30, September 30, 2014 Equipment $ 24,913 $ 23,185 Furniture and fixtures 1,109 1,109 Computer hardware and software 2,177 2,026 Leasehold improvements 1,480 5,576 Construction in progress 875 49 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 30,554 31,945 Accumulated depreciation (21,629 ) (21,499 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 8,925 $ 10,446 During fiscal 2015 , as a result of a revision in the estimated amount of cash flows for asset retirement obligations ("ARO") relating to the extension of the Alhambra facility leases and changes in the required restoration efforts, the Company reduced its ARO liability by $ 2.9 million with an offsetting reduction to leasehold improvements of $2.1 million , net ( $4.0 million of leasehold improvements and $1.9 million of accumulated depreciation) and recorded a gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation of $ 0.8 million . Also see Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies. Depreciation expense totaled $2.1 million , $2.5 million and $2.4 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Impairment Testing The impairment tests for our long-lived assets involve comparing fair value to the carrying amount. If the carrying value of the long-lived assets (asset group) exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets, impairment may exist. We derive fair value using both a guideline public company valuation method, a market based approach, and on a lesser extent, the discounted cash flow valuation method, an income based approach. A guideline public company valuation method entails a comparison to publicly traded companies within similar industry, product lines, market, growth, margins and risk and is generally based on published data regarding the public companies' stock price, revenue, and earnings. The discounted cash flow valuation method is based on discounted cash flow models using assumptions about revenue growth rates, appropriate discount rates relative to risk, and estimates of terminal value. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013 , we performed an impairment test on long-lived assets. The impairment test was triggered by a change in long-term financial and cash flow forecasts. The impairment testing indicated that no impairment existed and that future undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying value. As of September 30, 2015 , we performed an impairment test on long-lived assets. The impairment test was triggered by continued losses from operations realized in fiscal year 2015. The impairment testing indicated that no impairment existed and that future undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying value. The Company will assess its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets The following table sets forth the carrying value of intangible assets: (in thousands) As of September 30, 2015 As of September 30, 2014 Gross Assets Accumulated Amortization Net Assets Gross Assets Accumulated Amortization Net Assets Patents $ 3,274 (3,274 ) $ — $ 4,697 (4,615 ) $ 82 Total $ 3,274 $ (3,274 ) $ — $ 4,697 $ (4,615 ) $ 82 Amortization expense related to intangible assets is included in selling, general, and administrative expense on our statement of operations and comprehensive income. See Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment , for discussion on impairment.

Accrued Expenses and Other Curr

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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) September 30, September 30, 2014 Compensation $ 3,036 $ 1,797 Warranty 1,664 2,285 Termination fee 2,775 2,775 Professional fees 1,147 2,181 Customer deposits 133 593 Deferred revenue 65 97 Self insurance 606 1,470 Income and other taxes 1,038 1,433 Loss on sale contracts — 119 Severance and restructuring accruals 1,448 1,317 Loss on inventory purchase commitments — 306 Other 1,190 836 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 13,102 $ 15,209 Compensation : As of September 30, 2015 , compensation liabilities were higher compared to the prior year due to additional accruals for the Company's new bonus plans and higher headcount. Professional Fees : As of September 30, 2015 , professional fees included legal fees associated with on-going litigation. As of September 30, 2014 , professional fees included transaction costs of $1.8 million associated with the sale of the Photovoltaics Business. Income and other taxes : For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , the Company reported $2.2 million of income tax benefit from continuing operations losses and $26.5 million of income tax expense within income from discontinued operations. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 , the Company reported $24.6 million of income tax benefit from continuing operations losses and $0.5 million of income tax expense within income from discontinued operations. The income tax expense within discontinued operations includes estimated alternative minimum tax and other adjustments prescribed by ASC 740 in allocating expected annual income tax expense (benefit) between continuing operations and discontinued operations. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , the Company utilized $24.1 million of deferred tax assets. The Company expects to make a payment for alternative minimum taxes and the remaining income tax expense will be offset mainly through utilization of $24.1 million of deferred tax assets and net operating loss carry forwards. Also see Note 13 - Income and other Taxes. Severance and restructuring accruals : On November 15, 2013 , Mr. Chris Larocca notified the Board of Directors of his decision 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 fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 related to the separation agreement entered into as part of Mr. Larocca's resignation. On September 17, 2014 , Dr. Hong Q. Hou announced he would resign as the Company's Chief Executive Officer, effective as of January 2, 2015 or, if later, fifteen days following the date on which the Company hires a successor Chief Executive Officer. The Company and Dr. Hou entered into a separation agreement and general release, dated September 17, 2014 (Dr. Hou 's Separation Agreement), which includes mutual releases by Dr. Hou and the Company of all claims related to Dr. Hou's employment and service relationship with, and termination of employment and service from, the Company. Dr. Hou's Separation Agreement provides for among other things, the continuation of his base salary for 86 weeks, benefits for 18 months , outplacement services for a period of not more than one year and with a value not in excess of $15,000 and immediate vesting of all his outstanding non-vested equity awards. These payments are not contingent upon any future service by Dr. Hou. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.8 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 related to Dr. Hou's Separation Agreement. On December 10, 2014 , Monica Van Berkel announced she would resign as the Company's Chief Administrative Officer, effective as of January 2, 2015 . The Company and Ms. Van Berkel entered into a separation agreement and general release, dated December 10, 2014 (Ms. Van Berkel 's Separation Agreement), which includes mutual releases by Ms. Van Berkel and the Company of all claims related to Ms. Van Berkel's employment and service relationship with, and termination of employment and service from, the Company. Ms. Van Berkel's Separation Agreement provides for among other things, the continuation of her base salary for 74 weeks, benefits for 18 months, outplacement services for a period of not more than one year and with a value not in excess of $15,000 and immediate vesting of all her outstanding non-vested equity awards. These payments are not contingent upon any future service by Ms. Van Berkel. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.6 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 related to Ms. Van Berkel's Separation Agreement. On December 10, 2014 , Alfredo Gomez announced he would resign as the Company's General Counsel and Secretary, effective as of February 13, 2015 or, if later, following the date on which the Company hires a successor in-house counsel. The Company and Mr. Gomez entered into a separation agreement and general release, dated December 10, 2014 (Mr. Gomez's Separation Agreement), which includes mutual releases by Mr. Gomez and the Company of all claims related to Mr. Gomez's employment and service relationship with, and termination of employment and service from, the Company. Mr. Gomez's Separation Agreement provides for among other things, the continuation of his base salary for 68 weeks, benefits for 18 months outplacement services for a period of not more than one year and with a value not in excess of $15,000 and immediate vesting of all his outstanding non-vested equity awards. These payments are not contingent upon any future service by Mr. Gomez. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.5 million in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 related to Mr. Gomez's Separation Agreement. In connection with the closing of the sale of the Digital Products Business, we accrued for the remaining lease costs of our Newark, California facility through the lease termination of May 2016 . Included in the discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , was $0.7 million related for the remaining lease costs. Our severance and restructuring-related accruals specifically relates to the separation agreements discussed above 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 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 1,776 — 1,776 Payments and accrual adjustments (982 ) (78 ) (1,060 ) Balance as of September 30, 2014 1,317 — 1,317 Expense - charged to accrual 1,216 737 1,953 Payments and accrual adjustments (1,423 ) (399 ) (1,822 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 1,110 $ 338 $ 1,448 Warranty: We generally provide product and other warranties on our 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 Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 2,816 $ 3,881 $ 3,100 Provision for product warranty - expense 838 1,308 2,619 Adjustments and utilization of warranty accrual (1,990 ) (2,373 ) (1,838 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,664 $ 2,816 $ 3,881 Current portion $ 1,664 $ 2,285 $ 3,350 Non-current portion — 531 531 Product warranty liability at end of period $ 1,664 $ 2,816 $ 3,881

Impact from Thailand Flood

Impact from Thailand Flood	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 Digital Products Business and CATV businesses. We rebuilt the impacted production lines at other locations, including an alternative facility of our contract manufacturer in Thailand, as well as our own manufacturing facilities in the United States and China. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 , we recorded flood-related insurance proceeds of $7.8 million in the form of forgiveness of $0.2 million of outstanding capital lease obligations, $1.0 million of outstanding payables and $6.6 million in the form of a receivable, which was paid in cash. No additional flood-related insurance proceeds associated with this event are anticipated. See Note 4 - Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, National Association ("Wells Fargo"). 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. On December 3, 2014 , we entered into a Sixth Amendment to the credit facility, pursuant to which Wells Fargo agreed, to automatically release all encumbrances covering certain of the Company’s assets to be sold pursuant to the Photovoltaics Agreement and the Digital Products Agreement. In addition, on December 10, 2014 , upon notice to Wells Fargo of the closing of the transaction contemplated by the Photovoltaics Agreement, the maximum borrowing allowed under the credit facility was reduced from $35.0 million to $15.0 million , and certain other changes to the borrowing base calculations went into effect. On November 10, 2015 , we entered into a Seventh Amendment of the credit facility which extended the maturity date of the facility to November 2018 , and adjusted the interest rate to LIBOR plus 2.5% . As of September 30, 2015 , there was no amounts outstanding under this credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants. Also as of September 30, 2015 , the credit facility had approximately $0.9 million reserved for three stand-by letters of credit and $8.6 million available for borrowing.

Income and other Taxes

Income and other Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income and other Taxes	Income and other Taxes The Company's loss from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of the following: (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ (5,713 ) $ (19,792 ) $ (8,095 ) Foreign 1,250 (676 ) (852 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (4,463 ) $ (20,468 ) $ (8,947 ) The Company's income tax (benefit) expense consisted of the following: Income tax benefit For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Federal: Current $ — $ — $ — Deferred (1,835 ) (21,285 ) (2,752 ) (1,835 ) (21,285 ) (2,752 ) State: Current — — — Deferred (356 ) (2,454 ) (317 ) (356 ) (2,454 ) (317 ) Foreign: Current — — — Deferred — (811 ) (324 ) — (811 ) (324 ) Total income tax benefit $ (2,191 ) $ (24,550 ) $ (3,393 ) EMCORE Corporation is incorporated in the state of New Jersey. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal and state income tax rates to continuing operations income before provision for income taxes is as follows: Provision for Income Taxes For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income tax benefit computed at U.S. federal statutory rate $ (1,518 ) $ (6,959 ) $ (3,042 ) State tax expense benefit, net of U.S. federal effect (356 ) (776 ) (317 ) Foreign tax rate differential (269 ) 1,041 (34 ) Release of valuation allowance-domestic — (17,856 ) — Other 108 — — Change in valuation allowance (156 ) — — Income tax benefit $ (2,191 ) $ (24,550 ) $ (3,393 ) Effective tax rate 49.1 % 119.9 % 37.9 % Significant components of our deferred tax assets are as follows: Deferred Tax Assets As of September 30, 2015 As of September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Federal net operating loss carryforwards $ 147,704 $ 155,741 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 66 646 Income tax credit carryforwards 3,033 2,641 Inventory reserves 2,283 4,439 Accounts receivable reserves 149 51 Accrued warranty reserve 587 1,171 State net operating loss carryforwards 9,527 10,454 Stock compensation 2,837 3,300 Deferred compensation 1,080 1,647 Fixed assets and intangibles 1,646 10,501 Capital loss carryover — 10,565 Other 1,388 1,868 Total deferred tax assets 170,300 203,024 Valuation allowance (170,300 ) (178,944 ) Net deferred tax assets $ — $ 24,080 At September 30, 2014 , the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets would be realized upon the sale of the Photovoltaic Business in fiscal year 2015 . As a result, a net deferred tax valuation allowance release of $24.6 million was recorded as an income tax benefit during fiscal year 2014 . The sale of the Photovoltaic Business closed on December 10, 2014 and the Company realized a gain on the transaction. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , the Company utilized the $24.6 million of deferred tax assets. The Company paid alternative minimum taxes of $0.6 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and the remaining income tax expense will be offset mainly through utilization of $24.1 million of capital loss and utilization of net operating loss carry forwards. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded income tax benefit from continuing operations losses of approximately $2.2 million , $24.6 million and $3.4 million , respectively. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded income tax expense within discontinued operations of approximately $26.5 million , $0.5 million and $3.5 million , respectively. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , the income tax expense within discontinued operations includes estimated alternative minimum tax and other adjustments prescribed by ASC 740. For fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the effective tax rate on continuing operations was 49.1% , 119.9% and 37.9% , respectively. The lower tax rate for fiscal year 2015 was primarily due to permanent differences, state tax benefits, foreign tax rate differentials, and release of state taxes associated with uncertain tax positions. The higher tax rate for fiscal year 2014 was mainly attributable to the partial release of the valuation allowance. The Company uses estimates to forecast the results from continuing operations for the current fiscal year as well as permanent differences between book and tax accounting. We have not provided for U.S. federal and state income taxes on non-U.S. subsidiaries undistributed earnings as of September 30, 2015 because we plan to indefinitely reinvest the unremitted earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. All remaining deferred tax assets will have a full valuation allowance at September 30, 2015 . However, on a quarterly basis, the Company will evaluate the positive and negative evidence to assess whether the more likely than not criteria, mandated by ASC 740, has been satisfied in determining whether there will be further adjustments to the valuation allowance. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , we decreased previously recorded unrecognized tax benefits by $0.2 million , of which $0.1 million was recognized in income tax benefit from continuing operations and $0.1 million was recognized in income tax expense from discontinued operations. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 , there were no material increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we had approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million , respectively, of interest and penalties accrued as tax liabilities on our balance sheet. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $434.4 million which begin to expire in 2021 . As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $0.5 million which began to expire in 2019 , as well as state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $243.0 million which began to expire in 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 , the Company also had tax credits (primarily foreign income and U.S. research and development tax credits) of approximately $3.0 million . The research credits will begin to expire in 2018 . Utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations set forth in Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state provisions. The Company prepared an Internal Revenue Code 382 analysis to determine the annual limitations on the Company's consolidated net operating loss carryforwards. As a result of the $434.4 million of U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, approximately $247.3 million is subject to an annual limitation and $187.1 million of the net operating losses are not subject to an annual limitation. Such annual limitations could result in the expiration of the net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before utilization. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized gross tax benefits is as follows: Unrecognized Gross Tax Benefit (in thousands) Balance as of September 30, 2013 $ 620 Adjustments based on tax positions related to the current year — Adjustments based on tax positions of prior years — Balance as of September 30, 2014 620 Adjustments based on tax positions related to the current year — Adjustments based on tax positions of prior years (207 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 413 We believe that it is reasonably possible that all of the uncertain tax position will be paid or settled within the next 12 months. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, state, and local jurisdictions. In April 2015 the IRS completed its exam of the September 30, 2012 tax return and the Company was notified there were no changes to the originally filed return. There are no state income tax returns under examination. 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 2012 for the U.S. federal, after fiscal year 2011 for the State of New Mexico, and after fiscal year 2010 for the state of California. Included in discontinued operations during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $0.2 million , $0.8 million and $1.8 million , respectively, 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 resulted in cash refunds and a reduction of future payroll and compensation taxes.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Leases : Estimated future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with an initial or remaining term of one year or more are $1.0 million and $0.4 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 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 $1.3 million , $1.7 million and $2.3 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 respectively. There are no off-balance sheet arrangements other than our operating leases. Asset Retirement Obligations ("ARO") : 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. The Company recognizes its estimate of the fair value of its asset retirement obligations in the period incurred in long-term liabilities. The fair value of the asset retirement obligations is also capitalized as property, plant and equipment. 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, changes in estimated 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 fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Accretion expense of $0.1 million , $0.2 million and $0.2 million was recorded during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. EMCORE leases a major facility in Alhambra, California covering six buildings where manufacturing, research and development, and general and administrative work is provided . Several leases related to these facilities, expired in 2011, and are being maintained on a month-to-month basis. In November 2014, a new lease for four of the six buildings was signed which was retroactively effective on October 1, 2014 . The new lease extended the terms of the lease for three years plus a three year option to extend the lease and clarified the obligations and restoration work necessary to restore the buildings back to the requirements in the lease. The Company’s asset retirement obligation consists of legal requirements to return the existing leased facilities to prescribed state and certain environmental work to be performed due to the presence of a manufacturing fabrication operation and significant changes to the facilities over the past thirty years. EMCORE had estimated a significant asset retirement obligation associated with this site. During the year ended September 30, 2015 , the Company completed an analysis of the new Alhambra lease and revised its estimated future cash flows of its asset retirement obligations. The analysis required estimating the probability or likelihood that the Company will be required to remove certain infrastructure and restore the leased properties as set forth in the new lease, and the timing and amount of those future costs. The analysis resulted in the downward revision of the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability. This change in the estimated cash flows resulted in a reduction in the asset retirement obligations liability by $ 2.9 million with an offsetting reduction to property, plant, and equipment, net of $2.1 million , and a gain from change in estimate of ARO obligation of $ 0.8 million . The Company first reduced the net leasehold improvement asset to the extent of the carrying amount of the related asset initially recorded when the asset retirement obligations were established. The amount of the remaining reduction to the asset retirement obligations was recorded as a reduction to operating expenses. The following table summarizes asset retirement obligations activity: Asset Retirement Obligations September 30, (in thousands) 2015 Balance at September 30, 2014 $ 4,543 Accretion expense 110 Revision in estimated cash flows (2,879 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,774 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 September 30, 2015 , 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. 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 September 30, 2015 and 2014 as a result of these contingencies. In April 2013, May 2013 and May 2014, we received letters from SEI asserting indemnification claims under the Master Purchase Agreement. As of September 30, 2015 , there has been no resolution to these claims. See Note 1 - Description of Business for additional disclosures related to this asset sale and below for additional disclosures related to the claims. 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) Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. On September 23, 2014, SEI, filed for arbitration against EMCORE, as required under the Master Purchase Agreement between the parties. SEI seeks $47.5 million from EMCORE, relating to claims for quality issues, expenses related to subpoenas issued in litigation against a vendor and customers of SEDU, a claim that EMCORE made fraudulent or negligent misrepresentations to SEI in the Master Purchase Agreement, and other breach of contract claims. We believe that the claims in this matter are without merit and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously against them. However, we cannot be certain as to its outcome, or that an adverse decision in such action will be reached and would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation or cash flows. On November 14, 2014 , EMCORE answered SEI’s complaint and asserted several legal defenses.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Common Stock Repurchase In April 2015 , EMCORE's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase $45.0 million of shares of its common stock. On May 15, 2015 , we announced the commencement of a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer to purchase for cash shares of our common stock (the "Tender Offer"). On June 15, 2015 , we completed the Tender Offer and purchased 6.9 million shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $ 6.55 per share, for an aggregate cost of $45.0 million excluding fees and expenses. Repurchased common stock was recorded to treasury stock. The Company incurred costs of $0.7 million in connection with the Tender Offer, which were recorded to treasury stock. Stock Sales During August 2012, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC pursuant to which we could, 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 allowed 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 fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (*) (in thousands) Outstanding as of September 30, 2014 1,431,190 $19.06 Granted 37,350 $6.23 Exercised (289,467 ) $4.82 $ 305 Forfeited (9,227 ) $5.28 Expired (473,387 ) $22.01 Outstanding as of September 30, 2015 696,459 $22.47 2.91 $ 436 Exercisable as of September 30, 2015 651,732 $23.60 2.48 $ 395 Vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2015 687,048 $22.70 2.82 $ 428 (*) 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 fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 , the intrinsic value of options exercised was $100,000 and $94,000 . As of September 30, 2015 , there was approximately $0.2 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 4.1 years. On December 10, 2014 , in connection with the sale of the Photovoltaics Business, which constituted a change in control, the terms of approximately 56,000 stock options for approximately 80 employees were modified to include accelerated vesting effective as of that date. The total incremental benefit resulting from the modifications was approximately $0.2 million and is included in the Company's income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended September 30, 2015 . 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 Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Black-Scholes weighted average assumptions: Expected dividend rate — % — % — % Expected stock price volatility rate 66.1 % 92.8 % 96.7 % Risk-free interest rate 1.8 % 1.9 % 1.2 % Expected term (in years) 6.0 6.0 6.0 Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted: $ 3.73 $ 3.53 $ 3.45 Expected Dividend Yield: The Black-Scholes valuation model calls for a single expected dividend rate as an input. We have not issued any dividends. Expected Stock Price Volatility Rate: The fair values of stock-based payments were valued using the Black-Scholes valuation method with a volatility factor based on our historical common stock prices. Risk-Free Interest Rate : The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation method was based on the implied yield that was currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon notes with an equivalent remaining term. Where the expected terms of stock-based awards do not correspond with the terms for which interest rates are quoted, we performed a straight-line interpolation to determine the rate from the available maturities. Expected Term: Expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior as influenced by changes to the terms of stock-based awards. Estimated Pre-vesting Forfeitures: We are required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. If we use different assumptions for estimating stock-based compensation expense in future periods or if actual forfeitures differ materially from our estimated forfeitures, the change in our non-cash stock-based compensation expense could adversely affect our results of operations. Restricted Stock 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. RSUs are not considered issued or outstanding common stock until they vest. The following table summarizes the activity related to RSUs for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 : Restricted Stock Activity Restricted Stock Units Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested as of September 30, 2014 966,579 $4.71 Granted 524,150 $5.38 Vested (873,183 ) $4.74 Forfeited (47,315 ) $4.89 Non-vested as of September 30, 2015 570,231 $5.26 As of September 30, 2015 , there was approximately $2.1 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 2.0 years. The 0.6 million outstanding non-vested RSUs have an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $3.9 million and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 1.2 years. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the intrinsic value of RSUs vested was $4.6 million , $2.4 million and $1.2 million , respectively. Of the 0.6 million outstanding non-vested RSUs at September 30, 2015 , approximately 0.5 million are expected to vest and have an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $3.7 million and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 1.2 years. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 , the weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted was $4.89 and $4.63 , respectively. On December 10, 2014 , in connection with the sale of the Photovoltaics Business, which constituted a change in control, the terms of approximately 147,000 RSUs for approximately 80 employees were modified to include accelerated vesting effective as of that date. The total incremental expense resulting from the modifications was approximately $49,000 and is included in the Company's income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended September 30, 2015 . In total, approximately 0.3 million RSU's vested due to change in control provisions. Stock-based compensation The effect of recording stock-based compensation expense was as follows: Stock-based Compensation Expense - by award type For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Employee stock options $ 194 $ 135 $ 293 Restricted stock awards and units 2,658 1,683 1,343 Employee stock purchase plan 143 289 329 401(k) match in common stock 284 513 513 Outside director fees in common stock 341 367 166 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 3,620 $ 2,987 $ 2,644 Stock-based Compensation Expense - by expense type For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Cost of revenue $ 341 $ 466 $ 562 Selling, general, and administrative 2,847 1,912 1,382 Research and development 432 609 700 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 3,620 $ 2,987 $ 2,644 For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , total stock-based compensation expense did not agree with the amount listed on our statements of shareholders' equity primarily due to the timing difference between the expense accrued and the issuance of common stock for the payment of outside directors fees and our 401(k) company match and due to reclassification of stock-based compensation expense related to discontinued operations. The stock based compensation expense above relates to continuing operations. Included within discontinued operations is $1.0 million , $1.5 million , and $1.6 million of stock based compensation expense for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Capital Stock Our authorized capital stock consists of 50 million shares of common stock, no par value, and 5,882,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value. As of September 30, 2015 , we had 32.6 million and 25.7 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively. There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding as of September 30, 2015 . Warrants As of September 30, 2014 , warrants representing the right to purchase 400,001 shares, of our common stock were outstanding. Since the warrants expired on April 1, 2015 , no warrants were outstanding as of September 30, 2015 . See Note 5 - Fair Value Accounting for additional information related to the valuation of our warrants. 401(k) Plan We have a savings plan that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under this savings plan, participating employees may defer a portion of their pretax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. All employer contributions were made in common stock through June 2015 and since then have been made in cash. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 we contributed approximately $0.3 million , $0.5 million and $0.5 million , respectively, in common stock to the savings plan. Our matching contribution in cash for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 was approximately $0.2 million . All participant accounts will have any of their holdings in company stock liquidated as of December 3, 2015 . 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 . At the 2012 Annual Meeting, 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 2,250,000 shares. 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 by 1,000,000 shares to 3,250,000 shares. We issue new shares of common stock to satisfy the issuance of shares under this stock-based compensation plan. Common stock issued under the ESPP during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 totaled 121,000 , 341,000 and 344,000 shares, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 , the total amount of common stock issued under the ESPP totaled 2,278,272 shares. Officer and Director Share Purchase Plan On January 21, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved an Officer and Director Share Purchase Plan, or ODPP, which allows executive officers and directors to purchase shares of our common stock at fair market value in lieu of salary or, in the case of directors, director fees. Eligible individuals may voluntarily participate in the ODPP by authorizing payroll deductions or, in the case of directors, deductions from director fees for the purpose of purchasing common stock. Elections to participate in the ODPP may only be made during open trading windows under our insider trading policy when the participant does not otherwise possess material non-public information concerning the Company. The Board of Directors has authorized 125,000 shares to be made available for purchase by officers and directors under the ODPP. Common stock issued under the ODPP during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 totaled 0 , 1,600 and 4,500 shares, respectively. 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 Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands, except per share) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (2,272 ) $ 4,082 $ (5,554 ) Income from discontinued operations 65,372 770 10,542 Total 63,100 4,852 4,988 Allocation of undistributed earnings - continuing operations Continuing operations (2,272 ) 4,082 (5,554 ) Undistributed earnings-allocated to participating securities — (6 ) (18 ) Allocation of undistributed earnings - continuing operations (2,272 ) 4,076 (5,572 ) Allocation of undistributed earnings - discontinued operations Discontinued operations 65,372 770 10,542 Undistributed earnings-allocated to participating securities — — (8 ) Allocation of undistributed earnings - discontinued operations 65,372 770 10,534 Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for basic net income per share $ 63,100 $ 4,846 $ 4,962 Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for diluted net income per share $ 63,100 $ 4,846 $ 4,962 Denominator: Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted average shares outstanding 30,012 30,453 26,531 Dilutive options outstanding, unvested stock units and ESPP — 324 — Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding 30,012 30,777 26,531 Net (loss) income per basic share: Continuing operations $ (0.08 ) $ 0.13 $ (0.21 ) Discontinued operations 2.18 0.03 0.40 Net income per basic share $ 2.10 $ 0.16 $ 0.19 Net (loss) income per diluted share: Continuing operations $ (0.08 ) $ 0.13 $ (0.21 ) Discontinued operations 2.18 0.03 0.40 Net income per diluted share $ 2.10 $ 0.16 $ 0.19 Weighted average antidilutive options, unvested restricted stock units and awards, warrants and ESPP shares excluded from the computation 1,391 1,936 2,672 Average market price of common stock $ 5.81 $ 4.69 $ 4.64 For diluted income (loss) per share, the denominator includes all outstanding common shares and all potential dilutive common shares to be issued. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we excluded 1.4 million , 1.9 million and 2.7 million , respectively, of weighted average outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and warrants from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Future Issuances As of September 30, 2015 , 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 696,459 Unvested restricted stock units 570,231 Purchases under the employee stock purchase plan 971,728 Issuance of stock-based awards under the Equity Plans 625,459 Purchases under the officer and director share purchase plan 88,741 Issuance of stock-based awards under the 2007 Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended 208,162 Total reserved 3,160,780

Geographical Information

Geographical Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Geographical Information	Geographical Information Following the sale of the Photovoltaics Business on December 10, 2014 , the Company has one remaining reportable segment: Fiber Optics. See also Note 4 - Discontinued Operations for additional disclosures. EMCORE's Fiber Optics business provides optical components, as well as a provider of complete end-to-end solutions for high-speed communications network infrastructures, enabling systems and service providers to meet growing demand for bandwidth and connectivity. EMCORE’s advanced optical technologies are designed for cable television (CATV) and fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) networks, telecommunications and data centers, satellite communications, aerospace and defense, wireless networks, and broadcast and professional audio/video systems. On October 22, 2014 , EMCORE entered into the Digital Products Agreement with NeoPhotonics pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell the Digital Products Business to NeoPhotonics for an aggregate purchase price of $17.5 million , subject to certain purchase price adjustments. On January 2, 2015 , EMCORE completed the sale of the Digital Products Business. The financial results of the Photovoltaics and Digital Products Businesses are presented as "discontinued operations" on the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 ; and the assets and liabilities of the Photovoltaics and Digital Products Businesses are presented as "Assets of discontinued operations" and "Liabilities of discontinued operations" on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 . No Photovoltaics or Digital Products assets and liabilities that were sold remain on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2015 . We evaluate our reportable segment 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 segment and allocates resources to segment based on their business prospects, competitive factors, net revenue, operating results, and other non-GAAP financial ratios. Based on this evaluation, the Company operates as a single reportable segment. Revenue : The following tables set forth revenue by geographic region with revenue assigned to geographic regions based on our customers’ billing address and exclude the discontinued operations discussed above. Revenue by Geographic Region For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 55,736 $ 37,284 $ 45,228 Asia 16,885 8,652 11,583 Europe 8,249 7,746 3,729 Other 815 1,832 431 Total revenue $ 81,685 $ 55,514 $ 60,971 Significant Customers : Significant customers are defined as customers representing greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue. Revenue from four of our significant customers represented 61% of our consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 . Revenue from three of our significant customers represented 41% and 40% of our consolidated revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Long-lived Assets : Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets. Long-lived assets that were disposed of as the result of the Photovoltaics and Digital Products Asset Sales were included in "Assets of discontinued operations" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014 , and accordingly, are not included in the following table. Long-lived Assets As of As of (in thousands) September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 United States $ 3,356 $ 4,997 International 5,569 5,531 Long-lived assets $ 8,925 $ 10,528 As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , approximately 38% and 47% , respectively, of our long-lived assets were located in the United States. The remaining assets are primarily located in China. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 , as a result of the revision in the estimated amount and timing of cash flows for asset retirement obligations in the United States, the Company reduced its asset retirement obligations liability by $2.9 million with an offsetting reduction to property, plant, and equipment, net of $2.1 million , and recorded a gain from the change in estimate on ARO obligation of $0.8 million . See Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.

Selected Quarterly Financial In

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information	Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) The following tables present our unaudited consolidated results of operations for the eight most recently ended quarters. We believe that all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, have been included in the amounts below to present fairly the selected quarterly information when read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our results from operations vary substantially from quarter to quarter. Accordingly, the operating results for a quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent quarter or for the full year. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience significant fluctuations in quarterly results. On December 10, 2014 , we sold our Photovoltaics Business to SolAero. On January 2, 2015 , we sold our Digital Products Business to NeoPhotonics. These asset sales are reported as discontinued operations, and therefore are excluded from the continuing operations presented below. EMCORE CORPORATION Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands, except (loss) income per share) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended December 31, March 31, June 30, September 30, 2014 2015 2015 2015 Revenue $ 18,416 $ 19,057 $ 21,194 $ 23,018 Cost of revenue 13,237 12,678 13,511 13,568 Gross profit 5,179 6,379 7,683 9,450 Operating expense (income): Selling, general, and administrative 8,627 5,954 4,543 5,587 Research and development 2,174 2,022 2,274 2,649 Gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation (845 ) — — — Loss on sale of assets 228 — — — Total operating expense 10,184 7,976 6,817 8,236 Operating (loss) income (5,005 ) (1,597 ) 866 1,214 Other income (expense): Interest (expense) income, net (130 ) 165 4 36 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 57 (6 ) 50 (239 ) Change in fair value of financial instruments 36 86 — — Total other (expense) income (37 ) 245 54 (203 ) (Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) (5,042 ) (1,352 ) 920 1,011 Income tax benefit (expense) 1,912 396 (456 ) 339 (Loss) income from continuing operations (3,130 ) (956 ) 464 1,350 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 59,258 4,008 1,976 130 Net income $ 56,128 $ 3,052 $ 2,440 $ 1,480 Per share data: Net (loss) income per basic share: Continuing operations $ (0.10 ) $ (0.03 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.05 Discontinued operations 1.90 0.13 $ 0.06 0.01 Net income per basic share $ 1.80 $ 0.10 $ 0.08 $ 0.06 Net (loss) income per diluted share: Continuing operations $ (0.10 ) $ (0.03 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.05 Discontinued operations 1.90 0.13 0.06 0.01 Net income per diluted share $ 1.80 $ 0.10 $ 0.08 $ 0.06 Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding 31,217 32,077 31,203 25,615 Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding 31,217 32,077 31,432 25,896 EMCORE CORPORATION Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except (loss) income per share) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended December 31, March 31, June 30, September 30, 2013 2014 2014 2014 Revenue $ 14,663 $ 12,953 $ 13,596 $ 14,302 Cost of revenue 12,272 10,055 10,937 10,136 Gross profit 2,391 2,898 2,659 4,166 Operating expense (income): Selling, general, and administrative 5,656 4,328 5,364 7,891 Research and development 1,824 2,676 2,340 2,466 Gain on sale of assets — — — (100 ) Total operating expense 7,480 7,004 7,704 10,257 Operating loss (5,089 ) (4,106 ) (5,045 ) (6,091 ) Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (126 ) (117 ) (134 ) (145 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 100 (90 ) (12 ) (5 ) Gain on sale of investment 290 17 — — Change in fair value of financial instruments (78 ) 7 110 (5 ) Other income — — — 51 Total other income (expense) 186 (183 ) (36 ) (104 ) Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) (4,903 ) (4,289 ) (5,081 ) (6,195 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 1,080 (433 ) 732 23,171 (Loss) income from continuing operations (3,823 ) (4,722 ) (4,349 ) 16,976 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 1,769 $ (710 ) $ 1,199 $ (1,488 ) Net (loss) income $ (2,054 ) $ (5,432 ) $ (3,150 ) $ 15,488 Per share data: Net (loss) income per basic share: Continuing operations $ (0.13 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.14 ) $ 0.55 Discontinued operations 0.06 (0.02 ) 0.04 (0.05 ) Net (loss) income per basic share $ (0.07 ) $ (0.18 ) $ (0.10 ) $ 0.50 Net (loss) income per diluted share: Continuing operations $ (0.13 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.14 ) $ 0.55 Discontinued operations 0.06 (0.02 ) 0.04 (0.05 ) Net (loss) income per diluted share $ (0.07 ) $ (0.18 ) $ (0.10 ) $ 0.50 Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding 29,938 30,392 30,656 30,752 Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding 29,938 30,392 30,656 30,992

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consideration	Principles of Consolidation : Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and include the assets, liabilities, shareholders' equity, and operating results of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. 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.
Prior Period Reclassifications	Reclassification of prior period amounts related to discontinued operations as a result of the sale of the Photovoltaics and Digital Products Businesses have been made to conform to the current period financial statement presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates : The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. The accounting estimates that require our most significant, difficult, and/or subjective judgments include: • the valuation of inventory, intangible assets, warrants and stock-based compensation; • the useful lives of assets and assessment of recovery of long-lived assets; • asset retirement obligations and contingencies, including litigation and indemnification-related; • the allowance for doubtful accounts and warranty accruals; and, • the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. We develop estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the best information available to us. Our reported financial position or results of operations may be materially different under changed conditions or when using different estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to significant accounting policies. In the event that estimates or assumptions prove to differ from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk : Financial instruments that may subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in safekeeping primarily with Wells Fargo. When necessary, we perform credit evaluations on our customers' financial condition and occasionally we request deposits in advance of shipping product to our customers. These financial evaluations require significant judgment and are based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current economic trends, historical payment patterns, bad debt write-off experience, and financial review of the particular customer.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents : Cash and cash equivalents consists primarily of bank deposits and highly liquid short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Cash consists primarily of bank deposits or, highly liquid short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash : Restricted cash represents recently deposited cash that is temporarily restricted by our bank in accordance with the terms of the outstanding credit facility. Restricted cash represents temporarily restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable : We regularly evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to meet their financial obligations to us. The allowance is based on the age of receivables and a specific identification of receivables considered at risk of collection. We classify charges associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts as selling, general, and administrative expense.
Inventory	Inventory : Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the standard cost method that includes material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs, which approximates weighted average cost. We write-down inventory once it has been determined that conditions exist that may not allow the inventory to be sold for its intended purpose or the inventory is determined to be excess or obsolete based on our forecasted future sales. The charge related to inventory write-downs is recorded as a cost of revenue. The majority of the inventory write-downs are related to inventory whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value and on excess raw material components resulting from finished product obsolescence. We do not track the selling price of individual raw material components that have been previously written down or written off, since such raw material components usually are only a portion of the finished products and related sales price. We evaluate inventory levels at least quarterly against sales forecasts on a significant part-by-part basis, in addition to determining its overall inventory risk. We have incurred, and may in the future incur charges to write-down our inventory.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment : Our property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Estimated Useful Life Equipment — three to ten years Furniture and fixtures — five years Computer hardware and software — five to seven years Leasehold improvements — three to six years Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the asset life or the lease term. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. The costs for major renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives of the related asset. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of the assets are removed from the accounts upon disposition and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets : Our intangible assets consists primarily of intellectual property that has been internally-developed or acquired. Acquired intangible assets include core technology, trademarks and trade names, and customer contracts. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives that could range up to fifteen years.
Valuation of Long-lived Assets	Valuation of Long-lived Assets : Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant, and equipment, net and intangible assets. Since our long-lived assets are subject to amortization, we review these assets for impairment in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Our impairment testing of long-lived assets consists of determining whether the carrying amount of the long-lived asset (asset group) is recoverable, in other words, whether the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset (asset group) exceeds its carrying amount. The determination of the existence of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows related to an asset or group of assets. In making this determination, we use certain assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, the length of service that assets will be used in our operations, and estimated salvage values.
Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations	Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations : Pursuant to ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations , an asset retirement obligation is recorded when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset and the fair value of the liability can reasonably be estimated. Upon initial recognition of an asset retirement obligation, a company increases the carrying amount of the long-lived asset by the same amount as the liability. Over time, the liabilities are accreted for the change in their present value through charges to operations costs. The initial capitalized costs are depleted over the useful lives of the related assets through charges to depreciation, and/or amortization. If the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligation changes, an adjustment is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the asset retirement 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.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments : We determine the fair value of our financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. 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. • Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly, through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets or liabilities at fair value. Classification of an asset or liability within this hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
Equity Investments	Equity investments : We accounted for our equity investment in our Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. ("Suncore") joint venture in accordance with ASC 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures . An equity investment, in which we exercised significant influence but did not control and were not the primary beneficiary, was accounted for using the equity method. We regularly reviewed our investment to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis was other than temporary. In our opinion, neither San'an Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. ("San'an") nor EMCORE held a controlling financial interest in Suncore because neither party had exclusive authority over decision-making related to significant ordinary course of business actions such as establishing a budget, compensation, and the hiring and firing of certain executive personnel.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition : Revenue is recognized upon shipment, provided persuasive evidence of a contract exists, the price is fixed, the product meets our customer's specifications, title and ownership have transferred to the customer, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The majority of our products have shipping terms that are free on board or free carrier alongside (FCA) shipping point, which means that we fulfill our delivery obligation when the goods are handed over to the freight carrier at our shipping dock. This means the customer bears all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that point. In certain cases, we pay for the cost of shipping and insurance to the customer's designated location but we invoice those costs to the customer. Under this arrangement, revenue is recognized under FCA shipping point terms. We account for shipping and related transportation costs by recording the charges that are invoiced to customers as revenue, with the corresponding cost recorded as cost of revenue. In those instances where inventory is maintained at a consigned location, revenue is recognized only when our customer pulls product for use and after title and ownership has transferred to the customer. Any warranty cost and remaining obligations that are inconsequential or perfunctory are accrued when the corresponding revenue is recognized. Distributors: We use a number of distributors around the world and recognize revenue upon shipment of product to these distributors. Title and risk of loss pass to the distributors upon shipment, and our distributors are contractually obligated to pay us on standard commercial terms, just like direct customers. We do not sell to our distributors on consignment and, except in the event of product discontinuance, do not give distributors a right of return. Contract Manufacturers: Prior to certain customers accepting product that is manufactured at one of our contract manufacturers, these customers require that they first qualify the product and manufacturing processes at our contract manufacturer. The customers' qualification process determines whether the product manufactured at our contract manufacturer achieves their quality, performance, and reliability standards. After a customer completes the initial qualification process, we receive approval to ship qualified product to that customer. As part of the manufacturing process at our contract manufacturers, the finished product is tested prior to shipment to the customer using the same criteria that our customer uses to test product it receives. Revenue is recognized upon shipment of customer-qualified product, provided persuasive evidence of a contract exists, the price is fixed, the product meets our customer's specifications, title and ownership have transferred to the customer, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds.
Product Warranty Reserves	Product Warranty Reserves : We provide our customers with limited rights of return for non-conforming shipments and warranty claims for certain products. Pursuant to ASC 450, Contingencies, we make estimates of product warranty expense using historical experience rates as a percentage of revenue and accrue estimated warranty expense as a cost of revenue. We estimate the costs of our warranty obligations based on historical experience of known product failure rates and anticipated rates of warranty claims, use of materials to repair or replace defective products, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product issues. In addition, from time to time, specific warranty accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise. Should our actual experience relative to these factors differ from our estimates, we may be required to record additional warranty reserves. Alternatively, if we provide more reserves than needed, we may reverse a portion of such provisions in future periods.
Litigation Contingencies	Litigation Contingencies : We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and litigation, either asserted or unasserted that arise in the ordinary course of business. 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.
Research and Development	Research and Development : Research and development costs are charged as an expense when incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation : Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the stock option grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded to cost of revenue, sales, general, and administrative, and research and development expense based on an employee's responsibility and function over the requisite service period. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the straight-line attribution approach to determine the fair value of stock-based awards in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation. This option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option's expected life, the price volatility and risk-free interest rate of the underlying stock, and expected forfeitures.
Insurance Recoveries	Insurance Recoveries : Insurance recoveries related to impairment losses previously recorded and other recoverable expenses will be recognized up to the amount of our related loss or expense in the period that recoveries become realizable. Insurance recoveries under business interruption coverage and insurance gains in excess of amounts previously written off related to impaired inventory and equipment or in excess of other recoverable expenses previously recognized will be recognized when they become realizable and all contingencies have been resolved. The evaluation of insurance recoveries requires estimates and judgments about future results which affect reported amounts and certain disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As of September 30, 2015 , we do not expect to receive any further insurance recoveries.
Foreign Exchange	Foreign Exchange : We recognize gains and losses due to the effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency primarily due to our operations in China. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated from their respective functional currencies into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet dates, and the revenue and expense amounts are translated at the average rate during the applicable periods reflected on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, both realized and unrealized, are recorded as foreign exchange (loss) gain on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes : In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. We record valuation allowances against all deferred tax assets for amounts which are not considered more likely to be realized.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income : ASC 220, Comprehensive Income , establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in financial statements. It requires that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in the financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. Our comprehensive income consists of both net income and foreign currency translation adjustments and it is presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Income (Loss) Per Share	Income (Loss) Per Share : We are required, in periods in which we have net income, to calculate basic and diluted income per share using the two-class method. The two-class method is required because our unvested restricted stock awards are considered participating securities as these securities have the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents should we declare dividends on our common stock. Under the two-class method, during periods of net income, net income is first reduced for distributions declared on all classes of securities to arrive at undistributed earnings. The undistributed earnings are then allocated on a pro-rata basis between the common shareholders and participating securities holders. The weighted-average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period is then used to calculate basic and diluted income per share. In periods in which we have a net loss, basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
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 April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity . This standard changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. While early adoption is allowed, we have determined that we would not early adopt and as a result this accounting standard update will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In May 2014, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the convergence of U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Under the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs the seller satisfies a performance obligation by transferring to the customer promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers to defer the effective date of implementation by one year. The new standard will be effective for us beginning October 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted as of October 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We anticipate this standard will not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern . The standard provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in the financial statements. In addition, the standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. The guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. This accounting standard update will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . The standard simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. This standard requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value and applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in-first-out and the retail inventory method. Under this guidance, net realizable value is one of several calculations an entity needs to make to measure inventory at lower of cost or market. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements. • In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. Under this guidance, organizations that present a classified balance sheet are required to classify all deferred taxes as non-current assets or non-current liabilities. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The new standard will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Derivatives	All of our warrants met the classification requirements for liability accounting pursuant to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging .
Accounts Receivable	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	Expense related to severance and restructuring accruals is included in selling, general, and administrative expense on our statement of operations and comprehensive income.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations ("ARO") : 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. The Company recognizes its estimate of the fair value of its asset retirement obligations in the period incurred in long-term liabilities. The fair value of the asset retirement obligations is also capitalized as property, plant and equipment. 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, changes in estimated 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 evaluate our reportable segment 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 segment and allocates resources to segment based on their business prospects, competitive factors, net revenue, operating results, and other non-GAAP financial ratios. Based on this evaluation, the Company operates as a single reportable segment.

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: Estimated Useful Life Equipment — three to ten years Furniture and fixtures — five years Computer hardware and software — five to seven years Leasehold improvements — three to six years

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations, Balance Sheet and Income Statement	The following table presents the statements of operations for the discontinued operations of the Photovoltaics Business: For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ 12,614 $ 73,226 $ 71,170 Cost of revenue 8,245 52,317 52,806 Gross profit 4,369 20,909 18,364 Operating expense 2,240 6,654 5,107 Other income 779 17 90 Gain on sale of equity method investment — — 4,800 Gain on sale of discontinued operations 86,958 — — Income from discontinued operations before income tax 89,866 14,272 18,147 Income tax expense (28,700 ) (5,412 ) (4,536 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 61,166 $ 8,860 $ 13,611 The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to the Photovoltaics Business as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 : As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, Assets of discontinued operations: Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0 $ — $ 17,827 Inventory — 7,203 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1,512 Current assets of discontinued operations — 26,542 Property, plant and equipment, net — 26,660 Goodwill — 20,384 Other non-current assets, net — 254 Non-current assets of discontinued operations — 47,298 Total assets of discontinued operations $ — $ 73,840 Liabilities of discontinued operations: Accounts payable $ — $ 4,640 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities — 5,398 Current liabilities of discontinued operations — 10,038 Asset retirement obligations — 720 Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations — 720 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ — $ 10,758
Digital Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations, Balance Sheet and Income Statement	The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to the Digital Products Business as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 : As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, Assets held for sale: Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0 and $17, respectively $ — $ 14,268 Inventory — 3,225 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 30 Current assets of discontinued operations — 17,523 Property, plant and equipment, net — 7,881 Other intangible assets, net — 1,060 Non-current assets of discontinued operations — 8,941 Total assets of discontinued operations $ — $ 26,464 Liabilities held for sale: Accounts payable — 10,848 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities — 38 Current liabilities of discontinued operations $ — $ 10,886 The following table presents the statements of operations for the discontinued operations of the Digital Products Business: For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ 11,944 $ 46,038 $ 36,006 Cost of revenue 9,107 46,387 38,438 Gross profit (loss) 2,837 (349 ) (2,432 ) Operating expense 2,800 12,683 12,870 Flood-related insurance proceeds — — (11,210 ) Gain on sale of discontinued operations 1,994 — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax 2,031 (13,032 ) (4,092 ) Income tax benefit 2,175 4,942 1,023 Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ 4,206 $ (8,090 ) $ (3,069 )

Fair Value Accounting (Tables)

Fair Value Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 September 30, 2015 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 111,885 — — $ 111,885 Restricted cash 375 — — 375 As of September 30, 2014 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,687 — — $ 20,687 Restricted cash 1,482 — — 1,482 Liabilities: Warrant liability — 122 — 122
Valuation Techniques	Assumptions used in Monte Carlo Option Valuation Model Warrants issued on October 1, 2009 As of September 30, 2015 As of September 30, 2014 Number of warrants issued — 400,001 Expiration date — 4/1/2015 Exercise price — $6.76 - $9.44 Expected dividend yield — — Expected stock price volatility — 51.71 % Risk-free interest rate — 0.30 % Expected term (in years) — 0.5 Total warrant valuation — $121,667

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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) September 30, September 30, 2014 Accounts receivable, gross $ 17,781 $ 12,885 Allowance for doubtful accounts (462 ) (116 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 17,319 $ 12,769
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts within accounts receivable: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (in thousands) For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 116 $ 22 $ 108 Provision adjustment - expense, net of recoveries 556 54 — Write-offs and other adjustments - additions (deductions) to receivable balances (210 ) 40 (86 ) Balance at end of period $ 462 $ 116 $ 22

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	The components of inventory consisted of the following: As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, 2014 Raw materials $ 9,261 $ 7,255 Work in-process 3,207 4,403 Finished goods 4,662 3,986 Inventory $ 17,130 $ 15,644

Property, Plant, and Equipmen30

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	The components of property, plant, and equipment, net consisted of the following: As of As of (in thousands) September 30, September 30, 2014 Equipment $ 24,913 $ 23,185 Furniture and fixtures 1,109 1,109 Computer hardware and software 2,177 2,026 Leasehold improvements 1,480 5,576 Construction in progress 875 49 Property, plant, and equipment, gross 30,554 31,945 Accumulated depreciation (21,629 ) (21,499 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 8,925 $ 10,446

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Value of Intangible Assets	The following table sets forth the carrying value of intangible assets: (in thousands) As of September 30, 2015 As of September 30, 2014 Gross Assets Accumulated Amortization Net Assets Gross Assets Accumulated Amortization Net Assets Patents $ 3,274 (3,274 ) $ — $ 4,697 (4,615 ) $ 82 Total $ 3,274 $ (3,274 ) $ — $ 4,697 $ (4,615 ) $ 82

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu32

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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) September 30, September 30, 2014 Compensation $ 3,036 $ 1,797 Warranty 1,664 2,285 Termination fee 2,775 2,775 Professional fees 1,147 2,181 Customer deposits 133 593 Deferred revenue 65 97 Self insurance 606 1,470 Income and other taxes 1,038 1,433 Loss on sale contracts — 119 Severance and restructuring accruals 1,448 1,317 Loss on inventory purchase commitments — 306 Other 1,190 836 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 13,102 $ 15,209
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 1,776 — 1,776 Payments and accrual adjustments (982 ) (78 ) (1,060 ) Balance as of September 30, 2014 1,317 — 1,317 Expense - charged to accrual 1,216 737 1,953 Payments and accrual adjustments (1,423 ) (399 ) (1,822 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 1,110 $ 338 $ 1,448
Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals	The following table summarizes the changes in our product warranty accrual accounts: Product Warranty Accruals For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 2,816 $ 3,881 $ 3,100 Provision for product warranty - expense 838 1,308 2,619 Adjustments and utilization of warranty accrual (1,990 ) (2,373 ) (1,838 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,664 $ 2,816 $ 3,881 Current portion $ 1,664 $ 2,285 $ 3,350 Non-current portion — 531 531 Product warranty liability at end of period $ 1,664 $ 2,816 $ 3,881

Income and other Taxes (Tables)

Income and other Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	The Company's loss from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of the following: (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ (5,713 ) $ (19,792 ) $ (8,095 ) Foreign 1,250 (676 ) (852 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (4,463 ) $ (20,468 ) $ (8,947 )
Schedule of Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	The Company's income tax (benefit) expense consisted of the following: Income tax benefit For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Federal: Current $ — $ — $ — Deferred (1,835 ) (21,285 ) (2,752 ) (1,835 ) (21,285 ) (2,752 ) State: Current — — — Deferred (356 ) (2,454 ) (317 ) (356 ) (2,454 ) (317 ) Foreign: Current — — — Deferred — (811 ) (324 ) — (811 ) (324 ) Total income tax benefit $ (2,191 ) $ (24,550 ) $ (3,393 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal and state income tax rates to continuing operations income before provision for income taxes is as follows: Provision for Income Taxes For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income tax benefit computed at U.S. federal statutory rate $ (1,518 ) $ (6,959 ) $ (3,042 ) State tax expense benefit, net of U.S. federal effect (356 ) (776 ) (317 ) Foreign tax rate differential (269 ) 1,041 (34 ) Release of valuation allowance-domestic — (17,856 ) — Other 108 — — Change in valuation allowance (156 ) — — Income tax benefit $ (2,191 ) $ (24,550 ) $ (3,393 ) Effective tax rate 49.1 % 119.9 % 37.9 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of our deferred tax assets are as follows: Deferred Tax Assets As of September 30, 2015 As of September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Federal net operating loss carryforwards $ 147,704 $ 155,741 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 66 646 Income tax credit carryforwards 3,033 2,641 Inventory reserves 2,283 4,439 Accounts receivable reserves 149 51 Accrued warranty reserve 587 1,171 State net operating loss carryforwards 9,527 10,454 Stock compensation 2,837 3,300 Deferred compensation 1,080 1,647 Fixed assets and intangibles 1,646 10,501 Capital loss carryover — 10,565 Other 1,388 1,868 Total deferred tax assets 170,300 203,024 Valuation allowance (170,300 ) (178,944 ) Net deferred tax assets $ — $ 24,080
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized gross tax benefits is as follows: Unrecognized Gross Tax Benefit (in thousands) Balance as of September 30, 2013 $ 620 Adjustments based on tax positions related to the current year — Adjustments based on tax positions of prior years — Balance as of September 30, 2014 620 Adjustments based on tax positions related to the current year — Adjustments based on tax positions of prior years (207 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 413

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Asset Retirement Obligations Activity	The following table summarizes asset retirement obligations activity: Asset Retirement Obligations September 30, (in thousands) 2015 Balance at September 30, 2014 $ 4,543 Accretion expense 110 Revision in estimated cash flows (2,879 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,774

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Equity Plans for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (*) (in thousands) Outstanding as of September 30, 2014 1,431,190 $19.06 Granted 37,350 $6.23 Exercised (289,467 ) $4.82 $ 305 Forfeited (9,227 ) $5.28 Expired (473,387 ) $22.01 Outstanding as of September 30, 2015 696,459 $22.47 2.91 $ 436 Exercisable as of September 30, 2015 651,732 $23.60 2.48 $ 395 Vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2015 687,048 $22.70 2.82 $ 428 (*) 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 fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 , the intrinsic value of options exercised was $100,000 and $94,000 .
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 Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Black-Scholes weighted average assumptions: Expected dividend rate — % — % — % Expected stock price volatility rate 66.1 % 92.8 % 96.7 % Risk-free interest rate 1.8 % 1.9 % 1.2 % Expected term (in years) 6.0 6.0 6.0 Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted: $ 3.73 $ 3.53 $ 3.45
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes the activity related to RSUs for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 : Restricted Stock Activity Restricted Stock Units Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested as of September 30, 2014 966,579 $4.71 Granted 524,150 $5.38 Vested (873,183 ) $4.74 Forfeited (47,315 ) $4.89 Non-vested as of September 30, 2015 570,231 $5.26
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 Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Employee stock options $ 194 $ 135 $ 293 Restricted stock awards and units 2,658 1,683 1,343 Employee stock purchase plan 143 289 329 401(k) match in common stock 284 513 513 Outside director fees in common stock 341 367 166 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 3,620 $ 2,987 $ 2,644
Schedule Stock-based Compensation Expense - By Expense Type	Stock-based Compensation Expense - by expense type For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Cost of revenue $ 341 $ 466 $ 562 Selling, general, and administrative 2,847 1,912 1,382 Research and development 432 609 700 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 3,620 $ 2,987 $ 2,644
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 Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands, except per share) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (2,272 ) $ 4,082 $ (5,554 ) Income from discontinued operations 65,372 770 10,542 Total 63,100 4,852 4,988 Allocation of undistributed earnings - continuing operations Continuing operations (2,272 ) 4,082 (5,554 ) Undistributed earnings-allocated to participating securities — (6 ) (18 ) Allocation of undistributed earnings - continuing operations (2,272 ) 4,076 (5,572 ) Allocation of undistributed earnings - discontinued operations Discontinued operations 65,372 770 10,542 Undistributed earnings-allocated to participating securities — — (8 ) Allocation of undistributed earnings - discontinued operations 65,372 770 10,534 Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for basic net income per share $ 63,100 $ 4,846 $ 4,962 Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for diluted net income per share $ 63,100 $ 4,846 $ 4,962 Denominator: Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted average shares outstanding 30,012 30,453 26,531 Dilutive options outstanding, unvested stock units and ESPP — 324 — Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding 30,012 30,777 26,531 Net (loss) income per basic share: Continuing operations $ (0.08 ) $ 0.13 $ (0.21 ) Discontinued operations 2.18 0.03 0.40 Net income per basic share $ 2.10 $ 0.16 $ 0.19 Net (loss) income per diluted share: Continuing operations $ (0.08 ) $ 0.13 $ (0.21 ) Discontinued operations 2.18 0.03 0.40 Net income per diluted share $ 2.10 $ 0.16 $ 0.19 Weighted average antidilutive options, unvested restricted stock units and awards, warrants and ESPP shares excluded from the computation 1,391 1,936 2,672 Average market price of common stock $ 5.81 $ 4.69 $ 4.64
Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuances	As of September 30, 2015 , 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 696,459 Unvested restricted stock units 570,231 Purchases under the employee stock purchase plan 971,728 Issuance of stock-based awards under the Equity Plans 625,459 Purchases under the officer and director share purchase plan 88,741 Issuance of stock-based awards under the 2007 Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended 208,162 Total reserved 3,160,780

Geographical Information (Table

Geographical Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of revenue by geographic region	The following tables set forth revenue by geographic region with revenue assigned to geographic regions based on our customers’ billing address and exclude the discontinued operations discussed above. Revenue by Geographic Region For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 55,736 $ 37,284 $ 45,228 Asia 16,885 8,652 11,583 Europe 8,249 7,746 3,729 Other 815 1,832 431 Total revenue $ 81,685 $ 55,514 $ 60,971
Schedule of Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas	Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets. Long-lived assets that were disposed of as the result of the Photovoltaics and Digital Products Asset Sales were included in "Assets of discontinued operations" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014 , and accordingly, are not included in the following table. Long-lived Assets As of As of (in thousands) September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 United States $ 3,356 $ 4,997 International 5,569 5,531 Long-lived assets $ 8,925 $ 10,528

Selected Quarterly Financial 37

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	EMCORE CORPORATION Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands, except (loss) income per share) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended December 31, March 31, June 30, September 30, 2014 2015 2015 2015 Revenue $ 18,416 $ 19,057 $ 21,194 $ 23,018 Cost of revenue 13,237 12,678 13,511 13,568 Gross profit 5,179 6,379 7,683 9,450 Operating expense (income): Selling, general, and administrative 8,627 5,954 4,543 5,587 Research and development 2,174 2,022 2,274 2,649 Gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation (845 ) — — — Loss on sale of assets 228 — — — Total operating expense 10,184 7,976 6,817 8,236 Operating (loss) income (5,005 ) (1,597 ) 866 1,214 Other income (expense): Interest (expense) income, net (130 ) 165 4 36 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 57 (6 ) 50 (239 ) Change in fair value of financial instruments 36 86 — — Total other (expense) income (37 ) 245 54 (203 ) (Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) (5,042 ) (1,352 ) 920 1,011 Income tax benefit (expense) 1,912 396 (456 ) 339 (Loss) income from continuing operations (3,130 ) (956 ) 464 1,350 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 59,258 4,008 1,976 130 Net income $ 56,128 $ 3,052 $ 2,440 $ 1,480 Per share data: Net (loss) income per basic share: Continuing operations $ (0.10 ) $ (0.03 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.05 Discontinued operations 1.90 0.13 $ 0.06 0.01 Net income per basic share $ 1.80 $ 0.10 $ 0.08 $ 0.06 Net (loss) income per diluted share: Continuing operations $ (0.10 ) $ (0.03 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.05 Discontinued operations 1.90 0.13 0.06 0.01 Net income per diluted share $ 1.80 $ 0.10 $ 0.08 $ 0.06 Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding 31,217 32,077 31,203 25,615 Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding 31,217 32,077 31,432 25,896 EMCORE CORPORATION Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except (loss) income per share) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended December 31, March 31, June 30, September 30, 2013 2014 2014 2014 Revenue $ 14,663 $ 12,953 $ 13,596 $ 14,302 Cost of revenue 12,272 10,055 10,937 10,136 Gross profit 2,391 2,898 2,659 4,166 Operating expense (income): Selling, general, and administrative 5,656 4,328 5,364 7,891 Research and development 1,824 2,676 2,340 2,466 Gain on sale of assets — — — (100 ) Total operating expense 7,480 7,004 7,704 10,257 Operating loss (5,089 ) (4,106 ) (5,045 ) (6,091 ) Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (126 ) (117 ) (134 ) (145 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 100 (90 ) (12 ) (5 ) Gain on sale of investment 290 17 — — Change in fair value of financial instruments (78 ) 7 110 (5 ) Other income — — — 51 Total other income (expense) 186 (183 ) (36 ) (104 ) Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit (expense) (4,903 ) (4,289 ) (5,081 ) (6,195 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 1,080 (433 ) 732 23,171 (Loss) income from continuing operations (3,823 ) (4,722 ) (4,349 ) 16,976 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 1,769 $ (710 ) $ 1,199 $ (1,488 ) Net (loss) income $ (2,054 ) $ (5,432 ) $ (3,150 ) $ 15,488 Per share data: Net (loss) income per basic share: Continuing operations $ (0.13 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.14 ) $ 0.55 Discontinued operations 0.06 (0.02 ) 0.04 (0.05 ) Net (loss) income per basic share $ (0.07 ) $ (0.18 ) $ (0.10 ) $ 0.50 Net (loss) income per diluted share: Continuing operations $ (0.13 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.14 ) $ 0.55 Discontinued operations 0.06 (0.02 ) 0.04 (0.05 ) Net (loss) income per diluted share $ (0.07 ) $ (0.18 ) $ (0.10 ) $ 0.50 Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding 29,938 30,392 30,656 30,752 Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding 29,938 30,392 30,656 30,992

Description of Business (Busine

Description of Business (Business Overview) (Details) - segment	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	1	2

Description of Business (Sale o

Description of Business (Sale of Photovoltaics and Digital Products Businesses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 22, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 17, 2015	Apr. 16, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 10, 2014	Sep. 17, 2014
Photovoltaics Business [Member] | Photovoltaics [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement, selling price						$ 150	$ 150
Working capital adjustment		$ 0.1
Digital Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement, selling price	$ 17.5
Asset sale, cash consideration	1.5
Asset sale, promissory note, principal amount	$ 16			$ 15.5	$ 1.5
Accrued interest on note receivable			$ 0.2

Description of Business (Sale40

Description of Business (Sale of Fiber Optics-related Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 07, 2012	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of assets		$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,150
Deferred gain associated with sale of assets		3,400	3,400
Fees billed during the period			$ 3,300	2,800
Sales price adjustment					$ 500
Expenses incurred in association with sale					$ 600
Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of assets	$ 2,800
Indemnification associated with sale of assets	$ 3,400
Indemnification period	2 years
Proceeds from sale of assets	$ 13,100
Cash held in escrow	$ 2,600
Reduction of purchase price				$ 1,100
Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD [Member] | Indemnification Obligation [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Deferred gain associated with sale of assets		$ 3,400

Description of Business (Liquid

Description of Business (Liquidity and Capital Resources) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	Nov. 10, 2015	Jun. 15, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Oct. 22, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)letter_of_credit	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)letter_of_credit	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 10, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 09, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 17, 2014USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Shares acquired (in shares) | shares		6.9
Average cost per share (in usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 6.55
Repurchases of common stock		$ 45,000,000										$ 45,650,000	$ 0	$ 0
Repurchase costs		$ 700,000
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash)				$ 111,900,000								111,900,000
Working capital				128,000,000								128,000,000
Net income				1,480,000	$ 2,440,000	$ 3,052,000	$ 56,128,000	$ 15,488,000	$ (3,150,000)	$ (5,432,000)	$ (2,054,000)	63,100,000	$ 4,852,000	$ 4,988,000
Photovoltaics Business [Member] | Photovoltaics [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement, selling price																		$ 150,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Working capital adjustment												100,000
Digital Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement, selling price			$ 17,500,000
Asset sale, cash consideration			1,500,000
Asset sale, promissory note, principal amount			$ 16,000,000													$ 15,500,000	$ 1,500,000
Accrued interest on note receivable															$ 200,000
Sixth Amendment [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity																		$ 15,000,000
LIBOR Rate Loan [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity																			$ 35,000,000
Standby letters of credit, total amount outstanding				$ 900,000								$ 900,000
Number of standby letters of credit outstanding | letter_of_credit				3								3
Remaining borrowing capacity				$ 8,600,000								$ 8,600,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Seventh Amendment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Technology Equipment | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Technology Equipment | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years

Summary of Significant Accoun43

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Asset retirement obligations	$ 1,774	$ 4,543
Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			40.00%
Equity method investment, purchase price			$ 4,800

Discontinued Operations (Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 10, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 22, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 17, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Flood-related insurance proceeds				$ 0	$ 0	$ 7,790
Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Goodwill				0	$ 20,384
Digital Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement, selling price		$ 17,500
Transaction costs incurred in sale of business				1,600
Asset sale, cash consideration		$ 1,500
Asset sale, promissory note, interest rate, year one		0.05
Asset sale, promissory note, interest rate, year two		0.13
Asset sale, promissory note, principal amount		$ 16,000						$ 15,500	$ 1,500
Accrued interest on note receivable							$ 200
Net assets				13,300
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operation				2,000
Photovoltaics [Member] | Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement, selling price	$ 150,000									$ 150,000
Net assets sold	60,300
Transaction costs incurred in sale of business	$ 2,700
Gain on sale of business				400
Working capital adjustment				100
Emcore Solar New Mexico [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Equity method investment, purchase price											$ 1,500
Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			40.00%
Equity method investment, purchase price			$ 4,800
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Flood-related insurance proceeds						$ 11,200
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Photovoltaics [Member] | Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of business				$ 56,800
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, revenue recognized			3,300
Gain on disposal of investment			$ 4,800

Discontinued Operations (Balanc

Discontinued Operations (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Assets of discontinued operations:
Current assets of discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 44,065
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	0	56,239
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	20,924
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	720
Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Assets of discontinued operations:
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	0	17,827
Inventory	0	7,203
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	1,512
Current assets of discontinued operations	0	26,542
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	26,660
Goodwill	0	20,384
Other non-current assets, net	0	254
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	0	47,298
Total assets of discontinued operations	0	73,840
Allowance	0	0
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
Accounts payable	0	4,640
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	0	5,398
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	10,038
Asset retirement obligations	0	720
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	720
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	0	10,758
Digital Products Business [Member]
Assets of discontinued operations:
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	0	14,268
Inventory	0	3,225
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	30
Current assets of discontinued operations	0	17,523
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	7,881
Other intangible assets, net	0	1,060
Non-current assets of discontinued operations	0	8,941
Total assets of discontinued operations	0	26,464
Allowance	0	17
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
Accounts payable	0	10,848
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	0	38
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 10,886

Discontinued Operations (Income

Discontinued Operations (Income Statements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 12,614	$ 73,226	$ 71,170
Cost of revenue	8,245	52,317	52,806
Gross profit	4,369	20,909	18,364
Operating expense	2,240	6,654	5,107
Other income	779	17	90
Gain on sale of equity method investment	0	0	4,800
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	86,958	0	0
Income from discontinued operations before income tax	89,866	14,272	18,147
Income tax expense (benefit)	(28,700)	(5,412)	(4,536)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	61,166	8,860	13,611
Digital Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	11,944	46,038	36,006
Cost of revenue	9,107	46,387	38,438
Gross profit	2,837	(349)	(2,432)
Operating expense	2,800	12,683	12,870
Flood-related insurance proceeds	0	0	(11,210)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	1,994	0	0
Income from discontinued operations before income tax	2,031	(13,032)	(4,092)
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,175	4,942	1,023
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 4,206	$ (8,090)	$ (3,069)

Fair Value Accounting (Fair Val

Fair Value Accounting (Fair Value Measurement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 111,885	$ 20,687	$ 16,104	$ 9,047
Restricted cash	375	1,482
Liabilities:
Warrant liability	0	122
Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	111,885	20,687
Restricted cash	375	1,482
Liabilities:
Warrant liability		122
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	111,885	20,687
Restricted cash	375	1,482
Liabilities:
Warrant liability		0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 Significant Other Observable Remaining Inputs [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Liabilities:
Warrant liability		122
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	$ 0	0
Liabilities:
Warrant liability		$ 0

Fair Value Accounting (Narrativ

Fair Value Accounting (Narrative) (Details) - shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of outstanding warrants (in shares)	0	400,001

Fair Value Accounting (Valuatio

Fair Value Accounting (Valuation Assumptions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Number of warrants issued (in shares)	0	400,001
Exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 0
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility	0.00%	51.71%
Risk-free interest rate	0.00%	0.30%
Expected term (in years)	0 years	6 months
Total warrant valuation	$ 0	$ 121,667
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)		$ 6.76
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Exercise price (in usd per share)		$ 9.44

Accounts Receivable (Schedule o

Accounts Receivable (Schedule of Components of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 17,781	$ 12,885
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(462)	(116)
Accounts receivable, net	$ 17,319	$ 12,769

Accounts Receivable (Allowance

Accounts Receivable (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 116	$ 22	$ 108
Provision adjustment - expense, net of recoveries	556	54	0
Write-offs and other adjustments - additions (deductions) to receivable balances	(210)	40	(86)
Balance at end of period	$ 462	$ 116	$ 22

Inventory (Schedule of Componen

Inventory (Schedule of Components of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 9,261	$ 7,255
Work in-process	3,207	4,403
Finished goods	4,662	3,986
Inventory	$ 17,130	$ 15,644

Property, Plant, and Equipmen53

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 30,554	$ 31,945
Accumulated depreciation	(21,629)	(21,499)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	8,925	10,446
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	24,913	23,185
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	1,109	1,109
Computer hardware and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	2,177	2,026
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	1,480	5,576
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 875	$ 49

Property, Plant, and Equipmen54

Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation					$ 2,879
Decrease in property, plant, and equipment					(2,100)
Asset retirement obligation, revision in estimated cash flows	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 845	845	$ 0	$ 0
Depreciation					$ 2,100	$ 2,500	$ 2,400
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Decrease in property, plant, and equipment				(4,000)
Accumulated Depreciation [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Decrease in property, plant, and equipment				$ (1,900)

Intangible Assets (Summary of I

Intangible Assets (Summary of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	$ 3,274	$ 4,697
Accumulated Amortization	(3,274)	(4,615)
Net Assets	0	82
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	3,274	4,697
Accumulated Amortization	(3,274)	(4,615)
Net Assets	$ 0	$ 82

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu56

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 3,036	$ 1,797
Warranty	1,664	2,285	$ 3,350
Termination fee	2,775	2,775
Professional fees	1,147	2,181
Customer deposits	133	593
Deferred revenue	65	97
Self insurance	606	1,470
Income and other taxes	1,038	1,433
Loss on sale contracts	0	119
Severance and restructuring accruals	1,448	1,317
Loss on inventory purchase commitments	0	306
Other	1,190	836
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 13,102	$ 15,209

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu57

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Professional Fees) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Professional fees	$ 1,147	$ 2,181
Photovoltaics Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Professional fees		$ 1,800

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu58

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Income and Other Taxes) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Income tax benefit	$ 339	$ (456)	$ 396	$ 1,912	$ 23,171	$ 732	$ (433)	$ 1,080	$ 2,191	$ 24,550	$ 3,393
Discontinued operations, tax effect									26,500	500	3,500
Deferred income taxes									24,080	$ (24,080)	$ 0
Deferred income tax expense benefit from discontinued operations									$ 24,100

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu59

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Severance and Restructuring Accruals) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 10, 2014	Sep. 17, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Severance and restructuring accruals:
Loss on contract termination				$ 700,000
Chief Operating Officer
Severance and restructuring accruals:
Estimated charge related to separation agreement					$ 500,000
Chief Executive Officer
Severance and restructuring accruals:
Estimated charge related to separation agreement			$ 800,000
Resignation period following replacement selection		15 days
Continuation of base salary period		602 days
Continuation of benefits, period		18 months
Outplacement services, period		1 year
Outplacement services, value		$ 15,000
Chief Administrative Officer
Severance and restructuring accruals:
Estimated charge related to separation agreement				600,000
Continuation of base salary period	518 days
Continuation of benefits, period	18 months
Outplacement services, period	1 year
Outplacement services, value	$ 15,000
Chief Counsel and Secretary
Severance and restructuring accruals:
Estimated charge related to separation agreement				$ 500,000
Continuation of base salary period	476 days
Continuation of benefits, period	18 months
Outplacement services, period	1 year
Outplacement services, value	$ 15,000

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu60

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 1,317
Expense - charged to accrual	1,953	$ 1,776
Payments and accrual adjustments	(1,822)	(1,060)
Ending Balance	1,448	601
Severance-related accruals [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,317
Expense - charged to accrual	1,216	1,776
Payments and accrual adjustments	(1,423)	(982)
Ending Balance	1,110	523
Restructuring-related accruals [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Expense - charged to accrual	737	0
Payments and accrual adjustments	(399)	(78)
Ending Balance	$ 338	$ 78

Accrued Expenses and Other Cu61

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,816	$ 3,881	$ 3,100
Provision for product warranty - expense	838	1,308	2,619
Adjustments and utilization of warranty accrual	(1,990)	(2,373)	(1,838)
Balance at end of period	1,664	2,816	3,881
Current portion	1,664	2,285	3,350
Non-current portion	$ 0	$ 531	$ 531

Impact from Thailand Flood (Nar

Impact from Thailand Flood (Narrative) (Details) - Natural Disasters and Other Casualty Events [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)
Extraordinary Item [Line Items]
Insurance proceeds from flood related loss	$ 7.8
Insurance proceeds in the form of capital lease forgiveness	0.2
Insurance proceeds in the form of outstanding payable forgiveness	1
Insurance proceeds receivable	$ 6.6

Credit Facilities (Narrative) (

Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details)	Nov. 10, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)letter_of_credit	Dec. 10, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 09, 2014USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 35,000,000
Standby letters of credit, total amount outstanding		$ 900,000
Number of standby letters of credit outstanding | letter_of_credit		3
Remaining borrowing capacity		$ 8,600,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Sixth Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 15,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Seventh Amendment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%

Income and other Taxes (Schedul

Income and other Taxes (Schedule of (Loss) Income Before Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Domestic									$ (5,713)	$ (19,792)	$ (8,095)
Foreign									1,250	(676)	(852)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit	$ 1,011	$ 920	$ (1,352)	$ (5,042)	$ (6,195)	$ (5,081)	$ (4,289)	$ (4,903)	$ (4,463)	$ (20,468)	$ (8,947)

Income and other Taxes (Income

Income and other Taxes (Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred									(1,835)	(21,285)	(2,752)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)									(1,835)	(21,285)	(2,752)
State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current									0	0	0
Deferred									(356)	(2,454)	(317)
State and local income tax expense (benefit)									(356)	(2,454)	(317)
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current									0	0	0
Deferred									0	(811)	(324)
Foreign income tax expense (benefit)									0	(811)	(324)
Total income tax (benefit) expense	$ (339)	$ 456	$ (396)	$ (1,912)	$ (23,171)	$ (732)	$ 433	$ (1,080)	$ (2,191)	$ (24,550)	$ (3,393)

Income and other Taxes (Narrati

Income and other Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ 339	$ (456)	$ 396	$ 1,912	$ 23,171	$ 732	$ (433)	$ 1,080	$ 2,191	$ 24,550	$ 3,393
Alternative minimum tax									600
Deferred income tax expense benefit from discontinued operations									24,100
Discontinued operations, tax effect									$ (26,500)	$ (500)	$ (3,500)
Effective tax rate									(49.10%)	(119.90%)	(37.90%)
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits									$ 200
Income tax penalties and interest accrued	300				$ 400				300	$ 400
Operating loss carryforward portion subject limitation	247,300								247,300
Operating loss carryforward portion not subject to limitation	187,100								187,100
Foreign Income And Research And Development Credit [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	3,000								3,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	434,400								434,400
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	500								500
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 243,000								243,000
Continuing Operations [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits									100
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits									100
Income tax credits and adjustments									$ 200	$ 800	$ 1,800

Income and other Taxes (Provisi

Income and other Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Income tax benefit computed at U.S. federal statutory rate									$ (1,518)	$ (6,959)	$ (3,042)
State tax expense benefit, net of U.S. federal effect									(356)	(776)	(317)
Foreign tax rate differential									(269)	1,041	(34)
Release of valuation allowance-domestic									0	(17,856)	0
Other									108	0	0
Change in valuation allowance									(156)	0	0
Income tax benefit	$ (339)	$ 456	$ (396)	$ (1,912)	$ (23,171)	$ (732)	$ 433	$ (1,080)	$ (2,191)	$ (24,550)	$ (3,393)
Effective tax rate									49.10%	119.90%	37.90%

Income and other Taxes (Deferre

Income and other Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$ 147,704	$ 155,741
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	66	646
Income tax credit carryforwards	3,033	2,641
Inventory reserves	2,283	4,439
Accounts receivable reserves	149	51
Accrued warranty reserve	587	1,171
State net operating loss carryforwards	9,527	10,454
Stock compensation	2,837	3,300
Deferred compensation	1,080	1,647
Fixed assets and intangibles	1,646	10,501
Capital loss carryover	0	10,565
Other	1,388	1,868
Total deferred tax assets	170,300	203,024
Valuation allowance	(170,300)	(178,944)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 0	$ 24,080

Income and other Taxes (Unrecog

Income and other Taxes (Unrecognized Gross Tax Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 620	$ 620
Adjustments based on tax positions related to the current year	0	0
Adjustments based on tax positions of prior years	(207)	0
Ending Balance	$ 413	$ 620

Commitments and Contingencies70

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2014	Sep. 23, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease payments due in 2016				$ 1,000,000				$ 1,000,000
Lease payments due in 2017				$ 400,000				400,000
Operating leases, rent expense, net								$ 1,300,000	$ 1,700,000	$ 2,300,000
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%
Accretion expense								$ 110,000	200,000	200,000
Gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation								2,879,000
Decrease in property, plant, and equipment								2,100,000
Asset retirement obligation, revision in estimated cash flows				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 845,000	$ 845,000	$ 0	$ 0
Business combination, indemnification assets, range of outcomes, value			$ 3,400,000
Business combination, indemnification duration, period taken into account for			2 years
Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, damages sought		$ 47,500,000
Buildings [Member] | Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of leased buildings				6				6
Lease term	3 years
Operating lease, term extension, option to extend	3 years

Commitments and Contingencies71

Commitments and Contingencies (Asset Retirement Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligation, beginning balance	$ 4,543
Accretion expense	110	$ 200	$ 200
Revision in estimated cash flows	(2,879)
Asset retirement obligation, ending balance	$ 1,774	$ 4,543

Equity (Narrative) (Details)

Equity (Narrative) (Details)	Jun. 15, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 10, 2014USD ($)employeeshares	Mar. 05, 2014shares	Sep. 18, 2013USD ($)shares	Oct. 03, 2012USD ($)shares	Aug. 23, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)plan$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2012shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Repurchases of common stock | $	$ 45,000,000							$ 45,650,000	$ 0	$ 0
Shares acquired (in shares)	6,900,000
Average cost per share (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 6.55
Repurchase costs | $	$ 700,000
Registered amount | $							$ 50,000,000
Effective period for shelf registration						3 years
Issuance of common stock from stock sales (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 | plan								3
Intrinsic value of shares exercised | $								$ 305,000	100,000	94,000
Number of employees affected | employee		80
Unvested restricted stock units (in shares)								570,231
Stock-based compensation expense | $								$ 3,620,000	$ 2,987,000	$ 2,644,000
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)								50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)								5,882,000	5,882,000
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares								$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)								32,586,000	31,149,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)								25,676,000	31,109,000
Number of outstanding warrants (in shares)								0	400,001
Cash matching contribution | $								$ 200,000
Aggregate common shares issued (in shares)								2,278,272
Issuance of common stock - ODPP (in shares)								0	1,600	4,500
Weighted average antidilutive options, unvested restricted stock units and awards, warrants and ESPP shares excluded from the computation (in shares)								1,391,000	1,936,000	2,672,000
Employee stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options, average minimum vesting period								4 years
Stock options, average maximum vesting period								5 years
Stock options, contractual life								10 years
Unrecognized compensation expense | $								$ 200,000
Unrecognized compensation expense, period for recognition								4 years 1 month 6 days
Number of shares affected (in shares)		56,000
Incremental expense (benefit) with modification | $		$ (200,000)
Stock-based compensation expense | $								$ 194,000	$ 135,000	$ 293,000
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period								3 years
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares affected (in shares)		147,000
Incremental expense (benefit) with modification | $		$ 49,000
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense | $								$ 2,100,000
Remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense, period for recognition								2 years
Unvested restricted stock units (in shares)								570,231	966,579
Outstanding non-vested RSUs aggregate intrinsic value | $								$ 3,900,000
Outstanding non-vested RSUs weighted average remaining contractual term								1 year 2 months 12 days
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, aggregate intrinsic value, vested | $								$ 4,600,000	$ 2,400,000	$ 1,200,000
Share-based compensation arrangement, by share-based payment award, options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable, number								500,000
Share based compensation arrangement, by share based payment award, equity instruments other than options, expected to vest, intrinsic value | $								$ 3,700,000
Share based compensation arrangement, by share based payment award, equity investments other than options, expected to vest, weighted average contractual term								1 year 2 months 12 days
Weighted average grant date fair value, shares granted (in usd per share) | $ / shares								$ 5.38	$ 4.89	$ 4.63
Vested (in shares)		300,000						873,183
401(k) match in common stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense | $								$ 300,000	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of additional shares authorized (in shares)			1,000,000
Number of shares authorized (in shares)			2,000,000
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of additional shares authorized (in shares)			1,000,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), Employee Purchase Price Percentage								85.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), Annual Employee Contribution Limit Percentage								10.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Accelerated Compensation Cost | $								$ 25,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ESPP, Total Shares			3,250,000								2,250,000
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock from stock sales (in shares)										4,707,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)								25,676,000	31,109,000	29,982,000	24,372,000
Issuance of common stock - ESPP (in shares)								121,000	341,000	344,000
Issuance of common stock - ODPP (in shares)									2,000	5,000
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense | $								$ 969,000	$ 1,452,000	$ 1,565,000

Equity (Schedule of Stock Optio

Equity (Schedule of Stock Options Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Number of Shares
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,431,190
Granted (in shares)	37,350
Exercised (in shares)	(289,467)
Forfeited (in shares)	(9,227)
Expired (in shares)	(473,387)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	696,459	1,431,190
Exercisable (in shares)	651,732
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.06
Granted (in dollars per share)	6.23
Exercised (in dollars per share)	4.82
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	5.28
Expired (in dollars per share)	22.01
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	22.47	$ 19.06
Exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 23.60
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years):
Outstanding	2 years 10 months 28 days
Exercisable	2 years 5 months 23 days
Vested and expected to vest
Number of stock options	687,048
Weighted average exercise price	$ 22.70
Weighted average remaining contractual term	2 years 9 months 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) (USD per share)
Exercised (in usd per share)	$ 305	$ 100	$ 94
Outstanding	436
Exercisable	395
Vested and expected to vest	$ 428

Equity (Schedule of Valuation A

Equity (Schedule of Valuation Assumptions) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Black-Scholes weighted average assumptions:
Expected dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility rate	66.10%	92.80%	96.70%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.90%	1.20%
Expected term	6 years	6 years	6 years
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock option granted (in usd per share)	$ 3.73	$ 3.53	$ 3.45

Equity (Schedule of Restricted

Equity (Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 10, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Number of Shares
Non-vested, ending balance (in shares)		570,231
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Number of Shares
Non-vested, beginning balance (in shares)		966,579
Granted (in shares)		524,150
Vested (in shares)	(300,000)	(873,183)
Forfeited (in shares)		(47,315)
Non-vested, ending balance (in shares)		570,231	966,579
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (in usd per share)		$ 4.71
Granted (in usd per share)		5.38	$ 4.89	$ 4.63
Vested (in usd per share)		4.74
Forfeited (in usd per share)		4.89
Non-vested, ending balance (in usd per share)		$ 5.26	$ 4.71

Equity (Schedule of Stock-based

Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Award Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,620	$ 2,987	$ 2,644
Employee stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	194	135	293
Restricted stock awards and units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	2,658	1,683	1,343
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	143	289	329
401(k) match in common stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	300	500	500
Outside director fees in common stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 341	$ 367	$ 166

Equity (Schedule of Stock-bas77

Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Expense Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,620	$ 2,987	$ 2,644
Cost of revenue [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	341	466	562
Selling, general, and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	2,847	1,912	1,382
Research and development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 432	$ 609	$ 700

Equity (Schedule of Earnings pe

Equity (Schedule of Earnings per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:
(Loss) income from continuing operations	$ 1,350	$ 464	$ (956)	$ (3,130)	$ 16,976	$ (4,349)	$ (4,722)	$ (3,823)	$ (2,272)	$ 4,082	$ (5,554)
Income from discontinued operations	130	1,976	4,008	59,258	(1,488)	1,199	(710)	1,769	65,372	770	10,542
Net income	$ 1,480	$ 2,440	$ 3,052	$ 56,128	$ 15,488	$ (3,150)	$ (5,432)	$ (2,054)	63,100	4,852	4,988
Undistributed earnings-allocated to participating securities									0	(6)	(18)
Allocation of undistributed earnings - continuing operations									(2,272)	4,076	(5,572)
Undistributed earnings-allocated to participating securities									0	0	(8)
Allocation of undistributed earnings - discontinued operations									65,372	770	10,534
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for basic net income per share									63,100	4,846	4,962
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for diluted net income per share									$ 63,100	$ 4,846	$ 4,962
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net (loss) income per share - weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	25,615	31,203	32,077	31,217	30,752	30,656	30,392	29,938	30,012	30,453	26,531
Dilutive options outstanding, unvested stock units and ESPP (in shares)									0	324	0
Denominator for diluted net (loss) income per share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	25,896	31,432	32,077	31,217	30,992	30,656	30,392	29,938	30,012	30,777	26,531
Net income (loss) per basic and diluted shares:
Net (loss) income per basic share, continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.02	$ (0.03)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.55	$ (0.14)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.13	$ (0.21)
Net (loss) income per basic share, discontinued operations (in usd per share)									2.18	0.03	0.40
Net income per basic share (in usd per share)									2.10	0.16	0.19
Net (loss) income per diluted share, continuing operations (in usd per share)	0.05	0.02	(0.03)	(0.10)	0.55	(0.14)	(0.16)	(0.13)	(0.08)	0.13	(0.21)
Net (loss) income per diluted share, discontinued operations (in usd per share)									2.18	0.03	0.40
Net income per diluted share (in usd per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.08	$ 0.10	$ 1.80	$ 0.50	$ (0.10)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.07)	$ 2.10	$ 0.16	$ 0.19
Weighted average antidilutive options, unvested restricted stock units and awards, warrants and ESPP shares excluded from the computation (in shares)									1,391	1,936	2,672
Average market price of common stock (in dollars per share)									$ 5.81	$ 4.69	$ 4.64

Equity (Schedule of Common Stoc

Equity (Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuances) (Details) - shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Exercise of outstanding stock options	696,459	1,431,190
Unvested restricted stock units	570,231
Purchases under the employee stock purchase plan	971,728
Issuance of stock-based awards under the Equity Plans	625,459
Purchases under the officer and director share purchase plan	88,741
Issuance of stock-based awards under the 2007 Directors' Stock Award Plan, as amended	208,162
Total reserved	3,160,780

Geographical Information (Narra

Geographical Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)customers	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)customers	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)customers	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)customers	Oct. 22, 2014USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of customers | customers	4				4	3	3
Percentage of long-lived assets located in the United States	38.00%				38.00%	47.00%
Revision in estimated cash flows					$ (2,879)
Decrease in property, plant, and equipment					(2,100)
Asset retirement obligation, revision in estimated cash flows	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 845	$ 845	$ 0	$ 0
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue by customer, percentage					61.00%	41.00%	40.00%
Digital Products Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement, selling price								$ 17,500

Geographical Information (Sched

Geographical Information (Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 23,018	$ 21,194	$ 19,057	$ 18,416	$ 14,302	$ 13,596	$ 12,953	$ 14,663	$ 81,685	$ 55,514	$ 60,971
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									55,736	37,284	45,228
Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									16,885	8,652	11,583
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									8,249	7,746	3,729
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 815	$ 1,832	$ 431

Geographical Information (Sch82

Geographical Information (Schedule of Long-lived Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 8,925	$ 10,528
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	3,356	4,997
International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 5,569	$ 5,531

Selected Quarterly Financial 83

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 23,018	$ 21,194	$ 19,057	$ 18,416	$ 14,302	$ 13,596	$ 12,953	$ 14,663	$ 81,685	$ 55,514	$ 60,971
Cost of revenue	13,568	13,511	12,678	13,237	10,136	10,937	10,055	12,272	52,994	43,400	48,705
Gross profit	9,450	7,683	6,379	5,179	4,166	2,659	2,898	2,391	28,691	12,114	12,266
Operating expense (income):
Selling, general, and administrative	5,587	4,543	5,954	8,627	7,891	5,364	4,328	5,656	24,711	23,239	18,492
Research and development	2,649	2,274	2,022	2,174	2,466	2,340	2,676	1,824	9,119	9,306	10,509
Gain from change in estimate on ARO obligation	0	0	0	(845)					(845)	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	0	0	0	228	(100)	0	0	0	228	(100)	0
Total operating expense	8,236	6,817	7,976	10,184	10,257	7,704	7,004	7,480	33,213	32,445	21,211
Operating loss	1,214	866	(1,597)	(5,005)	(6,091)	(5,045)	(4,106)	(5,089)	(4,522)	(20,331)	(8,945)
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	36	4	165	(130)	(145)	(134)	(117)	(126)	75	(522)	(800)
Foreign exchange (loss) gain	(239)	50	(6)	57	(5)	(12)	(90)	100	(138)	(7)	283
Gain on sale of investment					0	0	17	290	0	307	0
Change in fair value of financial instruments	0	0	86	36	(5)	110	7	(78)	122	34	515
Other income					51	0	0	0	0	51	0
Total other income (expense)	(203)	54	245	(37)	(104)	(36)	(183)	186	59	(137)	(2)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit	1,011	920	(1,352)	(5,042)	(6,195)	(5,081)	(4,289)	(4,903)	(4,463)	(20,468)	(8,947)
Income tax benefit	339	(456)	396	1,912	23,171	732	(433)	1,080	2,191	24,550	3,393
(Loss) income from continuing operations	1,350	464	(956)	(3,130)	16,976	(4,349)	(4,722)	(3,823)	(2,272)	4,082	(5,554)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	130	1,976	4,008	59,258	(1,488)	1,199	(710)	1,769	65,372	770	10,542
Net income	$ 1,480	$ 2,440	$ 3,052	$ 56,128	$ 15,488	$ (3,150)	$ (5,432)	$ (2,054)	$ 63,100	$ 4,852	$ 4,988
Net income (loss) per basic and diluted shares:
Net (loss) income per basic share, continuing operations (in usd per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.02	$ (0.03)	$ (0.10)	$ 0.55	$ (0.14)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.13	$ (0.21)
Net income per basic share, discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0.01	0.06	0.13	1.90	(0.05)	0.04	(0.02)	0.06	2.18	0.03	0.40
Net income per basic share (in usd per share)	0.06	0.08	0.10	1.80	0.50	(0.10)	(0.18)	(0.07)	2.10	0.16	0.19
Net (loss) income per diluted share, continuing operations (in usd per share)	0.05	0.02	(0.03)	(0.10)	0.55	(0.14)	(0.16)	(0.13)	(0.08)	0.13	(0.21)
Net income per diluted share, discontinued operations (in usd per share)	0.01	0.06	0.13	1.90	(0.05)	0.04	(0.02)	0.06	2.18	0.03	0.40
Net income per diluted share (in usd per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.08	$ 0.10	$ 1.80	$ 0.50	$ (0.10)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.07)	$ 2.10	$ 0.16	$ 0.19
Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding (in shares)	25,615	31,203	32,077	31,217	30,752	30,656	30,392	29,938	30,012	30,453	26,531
Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	25,896	31,432	32,077	31,217	30,992	30,656	30,392	29,938	30,012	30,777	26,531