CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - 3 months ended Dec. 31, 2016 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	Treasury stock	Total
Balances at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 74	$ 733,117	$ (441,793)	$ (1,411)	$ 289,987
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016	74,153				74,153
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock purchase plan	$ 0	336			$ 336
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	17
Exercise of stock appreciation rights	$ 1				1
Exercise of stock appreciation rights (in shares)	714
Tax benefit from exercise of stock appreciation rights and vesting of restricted stock		5,218			5,218
Stock-based compensation		485			485
Net income attributable to Headwaters Incorporated			6,667		6,667
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 75	$ 739,156	$ (435,126)	$ (1,411)	$ 302,694
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	74,884				74,884