SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basis for Presentation
Organization and Nature of the Business		Organization and nature of the business: We design, develop and manufacture products which are mainly electronic in nature, provide government services and services related to products previously produced by us and others. Our principal lines of business are defense systems, defense services and transportation fare collection systems and services. Our principal customers for defense products and services are the United States and foreign governments. Our transportation fare collection systems and services are sold primarily to large local government agencies worldwide.
Principles of Consolidation		Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cubic Corporation, its majority-owned subsidiaries and, as of March 5, 2010, its 50% owned variable interest entity, Transaction Systems Limited (TranSys). We consolidate variable interest entities (VIE) when we determine that Cubic is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidation of foreign subsidiaries requires translation of their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. We translate our statements of income and cash flows at the average exchange rates for each year. Transaction gains on advances to foreign subsidiaries amounted to $1.1 million, $0.1 million, $0.8 million and $1.8 million in 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Cash Equivalents		Cash equivalents: We consider highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk		Concentration of credit risk: We have established guidelines pursuant to which our cash and cash equivalents are diversified among various money market instruments and investment funds. These guidelines emphasize the preservation of capital by requiring minimum credit ratings assigned by established credit organizations. We achieve diversification by specifying maximum investments in each instrument type and issuer. The majority of these investments are not on deposit in federally insured accounts.
Short-term Investments		Short-term investments: Short-term investments include marketable U.S. government agency securities and pre-refunded tax exempt bonds that may be purchased at a discount or premium, may have callable options, and are categorized as available-for-sale securities. We record short-term investments at fair value and we record any net differences between fair market value and cost in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable		Accounts receivable: Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from U.S. and foreign governments for defense products and services and local government agencies for transportation systems. Due to the nature of our customers, we generally do not require collateral. We have limited exposure to credit risk as we have historically collected substantially all of our receivables from government agencies. We generally require no allowance for doubtful accounts for these customers.
Inventories		Inventories: We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, which approximates current replacement cost. We value our work in process at the actual production and engineering costs incurred to date, including applicable overhead. For contracts with the U.S. government our work in process also includes general and administrative costs. Any inventoried costs in excess of estimated realizable value are immediately charged to cost of sales. Where contracts include advances, performance-based payments and progress payments, we reflect the advances as an offset against any related inventory balances.
Long-term capitalized costs		Long-term capitalized contract costs: Long-term capitalized contract costs include costs incurred on a contract to develop and manufacture a transportation fare system for a customer for which revenue will not be recognized until delivery of the system.
Property, Plant and Equipment		Property, plant and equipment: We carry property, plant and equipment at cost. We provide depreciation in amounts sufficient to amortize the cost of the depreciable assets over their estimated useful lives. Generally, we use straight-line methods for depreciable real property over estimated useful lives or the term of the underlying lease for leasehold improvements. We use accelerated methods (declining balance and sum-of-the-years-digits) for machinery and equipment over their estimated useful lives.
Goodwill and Purchased Intangibles		Goodwill and purchased intangibles: We evaluate goodwill for potential impairment annually as of July 1, or when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including recorded goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we would measure impairment by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value, and any impairment determined would be recorded in the current period. To date there has been no impairment of our recorded goodwill. Our purchased intangible assets are subject to amortization and we use a combination of straight-line and accelerated methods, based on the expected cash flows from the assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets		Impairment of long-lived assets: We generally evaluate the carrying values of long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment only if events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that carrying values may not be recoverable. If we determined there was any impairment, we would measure it by comparing the fair value of the related asset to its carrying value and record the difference in the current period. Fair value is generally determined by identifying estimated discounted cash flows to be generated by those assets. We have not recorded any material impairments for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Customer Advances		Customer advances: We receive advances, performance-based payments and progress payments from customers that may exceed revenues recognized on certain contracts, including contracts with agencies of the U.S. government. We classify such advances, other than those reflected as a reduction of receivables or inventories, as current liabilities.
Contingencies		Contingencies: We establish reserves for loss contingencies when, in the opinion of management, the likelihood of liability is probable and the extent of such liability is reasonably estimable. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and currently available information and involve a variety of factors, including the type and nature of the litigation, claim or proceeding, the progress of the matter, the advice of legal counsel, our defenses and our experience in similar cases or proceedings as well as our assessment of matters, including settlements, involving other defendants in similar or related cases or proceedings. We may increase or decrease our legal reserves in the future, on a matter-by-matter basis, to account for developments in such matters.
Derivative Financial Instruments		Derivative financial instruments: All derivatives are recorded at fair value, however, the classification of gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair values of derivatives are dependent on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation. If a derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, then a change in the fair value of the derivative is offset against the change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item and only the ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is recognized in cost of sales. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, then the effective portion of a change in the fair value of the derivative is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the underlying hedged item is recognized in cost of sales, or the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring. If a derivative does not qualify as a highly effective hedge, a change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. We formally document hedging relationships for all derivative hedges and the underlying hedged items, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans		Defined benefit pension plans: Some of our employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans. The net periodic cost of our plans is determined using several actuarial assumptions, the most significant of which are the discount rate and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. We recognize on a plan-by-plan basis the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans as either an asset or liability on our balance sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in shareholders' equity. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation of the plan.
Research and Development		Research and development: We record the cost of company sponsored research and development (R&D) activities as the expenses are incurred. The cost of product development activities incurred in connection with the performance of work on our contracts is included in cost of sales as they are directly related to contract performance.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue recognition. We generate revenue from the sale of products such as mass transit fare collection systems, air and ground combat training systems, and secure communications products. We provide services such as specialized military training exercises, including live, virtual and constructive training exercises and support, and we operate and maintain fare systems for mass transit customers. We classify sales as products or services in our Consolidated Statements of Income based on the attributes of the underlying contracts. We recognize sales and profits under our long-term fixed-price contracts, which generally require a significant amount of development effort in relation to total contract value, using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method of accounting. We record sales and profits based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to estimated total contract costs at completion. Contract costs include material, labor and subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. For contracts with the U.S. federal government, general and administrative costs are included in contract costs; however, general and administrative costs are not considered contract costs for any other customers. Costs are recognized as incurred for contracts accounted for under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method. For certain other long-term, fixed price production contracts not requiring substantial development effort we use the units-of-delivery percentage-of-completion method as the basis to measure progress toward completing the contract and recognizing sales. The units-of delivery measure recognizes revenues as deliveries are made to the customer generally using unit sales values in accordance with the contract terms. Costs of sales are recorded as deliveries are made. We estimate profit as the difference between total estimated revenue and total estimated cost of a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract based on deliveries. For long-term fixed price contracts, we only include amounts representing contract change orders, claims or other items in the contract value when they can be reliably estimated and we consider realization probable. Changes in estimates of sales, costs and profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods. A significant change in one or more of these estimates could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. We record sales under cost-reimbursement-type contracts as we incur the costs. The Federal Acquisition Regulations provide guidance on the types of costs that we will be reimbursed in establishing the contract price. We consider incentives or penalties and awards applicable to performance on contracts in estimating sales and profits, and record them when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated contract performance. We do not recognize incentive provisions that increase or decrease earnings based solely on a single significant event until the event occurs. We occasionally enter into contracts that include multiple deliverables such as the construction or upgrade of a system and subsequent services to operate and maintain the delivered system. For multiple element contracts that were entered prior to October 1, 2009, a delivered item was considered a separate unit of accounting when it had value to the customer on a standalone basis and there was objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items. For contracts where we are unable to conclude there were separate units of accounting, we combine the deliverables and recognize revenue once the final item has been delivered or, if the final element is a service, over the period of performance. We elected to adopt authoritative accounting guidance for multiple-element arrangements effective October 1, 2009 on a prospective basis. This guidance affected the accounting conclusion as to whether a deliverable under a contract is considered a separate unit of accounting, and also affected the method that is used to allocate arrangement consideration to each separate unit of accounting. The new guidance eliminates the requirement for objective and reliable evidence of fair value to exist for the undelivered items in order for a delivered item to be treated as a separate unit of accounting. The new guidance also requires arrangement consideration to be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative-selling-price method and eliminates the use of the residual method of allocation. Under the relative-selling-price method, the selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of selling price or third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor third-party evidence of selling price exists for a deliverable, which is typically the case for our contracts, the guidance requires us to determine the best estimate of the selling price, which is the price at which we would sell the deliverable if it were sold on a standalone basis. In estimating the selling price of the deliverable on a standalone basis, we consider our overall pricing models and objectives, including the factors we contemplate in negotiating our contracts with our customers. The pricing models and objectives that we use are generally based upon a cost-plus margin approach, with the estimated margin based in part on qualitative factors such as perceived customer pricing sensitivity and competitive pressures. Once the contract value is allocated to the separate deliverables under a multiple-element arrangement, revenue recognition guidance relevant to each contractual element is followed. For example, for the long-term construction portion of a contract we use the percentage-of completion method and for the services portion we recognize the service revenues on a straight-line basis over the contractual service period or based on measurable units of work performed or incentives earned. Revenue under our service contracts with the U.S. government is recorded under the cost-to cost percentage-of-completion method. Award fees and incentives related to performance under these service contracts are accrued during the performance of the contract based on our historical experience and estimates of success with such awards. Revenue under contracts for services other than those with the U.S. government and those associated with design, development, or production activities is recognized either as services are performed or when a contractually required event has occurred, depending on the contract. For such contracts that contain measurable units of work performed we recognize sales when the units of work are completed. Certain of our transportation systems service contracts contain service level or system usage incentives, for which we recognize revenues when the incentive award is fixed or determinable. These contract incentives are generally based upon monthly service levels or monthly performance and become fixed or determinable on a monthly basis. However, one of our transportation systems service contracts contains annual system usage incentives which are based upon system usage compared to annual baseline amounts. For this contract the annual system usage incentives are not considered fixed or determinable until the end of the contract year for which the incentives are measured, which falls within the second quarter of our fiscal year. Revenue under such contracts that do not contain measurable units of work performed, which is generally the case for our service contracts, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual service period, unless evidence suggests that the revenue is earned, or obligations fulfilled, in a different manner. Costs incurred under these services contracts are expensed as incurred. We make provisions in the current period to fully recognize any anticipated losses on contracts. If we receive cash on a contract prior to revenue recognition or in excess of inventoried costs, we classify it as a customer advance on the balance sheet.	Revenue recognition: We generate revenue from the sale of products such as mass transit fare collection systems, air and ground combat training systems, and secure communications products. We provide services such as specialized military training exercises, including live, virtual and constructive training exercises and support, and we operate and maintain fare systems for mass transit customers. We classify sales as products or services in our Consolidated Statements of Income based on the attributes of the underlying contracts. We recognize sales and profits under our long-term fixed-price contracts, which generally require a significant amount of development effort in relation to total contract value, using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method of accounting. We record sales and profits based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to estimated total contract costs at completion. Contract costs include material, labor and subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. For contracts with the U.S. federal government, general and administrative costs are included in contract costs; however, general and administrative costs are not considered contract costs for any other customers. Cost are recognized as incurred for contracts accounted for under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method. For certain other long-term, fixed price production contracts not requiring substantial development effort we use the units-of-delivery percentage-of-completion method as the basis to measure progress toward completing the contract and recognizing sales. The units-of-delivery measure recognizes revenues as deliveries are made to the customer generally using unit sales values in accordance with the contract terms. Costs of sales are recorded as deliveries are made. We estimate profit as the difference between total estimated revenue and total estimated cost of a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract based on deliveries. For long-term fixed price contracts, we only include amounts representing contract change orders, claims or other items in the contract value when they can be reliably estimated and we consider realization probable. Changes in estimates of sales, costs and profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods. A significant change in one or more of these estimates could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in estimates on contracts for which revenue is recognized using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method increased operating profit by approximately $17.5 million in 2012, $17.0 million in 2011, $8.8 million in 2010, and $3.6 million in 2009. These adjustments increased net income by approximately $12.0 million ($0.45 per share) in 2012, $11.5 million ($0.43 per share) in 2011, $5.8 million ($0.22 per share) in 2010, and $2.7 million ($0.10 per share) in 2009. We record sales under cost-reimbursement-type contracts as we incur the costs. The Federal Acquisition Regulations provide guidance on the types of costs that we will be reimbursed in establishing the contract price. We consider incentives or penalties and awards applicable to performance on contracts in estimating sales and profits, and record them when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated contract performance. We do not recognize incentive provisions that increase or decrease earnings based solely on a single significant event until the event occurs. We occasionally enter into contracts that include multiple deliverables such as the construction or upgrade of a system and subsequent services to operate and maintain the delivered system. For multiple element contracts that were entered prior to October 1, 2009, a delivered item was considered a separate unit of accounting when it had value to the customer on a stand-alone basis and there was objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items. For contracts where we are unable to conclude there were separate units of accounting, we combine the deliverables and recognize revenue once the final item has been delivered or, if the final element is a service, over the period of performance. We elected to adopt authoritative accounting guidance for multiple-element arrangements effective October 1, 2009 on a prospective basis. This guidance affected the accounting conclusion as to whether a deliverable under a contract is considered a separate unit of accounting, and also affected the method that is used to allocate arrangement consideration to each separate unit of accounting. The new guidance eliminates the requirement for objective and reliable evidence of fair value to exist for the undelivered items in order for a delivered item to be treated as a separate unit of accounting. The new guidance also requires arrangement consideration to be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative-selling-price method and eliminates the use of the residual method of allocation. Under the relative-selling-price method, the selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of selling price or third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor third-party evidence of selling price exists for a deliverable, which is typically the case for our contracts, the guidance requires us to determine the best estimate of the selling price, which is the price at which we would sell the deliverable if it were sold on a standalone basis. In estimating the selling price of the deliverable on a standalone basis, we consider our overall pricing models and objectives, including the factors we contemplate in negotiating our contracts with our customers. The pricing models and objectives that we use are generally based upon a cost-plus margin approach, with the estimated margin based in part on qualitative factors such as perceived customer pricing sensitivity and competitive pressures. Once the contract value is allocated to the separate deliverables under a multiple-element arrangement, revenue recognition guidance relevant to each contractual element is followed. For example, for the long-term construction portion of a contract we use the percentage-of-completion method and for the services portion we recognize the service revenues on a straight-line basis over the contractual service period or based on measurable units of work performed or incentives earned. Revenue under our service contracts with the U. S. government is recorded under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method. Award fees and incentives related to performance under these service contracts are accrued during the performance of the contract based on our historical experience and estimates of success with such awards. Revenue under contracts for services other than those with the U. S. government and those associated with design, development, or production activities is recognized either as services are performed or when a contractually required event has occurred, depending on the contract. For such contracts that contain measurable units of work performed we recognize sales when the units of work are completed. Certain of our transportation systems service contracts contain service level or system usage incentives, for which we recognize revenues when the incentive award is fixed or determinable. These contract incentives are generally based upon monthly service levels or monthly performance and become fixed or determinable on a monthly basis. However, one of our transportation systems service contracts contains annual system usage incentives which are based upon system usage compared to annual baseline amounts. For this contract the annual system usage incentives are not considered fixed or determinable until the end of the contract year for which the incentives are measured, which falls within the second quarter of our fiscal year. Revenue under such contracts that do not contain measurable units of work performed, which is generally the case for our service contracts, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual service period, unless evidence suggests that the revenue is earned, or obligations fulfilled, in a different manner. Costs incurred under these services contracts are expensed as incurred. We make provisions in the current period to fully recognize any anticipated losses on contracts. If we receive cash on a contract prior to revenue recognition or in excess of inventoried costs, we classify it as a customer advance on the balance sheet.
Other Income (Expense)		Other income (expense): We hold U.S. dollar denominated investments at our wholly-owned subsidiary in the U.K., that has the British pound as its functional currency. The impact of exchange rates on these investments is recorded as other non-operating income and resulted in a loss of $0.4 million in 2012, and a gain of $0.5 million and $2.6 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively. We did not hold U.S. dollar denominated investments at our U.K. subsidiary in 2009.
Income Taxes		Income taxes: Our provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. We recognize tax credits, primarily for R&D, as a reduction of our provision for income taxes in the year in which they are available for tax purposes. We provide deferred income taxes on temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes as measured by enacted tax rates we expect to apply when the temporary differences are settled or realized. We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when the amount of future taxable income we expect is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. Annually we evaluate the capital requirements of our foreign subsidiaries and determine the amount of excess capital, if any, that is available for distribution. We provide for U.S. taxes on the amount we determine to be excess capital available for distribution. U.S. taxes are not provided on amounts we consider to be indefinitely reinvested.
Earnings Per Share	Net Income Per Share Basic net income per share (EPS) is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including vested RSUs. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common equivalent shares consist of dilutive restricted stock units. Dilutive restricted stock units are calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. For RSUs with performance-based vesting, no common equivalent shares are included in the computation of diluted EPS until the related performance criteria have been met. For the quarter and six-month period ended March 31, 2013, none of the restricted stock units are dilutive based upon the treasury stock method calculations.	Earnings per share: We calculate per share amounts based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements		Recent accounting pronouncements: In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2011-04 clarified the intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements and changed certain requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. We adopted ASU 2011-04 in the quarter ended March 31, 2012. This adoption had no material impact to our financial statements. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, which amends the existing guidance on goodwill impairment testing. The new standard allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If this is the case, the entity will need to perform a more detailed two-step goodwill impairment test which is used to identify potential goodwill impairments and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment losses to be recognized, if any. The standard is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests performed by us after December 31, 2011, and did not have an effect on our measurement for potential goodwill impairment. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which changed the requirement for presenting "Comprehensive Income" in the consolidated financial statements. The update requires an entity to present the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied retrospectively. We adopted this new guidance effective October 1, 2012.
Use of Estimates		Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates include the estimated total costs at completion of our long-term contracts, estimated loss contingencies, estimated self-insurance liabilities, estimated discounted cash flows of our reporting units used for goodwill impairment testing, and estimated rates of return and discount rates related to our defined benefit pension plans. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties		Risks and uncertainties: We are subject to the normal risks and uncertainties of performing large, multiyear, often fixed-price contracts. In addition, we are subject to audit of incurred costs related to many of our U.S. government contracts. These audits could produce different results than we have estimated; however, our experience has been that our costs are acceptable to the government.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Organization and nature of the business: We design, develop and manufacture products which are mainly electronic in nature, provide government services and services related to products previously produced by us and others. Our principal lines of business are defense systems, defense services and transportation fare collection systems and services. Our principal customers for defense products and services are the United States and foreign governments. Our transportation fare collection systems and services are sold primarily to large local government agencies worldwide.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cubic Corporation, its majority-owned subsidiaries and, as of March 5, 2010, its 50% owned variable interest entity, Transaction Systems Limited (TranSys). We consolidate variable interest entities (VIE) when we determine that Cubic is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidation of foreign subsidiaries requires translation of their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. We translate our statements of income and cash flows at the average exchange rates for each year. Transaction gains on advances to foreign subsidiaries amounted to $1.1 million, $0.1 million, $0.8 million and $1.8 million in 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents: We consider highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of credit risk: We have established guidelines pursuant to which our cash and cash equivalents are diversified among various money market instruments and investment funds. These guidelines emphasize the preservation of capital by requiring minimum credit ratings assigned by established credit organizations. We achieve diversification by specifying maximum investments in each instrument type and issuer. The majority of these investments are not on deposit in federally insured accounts.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments: Short-term investments include marketable U.S. government agency securities and pre-refunded tax exempt bonds that may be purchased at a discount or premium, may have callable options, and are categorized as available-for-sale securities. We record short-term investments at fair value and we record any net differences between fair market value and cost in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable: Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from U.S. and foreign governments for defense products and services and local government agencies for transportation systems. Due to the nature of our customers, we generally do not require collateral. We have limited exposure to credit risk as we have historically collected substantially all of our receivables from government agencies. We generally require no allowance for doubtful accounts for these customers.

Inventories

Inventories: We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, which approximates current replacement cost. We value our work in process at the actual production and engineering costs incurred to date, including applicable overhead. For contracts with the U.S. government our work in process also includes general and administrative costs. Any inventoried costs in excess of estimated realizable value are immediately charged to cost of sales. Where contracts include advances, performance-based payments and progress payments, we reflect the advances as an offset against any related inventory balances.

Long-term capitalized costs

Long-term capitalized contract costs: Long-term capitalized contract costs include costs incurred on a contract to develop and manufacture a transportation fare system for a customer for which revenue will not be recognized until delivery of the system.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment: We carry property, plant and equipment at cost. We provide depreciation in amounts sufficient to amortize the cost of the depreciable assets over their estimated useful lives. Generally, we use straight-line methods for depreciable real property over estimated useful lives or the term of the underlying lease for leasehold improvements. We use accelerated methods (declining balance and sum-of-the-years-digits) for machinery and equipment over their estimated useful lives.

Goodwill and Purchased Intangibles

Goodwill and purchased intangibles: We evaluate goodwill for potential impairment annually as of July 1, or when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including recorded goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we would measure impairment by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value, and any impairment determined would be recorded in the current period. To date there has been no impairment of our recorded goodwill. Our purchased intangible assets are subject to amortization and we use a combination of straight-line and accelerated methods, based on the expected cash flows from the assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of long-lived assets: We generally evaluate the carrying values of long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment only if events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate that carrying values may not be recoverable. If we determined there was any impairment, we would measure it by comparing the fair value of the related asset to its carrying value and record the difference in the current period. Fair value is generally determined by identifying estimated discounted cash flows to be generated by those assets. We have not recorded any material impairments for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Customer Advances

Customer advances: We receive advances, performance-based payments and progress payments from customers that may exceed revenues recognized on certain contracts, including contracts with agencies of the U.S. government. We classify such advances, other than those reflected as a reduction of receivables or inventories, as current liabilities.

Contingencies

Contingencies: We establish reserves for loss contingencies when, in the opinion of management, the likelihood of liability is probable and the extent of such liability is reasonably estimable. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and currently available information and involve a variety of factors, including the type and nature of the litigation, claim or proceeding, the progress of the matter, the advice of legal counsel, our defenses and our experience in similar cases or proceedings as well as our assessment of matters, including settlements, involving other defendants in similar or related cases or proceedings. We may increase or decrease our legal reserves in the future, on a matter-by-matter basis, to account for developments in such matters.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments: All derivatives are recorded at fair value, however, the classification of gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair values of derivatives are dependent on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation. If a derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, then a change in the fair value of the derivative is offset against the change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item and only the ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is recognized in cost of sales. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, then the effective portion of a change in the fair value of the derivative is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the underlying hedged item is recognized in cost of sales, or the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring. If a derivative does not qualify as a highly effective hedge, a change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. We formally document hedging relationships for all derivative hedges and the underlying hedged items, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Defined benefit pension plans: Some of our employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans. The net periodic cost of our plans is determined using several actuarial assumptions, the most significant of which are the discount rate and the long-term rate of return on plan assets. We recognize on a plan-by-plan basis the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans as either an asset or liability on our balance sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in shareholders' equity. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation of the plan.

Research and Development

Research and development: We record the cost of company sponsored research and development (R&D) activities as the expenses are incurred. The cost of product development activities incurred in connection with the performance of work on our contracts is included in cost of sales as they are directly related to contract performance.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue recognition.

We generate revenue from the sale of products such as mass transit fare collection systems, air and ground combat training systems, and secure communications products. We provide services such as specialized military training exercises, including live, virtual and constructive training exercises and support, and we operate and maintain fare systems for mass transit customers. We classify sales as products or services in our Consolidated Statements of Income based on the attributes of the underlying contracts.

We recognize sales and profits under our long-term fixed-price contracts, which generally require a significant amount of development effort in relation to total contract value, using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method of accounting. We record sales and profits based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to estimated total contract costs at completion. Contract costs include material, labor and subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. For contracts with the U.S. federal government, general and administrative costs are included in contract costs; however, general and administrative costs are not considered contract costs for any other customers. Costs are recognized as incurred for contracts accounted for under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method.

For certain other long-term, fixed price production contracts not requiring substantial development effort we use the units-of-delivery percentage-of-completion method as the basis to measure progress toward completing the contract and recognizing sales. The units-of delivery measure recognizes revenues as deliveries are made to the customer generally using unit sales values in accordance with the contract terms. Costs of sales are recorded as deliveries are made. We estimate profit as the difference between total estimated revenue and total estimated cost of a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract based on deliveries.

For long-term fixed price contracts, we only include amounts representing contract change orders, claims or other items in the contract value when they can be reliably estimated and we consider realization probable. Changes in estimates of sales, costs and profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods. A significant change in one or more of these estimates could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

We record sales under cost-reimbursement-type contracts as we incur the costs. The Federal Acquisition Regulations provide guidance on the types of costs that we will be reimbursed in establishing the contract price. We consider incentives or penalties and awards applicable to performance on contracts in estimating sales and profits, and record them when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated contract performance. We do not recognize incentive provisions that increase or decrease earnings based solely on a single significant event until the event occurs.

We occasionally enter into contracts that include multiple deliverables such as the construction or upgrade of a system and subsequent services to operate and maintain the delivered system. For multiple element contracts that were entered prior to October 1, 2009, a delivered item was considered a separate unit of accounting when it had value to the customer on a standalone basis and there was objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items. For contracts where we are unable to conclude there were separate units of accounting, we combine the deliverables and recognize revenue once the final item has been delivered or, if the final element is a service, over the period of performance.

We elected to adopt authoritative accounting guidance for multiple-element arrangements effective October 1, 2009 on a prospective basis. This guidance affected the accounting conclusion as to whether a deliverable under a contract is considered a separate unit of accounting, and also affected the method that is used to allocate arrangement consideration to each separate unit of accounting. The new guidance eliminates the requirement for objective and reliable evidence of fair value to exist for the undelivered items in order for a delivered item to be treated as a separate unit of accounting. The new guidance also requires arrangement consideration to be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative-selling-price method and eliminates the use of the residual method of allocation. Under the relative-selling-price method, the selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of selling price or third-party evidence of selling price if VSOE does not exist. If neither VSOE nor third-party evidence of selling price exists for a deliverable, which is typically the case for our contracts, the guidance requires us to determine the best estimate of the selling price, which is the price at which we would sell the deliverable if it were sold on a standalone basis. In estimating the selling price of the deliverable on a standalone basis, we consider our overall pricing models and objectives, including the factors we contemplate in negotiating our contracts with our customers. The pricing models and objectives that we use are generally based upon a cost-plus margin approach, with the estimated margin based in part on qualitative factors such as perceived customer pricing sensitivity and competitive pressures.

Once the contract value is allocated to the separate deliverables under a multiple-element arrangement, revenue recognition guidance relevant to each contractual element is followed. For example, for the long-term construction portion of a contract we use the percentage-of completion method and for the services portion we recognize the service revenues on a straight-line basis over the contractual service period or based on measurable units of work performed or incentives earned. Revenue under our service contracts with the U.S. government is recorded under the cost-to cost percentage-of-completion method. Award fees and incentives related to performance under these service contracts are accrued during the performance of the contract based on our historical experience and estimates of success with such awards.

Revenue under contracts for services other than those with the U.S. government and those associated with design, development, or production activities is recognized either as services are performed or when a contractually required event has occurred, depending on the contract. For such contracts that contain measurable units of work performed we recognize sales when the units of work are completed. Certain of our transportation systems service contracts contain service level or system usage incentives, for which we recognize revenues when the incentive award is fixed or determinable. These contract incentives are generally based upon monthly service levels or monthly performance and become fixed or determinable on a monthly basis. However, one of our transportation systems service contracts contains annual system usage incentives which are based upon system usage compared to annual baseline amounts. For this contract the annual system usage incentives are not considered fixed or determinable until the end of the contract year for which the incentives are measured, which falls within the second quarter of our fiscal year. Revenue under such contracts that do not contain measurable units of work performed, which is generally the case for our service contracts, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual service period, unless evidence suggests that the revenue is earned, or obligations fulfilled, in a different manner. Costs incurred under these services contracts are expensed as incurred.

We make provisions in the current period to fully recognize any anticipated losses on contracts. If we receive cash on a contract prior to revenue recognition or in excess of inventoried costs, we classify it as a customer advance on the balance sheet.

Revenue recognition: We generate revenue from the sale of products such as mass transit fare collection systems, air and ground combat training systems, and secure communications products. We provide services such as specialized military training exercises, including live, virtual and constructive training exercises and support, and we operate and maintain fare systems for mass transit customers. We classify sales as products or services in our Consolidated Statements of Income based on the attributes of the underlying contracts.

We recognize sales and profits under our long-term fixed-price contracts, which generally require a significant amount of development effort in relation to total contract value, using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method of accounting. We record sales and profits based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to estimated total contract costs at completion. Contract costs include material, labor and subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. For contracts with the U.S. federal government, general and administrative costs are included in contract costs; however, general and administrative costs are not considered contract costs for any other customers. Cost are recognized as incurred for contracts accounted for under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method.

For certain other long-term, fixed price production contracts not requiring substantial development effort we use the units-of-delivery percentage-of-completion method as the basis to measure progress toward completing the contract and recognizing sales. The units-of-delivery measure recognizes revenues as deliveries are made to the customer generally using unit sales values in accordance with the contract terms. Costs of sales are recorded as deliveries are made. We estimate profit as the difference between total estimated revenue and total estimated cost of a contract and recognize that profit over the life of the contract based on deliveries.

Changes in estimates on contracts for which revenue is recognized using the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method increased operating profit by approximately $17.5 million in 2012, $17.0 million in 2011, $8.8 million in 2010, and $3.6 million in 2009. These adjustments increased net income by approximately $12.0 million ($0.45 per share) in 2012, $11.5 million ($0.43 per share) in 2011, $5.8 million ($0.22 per share) in 2010, and $2.7 million ($0.10 per share) in 2009.

We occasionally enter into contracts that include multiple deliverables such as the construction or upgrade of a system and subsequent services to operate and maintain the delivered system. For multiple element contracts that were entered prior to October 1, 2009, a delivered item was considered a separate unit of accounting when it had value to the customer on a stand-alone basis and there was objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items. For contracts where we are unable to conclude there were separate units of accounting, we combine the deliverables and recognize revenue once the final item has been delivered or, if the final element is a service, over the period of performance.

Revenue under our service contracts with the U. S. government is recorded under the cost-to-cost percentage-of-completion method. Award fees and incentives related to performance under these service contracts are accrued during the performance of the contract based on our historical experience and estimates of success with such awards.

Revenue under contracts for services other than those with the U. S. government and those associated with design, development, or production activities is recognized either as services are performed or when a contractually required event has occurred, depending on the contract. For such contracts that contain measurable units of work performed we recognize sales when the units of work are completed. Certain of our transportation systems service contracts contain service level or system usage incentives, for which we recognize revenues when the incentive award is fixed or determinable. These contract incentives are generally based upon monthly service levels or monthly performance and become fixed or determinable on a monthly basis. However, one of our transportation systems service contracts contains annual system usage incentives which are based upon system usage compared to annual baseline amounts. For this contract the annual system usage incentives are not considered fixed or determinable until the end of the contract year for which the incentives are measured, which falls within the second quarter of our fiscal year. Revenue under such contracts that do not contain measurable units of work performed, which is generally the case for our service contracts, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual service period, unless evidence suggests that the revenue is earned, or obligations fulfilled, in a different manner. Costs incurred under these services contracts are expensed as incurred.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense): We hold U.S. dollar denominated investments at our wholly-owned subsidiary in the U.K., that has the British pound as its functional currency. The impact of exchange rates on these investments is recorded as other non-operating income and resulted in a loss of $0.4 million in 2012, and a gain of $0.5 million and $2.6 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively. We did not hold U.S. dollar denominated investments at our U.K. subsidiary in 2009.

Income Taxes

Income taxes: Our provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. We recognize tax credits, primarily for R&D, as a reduction of our provision for income taxes in the year in which they are available for tax purposes. We provide deferred income taxes on temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes as measured by enacted tax rates we expect to apply when the temporary differences are settled or realized. We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when the amount of future taxable income we expect is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. Annually we evaluate the capital requirements of our foreign subsidiaries and determine the amount of excess capital, if any, that is available for distribution. We provide for U.S. taxes on the amount we determine to be excess capital available for distribution. U.S. taxes are not provided on amounts we consider to be indefinitely reinvested.

Earnings Per Share

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share (EPS) is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including vested RSUs.

Diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common equivalent shares consist of dilutive restricted stock units. Dilutive restricted stock units are calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. For RSUs with performance-based vesting, no common equivalent shares are included in the computation of diluted EPS until the related performance criteria have been met. For the quarter and six-month period ended March 31, 2013, none of the restricted stock units are dilutive based upon the treasury stock method calculations.

Earnings per share: We calculate per share amounts based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements: In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which amends Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2011-04 clarified the intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements and changed certain requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. We adopted ASU 2011-04 in the quarter ended March 31, 2012. This adoption had no material impact to our financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, which amends the existing guidance on goodwill impairment testing. The new standard allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If this is the case, the entity will need to perform a more detailed two-step goodwill impairment test which is used to identify potential goodwill impairments and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment losses to be recognized, if any. The standard is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests performed by us after December 31, 2011, and did not have an effect on our measurement for potential goodwill impairment.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which changed the requirement for presenting "Comprehensive Income" in the consolidated financial statements. The update requires an entity to present the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied retrospectively. We adopted this new guidance effective October 1, 2012.

Use of Estimates

Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates include the estimated total costs at completion of our long-term contracts, estimated loss contingencies, estimated self-insurance liabilities, estimated discounted cash flows of our reporting units used for goodwill impairment testing, and estimated rates of return and discount rates related to our defined benefit pension plans. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and uncertainties: We are subject to the normal risks and uncertainties of performing large, multiyear, often fixed-price contracts. In addition, we are subject to audit of incurred costs related to many of our U.S. government contracts. These audits could produce different results than we have estimated; however, our experience has been that our costs are acceptable to the government.