Leases (Lease-Related Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense		$ 1,532	$ 3,051
Amortization of financing lease assets		101	248
Interest on financing lease liabilities		20	40
Variable lease expense		288	595
Short-term lease expense		162	337
Sublease income	[1]	(200)	(325)
Total lease expense		$ 1,903	$ 3,946

[1] Relates to two separate subleases Woodward has entered into for a leased manufacturing building in Niles, Illinois.