GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - Summary of changes in carrying value of goodwill (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 357,730	$ 358,372	$ 357,888
Goodwill from 2012 acquisitions		4,655
Other adjustments including currency translations	(642)	(4,171)
Home And Building Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	269,802	269,802	265,147
Goodwill from 2012 acquisitions		4,655
Telephonics [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	18,545	18,545	18,545
Goodwill from 2012 acquisitions		0
Plastics [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	69,383	70,025	74,196
Other adjustments including currency translations	$ (642)	$ (4,171)