Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net operating loss deferred tax asset	$ 5,255	$ 6,537		$ 5,255
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	5,255	6,537		5,255
Undistributed foreign earnings for which Woodward has not provided for taxes	335,881			335,881
Estimated decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits	8,433			8,433
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	11,426	10,494		11,426
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 1,273	$ 859		$ 1,273