Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net operating loss deferred tax asset	$ 6,537	$ 5,552
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	6,537	5,552
Undistributed foreign earnings for which Woodward has not provided for taxes	318,744
Estimated decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits	4,393
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	10,494	12,807
Accrued interest and penalties	859	1,158
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	21,469	22,687	$ 22,694	$ 18,069
Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member]
Reversal of valuation allowance	4,088	3,993	1,758
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Reversal of valuation allowance	$ 2,891	$ 2,568	$ 0