Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - Duarte Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] - Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit, Lump Sum Buyout Benefits Paid, Current Year		$ 670,000
Defined Benefit, Lump Sum Buyout Benefits Paid, Expected	$ 0

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward opened a lump-sum buy-out window for certain former U.S. employees and/or their dependents eligible to receive postretirement defined benefit pension payments for past employment services to the Company. Eligible pension plan participants may elect to receive a one-time lump-sum payment or an immediate annuity in lieu of future pension benefit payments. Amount represents the pension benefit payments under the lump-sum buy-out options during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016.

No definition available.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration