| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 11, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000108312 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --09-30 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 11, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WOODWARD, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-8408 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-1984010 |
| 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 | true |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.001455 |
| Trading Symbol | WWD |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
