BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) - Summary of Segment Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 1,747,886	$ 1,784,490
Assets of discontinued operations	4,273	4,289
Consolidated total	1,752,159	1,788,779
Home And Building Products [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	956,407	908,386
Telephonics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	291,180	296,919
Plastics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	426,968	422,730
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	1,674,555	1,628,035
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 73,331	$ 156,455