ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Total accounts receivable under long-term contracts	$ 379,945	$ 381,329
Less estimated amounts not currently due	(15,870)	(19,021)
Accounts receivable under long-term contracts, current	364,075	362,308
U.S. government contracts
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Amounts billed	41,588	51,529
Recoverable costs and accrued profits on progress completed--not billed	66,657	60,435
Total accounts receivable under long-term contracts	108,245	111,964
Commercial customers
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Amounts billed	80,283	47,454
Recoverable costs and accrued profits on progress completed--not billed	191,417	221,911
Total accounts receivable under long-term contracts	271,700	269,365
Less estimated amounts not currently due	$ (15,870)	$ (19,021)