Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 243,196	$ (56,933)	$ 284,090
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	94,406	102,974	110,306
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	(24,319)	(48,650)	(44,819)
Distribution of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	31,159	26,401	36,628
Non-cash stock compensation	32,611	26,551	24,937
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment	(1,754)	(1,254)	(61,248)
Foreign currency translation	(16,061)	9,735	(7,251)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(7,210)	(20,303)	29,200
Goodwill impairment		336,000
Other	1,821	(5,286)	3,052
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Settlement of deferred compensation plan liability			(89,688)
Accounts receivable	92,152	(21,544)	(89,052)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(21,836)	11,363	39,599
Accounts payable	(47,019)	80,999	76,144
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	71,125	14,682	(67,975)
Billings in excess of costs on uncompleted contracts	(12,945)	(5,376)	(58,551)
Other long-term liabilities	(19,027)	(28,180)	(40,456)
Income taxes payable	(7,701)	12,173	(12,904)
Net cash provided by operating activities	408,598	433,352	132,012
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(42,005)	(12,571)	(365,540)
Proceeds from disposal of businesses and property	2,724	2,647	2,434
Net investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	2,781	(2,846)	(23,398)
Purchases of investments	(50,873)	(87)	(22,683)
Proceeds from sale of investments in rabbi trust		1,958	65,261
Payments for capital expenditures	(52,117)	(62,874)	(77,991)
Net cash used in investing activities	(139,490)	(73,773)	(421,917)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings under credit agreements	2,278,465	1,454,861	2,863,906
Repayments of borrowings under credit agreements	(2,156,399)	(1,550,996)	(2,640,649)
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	14,029	13,760	15,020
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	14,365	4,541	6,280
Payments to repurchase common stock under the Repurchase Program	(379,718)	(152,666)	(100,000)
Payments for other repurchases of common stock	(8,383)	(7,085)	(67,044)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment	1,754	1,254	61,248
Net (distributions to) contributions from noncontrolling interests	(18,486)	(1,283)	(1,301)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(254,373)	(237,614)	137,460
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	(7,834)	14,871	(3,472)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	6,901	136,836	(155,917)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	593,776	456,940	612,857
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	600,677	593,776	456,940
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Equity issued for acquisitions (non-cash)	14,322	857	68,453
Equity issued to settle liabilities (non-cash)		4,016	5,058
Interest paid	37,342	39,044	36,624
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received	$ 115,508	$ 38,482	$ 37,991