Segment Information (Consolidated Net Sales and Earnings by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net sales	$ 460,241	$ 438,467	$ 1,336,930	$ 1,222,408
Interest expense, net	(6,346)	(6,244)	(18,996)	(18,836)
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	37,708	50,855	131,922	128,817
Total of Reporting Segments [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	52,741	64,653	174,541	169,252
Aerospace [Member]
Net sales	214,474	215,242	632,037	601,331
Segment earnings (loss)	21,536	35,402	82,277	88,557
Energy [Member]
Net sales	245,767	223,225	704,893	621,077
Segment earnings (loss)	31,205	29,251	92,264	80,695
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	$ (8,687)	$ (7,554)	$ (23,623)	$ (21,599)