BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Detail) - Summary of segment assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
ASSETS
Continuing Assets	$ 1,802,669	$ 1,860,198	$ 1,746,819
Assets of discontinued operations	3,523	5,056	6,882
Consolidated total	1,806,192	1,865,254	1,753,701
Home And Building Products [Member]
ASSETS
Continuing Assets	943,766	972,714	923,331
Telephonics [Member]
ASSETS
Continuing Assets	255,420	288,968	268,373
Plastics [Member]
ASSETS
Continuing Assets	430,395	450,452	397,470
Operating Segments [Member]
ASSETS
Continuing Assets	1,629,581	1,712,134	1,589,174
Corporate [Member]
ASSETS
Continuing Assets	$ 173,088	$ 148,064	$ 157,645