Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue recognition
Sales	$ 313,813	$ 318,488
Operating income (loss)	(8,077)	7,179
Depreciation and amortization	8,948	8,947
Cubic Transportation Systems
Revenue recognition
Sales	125,800	131,500
Operating income (loss)	3,600	12,100
Depreciation and amortization	2,500	3,100
Cubic Global Defense Systems
Revenue recognition
Sales	95,900	98,000
Operating income (loss)	(3,400)	(2,700)
Depreciation and amortization	4,100	3,200
Cubic Global Defense Services
Revenue recognition
Sales	92,100	89,000
Operating income (loss)	200
Depreciation and amortization	2,000	2,400
Other
Revenue recognition
Depreciation and amortization	300	200
Unallocated corporate expenses and other
Revenue recognition
Operating income (loss)	$ (8,500)	$ (2,200)