Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 CNY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Net unrecognized losses on terminated derivative instruments expected to be reclassified to earnings			$ 21
Term of gain or loss recognition in interest expense on terminated derivatives recorded in OCI			12 months
Description of Net Investment Hedge Activity		In June 2015, Woodward designated an intercompany loan of 160,000 RMB between two wholly owned subsidiaries as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of the net investment of the borrower in the lender. An unrealized foreign exchange gain on the loan of $572 is included in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.
Gain on foreign currency transaction designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary			$ 572	$ 0	$ 0
Intercompany Loan [Member]
Gain on foreign currency transaction designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary			$ 572
Value of Net Investment Hedging Instruments Used | ¥		¥ 160,000
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member]
Term of gain or loss recognition in interest expense on terminated derivatives recorded in OCI			7 years
Derivative, Notional Amount						$ 25,000
Interest Expense [Member] | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member]
Amount of Gain/Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative	$ 507		$ 0	0	$ (507)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Earnings [Member]
Unrecognized gains (loss)			$ 269	$ 170