Leases (Lease-Related Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense		$ 1,553	$ 1,519
Amortization of finance lease assets		126	147
Interest on finance lease liabilities		18	20
Variable lease expense		322	307
Short-term lease expense		82	175
Sublease income	[1]	(168)	(125)
Total lease expense		$ 1,933	$ 2,043

[1] Relates to two separate subleases Woodward has entered into for a leased manufacturing building in Niles, Illinois.