Restructuring Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring plan
Restructuring costs (reversals)	$ 311	$ 5,406	$ (75)	$ 5,258
Unallocated corporate expenses and other
Restructuring plan
Restructuring costs (reversals)		500		500
Cubic Transportation Systems
Restructuring plan
Restructuring costs (reversals)	100	600	200	400
Cubic Global Defense Systems
Restructuring plan
Restructuring costs (reversals)	$ 200	4,100	(400)	4,200
Cubic Global Defense Services
Restructuring plan
Restructuring costs (reversals)		$ 200	$ 100	$ 200