Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Net sales	$ 2,001,240	$ 1,935,976	$ 1,865,627
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	1,425,839	1,376,271	1,303,344
Selling, general and administrative expenses	155,339	168,097	164,512
Research and development costs	138,005	130,250	143,274
Amortization of intangible assets	33,580	36,979	32,809
Interest expense	22,804	26,703	26,003
Interest income	(271)	(273)	(542)
Other (income) expense, net (Note 15)	(1,300)	(1,622)	(1,580)
Total costs and expenses	1,773,996	1,736,405	1,667,820
Earnings before income taxes	227,244	199,571	197,807
Income tax expense	61,400	53,629	56,218
Net earnings	$ 165,844	$ 145,942	$ 141,589
Earnings per share (Note 3):
Basic earnings per share	$ 2.50	$ 2.13	$ 2.06
Diluted earnings per share	$ 2.45	$ 2.10	$ 2.01
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (Note 3):
Basic	66,432	68,392	68,880
Diluted	67,776	69,602	70,307
Cash dividends per share paid to Woodward common stockholders	$ 0.32	$ 0.32	$ 0.31