ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 item	Sep. 30, 2012
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Total accounts receivable under long-term contracts	$ 378,074	$ 355,687
Less estimated amounts not currently due	(19,249)	(22,070)
Accounts receivable under long-term contracts, current	358,825	333,617
U.S. government contracts
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Amounts billed	51,529	42,852
Recoverable costs and accrued profits on progress completed--not billed	60,435	77,750
Total accounts receivable under long-term contracts	111,964	120,602
Number of contracts inappropriately classified	1
U.S. government contracts | Inappropriate classification of accounts receivable
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Amounts billed	(5,500)
Recoverable costs and accrued profits on progress completed--not billed	(18,000)
Commercial customers
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Amounts billed	47,454	48,280
Recoverable costs and accrued profits on progress completed--not billed	218,656	186,805
Total accounts receivable under long-term contracts	266,110	235,085
Less estimated amounts not currently due	(19,249)	(22,070)
Commercial customers | Inappropriate classification of accounts receivable
Components of accounts receivable under long-term contracts
Amounts billed	5,500
Recoverable costs and accrued profits on progress completed--not billed	$ 18,000