SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Net sales	$ 340,776	$ 337,226	$ 368,609	$ 314,796	$ 369,255	$ 371,142	$ 343,830	$ 319,857	$ 1,361,407	$ 1,404,084	$ 1,301,584
Operating income (loss)	(44,055)	26,905	37,376	20,509	30,740	39,602	35,923	29,940	40,735	136,205	118,583
Net income (loss) attributable to Cubic	(37,186)	18,381	29,650	14,241	21,912	27,395	25,856	22,264	25,086	97,427	86,044
Net income (loss) per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.39)	$ 0.69	$ 1.11	$ 0.53	$ 0.82	$ 1.02	$ 0.97	$ 0.83	$ 0.94	$ 3.64	$ 3.22
Net income (loss) per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.39)	$ 0.69	$ 1.11	$ 0.53	$ 0.82	$ 1.02	$ 0.97	$ 0.83	$ 0.94	$ 3.64	$ 3.22
Goodwill impairment charge related to MSS reporting unit	$ 50,865								$ 50,865