Business Segments (Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	$ 530,903	$ 448,312
Electrical Power Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	334,169	319,215
Process Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	17,083	14,540
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	$ 179,651	$ 114,557