Segment Information (Consolidated Net Sales and Earnings by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net sales	$ 483,759	$ 460,241	$ 1,377,611	$ 1,336,930
Interest expense, net	(6,655)	(6,346)	(19,991)	(18,996)
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	35,497	37,708	124,370	131,922
Total of Reporting Segments [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	51,379	52,741	172,313	174,541
Aerospace [Member]
Net sales	272,218	214,474	754,100	632,037
Segment earnings (loss)	38,949	21,536	111,740	82,277
Energy [Member]
Net sales	211,541	245,767	623,511	704,893
Segment earnings (loss)	12,430	31,205	60,573	92,264
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	$ (9,227)	$ (8,687)	$ (27,952)	$ (23,623)