Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Basis of Presentation
Selling, general, and administrative expenses include net foreign currency transaction gains (losses)			$ 575,000	$ 425,000	$ 251,000
Disclosure of Change of Date for Annual Goodwill Impairment Test			Woodward changed the annual testing date for its goodwill impairment test from March 31 to July 31.
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0		0	0	0
Asset Impairment Charges			0	0	0
Amount of noncontrolling interest purchased by the Company		26.00%
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		$ 8,120,000	$ 0	$ 8,120,000	$ 0
Ownership percentage in Woodward Governor India Limited after purchase of minority interest	100.00%		100.00%

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

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+ Details