Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Schedule of Effects of Purchasing Non-controlling Interest on Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to Woodward	$ 41,690	$ 36,056	$ 32,090	$ 22,399	$ 32,675	$ 31,745	$ 24,068	$ 22,356	$ 132,235	$ 110,844	$ 94,352
Decrease in Woodward's additional paid in capital related to purchase of noncontrolling interest										(6,180)
Change from net earnings attributable to Woodward and transfers to noncontrolling interest									$ 132,235	$ 104,664	$ 94,352