SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013 item	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenue recognition
Number of estimates, a change in which could have material effect on financial position or results of operations									1
Allocation of arrangement consideration to the up-front deliverables									$ 0
Revenue for the delivery of up-front units of accounting									0
Number of transportation systems service contracts, which contain annual system usage incentives									1
Net Income Per Share
Dilutive shares (in shares)									26,760	26,736	26,736
Net income attributable to Cubic	$ (38,170)	$ 18,364	$ 27,158	$ 12,446	$ 21,088	$ 26,721	$ 23,397	$ 20,694	$ 19,798	$ 91,900	$ 83,594
Average number of common shares outstanding									26,736	26,736	26,736
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)									24
Weighted average shares - diluted									26,760	26,736	26,736
Net income per share attributable to Cubic, basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.43)	$ 0.69	$ 1.02	$ 0.47	$ 0.79	$ 1.00	$ 0.88	$ 0.77	$ 0.74	$ 3.44	$ 3.13
Net income per share attributable to Cubic, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.43)	$ 0.69	$ 1.02	$ 0.47	$ 0.79	$ 1.00	$ 0.88	$ 0.77	$ 0.74	$ 3.44	$ 3.13