| Cover | Nov. 18, 2019 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 18, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 000-8408 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Woodward, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000108312 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-1984010 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1081 Woodward Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Fort Collins |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80524 |
| City Area Code | 970 |
| Local Phone Number | 482-5811 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001455 |
| Trading Symbol | WWD |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
