BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) - Schedule of summary of segment assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 1,745,426	$ 1,802,669
Assets of discontinued operations	3,200	3,523
Consolidated total	1,748,626	1,806,192
Home And Building Products [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	945,087	943,766
Telephonics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	283,723	255,420
Plastics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	415,692	430,395
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	1,644,502	1,629,581
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 100,924	$ 173,088