Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Costs and estimated earnings on long-term contracts, progress billings	$ 20,994	$ 11,416
Advance payments on long-term contracts, costs incurred	$ 29,476	$ 30,925
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	30,037,750	29,956,904
Treasury stock, shares	3,312,426	3,320,926