REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Details) - Schedule of summary of segment assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 1,784,490	$ 1,802,669	$ 1,860,198
Assets of discontinued operations	4,289	3,523	5,056
Consolidated total	1,788,779	1,806,192	1,865,254
Home And Building Products [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	908,386	943,766	972,714
Telephonics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	296,919	255,420	288,968
Plastics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	422,730	430,395	450,452
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	1,628,035	1,629,581	1,712,134
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 156,455	$ 173,088	$ 148,064