Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income	$ (56,933)	$ 284,090	$ 249,344
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	102,974	110,306	78,899
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(48,650)	(44,819)	(20,987)
Distribution of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	26,401	36,628	8,319
Non-cash stock compensation	26,551	24,937	34,606
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment	(1,254)	(61,248)	(17,306)
Foreign currency translation	9,735	(7,251)	11,419
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(20,303)	29,200	21,840
Goodwill impairment	336,000
Other	(5,286)	3,052	(2,335)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Settlement of deferred compensation plan liability		(89,688)
Accounts receivable	(21,544)	(89,052)	(234,247)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	11,363	39,599	(17,001)
Accounts payable	80,999	76,144	57,037
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	14,682	(67,975)	20,837
Billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts	(5,376)	(58,551)	(21,793)
Other long-term liabilities	(28,180)	(40,456)	19,732
Income taxes payable	12,173	(12,904)	(25,502)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	433,352	132,012	162,862
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations			(4,227)
Net cash provided by operating activities	433,352	132,012	158,635
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(12,571)	(365,540)	(559,355)
Proceeds from disposal of businesses	2,647	2,434	29,794
Net investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	(2,846)	(23,398)	8,349
Purchases of investments	(87)	(22,683)	(24,825)
Proceeds from sale of investments in rabbi trust	1,958	65,261
Payments for capital expenditures	(62,874)	(77,991)	(68,490)
Net cash used in investing activities	(73,773)	(421,917)	(614,527)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings under credit agreements	1,454,861	2,863,906	1,985,000
Repayments of borrowings under credit agreements	(1,550,996)	(2,640,649)	(1,234,880)
Proceeds from loans on deferred compensation plan investments		59,324
Repayment of loans on deferred compensation plan investments		(59,324)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	13,760	15,020	3,502
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,541	6,280	10,310
Payments to repurchase common stock	(159,751)	(167,044)	(17,171)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment	1,254	61,248	17,306
Net (distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests	(1,283)	(1,301)	6,512
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(237,614)	137,460	770,579
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	14,871	(3,472)	7,393
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	136,836	(155,917)	322,080
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	456,940	612,857	290,777
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	593,776	456,940	612,857
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Equity issued for acquisitions (non-cash)	857	68,453	65,300
Equity issued to settle liabilities (non-cash)	4,016	5,058	10,500
Interest paid	39,044	36,624	8,642
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	$ 38,482	$ 37,991	$ 63,616