Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Revenue recognition
Sales	$ 347,806	$ 340,357	$ 1,005,128	$ 1,001,986
Operating income (loss)	10,293	19,215	40,678	53,222
Depreciation and amortization	8,653	7,511	28,717	22,740
Transportation Systems
Revenue recognition
Sales	133,300	153,000	411,500	429,100
Operating income (loss)	11,700	15,300	50,800	35,200
Depreciation and amortization	2,800	2,700	8,400	8,500
Cubic Global Defense Services
Revenue recognition
Sales	111,900	91,800	298,400	291,700
Operating income (loss)	3,100	1,800	4,200	6,000
Depreciation and amortization	1,900	2,700	6,200	8,500
Cubic Global Defense Systems
Revenue recognition
Sales	102,600	95,600	295,200	281,200
Operating income (loss)	3,200	3,300	2,800	16,100
Depreciation and amortization	3,900	1,800	13,300	5,000
Other
Revenue recognition
Depreciation and amortization	100	300	800	700
Unallocated corporate expenses and other
Revenue recognition
Operating income (loss)	$ (7,700)	$ (1,200)	$ (17,100)	$ (4,100)