Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]
Value of Company Stock Contributed to Defined Contribution Benefit Plans	$ 9,335	$ 9,107
Treasury Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plans	209

The value of company stock contributed annually to defined contribution employee benefit plans equal to 5% of employees' eligible prior year wages. The contribution may be funded by treasury stock shares or a cash contribution to the stock plan which is then used to purchase shares of the company's stock on the open market.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	wwd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration