BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Detail) - Summary of segment assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 1,757,477	$ 1,802,669
Assets of discontinued operations	3,369	3,523
Consolidated total	1,760,846	1,806,192
Home And Building Products [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	947,570	943,766
Telephonics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	263,305	255,420
Plastics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	431,010	430,395
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	1,641,885	1,629,581
Corporate [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 115,592	$ 173,088