Joint Venture (Narrative) (Details) - Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest, joint venture			50.00%
Cash received annually from formation of joint venture	$ 4,894	$ 4,894	$ 4,894
Other Liabilities [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Contract liabilities			73,657	$ 70,618
Reduction in contract liabilities and costs to fulfill contract			2,072
Other Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Costs to fulfill a contract			73,657	70,618
Reduction in contract assets and costs to fulfill contract			2,072
Sales [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred income recognized as an increase to sales			4,191	5,493	$ 7,652
Reduction to sales related to royalties owed to joint venture			$ 21,101	$ 23,904	$ 34,236