Woodward (WWD) 10-K 13 Nov 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 09, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	WOODWARD, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	108,312
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		61,238,422
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 2,972,702,291

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Net sales	$ 2,098,685	$ 2,023,078	$ 2,038,303
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	1,526,126	1,483,960	1,462,833
Selling, general and administrative expenses	176,633	174,017	177,121
Research and development costs	126,519	126,170	134,485
Interest expense	27,430	26,776	24,864
Interest income	(1,725)	(2,025)	(787)
Other (income) expense, net (Note 15)	(9,045)	(12,306)	(1,162)
Total costs and expenses	1,845,938	1,796,592	1,797,354
Earnings before income taxes	252,747	226,486	240,949
Income tax expense	52,240	45,648	59,497
Net earnings	$ 200,507	$ 180,838	$ 181,452
Earnings per share (Note 3):
Basic earnings per share	$ 3.27	$ 2.92	$ 2.81
Diluted earnings per share	$ 3.16	$ 2.85	$ 2.75
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (Note 3):
Basic	61,366	61,893	64,684
Diluted	63,512	63,556	66,056
Cash dividends per share paid to Woodward common stockholders	$ 0.485	$ 0.430	$ 0.380

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Comprehensive earnings
Net earnings	$ 200,507	$ 180,838	$ 181,452
Other comprehensive earnings:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	45	(6,615)	(34,989)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investments in a foreign subsidiaries	(1,942)	792	572
Taxes on changes in foreign currency translation adjustments	588	1,462	1,988
Foreign currency translation and transactions adjustments, net of tax	(1,309)	(4,361)	(32,429)
Reclassification of net realized (gains) losses on derivatives to earnings	(72)	21	99
Taxes on changes in derivative transactions	28	(8)	(38)
Derivative adjustments, net of tax	(44)	13	61
Minimum retirement benefit liability adjustments:
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	22,979	(19,718)	(26,866)
Loss (gain) due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period		47
Amortization of net prior service cost (benefit)	(3,470)	226	225
Amortization of net loss	2,570	1,694	513
Foreign currency exchange rate changes on minimum retirement benefit liabilities	(43)	2,239	867
Taxes on changes in minimum retirement benefit liability adjustments	(8,164)	5,613	9,704
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	13,872	(9,899)	(15,557)
Total comprehensive earnings	$ 213,026	$ 166,591	$ 133,527

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 87,552	$ 81,090
Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible amounts of $3,776 and $2,540, respectively	402,182	343,768
Inventories	473,505	461,683
Income taxes receivable	19,376	20,358
Other current assets	38,574	37,525
Total current assets	1,021,189	944,424
Property, plant and equipment, net	922,043	876,350
Goodwill	556,545	555,684
Intangible assets, net	171,882	197,650
Deferred income tax assets	19,950	20,194
Other assets	65,500	48,060
Total assets	2,757,109	2,642,362
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	32,600	150,000
Accounts payable	232,788	169,439
Income taxes payable	6,774	4,547
Accrued liabilities	155,072	156,627
Total current liabilities	427,234	480,613
Long-term debt, less current portion	580,286	577,153
Deferred income tax liabilities	33,408	3,777
Other liabilities	344,798	368,224
Total liabilities	1,385,726	1,429,767
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.003 per share, 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.001455 per share, 150,000 shares authorized, 72,960 shares issued	106	106
Additional paid-in capital	163,836	141,570
Accumulated other comprehensive losses	(53,186)	(65,705)
Deferred compensation	7,135	5,089
Retained earnings	1,820,268	1,649,506
Stockholders' equity excluding treasury stock	1,938,159	1,730,566
Treasury stock at cost, 11,739 shares and 11,374 shares, respectively	(559,641)	(512,882)
Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, at cost, 186 shares and 157 shares, respectively	(7,135)	(5,089)
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,371,383	1,212,595
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,757,109	$ 2,642,362

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Allowance, accounts receivable	$ 3,776	$ 2,540
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.003	$ 0.003
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001455	$ 0.001455
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	72,960,000	72,960,000
Treasury stock, shares	11,739,000	11,374,000
Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, shares	186,000	157,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 200,507	$ 180,838	$ 181,452
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	80,917	69,036	75,235
Loss (gain) due to settlements or curtailments of postretirement plan (Note 17)		47
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets	(3,604)	(4,431)	(626)
Stock-based compensation	17,282	15,122	14,255
Deferred income taxes	22,772	(52,744)	15,504
(Gain) loss on derivatives reclassified from accumulated comprehensive earnings into earnings	(72)	21	99
Proceeds from formation of joint venture (Note 4)	0	250,000	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(53,151)	(9,190)	14,845
Inventories	(10,857)	(17,658)	(8,824)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	64,659	17,461	3,029
Current income taxes	3,323	(834)	(7,487)
Retirement benefit obligations	(2,932)	(3,416)	(4,537)
Other	(11,307)	(8,873)	13,045
Net cash provided by operating activities	307,537	435,379	295,990
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment	(92,336)	(175,692)	(286,612)
Proceeds from sale of assets	3,743	6,664	2,529
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments	5,313	0	0
Purchases of short-term investments	(8,586)	(4,918)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(91,866)	(173,946)	(284,083)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	(29,745)	(26,606)	(24,646)
Proceeds from sales of treasury stock	14,195	15,892	8,400
Payments for repurchases of common stock	(71,751)	(125,541)	(158,762)
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	1,506,000	695,000	999,971
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	(1,630,100)	(890,896)	(856,610)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		179,308
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(412)	(107,287)
Payments of debt financing costs		(863)	(2,359)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(211,813)	(260,993)	(34,006)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,604	(1,552)	(10,986)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	6,462	(1,112)	(33,085)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	81,090	82,202	115,287
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 87,552	$ 81,090	$ 82,202

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total stockholders equity	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Earnings [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	Unrealized Derivative Gains (Losses) [Member]	Minimum Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments [Member]	Deferred Compensation in Equity [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock at Cost [Member]	Treasury Stock Held for Deferred Compensaton [Member]	Total
Balances at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 1,160,944		$ 106	$ 112,491	$ (3,533)	$ 10,819	$ 105	$ (14,457)	$ 3,915	$ 1,338,468	$ (286,588)	$ (3,915)
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2014			72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2014											(7,397,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014												(198,000)
Net earnings	181,452	$ 0	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	181,452	$ 0	$ 0	$ 181,452
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(47,925)	0	0	0	(47,925)	(32,429)	61	(15,557)	0	0	0	0
Cash dividends paid	(24,646)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(24,646)	0	0
Purchases of treasury stock	(160,294)										$ (160,294)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares											(3,193,000)
Sales of treasury stock	9,932			(6,817)							$ 16,749
Sales of treasury stock, shares											568,000
Common shares issued from treasury stock to settle employee liabilities													0
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans	12,574			4,490							$ 8,084		$ 12,574
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans, shares											259,000		259,000
Tax benefit attributable to stock-based compensation	6,812			6,812
Stock-based compensation	14,255			14,255
Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan									893			$ (893)
Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan, shares												(18,000)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan									(486)			$ 486
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan, shares												43,000
Balances at Sep. 30, 2015	1,153,104		$ 106	131,231	(51,458)	(21,610)	166	(30,014)	4,322	1,495,274	$ (422,049)	$ (4,322)
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2015			72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2015											(9,763,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, Shares at Sep. 30, 2015												(173,000)
Net earnings	180,838									180,838			$ 180,838
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,247)				(14,247)	(4,361)	13	(9,899)
Cash dividends paid	(26,606)									(26,606)
Purchases of treasury stock	(126,295)										$ (126,295)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares											(2,660,000)
Sales of treasury stock	16,645			(10,137)							$ 26,782
Sales of treasury stock, shares											732,000
Common shares issued from treasury stock to settle employee liabilities													0
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans	13,999			5,319							$ 8,680		$ 13,999
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans, shares											317,000		317,000
Tax benefit attributable to stock-based compensation	35			35
Stock-based compensation	15,122			15,122
Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan									1,269			$ (1,269)
Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan, shares												(25,000)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan									(502)			$ 502
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan, shares												41,000
Balances at Sep. 30, 2016	1,212,595		$ 106	141,570	(65,705)	(25,971)	179	(39,913)	5,089	1,649,506	$ (512,882)	$ (5,089)	$ 1,212,595
Balance, Preferred Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2016		0											0
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2016			72,960,000										72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2016											(11,374,000)		(11,374,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, Shares at Sep. 30, 2016												(157,000)	(157,000)
Net earnings	200,507									200,507			$ 200,507
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,519				12,519	(1,309)	(44)	13,872
Cash dividends paid	(29,745)									(29,745)
Purchases of treasury stock	(73,224)										$ (73,224)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares											(1,056,000)
Sales of treasury stock	15,668			(2,257)							$ 17,925
Sales of treasury stock, shares											466,000
Common shares issued from treasury stock to settle employee liabilities	1,767			740					1,767		$ 1,027	$ (1,767)	1,767
Common shares issued from treasury stock to settle employee liabilities, shares											26,000	(26,000)
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans	14,014			6,501							$ 7,513		$ 14,014
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans, shares											199,000		199,000
Stock-based compensation	17,282			17,282
Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan									298			$ (298)
Purchases of stock by deferred compensation plan, shares												(3,000)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan									(19)			$ 19
Balances at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 1,371,383		$ 106	$ 163,836	$ (53,186)	$ (27,280)	$ 135	$ (26,041)	$ 7,135	$ 1,820,268	$ (559,641)	$ (7,135)	$ 1,371,383
Balance, Preferred Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2017		0											0
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2017			72,960,000										72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2017											(11,739,000)		(11,739,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, Shares at Sep. 30, 2017												(186,000)	(186,000)

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.125	$ 0.125	$ 0.125	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.100	$ 0.485	$ 0.430	$ 0.380

Operations and summary of signi

Operations and summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Basis of Presentation
Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	WOODWARD, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In thousands, except per share amounts) Note 1. Operations and summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of Woodward, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Woodward” or “the Company”). Dollar amounts contained in these Consolidated Financial Statements are in thousands, except per share amounts. Nature of operations Woodward enhances the global quality of life, creating innovative energy control solutions that optimize the performance, efficiency and emissions of its customers’ products. Woodward is an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of energy control and optimization solutions. Woodward designs, produces and services reliable, efficient, low-emission, and high-performance energy control products for diverse applications in challenging environments. Woodward has significant production and assembly facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia, and promotes its products and services through its worldwide locations. Woodward’s strategic focus is providing energy control and optimization solutions for the aerospace and industrial markets. The precise and efficient control of energy, including motion, fluid , combustion and electrical energy , is a growing requirement in the markets it serves. Woodward’s customers look to it to optimize the efficiency, emissions and operation of power equipment in both commercial and defense operations. Woodward’s core technologies leverage well across its markets and customer applications, enabling it to develop and integrate cost-effective and state-of-the-art fuel, combustion, fluid, actuation and electronic systems. Woodward focuses its solutions and services primarily on serving original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and equipment packagers, partnering with them to bring superior component and system solutions to their demanding applications. Woodward also provides aftermarket repair, maintenance, replacement and other service support for its installed products. Woodward’s components and integrated systems optimize performance of commercial aircraft, defense aircraft, military ground vehicles and other equipment, gas and steam turbines, wind turbines, including converters and power grid related equipment, industrial diesel, gas, bio-diesel and dual fuel reciprocating engines, and electrical power systems. Woodward’s innovative motion, fluid, combustion and electrical energy control systems help its customers offer more cost-effective, cleaner, and more reliable equipment. Summary of significant accounting policies Principles of consolidation: These Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the accounts of Woodward and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. Transactions within and between these companies are eliminated. Use of estimates: The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period, and certain financial statement disclosures. Significant estimates include allowances for uncollectible amounts, net realizable value of inventories, customer rebates earned, useful lives of property and identifiable intangible assets, the evaluation of impairments of property, identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, the provision for income tax and related valuation reserves, the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, assumptions used in the determination of the funded status and annual expense of pension and postretirement employee benefit plans, the valuation of stock compensation instruments granted to employees, and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Foreign currency exchange rates: The assets and liabilities of substantially all subsidiaries outside the United States are translated at fiscal year-end rates of exchange, and earnings and cash flow statements are translated at weighted-average rates of exchange. Translation adjustments are accumulated with other comprehensive (losses) earnings as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and are presented net of tax effects in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on loans between consolidated subsidiaries that are considered permanent in nature are also accumulated with other comprehensive earnings, net of tax. The Company is exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates because some sales transactions, and certain of the assets and liabilities of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries, are denominated in foreign currencies. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include a net foreign currency loss of $651 in fiscal year 2017, net foreign currency gain of $701 in fiscal year 2016, and a net foreign currency loss of $1,721 in fiscal year 2015. Revenue recognition: Woodward recognizes revenue upon shipment or delivery of products or services and when collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is upon completion of manufacturing, customer acceptance, and the transfer of the risks and rewards of ownership. In countries whose laws provide for retention of some form of title by sellers, enabling recovery of goods in the event of customer default on payment, product delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership of the products. Occasionally, Woodward transfers title of product to customers, but retains substantive performance obligations such as completion of product testing, customer acceptance or in some instances regulatory acceptance. In addition, occasionally customers pay Woodward for products or services prior to Woodward satisfying its performance obligation. Under these circumstances, revenue is deferred until the performance obligations are satisfied. In addition, service revenue is also recognized upon completion of applicable performance obligations. Certain Woodward products include incidental software or firmware essential to the performance of the product as designed, which are treated as units of accounting associated with the related tangible product with which the software is included. Woodward does not generally sell software on a standalone basis, although software upgrades, if any, are generally paid for by the customer. Revenue for certain non-recurring engineering projects is recognized when contractually specified milestones are achieved. Product freight costs are included in cost of goods sold. Freight costs charged to customers are included in net sales. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are excluded from revenue and are recorded as liabilities until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate U.S. or foreign government authority. Net sales generated through shipment of tangible products to customers represents more than 90% of total net sales for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015. Customer payments : Woodward occasionally agrees to make payments to certain customers in order to participate in anticipated sales activity. Payments made to customers are accounted for as a reduction of revenue unless they are made in exchange for identifiable goods or services with fair values that can be reasonably estimated. Reductions in revenue associated with these customer payments are recognized immediately to the extent that the payments cannot be attributed to anticipated future sales, and are recognized in future periods to the extent that the payments relate to anticipated future sales. Such determinations are based on the facts and circumstances underlying each payment. Stock-based compensation: Compensation cost relating to stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors is recognized in the financial statements using a fair value method. Non-qualified stock option awards and restricted stock awards are issued under Woodward’s stock-based compensation plans. The cost of such awards, measured at the grant date, is based on the estimated fair value of the award. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of each grant in order to estimate the portion of the award that will ultimately vest. The estimate is based on Woodward’s historical rates of forfeitures and is updated periodically. The portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods, which is generally the vesting period of the awards. Research and development costs : Company funded expenditures related to new product development, and significant product enhancement and/or upgrade activities are expensed as incurred and are separately reported in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Income taxes: Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of Woodward’s assets, liabilities, and certain unrecognized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings. Woodward provides for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the United States, except for those earnings that it considers to be indefinitely invested. Cash equivalents: Highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with multiple financial institutions. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. Woodward holds cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions in excess of amounts covered by the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), sometimes invests excess cash in money market funds or other highly liquid investments not insured by the FDIC, and holds cash and cash equivalents outside the United States that are not insured by the FDIC. Accounts receivable: Almost all of Woodward’s sales are made on credit and result in accounts receivable, which are recorded at the amount invoiced and are generally not collateralized. In the normal course of business, not all accounts receivable are collected and, therefore, an allowance for uncollectible amounts is provided equal to the amount that Woodward believes ultimately will not be collected. In establishing the amount of the allowance related to the credit risk of accounts receivable, customer-specific information is considered related to delinquent accounts, past loss experience, bankruptcy filings, deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, and current economic conditions. Accounts receivable losses are deducted from the allowance, and the related accounts receivable balances are written off when the receivables are deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recognized when received. In addition, an allowance associated with anticipated future sales returns is also established and is included in the allowance for uncollectible amounts.  Consistent with common business practice in China, Woodward’s Chinese subsidiary accepts from Chinese customers, in settlement of certain customer accounts receivable, bankers’ acceptance notes issued by Chinese banks that are believed to be creditworthy. Bankers’ acceptance notes are financial instruments issued by Chinese financial institutions as part of financing arrangements between the financial institution and a customer of the financial institution. Bankers’ acceptance notes represent a commitment by the issuing financial institution to pay a certain amount of money at a specified future maturity date to the legal owner of the bankers’ acceptance note as of the maturity date. The maturity date of bankers’ acceptance notes varies, but it is Woodward’s policy to only accept bankers’ acceptance notes with maturity dates no more than 180 days from the date of Woodward’s receipt of such draft. The issuing financial institution is the obligor, not Woodward’s customers. Upon Woodward’s acceptance of a banker’s acceptance note from a customer, such customer has no further obligation to pay Woodward for the related accounts receivable balance. Woodward only accepts bankers’ acceptance notes issued by banks that are believed to be creditworthy and to which the credit risks associated with the bankers’ acceptance notes are believed to be minimal.  The composition of Woodward’s accounts receivable at September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 follows:        September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Accounts receivable from:  Customers $ 367,715 $ 341,215  Other (Chinese financial institutions) 38,243 5,093  Allowance for uncollectible customer amounts (3,776) (2,540)  $ 402,182 $ 343,768 Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost being determined using methods that approximate a first-in, first-out basis. Short-term investments: From time to time, certain of Woodward’s foreign subsidiaries will invest excess cash in short-term time deposits with a fixed maturity date of longer than three months but less than one year from the date the deposit. Woodward believes that the investments are with creditworthy financial institutions. Amounts with maturities of less than 365 days are classified as “Other current assets.” Property, plant, and equipment: Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Assets are generally depreciated using the straight-line method. Assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Estimated lives over which fixed assets are generally depreciated at September 30, 2017 were as follows:    Land improvements 3 - 20 years  Buildings and improvements 3 - 40 years  Leasehold improvements 1 - 10 years  Machinery and production equipment 3 - 20 years  Computer equipment and software 3 - 10 years  Office furniture and equipment 3 - 13 years  Other 3 - 13 years Included in computer equipment and software are Woodward’s enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) systems, which have an estimated useful life of 10 years. All other computer equipment and software is generally depreciated over three to five years. Goodwill: Woodward tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Based on the relevant U.S. GAAP authoritative guidance, Woodward aggregates components of a single operating segment into a reporting unit, if appropriate. The impairment tests consist of comparing the implied fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount that includes goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, Woodward compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the recorded carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its implied fair value. Based on the results of Woodward’s goodwill impairment testing it has recorded no impairment charges. Other intangibles: Other intangibles are recognized apart from goodwill whenever an acquired intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. All of Woodward’s intangibles have an estimated useful life and are being amortized using patterns that reflect the periods over which the economic benefits of the assets are expected to be realized. Amortization expense is allocated to cost of goods sold and selling, general, and administrative expenses based on the nature of the intangible asset. Impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible is both not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Woodward has recorded no impairment charges on its other intangibles. Estimated lives over which intangible assets are amortized at September 30, 2017 were as follows:    Customer relationships 9 - 30 years  Intellectual property 10 - 17 years  Process technology 8 - 30 years  Other 15 years Impairment of long-lived assets: Woodward reviews the carrying amount of its long-lived assets or asset groups to be used in operations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Factors that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, or a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, among others. If such facts indicate a potential impairment, the Company would assess the recoverability of an asset group by determining if the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets over the remaining economic life of the primary asset in the asset group. If the recoverability test indicates that the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable, the Company will estimate the fair value of the asset group using appropriate valuation methodologies, which would typically include an estimate of discounted cash flows. Any impairment would be measured as the difference between the asset groups carrying amount and its estimated fair value. There were no impairment charges recorded in fiscal years 2017, 2016 or 2015. Investment in marketable equity securities: Woodward holds marketable equity securities related to its deferred compensation program. Based on Woodward’s intentions regarding these instruments, marketable equity securities are classified as trading securities. The trading securities are reported at fair value, with realized gains and losses recognized in “Other (income) expense, net.” The trading securities are included in “Other assets.” The associated obligation to provide benefits is included in “Other liabilities.” Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries: Investments in, and operating results of, entities in which Woodward does not have a controlling financial interest or the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations are included in the financial statements using the cost method of accounting. Investments and operating results of entities in which Woodward does not have a controlling interest but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operations are included in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Deferred compensation: The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan, or “rabbi trust,” as part of its overall compensation package for certain employees. Deferred compensation obligations will be settled either by delivery of a fixed number of shares of Woodward’s common stock (in accordance with certain eligible members’ irrevocable elections) or in cash. Woodward has contributed shares of its common stock into a trust established for the future settlement of deferred compensation obligations that are payable in shares of Woodward’s common stock. Common stock held by the trust is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Treasury stock held for deferred compensation” and the related deferred compensation obligation is reflected as a separate component of equity in amounts equal to the fair value of the common stock at the dates of contribution. These accounts are not adjusted for subsequent changes in the fair value of the common stock. Deferred compensation obligations that will be settled in cash are accounted for on an accrual basis in accordance with the terms of the underlying contract and are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Other liabilities.” Derivatives: The Company is exposed to various market risks that arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. The Company has historically utilized derivative instruments, such as treasury lock agreements to lock in fixed rates on future debt issuances, which qualify as cash flow or fair value hedges to mitigate the risk of variability in cash flows related to future interest payments attributable to changes in the designated benchmark rate. The Company records all such interest rate hedge instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Cash flows related to the instrument designated as a qualifying hedge are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same categories as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Accordingly, cash flows relating to the settlement of interest rate derivatives hedging the forecasted future interest payments on debt have been reflected upon settlement as a component of financing cash flows. The resulting gain or loss from such settlement is deferred to other comprehensive income and reclassified to interest expense over the term of the underlying debt. This reclassification of the deferred gains and losses impacts the interest expense recognized on the underlying debt that was hedged and is therefore reflected as a component of operating cash flows in periods subsequent to settlement. The periodic settlement of interest rate derivatives hedging outstanding variable rate debt is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense and is therefore reflected as a component of operating cash flows. From time to time, in order to hedge against foreign currency exposure, Woodward designates certain non-derivative financial instrument loans as net investment hedges. Foreign exchange gains or losses on the loans are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings. Further information on net investment hedges can be found at Note 6, Derivative instruments and hedging activities . Financial instruments: The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in the deferred compensation program, notes receivable from municipalities, investments in term deposits and debt. Because of their short-term maturity, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and short-term debt approximate fair value. The fair value of investments in the deferred compensation program are adjusted to fair value based on the quoted market prices for the investments in the various mutual funds owned. The fair value of the long-term notes from municipalities are estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments received at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similarly rated municipality notes of similar maturity. The fair value of term deposits are estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments received at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar term deposits with the same maturity in the same jurisdictions. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar debt with the same maturity. Further information on the fair value of financial instruments can be found at Note 5, Financial instruments and fair value measurements . Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into the following levels: Level 1: Inputs based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2: Quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable and can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3: Inputs reflect management’s best estimates and assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the valuation of the instruments. Postretirement benefits: The Company provides various benefits to certain current and former employees through defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. For financial reporting purposes, net periodic benefits expense and related obligations are calculated using a number of significant actuarial assumptions. Changes in net periodic expense and funding status may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions. The funded status of defined pension and postretirement plans recognized in the statement of financial position is measured as the difference between the fair market value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation. For a defined benefit pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation; for any ot her defined benefit postretirement plan, such as a retiree health care plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated benefit obligation. Any over-funded status is recognized as an asset and any underfunded status is recognized as a liability. Projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value as of the measurement date of all benefits attributed by the plan benefit formula to employee service rendered before the measurement date using assumptions as to future compensation levels if the plan benefit formula is based on those future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or unvested) attributed by the plan benefit formula to employee service rendered before the measurement date and based on employee service and compensation, if applicable, prior to that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. Reclassification In the Statements of Earnings for all periods presented amortization of intangible assets has been reclassified from a separate line to an allocated expense/cost component of cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses based on the nature of the intangible asset that is being amortized. Prior year amounts have been recast to reflect this reclassification. The following tables reflect the amounts reclassified.      Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015   Allocation to Cost of goods sold $ 7,800 $ 8,420 $ 9,115  Allocation to Selling, general and administrative expenses 17,977 19,066 20,126  Total amortization of intangible assets $ 25,777 $ 27,486 $ 29,241      2017 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth   Allocation to Cost of goods sold $ 1,954 $ 1,943 $ 1,948 $ 1,955  Allocation to Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,504 4,488 4,491 4,494  Total amortization of intangible assets $ 6,458 $ 6,431 $ 6,439 $ 6,449   2016 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth   Allocation to Cost of goods sold $ 2,180 $ 2,162 $ 2,117 $ 1,961  Allocation to Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,766 4,764 4,770 4,766  Total amortization of intangible assets $ 6,946 $ 6,926 $ 6,887 $ 6,727 

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Note 2. New accounting standards From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standards setting bodies issue new accounting pronouncements. Updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) are communicated through issuance of an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”). In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” ASU 2017-12 is intended to more closely align the financial statement reporting of hedging relationships with the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities and to make certain targeted improvements to simpl if y the application of hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP. ASU 2017-12 is also intended to increase standardization of financial statement disclosures including requiring a tabular disclosure of the income statement effects of fair value and cash flow hedges. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal year 2020 for Woodward) and early adoption is permitted in any interim period. Upon adoption, an entity should apply a cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive earnings with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings to eliminate the separate measurement of ineffectiveness for cash flow and net investment hedges, if any. Also upon adoption, the amended presentation and disclosure guidance should be applied prospectively. Woodward has not determined in which period it will adopt the new guidance. Woodward does not believe the application of the new guidance w ill have any impact on its current hedging arrangements. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” ASU 2017-09 was issued to provide clarity and reduce both 1) diversity in practice and 2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718 to a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal year 2019 for Woodward). Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. Woodward adopted the new guidance in its third quarter of fiscal year 2017 and will apply the guidance to any future changes to the terms or conditions of its share-based payment awards. In March 2017 , the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” ASU 2017-07 requires that the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs from defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans be included in the same Statement of Earnings captions as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the covered employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost will be presented in the Statement of Earnings separately from service costs. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017 (fiscal year 2019 for Woodward). Following adoption, only service costs will be eligible for capitalization into manufactured inventories, which should reduce diversity in practice. The amendments of ASU 2017-07 should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic benefit costs from defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans in the earnings statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component into manufactured inventories. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of Woodward ’s fiscal year 2018. Woodward has not determined whether it will adopt the new guidance in fiscal year 2018 or fiscal yea r 2019, and expects changes to earnings before income taxes to be insignificant in the year of adoption. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment,” to simplify financial reporting by eliminating the need to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under ASU 2017-04 , an entity should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, up to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The new guidance effectively eliminates “Step 2” from the previous goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal year 2021 for Woodward). Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Woodward adopted the new guidance in its fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017 when it performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of July 31, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a significant impact on the results of its goodwill impairment testing. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory.” ASU 2016-16 eliminates the current U.S. GAAP exception deferring the tax effects of intercompany asset transfers (other than inventory) until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use. After adoption of ASU 2016-16, Woodward will recognize the tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers in the buyer’s and seller’s tax jurisdictions when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of these transactions are eliminated in consolidation. ASU 2016-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal year 2019 for Woodward), including interim periods within the year of adoption. Early adoption is allowed only in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 or the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Modified retrospective adoption is required with any cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Woodward has not determined in which period it will adopt the new guidance. Woodward c urrently anticipates the adoption of ASU 2016-16 will result in balance sheet reclassifications, but based on Woodward’s current transactional activity, such adjustments are not expected to be significant. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Los ses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 adds a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) impairment model to U.S. GAAP that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Modified retrospective adoption is required with any cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (fiscal year 2021 for Woodward), including interim periods within the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal year 2020 for Woodward), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Woodward has not determined in which period it will adopt the new guidance but does not expect the application of the CECL impairment model to have a significant impact on Woodward’s allowance for uncollectible amounts for accounts receivable and notes receivable from municipalities. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The purpose of ASU 2016-02 is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. In addition, ASU 2016-02 modifies the definition of a lease to clarify that an arrangement contains a lease when such arrangement conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal year 2020 for Woodward), including interim periods within the year of adoption. In transition, Woodward will be required to recognize and measure leases beginning in the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach; therefore, Woodward anticipates restating its Consolidated Financial Statements for the two fiscal years prior to the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. Woodward has not determined in which period it will adopt the new guidance. Woodward is currently assessing the impact this guidance may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, including which of its existing lease arrangements will be impacted by the new guidance and whether other arrangements not currently classified as leases may become subject to the guidance of ASU 2016-02 . Rent expense for all operating leases in fiscal year 20 17 , none of which was recognized on the balance sheet, was $8,302 . As of September 30, 201 7 , future minimum rental payments required under operating leases, none of which were recognized on the balance sheet, were $23,215 . In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and has subsequently issued several supplemental and/or clarifying ASUs (collectively “ASC 606”). ASC 606 prescribes a single common revenue standard that replaces most existing U.S. GAAP revenue recognition guidance. ASC 606 outlines a five-step model, under which Woodward will recognize revenue as performance obligations within a c ustomer contract are satisfied. ASC 606 is intended to provide more consistent interpretation and application of the principles outlined in the standard across filers in multiple industries and within the same industries compared to current practices, whic h should improve comparability. Adoption of ASC 606 is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal year 2019 for Woodward), including interim perio ds within the reporting period. While Woodward could elect to adopt ASC 606 early, it will not be adopting the new standard in fiscal year 2018. Upon adoption, Woodward must elect to adopt either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or using the cumulative effect transition method with the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized at t he date of initial application. Woodward has not determined what transition method it will use. Woodward is currently assessing the impact that the future adoption of ASC 606 may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements by analyzing its current portfolio of customer contracts, including a review of historical accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences in applying the guidance of ASC 606. Woodward is also performing a comprehensive review of its current processes and systems to determine and implement changes required to support the adoption of ASC 606 on October 1, 2018, the first day of Woodward’s fiscal year 2019. As part of this review process, Woodward is implementing new software solutions to support revenue reporting after adoption. Based on Woodward’s review of its customer contracts, Woodward has determined that revenue on the majority of its customer contracts will continue to be recognized at a point in time, generally upon shipment of products, consistent with Woodward’s current revenue recognition model. Upon adoption of ASC 606, however, Woodward also believes some of its revenues from sales of products and services to customers will be recognized over time, rather than at a point in time, due primarily to the terms of certain customer contracts. As a result of recognizing some revenue over time, various balance sheet line items will be impacted. As such, Woodward believes the adoption of ASC 606 will have an impact on both the timing of revenue recognition and various line items within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Woodward generally expenses costs as incurred for the engineering and development of new products. Customer funding received for such engineering and development efforts is currently recognized as revenue when earned, with the corresponding costs recognized as cost of sales. ASC 606 requires customer funding of product engineering and development to be deferred and recognized as revenue as the related products are delivered to the customer. ASC 606 also requires product engineering and development costs to be capitalized as contract fulfillment costs, to the extent recoverable from the deferred customer funding, and subsequently amortized as the related products are delivered to the customer. Therefore, under ASC 606, Woodward expects to record both contract assets and contract liabilities related to such funded engineering and development efforts, which are expected to become material over time. Recognized revenues and research and development costs are both expected to decrease in the year of adoption and for at least several years thereafter, due to the recognition of these contract assets and liabilities. However, recognition of these contract assets and liabilities are expected to have an immaterial impact on pre-tax earnings in future periods. In addition, ASC 606 will require more comprehensive disclosures about revenue streams and contracts with customers, including significant judgments required. Woodward is currently evaluating potential changes to its processes for preparing required disclosures and to information systems that support the financial reporting proce ss. Woodward is also evaluating implications to the Company’s system of internal controls, relative to revenue recognition and the related revenue disclosures, which are based on the criteria outlined in the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share	Note 3. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the weighted-average number of shares outstanding after consideration of the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock. The following is a reconciliation of net earnings to basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Numerator:  Net earnings $ 200,507 $ 180,838 $ 181,452  Denominator:  Basic shares outstanding 61,366 61,893 64,684  Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 2,146 1,663 1,372  Diluted shares outstanding 63,512 63,556 66,056  Income per common share:  Basic earnings per share $ 3.27 $ 2.92 $ 2.81  Diluted earnings per share $ 3.16 $ 2.85 $ 2.75 On June 2, 2015 , Woodward entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “ASR Agreement”) with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman”) under which Woodward repurchased shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $125,000 . Upon execution of the ASR Agreement, Goldman initially delivered to Woodward 2,048 shares of common stock. Goldman completed the ASR Agreement on September 3, 2015 and delivered 458 additional shares to Woodward. The final number of shares delivered to Woodward was based generally on the average daily volume-weighted average price of Woodward stock during the term of the ASR Agreement of $49.89 . The 2,506 shares of common stock delivered by Goldman to Woodward related to the ASR Agreement are reflected in the calculation of basic shares outstanding used in the calculation of earnings per share. The following stock option grants were outstanding during the fiscal years ended September 30 , 201 7, 2016 and 201 5, but were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive .     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Options 68 - 697  Weighted-average option price $ 63.23 $ n/a $ 46.55  The weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share included the weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations of the following:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations 180 171 190

Joint Venture

Joint Venture	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Joint Venture	Note 4. Joint venture On January 4, 2016 , Woodward and General Electric Company (“GE”), acting through its GE Aviation business unit, consummated the formation of a strategic joint venture betwe en Woodward and GE (the “JV”) to design, develop and source fuel system s for specified existing and all future GE commercial aircraft engines that produce thrust in excess of fifty thousand pounds. As part of the JV formation, Woodward contributed to the JV certain contractual rights and intellectual property applicable to the existing GE commercial aircraft engine programs within th e scope of the JV. Woodward had no initial cost basis in the JV because Woodward had no cost basis in the contractual rights and intellectual property contributed to the JV. GE purchased from Woodward a 50% ownership interest in the JV for a $250,000 cash payment to Woodward. In addition, GE will pay contingent consideration to Woodward consisting of fifteen annual payments of $4,894 per year which began on January 4, 2017 subject to certain claw-back conditions. Woodward received its first annual payment of $4,894 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, which was recorded as deferred income and is included in Net cash provided by operating activities under the caption “Other” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows . Neither Woodward nor GE contributed any tangible assets to the JV. Woodward determined that the JV formation was not the culmination of an earnings event because Woodward has significant performance obligations to support the future operations of the JV. Therefore, Woodward recorded the $250,000 consideration received from GE , in January of 2016, for its purchase of a 50% equity interest in the JV as deferred income. The $250,000 deferred income will be recognized as an increase to net sales in proportion to revenue realized on sales of applicable fuel systems within the scope of the JV in a particular period as a percentage of total revenue expected to be realized by Woodward over the estimated remaining lives of the underlying commercial aircraft engine programs assigned to the JV. Unamo rtized deferred income recorded in connection with the JV formation included accrued liabilities of $6,451 as of September 30, 2017 and $6,552 as of September 30, 2016, and other liabilities of $236,896 as of September 30 , 201 7 and $238,187 as of September 30, 2016 . Amortization of the deferred income recognized as an increase to sales was $6,286 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2017, and $ 5,261 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016 . Woodward and GE jointly manage the JV and any significant decisions and/or actions of the JV require the mutual consent of both parties. Neither Woodward nor GE has a controlling financial interest in the JV, but both Woodward and GE do have the ability to significantly influence the operating and financial decisions of the JV. Therefore, Woodward is accounting for its 50% ownership interest in the JV using the equity method of accounting. The JV is a related party to Woodward. Other income includes income of $2,568 for the fiscal year ended September 30 , 2017, and income of $ 6,204 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016 related to Woodward’s equity interest in the earnings of the JV. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, Woodward received a $2,500 cash distribution from the JV which is included in Net cash provided by operating activities under the caption “Other” on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Woodward received no cash distributions from the JV in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. Woodward’s net investment in the JV , which is included in other assets, was $6,272 as of September 30, 2017 and $6,204 as of September 30, 2016 . Woodward ’s n et sales include $ 70,234 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 of sales to the JV , compared to $ 46,973 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016. Woodward recorded a reduction to sales of $26,133 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 related to royalties paid to the JV by Woodward on sales by Woodward directly to third party aftermarket customers , compared to $ 21,391 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2016 . The Consolidated Balance Sheets include “Accounts receivable” of $8,554 a t September 30, 2017, and $ 5,326 at September 30, 2016 related to amounts the JV owed Woodward , and include “Accounts payable” of $6,741 at September 30, 2017, and $ 3,926 at September 30, 2016 related to amounts Woodward owed the JV. 

Financial Instruments and Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurments
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	Note 5. Financial instruments and fair value measurements Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP. The table below presents information about Woodward’s financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques Woodward utilized to determine such fair value. Woodward had no financial liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 or September 30, 201 6 .     At September 30, 2017 At September 30, 2016  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Financial assets:  Cash $ 79,822 $ - $ - $ 79,822 $ 80,959 $ - $ - $ 80,959  Investments in money market funds - - - - 48 - - 48  Investments in reverse repurchase agreements 1 - - 1 83 - - 83  Investments in term deposits with foreign banks 7,729 - - 7,729 7,136 - - 7,136  Equity securities 16,600 - - 16,600 12,491 - - 12,491  Total financial assets $ 104,152 $ - $ - $ 104,152 $ 100,717 $ - $ - $ 100,717  Investments in money market funds: Woodward sometimes invests excess cash in money market funds not insured by the FDIC. Woodward believes that the investments in money market funds are on deposit with creditworthy financial institutions and that the funds are highly liquid. The investments in money market funds are reported in “Cash and cash equivalents” at fair value, with realized gains from interest income recognized in earnings . The fair values of Woodward’s investments in money market funds are based on the quoted market prices for the net asset value of the various money market funds. Investments in reverse repurchase agreements: Woodward sometimes invests excess cash in reverse repurchase agreements. Under the terms of Woodward’s reverse repurchase agreements, Woodward purchases an interest in a pool of securities and is granted a security interest in those securities by the counterparty to the reverse repurchase agreement. At an agreed upon date, generally the next business day, the counterparty repurchases Woodward’s interest in the pool of securities at a price equal to what Woodward paid to the counterparty plus a rate of return determined daily per the terms of the reverse repurchase agreement. Woodward believes that the investments in these reverse repurchase agreements are with creditworthy financial institutions and that the funds invested are highly liquid. The investments in reverse repurchase agreements are reported at fair value, with realized gains from interest income recognized in earnings, and are included in “Cash and cash equivalents.” Since the investments are generally overnight, the carrying value is considered to be equal to the fair value as the amount is deemed to be a cash deposit with no risk of change in value as of the end of each fiscal quarter. Investments in term deposits with foreign banks : Woodward ’s foreign subsidiaries sometimes invest excess cash in various highly liquid financial instruments that Woodward believes are wit h creditworthy financial institutions. Such investments are reported in “Cash and cash equivalents” at fair value, with realized gains from inter est income recognized in earnings. The carrying value of Woodward’s investments in term deposits with foreign banks are considered equal to the fair value given the highly liquid nature of the investments . Equity securities: Woodward holds marketable equity securities, through investments in various mutual funds, related to its deferred compensation program. Based on Woodward’s intentions regarding these instruments, marketable equity securities are classified as trading securities. The trading securities are reported at fair value, with realized gains and losses recognized in “Other (income) expense, net.” The trading securities are included in “Other assets.” The fair values of Woodward’s trading securities are based on the quoted market prices for the net asset value of the various mutual funds. Accounts receivable, accounts payable, the current portion of l ong-term debt, and short-term borrowings are not remeasured to fair value, as the carrying cost of each approximates its respective fair value. The estimated fair values and carrying costs of other financial instruments that are not required to be remeasured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:      At September 30, 2017 At September 30, 2016  Fair Value Hierarchy Level Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost  Assets:  Notes receivable from municipalities 2 $ 15,848 $ 14,507 $ 17,501 $ 15,849  Investments in short-term time deposits 2 8,227 8,223 4,882 4,918  Liabilities:  Long-term debt, excluding current portion 2 $ (592,317) $ (582,080) $ (617,857) $ (579,244)  In fiscal years 2014 and 2013, Woodward received lon g-term notes from municipalities within the state s of Illinois and Colorado in connection with certain economic incentives related to Woodward’s development of a second campus in the greater-Rockford, Illinois area for its Aerospace segment and Woodward’s development of a new campus at its corporate headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado. The fair value of the long-term notes was estimated based on a model that discounted future principal and interest payments received at an interest rate available to the Company at the end of the period for similarly rated municipal notes of similar maturity, which is a level 2 input as defined by the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy. The interest rates used to estimate the fair value of the long-term notes were 2.6% at September 30, 2017 and 2.2% at September 30, 2016. From time to time, certain of Woodward’s foreign subsidiaries will invest excess cash in short-term time deposits with a fixed maturity date of longer than three months but less than one year from the date of the deposit. Woodward believes that the investments are with creditworthy financial institutions. The fair value of the investments in short-term time deposits was estimated based on a model that discounted future principal and interest payments to be received at an interest rate available to the foreign subsidiary entering into the investment fo r similar short-term time deposits of similar maturity. This was determined to be a level 2 input as defined by the U.S. GAAP fair valu e hierarchy. The interest rate used to estimate the fair value of the short-term time deposits was 5.3% at September 30, 2017 and 6.9 % at September 30, 2016 . The fair value of long-term debt was estimated based on a model that discounted future principal and interest payments at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar debt of the same maturity, which is a level 2 input as defined by the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy. The weighted-average interest rates used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt were 2.4% at September 30, 2017 and 1.9% at September 30, 2016 .

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 6. Derivative instruments and hedging activities Woodward has exposures related to global market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, changes in certain commodity prices and fluctuations in various producer indices. From time to time, Woodward enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as accounting hedges and/or those utilized as economic hedges. Woodward uses interest rate related derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations of interest rates. Woodward does not enter into or issue derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. By using derivative and/or hedging instruments to manage its risk exposure, Woodward is subject, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk on those derivative instruments. Credit risk arises from the potential failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative and/or hedging instrument. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes Woodward, which creates credit risk for Woodward. Woodward mitigates this credit risk by entering into transactions with only counterparties that are believed to be creditworthy. Market risk arises from the potential adverse effects on the value of derivative and/or hedging instruments that result from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or foreign currency exchange rates. Woodward minimizes this market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken. Other than the net investment hedges discussed below, Woodward did not enter into any derivatives or hedging transactions during any of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2015. Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships In June 2013, in connection with Woodward’s expected refinancing of current maturities on its existing long-term debt, Woodward entered into a treasury lock agreement with a notional amount of $25,000 that qualified as a cash flow hedge under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The objective of this derivative instrument was to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate over a seven -year period related to the future interest payments on a portion of anticipated future debt issuances. The treasury lock agreement was settled in August 2013 and the resulting gain of $507 is being recognized as a reduction of interest expense over a seven-year period. The unrecognized portion of the gain is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings, net of tax. In March 2009, Woodward entered into LIBOR lock agreements that qualified as cash flow hedges under authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging. The objective of this derivative instrument was to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows over a seven-year period related to future interest payments of a portion of anticipated future debt issuances attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate associated with the then expected issuance of long-term debt to acquire HR Textron Inc. (“HRT”). The discontinuance of the LIBOR lock agreements resulted in a loss that was being recognized as an increase of interest expense over a seven-year period on the hedged Series E and F Notes, which were issued on April 3, 2009, using the effective interest method. The unrecognized portion of the loss was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings, net of tax. The unrecognized portion of the loss was fully amortized to interest expense during the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, and as of September 30, 2016 there was no unrecognized loss associated with this cash flow hedge in Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. In September 2008, the Company entered into treasury lock agreements that qualified as cash flow hedges under authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging. The objective of this derivative instrument was to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows related to future interest payments of a portion of the anticipated future debt issuances attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate associated with the expected issuance of long-term debt to acquire Techni-Core, Inc. (“Techni-Core”) and MPC Products Corporation (“MPC Products” and, together with Techni-Core, “MPC”). The discontinuance of these treasury lock agreements resulted in a gain that was being recognized as a reduction of interest expense over a seven-year period on the hedged Series C and D Notes, which were issued on October 1, 2008, using the effective interest method. The unrecognized portion of the gain was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings, net of tax. The unrecognized portion of the gain was fully amortized to interest expense during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, and as of September 30, 2015 there was no unrecognized gain associated with this cash flow hedge in Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining unrecognized gains and losses in Woodward’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets associated with derivative instruments that were previously entered into by Woodward, which are classified in accumulated other comprehensive ( losses ) earnings (“accumulated OCI”), were net gains of $ 218 as of September 30, 2017 and $290 as of September 30, 2016 . The following table discloses the impact of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships on Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings, recognized in interest expense:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Amount of (income) expense recognized in earnings on derivative $ (72) $ 21 $ 99  Amount of (gain) loss recognized in accumulated OCI on derivative - - -  Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into earnings (72) 21 99     Based on the carrying value of the realized but unrecognized gains on terminated derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2017 , Woodward expects to reclassify $72 of net unrecognized gains on terminated derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings to earnings during the next twelve months.  Net investment hedges On September 23, 2016 , Woodward and Woodward International Holding B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward organized under the laws of The Netherlands (the “BV Subsidiary”), each entered into a note purchase agreement (the “2016 Note Purchase Agreement”) relating to the sale by Woodward and the BV Subsidiary of an aggregate principal amount of €160,000 of senior unsecured notes in a series of private placement transactions. Woodward issued €40,000 aggregate principal amount of Woodward’s Series M Senior Notes due September 23, 2026. Woodward designated the €40,000 Series M Notes as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of Woodward’s net investment in its Euro denominated functional currency subsidiaries. Foreign exchange losses on the Series M Notes of $2,395 f or the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and $47 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 are included in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings. In June 2015, Woodward designated an intercompany loan of 160,000 Renminbi (“ RMB ”) between two wholly owned subsidiaries as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of the net investment of the borrower in the lender. In June 2016, the intercompany loan was repaid , resulting in a realized gain of $1,484 that was recognized within total comprehensive earnings, of which $912 was recognized in fiscal year 2016 and $572 was recognized in fiscal year 2015. In July 2016, Woodward designated a new intercompany loan of 160,000 RMB between two wholly owned subsidiaries as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of the net investment of the borrower in the lender. In July 2017, the intercompany loan was repaid, resulting in a realized gain of $380 that was recognized within total comprehensive earnings, of which a gain of $453 was recognized in fiscal year 2017 and a loss of $73 was recognized in fiscal year 2016.

Supplemental Statements of Cash

Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information
Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information	Note 7. Supplemental statement of cash flows information     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 27,752 $ 34,500 $ 32,608  Income taxes paid 33,926 99,468 51,218  Income tax refunds received 997 2,350 689  Non-cash activities:  Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account 17,327 10,705 23,966  Property, plant and equipment acquired by capital lease - 1,653 -  Common shares issued from treasury to settle employee liabilities 1,767 - -  Common shares issued from treasury to settle benefit obligations (Note 17) 14,014 13,999 12,574  Cashless exercise of stock options 1,473 753 1,532

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventories
Inventories	Note 8 . Inventories      September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Raw materials $ 59,034 $ 54,246  Work in progress 103,790 109,756  Component parts (1) 262,755 249,307  Finished goods 47,926 48,374  $ 473,505 $ 461,683 (1) Component parts include items that can be sold separately as finished goods or included in the manufacture of other products .

Property, Plant, and Equipment,

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	Note 9 . Property, plant, and equipment      September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Land and land improvements $ 88,326 $ 87,696  Buildings and building improvements 514,453 527,704  Leasehold improvements 16,142 15,213  Machinery and production equipment 543,641 484,315  Computer equipment and software 124,723 117,984  Office furniture and equipment 24,308 29,344  Other 19,393 18,969  Construction in progress 111,910 88,909  1,442,896 1,370,134  Less accumulated depreciation (520,853) (493,784)  Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 922,043 $ 876,350  I ncluded in “Office furniture and equipment” and “Other” is $1,653 at each of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, of gross a ssets acquired on capital leases, and accumulated depreciation included $739 at September 30, 2017 and $322 at September 30, 2016 of amortization associated with the capital lease assets. In fiscal year 2015, Woodward completed and placed into service a manufacturing and office building on a second campus in the greater-Rockford, Illinois area and has occupied the new facility for its Aerospace segment. This campus is intended to support Woodward’s expected growth in its Aerospace segment over the next ten years and beyond, required as a result of Woodward being awarded a substantial number of new system platforms, particularly on narrow-body aircraft. Included in “Construction in progress” are costs of $49,347 at September 30 , 201 7 and $26,741 at September 30, 2016 associated with new equipment purchases for the second campus. Concurrent with and in relation to Woodward’s significant investment in three new campuses and related equipment in the greater-Rockford, Illinois area, the new campus at its corporate headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado (both discussed above), and the new campus in Niles, Illinois that was completed in fiscal year 2015, Woodward initiated a comprehensive review of its depreciation lives as required by U.S. GAAP to evaluate the estimates of the useful lives of Woodward assets. This review resulted in estimates of the useful lives of both existing and new assets generally in excess of those utilized prior to fiscal year 2016. The revised estimates were used in fiscal year 2016 and will be used going forward and result in a downward adjustment of depreciation on existing assets of approximately $12,000 for fiscal year 2016. For the fiscal years ended September 30 , 201 7, 2016, and 20 15 , Woodward had depreciation expense as follows:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Depreciation expense $ 55,140 $ 41,550 $ 45,994  F or the fiscal years ended September 30 , 201 7, 2016, and 20 15 , Woodward capitalized interest that would have otherwise been included in interest expense of the following:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Capitalized interest $ 2,008 $ 5,455 $ 8,995

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill Disclosure
Goodwill	Note 1 0 . Goodwill     September 30, 2016 Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2017  Aerospace $ 455,423 $ - $ 455,423  Industrial 100,261 861 101,122  Consolidated $ 555,684 $ 861 $ 556,545   September 30, 2015 Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2016  Aerospace $ 455,423 $ - $ 455,423  Industrial 101,554 (1,293) 100,261  Consolidated $ 556,977 $ (1,293) $ 555,684  Woodward tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Woodward completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of July 31, 201 7 during the quarter ended September 30, 201 7 . At that date, Woodward determined it was appropriate to aggregate certain components of the same operating segment into a single reporting unit. The fair value of each of Woodward’s reporting units was determined using a discounted cash flow method. This method represents a level 3 input and incorporates various estimates and assumptions, the most significant being projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins, future tax rates, and the present value, based on an estimated weighted-average cost of capital (or the discount rate) and terminal growth rate, of forecasted cash flows. Management projects revenue growth rates, earnings margins and cash flows based on each reporting unit’s current operational results, expected performance and operational strategies over a ten-year period. These projections are adjusted to reflect current economic conditions and demand for certain products, and require considerable management judgment. Forecasted cash flows used in the July 31, 201 7 impairment test were discounted using weighted-average cost of capital assumptions ranging from 9.57 % to 13.86 %. The terminal values of the forecasted cash flows were calculated using the Gordon Growth Model and assumed an annual compound gro wth rate after ten years of 3.39 % . These inputs, which are unobservable in the market, represent management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in determining the present value of the Company’s forecasted cash flows. Changes in these estimates and assumptions can have a significant impact on the fair value of forecasted cash flows. Woodward evaluated the reasonableness of the reporting units’ resulting fair values utilizing a market multiple method. The results of Woodward’s goodwill impairment tests performed as of July 31, 201 7 did not indicate impairment of any of Woodward’s reporting units.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible Assets, Net	Note 11 . Intangible assets, net    September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016  Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount  Customer relationships and contracts:  Aerospace $ 282,225 $ (151,155) $ 131,070 $ 282,225 $ (134,158) $ 148,067  Industrial 40,962 (34,407) 6,555 40,969 (33,509) 7,460  Total $ 323,187 $ (185,562) $ 137,625 $ 323,194 $ (167,667) $ 155,527   Intellectual property:  Aerospace $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -  Industrial 19,422 (18,196) 1,226 19,435 (17,876) 1,559  Total $ 19,422 $ (18,196) $ 1,226 $ 19,435 $ (17,876) $ 1,559   Process technology:  Aerospace $ 76,605 $ (49,124) $ 27,481 $ 76,605 $ (43,229) $ 33,376  Industrial 22,950 (17,756) 5,194 22,965 (16,200) 6,765  Total $ 99,555 $ (66,880) $ 32,675 $ 99,570 $ (59,429) $ 40,141   Other intangibles:  Aerospace $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -  Industrial 1,312 (956) 356 1,246 (823) 423  Total $ 1,312 $ (956) $ 356 $ 1,246 $ (823) $ 423   Total intangibles:  Aerospace $ 358,830 $ (200,279) $ 158,551 $ 358,830 $ (177,387) $ 181,443  Industrial 84,646 (71,315) 13,331 84,615 (68,408) 16,207  Consolidated Total $ 443,476 $ (271,594) $ 171,882 $ 443,445 $ (245,795) $ 197,650  For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015, Woodward recorded amortization expense associated with intangibles of the following:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Amortization expense $ 25,777 $ 27,486 $ 29,241  Future amortization expense associated with intangibles is expected to be:      Year Ending September 30:  2018 $ 24,995  2019 23,159  2020 20,372  2021 18,404  2022 16,249  Thereafter 68,703  $ 171,882

Credit Facilities, Short-term B

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure
Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt	 Note 1 2 . Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt As of September 30, 201 7 , Woodward’s short-term borrowings and availability under its various short-term credit facilities follows:     Total availability Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees Outstanding borrowings Remaining availability  Revolving credit facility $ 1,000,000 $ (10,621) $ (32,600) $ 956,779  Foreign lines of credit and overdraft facilities 7,530 - - 7,530  Foreign performance guarantee facilities 10,058 (351) - 9,707  $ 1,017,588 $ (10,972) $ (32,600) $ 974,016 Revolving credit facility Woodward maintains a $1,000,000 revolving credit facility established under a revolving credit agreement among Woodward, a syndicate of lenders and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”). The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for the option to increase available borrowings to up to $1,200,000 , subject to lenders’ participation. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement generally bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.85% to 1.65% . The Revolving Credit Agreement matures in April 2020 . Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, there were $32,600 in principal amount of borrowings outstanding as of September 30 , 201 7 , at an effective interest rate of 2.29 %, and $156,700 in principal amount of borrowings outstanding as of September 3 0 , 201 6 , at an effective interest rate of 1.77% . As of September 30 , 201 7 , all of the borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement were classified as short-term based on Woodward’s intent and ability to pay this amount in the next twelve months. As of September 30, 2016, $150,000 of the borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement were classified as short-term debt. The Revolving Credit Agreement contains certain covenants customary with such agreements, which are generally consistent with the covenants applicable to Woodward’s long-term debt agreements, and contains customary events of default, including certain cross default provisions related to Woodward’s other outstanding debt arrangements in excess of $60,000 , the occurrence of which would permit the lenders to accelerate the amounts due thereunder. In addition, the Revolving Credit Agreement includes the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum permitted leverage ratio of consolidated net debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, stock-based compensation, and amortization, plus any usual non-cash charges to the extent deducted in computing net income minus any usual non-cash gains to the extent added in computing net income (“Leverage Ratio”) for Woodward and its consolidated subsidiaries of 3.5 to 1.0, which ratio, subject to certain restrictions, may increase to 4.0 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter (and the immediately following fiscal quarter) during which a permitted acquisition occurs and to 3.75 to 1.0 for the following two succeeding fiscal quarters, and (ii) a minimum consolidated net worth of $800,000 plus (a) 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for the prior fiscal year and (b) 50% of Woodward’s net cash proceeds resulting from certain issuances of stock, subject to certain adjustments. Woodward’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Woodward FST, Inc., Woodward MPC, Inc., and Woodward HRT, Inc., each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward. Short-term borrowings Woodward has other foreign lines of credit and foreign overdraft facilities at various financial institutions, which are generally reviewed annually for renewal and are subject to the usual terms and conditions applied by the financial institutions. Pursuant to the terms of the related facility agreements, Woodward’s foreign performance guarantee facilities are limited in use to providing performance guarantees to third parties. There were no borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and Septemb er 30, 2016 on Woodward’s foreign lines of credit and foreign overdraft facilities. Long-term debt    September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Revolving credit facility - Floating rate (LIBOR plus 0.85% - 1.65% ), due April 2020 , unsecured $ 32,600 $ 156,700  Series D notes – 6.39%, due October 2018; unsecured 100,000 100,000  Series F notes – 8.24%, due April 2019; unsecured 43,000 43,000  Series G notes – 3.42%, due November 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series H notes – 4.03%, due November 2023; unsecured 25,000 25,000  Series I notes – 4.18%, due November 2025; unsecured 25,000 25,000  Series J notes – Floating rate (LIBOR plus 1.25%), due November 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series K notes – 4.03%, due November 2023; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series L notes – 4.18%, due November 2025; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series M notes – 1.12% due September 2026; unsecured 47,270 44,886  Series N notes – 1.31% due September 2028; unsecured 90,995 86,406  Series O notes – 1.57% due September 2031; unsecured 50,815 48,252  Total debt 614,680 729,244  Less: Current portion of long-term debt (32,600) (150,000)  Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,794) (2,091)  Long-term debt, less current portion $ 580,286 $ 577,153 The Notes In October 2008 , Woodward entered into a note purchase agreement relating to the Series D Notes (the “2008 Notes”). In April 2009 , Woodward entered into a note purchase agreement relating to the Series F Notes (the “2009 Notes”). On October 1, 2013 , Woodward entered into a note purchase agreement relating to the sale by Woodward of an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 of its senior unsecured notes in a series of pr ivate placement transactions. Woodward issued the Series G, H and I Notes (the “First Closing Notes”) on October 1, 2013 . Woodward issued the Series J, K and L Notes (the “Second Closing Notes , ” and together with the 2008 Notes, 2009 Notes and the First Closing Notes, the “USD Notes”) on November 15, 2013 . On September 23, 2016 , Woodward and the BV Subsidiary each entered into note purchase agreements relating to the sale by Woodward and the BV Subsidiary of an aggregate principal amount of €160,000 of senior unsecured notes in a series of private placement transactions. Woodward issued €40,000 aggregate principal amount of Woodward’s Series M Senior Notes (the “Series M Notes”). The BV Subsidiary issued (a) €77,000 aggregate principal amount of the BV Subsidiary’s Series N Senior Notes (the “Series N Notes”) and (b) €43,000 aggregate principal amount of the BV Subsidiary’s Series O Senior Notes (the “Series O Notes” and together with the Series M Notes and the Series N Notes, the “2016 Notes , ” and together with the USD Notes, collectively, the “Notes”). Interest on the 2008 Notes, the First Closing Notes, and the Series K and L Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year until all principal is paid. Interest on the 2009 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year until all principal is paid. Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 23 and September 23 of each year, until all principal is paid. Interest on the Series J Notes is payable quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year until al l principal is paid. As of September 30 , 201 7 , the Series J Notes bore interest at an effective rate of 2.6% . None of the Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Holders of the Notes do not have any registration rights. All of the issued Notes are held by multiple institutions. Woodward’s obligations under the Notes are guaranteed by (i) Woodward FST, Inc., Woodward MPC, Inc., and Woodward HRT, Inc., each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward, and (ii) in the case of the BV Subsidiary’s Series N and O Notes, by Woodward. Woodward’s obligations under the Notes rank equal in right of payment with all of Woodward’s other unsecured unsubordinated debt, including its outstanding debt under its revolving credit facility. The USD Notes and the 2016 Notes contain covenants customary for such financings, including, among other things, covenants that place limits on Woodward’s ability to incur liens on assets, incur additional debt (including a leverage or coverage based maintenance test), transfer or sell Woodward’s assets, merge or consolidate with other persons and enter into material transactions with affiliates. Under the financial covenants contained in the note purchase agreement governing the USD Notes, Woodward’s priority debt may not exceed, at any time, 25% of its consolidated net worth. Woodward’s Leverage Ratio cannot exceed 4.0 to 1.0 during any material acquisition period, or 3.5 to 1.0 at any other time on a rolling four quarter basis . In the event that Woodward’s Leverage Ratio exceeds 3.5 to 1.0 during any material acquisition period, the interest rate on each series of Notes will increase. Further for the Series D and F notes, Woodward’s consolidated net worth must at all times equal or exceed $485,940 plus 50% of Woodward’s consolidated net earnings for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. For the Series G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O notes, Woodward’s consolidated net worth must at all times equal or exceed $1,046,619 plus 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. Woodward, at its option, is permitted at any time to prepay all, or any part of the then-outstanding principal amount of any series of the Notes at 100% of the principal amount of the series of Notes to be prepaid (but, in the case of partial prepayment, not less than $1,000 for the USD Notes and not less than €1,000 for the 2016 Notes), together with interest accrued on such amount to be prepaid to the date of payment, plus any applicable prepayment compensation amount. The prepayment compensation amount, as to the USD Notes other than the Series J Notes, is computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of the USD Notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the USD Notes being prepaid . The prepayment compensation amount, as to the Series J Notes, generally is computed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Series J Notes equal to (a) 2%, on or prior to November 15, 2014, (b) 1%, after November 15, 2014 and on or prior to November 15, 2015, and (c) 0% after November 15, 2015 . The prepayment compensation amount as to the 2016 Notes that is not subject to a swap agreement is computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of such notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of the German Bund having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the 2016 Notes being prepaid . The prepayment compensation amount as to a 2016 Note that is subject to a swap agreement entered into by the holder of such note under which the holder will receive payment in U.S. dollars in exchange for scheduled Euro payments of principal and interest on the Euro denominated 2016 Notes, adjusted for theoretical holder returns foregone on hypothetical reinvestments in U.S. Treasury securities (the “Swapped Notes”) is equal to the excess of an amount equal to the remaining scheduled payments to be paid in respect of such called principal under such swap agreement discounted at a rate equal to 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the Swapped Notes being prepaid over the amount of payments in U.S. dollars that would be paid to the holder of the Swapped Note in respect of the called principal under the swap agreement, which amount will be increased or reduced, as applicable, in an amount equal to any net gain or loss realized by the holder of such Swapped Note on swap transactions under such swap agreement as a result of such prepayment . Required future principal payments of the Notes as of September 30, 2017 are as follows:     Year Ending September 30:  2018 $ -  2019 143,000  2020 -  2021 100,000  2022 -  Thereafter 339,080  $ 582,080 Certain financial and other covenants under Woodward's debt agreements contain customary restrictions on the operation of its business. Management believes that Woodward was in compliance with the covenants under the long-term debt agreements at September 30, 201 7 . Debt Issuance Costs In connection with the 2016 Note Purchase Agreements, in fiscal year 2016, Woodward incurred $863 in financing costs, which are deferred and will be amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the agreement. In connection with the Revolving Credit Agreement, in fiscal year 2015, Woodward incurred $2,359 in financing costs, which are deferred and are being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the agreement. As of April 28, 2015, Woodward also had $2,014 remaining of deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the prior revolving credit agreement, which have been combined with the financing costs associated with the Revolving Credit Agreement and are being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the Revolving Credit Agreement. Amounts recognized as interest expense from the amortization of debt issuance costs were $1,130 in fiscal year 2017, $1,165 in fiscal year 2016, and $1,114 in fiscal year 2015. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Notes of $1,794 as of September 30 , 2017 and $2,091 as of September 30, 2016 have been recorded as a reduction in “Long-term debt, less current portion” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Revolving Credit Agreement of $2,259 as of September 30 , 2017 and $3,134 as of September 30, 2016 have been recorded as “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows .

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued Liabilities	Note 1 3 . Accrued liabilities     At September 30,  2017 2016  Salaries and other member benefits $ 91,285 $ 87,197  Warranties 13,597 15,993  Interest payable 9,626 9,071  Current portion of acquired performance obligations and unfavorable contracts (1) 1,627 2,910  Accrued retirement benefits 2,413 2,505  Current portion of loss reserve on contractual lease commitments 1,343 1,840  Current portion of deferred income from JV formation (Note 4) 6,451 6,552  Deferred revenues 4,625 5,779  Taxes, other than income 14,401 14,580  Other 9,704 10,200  $ 155,072 $ 156,627  (1) In connection with Woodward’s acquisition of GE Aviation Systems LLC’s (the “Seller”) thrust reverser actuation systems business located in Duarte, California (the “Duarte Acquisition”) in fiscal year 2013, Woodward assumed current and long-term performance obligations for contractual commitments that are expected to result in future economic losses. In addition, Woodward assumed current and long-term performance obligations for services to be provided to the Seller and others, partially offset by current and long-term assets related to contractual payments due from the Seller. The current portion of both obligations is included in Accrued liabilities.  Warranties Provisions of Woodward’s sales agreements include product warranties customary to these types of agreements. Accruals are established for specifically identified warranty issues that are probable to result in future costs. Warranty costs are accrued on a non-specific basis whenever past experience indicates a normal and predictable pattern exists. Changes in accrued product warranties were as follows:     Twelve-Months Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Warranties, beginning of year $ 15,993 $ 13,741 $ 16,916  Expense, net of recoveries 9,135 9,902 10,117  Reductions for settling warranties (11,692) (7,802) (12,416)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes 161 152 (876)  Warranties, end of year $ 13,597 $ 15,993 $ 13,741    Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments In connection with the construction of a new production facility in Niles, Illinois, Woodward vacated a leased facility in Skokie, Illinois. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 , Woodward fully vacated the Skokie facility and therefore recorded a charge of $8,165 to recognize a loss reserve against the estimated remaining contractual lease commitments, l ess anticipated sublease income. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, Woodward entered into an additional sublease agreement with a third party related to a portion of the vacated Skokie facility. Woodward recorded a reduction in the loss reserve associated with the vacated Skokie facility of $2,322 related to the anticipated sublease income it will receive. The summary for the activity in the loss reserve during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 is as follows:     Twelve-Months Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, beginning of year $ 9,242 $ 2,464 $ 3,212  Additions - 8,165 39  Payments (1,650) (1,387) (787)  Non-cash adjustments (2,322) - -  Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, end of year $ 5,270 $ 9,242 $ 2,464 Other liabilities included $3,927 of accrued loss reserve on contractual lease commitments that are not expected to be settled or paid within twelve months as of September 30 , 201 7.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Liabilities
Other Liabilities	Note 14 . Other liabilities     At September 30,  2017 2016  Net accrued retirement benefits, less amounts recognized within accrued liabilities $ 52,211 $ 70,479  Noncurrent portion of deferred income from JV formation (1) 236,896 238,187  Total unrecognized tax benefits 20,949 17,239  Acquired unfavorable contracts (2) 2,076 3,148  Deferred economic incentives (3) 14,574 16,196  Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments (4) 3,927 7,402  Other 14,165 15,573  $ 344,798 $ 368,224    (1) See Note 4, Joint venture for more information on the deferred income from JV formation. (2) In connection with the Duarte A cquisition in fiscal year 2013, Woodward assumed current and long-term performance obligations for contractual commitments that are expected to result in future economic losses. The long-term portion of the acquired unfavorable contracts is included in Other liabilities. (3) Woodward receives certain economic incentives from various state and local authorities related to capital expansion projects. Such amounts are initially recorded as deferred credits and are being recognized as a reduction to pre-tax expense over the economic lives of the related capital expansion projects. (4) See Note 1 3 , Accrued liabilit i es for more information on the loss reserve on contractual lease commitments . 

Other (Income) Expense, Net

Other (Income) Expense, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Other (Income) Expense, Net	Note 15 . Other (income) expense, net     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Equity interest in the earnings of the JV (Note 4) $ (2,568) $ (6,204) $ -  Net gain on sales of assets (3,604) (4,431) (626)  Rent income (254) (315) (485)  Net (gain) loss on investments in deferred compensation program (1,833) (1,062) 33  Other (786) (294) (84)  $ (9,045) $ (12,306) $ (1,162)

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	Note 1 6 . Income taxes Income taxes consisted of the following:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Current:  Federal $ 17,872 $ 81,127 $ 23,923  State 1,379 6,067 3,108  Foreign 15,118 9,689 18,343  Deferred:  Federal 16,907 (40,801) 19,236  State (2,561) (9,054) 751  Foreign 3,525 (1,380) (5,864)  $ 52,240 $ 45,648 $ 59,497 Earnings before income taxes by geographical area consisted of the following:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  United States $ 192,220 $ 175,146 $ 172,315  Other countries 60,527 51,340 68,634  $ 252,747 $ 226,486 $ 240,949 Significant components of deferred income taxes presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are related to the following:     At September 30,  2017 2016  Deferred tax assets:  Defined benefit plans, other postretirement $ 11,947 $ 13,017  Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 4,707 5,255  Inventory 29,444 27,332  Deferred and stock-based compensation 37,693 34,388  Defined benefit plans, pension 1,148 8,955  Deferred revenue 92,426 92,213  Other reserves 10,850 13,968  Tax credits and incentives 9,769 7,744  Other 7,700 7,411  Valuation allowance (3,714) (3,317)  Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 201,970 206,966  Deferred tax liabilities:  Goodwill and intangibles - net (103,781) (99,030)  Property, plant and equipment (109,229) (88,986)  Other (2,418) (2,533)  Total deferred tax liabilities (215,428) (190,549)  Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (13,458) $ 16,417 Woodward has recorded a net operating loss (“NOL”) deferred tax asset of $4,707 as of September 30, 2017 and $5,255 as of September 30, 2016. A portion of these NOL carryforwards will start to expire in 2018 and is currently offset by a valuation allowance. We have placed valuation allowances against all other NOL carryforwards that are less than 50 percent likely to be realized . Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Both positive and negative evidence are considered in forming Woodward’s judgment as to whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, and more weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Valuation allowances are reassessed whenever there are changes in circumstances that may cause a change in judgment. The change in the valuation allowance was primarily the result of new valuation allowances placed on two wholly owned subsidiaries with net operating losses and a reassessment of another valuation allowance based on a change in estimate of future earnings. At September 30, 2017, Woodward has not provided for taxes on undistributed foreign earnings of $405,286 that it considered indefinitely reinvested. These earnings could become subject to income taxes if they are remitted as dividends, are loaned to Woodward or any of Woodward’s subsidiaries located in the United States, or if Woodward sells its stock in the foreign subsidiaries. Any additional U.S. taxes could be offset, in part or in whole, by foreign tax credits. The amount of such taxes and application of tax credits would be dependent on the income tax laws and other circumstances at the time these amounts are repatriated. Based on these variables, it is impractical to determine the income tax liability that might be incurred if these funds were to be repatriated. The following is a reconciliation of the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent to Woodward’s effective income tax rate:     Year Ending September 30,  Percent of pretax earnings 2017 2016 2015  Statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %  State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (0.3) 0.4 1.2  Taxes on international activities (7.6) (2.2) (3.8)  Research credit (3.2) (3.6) (0.8)  Retroactive extension of research credit - (3.2) (2.4)  Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation (1.4) (2.6) -  Domestic production activities deduction (1.5) (2.1) (1.6)  Adjustments of prior period tax items (0.9) (0.2) (2.1)  Other items, net 0.6 (1.3) (0.8)  Effective tax rate 20.7 % 20.2 % 24.7 % In determining the tax amounts in Woodward’s financial statements, estimates are sometimes used that are subsequently adjusted in the actual filing of tax returns or by updated calculations. In addition, Woodward occasionally has resolutions of tax items with tax authorities related to prior years due to the conclusion of audits and the lapse of applicable statutes of limitations. Such adjustments are included in the “Adjustments of prior period tax items” line in the above table. The majority of these adjustments are related to the conclusion of audits, effective settlement, and lapse of applicable statutes of limitations in various tax jurisdictions. Income taxes for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 benefitted from impact of repatriation to the United States of certain net foreign profits and losses in the first quarter. The U.S. foreign tax credits available as a result of the repatriation of the foreign net earnings were greater than the U.S. taxes payable on these net foreign earnings. The excess U.S. foreign tax credit are expected to offset U.S. taxes on other foreign source income. On December 18, 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (“PATH”) Act of 2015 was enacted, which permanently extended the Research and Experimentation (“R&E”) Tax Credit. As a result, income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2016 included a net benefit related to the retroactive impact from the last three quarters of fiscal year 2015 of the R&E Credit pursuant to the PATH Act. In addition, income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2016 included a net benefit related to the full year impact of fiscal year 2016 of the R&E Credit. Woodward adopted ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” in its second quarter of fiscal year 2016 resulting in the recognition through earnings of a net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation. On December 19, 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 was enacted, which retroactively extended the R&E Credit through December 31, 2014. As a result, income taxes for the year ended September 30 , 2015 included a net benefit related to the retroactive impact from the last three quarters of fiscal year 2014 of the R&E Credit pursuant to the Tax Increase Prevention Act. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows:     Year Ending September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Beginning balance $ 23,526 $ 21,469 $ 22,687  Additions to current year tax positions 2,560 3,588 2,234  Reductions to prior year tax positions (5,753) (2,292) (7,785)  Additions to prior year tax positions 3,501 761 5,124  Lapse of applicable statute of limitations (3,702) - (791)  Ending balance $ 20,132 $ 23,526 $ 21,469 Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits were $9,677 as of September 30, 2017 and $11,426 as of September 30, 2016 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. At this time, Woodward estimates that it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by as much as $7,726 in the next twelve months due to the completion of reviews by tax authorities , lapses of statutes, and the settlement of tax positions. Woodward accrues for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits and all other interest and penalties related to tax payments in tax expense. Woodward had accrued gross interest and penalties of $1,123 as of September 30, 2017 and $1,273 as of September 30, 2016. Woodward’s tax returns are subject to audits by U.S. federal, state, and foreign tax authorities, and these audits are at various stages of completion at any given time. Reviews of tax matters by authorities and lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations may result in changes to tax expense. Fiscal years remaining open to examination in significant foreign jurisdictions include 2008 and thereafter. Woodward’s fiscal years remaining open to examination in the United States include fiscal years 201 4 and thereafter . Woodward is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal year 2014 . Woodward has concluded U.S. federal income tax examinations through fiscal year 2012. Woodward is generally subject to U.S. state income tax examinations for fiscal years 2012 and the periods thereafter.

Retirement Benefits

Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits - General
Retirement Benefits	Note 1 7 . Retirement benefits Woodward provides various retirement benefits to eligible members of the Company, including contributions to various defined contribution plans, pension benefits associated with defined benefit plans, postretirement medical benefits and postretirement life insurance benefits. Eligibility requirements and benefit levels vary depending on employee location. Defined contribution plans Most of the Company’s U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the U.S. defined contribution plan. The U.S. defined contribution plan allows employees to defer part of their annual income for income tax purposes into their personal 401(k) accounts. The Company makes matching contributions to eligible employee accounts, which are also deferred for employee personal income tax purposes. Certain foreign employees are also eligible to participate in similar foreign plans. Most of Woodward’s U.S. employees with at least two years of service receive an annual contribution of Woodward stock, equal to 5% of their eligible prior year wages, to their personal Woodward Retirement Savings Plan accounts. In the second quarter of fiscal years 201 7, 2016, and 201 5 , Woodward fulfilled its annual Woodward stock contribution obligation using shares held in treasury stock by issuing 199 shares of common stock for a value of $14,014 in fiscal year 201 7, 317 shares of common stock for a value of $13,999 in fiscal year 2016, and 259 shares of common stock for a value of $12,574 in fiscal year 201 5. The Woodward Retirement Savi ngs Plan (the “WRS Plan”) held 4,183 shares of Woodward stock as of September 30, 201 7 and 4,488 shares as of September 30, 201 6 . The shares held in the WRS Plan participate in dividends and are considered issued and outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. Accrued liabilities included obligations to contribute shares of Woodward comm on stock to the WRS Plan of $11,355 as of September 30, 201 7 and $11,314 as of September 30, 201 6 . The amount of expense associated with defined contribution plans was as follows:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Company costs $ 32,008 $ 31,893 $ 30,933  Defined benefit plans Woodward has defined benefit plans that provide pension benefits for certain retired employees in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Woodward also provides other postretirement benefits to its employees including postretirement medical benefits and life insurance benefits. Postretirement medical benefits are provided to certain current and retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries in the United States and the United Kingdom. Life insurance benefits are provided to certain retirees in the United States under frozen plans, which are no longer available to current employees. A September 30 measurement date is utilized to value plan assets and obligations for all of Woodward’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward opened a lump-sum buy-out window, which closed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 and was fully settled during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, for certain former U.S. employees and/or their dependents eligible to receive postretirement defined benefit pension payments for past employment services to the Company. Eligible pension plan participants were provided the opportunity to elect to receive a one-time lump-sum payment or an immediate annuity in lieu of future pension benefit payments. Pension benefit payments paid from available pension plan assets under the lump-sum buy-out options were $670 during fiscal year 2017. Woodward expects to make no further pension benefit payments under the lump-sum buy-out options. Effective June 30, 2015, the Company terminated the defined benefit pension plan for employees at its Duarte, California manufacturing facility (the “Duarte Pension Plan”). The plan, which was established in fiscal year 2013 in connection with the December 2012 acquisition of the Duarte business, was amended in fiscal year 2013 to cease all future benefit accruals under the plan and was at that time closed to new entrants. Regulatory approval of the plan termination was received in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016. In exchange for the freeze and termination of the plan, which were agreed upon through negotiations with the applicable employee union, the employees were provided replacement benefits through full participation in the Woodward U.S. defined contribution plan. Woodward recorded settlement costs of $47 in fiscal year 2016 in connection with cash payouts to the beneficiaries of the plan and associated termination costs. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, Woodward had no liability associated with the Duarte Pension Plan. In addition to the Duarte Pension Plan, excluding the Woodward HRT Plan, the defined benefit plans in the United States were frozen in fiscal year 2007 and no additional employees may participate in the U.S. plans and no additional service costs will be incurred. Pension plans The actuarial assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit cost and plan obligations of retirement pension benefits were as follows:       2017 2016 2015  United States:  Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:  Discount rate 3.80 % 3.65 % 4.39 %  Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:  Discount rate 3.65 4.39 4.40  Long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.38 7.62 7.62 The discount rate assumption is intended to reflect the rate at which the retirement benefits could be effectively settled based upon the assumed timing of the benefit payments. In the United States, Woodward uses a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end.     2017 2016 2015  United Kingdom:  Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:  Discount rate 2.56 % 2.28 % 3.75 %  Rate of compensation increase 3.60 3.40 3.40  Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:  Discount rate - service cost 2.33 3.86 4.10  Discount rate - interest cost 2.24 3.63 4.10  Rate of compensation increase 3.40 3.40 3.50  Long-term rate of return on plan assets 4.75 5.00 5.50      2017 2016 2015  Japan:  Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:  Discount rate 0.58 % 0.46 % 0.97 %  Rate of compensation increase 2.00 2.02 2.00  Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:  Discount rate - service cost 0.59 1.27 1.10  Discount rate - interest cost 0.45 0.59 1.10  Rate of compensation increase 2.02 2.00 2.00  Long-term rate of return on plan assets 2.50 3.00 3.00  In the United Kingdom and Japan, Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate cash flows to develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in each jurisdiction. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service cost and interest cost components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-quality corporate bond yield curve used to determine the September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, benefit obligation matched with separate cash flows for each future year. Prior to this change in method, the discount rate used to determine the periodic benefit costs for the year ending September 30, 2015 was based on a single rate equivalent. Compensation increase assumptions, where applicable, are based upon historical experience and anticipated future management actions. In determining the long-term rate of return on plan assets, Woodward assumes that the historical long-term compound growth rates of equity and fixed-income securities will predict the future returns of similar investments in the plan portfolio. Investment management and other fees paid out of the plan assets are factored into the determination of asset return assumptions. Mortality assumptions are based on published mortality studies developed primarily based on past experience of the broad population and modified for projected longevity trends. The projected benefit obligations in the United States as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 201 6 and 2015 were based on the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) RP-2014 Mortality Tables Report projected back to 2006 using the SOA’s Mortality Improvement Scale MP-2014 (“MP-2014”) and projected forward using a custom projection scale based on MP-2014 with a 10-year convergence period and a long-term rate of 0.75%. As of September 30, 201 7, 2016, and 201 5 , mortality assumptions in Japan were based on the Standard rates 2014, and mortality assumptions for the United Kingdom pension scheme were based on the Self-administered pension scheme (“SAPS”) S2 “all” tables with a projected 1.5% annual improvement rate.  Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings:     Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015  Service cost $ 1,675 $ 1,695 $ 2,018 $ 1,133 $ 749 $ 784 $ 2,808 $ 2,444 $ 2,802  Interest cost 5,757 5,236 5,956 1,208 1,637 2,128 6,965 6,873 8,084  Expected return on plan assets (10,529) (10,140) (10,647) (2,605) (2,659) (3,032) (13,134) (12,799) (13,679)  Amortization of:  Net losses 1,854 1,292 396 514 246 190 2,368 1,538 586  Net prior service (benefit) cost 383 384 383 - - - 383 384 383  Settlement costs - 47 - - - - - 47 -  Net periodic (benefit) cost $ (860) $ (1,486) $ (1,894) $ 250 $ (27) $ 70 $ (610) $ (1,513) $ (1,824)  The settlement loss in “United States” in the year ended September 30, 2016 pertained to cash payouts to the beneficiaries of the Duarte Pension Plan and associated termination costs. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the projected benefit obligation and fair value of assets for the defined benefit pension plans:     At or for the Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016  Changes in projected benefit obligation:  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 160,892 $ 145,870 $ 72,057 $ 62,231 $ 232,949 $ 208,101  Service cost 1,675 1,695 1,133 749 2,808 2,444  Interest cost 5,757 5,236 1,208 1,637 6,965 6,873  Net actuarial (gains) losses (5,267) 17,786 (6,188) 17,190 (11,455) 34,976  Contribution by participants 55 47 14 20 69 67  Benefits paid (5,676) (9,789) (2,235) (2,656) (7,911) (12,445)  Plan amendments 3,694 - - - 3,694 -  Settlements - 47 - - - 47  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - - 380 (7,114) 380 (7,114)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 161,130 $ 160,892 $ 66,369 $ 72,057 $ 227,499 $ 232,949   Changes in fair value of plan assets:  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 145,886 $ 135,590 $ 62,926 $ 60,663 $ 208,812 $ 196,253  Actual return on plan assets 20,067 19,859 2,542 10,202 22,609 30,061  Contributions by the Company - 226 671 773 671 999  Contributions by plan participants 55 47 14 20 69 67  Benefits paid (5,676) (9,789) (2,235) (2,656) (7,911) (12,445)  Settlements - (47) - - - (47)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - - 462 (6,076) 462 (6,076)  Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 160,332 $ 145,886 $ 64,380 $ 62,926 $ 224,712 $ 208,812  Net underfunded status at end of year $ (798) $ (15,006) $ (1,989) $ (9,131) $ (2,787) $ (24,137)    During fiscal year 2017, a plan amendment was adopted for one of our U.S. pension plans as a result of scheduled collective bargaining contract negotiations. At September 30, 2017, the Company’s defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom represented $55,306 of the total projected benefit obligation and in Japan represented $11,063 of the total projected benefit obligation. At September 30, 2017, the United Kingdom represented $52,810 of the total fair value of plan assets and Japan represented $11,570 of the total fair value of plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligations of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at September 30, 2017 was $161,130 in the United States, $10,007 in Japan and $5 3,628 in the United Kingdom, and at September 30, 2016 was $160,892 in the United States, $10,924 in Japan, and $57,877 in the United Kingdom .     Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Plans with accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets  At September 30, At September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Projected benefit obligation $ (82,447) $ (220,788) $ (145,052) $ (12,161)  Accumulated benefit obligation (80,759) (218,769) (144,006) (10,924)  Fair value of plan assets 77,036 196,800 147,676 12,012 The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other comprehensive losses for the defined benefit pension plans:     At or for the Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016  Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:  Other non-current assets $ 1,726 $ - $ 897 $ - $ 2,623 $ -  Accrued liabilities - - (3) - (3) -  Other non-current liabilities (2,524) (15,006) (2,883) (9,131) (5,407) (24,137)  Net over/(under)funded status at end of year $ (798) $ (15,006) $ (1,989) $ (9,131) $ (2,787) $ (24,137)   Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:  Unrecognized net prior service (benefit) cost $ 7,169 $ 3,857 $ - $ - $ 7,169 $ 3,857  Unrecognized net (gains) losses 17,023 33,682 14,198 20,795 31,221 54,477  Total amounts recognized 24,192 37,539 14,198 20,795 38,390 58,334  Deferred taxes (9,224) (14,305) (5,016) (7,303) (14,240) (21,608)  Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ 14,968 $ 23,234 $ 9,182 $ 13,492 $ 24,150 $ 36,726 The following table reconciles the changes in accumulated other comprehensive losses for the defined benefit pension plans:     Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 37,539 $ 31,102 $ 20,795 $ 13,618 $ 58,334 $ 44,720  Net (gain) loss (14,805) 8,160 (6,125) 9,646 (20,930) 17,806  Loss due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period - (47) - - - (47)  Amortization of:  Net losses (1,854) (1,292) (515) (246) (2,369) (1,538)  Prior service benefit (cost) 3,312 (384) - - 3,312 (384)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - - 43 (2,223) 43 (2,223)  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year $ 24,192 $ 37,539 $ 14,198 $ 20,795 $ 38,390 $ 58,334 The amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive losses and reported as a component of net periodic benefit cost during fiscal year 201 8 are as follows:     United States Other Countries Total  Prior service cost $ 709 $ - $ 709  Net actuarial losses 598 290 888 Pension benefit payments are made from the assets of the pension plans. Using foreign exchange rates as of September 30, 201 7 and expected future service assumptions, it is anticipated that the future benefit payments will be as follows:     Year Ending September 30, United States Other Countries Total  2018 $ 6,251 $ 2,225 $ 8,476  2019 6,911 2,578 9,489  2020 7,521 2,183 9,704  2021 8,065 2,396 10,461  2022 8,524 2,257 10,781  2023 – 2027 48,075 12,802 60,877 Woodward expects its pension plan c ontributions in fiscal year 2018 will be $397 in the United Kingdom and $217 in Ja pan. Woodward expects to have no pension plan contributions in fiscal year 2018 in the United States. Pension plan assets The overall investment objective of the pension plan assets is to earn a rate of return over time which, when combined with Company contributions, satisfies the benefit obligations of the pension plans and maintains sufficient liquidity to pay benefits. As the timing and nature of the plan obligations varies for each Company sponsored pension plan, investment strategies have been individually designed for each pension plan with a common focus on maintaining diversified investment portfolios that provide for long-term growth while minimizing the risk to principal associated with short-term market behavior. The strategy for each of the plans balances the requirements to generate returns, using investments expected to produce higher returns, such as equity securities, with the need to control risk within the pension plans using less volatile investment assets, such as debt securities. A strategy of more equity-oriented allocation is adopted for those plans which have a longer-term investment plan based on the timing of the associated benefit obligations. A pension oversight committee is assigned by the Company to each pension plan. Among other responsibilities, each committee is responsible for all asset class allocation decisions. Asset class allocations, which are reviewed by the respective pension committee on at least an annual basis, are designed to meet or exceed certain market benchmarks and align with each plan’s investment objectives. In evaluating the asset allocation choices, consideration is given to the proper long-term level of risk for each plan, particularly with respect to the long-term nature of each plan’s liabilities, the impact of asset allocation on investment results and the corresponding impact on the volatility and magnitude of plan contributions and expense and the impact certain actuarial techniques may have on the plans’ recognition of investment experience. From time to time, the plans may move outside the prescribed asset class allocation in order to meet significant liabilities with respect to one or more individuals approaching retirement. Risks associated with the plan assets include interest rate fluctuation risk, market fluctuation risk, risk of default by debt issuers and liquidity risk. To manage these risks, the assets are managed by established, professional investment firms and performance is evaluated regularly by the Company’s pension oversight committee against specific benchmarks and each plan’s investment objectives. Liability management and asset class diversification are central to the Company’s risk management approach and overall investment strategy. The assets of the U.S. plans are invested in actively managed mutual funds. The assets of the plans in Japan and the plan in the United Kingdom are invested in actively managed pooled investment funds. Each individual mutual fund or pooled investment fund has been selected based on the investment strategy of the related plan, which mirrors a specific asset class within the associated target allocation. Pension plan assets at September 30, 201 7 and 201 6 do not include any direct investment in Woodward’s common stock. The asset allocations are monitored and rebalanced regularly by investment managers assigned to the individual pension plans. The actual allocations of pension plan assets and target allocation ranges by asset class, are as follows:     At September 30,  2017 2016  Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges  United States:  Asset Class  Equity Securities 64.6% 41.2% - 81.2% 56.4% 40.8% - 80.8%  Debt Securities 35.2% 28.8% - 48.8% 39.0% 29.2% - 49.2%  Other 0.2% 0.0% 4.6% 0.0%  100.0% 100.0%  United Kingdom:  Asset Class  Equity Securities 46.1% 30.0% - 60.0% 34.7% 25.0% - 45.0%  Debt Securities 53.8% 45.0% - 70.0% 65.2% 40.0% - 80.0%  Other 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0%  100.0% 100.0%  Japan:  Asset Class  Equity Securities 41.0% 36.0% - 44.0% 40.0% 36.0% - 44.0%  Debt Securities 58.1% 55.0% - 63.0% 59.1% 55.0% - 63.0%  Other 0.9% 0.0% - 2.0% 0.9% 0.0% - 2.0%  100.0% 100.0% Actual allocations to each asset class can vary from target allocations due to periodic market value fluctuations, investment strategy changes, and the timing of benefit payments and contributions. The following table presents Woodward’s pension plan assets using the fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP as of September 30, 201 7 and September 30, 201 6 .     At September 30, 2017  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  United States Other Countries United States Other Countries United States Other Countries Total  Asset Category:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 291 $ 167 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 458  Mutual funds:  U.S. corporate bond fund 56,388 - - - - - 56,388  U.S. equity large cap fund 54,140 - - - - - 54,140  International equity large cap growth fund 49,513 - - - - - 49,513  Pooled funds:  Japanese equity securities - - - 2,487 - - 2,487  International equity securities - - - 2,260 - - 2,260  Japanese fixed income securities - - - 4,987 - - 4,987  International fixed income securities - - - 1,730 - - 1,730  Global target return equity/bond fund - - - 13,103 - - 13,103  Index linked U.K. equity fund - - - 4,940 - - 4,940  Index linked international equity fund - - - 6,285 - - 6,285  Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund - - - 16,540 - - 16,540  Index linked U.K. government securities fund - - - 4,980 - - 4,980  Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund - - - 6,901 - - 6,901  Total assets $ 160,332 $ 167 $ - $ 64,213 $ - $ - $ 224,712   At September 30, 2016  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  United States Other Countries United States Other Countries United States Other Countries Total  Asset Category:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,741 $ 163 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 6,904  Mutual funds:  U.S. corporate bond fund 56,813 - - - - - 56,813  U.S. equity large cap fund 48,506 - - - - - 48,506  International equity large cap growth fund 33,834 - - - - - 33,834  Pooled funds:  Japanese equity securities - - - 2,536 - - 2,536  International equity securities - - - 2,258 - - 2,258  Japanese fixed income securities - - - 5,321 - - 5,321  International fixed income securities - - - 1,777 - - 1,777  Index linked U.K. equity fund - - - 7,982 - - 7,982  Index linked international equity fund - - - 9,694 - - 9,694  Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund - - - 16,180 - - 16,180  Index linked U.K. government securities fund - - - 5,009 - - 5,009  Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund - - - 11,998 - - 11,998  Total assets $ 145,894 $ 163 $ - $ 62,755 $ - $ - $ 208,812 Cash and cash equivalents : Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company's pension plans are held on deposit with creditworthy financial institutions. The fair value of the cash and cash equivalents are based on the quoted market price of the respective currency in which the cash is maintained. Pension assets invested in mutual funds : The assets of the Company’s U.S. pension plans are invested in various mutual funds which invest in both equity and debt securities. The fair value of the mutual funds is determined based on the quoted market price of each fund. Pension assets invested in pooled funds : The assets of the Company’s Japan and United Kingdom pension plans are invested in pooled investment funds, which include both equity and debt securities. The assets of the United Kingdom pension plan are invested in index-linked pooled funds which aim to replicate the movements of an underlying market index to which the fund is linked. Fair value of the pooled funds is based on the net asset value of shares held by the plan as reported by the fund sponsors. All pooled funds held by plans outside of the United States are considered to be invested in international equity and debt securities. Although the underlying securities may be largely domestic to the plan holding the investment assets, the underlying assets are considered international from the perspective of the Company. There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 assets in fiscal years 201 7 or 201 6 . Other postretirement benefit plans Woodward provides other postretirement benefits to its employees including postretirement medical benefits and life insurance benefits. Postretirement medical benefits are provided to certain current and retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries in the United States and the United Kingdom. Benefits include the option to elect company provided medical insurance coverage to age 65 and a Medicare supplemental plan after age 65. Life insurance benefits are also provided to certain retirees in the United States under frozen plans which are no longer available to current employees. A September 30 measurement date is utilized to value plan assets and obligations for Woodward’s other postretirement benefit plans. The postretirement medical benefit plans, other than the plan assumed in an acquisition in fiscal year 2009, were frozen in fiscal year 2006 and no additional employees may participate in the plans. Generally, employees who had attained age 55 and had rendered 10 or more years of service before the plans were frozen were eligible for these postretirement medical benefits. Certain participating retirees are required to contribute to the plans in order to maintain coverage. The plans provide postretirement medical benefits f or approximately 770 retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries and may provide future benefits to 13 active employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries, upon retirement, if the employees elect to participate. Six beneficiaries participate in the United Kingdom plan. All the postretirement medical plans are fully insured for retirees who have attained age 65. The actuarial assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit cost and plan obligations of postretirement benefits were as follows:     2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit obligation at September 30 3.78 % 3.63 % 4.01 %  Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended September 30 3.63 4.01 4.40 The discount rate assumption is intended to reflect the rate at which the postretirement benefits could be effectively settled based upon the assumed timing of the benefit payments. In the United States, Woodward used a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end. In the United Kingdom, Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate cash flows to develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in each jurisdiction. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service cost and interest cost components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-quality corporate bond yield curve used to determine the September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, benefit obligation matched with separate cash flows for each future year. Mortality assumptions are based on published mortality studies developed primarily based on past experience of the broad population and modified for projected longevity trends. The projected benefit obligations in the United States as of September 30, 201 7, 201 6, and 2015 were based on the SOA’s RP-2014 Mortality Tables Report projected back to 2006 using the SOA’s MP-2014 and projected forward using a custom projection scale based on MP-2014 with a 10-year convergence period and a long-term rate of 0.75%. As of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 201 6 , mortality assumptions for the United Kingdom postretirement medical plan were based on the SAPS S2 “all” tables with a projected 1.5% annual improvement rate. Assumed healthcare cost trend rates at September 30, were as follows:     2017 2016  Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.75 % 7.00 %  Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline  (the ultimate trend rate) 5.00 % 5.00 %  Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2025 2025 Healthcare costs have generally trended upward in recent years, sometimes by amounts greater than 5%. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for postretirement medical plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:     Change In Health Care Cost Trend Rate  1% increase 1% decrease  Effect on projected fiscal year 2018 service and interest cost $ 113 $ (99)  Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2017 2,960 (2,605) Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Service cost $ 14 $ 22 $ 30  Interest cost 1,244 1,048 1,233  Amortization of:  Net (gains) losses 201 156 (73)  Net prior service benefit (158) (158) (158)  Net periodic cost $ 1,301 $ 1,068 $ 1,032  The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and fair value of assets for the postretirement benefits for the fiscal years ended September 30:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016  Changes in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:  Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 35,630 $ 34,927  Service cost 14 22  Interest cost 1,244 1,048  Premiums paid by plan participants 1,365 1,299  Net actuarial (gains) losses (2,049) 1,912  Benefits paid (3,964) (3,503)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes 12 (75)  Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at end of year $ 32,252 $ 35,630  Changes in fair value of plan assets:  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ - $ -  Contributions by the company 2,599 2,204  Premiums paid by plan participants 1,365 1,299  Benefits paid (3,964) (3,503)  Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ -  Funded status at end of year $ (32,252) $ (35,630) The Company’s postretirement medical plan in th e United Kingdom represents $409 of the total benefit obligation at September 30, 201 7. The Company paid $21 in medical benefits to participants of the United Kingdom postretirement medical plan in fiscal year 201 7 . The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other comprehensive losses (earnings) for the postretirement plans:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016  Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:  Accrued liabilities $ (2,410) $ (2,505)  Other non-current liabilities (29,842) (33,125)  Funded status at end of year $ (32,252) $ (35,630)   Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:  Unrecognized net prior service benefit $ (160) $ (318)  Unrecognized net losses 3,234 5,484  Total amounts recognized 3,074 5,166  Deferred taxes (1,183) (1,979)  Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ 1,891 $ 3,187 Woodward pays plan benefits from its general funds; therefore, there are no segregated plan assets as of September 30, 201 7 or September 30, 201 6 . The accumulated benefit obligations of the Company’s postretirement plans were $32,252 at September 30, 201 7 and $35,630 at September 30, 201 6 . The following table reconciles the changes in accumulated other comprehensive losses (earnings) for the other postretirement benefit plans:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 5,166 $ 3,268  Net (gain) loss (2,049) 1,912  Amortization of:  Net losses (201) (156)  Prior service benefit 158 158  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - (16)  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year $ 3,074 $ 5,166 Using foreign currency exchange rates as of September 30, 201 7 and expected future service, it is anticipated that the future Company contributions to pay benefits, excluding participate contributions, will be as follows:     Year Ending September 30,  2018 $ 3,871  2019 3,890  2020 3,871  2021 3,852  2022 3,818  2023 – 2027 17,812 Multiemployer defined benefit plans Woodward operates two multiemployer defined benefit plans for certain employees in the Netherlands and Japan.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Note 18 . Stockholders’ equity Common Stock Holders of Woodward’s common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by Woodward’s Board of Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring stockholder approval. Dividends declared and paid during the 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years were:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Dividends declared and paid $ 29,745 $ 26,606 $ 24,646  Dividend per share amount 0.485 0.430 0.380 Stock repurchase program In the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, Woodward’s Board of Directors terminated the Company’s prior stock repurchase program (the “Prior Repurchase Program”) and replaced it with a new program for the repurchase of up to $500,000 of Woodward’s outstanding shares of common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions over a three -year period that will end in 2019 (the “2016 Authorization”). Under the 2016 Authorization, in fiscal year 2017, Wo odward purchased 1,027 shares of its common stock for $71,197 , of which 49 1 shares were purchased pursuant to 10b5-1 plan s and 536 shares were purchased pursuant to a 10b-18 plan . In the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, Woodward entered into an ASR Agreement with Goldman under which Woodward repurchased shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $125,000 . A total of 2,506 shares of common stock were repurchased pursuant to the ASR Agreement under the Prior Repurchase Program. Under the Prior Repurchase Program, i n the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, Woodward executed a 10b5-1 plan to repurchase up to $12 5,000 of its common stock for a period that ended on April 20, 2016. During fiscal year 2016, Woodward purchased 2, 635 shares of its common stock for $125,000 . Stock-based compensation Non-qualified stock option awards and restricted stock awards are granted to key management members and directors of the Company. The grant date for these awards is used for the measurement date. Vesting would be accelerated in the event of retirement, disability, or death of a participant, or change in control of the Company, as defined in the individual stock option agreements. These awards are valued as of the measurement date and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period for all awards, including awards with graded vesting. Stock for exercised stock options and for restricted stock awards is issued from treasury stock shares. Provisions governing outstanding stock option awards are included in the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) and the 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”). The 2002 Plan provided that no further grants would be made after December 31, 2006. The 2006 Plan, which was approved by Woodward’s stockholders and became effective January 25, 2006, expired in fiscal year 2016 , therefore, n o further grants will be made under the 2006 Plan . The 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) was approved by Woodward’s stockholders in January 2017 and is a successor plan to the 2006 Plan. As of September 14, 2016 , the effective date of the 2017 Plan, Woodward’s Board of Directors delegated authority to administer the 2017 Plan to the compensation committee of the board (the “Committee”), including, but not limited to, the power to determine the recipients of awards and the terms of those awards. The Committee approved issuance of options under the 2017 Plan, with an award date of October 3, 2016 conditional and subject to approval of the 2017 Plan by the stockholders. The stock options conditionally awarded under the 2017 Plan were not granted or outstanding for accounting purposes prior to stockholder approval of the 2017 Plan, and as such no stock-based compensation expense was recognized on these stock options during the three-months ended December 31, 2016. Stock-based compensation expense recognized on these stock options for the nine-months ended September 30, 2017 includes recognition of the elapsed service period of these stock options from October 3, 2016 through September 30, 2017. Stock-based compensation expense recognized was as follows:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Employee stock-based compensation expense $ 17,282 $ 15,122 $ 14,255 Stock options Woodward’s 20 17 Plan, which was approved by Woodward’s stockholders, pro vides for the grant of up to 2,000 shares of Woodward’s common stock, including in the form of stock options to its employees and directors. To date, e quity awards under the 20 17 Plan have consisted of grants of stock options to Woodward employees and directors. Woodward believes that these stock options align the interests of its employees and directors with those of its stockholders. Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of Woodward’s stock at the date of grant, a ten -year term, and generally a four-year vesting schedule at a rate of 25% per year. The date of grant for stock options is the date when the grants become unconditionally awarded and an employer and grantee reach a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of the grant. Stock options awarded as of October 3, 2016 were conditional and subject to the approval of the 2017 Plan by the stockholders. As such, those awards have a date of grant for accounting purposes of January 25, 2017, the date the 2017 Plan was approved by stockholders. The fair value of options granted is estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-valuation model using the assumptions in the following table. Woodward calculates the expected term, which represents the average period of time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding, based upon historical experience of plan participants. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility using daily stock price observations. The estimated dividend yield is based upon Woodward’s historical dividend practice and the market value of its common stock. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve, for periods within the contractual life of the stock option, at the time of grant.       Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average exercise price per share 62.74 40.26 46.55  Weighted-average grant date market value of Woodward stock 69.45 40.26 46.55  Expected term (years) 6.0 - 8.7 6.3 - 8.7 6.2 - 8.8  Estimated volatility 30.6% - 33.7% 34.5% 35.1% 36.5%  Estimated dividend yield 0.7% 1.0% 0.7%  Risk-free interest rate 2.0% - 2.5% 1.7% - 2.0% 2.0% - 2.3%  The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted follows:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average grant date fair value of options $ 24.98 $ 13.39 $ 17.02  The following is a summary of the activity for stock option awards during the fiscal year ended September 30, 201 7 :     Number Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share  Balance at September 30, 2016 4,944 $ 35.35  Options granted 791 62.74  Options exercised (466) 33.65  Options forfeited (33) 44.21  Balance at September 30, 2017 5,236 39.58 Exercise prices of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2017 range from $18.67 to $70.39 . Changes in non-vested stock options during the fiscal year ended September 30, 201 7 were as follows:     Number Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share  Balance at September 30, 2016 2,075 $ 14.90  Options granted 791 24.98  Options vested (763) 15.26  Options forfeited (31) 15.40  Balance at September 30, 2017 2,072 18.61   Information about stock options that have vested, or are expected to vest, and are exercisable at September 30, 2017 was as follows:     Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Life in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value  Options outstanding 5,236 $ 39.58 5.9 $ 199,098  Options vested and exercisable 3,164 32.80 4.5 141,785  Options vested and expected to vest 5,164 39.39 5.9 197,348 Other information follows:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Total fair value of stock options vested $ 11,639 $ 10,374 $ 9,656  Total intrinsic value of options exercised 16,416 23,178 18,876  Cash received from exercises of stock options 14,196 15,892 8,400  Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options 4,383 6,472 6,959 Restricted Stock In the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, Woodward granted an award of 24 shares of restricted stock under the 2006 Plan to its Chief Executive Officer and President, Thomas A. Gendron , pursuant to a form restricted stock agreement approved by Woodward’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors . Subj ect to Mr. Gendron’s continued employment by the Company, 100% of these shares of restricted stock would have vest ed following the end of the Company’s fiscal year 2017 if a specified cumulative earnings per share (“EPS”) target was met or exceeded for fiscal years 2014 through 2017 . The cumulative EPS target for fiscal years 2014 through 2017 was not met, and therefore the restricted stock was forfeited by Mr. Gendron as of September 30, 2017. A summary of the activity for restricted stock awards in the fiscal year ended September 30, 201 7 follows:     Number Fair Value per Share  Balance at September 30, 2016 24 $ 39.43  Shares granted - n/a  Shares vested - n/a  Shares forfeited (24) 39.43  Balance at September 30, 2017 - n/a  Stock-based compensation cost Woodward recognizes stock -based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Pursuant to form stock option agreements used by the Company , with terms approved by the administrator of the applicable plan , the requisite service period can be less than the four-year vesting period based on the grantee’s retirement eligibility . As such, the recognition of stock-based compensation expense associated with some stock option grants can be accelerated to a period of less than four years, including immediate recognition of stock-based compensation expense on the date of grant. At September 30, 2017 , there was approximately $8,823 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements, both stock options and restricted stock awards, granted under the 2006 Plan (for which no further grants will be made) and stock options granted under the 2017 Plan . The pre-vesting forfeiture rates for purposes of determining stock-based compensation expense recognized were estimated to be 0 % for members of Wo odward’s board of directors and 9 % for all others. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2 years .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 19 . Commitments and contingencies Woodward has entered into operating leases for certain facilities , equipment , and software with terms in excess of one year under agreements that expire at various dates. Some leases require the payment of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs in addition to rental payments. Woodward has also entered into capital leases for equipment with terms in excess of one year under agreements that expire at various dates. Future minimum payments required under these leases, excluding available option renewals, are as follows:     Year Ending September 30, Operating Leases Capital Leases  2018 $ 6,315 $ 444  2019 4,265 451  2020 3,872 122  2021 3,188 -  2022 2,148 -  Thereafter 3,427 -  Total $ 23,215 $ 1,017 Rent expense for all operating leases total l ed:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Rent expense $ 8,302 $ 7,359 $ 7,299 Woodward enters into unconditional purchase obligation arrangements (i.e. issuance of purchase orders, obligations to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices, such as "take-or-pay" contracts) in the normal course of business to ensure that adequate levels of sourced product are available to Woodward. Future minimum unconditional purchase obligations are as follows:     Year Ending September 30,  2018 $ 299,267  2019 17,993  2020 232  2021 66  2022 -  Thereafter -  Total $ 317,558  The U.S. Government, and other governments, may terminate any of Woodward’s government contracts (and, in general, subcontracts) at their convenience, as well as for default based on specified performance measurements. If any of Woodward’s government contracts were to be terminated for convenience, the Company generally would be entitled to receive payment for work completed and allowable termination or cancellation costs. If any of Woodward’s government contracts were to be terminated for Woodward’s default, the U.S. Government generally would pay only for the work accepted, and could require Woodward to pay the difference between the original contract price and the cost to re-procure the contract items, net of the work accepted from the original contract. The U.S. Government could also hold Woodward liable for damages resulting from the default. Woodward is currently involved in claims, pending or threatened litigation or other legal proceedings, investigations and/or regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business, including, among others, those relating to product liability claims, employment matters, worker’s compensation claims, contractual disputes, product warranty claims and alleged violations of various laws and regulations. Woodward accrues for known individual matters where it believes that it is probable the matter will result in a loss when ultimately resolved using estimates of the most likely amount of loss. Legal costs are expensed as incurred and are classified in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Woodward is partially self-insured in the United States for healthcare and worker’s compensation up to predetermined amounts, above which third party insurance applies. Management regularly reviews the probable outcome of these claims and proceedings, the expenses expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the insurance coverage, and the established accruals for liabilities. While the outcome of pending claims, legal and regulatory proceedings, and investigations cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that any liabilities that may result from these claims, proceedings and investigations will not have a material effect on Woodward's liquidity, financial condition, or results of operations. In the event of a change in control of Woodward, as defined in change-in-control agreements with its current corporate officers, Woodward may be required to pay termination benefits to such officers.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Information
Segment Information	Note 20 . Segment information Woodward serves the a erospace and industrial markets through its two reportable segments – Aerospace and Industrial. When appropriate, Woodward’s reportable segments are aggregations of Woodward’s operating segments. Woodward uses operating segment information internally to manage its business, including the assessment of operating segment performance and decisions for the allocation of resources between operating segments. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those of the Company. Woodward evaluates segment profit or loss based on internal performance measures for each segment in a given period. In connection with that assessment, Woodward generally excludes matters such as certain charges for restructuring costs, interest income and expense, certain gains and losses from asset dispositions, or other non-recurring and/or non-operationally related expenses. A summary of consolidated net sales and earnings by segment follows:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Segment external net sales:  Aerospace $ 1,342,339 $ 1,233,176 $ 1,160,883  Industrial 756,346 789,902 877,420  Total consolidated net sales $ 2,098,685 $ 2,023,078 $ 2,038,303  Segment earnings:  Aerospace $ 257,813 $ 232,166 $ 187,747  Industrial 78,991 82,237 126,641  Nonsegment expenses (58,352) (63,166) (49,362)  Interest expense, net (25,705) (24,751) (24,077)  Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 252,747 $ 226,486 $ 240,949  Segment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventories, property, plant, and equipment, net, goodwill, and other intangibles, net. A summary of consolidated total assets, consolidated depreciation and amortization and consolidated capital expenditures follows:     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Segment assets:  Aerospace $ 1,722,789 $ 1,637,522 $ 1,566,421  Industrial 695,264 705,169 653,848  Unallocated corporate property, plant and equipment, net 104,755 89,988 85,834  Other unallocated assets 234,301 209,683 206,301  Consolidated total assets $ 2,757,109 $ 2,642,362 $ 2,512,404   Segment depreciation and amortization:  Aerospace $ 47,277 $ 40,825 $ 46,488  Industrial 24,421 20,412 20,768  Unallocated corporate amounts 9,219 7,799 7,979  Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 80,917 $ 69,036 $ 75,235   Segment capital expenditures:  Aerospace $ 62,812 $ 90,749 $ 150,021  Industrial 12,189 62,065 113,292  Unallocated corporate amounts 17,335 22,878 23,299  Consolidated capital expenditures $ 92,336 $ 175,692 $ 286,612 Sales to General Electric Company were made by both of Woodward’s reportable segm ents and totaled approximately 16 % of net sales in fiscal year 201 7 , 17 % of net sales in fiscal year 201 6 , and 1 8 % of net sales in fiscal year 20 15 . Sales to The Boeing Company were made by Woodward’s Aerospace segment and totaled approximately 11% of net sales in fiscal year 2017, 8% of net sales in fiscal year 2016, and 7% of net sales in fiscal year 2015. Accounts receivable from General Electric Company totaled approximately 10 % of accounts receivable at September 30, 20 17 and 1 4 % of accounts receivable at September 30, 201 6 . Accounts receivable from Weichai Westport, Inc. totaled approximately 14% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2017 and 3% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2016. U.S. Government related sales from Woodward’s reportable segments were as follows:     Direct U.S. Government Sales Indirect U.S. Government Sales Total U.S. Government Related Sales  Fiscal year ended September 30, 2017  Aerospace $ 106,685 $ 362,536 $ 469,221  Industrial 3,726 10,814 14,540  Total net external sales $ 110,411 $ 373,350 $ 483,761  Percentage of total net sales 5% 18% 23%   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2016  Aerospace $ 103,026 $ 310,952 $ 413,978  Industrial 6,550 9,845 16,395  Total net external sales $ 109,576 $ 320,797 $ 430,373  Percentage of total net sales 5% 16% 21%   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2015  Aerospace $ 92,322 $ 258,391 $ 350,713  Industrial 4,836 8,839 13,675  Total net external sales $ 97,158 $ 267,230 $ 364,388  Percentage of total net sales 5% 13% 18%  Accounts receivable from the U.S. Government totaled approximately 3% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2017 and 2% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2016. The customers who account for approximately 10% or more of sales to each of Woodward’s reportable segments for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 follow:     Customer  Aerospace The Boeing Company, United Technologies Corporation, General Electric Company  Industrial General Electric Company Net sales by geographical area, as determined by the location of the customer invoiced, were as follows:    Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  United States $ 1,211,902 $ 1,118,833 $ 1,054,895  Europe (1) 478,725 537,901 569,322  Asia 288,252 228,683 241,875  Other countries 119,806 137,661 172,211  Consolidated net sales $ 2,098,685 $ 2,023,078 $ 2,038,303  (1) As a percentage of consolidated net sales, net sales to customers in Germany accounted for 8% for the year ended September 30, 2017, 10% for the year ended September 30, 2016 and 10% for the year ended September 30, 2015. Property, plant, and equipment, net by geographical area, as determined by the physical location of the assets, were as follows:      At September 30,  2017 2016  United States $ 872,947 $ 826,225  Germany 24,541 24,468  Other countries 24,555 25,657  Consolidated property, plant and equipment, net $ 922,043 $ 876,350 

Supplemental Quarterly Financia

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Note 2 1 . Supplemental quarterly financial data (Unaudited) Quarterly results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 follow:     2017 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth  Net sales $ 442,894 $ 500,381 $ 548,622 $ 606,788  Gross margin (1) (2) 113,746 133,282 153,872 171,659  Earnings before income taxes 47,059 50,236 68,687 86,765  Net earnings 46,548 38,105 53,626 62,228  Earnings per share  Basic earnings per share 0.76 0.62 0.87 1.02  Diluted earnings per share 0.73 0.60 0.85 0.98  Cash dividends per share 0.110 0.125 0.125 0.125   2016 Fiscal Quarters  First (3) Second Third Fourth  Net sales $ 445,110 $ 479,382 $ 507,664 $ 590,922  Gross margin (1) (2) 109,553 131,081 134,825 163,659  Earnings before income taxes 27,956 54,366 63,408 80,756  Net earnings 25,820 40,824 51,047 63,147  Earnings per share  Basic earnings per share 0.41 0.66 0.83 1.03  Diluted earnings per share 0.40 0.65 0.81 0.99  Cash dividends per share 0.100 0.110 0.110 0.110 Notes: 1. Gross margin represents net sales less cost of goods sold. 2. Gross margin for all periods presented has been recast from previously reported quarterly results due to reclassification of amortization as a separate line to an allocated expense/cost component of cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses . See “Note 1 - Operations and summary of significant accounting policies ” for further information on reclassification. 3. Results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 include special charges totaling approximately $16,100 related to Woodward's efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current market conditions.  Quarterly results by segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 201 7 and September 30, 201 6 follow:     2017 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth  Segment external net sales:  Aerospace $ 266,680 $ 320,526 $ 355,992 $ 399,141  Industrial 176,214 179,855 192,630 207,647  Total $ 442,894 $ 500,381 $ 548,622 $ 606,788  Segment earnings:  Aerospace $ 46,877 $ 58,227 $ 67,173 $ 85,536  Industrial 17,998 17,089 20,870 23,034  Nonsegment expenses (11,381) (18,764) (12,945) (15,262)  Interest expense, net (6,435) (6,316) (6,411) (6,543)  Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 47,059 $ 50,236 $ 68,687 $ 86,765   2016 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth  Segment external net sales:  Aerospace $ 268,599 $ 290,690 $ 308,582 $ 365,305  Industrial 176,511 188,692 199,082 225,617  Total $ 445,110 $ 479,382 $ 507,664 $ 590,922  Segment earnings:  Aerospace $ 43,486 $ 50,578 $ 57,726 $ 80,376  Industrial 21,551 19,469 21,963 19,254  Nonsegment expenses (1) (30,620) (9,888) (10,369) (12,289)  Interest expense, net (6,461) (5,793) (5,912) (6,585)  Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 27,956 $ 54,366 $ 63,408 $ 80,756 Notes: 1. The results for N onsegment expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 incl ude special charges totaling approximately $16,100 related to Woodward's efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current market conditions.

Schedule II

Schedule II	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II	WOODWARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS For the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015 (in thousands)      Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E  Additions  Description Balance at Beginning of Year Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts (a) Deductions (b) Balance at End of Year  Fiscal year 2017  Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 2,540 $ 1,063 $ 449 $ (276) $ 3,776  Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 3,317 77 - 320 3,714  Fiscal year 2016  Allowance for uncollectible accounts 3,841 255 233 (1,789) 2,540  Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 6,804 53 - (3,540) 3,317  Fiscal year 2015  Allowance for uncollectible accounts 7,078 364 487 (4,088) 3,841  Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 9,486 209 - (2,891) 6,804    Notes: (a) Includes recoveries of accounts previously written off.  (b) Represents accounts receivable written off against the allowance for collectible accounts and releases of valuation reserves to income tax expense. Also included are foreign currency exchange rate adjustments. Currency translation adjustments resulted in an increase in the reserves of $64 in fiscal year 2017, an increase in the reserve of $77 in fiscal year 2016, and a decrease in the reserve of $934 in fiscal year 2015. 

Operations and summary of sig31

Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation: These Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the accounts of Woodward and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. Transactions within and between these companies are eliminated.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates: The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period, and certain financial statement disclosures. Significant estimates include allowances for uncollectible amounts, net realizable value of inventories, customer rebates earned, useful lives of property and identifiable intangible assets, the evaluation of impairments of property, identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, the provision for income tax and related valuation reserves, the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, assumptions used in the determination of the funded status and annual expense of pension and postretirement employee benefit plans, the valuation of stock compensation instruments granted to employees, and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign currency exchange rates	Foreign currency exchange rates: The assets and liabilities of substantially all subsidiaries outside the United States are translated at fiscal year-end rates of exchange, and earnings and cash flow statements are translated at weighted-average rates of exchange. Translation adjustments are accumulated with other comprehensive (losses) earnings as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and are presented net of tax effects in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on loans between consolidated subsidiaries that are considered permanent in nature are also accumulated with other comprehensive earnings, net of tax. The Company is exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates because some sales transactions, and certain of the assets and liabilities of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries, are denominated in foreign currencies. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include a net foreign currency loss of $651 in fiscal year 2017, net foreign currency gain of $701 in fiscal year 2016, and a net foreign currency loss of $1,721 in fiscal year 2015.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition: Woodward recognizes revenue upon shipment or delivery of products or services and when collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is upon completion of manufacturing, customer acceptance, and the transfer of the risks and rewards of ownership. In countries whose laws provide for retention of some form of title by sellers, enabling recovery of goods in the event of customer default on payment, product delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership of the products. Occasionally, Woodward transfers title of product to customers, but retains substantive performance obligations such as completion of product testing, customer acceptance or in some instances regulatory acceptance. In addition, occasionally customers pay Woodward for products or services prior to Woodward satisfying its performance obligation. Under these circumstances, revenue is deferred until the performance obligations are satisfied. In addition, service revenue is also recognized upon completion of applicable performance obligations. Certain Woodward products include incidental software or firmware essential to the performance of the product as designed, which are treated as units of accounting associated with the related tangible product with which the software is included. Woodward does not generally sell software on a standalone basis, although software upgrades, if any, are generally paid for by the customer. Revenue for certain non-recurring engineering projects is recognized when contractually specified milestones are achieved. Product freight costs are included in cost of goods sold. Freight costs charged to customers are included in net sales. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are excluded from revenue and are recorded as liabilities until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate U.S. or foreign government authority. Net sales generated through shipment of tangible products to customers represents more than 90% of total net sales for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Customer payments	Customer payments : Woodward occasionally agrees to make payments to certain customers in order to participate in anticipated sales activity. Payments made to customers are accounted for as a reduction of revenue unless they are made in exchange for identifiable goods or services with fair values that can be reasonably estimated. Reductions in revenue associated with these customer payments are recognized immediately to the extent that the payments cannot be attributed to anticipated future sales, and are recognized in future periods to the extent that the payments relate to anticipated future sales. Such determinations are based on the facts and circumstances underlying each payment.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation: Compensation cost relating to stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors is recognized in the financial statements using a fair value method. Non-qualified stock option awards and restricted stock awards are issued under Woodward’s stock-based compensation plans. The cost of such awards, measured at the grant date, is based on the estimated fair value of the award. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of each grant in order to estimate the portion of the award that will ultimately vest. The estimate is based on Woodward’s historical rates of forfeitures and is updated periodically. The portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods, which is generally the vesting period of the awards.
Research and development	Research and development costs : Company funded expenditures related to new product development, and significant product enhancement and/or upgrade activities are expensed as incurred and are separately reported in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Income taxes	Income taxes: Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of Woodward’s assets, liabilities, and certain unrecognized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (losses) earnings. Woodward provides for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the United States, except for those earnings that it considers to be indefinitely invested.
Cash equivalents	Cash equivalents: Highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with multiple financial institutions. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. Woodward holds cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions in excess of amounts covered by the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), sometimes invests excess cash in money market funds or other highly liquid investments not insured by the FDIC, and holds cash and cash equivalents outside the United States that are not insured by the FDIC.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable: Almost all of Woodward’s sales are made on credit and result in accounts receivable, which are recorded at the amount invoiced and are generally not collateralized. In the normal course of business, not all accounts receivable are collected and, therefore, an allowance for uncollectible amounts is provided equal to the amount that Woodward believes ultimately will not be collected. In establishing the amount of the allowance related to the credit risk of accounts receivable, customer-specific information is considered related to delinquent accounts, past loss experience, bankruptcy filings, deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, and current economic conditions. Accounts receivable losses are deducted from the allowance, and the related accounts receivable balances are written off when the receivables are deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recognized when received. In addition, an allowance associated with anticipated future sales returns is also established and is included in the allowance for uncollectible amounts.
Inventories	Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost being determined using methods that approximate a first-in, first-out basis.
Short-term Investments Policy [Policy Text Block]	Short-term investments: From time to time, certain of Woodward’s foreign subsidiaries will invest excess cash in short-term time deposits with a fixed maturity date of longer than three months but less than one year from the date the deposit. Woodward believes that the investments are with creditworthy financial institutions. Amounts with maturities of less than 365 days are classified as “Other current assets.”
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant, and equipment: Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Assets are generally depreciated using the straight-line method. Assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Estimated lives over which fixed assets are generally depreciated at September 30, 2017 were as follows:    Land improvements 3 - 20 years  Buildings and improvements 3 - 40 years  Leasehold improvements 1 - 10 years  Machinery and production equipment 3 - 20 years  Computer equipment and software 3 - 10 years  Office furniture and equipment 3 - 13 years  Other 3 - 13 years Included in computer equipment and software are Woodward’s enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) systems, which have an estimated useful life of 10 years. All other computer equipment and software is generally depreciated over three to five years.
Goodwill	Goodwill: Woodward tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Based on the relevant U.S. GAAP authoritative guidance, Woodward aggregates components of a single operating segment into a reporting unit, if appropriate. The impairment tests consist of comparing the implied fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount that includes goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, Woodward compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the recorded carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its implied fair value. Based on the results of Woodward’s goodwill impairment testing it has recorded no impairment charges.
Other intangibles	Other intangibles: Other intangibles are recognized apart from goodwill whenever an acquired intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. All of Woodward’s intangibles have an estimated useful life and are being amortized using patterns that reflect the periods over which the economic benefits of the assets are expected to be realized. Amortization expense is allocated to cost of goods sold and selling, general, and administrative expenses based on the nature of the intangible asset. Impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible is both not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Woodward has recorded no impairment charges on its other intangibles. Estimated lives over which intangible assets are amortized at September 30, 2017 were as follows:    Customer relationships 9 - 30 years  Intellectual property 10 - 17 years  Process technology 8 - 30 years  Other 15 years 
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets: Woodward reviews the carrying amount of its long-lived assets or asset groups to be used in operations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Factors that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, or a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, among others. If such facts indicate a potential impairment, the Company would assess the recoverability of an asset group by determining if the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets over the remaining economic life of the primary asset in the asset group. If the recoverability test indicates that the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable, the Company will estimate the fair value of the asset group using appropriate valuation methodologies, which would typically include an estimate of discounted cash flows. Any impairment would be measured as the difference between the asset groups carrying amount and its estimated fair value. There were no impairment charges recorded in fiscal years 2017, 2016 or 2015.
Investments in marketable equity securities	Investment in marketable equity securities: Woodward holds marketable equity securities related to its deferred compensation program. Based on Woodward’s intentions regarding these instruments, marketable equity securities are classified as trading securities. The trading securities are reported at fair value, with realized gains and losses recognized in “Other (income) expense, net.” The trading securities are included in “Other assets.” The associated obligation to provide benefits is included in “Other liabilities.”
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries	Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries: Investments in, and operating results of, entities in which Woodward does not have a controlling financial interest or the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations are included in the financial statements using the cost method of accounting. Investments and operating results of entities in which Woodward does not have a controlling interest but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operations are included in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting.
Derivatives	Derivatives: The Company is exposed to various market risks that arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. The Company has historically utilized derivative instruments, such as treasury lock agreements to lock in fixed rates on future debt issuances, which qualify as cash flow or fair value hedges to mitigate the risk of variability in cash flows related to future interest payments attributable to changes in the designated benchmark rate. The Company records all such interest rate hedge instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Cash flows related to the instrument designated as a qualifying hedge are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same categories as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Accordingly, cash flows relating to the settlement of interest rate derivatives hedging the forecasted future interest payments on debt have been reflected upon settlement as a component of financing cash flows. The resulting gain or loss from such settlement is deferred to other comprehensive income and reclassified to interest expense over the term of the underlying debt. This reclassification of the deferred gains and losses impacts the interest expense recognized on the underlying debt that was hedged and is therefore reflected as a component of operating cash flows in periods subsequent to settlement. The periodic settlement of interest rate derivatives hedging outstanding variable rate debt is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense and is therefore reflected as a component of operating cash flows. From time to time, in order to hedge against foreign currency exposure, Woodward designates certain non-derivative financial instrument loans as net investment hedges. Foreign exchange gains or losses on the loans are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings. Further information on net investment hedges can be found at Note 6, Derivative instruments and hedging activities .
Financial Instruments	Financial instruments: The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in the deferred compensation program, notes receivable from municipalities, investments in term deposits and debt. Because of their short-term maturity, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and short-term debt approximate fair value. The fair value of investments in the deferred compensation program are adjusted to fair value based on the quoted market prices for the investments in the various mutual funds owned. The fair value of the long-term notes from municipalities are estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments received at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similarly rated municipality notes of similar maturity. The fair value of term deposits are estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments received at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar term deposits with the same maturity in the same jurisdictions. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on a model that discounts future principal and interest payments at interest rates available to the Company at the end of the period for similar debt with the same maturity. Further information on the fair value of financial instruments can be found at Note 5, Financial instruments and fair value measurements . Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into the following levels: Level 1: Inputs based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2: Quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable and can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3: Inputs reflect management’s best estimates and assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the valuation of the instruments.
Postretirement benefits	Postretirement benefits: The Company provides various benefits to certain current and former employees through defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. For financial reporting purposes, net periodic benefits expense and related obligations are calculated using a number of significant actuarial assumptions. Changes in net periodic expense and funding status may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions. The funded status of defined pension and postretirement plans recognized in the statement of financial position is measured as the difference between the fair market value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation. For a defined benefit pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation; for any ot her defined benefit postretirement plan, such as a retiree health care plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated benefit obligation. Any over-funded status is recognized as an asset and any underfunded status is recognized as a liability. Projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value as of the measurement date of all benefits attributed by the plan benefit formula to employee service rendered before the measurement date using assumptions as to future compensation levels if the plan benefit formula is based on those future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or unvested) attributed by the plan benefit formula to employee service rendered before the measurement date and based on employee service and compensation, if applicable, prior to that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels.
Deferred Compensation, Excluding Share-based Payments and Retirement Benefits [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred compensation	Deferred compensation: The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan, or “rabbi trust,” as part of its overall compensation package for certain employees. Deferred compensation obligations will be settled either by delivery of a fixed number of shares of Woodward’s common stock (in accordance with certain eligible members’ irrevocable elections) or in cash. Woodward has contributed shares of its common stock into a trust established for the future settlement of deferred compensation obligations that are payable in shares of Woodward’s common stock. Common stock held by the trust is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Treasury stock held for deferred compensation” and the related deferred compensation obligation is reflected as a separate component of equity in amounts equal to the fair value of the common stock at the dates of contribution. These accounts are not adjusted for subsequent changes in the fair value of the common stock. Deferred compensation obligations that will be settled in cash are accounted for on an accrual basis in accordance with the terms of the underlying contract and are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Other liabilities.”

Operatons and summary of signif

Operatons and summary of significant accounting policies (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Basis of Presentation
Schedule of Reclassifications of Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	     Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015   Allocation to Cost of goods sold $ 7,800 $ 8,420 $ 9,115  Allocation to Selling, general and administrative expenses 17,977 19,066 20,126  Total amortization of intangible assets $ 25,777 $ 27,486 $ 29,241      2017 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth   Allocation to Cost of goods sold $ 1,954 $ 1,943 $ 1,948 $ 1,955  Allocation to Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,504 4,488 4,491 4,494  Total amortization of intangible assets $ 6,458 $ 6,431 $ 6,439 $ 6,449   2016 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth   Allocation to Cost of goods sold $ 2,180 $ 2,162 $ 2,117 $ 1,961  Allocation to Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,766 4,764 4,770 4,766  Total amortization of intangible assets $ 6,946 $ 6,926 $ 6,887 $ 6,727 
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	   September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Accounts receivable from:  Customers $ 367,715 $ 341,215  Other (Chinese financial institutions) 38,243 5,093  Allowance for uncollectible customer amounts (3,776) (2,540)  $ 402,182 $ 343,768 
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives	   Land improvements 3 - 20 years  Buildings and improvements 3 - 40 years  Leasehold improvements 1 - 10 years  Machinery and production equipment 3 - 20 years  Computer equipment and software 3 - 10 years  Office furniture and equipment 3 - 13 years  Other 3 - 13 years 
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Lives	   Customer relationships 9 - 30 years  Intellectual property 10 - 17 years  Process technology 8 - 30 years  Other 15 years 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share
Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Numerator:  Net earnings $ 200,507 $ 180,838 $ 181,452  Denominator:  Basic shares outstanding 61,366 61,893 64,684  Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 2,146 1,663 1,372  Diluted shares outstanding 63,512 63,556 66,056  Income per common share:  Basic earnings per share $ 3.27 $ 2.92 $ 2.81  Diluted earnings per share $ 3.16 $ 2.85 $ 2.75 
Anti-dilutive Stock Options Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Options 68 - 697  Weighted-average option price $ 63.23 $ n/a $ 46.55 
Schedule of Treasury Stock Shares Held for Deferred Compensation Included in Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations 180 171 190 

Financial Instruments and Fai34

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurments
Financial Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	   At September 30, 2017 At September 30, 2016  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Financial assets:  Cash $ 79,822 $ - $ - $ 79,822 $ 80,959 $ - $ - $ 80,959  Investments in money market funds - - - - 48 - - 48  Investments in reverse repurchase agreements 1 - - 1 83 - - 83  Investments in term deposits with foreign banks 7,729 - - 7,729 7,136 - - 7,136  Equity securities 16,600 - - 16,600 12,491 - - 12,491  Total financial assets $ 104,152 $ - $ - $ 104,152 $ 100,717 $ - $ - $ 100,717 
Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	   At September 30, 2017 At September 30, 2016  Fair Value Hierarchy Level Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost  Assets:  Notes receivable from municipalities 2 $ 15,848 $ 14,507 $ 17,501 $ 15,849  Investments in short-term time deposits 2 8,227 8,223 4,882 4,918  Liabilities:  Long-term debt, excluding current portion 2 $ (592,317) $ (582,080) $ (617,857) $ (579,244) 

Derivative Instruments and He35

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Impact of Derivative Instruments on Earnings	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Amount of (income) expense recognized in earnings on derivative $ (72) $ 21 $ 99  Amount of (gain) loss recognized in accumulated OCI on derivative - - -  Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into earnings (72) 21 99  

Supplemental Statements of Ca36

Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information
Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures	  Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 27,752 $ 34,500 $ 32,608  Income taxes paid 33,926 99,468 51,218  Income tax refunds received 997 2,350 689  Non-cash activities:  Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account 17,327 10,705 23,966  Property, plant and equipment acquired by capital lease - 1,653 -  Common shares issued from treasury to settle employee liabilities 1,767 - -  Common shares issued from treasury to settle benefit obligations (Note 17) 14,014 13,999 12,574  Cashless exercise of stock options 1,473 753 1,532 

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventories
Schedule of Inventories	     September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Raw materials $ 59,034 $ 54,246  Work in progress 103,790 109,756  Component parts (1) 262,755 249,307  Finished goods 47,926 48,374  $ 473,505 $ 461,683 (1) Component parts include items that can be sold separately as finished goods or included in the manufacture of other products .

Property, Plant, and Equipmen38

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment, Net	   September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Land and land improvements $ 88,326 $ 87,696  Buildings and building improvements 514,453 527,704  Leasehold improvements 16,142 15,213  Machinery and production equipment 543,641 484,315  Computer equipment and software 124,723 117,984  Office furniture and equipment 24,308 29,344  Other 19,393 18,969  Construction in progress 111,910 88,909  1,442,896 1,370,134  Less accumulated depreciation (520,853) (493,784)  Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 922,043 $ 876,350 
Schedule of Depreciation Expense	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Depreciation expense $ 55,140 $ 41,550 $ 45,994 
Schedule of Capitalized Interest	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Capitalized interest $ 2,008 $ 5,455 $ 8,995 

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill Disclosure
Schedule of Goodwill	   September 30, 2016 Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2017  Aerospace $ 455,423 $ - $ 455,423  Industrial 100,261 861 101,122  Consolidated $ 555,684 $ 861 $ 556,545   September 30, 2015 Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2016  Aerospace $ 455,423 $ - $ 455,423  Industrial 101,554 (1,293) 100,261  Consolidated $ 556,977 $ (1,293) $ 555,684 

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	   September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016  Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount  Customer relationships and contracts:  Aerospace $ 282,225 $ (151,155) $ 131,070 $ 282,225 $ (134,158) $ 148,067  Industrial 40,962 (34,407) 6,555 40,969 (33,509) 7,460  Total $ 323,187 $ (185,562) $ 137,625 $ 323,194 $ (167,667) $ 155,527   Intellectual property:  Aerospace $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -  Industrial 19,422 (18,196) 1,226 19,435 (17,876) 1,559  Total $ 19,422 $ (18,196) $ 1,226 $ 19,435 $ (17,876) $ 1,559   Process technology:  Aerospace $ 76,605 $ (49,124) $ 27,481 $ 76,605 $ (43,229) $ 33,376  Industrial 22,950 (17,756) 5,194 22,965 (16,200) 6,765  Total $ 99,555 $ (66,880) $ 32,675 $ 99,570 $ (59,429) $ 40,141   Other intangibles:  Aerospace $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -  Industrial 1,312 (956) 356 1,246 (823) 423  Total $ 1,312 $ (956) $ 356 $ 1,246 $ (823) $ 423   Total intangibles:  Aerospace $ 358,830 $ (200,279) $ 158,551 $ 358,830 $ (177,387) $ 181,443  Industrial 84,646 (71,315) 13,331 84,615 (68,408) 16,207  Consolidated Total $ 443,476 $ (271,594) $ 171,882 $ 443,445 $ (245,795) $ 197,650 
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Amortization expense $ 25,777 $ 27,486 $ 29,241 
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	   Year Ending September 30:  2018 $ 24,995  2019 23,159  2020 20,372  2021 18,404  2022 16,249  Thereafter 68,703  $ 171,882 

Credit Facilities, Short-term41

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure
Short-term Borrowings and Availability Under Various Short-term Credit Facilities	   Total availability Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees Outstanding borrowings Remaining availability  Revolving credit facility $ 1,000,000 $ (10,621) $ (32,600) $ 956,779  Foreign lines of credit and overdraft facilities 7,530 - - 7,530  Foreign performance guarantee facilities 10,058 (351) - 9,707  $ 1,017,588 $ (10,972) $ (32,600) $ 974,016 
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	   September 30, September 30,  2017 2016  Revolving credit facility - Floating rate (LIBOR plus 0.85% - 1.65% ), due April 2020 , unsecured $ 32,600 $ 156,700  Series D notes – 6.39%, due October 2018; unsecured 100,000 100,000  Series F notes – 8.24%, due April 2019; unsecured 43,000 43,000  Series G notes – 3.42%, due November 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series H notes – 4.03%, due November 2023; unsecured 25,000 25,000  Series I notes – 4.18%, due November 2025; unsecured 25,000 25,000  Series J notes – Floating rate (LIBOR plus 1.25%), due November 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series K notes – 4.03%, due November 2023; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series L notes – 4.18%, due November 2025; unsecured 50,000 50,000  Series M notes – 1.12% due September 2026; unsecured 47,270 44,886  Series N notes – 1.31% due September 2028; unsecured 90,995 86,406  Series O notes – 1.57% due September 2031; unsecured 50,815 48,252  Total debt 614,680 729,244  Less: Current portion of long-term debt (32,600) (150,000)  Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,794) (2,091)  Long-term debt, less current portion $ 580,286 $ 577,153 
Schedule of Future Principal Payments of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	   Year Ending September 30:  2018 $ -  2019 143,000  2020 -  2021 100,000  2022 -  Thereafter 339,080  $ 582,080 

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued Liabilities	   At September 30,  2017 2016  Salaries and other member benefits $ 91,285 $ 87,197  Warranties 13,597 15,993  Interest payable 9,626 9,071  Current portion of acquired performance obligations and unfavorable contracts (1) 1,627 2,910  Accrued retirement benefits 2,413 2,505  Current portion of loss reserve on contractual lease commitments 1,343 1,840  Current portion of deferred income from JV formation (Note 4) 6,451 6,552  Deferred revenues 4,625 5,779  Taxes, other than income 14,401 14,580  Other 9,704 10,200  $ 155,072 $ 156,627  (1) In connection with Woodward’s acquisition of GE Aviation Systems LLC’s (the “Seller”) thrust reverser actuation systems business located in Duarte, California (the “Duarte Acquisition”) in fiscal year 2013, Woodward assumed current and long-term performance obligations for contractual commitments that are expected to result in future economic losses. In addition, Woodward assumed current and long-term performance obligations for services to be provided to the Seller and others, partially offset by current and long-term assets related to contractual payments due from the Seller. The current portion of both obligations is included in Accrued liabilities.
Warranties	   Twelve-Months Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Warranties, beginning of year $ 15,993 $ 13,741 $ 16,916  Expense, net of recoveries 9,135 9,902 10,117  Reductions for settling warranties (11,692) (7,802) (12,416)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes 161 152 (876)  Warranties, end of year $ 13,597 $ 15,993 $ 13,741 
Loss Reserve Activity	   Twelve-Months Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, beginning of year $ 9,242 $ 2,464 $ 3,212  Additions - 8,165 39  Payments (1,650) (1,387) (787)  Non-cash adjustments (2,322) - -  Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, end of year $ 5,270 $ 9,242 $ 2,464 

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Liabilities
Schedule of Other Liabilities	   At September 30,  2017 2016  Net accrued retirement benefits, less amounts recognized within accrued liabilities $ 52,211 $ 70,479  Noncurrent portion of deferred income from JV formation (1) 236,896 238,187  Total unrecognized tax benefits 20,949 17,239  Acquired unfavorable contracts (2) 2,076 3,148  Deferred economic incentives (3) 14,574 16,196  Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments (4) 3,927 7,402  Other 14,165 15,573  $ 344,798 $ 368,224    (1) See Note 4, Joint venture for more information on the deferred income from JV formation. (2) In connection with the Duarte A cquisition in fiscal year 2013, Woodward assumed current and long-term performance obligations for contractual commitments that are expected to result in future economic losses. The long-term portion of the acquired unfavorable contracts is included in Other liabilities. (3) Woodward receives certain economic incentives from various state and local authorities related to capital expansion projects. Such amounts are initially recorded as deferred credits and are being recognized as a reduction to pre-tax expense over the economic lives of the related capital expansion projects. (4) See Note 1 3 , Accrued liabilit i es for more information on the loss reserve on contractual lease commitments .

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Ta

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Equity interest in the earnings of the JV (Note 4) $ (2,568) $ (6,204) $ -  Net gain on sales of assets (3,604) (4,431) (626)  Rent income (254) (315) (485)  Net (gain) loss on investments in deferred compensation program (1,833) (1,062) 33  Other (786) (294) (84)  $ (9,045) $ (12,306) $ (1,162) 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Current:  Federal $ 17,872 $ 81,127 $ 23,923  State 1,379 6,067 3,108  Foreign 15,118 9,689 18,343  Deferred:  Federal 16,907 (40,801) 19,236  State (2,561) (9,054) 751  Foreign 3,525 (1,380) (5,864)  $ 52,240 $ 45,648 $ 59,497 
Earnings Before Income Taxes by Geographical Area	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  United States $ 192,220 $ 175,146 $ 172,315  Other countries 60,527 51,340 68,634  $ 252,747 $ 226,486 $ 240,949 
Composition of Deferred Income Taxes	   At September 30,  2017 2016  Deferred tax assets:  Defined benefit plans, other postretirement $ 11,947 $ 13,017  Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 4,707 5,255  Inventory 29,444 27,332  Deferred and stock-based compensation 37,693 34,388  Defined benefit plans, pension 1,148 8,955  Deferred revenue 92,426 92,213  Other reserves 10,850 13,968  Tax credits and incentives 9,769 7,744  Other 7,700 7,411  Valuation allowance (3,714) (3,317)  Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 201,970 206,966  Deferred tax liabilities:  Goodwill and intangibles - net (103,781) (99,030)  Property, plant and equipment (109,229) (88,986)  Other (2,418) (2,533)  Total deferred tax liabilities (215,428) (190,549)  Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ (13,458) $ 16,417 
Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate	   Year Ending September 30,  Percent of pretax earnings 2017 2016 2015  Statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %  State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (0.3) 0.4 1.2  Taxes on international activities (7.6) (2.2) (3.8)  Research credit (3.2) (3.6) (0.8)  Retroactive extension of research credit - (3.2) (2.4)  Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation (1.4) (2.6) -  Domestic production activities deduction (1.5) (2.1) (1.6)  Adjustments of prior period tax items (0.9) (0.2) (2.1)  Other items, net 0.6 (1.3) (0.8)  Effective tax rate 20.7 % 20.2 % 24.7 % 
Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	   Year Ending September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Beginning balance $ 23,526 $ 21,469 $ 22,687  Additions to current year tax positions 2,560 3,588 2,234  Reductions to prior year tax positions (5,753) (2,292) (7,785)  Additions to prior year tax positions 3,501 761 5,124  Lapse of applicable statute of limitations (3,702) - (791)  Ending balance $ 20,132 $ 23,526 $ 21,469 

Retirement Benefits (Tables)

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Contribution Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Company costs $ 32,008 $ 31,893 $ 30,933 
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	   Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015  Service cost $ 1,675 $ 1,695 $ 2,018 $ 1,133 $ 749 $ 784 $ 2,808 $ 2,444 $ 2,802  Interest cost 5,757 5,236 5,956 1,208 1,637 2,128 6,965 6,873 8,084  Expected return on plan assets (10,529) (10,140) (10,647) (2,605) (2,659) (3,032) (13,134) (12,799) (13,679)  Amortization of:  Net losses 1,854 1,292 396 514 246 190 2,368 1,538 586  Net prior service (benefit) cost 383 384 383 - - - 383 384 383  Settlement costs - 47 - - - - - 47 -  Net periodic (benefit) cost $ (860) $ (1,486) $ (1,894) $ 250 $ (27) $ 70 $ (610) $ (1,513) $ (1,824) 
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan	   At or for the Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016  Changes in projected benefit obligation:  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 160,892 $ 145,870 $ 72,057 $ 62,231 $ 232,949 $ 208,101  Service cost 1,675 1,695 1,133 749 2,808 2,444  Interest cost 5,757 5,236 1,208 1,637 6,965 6,873  Net actuarial (gains) losses (5,267) 17,786 (6,188) 17,190 (11,455) 34,976  Contribution by participants 55 47 14 20 69 67  Benefits paid (5,676) (9,789) (2,235) (2,656) (7,911) (12,445)  Plan amendments 3,694 - - - 3,694 -  Settlements - 47 - - - 47  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - - 380 (7,114) 380 (7,114)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 161,130 $ 160,892 $ 66,369 $ 72,057 $ 227,499 $ 232,949   Changes in fair value of plan assets:  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 145,886 $ 135,590 $ 62,926 $ 60,663 $ 208,812 $ 196,253  Actual return on plan assets 20,067 19,859 2,542 10,202 22,609 30,061  Contributions by the Company - 226 671 773 671 999  Contributions by plan participants 55 47 14 20 69 67  Benefits paid (5,676) (9,789) (2,235) (2,656) (7,911) (12,445)  Settlements - (47) - - - (47)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - - 462 (6,076) 462 (6,076)  Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 160,332 $ 145,886 $ 64,380 $ 62,926 $ 224,712 $ 208,812  Net underfunded status at end of year $ (798) $ (15,006) $ (1,989) $ (9,131) $ (2,787) $ (24,137) 
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess of and Less Than Fair Value of Plan Assets	   Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets Plans with accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets  At September 30, At September 30,  2017 2016 2017 2016  Projected benefit obligation $ (82,447) $ (220,788) $ (145,052) $ (12,161)  Accumulated benefit obligation (80,759) (218,769) (144,006) (10,924)  Fair value of plan assets 77,036 196,800 147,676 12,012 
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	   At or for the Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016  Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:  Other non-current assets $ 1,726 $ - $ 897 $ - $ 2,623 $ -  Accrued liabilities - - (3) - (3) -  Other non-current liabilities (2,524) (15,006) (2,883) (9,131) (5,407) (24,137)  Net over/(under)funded status at end of year $ (798) $ (15,006) $ (1,989) $ (9,131) $ (2,787) $ (24,137)   Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:  Unrecognized net prior service (benefit) cost $ 7,169 $ 3,857 $ - $ - $ 7,169 $ 3,857  Unrecognized net (gains) losses 17,023 33,682 14,198 20,795 31,221 54,477  Total amounts recognized 24,192 37,539 14,198 20,795 38,390 58,334  Deferred taxes (9,224) (14,305) (5,016) (7,303) (14,240) (21,608)  Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ 14,968 $ 23,234 $ 9,182 $ 13,492 $ 24,150 $ 36,726 
Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	   Year Ended September 30,  United States Other Countries Total  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 37,539 $ 31,102 $ 20,795 $ 13,618 $ 58,334 $ 44,720  Net (gain) loss (14,805) 8,160 (6,125) 9,646 (20,930) 17,806  Loss due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period - (47) - - - (47)  Amortization of:  Net losses (1,854) (1,292) (515) (246) (2,369) (1,538)  Prior service benefit (cost) 3,312 (384) - - 3,312 (384)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - - 43 (2,223) 43 (2,223)  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year $ 24,192 $ 37,539 $ 14,198 $ 20,795 $ 38,390 $ 58,334 
Schedule of Amounts Expected to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Reported as a Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost During the Next Fiscal Year	   United States Other Countries Total  Prior service cost $ 709 $ - $ 709  Net actuarial losses 598 290 888 
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	   Year Ending September 30, United States Other Countries Total  2018 $ 6,251 $ 2,225 $ 8,476  2019 6,911 2,578 9,489  2020 7,521 2,183 9,704  2021 8,065 2,396 10,461  2022 8,524 2,257 10,781  2023 – 2027 48,075 12,802 60,877 
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets, Actual and Target Allocations	   At September 30,  2017 2016  Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges  United States:  Asset Class  Equity Securities 64.6% 41.2% - 81.2% 56.4% 40.8% - 80.8%  Debt Securities 35.2% 28.8% - 48.8% 39.0% 29.2% - 49.2%  Other 0.2% 0.0% 4.6% 0.0%  100.0% 100.0%  United Kingdom:  Asset Class  Equity Securities 46.1% 30.0% - 60.0% 34.7% 25.0% - 45.0%  Debt Securities 53.8% 45.0% - 70.0% 65.2% 40.0% - 80.0%  Other 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0%  100.0% 100.0%  Japan:  Asset Class  Equity Securities 41.0% 36.0% - 44.0% 40.0% 36.0% - 44.0%  Debt Securities 58.1% 55.0% - 63.0% 59.1% 55.0% - 63.0%  Other 0.9% 0.0% - 2.0% 0.9% 0.0% - 2.0%  100.0% 100.0% 
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets, Fair Value Hierarchy	   At September 30, 2017  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  United States Other Countries United States Other Countries United States Other Countries Total  Asset Category:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 291 $ 167 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 458  Mutual funds:  U.S. corporate bond fund 56,388 - - - - - 56,388  U.S. equity large cap fund 54,140 - - - - - 54,140  International equity large cap growth fund 49,513 - - - - - 49,513  Pooled funds:  Japanese equity securities - - - 2,487 - - 2,487  International equity securities - - - 2,260 - - 2,260  Japanese fixed income securities - - - 4,987 - - 4,987  International fixed income securities - - - 1,730 - - 1,730  Global target return equity/bond fund - - - 13,103 - - 13,103  Index linked U.K. equity fund - - - 4,940 - - 4,940  Index linked international equity fund - - - 6,285 - - 6,285  Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund - - - 16,540 - - 16,540  Index linked U.K. government securities fund - - - 4,980 - - 4,980  Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund - - - 6,901 - - 6,901  Total assets $ 160,332 $ 167 $ - $ 64,213 $ - $ - $ 224,712   At September 30, 2016  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  United States Other Countries United States Other Countries United States Other Countries Total  Asset Category:  Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,741 $ 163 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 6,904  Mutual funds:  U.S. corporate bond fund 56,813 - - - - - 56,813  U.S. equity large cap fund 48,506 - - - - - 48,506  International equity large cap growth fund 33,834 - - - - - 33,834  Pooled funds:  Japanese equity securities - - - 2,536 - - 2,536  International equity securities - - - 2,258 - - 2,258  Japanese fixed income securities - - - 5,321 - - 5,321  International fixed income securities - - - 1,777 - - 1,777  Index linked U.K. equity fund - - - 7,982 - - 7,982  Index linked international equity fund - - - 9,694 - - 9,694  Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund - - - 16,180 - - 16,180  Index linked U.K. government securities fund - - - 5,009 - - 5,009  Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund - - - 11,998 - - 11,998  Total assets $ 145,894 $ 163 $ - $ 62,755 $ - $ - $ 208,812 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	   2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit obligation at September 30 3.78 % 3.63 % 4.01 %  Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended September 30 3.63 4.01 4.40 
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Service cost $ 14 $ 22 $ 30  Interest cost 1,244 1,048 1,233  Amortization of:  Net (gains) losses 201 156 (73)  Net prior service benefit (158) (158) (158)  Net periodic cost $ 1,301 $ 1,068 $ 1,032 
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016  Changes in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:  Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 35,630 $ 34,927  Service cost 14 22  Interest cost 1,244 1,048  Premiums paid by plan participants 1,365 1,299  Net actuarial (gains) losses (2,049) 1,912  Benefits paid (3,964) (3,503)  Foreign currency exchange rate changes 12 (75)  Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at end of year $ 32,252 $ 35,630  Changes in fair value of plan assets:  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ - $ -  Contributions by the company 2,599 2,204  Premiums paid by plan participants 1,365 1,299  Benefits paid (3,964) (3,503)  Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ - $ -  Funded status at end of year $ (32,252) $ (35,630) 
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016  Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:  Accrued liabilities $ (2,410) $ (2,505)  Other non-current liabilities (29,842) (33,125)  Funded status at end of year $ (32,252) $ (35,630)   Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:  Unrecognized net prior service benefit $ (160) $ (318)  Unrecognized net losses 3,234 5,484  Total amounts recognized 3,074 5,166  Deferred taxes (1,183) (1,979)  Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ 1,891 $ 3,187 
Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 5,166 $ 3,268  Net (gain) loss (2,049) 1,912  Amortization of:  Net losses (201) (156)  Prior service benefit 158 158  Foreign currency exchange rate changes - (16)  Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year $ 3,074 $ 5,166 
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates	   2017 2016  Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.75 % 7.00 %  Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline  (the ultimate trend rate) 5.00 % 5.00 %  Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2025 2025 
Schedule of Health Care Costs Sensitivity	   Change In Health Care Cost Trend Rate  1% increase 1% decrease  Effect on projected fiscal year 2018 service and interest cost $ 113 $ (99)  Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2017 2,960 (2,605) 
Schedule of Future Postretirement Company Contributions	   Year Ending September 30,  2018 $ 3,871  2019 3,890  2020 3,871  2021 3,852  2022 3,818  2023 – 2027 17,812 
Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Company contributions $ 292 $ 475 $ 600 
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	   2017 2016 2015  United States:  Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:  Discount rate 3.80 % 3.65 % 4.39 %  Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:  Discount rate 3.65 4.39 4.40  Long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.38 7.62 7.62 
UNITED KINGDOM | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	   2017 2016 2015  United Kingdom:  Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:  Discount rate 2.56 % 2.28 % 3.75 %  Rate of compensation increase 3.60 3.40 3.40  Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:  Discount rate - service cost 2.33 3.86 4.10  Discount rate - interest cost 2.24 3.63 4.10  Rate of compensation increase 3.40 3.40 3.50  Long-term rate of return on plan assets 4.75 5.00 5.50 
JAPAN | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	   2017 2016 2015  Japan:  Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:  Discount rate 0.58 % 0.46 % 0.97 %  Rate of compensation increase 2.00 2.02 2.00  Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:  Discount rate - service cost 0.59 1.27 1.10  Discount rate - interest cost 0.45 0.59 1.10  Rate of compensation increase 2.02 2.00 2.00  Long-term rate of return on plan assets 2.50 3.00 3.00 

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Dividends Declared and Paid	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Dividends declared and paid $ 29,745 $ 26,606 $ 24,646  Dividend per share amount 0.485 0.430 0.380 
Stock-based Compensation Expense Recognized	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Employee stock-based compensation expense $ 17,282 $ 15,122 $ 14,255 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Options Granted	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average grant date fair value of options $ 24.98 $ 13.39 $ 17.02 
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Weighted-average exercise price per share 62.74 40.26 46.55  Weighted-average grant date market value of Woodward stock 69.45 40.26 46.55  Expected term (years) 6.0 - 8.7 6.3 - 8.7 6.2 - 8.8  Estimated volatility 30.6% - 33.7% 34.5% 35.1% 36.5%  Estimated dividend yield 0.7% 1.0% 0.7%  Risk-free interest rate 2.0% - 2.5% 1.7% - 2.0% 2.0% - 2.3% 
Activity for Stock Option Awards	   Number Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share  Balance at September 30, 2016 4,944 $ 35.35  Options granted 791 62.74  Options exercised (466) 33.65  Options forfeited (33) 44.21  Balance at September 30, 2017 5,236 39.58 
Changes in Nonvested Stock Options	   Number Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share  Balance at September 30, 2016 2,075 $ 14.90  Options granted 791 24.98  Options vested (763) 15.26  Options forfeited (31) 15.40  Balance at September 30, 2017 2,072 18.61 
Stock Options Vested, Or Expected to Vest and Are Exercisable	   Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Remaining Life in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value  Options outstanding 5,236 $ 39.58 5.9 $ 199,098  Options vested and exercisable 3,164 32.80 4.5 141,785  Options vested and expected to vest 5,164 39.39 5.9 197,348 
Other Stock Option Information	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Total fair value of stock options vested $ 11,639 $ 10,374 $ 9,656  Total intrinsic value of options exercised 16,416 23,178 18,876  Cash received from exercises of stock options 14,196 15,892 8,400  Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options 4,383 6,472 6,959 
Changes in Restricted Stock Awards	   Number Fair Value per Share  Balance at September 30, 2016 24 $ 39.43  Shares granted - n/a  Shares vested - n/a  Shares forfeited (24) 39.43  Balance at September 30, 2017 - n/a 

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure
Future Minimum Lease Payments	   Year Ending September 30, Operating Leases Capital Leases  2018 $ 6,315 $ 444  2019 4,265 451  2020 3,872 122  2021 3,188 -  2022 2,148 -  Thereafter 3,427 -  Total $ 23,215 $ 1,017 
Rent Expense for All Operating Leases	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Rent expense $ 8,302 $ 7,359 $ 7,299 
Future Minimum Unconditional Purchase Obligations	   Year Ending September 30,  2018 $ 299,267  2019 17,993  2020 232  2021 66  2022 -  Thereafter -  Total $ 317,558  

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated Net Sales and Earnings by Segment	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Segment external net sales:  Aerospace $ 1,342,339 $ 1,233,176 $ 1,160,883  Industrial 756,346 789,902 877,420  Total consolidated net sales $ 2,098,685 $ 2,023,078 $ 2,038,303  Segment earnings:  Aerospace $ 257,813 $ 232,166 $ 187,747  Industrial 78,991 82,237 126,641  Nonsegment expenses (58,352) (63,166) (49,362)  Interest expense, net (25,705) (24,751) (24,077)  Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 252,747 $ 226,486 $ 240,949  
Consolidated Total Assets, Depreciation and Amortization, and Capital Expenditures by Segment	   Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  Segment assets:  Aerospace $ 1,722,789 $ 1,637,522 $ 1,566,421  Industrial 695,264 705,169 653,848  Unallocated corporate property, plant and equipment, net 104,755 89,988 85,834  Other unallocated assets 234,301 209,683 206,301  Consolidated total assets $ 2,757,109 $ 2,642,362 $ 2,512,404   Segment depreciation and amortization:  Aerospace $ 47,277 $ 40,825 $ 46,488  Industrial 24,421 20,412 20,768  Unallocated corporate amounts 9,219 7,799 7,979  Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 80,917 $ 69,036 $ 75,235   Segment capital expenditures:  Aerospace $ 62,812 $ 90,749 $ 150,021  Industrial 12,189 62,065 113,292  Unallocated corporate amounts 17,335 22,878 23,299  Consolidated capital expenditures $ 92,336 $ 175,692 $ 286,612 
External Net Sales by Geographical Area	    Year Ended September 30,  2017 2016 2015  United States $ 1,211,902 $ 1,118,833 $ 1,054,895  Europe (1) 478,725 537,901 569,322  Asia 288,252 228,683 241,875  Other countries 119,806 137,661 172,211  Consolidated net sales $ 2,098,685 $ 2,023,078 $ 2,038,303  (1) As a percentage of consolidated net sales, net sales to customers in Germany accounted for 8% for the year ended September 30, 2017, 10% for the year ended September 30, 2016 and 10% for the year ended September 30, 2015.
Property, Plant, and Equipment - Net by Geographical Area	   At September 30,  2017 2016  United States $ 872,947 $ 826,225  Germany 24,541 24,468  Other countries 24,555 25,657  Consolidated property, plant and equipment, net $ 922,043 $ 876,350 
U.S. Government Related [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
U.S. Government Related Sales by Segment	   Direct U.S. Government Sales Indirect U.S. Government Sales Total U.S. Government Related Sales  Fiscal year ended September 30, 2017  Aerospace $ 106,685 $ 362,536 $ 469,221  Industrial 3,726 10,814 14,540  Total net external sales $ 110,411 $ 373,350 $ 483,761  Percentage of total net sales 5% 18% 23%   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2016  Aerospace $ 103,026 $ 310,952 $ 413,978  Industrial 6,550 9,845 16,395  Total net external sales $ 109,576 $ 320,797 $ 430,373  Percentage of total net sales 5% 16% 21%   Fiscal year ended September 30, 2015  Aerospace $ 92,322 $ 258,391 $ 350,713  Industrial 4,836 8,839 13,675  Total net external sales $ 97,158 $ 267,230 $ 364,388  Percentage of total net sales 5% 13% 18%  

Supplemental Quarterly Financ50

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly results by segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 201 7 and September 30, 201 6 follow:     2017 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth  Segment external net sales:  Aerospace $ 266,680 $ 320,526 $ 355,992 $ 399,141  Industrial 176,214 179,855 192,630 207,647  Total $ 442,894 $ 500,381 $ 548,622 $ 606,788  Segment earnings:  Aerospace $ 46,877 $ 58,227 $ 67,173 $ 85,536  Industrial 17,998 17,089 20,870 23,034  Nonsegment expenses (11,381) (18,764) (12,945) (15,262)  Interest expense, net (6,435) (6,316) (6,411) (6,543)  Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 47,059 $ 50,236 $ 68,687 $ 86,765   2016 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth  Segment external net sales:  Aerospace $ 268,599 $ 290,690 $ 308,582 $ 365,305  Industrial 176,511 188,692 199,082 225,617  Total $ 445,110 $ 479,382 $ 507,664 $ 590,922  Segment earnings:  Aerospace $ 43,486 $ 50,578 $ 57,726 $ 80,376  Industrial 21,551 19,469 21,963 19,254  Nonsegment expenses (1) (30,620) (9,888) (10,369) (12,289)  Interest expense, net (6,461) (5,793) (5,912) (6,585)  Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 27,956 $ 54,366 $ 63,408 $ 80,756 Notes: 1. The results for N onsegment expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 incl ude special charges totaling approximately $16,100 related to Woodward's efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current market conditions.
Total of Reporting Segments [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 follow:     2017 Fiscal Quarters  First Second Third Fourth  Net sales $ 442,894 $ 500,381 $ 548,622 $ 606,788  Gross margin (1) (2) 113,746 133,282 153,872 171,659  Earnings before income taxes 47,059 50,236 68,687 86,765  Net earnings 46,548 38,105 53,626 62,228  Earnings per share  Basic earnings per share 0.76 0.62 0.87 1.02  Diluted earnings per share 0.73 0.60 0.85 0.98  Cash dividends per share 0.110 0.125 0.125 0.125   2016 Fiscal Quarters  First (3) Second Third Fourth  Net sales $ 445,110 $ 479,382 $ 507,664 $ 590,922  Gross margin (1) (2) 109,553 131,081 134,825 163,659  Earnings before income taxes 27,956 54,366 63,408 80,756  Net earnings 25,820 40,824 51,047 63,147  Earnings per share  Basic earnings per share 0.41 0.66 0.83 1.03  Diluted earnings per share 0.40 0.65 0.81 0.99  Cash dividends per share 0.100 0.110 0.110 0.110 Notes: 1. Gross margin represents net sales less cost of goods sold. 2. Gross margin for all periods presented has been recast from previously reported quarterly results due to reclassification of amortization as a separate line to an allocated expense/cost component of cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses . See “Note 1 - Operations and summary of significant accounting policies ” for further information on reclassification. 3. Results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 include special charges totaling approximately $16,100 related to Woodward's efforts to consolidate facilities, reduce costs and address current market conditions.

Schedule II (Tables)

Schedule II (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II	   Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E  Additions  Description Balance at Beginning of Year Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts (a) Deductions (b) Balance at End of Year  Fiscal year 2017  Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 2,540 $ 1,063 $ 449 $ (276) $ 3,776  Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 3,317 77 - 320 3,714  Fiscal year 2016  Allowance for uncollectible accounts 3,841 255 233 (1,789) 2,540  Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 6,804 53 - (3,540) 3,317  Fiscal year 2015  Allowance for uncollectible accounts 7,078 364 487 (4,088) 3,841  Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 9,486 209 - (2,891) 6,804    Notes: (a) Includes recoveries of accounts previously written off.  (b) Represents accounts receivable written off against the allowance for collectible accounts and releases of valuation reserves to income tax expense. Also included are foreign currency exchange rate adjustments. Currency translation adjustments resulted in an increase in the reserves of $64 in fiscal year 2017, an increase in the reserve of $77 in fiscal year 2016, and a decrease in the reserve of $934 in fiscal year 2015.

Operations and summary of sig52

Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017
Basis of Presentation
Selling, general, and administrative expenses include net foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$ (651,000)	$ 701,000	$ (1,721,000)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0
Asset Impairment Charges				$ 0

Operations and summar of signif

Operations and summar of significant accounting policies (Schedule of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for uncollectible customer amounts	$ (3,776)	$ (2,540)
Accounts receivable	402,182	343,768
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Gross	367,715	341,215
Accounts Receivable from Chinese Financial Institution [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Gross	$ 38,243	$ 5,093

Operations and summary of sig54

Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Schedule of property, plant, and equipment useful lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Enterprise Resource Planning system [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Production Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software, Excluding ERP system [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Production Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	13 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	13 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment and Software, Excluding ERP system [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years

Operations and summary of sig55

Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets useful lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	9 years
Minimum [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Process Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	30 years
Maximum [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	17 years
Maximum [Member] | Process Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	30 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years

Operations and summary of sig56

Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Schedule of reclassifications) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 6,449	$ 6,439	$ 6,431	$ 6,458	$ 6,727	$ 6,887	$ 6,926	$ 6,946	$ 25,777	$ 27,486	$ 29,241
Cost of Sales [Member]
Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	1,955	1,948	1,943	1,954	1,961	2,117	2,162	2,180	7,800	8,420	9,115
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$ 4,494	$ 4,491	$ 4,488	$ 4,504	$ 4,766	$ 4,770	$ 4,764	$ 4,766	$ 17,977	$ 19,066	$ 20,126

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Rent expense for all operating leases	$ 8,302	$ 7,359	$ 7,299
Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases	$ 23,215

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			$ 71,751	$ 125,541	$ 158,762
Goldman Sachs Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Accelerated Share Repurchase Program, Execution Date					Jun. 2, 2015
Accelerated Share Repurchase Program, Completion Date					Sep. 3, 2015
Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Price Paid Per Share					$ 49.89
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock					$ 125,000
Purchases of treasury stock, shares	458	2,048			2,506

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share
Net earnings	$ 62,228	$ 53,626	$ 38,105	$ 46,548	$ 63,147	$ 51,047	$ 40,824	$ 25,820	$ 200,507	$ 180,838	$ 181,452
Basic shares outstanding									61,366	61,893	64,684
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock									2,146	1,663	1,372
Diluted shares outstanding									63,512	63,556	66,056
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.02	$ 0.87	$ 0.62	$ 0.76	$ 1.03	$ 0.83	$ 0.66	$ 0.41	$ 3.27	$ 2.92	$ 2.81
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.98	$ 0.85	$ 0.60	$ 0.73	$ 0.99	$ 0.81	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 3.16	$ 2.85	$ 2.75

Earnings Per Share (Anti-diluti

Earnings Per Share (Anti-dilutive Stock Options Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share
Options	68	697
Weighted-average option price	$ 63.23	$ 46.55

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Treasury Stock Shares Held for Deferred Compensation Included in Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share
Weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations	180	171	190

Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Det

Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jan. 04, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash received from formation of joint venture			$ 0	$ 250,000	$ 0
Current portion of deferred income recorded in connection with joint venture			6,451	6,552
Noncurrent portion of deferred income recorded in connection with joint venture			236,896	238,187
Deferred income tax assets			201,970	206,966
Equity interest in earnings (losses) of joint venture			$ 2,568	$ 6,204	$ 0
Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Agreement to Form Joint Venture, Execution Date				Jan. 4, 2016
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			50.00%
Cash received from formation of joint venture		$ 250,000
Cash received annually from formation of joint venture	$ 4,894
Amount of deferred income recorded in connection with joint venture						$ 250,000
Current portion of deferred income recorded in connection with joint venture			$ 6,451	$ 6,552
Noncurrent portion of deferred income recorded in connection with joint venture			236,896	238,187
Equity interest in earnings (losses) of joint venture			2,568	6,204
Cash distributions from joint venture			2,500	0
Net investment in joint venture			6,272	6,204
Accounts receivable from related party			8,554	5,326
Accounts payable to related party			6,741	3,926
Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member] | Sales [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred income recognized as an increase to sales			6,286	5,261
Sales to related party			70,234	46,973
Reduction to sales related to royalties paid to joint venture			26,133	$ 21,391
Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash received annually from formation of joint venture			$ 4,894

Financial Instruments and Fai63

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial liability on recurring basis	$ 0	$ 0
Investments in Short-Term Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Interest rate used to estimate fair value	5.30%	6.90%
Long Term Notes Receivable From Municipalities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Interest rate used to estimate fair value	2.60%	2.20%
Borrowings [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Interest rate used to estimate fair value	2.40%	1.90%

Financial Instruments and Fai64

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Financial Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial assets	$ 104,152	$ 100,717
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial assets	104,152	100,717
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial assets	0	0
Cash [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	79,822	80,959
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	79,822	80,959
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments in Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	48
Investments in Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	48
Investments in Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments in Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments in Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1	83
Investments in Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1	83
Investments in Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments in Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments in Term Deposits with Foreign Banks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,729	7,136
Investments in Term Deposits with Foreign Banks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,729	7,136
Investments in Term Deposits with Foreign Banks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments in Term Deposits with Foreign Banks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	16,600	12,491
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	16,600	12,491
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fai65

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable from municipalities, Carrying Cost	$ 14,507	$ 15,849
Investments in short-term time deposits, Carrying Cost	8,223	4,918
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, Carrying Cost	(582,080)	(579,244)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable from municipalities, Estimated Fair Value	15,848	17,501
Investments in short-term time deposits, Estimated Fair Value	8,227	4,882
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, Estimated Fair Value	$ (592,317)	$ (617,857)

Derivative Instruments and He66

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) € in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

15 Months Ended

18 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017EUR (€)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2017CNY (¥)

Jun. 30, 2016CNY (¥)

Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Net unrecognized gains on terminated derivative instruments expected to be reclassified to earnings

$ 72

Term of gain or loss recognition in interest expense on terminated derivatives recorded in OCI

12 months

EUR Denominated Loan [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary

$ (2,395)

$ (47)

First China Intercompany Loan [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary

912

$ 572

$ 1,484

Value of Net Investment Hedging Instruments Used | ¥

¥ 160,000

Second China Intercompany Loan [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary

$ 453

(73)

$ 380

Value of Net Investment Hedging Instruments Used | ¥

¥ 160,000

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Term of gain or loss recognition in interest expense on terminated derivatives recorded in OCI

7 years

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 25,000

Interest Expense [Member] | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative

$ 507

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Earnings [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Unrecognized gains (loss)

$ 290

$ 290

$ 218

2008 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Issuance Date

Oct. 1, 2008

2009 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Issuance Date

Apr. 1, 2009

2013 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Issuance Date

Oct. 1, 2013

Face Amount

$ 250,000

First Closing Notes [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Issuance Date

Oct. 1, 2013

Second Closing Notes [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Issuance Date

Nov. 15, 2013

2016 Note Purchase Agreements [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Issuance Date

Sep. 23, 2016

Face Amount | €

€ 160,000

Series M Notes [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Value of Net Investment Hedging Instruments Used | €

40,000

Face Amount | €

40,000

Series N Notes [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Face Amount | €

77,000

Series O Notes [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Face Amount | €

€ 43,000

Derivative Instruments and He67

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Impact of Derivative Instruments on Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative		$ (72)	$ 21	$ 99
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings		$ (72)	$ 21	$ 99
Interest Expense [Member] | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative	$ 507

Supplemental Statements of Ca68

Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information (Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 27,752	$ 34,500	$ 32,608
Income taxes paid	33,926	99,468	51,218
Income tax refunds received	997	2,350	689
Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account	17,327	10,705	23,966
Property, plant and equipment acquired by capital lease	0	1,653	0
Common shares issued from treasury stock to settle employee liabilities	1,767	0	0
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans	14,014	13,999	12,574
Cashless exercise of stock options	$ 1,473	$ 753	$ 1,532

Inventories (Schedule of Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventories
Raw Materials	$ 59,034	$ 54,246
Work in progress	103,790	109,756
Component Parts	262,755	249,307
Finished Goods	47,926	48,374
Inventory, net	$ 473,505	$ 461,683

Property, Plant, and Equipmen70

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in progress	$ 111,910	$ 88,909
Depreciation expense	55,140	41,550	$ 45,994
Service Life [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		(12,000)
Second Campus Rockford Illinois [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Construction in progress	49,347	26,741
Office furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross assets acquired on capital leases	1,653	1,653
Accumulated depreciation on capital lease assets	$ 739	$ 322

Property, Plant, and Equipmen71

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net (Property, Plant, and Equipment - Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
Land and Land Improvements	$ 88,326	$ 87,696
Buildings and improvements	514,453	527,704
Leasehold improvements	16,142	15,213
Machinery and production equipment	543,641	484,315
Computer equipment and software	124,723	117,984
Office furniture and equipment	24,308	29,344
Other	19,393	18,969
Construction in progress	111,910	88,909
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	1,442,896	1,370,134
Less accumulated depreciation	(520,853)	(493,784)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	922,043	876,350
Depreciation expense	55,140	41,550	$ 45,994
Capitalized interest	$ 2,008	$ 5,455	$ 8,995

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details)

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment		$ 0
Assumed annual compound growth rate after five or ten years	3.39%
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of capital assumption	9.57%
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of capital assumption	13.86%

Goodwill (Goodwill) (Details)

Goodwill (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 555,684	$ 556,977
Effects of Currency Translation	861	(1,293)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	556,545	555,684
Aerospace [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	455,423	455,423
Effects of Currency Translation	0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	455,423	455,423
Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	100,261	101,554
Effects of Currency Translation	861	(1,293)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 101,122	$ 100,261

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedul

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 443,476				$ 443,445				$ 443,476	$ 443,445
Accumulated Amortization	(271,594)				(245,795)				(271,594)	(245,795)
Net Carrying Amount	171,882				197,650				171,882	197,650
Amortization expense	6,449	$ 6,439	$ 6,431	$ 6,458	6,727	$ 6,887	$ 6,926	$ 6,946	25,777	27,486	$ 29,241
Process Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	99,555				99,570				99,555	99,570
Accumulated Amortization	(66,880)				(59,429)				(66,880)	(59,429)
Net Carrying Amount	32,675				40,141				32,675	40,141
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	323,187				323,194				323,187	323,194
Accumulated Amortization	(185,562)				(167,667)				(185,562)	(167,667)
Net Carrying Amount	137,625				155,527				137,625	155,527
Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	19,422				19,435				19,422	19,435
Accumulated Amortization	(18,196)				(17,876)				(18,196)	(17,876)
Net Carrying Amount	1,226				1,559				1,226	1,559
Other Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	1,312				1,246				1,312	1,246
Accumulated Amortization	(956)				(823)				(956)	(823)
Net Carrying Amount	356				423				356	423
Aerospace [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	358,830				358,830				358,830	358,830
Accumulated Amortization	(200,279)				(177,387)				(200,279)	(177,387)
Net Carrying Amount	158,551				181,443				158,551	181,443
Aerospace [Member] | Process Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	76,605				76,605				76,605	76,605
Accumulated Amortization	(49,124)				(43,229)				(49,124)	(43,229)
Net Carrying Amount	27,481				33,376				27,481	33,376
Aerospace [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	282,225				282,225				282,225	282,225
Accumulated Amortization	(151,155)				(134,158)				(151,155)	(134,158)
Net Carrying Amount	131,070				148,067				131,070	148,067
Aerospace [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	0				0				0	0
Accumulated Amortization	0				0				0	0
Net Carrying Amount	0				0				0	0
Aerospace [Member] | Other Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	0				0				0	0
Accumulated Amortization	0				0				0	0
Net Carrying Amount	0				0				0	0
Industrial [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	84,646				84,615				84,646	84,615
Accumulated Amortization	(71,315)				(68,408)				(71,315)	(68,408)
Net Carrying Amount	13,331				16,207				13,331	16,207
Industrial [Member] | Process Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	22,950				22,965				22,950	22,965
Accumulated Amortization	(17,756)				(16,200)				(17,756)	(16,200)
Net Carrying Amount	5,194				6,765				5,194	6,765
Industrial [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	40,962				40,969				40,962	40,969
Accumulated Amortization	(34,407)				(33,509)				(34,407)	(33,509)
Net Carrying Amount	6,555				7,460				6,555	7,460
Industrial [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	19,422				19,435				19,422	19,435
Accumulated Amortization	(18,196)				(17,876)				(18,196)	(17,876)
Net Carrying Amount	1,226				1,559				1,226	1,559
Industrial [Member] | Other Intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	1,312				1,246				1,312	1,246
Accumulated Amortization	(956)				(823)				(956)	(823)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 356				$ 423				$ 356	$ 423

Intangible Assets, Net (Sched75

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net
2,018	$ 24,995
2,019	23,159
2,020	20,372
2,021	18,404
2,022	16,249
Thereafter	68,703
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 171,882	$ 197,650

Credit Facilities and Short-ter

Credit Facilities and Short-term Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 28, 2015
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,017,588
Outstanding borrowings	32,600
Debt financing costs		$ 863	$ 2,359
Foreign Performance Guarantee Facilities [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	10,058
Outstanding borrowings	0
Foreign Lines of Credit And Overdraft Facilities [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	7,530
Outstanding borrowings	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,000,000
Credit facility effective interest rate on outstanding borrowing	2.29%	1.77%
Outstanding borrowings	$ 32,600	$ 156,700
Current portion of outstanding borrowings	32,600	150,000
Debt financing costs			$ 2,359
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs, line of credit	2,259	3,134
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	1,000,000
Option to increase maximum borrowings to this amount	$ 1,200,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Apr. 1, 2020
Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Cross default provisions related to the Company’s other outstanding debt arrangements in excess of this amount, the occurrence of which would permit the lenders to accelerate the amounts due thereunder	$ 60,000
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Base Value	$ 800,000
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Percentage of Net Income	50.00%
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Percentage of Net Proceeds of Issuance of Capital Stock	50.00%
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum	3.5
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio During Material Acquisition Period, Maximum	4
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio Next Two Succeeding Fiscal Quarters Following Material Acquisition, Maximum	3.75
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs, line of credit	$ 2,259
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs, line of credit				$ 2,014
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis Spread On Variable Rate	0.85%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis Spread On Variable Rate	1.65%
The Notes [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Percentage of Net Income	50.00%
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum	3.5
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio During Material Acquisition Period, Maximum	4
Note Purchase Agreements 2008 and 2009 [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Base Value	$ 485,940
Note Purchase Agreement 2013 and 2016 [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Base Value	$ 1,046,619
2016 Note Purchase Agreements [Member]
Debt And Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt financing costs		$ 863

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt financing costs			$ 863	$ 2,359
Amortization of debt financing costs recognized as interest expense		$ 1,130	1,165	1,114
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs			2,091		$ 1,794
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					1,017,588
Outstanding borrowings					$ 32,600
The Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum	3.5	3.5
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Percentage of Net Income	50.00%				50.00%
Debt Covenant, Calculations, Period Of Time	rolling four quarter basis	rolling four quarter basis
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio During Material Acquisition Period, Maximum	4	4
Prepayment, Maximum Percentage of Principal	100.00%	100.00%
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs			2,091		$ 1,794
The USD Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Maximum Percentage of Priority Debt To Consolidated Net Worth	25.00%	25.00%
Prepayment, Partial Payment Minimum		$ 1,000
Non Floating Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment, Make-Whole Amount Computation, Discount Rate Basis Points	50	50
Debt Instrument Prepayment Make Whole Amount Computation	computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of the USD Notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the USD Notes being prepaid	computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of the USD Notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the USD Notes being prepaid
2013 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Oct. 1, 2013	Oct. 1, 2013
Face Amount					$ 250,000
Floating Rate Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Prepayment Make Whole Amount Computation	computed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Series J Notes equal to (a) 2%, on or prior to November 15, 2014, (b) 1%, after November 15, 2014 and on or prior to November 15, 2015, and (c) 0% after November 15, 2015	computed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Series J Notes equal to (a) 2%, on or prior to November 15, 2014, (b) 1%, after November 15, 2014 and on or prior to November 15, 2015, and (c) 0% after November 15, 2015
Series J Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.60%				2.60%
First Closing Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Oct. 1, 2013	Oct. 1, 2013
Second Closing Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Nov. 15, 2013	Nov. 15, 2013
Note Purchase Agreements 2008 and 2009 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Base Value					$ 485,940
2008 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Oct. 1, 2008	Oct. 1, 2008
2009 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Apr. 1, 2009	Apr. 1, 2009
2016 Note Purchase Agreements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Sep. 23, 2016	Sep. 23, 2016
Face Amount | €	€ 160,000
Prepayment, Partial Payment Minimum | €	€ 1,000
Debt financing costs			863
2016 Notes Subject to Swap Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Prepayment Make Whole Amount Computation	adjusted for theoretical holder returns foregone on hypothetical reinvestments in U.S. Treasury securities (the "Swapped Notes") is equal to the excess of an amount equal to the remaining scheduled payments to be paid in respect of such called principal under such swap agreement discounted at a rate equal to 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the Swapped Notes being prepaid over the amount of payments in U.S. dollars that would be paid to the holder of the Swapped Note in respect of the called principal under the swap agreement, which amount will be increased or reduced, as applicable, in an amount equal to any net gain or loss realized by the holder of such Swapped Note on swap transactions under such swap agreement as a result of such prepayment	adjusted for theoretical holder returns foregone on hypothetical reinvestments in U.S. Treasury securities (the "Swapped Notes") is equal to the excess of an amount equal to the remaining scheduled payments to be paid in respect of such called principal under such swap agreement discounted at a rate equal to 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the Swapped Notes being prepaid over the amount of payments in U.S. dollars that would be paid to the holder of the Swapped Note in respect of the called principal under the swap agreement, which amount will be increased or reduced, as applicable, in an amount equal to any net gain or loss realized by the holder of such Swapped Note on swap transactions under such swap agreement as a result of such prepayment
2016 Notes Not Subject to Swap Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Prepayment Make Whole Amount Computation	computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of such notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of the German Bund having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the 2016 Notes being prepaid	computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of such notes being prepaid at a discount rate equal to the sum of 50 basis points and the yield to maturity of the German Bund having a maturity equal to the remaining average life of the 2016 Notes being prepaid
Series M Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face Amount | €	€ 40,000
Series N Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face Amount | €	77,000
Series O Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face Amount | €	€ 43,000
Note Purchase Agreement 2013 and 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Base Value					1,046,619
Foreign Performance Guarantee Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					10,058
Outstanding borrowings					0
Foreign Lines of Credit And Overdraft Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					7,530
Outstanding borrowings					0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt financing costs				$ 2,359
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs, line of credit			3,134		2,259
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					1,000,000
Outstanding borrowings			$ 156,700		$ 32,600
Credit facility effective interest rate on outstanding borrowing	2.29%		1.77%		2.29%
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs, line of credit						$ 2,014
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR	LIBOR
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum	3.5	3.5
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Base Value					$ 800,000
Debt Covenant, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Calculation, Percentage of Net Income	50.00%				50.00%
Debt Covenant, Leverage Ratio During Material Acquisition Period, Maximum	4	4
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs, line of credit					$ 2,259
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Apr. 1, 2020	Apr. 1, 2020
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 1,000,000
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis Spread On Variable Rate	0.85%	0.85%
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis Spread On Variable Rate	1.65%	1.65%

Credit Facilities and Short-t78

Credit Facilities and Short-term Borrowings (Short-term Borrowings and Availability Under Various Short-term Credit Facilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	$ 1,017,588
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees	(10,972)
Outstanding borrowings	(32,600)
Remaining availability	974,016
Foreign Performance Guarantee Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	10,058
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees	(351)
Outstanding borrowings	0
Remaining availability	9,707
Foreign Lines of Credit And Overdraft Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	7,530
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees	0
Outstanding borrowings	0
Remaining availability	7,530
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	1,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees	(10,621)
Outstanding borrowings	(32,600)	$ (156,700)
Remaining availability	$ 956,779

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Lon

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 614,680	$ 729,244
Current portion of long-term debt	(32,600)	(150,000)
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(1,794)	(2,091)
Long-term debt, less current portion	$ 580,286	$ 577,153
Series D Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.39%	6.39%
Maturity date	Oct. 1, 2018	Oct. 1, 2018
Total debt	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Series F Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	8.24%	8.24%
Maturity date	Apr. 3, 2019	Apr. 3, 2019
Total debt	$ 43,000	$ 43,000
Series J Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.60%
Series J Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis Spread On Variable Rate	1.25%	1.25%
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2020	Nov. 15, 2020
Total debt	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Series G Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.42%	3.42%
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2020	Nov. 15, 2020
Total debt	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Series H Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.03%	4.03%
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2023	Nov. 15, 2023
Total debt	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Series I Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.18%	4.18%
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2025	Nov. 15, 2025
Total debt	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Series K Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.03%	4.03%
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2023	Nov. 15, 2023
Total debt	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Series L Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.18%	4.18%
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2025	Nov. 15, 2025
Total debt	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Series M Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.12%	1.12%
Maturity date	Sep. 23, 2026	Sep. 23, 2026
Total debt	$ 47,270	$ 44,886
Series N Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.31%	1.31%
Maturity date	Sep. 23, 2028	Sep. 23, 2028
Total debt	$ 90,995	$ 86,406
Series O Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.57%	1.57%
Maturity date	Sep. 23, 2031	Sep. 23, 2031
Total debt	$ 50,815	$ 48,252
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility effective interest rate on outstanding borrowing	2.29%	1.77%
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Domestic Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 32,600	$ 156,700
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis Spread On Variable Rate	0.85%
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis Spread On Variable Rate	1.65%

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Fut

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Future Principal Payments of Long-term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Debt Disclosure
2,018	$ 0
2,019	143,000
2,020	0
2,021	100,000
2,022	0
Thereafter	339,080
Long-term debt balance	$ 582,080

Accrued Liabilities (Narrative)

Accrued Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Loss reserve against the estimated remaining contractual lease commitments, less anticipated sublease income			$ 0	$ 8,165	$ 39
Loss reserve, noncurrent portion			3,927	$ 7,402
Loss Reserve On Contractual Lease Commitments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Loss reserve against the estimated remaining contractual lease commitments, less anticipated sublease income		$ 8,165
Non-cash adjustments	$ 2,322
Loss reserve, noncurrent portion			$ 3,927

Accrued Liabilities (Accrued Li

Accrued Liabilities (Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accrued Liabilities
Salaries and other member benefits	$ 91,285	$ 87,197
Warranties	13,597	15,993	$ 13,741	$ 16,916
Interest payable	9,626	9,071
Current portion of acquired performance obligations and unfavorable contracts	1,627	2,910
Accrued retirement benefits	2,413	2,505
Current portion of loss reserve	1,343	1,840
Current portion of deferred income from JV formation (Note 4)	6,451	6,552
Deferred revenues	4,625	5,779
Taxes, other than income	14,401	14,580
Other	9,704	10,200
Accrued liabilities	$ 155,072	$ 156,627

Accrued Liabilities (Warranties

Accrued Liabilities (Warranties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accrued Liabilities
Warranties, beginning of period	$ 15,993	$ 13,741	$ 16,916
Warranty Expense, net of recoveries	9,135	9,902	10,117
Reductions for settling warranties	(11,692)	(7,802)	(12,416)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	161	152	(876)
Warranties, end of period	$ 13,597	$ 15,993	$ 13,741

Accrued Liabilities (Loss Reser

Accrued Liabilities (Loss Reserve Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, beginning of period		$ 2,464	$ 9,242	$ 2,464	$ 3,212
Additions			0	8,165	39
Payments			(1,650)	(1,387)	(787)
Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments, end of period			$ 5,270	$ 9,242	$ 2,464
Loss Reserve On Contractual Lease Commitments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Additions		$ 8,165
Non-cash adjustments	$ (2,322)

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Net accrued retirement benefits, less amounts recognized within accrued liabilities	$ 52,211	$ 70,479
Noncurrent portion of deferred income from JV formation	236,896	238,187
Total unrecognized tax benefits, net of offsetting adjustments	20,949	17,239
Acquired unfavorable contracts	2,076	3,148
Deferred economic incentives	14,574	16,196
Loss reserve	3,927	7,402
Other	14,165	15,573
Other liabilities	344,798	$ 368,224
Loss Reserve On Contractual Lease Commitments [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Loss reserve	$ 3,927

Other (Income) Expense, Net (De

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Equity interest in losses (earnings) of the JV (Note 4)	$ (2,568)	$ (6,204)	$ 0
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets	(3,604)	(4,431)	(626)
Rent income	(254)	(315)	(485)
Net (gain) loss on investments in deferred compensation program	(1,833)	(1,062)	33
Other	(786)	(294)	(84)
Other (income) expense, net	$ (9,045)	$ (12,306)	$ (1,162)

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	$ 4,707	$ 5,255
Undistributed foreign earnings for which Woodward has not provided for taxes	405,286
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	20,132	23,526	$ 21,469	$ 22,687
Estimated decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits	7,726
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	9,677	11,426
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 1,123	$ 1,273

Income Taxes (Components of Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ 17,872	$ 81,127	$ 23,923
State	1,379	6,067	3,108
Foreign	15,118	9,689	18,343
Deferred:
Federal	16,907	(40,801)	19,236
State	(2,561)	(9,054)	751
Foreign	3,525	(1,380)	(5,864)
Income tax expense	$ 52,240	$ 45,648	$ 59,497

Income Taxes (Earings Before In

Income Taxes (Earings Before Income Taxes by Geographical Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes
United States									$ 192,220	$ 175,146	$ 172,315
Other countries									60,527	51,340	68,634
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	$ 86,765	$ 68,687	$ 50,236	$ 47,059	$ 80,756	$ 63,408	$ 54,366	$ 27,956	$ 252,747	$ 226,486	$ 240,949

Income Taxes (Composition of De

Income Taxes (Composition of Deferred Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Defined benefit plans, other postretirement	$ 11,947	$ 13,017
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	4,707	5,255
Inventory	29,444	27,332
Deferred and stock-based compensation	37,693	34,388
Defined benefit plans, pension	1,148	8,955
Deferred revenue	92,426	92,213
Other reserves	10,850	13,968
Tax credits and incentives	9,769	7,744
Other	7,700	7,411
Valuation allowance	(3,714)	(3,317)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	201,970	206,966
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and intangibles - net	(103,781)	(99,030)
Property, plant and equipment	(109,229)	(88,986)
Other	(2,418)	(2,533)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(215,428)	(190,549)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (13,458)	$ 16,417

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of U.S Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	(0.30%)	0.40%	1.20%
Taxes on international activities	(7.60%)	(2.20%)	(3.80%)
Research credit	(3.20%)	(3.60%)	(0.80%)
Retroactive extension of research credit		(3.20%)	(2.40%)
Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(1.40%)	(2.60%)
Domestic production activities deduction	(1.50%)	(2.10%)	(1.60%)
Adjustments of prior period tax items	(0.90%)	(0.20%)	(2.10%)
Other items, net	0.60%	(1.30%)	(0.80%)
Effective tax rate	20.70%	20.20%	24.70%

Income Taxes (Reconciliation 92

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes
Beginning Balance	$ 23,526	$ 21,469	$ 22,687
Additions to current year tax positions	2,560	3,588	2,234
Reductions to prior year tax positions	(5,753)	(2,292)	(7,785)
Additions to prior year tax positions	3,501	761	5,124
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(3,702)		(791)
Ending Balance	$ 20,132	$ 23,526	$ 21,469

Retirement Benefits (Narrative)

Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of Company Stock Contributed to Defined Contribution Benefit Plans	$ 14,014,000	$ 13,999,000	$ 12,574,000
Treasury Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plans | shares	199	317	259
Woodward Retirement Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares of Woodward stock held in Woodward Retirement Savings Plan | shares	4,183	4,488
Accrued Employee Benefits, Current	$ 11,355,000	$ 11,314,000
Total stockholders equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of Company Stock Contributed to Defined Contribution Benefit Plans	14,014,000	13,999,000	$ 12,574,000
Treasury Stock at Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of Company Stock Contributed to Defined Contribution Benefit Plans	$ 7,513,000	$ 8,680,000	$ 8,084,000
Treasury Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plans | shares	199	317	259
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss	$ 0	$ 47,000	$ 0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year	3,871,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 32,252,000	35,630,000
Option to elect company provided medical insurance coverage up to this age and a Medicare supplemental plan after this age	65
Age employees were eligible to participate in plan	55
Years of service required to be eligible to participate in plan	10 years
Approximate number of retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries currently providing postretirement benefits	770
Approximate number of active employees and their covered dependants and beneficiaries who may receive postretirement benefits in the future	13
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit, Lump Sum Buyout Benefits Paid, Current Year	$ 670,000
Settlement loss	0	47,000	0
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year	$ 0
Discount rate support/source data	Woodward uses a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end.
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 161,130,000	160,892,000
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit, Lump Sum Buyout Benefits Paid, Expected	$ 0
UNITED STATES | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate support/source data	Woodward used a bond portfolio matching analysis based on recently traded, non-callable bonds rated AA or better that have at least $50 million outstanding to determine the benefit obligations at year end.
Duarte Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss		47,000
Current defined benefit pension plan liability	$ 0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss	$ 0	0	$ 0
Discount rate support/source data	Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate cash flows to develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in each jurisdiction. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service cost and interest cost components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-quality corporate bond yield curve used to determine the September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, benefit obligation matched with separate cash flows for each future year. Prior to this change in method, the discount rate used to determine the periodic benefit costs for the year ending September 30, 2015 was based on a single rate equivalent.
Foreign Plan [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate support/source data	Woodward uses a high-quality corporate bond yield curve matched with separate cash flows to develop a single rate to determine the single rate equivalent to settle the entire benefit obligations in each jurisdiction. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the discount rate used to determine periodic service cost and interest cost components of the overall benefit costs was based on spot rates derived from the same high-quality corporate bond yield curve used to determine the September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, benefit obligation matched with separate cash flows for each future year.
UNITED KINGDOM | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year	$ 397,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 53,628,000	57,877,000
UNITED KINGDOM | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Approximate number of retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries currently providing postretirement benefits	6
JAPAN | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year	$ 217,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 10,007,000	$ 10,924,000

Retirement Benefits (Schedule o

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Company Costs - Defined Contribution	$ 32,008	$ 31,893	$ 30,933
Company Contributions - Multiemployer plan	$ 292	$ 475	$ 600

Retirement Benefits (Schedule95

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Assumptions Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | UNITED STATES
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	3.80%	3.65%	4.39%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ending September 30:
Discount rate	3.65%	4.39%	4.40%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.38%	7.62%	7.62%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	2.56%	2.28%	3.75%
Rate of compensation increase	3.60%	3.40%	3.40%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ending September 30:
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate, Service Cost	2.33%	3.86%	4.10%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate, Interest Cost	2.24%	3.63%	4.10%
Rate of compensation increase	3.40%	3.40%	3.50%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	4.75%	5.00%	5.50%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | JAPAN
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	0.58%	0.46%	0.97%
Rate of compensation increase	2.00%	2.02%	2.00%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ending September 30:
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate, Service Cost	0.59%	1.27%	1.10%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate, Interest Cost	0.45%	0.59%	1.10%
Rate of compensation increase	2.02%	2.00%	2.00%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	2.50%	3.00%	3.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	3.78%	3.63%	4.01%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ending September 30:
Discount rate	3.63%	4.01%	4.40%

Retirement Benefits (Schedule96

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 2,808	$ 2,444	$ 2,802
Interest cost	6,965	6,873	8,084
Expected return on plan assets	(13,134)	(12,799)	(13,679)
Amortization of: Net (gains) losses	2,368	1,538	586
Amortization of: Prior service (benefit) cost	383	384	383
Settlement loss	0	47	0
Net periodic benefit cost	(610)	(1,513)	(1,824)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	14	22	30
Interest cost	1,244	1,048	1,233
Amortization of: Net (gains) losses	201	156	(73)
Amortization of: Prior service (benefit) cost	(158)	(158)	(158)
Net periodic benefit cost	1,301	1,068	1,032
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,675	1,695	2,018
Interest cost	5,757	5,236	5,956
Expected return on plan assets	(10,529)	(10,140)	(10,647)
Amortization of: Net (gains) losses	1,854	1,292	396
Amortization of: Prior service (benefit) cost	383	384	383
Settlement loss	0	47	0
Net periodic benefit cost	(860)	(1,486)	(1,894)
Duarte Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement loss		47
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,133	749	784
Interest cost	1,208	1,637	2,128
Expected return on plan assets	(2,605)	(2,659)	(3,032)
Amortization of: Net (gains) losses	514	246	190
Amortization of: Prior service (benefit) cost	0	0	0
Settlement loss	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 250	$ (27)	$ 70

Retirement Benefits (Schedule97

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 232,949	$ 208,101
Service cost	2,808	2,444	$ 2,802
Interest cost	6,965	6,873	8,084
Net actuarial (gains) losses	(11,455)	34,976
Contribution by participants	69	67
Benefits paid	(7,911)	(12,445)
Plan amendments	3,694	0
Settlements	0	47
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	380	(7,114)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	227,499	232,949	208,101
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	208,812	196,253
Actual return (loss) on plan assets	22,609	30,061
Contributions by the Company	671	999
Contributions by plan participants	69	67
Benefits paid (plan assets)	(7,911)	(12,445)
Settlements	0	(47)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	462	(6,076)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	224,712	208,812	196,253
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(2,787)	(24,137)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | UNITED STATES
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	160,892	145,870
Service cost	1,675	1,695	2,018
Interest cost	5,757	5,236	5,956
Net actuarial (gains) losses	(5,267)	17,786
Contribution by participants	55	47
Benefits paid	(5,676)	(9,789)
Plan amendments	3,694	0
Settlements	0	47
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	161,130	160,892	145,870
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	145,886	135,590
Actual return (loss) on plan assets	20,067	19,859
Contributions by the Company	0	226
Contributions by plan participants	55	47
Benefits paid (plan assets)	(5,676)	(9,789)
Settlements	0	(47)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	160,332	145,886	135,590
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(798)	(15,006)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member]
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	72,057	62,231
Service cost	1,133	749	784
Interest cost	1,208	1,637	2,128
Net actuarial (gains) losses	(6,188)	17,190
Contribution by participants	14	20
Benefits paid	(2,235)	(2,656)
Plan amendments	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	380	(7,114)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	66,369	72,057	62,231
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	62,926	60,663
Actual return (loss) on plan assets	2,542	10,202
Contributions by the Company	671	773
Contributions by plan participants	14	20
Benefits paid (plan assets)	(2,235)	(2,656)
Settlements	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	462	(6,076)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	64,380	62,926	60,663
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(1,989)	(9,131)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	55,306
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	52,810
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | JAPAN
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	11,063
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,570
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	35,630	34,927
Service cost	14	22	30
Interest cost	1,244	1,048	1,233
Net actuarial (gains) losses	(2,049)	1,912
Contribution by participants	1,365	1,299
Benefits paid	(3,964)	(3,503)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	12	(75)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	32,252	35,630	34,927
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Contributions by the Company	2,599	2,204
Contributions by plan participants	1,365	1,299
Benefits paid (plan assets)	(3,964)	(3,503)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(32,252)	$ (35,630)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Benefits paid	(21)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$ 409

Retirement Benefits (Schedule98

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess of and Less Than Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation, plans with ABO in excess of plan assets	$ (82,447)	$ (220,788)
Accumulated benefit obligation, plans with ABO in excess of plan assets	(80,759)	(218,769)
Fair value of plan assets, plans with ABO in excess of plan assets	77,036	196,800
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets
Projected benefit obligation, plans with ABO less than plan assets	(145,052)	(12,161)
Accumulated benefit obligation, plans with ABO less than plan assets	(144,006)	(10,924)
Fair value of plan assets, plans with ABO less than plan assets	$ 147,676	$ 12,012

Retirement Benefits (Schedule99

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Other non-current assets	$ 2,623	$ 0
Accrued liabilities	(3)	0
Other non-current liabilities	(5,407)	(24,137)
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(2,787)	(24,137)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service (benefit) cost	7,169	3,857
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	31,221	54,477
Total amounts recognized	38,390	58,334	$ 44,720
Deferred taxes	(14,240)	(21,608)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	24,150	36,726
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Accrued liabilities	(2,410)	(2,505)
Other non-current liabilities	(29,842)	(33,125)
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(32,252)	(35,630)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service (benefit) cost	(160)	(318)
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	3,234	5,484
Total amounts recognized	3,074	5,166	3,268
Deferred taxes	(1,183)	(1,979)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	1,891	3,187
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Other non-current assets	1,726	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	(2,524)	(15,006)
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(798)	(15,006)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service (benefit) cost	7,169	3,857
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	17,023	33,682
Total amounts recognized	24,192	37,539	31,102
Deferred taxes	(9,224)	(14,305)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	14,968	23,234
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Other non-current assets	897	0
Accrued liabilities	(3)	0
Other non-current liabilities	(2,883)	(9,131)
Net over/(under)funded status at end of year	(1,989)	(9,131)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service (benefit) cost	0	0
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	14,198	20,795
Total amounts recognized	14,198	20,795	$ 13,618
Deferred taxes	(5,016)	(7,303)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	$ 9,182	$ 13,492

Retirement Benefits (Schedul100

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Changes in accumulated other comprehensive losses for the defined benefit plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net (gain) loss arising during the period	$ (22,979)	$ 19,718	$ 26,866
Loss (gain) due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period		(47)
Amortization of: Net gains (losses)	(2,570)	(1,694)	(513)
Amortization of: Prior service benefit (cost)	3,470	(226)	(225)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	43	(2,239)	(867)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earnings), beginning of year	58,334	44,720
Net (gain) loss arising during the period	(20,930)	17,806
Loss (gain) due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period	0	(47)
Amortization of: Net gains (losses)	(2,369)	(1,538)
Amortization of: Prior service benefit (cost)	3,312	(384)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	43	(2,223)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earning), end of year	38,390	58,334	44,720
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earnings), beginning of year	5,166	3,268
Net (gain) loss arising during the period	(2,049)	1,912
Amortization of: Net gains (losses)	(201)	(156)
Amortization of: Prior service benefit (cost)	158	158
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	(16)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earning), end of year	3,074	5,166	3,268
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earnings), beginning of year	37,539	31,102
Net (gain) loss arising during the period	(14,805)	8,160
Loss (gain) due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period	0	(47)
Amortization of: Net gains (losses)	(1,854)	(1,292)
Amortization of: Prior service benefit (cost)	3,312	(384)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earning), end of year	24,192	37,539	31,102
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earnings), beginning of year	20,795	13,618
Net (gain) loss arising during the period	(6,125)	9,646
Loss (gain) due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period	0	0
Amortization of: Net gains (losses)	(515)	(246)
Amortization of: Prior service benefit (cost)	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	43	(2,223)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (earning), end of year	$ 14,198	$ 20,795	$ 13,618

Retirement Benefits (Schedul101

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Amounts Expected to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Reported as a Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost During the Next Fiscal Year) (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	$ 709
Net actuarial (gains) losses	888
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	709
Net actuarial (gains) losses	598
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	0
Net actuarial (gains) losses	$ 290

Retirement Benefits (Schedul102

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	$ 8,476
2,019	9,489
2,020	9,704
2,021	10,461
2,022	10,781
2023 - 2027	60,877
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	6,251
2,019	6,911
2,020	7,521
2,021	8,065
2,022	8,524
2023 - 2027	48,075
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	2,225
2,019	2,578
2,020	2,183
2,021	2,396
2,022	2,257
2023 - 2027	$ 12,802

Retirement Benefits (Schedul103

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets, Actual and Target Allocations) (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
UNITED STATES | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	0.20%	4.60%
UNITED STATES | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	64.60%	56.40%
UNITED STATES | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	35.20%	39.00%
UNITED KINGDOM | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	0.10%	0.10%
UNITED KINGDOM | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	46.10%	34.70%
UNITED KINGDOM | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	53.80%	65.20%
JAPAN | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	0.90%	0.90%
JAPAN | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	41.00%	40.00%
JAPAN | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	58.10%	59.10%
Minimum [Member] | UNITED STATES | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | UNITED STATES | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	41.20%	40.80%
Minimum [Member] | UNITED STATES | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	28.80%	29.20%
Minimum [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	30.00%	25.00%
Minimum [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	45.00%	40.00%
Minimum [Member] | JAPAN | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | JAPAN | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	36.00%	36.00%
Minimum [Member] | JAPAN | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	55.00%	55.00%
Maximum [Member] | UNITED STATES | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%	0.00%
Maximum [Member] | UNITED STATES | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	81.20%	80.80%
Maximum [Member] | UNITED STATES | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	48.80%	49.20%
Maximum [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%	0.00%
Maximum [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	60.00%	45.00%
Maximum [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	70.00%	80.00%
Maximum [Member] | JAPAN | Other Investment Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	2.00%	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | JAPAN | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	44.00%	44.00%
Maximum [Member] | JAPAN | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	63.00%	63.00%

Retirement Benefits (Schedul104

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets, Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 224,712	$ 208,812	$ 196,253
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Global Target Return Equity-Bond Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,103
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	458	6,904
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,980	5,009
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,901	11,998
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	56,388	56,813
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16,540	16,180
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,987	5,321
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: International fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,730	1,777
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. equity large cap fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	54,140	48,506
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual funds: International equity large cap growth fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	49,513	33,834
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,487	2,536
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,260	2,258
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,940	7,982
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked international equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,285	9,694
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	160,332	145,886	135,590
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	160,332	145,894
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Global Target Return Equity-Bond Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	291	6,741
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	56,388	56,813
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: International fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. equity large cap fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	54,140	48,506
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual funds: International equity large cap growth fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	49,513	33,834
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked international equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Global Target Return Equity-Bond Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: International fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. equity large cap fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual funds: International equity large cap growth fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked international equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Global Target Return Equity-Bond Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: International fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. equity large cap fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual funds: International equity large cap growth fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
UNITED STATES | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked international equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	64,380	62,926	$ 60,663
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	167	163
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Global Target Return Equity-Bond Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	167	163
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: International fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. equity large cap fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual funds: International equity large cap growth fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked international equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	64,213	62,755
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Global Target Return Equity-Bond Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,103
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,980	5,009
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,901	11,998
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16,540	16,180
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,987	5,321
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: International fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,730	1,777
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. equity large cap fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual funds: International equity large cap growth fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,487	2,536
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,260	2,258
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,940	7,982
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked international equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,285	9,694
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Global Target Return Equity-Bond Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: International fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual funds: U.S. equity large cap fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual funds: International equity large cap growth fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Pooled funds: Index linked international equity fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	$ 0
UNITED KINGDOM | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	52,810
JAPAN | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 11,570

Retirement Benefits (Schedul105

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Future Postretirement Company Contributions) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	$ 0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	397
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | JAPAN
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	217
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	3,871
2,019	3,890
2,020	3,871
2,021	3,852
2,022	3,818
2023 - 2027	$ 17,812

Retirement Benefits (Schedul106

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	6.75%	7.00%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2,025	2,025

Retirement Benefits (Schedul107

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Health Care Costs Sensitivity) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect on projected fiscal year 2018 service and interest cost, 1% increase	$ 113
Effect on projected fiscal year 2018 service and interest cost, 1% decrease	(99)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, 1% increase	2,960
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, 1% decrease	$ (2,605)

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payments for repurchases of common stock				$ 71,751	$ 125,541	$ 158,762
Number of stock shares authorized for grants				2,000
Exercise prices of stock options outstanding				$ 39.58	$ 35.35
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements				$ 8,823
Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period				2 years
Forfeiture rate, Board of Directors				0.00%
Forfeiture rate, non-Board of Directors				9.00%
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested contractual term, in years				10 years
Vesting rate				25.00%
Restricted Stock Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted, Number of Shares				0
Restricted stock awards granted		24
Vesting period, in years				4 years
Service period for restricted stock award				4 years
2017 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation award conditionally awarded date				Oct. 3, 2016
Stock-based compensation plan effective date				Sep. 14, 2016
2016 Authorization [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized repurchase amount				$ 500,000
Payments for repurchases of common stock				$ 71,197
Repurchase period in years				3 years
Purchases of treasury stock, number of shares				1,027
Goldman Sachs Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payments for repurchases of common stock						125,000
Purchases of treasury stock						$ 125,000
Purchases of treasury stock, number of shares	458		2,048			2,506
10b5-1 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized repurchase amount					$ 125,000
Payments for repurchases of common stock					$ 125,000
Purchases of treasury stock, number of shares				491	2,635
10b-18 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchases of treasury stock, number of shares				536
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of stock options outstanding				$ 18.67
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of stock options outstanding				$ 70.39

Stockholders' Equity (Dividends

Stockholders' Equity (Dividends Declared and Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity
Dividends declared and paid									$ 29,745	$ 26,606	$ 24,646
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.125	$ 0.125	$ 0.125	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.100	$ 0.485	$ 0.430	$ 0.380

Stockholders' Equity (Stock-bas

Stockholders' Equity (Stock-based Compensation Expense Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation
Employee stock-based compensation expense	$ 17,282	$ 15,122	$ 14,255

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Assumptions Used in Estimate of Fair Value of Stock Option Awards) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date market value of Woodward stock	$ 69.45	$ 40.26	$ 46.55
Weighted-average exercise price per share	$ 62.74	$ 40.26	$ 46.55
Estimated volatility			36.50%
Estimated dividend yield	0.70%	1.00%	0.70%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	6 years	6 years 3 months 18 days	6 years 2 months 12 days
Estimated volatility	30.60%	34.50%
Risk-free interest rate	2.00%	1.70%	2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	8 years 8 months 12 days	8 years 8 months 12 days	8 years 9 months 18 days
Estimated volatility	33.70%	35.10%
Risk-free interest rate	2.50%	2.00%	2.30%

Stockholders' Equity (Weighted

Stockholders' Equity (Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Options Granted) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation
Options granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 24.98	$ 13.39	$ 17.02

Stockholders' Equity (Activity

Stockholders' Equity (Activity for Stock Option Awards) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Compensation
Number of options, beginning balance | shares	4,944
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, beginning balance | $ / shares	$ 35.35
Options granted, Number of options | shares	791
Options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 62.74
Options exercised, Number of options | shares	(466)
Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 33.65
Options forfeited, Number of options | shares	(33)
Options forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 44.21
Number of options, ending balance | shares	5,236
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, ending balance | $ / shares	$ 39.58

Stockholders' Equity (Changes i

Stockholders' Equity (Changes in Nonvested Stock Options) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation
Number of Options, beginning balance	2,075
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, beginning balance	$ 14.90
Options granted, Number of options	791
Options granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 24.98	$ 13.39	$ 17.02
Options vested, Number of options	(763)
Options vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 15.26
Options forfeited, Number of options	(31)
Options forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 15.40
Number of Options, ending balance	2,072	2,075
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, ending balance	$ 18.61	$ 14.90

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Opt

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Options Vested, Or Expected to Vest and Are Exercisable) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation
Options outstanding, Number of options	5,236	4,944
Options outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 39.58	$ 35.35
Options outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Life in Years	5 years 10 months 24 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 199,098
Options vested and exercisable, Number of options	3,164
Options vested and exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 32.80
Options vested and exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Life in Years	4 years 6 months
Options vested and exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 141,785
Options vested and expected to vest, Number of options	5,164
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 39.39
Options vested and to expected vest, Weighted-Average Remaining Life in Years	5 years 10 months 24 days
Options vested and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 197,348

Stockholders' Equity (Other Sto

Stockholders' Equity (Other Stock Option Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation
Total fair value of stock options vested	$ 11,639	$ 10,374	$ 9,656
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	16,416	23,178	18,876
Cash received from exercises of stock options	14,196	15,892	8,400
Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options	$ 4,383	$ 6,472	$ 6,959

Stockholders' Equity (Change117

Stockholders' Equity (Changes in Restricted Stock Awards) (Details) - Restricted Stock Award [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, beginning balance	24
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, beginning balance | $ / shares	$ 39.43
Shares granted, Number of Shares	0
Shares vested, Number of Shares	0
Shares forfeited, Number of Shares	(24)
Shares forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 39.43
Number of shares, ending balance	0

Commitments and Contingencie118

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure
Operating 2,018	$ 6,315
Operating 2,019	4,265
Operating 2,020	3,872
Operating 2,021	3,188
Operating 2,022	2,148
Operating Thereafter	3,427
Operating Lease, Future Rental Payments Due	23,215
Capital 2,018	444
Capital 2,019	451
Capital 2,020	122
Capital 2,021	0
Capital 2,022	0
Capital Thereafter	0
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,017

Commitments and Contingencie119

Commitments and Contingencies (Rent Expense for All Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure
Rent expense	$ 8,302	$ 7,359	$ 7,299

Commitments and Contingencie120

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Unconditional Purchase Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure
2,018	$ 299,267
2,019	17,993
2,020	232
2,021	66
2,022	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 317,558

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) - segment	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	2
General Electric [Member] | Sales [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	16.00%	17.00%	18.00%
General Electric [Member] | Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	10.00%	14.00%
U.S. Government Related [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	23.00%	21.00%	18.00%
U.S. Government Related [Member] | Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	3.00%	2.00%
The Boeing Company [Member] | Sales [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	11.00%	8.00%	7.00%
Weichai Westport, Inc. [Member] | Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	14.00%	3.00%

Segment Information (Consolidat

Segment Information (Consolidated Net Sales and Earnings by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 606,788	$ 548,622	$ 500,381	$ 442,894	$ 590,922	$ 507,664	$ 479,382	$ 445,110	$ 2,098,685	$ 2,023,078	$ 2,038,303
Interest expense, net	(6,543)	(6,411)	(6,316)	(6,435)	(6,585)	(5,912)	(5,793)	(6,461)	(25,705)	(24,751)	(24,077)
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	86,765	68,687	50,236	47,059	80,756	63,408	54,366	27,956	252,747	226,486	240,949
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	399,141	355,992	320,526	266,680	365,305	308,582	290,690	268,599	1,342,339	1,233,176	1,160,883
Segment earnings (loss)	85,536	67,173	58,227	46,877	80,376	57,726	50,578	43,486	257,813	232,166	187,747
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	207,647	192,630	179,855	176,214	225,617	199,082	188,692	176,511	756,346	789,902	877,420
Segment earnings (loss)	23,034	20,870	17,089	17,998	19,254	21,963	19,469	21,551	78,991	82,237	126,641
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment earnings (loss)	$ (15,262)	$ (12,945)	$ (18,764)	$ (11,381)	$ (12,289)	$ (10,369)	$ (9,888)	$ (30,620)	$ (58,352)	$ (63,166)	$ (49,362)

Segment Information (Consoli123

Segment Information (Consolidated Total Assets by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 2,757,109	$ 2,642,362	$ 2,512,404
Other unallocated assets	234,301	209,683	206,301
Property, plant and equipment, net	922,043	876,350
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,722,789	1,637,522	1,566,421
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	695,264	705,169	653,848
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 104,755	$ 89,988	$ 85,834

Segment Information (Consoli124

Segment Information (Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 80,917	$ 69,036	$ 75,235
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	9,219	7,799	7,979
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	47,277	40,825	46,488
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 24,421	$ 20,412	$ 20,768

Segment Information (Consoli125

Segment Information (Consolidated Capital Expenditures by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 92,336	$ 175,692	$ 286,612
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	17,335	22,878	23,299
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	62,812	90,749	150,021
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 12,189	$ 62,065	$ 113,292

Segment Information (U.S. Gover

Segment Information (U.S. Government Related Sales by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 606,788	$ 548,622	$ 500,381	$ 442,894	$ 590,922	$ 507,664	$ 479,382	$ 445,110	$ 2,098,685	$ 2,023,078	$ 2,038,303
Aerospace [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	399,141	355,992	320,526	266,680	365,305	308,582	290,690	268,599	1,342,339	1,233,176	1,160,883
Industrial [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 207,647	$ 192,630	$ 179,855	$ 176,214	$ 225,617	$ 199,082	$ 188,692	$ 176,511	756,346	789,902	877,420
U.S. Government Related [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 483,761	$ 430,373	$ 364,388
Percentage of total attributable to major customer									23.00%	21.00%	18.00%
U.S. Government Related [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 469,221	$ 413,978	$ 350,713
U.S. Government Related [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									14,540	16,395	13,675
Indirect Sales to U.S. Government [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 373,350	$ 320,797	$ 267,230
Percentage of total attributable to major customer									18.00%	16.00%	13.00%
Indirect Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 362,536	$ 310,952	$ 258,391
Indirect Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									10,814	9,845	8,839
Direct Sales to U.S. Government [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 110,411	$ 109,576	$ 97,158
Percentage of total attributable to major customer									5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Direct Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 106,685	$ 103,026	$ 92,322
Direct Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 3,726	$ 6,550	$ 4,836
Sales [Member] | General Electric [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer									16.00%	17.00%	18.00%
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] | U.S. Government Related [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer									3.00%	2.00%
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] | General Electric [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer									10.00%	14.00%

Segment Information (External N

Segment Information (External Net Sales by Geographical Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Consolidated net sales	$ 606,788	$ 548,622	$ 500,381	$ 442,894	$ 590,922	$ 507,664	$ 479,382	$ 445,110	$ 2,098,685	$ 2,023,078	$ 2,038,303
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									1,211,902	1,118,833	1,054,895
All Other Countries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									119,806	137,661	172,211
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 478,725	$ 537,901	$ 569,322
Germany [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Percent of external net sales, foreign countries									8.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 288,252	$ 228,683	$ 241,875

Segment Information (Property,

Segment Information (Property, Plant, and Equipment - Net by Geographical Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 922,043	$ 876,350
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	872,947	826,225
Germany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	24,541	24,468
Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 24,555	$ 25,657

Supplemental Quarterly Finan129

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Quarterly Financial Data
Other expenses, special charges	$ 16,100

Supplemental Quarterly Finan130

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data
Net sales	$ 606,788	$ 548,622	$ 500,381	$ 442,894	$ 590,922	$ 507,664	$ 479,382	$ 445,110	$ 2,098,685	$ 2,023,078	$ 2,038,303
Gross margin	171,659	153,872	133,282	113,746	163,659	134,825	131,081	109,553
Earnings before income taxes	86,765	68,687	50,236	47,059	80,756	63,408	54,366	27,956	252,747	226,486	240,949
Net Earnings:
Net earnings	$ 62,228	$ 53,626	$ 38,105	$ 46,548	$ 63,147	$ 51,047	$ 40,824	$ 25,820	$ 200,507	$ 180,838	$ 181,452
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.02	$ 0.87	$ 0.62	$ 0.76	$ 1.03	$ 0.83	$ 0.66	$ 0.41	$ 3.27	$ 2.92	$ 2.81
Diluted earnings per share	0.98	0.85	0.60	0.73	0.99	0.81	0.65	0.40	3.16	2.85	2.75
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.125	$ 0.125	$ 0.125	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.110	$ 0.100	$ 0.485	$ 0.430	$ 0.380

Supplemental Quarterly Finan131

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Quarterly Financial Information - Segment Reporting) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 606,788	$ 548,622	$ 500,381	$ 442,894	$ 590,922	$ 507,664	$ 479,382	$ 445,110	$ 2,098,685	$ 2,023,078	$ 2,038,303
Interest expense, net	(6,543)	(6,411)	(6,316)	(6,435)	(6,585)	(5,912)	(5,793)	(6,461)	(25,705)	(24,751)	(24,077)
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	86,765	68,687	50,236	47,059	80,756	63,408	54,366	27,956	252,747	226,486	240,949
Aerospace [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net sales	399,141	355,992	320,526	266,680	365,305	308,582	290,690	268,599	1,342,339	1,233,176	1,160,883
Segment earnings (loss)	85,536	67,173	58,227	46,877	80,376	57,726	50,578	43,486	257,813	232,166	187,747
Industrial [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net sales	207,647	192,630	179,855	176,214	225,617	199,082	188,692	176,511	756,346	789,902	877,420
Segment earnings (loss)	23,034	20,870	17,089	17,998	19,254	21,963	19,469	21,551	78,991	82,237	126,641
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Segment earnings (loss)	$ (15,262)	$ (12,945)	$ (18,764)	$ (11,381)	$ (12,289)	$ (10,369)	$ (9,888)	$ (30,620)	$ (58,352)	$ (63,166)	$ (49,362)

Schedule II (Details)

Schedule II (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Currency translation adjustments	$ 64	$ 77	$ (934)
Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	2,540	3,841	7,078
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,063	255	364
Additions: Charged to Other Accounts	449	233	487
Deductions	(276)	(1,789)	(4,088)
Balance at End of Year	3,776	2,540	3,841
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	3,317	6,804	9,486
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	77	53	209
Additions: Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	320	(3,540)	(2,891)
Balance at End of Year	$ 3,714	$ 3,317	$ 6,804