Leases (Lease-Related Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense		$ 1,615	$ 1,532	$ 3,168	$ 3,051
Amortization of finance lease assets		94	101	220	248
Interest on finance lease liabilities		17	20	35	40
Variable lease expense		496	288	818	595
Short-term lease expense		76	162	158	337
Sublease income	[1]	(214)	(200)	(382)	(325)
Total lease expense		$ 2,084	$ 1,903	$ 4,017	$ 3,946

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