CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 3,767	$ 17,011	$ (7,431)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss from discontinued operations	3,023
Depreciation and amortization	70,748	66,264	60,712
Fair value write-up of acquired inventory sold			15,152
Stock-based compensation	12,495	10,439	8,956
Asset impairment charges - restructuring	4,316
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	1,801	1,212	1,225
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts	6,232	6,023	6,733
Loss from debt extinguishment, net			26,164
Deferred income taxes	5,075	(2,627)	(2,749)
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets	(498)	56	(251)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable and contract costs and recognized income not yet billed	(58,026)	27,269	(30,593)
(Increase) decrease in inventories	26,887	9,011	(12,803)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets	6,678	(3,281)	9,065
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes payable	652	(46,368)	(42,604)
Other changes, net	2,533	5,121	3,809
Net cash provided by operating activities	85,683	90,130	35,385
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(64,441)	(68,851)	(87,617)
Acquired business, net of cash acquired		(22,432)	(855)
Change in funds restricted for capital projects			4,629
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,573	309	1,510
Net cash used in investing activities	(62,868)	(90,974)	(82,333)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid	(5,825)	(4,743)
Purchase of shares for treasury	(32,521)	(10,382)	(18,139)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	303	4,000	674,251
Payments of long-term debt	(16,867)	(18,546)	(498,572)
Change in short-term borrowings	2,950	(1,859)	3,538
Financing costs	(833)	(97)	(21,653)
Purchase of ESOP shares			(19,973)
Exercise of stock options			2,306
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	150	834	7
Other, net	394	100	345
Net cash used in financing activities	(52,249)	(30,693)	122,110
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in operating activities	(2,090)	(2,801)	(962)
Net cash used in discontinued operations	(2,090)	(2,801)	(962)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents		963	(973)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(31,524)	(33,375)	73,227
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	209,654	243,029	169,802
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	178,130	209,654	243,029
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest	47,243	49,533	21,396
Cash paid for taxes	$ 15,665	$ 8,713	$ 10,219