BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) - Summary of Segment Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 1,777,876	$ 1,784,490
Assets of discontinued operations	4,324	4,289
Consolidated total	1,782,200	1,788,779
Home And Building Products [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	995,765	908,386
Telephonics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	299,820	296,919
Plastics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	426,563	422,730
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	1,722,148	1,628,035
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$ 55,728	$ 156,455