Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenue recognition
Sales	$ 366,024	$ 338,834	$ 679,837	$ 657,322
Operating income (loss)	(9,086)	23,206	(17,163)	30,385
Depreciation and amortization	10,029	11,117	18,977	20,064
Cubic Transportation Systems
Revenue recognition
Sales	148,700	146,700	274,500	278,200
Operating income (loss)	19,800	27,000	23,400	39,100
Depreciation and amortization	1,700	2,600	4,200	5,700
Cubic Global Defense Systems
Revenue recognition
Sales	116,300	94,600	212,200	192,600
Operating income (loss)	(21,200)	2,300	(24,600)	(400)
Depreciation and amortization	6,900	6,200	11,000	9,400
Cubic Global Defense Services
Revenue recognition
Sales	101,000	97,500	193,100	186,500
Operating income (loss)	4,300	1,100	4,500	1,100
Depreciation and amortization	1,000	1,900	3,000	4,300
Corporate and other
Revenue recognition
Depreciation and amortization	400	400	800	700
Unallocated corporate expenses and other
Revenue recognition
Operating income (loss)	$ (12,000)	$ (7,200)	$ (20,500)	$ (9,400)