GOODWILL AND PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 item	Sep. 30, 2013 item	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013 Transportation Systems	Sep. 30, 2012 Transportation Systems	Sep. 30, 2013 Defense Systems	Sep. 30, 2012 Defense Systems	Sep. 30, 2013 Mission Support Services	Sep. 30, 2011 Mission Support Services
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 183,895	$ 146,933	$ 146,355	$ 185,589	$ 173,734	$ 146,597	$ 146,812	$ 146,413	$ 7,517	$ 7,269	$ 20,983	$ 20,653	$ 118,433	$ 118,433
Acquisitions		38,842							10,837		1,223		26,782
Impairment of goodwill	50,865	50,865											(50,865)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(59)	578						(53)	248	(6)	330
Balance at the end of the period	$ 134,851	$ 134,851	$ 146,933	$ 185,589	$ 173,734	$ 146,597	$ 146,812	$ 146,413	$ 18,301	$ 7,517	$ 22,200	$ 20,983	$ 94,350	$ 118,433
Number of remaining reporting units whose estimated fair values exceeded carrying values	2	2