Woodward (WWD) 10-K 20 Nov 20 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Nov. 18, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-08408
Entity Registrant Name	WOODWARD, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.001455 per share
Trading Symbol	WWD
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 2,549,208,540
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		62,792,228
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000108312
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of our proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held virtually on January 27, 2021, are incorporated by reference into Parts II and III of this Form 10-K, to the extent indicated.

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	1,855,422	2,192,654	1,722,802
Selling, general and administrative expenses	217,710	211,205	193,736
Research and development costs	133,134	159,107	148,279
Impairment of assets sold	37,902
Restructuring charges	22,216		17,013
Gain on cross-currency interest rate swaps, net	(30,481)
Interest expense	35,811	44,001	40,465
Interest income	(1,764)	(1,413)	(1,674)
Other (income) expense, net	(56,166)	(25,969)	(14,326)
Total costs and expenses	2,213,784	2,579,585	2,106,295
Earnings before income taxes	281,881	320,612	219,578
Income tax expense	41,486	61,010	39,200
Net earnings	$ 240,395	$ 259,602	$ 180,378
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 3.86	$ 4.19	$ 2.93
Diluted earnings per share	$ 3.74	$ 4.02	$ 2.82
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	62,267	61,950	61,493
Diluted	64,209	64,498	63,876

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
Net earnings	$ 240,395	$ 259,602	$ 180,378
Other comprehensive earnings:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	15,668	(16,554)	(12,985)
Net (loss) gain on foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries	(3,199)	2,682	838
Taxes on changes on foreign currency translation adjustments	75	476	(367)
Foreign currency translation and transactions adjustments, net of tax	12,544	(13,396)	(12,514)
Unrealized (loss) gain on fair value adjustment of derivative instruments	(18,262)	47,759	(23,000)
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) on derivatives to earnings	2,134	(31,446)	1,467
Taxes on changes on derivative transactions	626	(326)	456
Derivative adjustments, net of tax	(15,502)	15,987	(21,077)
Minimum retirement benefit liability adjustments:
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	20,179	(43,817)	13,805
Prior service cost arising during the period		(601)
Loss due to settlement or curtailment arising during the period			59
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	962	704	551
Net loss	2,523	955	985
Foreign currency exchange rate changes on minimum retirement benefit liabilities	(1,672)	1,318	367
Taxes on changes on minimum retirement benefit liability adjustments	(5,522)	10,531	(3,932)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments, net of tax	16,470	(30,910)	11,835
Total comprehensive earnings	$ 253,907	$ 231,283	$ 158,622

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash of $3,497 and $1,500, respectively	$ 153,270	$ 99,073
Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible amounts of $6,889 and $7,908, respectively	537,987	591,529
Inventories	437,943	516,836
Income taxes receivable	28,879	8,099
Other current assets	52,786	55,691
Total current assets	1,210,865	1,271,228
Property, plant and equipment, net	997,415	1,058,775
Goodwill	808,252	797,853
Intangible assets, net	606,711	611,992
Deferred income tax assets	14,658	18,161
Other assets	265,435	198,517
Total assets	3,903,336	3,956,526
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings		220,000
Current portion of long-term debt	101,634
Accounts payable	134,242	240,460
Income taxes payable	4,662	18,849
Accrued liabilities	151,794	228,127
Total current liabilities	392,332	707,436
Long-term debt, less current portion	736,849	864,899
Deferred income tax liabilities	163,573	151,362
Other liabilities	617,905	506,088
Total liabilities	1,910,659	2,229,785
Commitments and contingencies (Note 23)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.003 per share, 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
Common stock, par value $0.001455 per share, 150,000 shares authorized, 72,960 shares issued	106	106
Additional paid-in capital	231,936	207,120
Accumulated other comprehensive losses	(89,794)	(103,306)
Deferred compensation	9,222	9,382
Retained earnings	2,427,905	2,224,919
Stockholders' equity	2,579,375	2,338,221
Treasury stock at cost, 10,277 shares and 11,040 shares, respectively	(577,476)	(602,098)
Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, at cost, 199 shares and 211 shares, respectively	(9,222)	(9,382)
Total stockholders' equity	1,992,677	1,726,741
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,903,336	$ 3,956,526

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Current assets:
Restricted cash	$ 3,497	$ 1,500
Allowance, accounts receivable	$ 6,889	$ 7,908
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	10,277,000	11,040,000
Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, shares	199,000	211,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings		$ 240,395	$ 259,602	$ 180,378
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		131,158	142,004	116,131
Impairment of assets sold		37,902
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets and businesses	[1]	(23,598)	1,925	(1,106)
Gain on cross-currency interest rate swaps, net		(30,481)
Stock-based compensation		22,902	18,146	18,229
Deferred income taxes		1,311	(10,065)	(30,177)
Gain due to curtailment of postretirement plan				(330)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable		52,095	841	(6,494)
Unbilled receivables (contract assets)		(22,028)	(31,353)
Costs to fulfill a contract		(27,446)	(20,656)
Inventories		61,019	(49,185)	(7,660)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(153,318)	48,004	(2,284)
Contract liabilities		25,882	29,082	(1,596)
Income taxes		(37,099)	2,083	35,641
Retirement benefit obligations		(3,777)	(3,705)	(4,653)
Other		74,574	3,885	3,213
Net cash provided by operating activities		349,491	390,608	299,292
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant, and equipment		(47,087)	(99,066)	(127,140)
Proceeds from sale of assets		30,173	1,010	1,923
Proceeds from business divestiture		10,443
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments		12,700	22,252	9,088
Payments for purchases of short-term investments		(13,109)	(26,723)	(9,323)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired				(771,115)
Net cash (used in) investing activities		(6,880)	(102,527)	(896,567)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid		(37,664)	(39,066)	(34,003)
Proceeds from sales of treasury stock		24,969	36,044	9,132
Payments for repurchases of common stock		(13,346)	(110,311)
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings		1,248,135	1,683,542	1,930,261
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings		(1,510,746)	(1,690,035)	(1,691,934)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt				400,000
Payments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations		(1,590)	(143,535)	(421)
Payments for debt financing costs			(2,238)	(1,494)
Payments for forward option derivative instrument				(5,543)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(290,242)	(265,599)	605,998
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		1,828	(7,003)	(12,681)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		54,197	15,479	(3,958)
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at beginning of year		99,073	83,594	87,552
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at end of period		$ 153,270	$ 99,073	$ 83,594
[1]	Included in net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was the pre-tax gain on sale of Duarte real property in the amount of $22,323, the pre-tax gain on sale of the Loveland campus of $2,330, and a net loss on divestiture of the disposal group of $515.

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock at Cost [Member]	Treasury Stock Held for Deferred Compensation [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	Unrealized Derivative Gains (Losses) [Member]	Minimum Retirement Benefit Liability Adjustments [Member]	Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Earnings [Member]	Deferred Compensation [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balances at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 1,371,383	$ 106	$ (559,641)	$ (7,135)	$ 163,836	$ (27,280)	$ 135	$ (26,041)	$ (53,186)	$ 7,135	$ 1,820,268
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2017		72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2017			(11,739,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, shares at Sep. 30, 2017				(186,000)
Net earnings	180,378										180,378
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(21,756)					(12,514)	(21,077)	11,835	(21,756)
Cash dividends paid	(34,003)										(34,003)
Sales of treasury stock	9,132		$ 12,649		(3,517)
Sales of treasury stock, shares			334,000
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans	14,741		$ 7,584		7,157
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans, shares			202,000
Stock-based compensation	18,229				18,229
Purchases and transfers of stock by/to deferred compensation plan				$ (1,318)						1,318
Purchases and transfer of stock by/to deferred compensation plan, shares				(17,000)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan				$ 22						(22)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan, shares				1,000
Balances at Sep. 30, 2018	1,538,104	$ 106	$ (539,408)	$ (8,431)	185,705	(39,794)	(20,942)	(14,206)	(74,942)	8,431	1,966,643
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2018		72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2018			(11,203,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, shares at Sep. 30, 2018				(202,000)
Net earnings	259,602										259,602
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(28,319)					(13,396)	15,987	(30,910)	(28,319)
Cash dividends paid	(39,066)										(39,066)
Purchases of treasury stock	(110,311)		$ (110,311)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares			(1,102,000)
Sales of treasury stock	36,044		$ 41,948		(5,904)
Sales of treasury stock, shares			1,107,000
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans	14,846		$ 5,673		9,173
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans, shares			158,000
Stock-based compensation	18,146				18,146
Purchases and transfers of stock by/to deferred compensation plan				$ (1,193)						1,193
Purchases and transfer of stock by/to deferred compensation plan, shares				(14,000)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan				$ 242						(242)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan, shares				5,000
Balances at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1,726,741	$ 106	$ (602,098)	$ (9,382)	207,120	(53,235)	(4,955)	(45,116)	(103,306)	9,382	2,224,919
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2019	72,960,000	72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2019	(11,040,000)		(11,040,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, shares at Sep. 30, 2019	(211,000)			(211,000)
Cumulative effect from adoption of ASC 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09	$ 38,700					(45)			(45)		38,745
Cumulative effect from adoption of ASC 606 | Cumulative Effect From Adoption Of A S U201616	(1,005)										(1,005)
Net earnings	240,395										240,395
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	13,512					12,544	(15,502)	16,470	13,512
Cash dividends paid	(37,664)										(37,664)
Purchases of treasury stock	(13,346)		$ (13,346)
Purchases of treasury stock, shares			(124,000)
Sales of treasury stock	25,134		$ 32,640		(7,506)
Sales of treasury stock, shares			763,000
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans	14,748		$ 5,328		9,420
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans, shares			124,000
Stock-based compensation	22,902				22,902
Purchases and transfers of stock by/to deferred compensation plan				$ (681)						681
Purchases and transfer of stock by/to deferred compensation plan, shares				(6,000)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan				$ 841						(841)
Distribution of stock from deferred compensation plan, shares				18,000
Balances at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 1,992,677	$ 106	$ (577,476)	$ (9,222)	$ 231,936	$ (40,691)	$ (20,457)	$ (28,646)	$ (89,794)	$ 9,222	2,427,905
Balance, Common Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2020	72,960,000	72,960,000
Balance, Treasury Stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2020	(10,277,000)		(10,277,000)
Balance, Treasury stock held for deferred compensation, shares at Sep. 30, 2020	(199,000)			(199,000)
Cumulative effect from adoption of ASC 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02	$ 255										$ 255

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.0813	$ 0.0813	$ 0.2800	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1425	$ 0.6050	$ 0.6300	$ 0.5525

Operations and Summary of Signi

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	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 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 Woodward 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, 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. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") outbreak a global pandemic. When combined with the various measures enacted by governments and private organizations to contain COVID-19 or slow its spread, the pandemic has adversely impacted global activity and contributed to significant declines and volatility in financial markets; and the Company has likewise been significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite recent promising announcements regarding various vaccines in development and their potential safety and efficacy, there can be no assurance as to whether any vaccine will in fact be safe and efficacious, or as to when any vaccines will be approved by appropriate regulatory authorities and become widely available. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic could continue to have a material adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger an extended period of global economic slowdown, and the full extent of its impact on the Company’s future business is currently unknown. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate material adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts to estimates and assumptions used by management for the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. The pandemic presents uncertainty and risk with respect to the Company and its performance and financial results. See Note 17, Accrued liabilities 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. The exchange rate in effect at the time of the cash flow is used for significant or infrequent cash flows, such as payments for a business acquisition, for which the use of weighted-average rates of exchange would result in a substantially different cash flow. 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 assets and liabilities of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries, are denominated in foreign currencies. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include a net foreign currency gain of $194 in fiscal year 2020, a net foreign currency loss of $1,018 in fiscal year 2019, and a net foreign currency loss of $1,608 in fiscal year 2018. Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized on contracts with Woodward’s customers for arrangements in which quantities and pricing are fixed and/or determinable and are generally based on customer purchase orders, often within the framework of a long-term supply arrangement with the customer. Woodward has determined that it is the principal in its sales transactions, as Woodward is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promised performance obligations, has discretion to establish the selling price, and generally assumes the inventory risk. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract with a customer to transfer a distinct product or service to the customer. Woodward recognizes revenue for performance obligations within a customer contract when control of the associated product or service is transferred to the customer. Some of Woodward’s contracts with customers contain a single performance obligation, while other contracts contain multiple performance obligations. Each product within a contract generally represents a separate performance obligation as Woodward does not provide significant installation and integration services, the products do not customize each other, and the products can function independently of each other. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the customer obtains control of the associated product or service. When there are multiple performance obligations within a contract, Woodward generally uses the observable standalone sales price for each distinct product or service within the contract to allocate the transaction price to the distinct products or services. In instances when a standalone sales price for each product or service is not observable within the contract, Woodward allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation using an estimate of the standalone selling price for each product or service, which is generally based on incurred costs plus a reasonable margin, for each distinct product or service in the contract. When determining the transaction price of each contract, Woodward considers contractual consideration payable by the customer and variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price. Variable consideration, consisting of early payment discounts, rebates and other sources of price variability, are included in the estimated transaction price based on both customer-specific information as well as historical experience. Woodward’s contracts with customers generally do not include a financing component. Woodward regularly reviews its estimates of variable consideration on the transaction price and recognizes changes in estimates on a cumulative catch-up basis as if the most current estimate of the transaction price adjusted for variable consideration had been known as of the inception of the contract. In the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, Woodward did not recognize a significant amount of revenue due to changes in transaction price from performance obligations that were satisfied, or partially satisfied, in prior periods. Customers sometimes trade in used products in exchange for new or refurbished products. In addition, Woodward’s customers sometimes provide inventory to Woodward which will be integrated into final products sold to those customers. Woodward obtains control of these exchanged products and customer provided inventory, and therefore, both are forms of noncash consideration. Noncash consideration paid by customers on overall sales transactions is additive to the transaction price. Woodward’s net sales and cost of goods sold include the value of such noncash consideration for the same amount, with no resulting impact to earnings before income taxes. Upon receipt of such inventory, Woodward recognizes an inventory asset and a contract liability. Point in time and over time revenue recognition: Control of the products generally transfers to the customer at a point in time, as the customer does not control the products as they are produced. Woodward exercises judgment and considers the timing of right of payment, transfer of the risk and rewards, transfers of title, transfer of physical possession, and customer acceptance when determining when control of the product transfers to the customer, generally upon shipment of products, consistent with Woodward’s historical revenue recognition model. Performance obligations are satisfied and revenue is recognized over time if: (i) the customer receives the benefits as Woodward performs work, if the customer controls the asset as it is being enhanced, or if the product being produced for the customer has no alternative use to Woodward; and (ii) Woodward has an enforceable right to payment with a profit. For products being produced for the customer that have no alternative use to Woodward and Woodward has an enforceable right to payment with a profit, and where the products are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer, revenue is recognized as a series of distinct products. As Woodward satisfies MRO performance obligations, revenue is recognized over time, as the customer, rather than Woodward, controls the asset being enhanced. When services are provided, revenue from those services is recognized over time because control is transferred continuously to customers as Woodward performs the work. As a practical expedient, revenue for services that are short-term in nature are recognized using an output method as the customer is invoiced, as the invoiced amount corresponds directly to Woodward’s performance to date on the arrangement. For services that are not short-term in nature, MRO, and sales of products that have no alternative use to Woodward and an enforceable right to payment with a profit, Woodward uses an actual cost input measure to determine the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For these revenue streams, revenue is recognized over time as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred to-date for each contract and the total estimated costs for such contract at completion of the performance obligation (the cost-to-cost method). Woodward has concluded that this measure of progress best depicts the transfer of assets to the customer, because incurred costs are integral to Woodward’s completion of the performance obligation under the specific customer contract and correlate directly to the transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, material and overhead. Contract cost estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability; the complexity of the work to be performed; the cost and availability of materials; the performance of subcontractors; and the availability and timing of funding from the customer. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. A change in one or more of these estimates could affect the timing of revenue recognition on these contracts. Woodward reviews and updates its cost estimates regularly. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that completion costs may be different than those estimated. Such changes in cost estimates and the related impact on the revenue recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined is recorded as a cumulative catch-up adjustment. The production of products and MRO activities are generally shorter-term in nature and therefore, the impacts of changes in estimates for these costs are considered immaterial. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, Woodward recognizes provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts in the period in which such losses are determined. In situations where the creditworthiness of a customer becomes in doubt, Woodward ceases to recognize the over-time revenue on the associated customer contract. Occasionally Woodward sells maintenance or service arrangements, extended warranties, or other stand ready services. Woodward recognizes revenue from such arrangements as a series of performance obligations over the time period in which the services are available to the customer. Material Rights and Costs to Fulfill a Contract : Customers sometimes pay consideration to Woodward for product engineering and development activities that do not result in the immediate transfer of distinct products or services to the customer. There is an implicit assumption that without the customer making such advance payments to Woodward, Woodward’s future sales of products or services to the customer would be at a higher selling price; therefore, such payments create a “material right” to the customer that effectively gives the customer an option to acquire future products or services, at a discount, that are dependent upon the product engineering and development. Material rights are recorded as contract liabilities and will be recognized when control of the related products or services are transferred to the customer. Woodward capitalizes costs of product engineering and development identified as material rights up to the amount of customer funding as costs to fulfill a contract because the costs incurred up to the amount of the customer funding commitment are recoverable. Due to the uncertainty of the product success and/or demand, fulfillment costs in excess of the customer funding are expensed as incurred . Woodward recognizes the deferred material rights as revenue based on a percentage of actual sales to total estimated lifetime sales of the related developed products as the customers exercise their option to acquire additional products or services at a discount . Woodward amortizes the capitalized costs to fulfill a contract as cost of goods sold proportionally to the recognition of the associated deferred material rights . Estimated total lifetime sales are reviewed at least annually and more frequently when circumstances warrant a modification to the previous estimate. Woodward does not record incremental costs of obtaining a contract, as Woodward does not pay sales commissions or incur other incremental costs related to contracts with Woodward’s customers for arrangements in which quantities and pricing are fixed and/or determinable. Contract liabilities: Advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized represent contract liabilities and are recorded as deferred revenues when customers remit contractual cash payments in advance of Woodward satisfying performance obligations under contractual arrangements, including those with performance obligations satisfied over time. Woodward generally receives advance payments from customers related to maintenance or service arrangements, extended warranties, or other stand ready services, which it recognizes over the performance period. Contract liabilities are derecognized when revenue is recognized and the performance obligation is satisfied. Advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized are included in deferred revenue, which is classified as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when Woodward expects to recognize revenue. 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, either from credit risk or other adjustments to the original selling price or anticipated cash discounts. 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. Bad debt 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. The allowance associated with anticipated other adjustments to the selling price or cash discounts is also established and is included in the allowance for uncollectible amounts. In establishing this amount, both customer-specific information as well as historical experience is considered. In coordination with its customers and when terms are considered favorable to Woodward, Woodward from time to time transfers ownership to collect amounts due to Woodward for outstanding accounts receivable to third parties in exchange for cash. When the transfer of accounts receivable meets the criteria of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 860-10, “Transfers and Servicing,” and are without recourse, it is recognized as a sale and the accounts receivable is derecognized. Consistent with common business practice in China, Woodward’s Chinese subsidiaries accept bankers’ acceptance notes from Chinese customers in settlement of certain customer billed accounts receivable. 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. Woodward has elected to adopt the practical expedient to not adjust the promised amounts of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component at contract inception as the financing component associated with accepting bankers’ acceptance notes has a duration of less than one year. Woodward’s contracts with customers generally have no other financing components. Unbilled receivables (contract assets) arise when the timing of billing differs from the timing of revenue recognized, such as when contract provisions require revenue to be recognized over time rather than at a point in time. Unbilled receivables primarily relate to performance obligations satisfied over time when the cost-to-cost method is utilized and the revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer as there is not yet a right to payment in accordance with contractual terms. Unbilled receivables are recorded as a contract asset when the revenue associated with the contract is recognized prior to billing and derecognized when billed in accordance with the terms of the contract. For composition of accounts receivable, see Note 3, Revenue. 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 of 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, 2020 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 1 – 10 years Office furniture and equipment 3 – 10 years Other 3 – 10 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 years to five years. Purchase accounting: Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method, assets and liabilities, including intangible assets, are recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Acquisition costs in excess of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded as goodwill. Transaction-related costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. 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 indicates the fair value of a reporting unit may be 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 test consists 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. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward determined that the approved plan to divest of the renewable power systems business and other related businesses (as described more fully in Note 11, Sale of businesses Based on the results of Woodward’s annual goodwill impairment testing, no additional impairment charges were recorded in the year ended September 30, 2020 or since the goodwill was originally recorded due to the annual goodwill impairment test. 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. Woodward amortizes the cost of other intangibles over their useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite. The cost of amortizable other intangibles are amortized over their respective useful life 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. Amortizable other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change indicating that the related carrying amount of the other intangible asset may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible is both not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Based on Woodward’s plan to divest the disposal group, Woodward determined that the remaining value of the intangible assets of the disposal group was not recoverable, and a $200 non-cash impairment charge was recorded for the year ended September 30, 2020. Woodward has recorded no additional impairment charges related to its other intangibles as of September 30, 2020 or since the other intangibles were originally recorded due to the annual goodwill impairment test. Estimated lives over which intangible assets are amortized at September 30, 2020 were as follows: Customer relationships and contracts 9 – 30 years Intellectual property 10 – 17 years Process technology 8 – 30 years Other 3 – 15 years Woodward has one other indefinitely lived intangible asset consisting of the Woodward L’Orange tradename. The Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset is tested for impairment on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the fair value of the Woodward L’Orange intangible asset may be below its carrying amount. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset, determined using discounted cash flows, with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the Woodward L’Orange intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its fair value. Woodward has not recorded any impairment charges. 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. On the approval of the divestiture plan and subsequent marketing of the disposal group (as described more fully in Note 11, Sale of businesses 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 (in

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	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 March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” The purpose of ASU 2020-04 is to provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for, or recognizing the effects of, reference rate reform on financial reporting. In response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates, and, in particular, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), reference rate reform refers to a global initiative to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction-based and less susceptible to manipulation. ASU 2020-04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. An entity may elect to apply the amendments in ASU 2020-04 for contract modifications by topic or industry subtopic as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. Once elected for a topic or an industry subtopic, the amendments in ASU 2020-04 must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications for that topic or industry subtopic. An entity may elect to apply the amendments in ASU 2020-04 to eligible hedging relationships existing as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020 and to new eligible hedging relationships entered into after the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020. If an entity elects to apply any of the amendments for an eligible hedging relationship existing as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, any adjustments as a result of those elections must be reflected as of the beginning of that interim period and recognized in accordance with the guidance in reference rate reform subtopics 848-30, 848-40, and 848-50 (as applicable). If an entity elects to apply any of the amendments for a new hedging relationship entered into between the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, any adjustments as a result of those elections must be reflected as of the beginning of the hedging relationship and recognized in accordance with the guidance in reference rate reform subtopics 848-30, 848-40, and 848-50 (as applicable). Woodward is currently assessing the accounting and financial impact of reference rate reform, particularly the impact it may have on its hedging relationships and will consider applying the optional guidance of ASU 2020-04 accordingly. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” ASU 2019-12 amends ASC 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations, and adding guidance to reduce complexity in the accounting standard under the FASB’s simplification initiative. ASU 2019-12 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 (fiscal year 2022 for Woodward). Upon adoption, the amendments in ASU 2019-12 should be applied on a prospective basis to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. Woodward is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of the new guidance under ASU 2019-12 and expects to adopt it in fiscal year 2022. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” ASU 2018-14 amends ASC 715 to add, remove, and modify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The ASU’s changes to disclosures aim to improve the effectiveness of ASC 715’s disclosure requirements under the FASB’s disclosure framework project. ASU 2018-14 is effective for public entities for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 (fiscal year 202 2 for Woodward). Upon adoption, the amendments in ASU 2018-14 should be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented and e arly adoption is permitted. Woodward elected to early adopt the new guidance as of September 30, 2020 . Adoption of ASU 2018-14 resulted in elimination of the following disclosures (a) the amounts expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income and reported as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the following fiscal year, and (b) the effects of a one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates on the aggregate projected service and interest cost and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ; and additional disclosures explaining the reasons for significant gains and losses related to the change in benefit obligations for the period . See Note 2 1 , Retirement benefits , for further discussion of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the enactment of tax reform under H.R.1, “An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018” (the “Tax Act”) (also known as “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”), and provides guidance on the disclosure requirements regarding the stranded tax effects. Woodward adopted ASU 2018-02 on October 1, 2019 and has elected not to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Act from accumulated OCI to retained earnings. 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. 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. Woodward adopted the new guidance on October 1, 2018. Modified retrospective adoption is required with any cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The cumulative impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-16 of $1,005 was recognized at the date of adoption as a decrease to both retained earnings and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of adoption, 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. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses 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 expects to elect the modified retrospective adoption method resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings on October 1, 2020. Woodward is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, including how Woodward’s existing accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and other financial assets will be impacted by the new guidance. In anticipation of adopting ASU 2016-13 on October 1, 2020, Woodward has developed a comprehensive project plan to assess the current credit loss allowance methods and the associated impact on the Company. The project plan includes reviewing various financial assets for potential expected credit losses under the CECL impairment model and updating Woodward’s business processes and controls to meet the requirements of ASU 2016-13, as necessary. Woodward expects the most significant effects of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will be changes to the accounting for the Company’s expected credit loss reserve on billed receivables and unbilled receivables (contract assets). Bad debt expense for all trade accounts receivable in fiscal year 2020 was $884. As of September 30, 2020, and 2019, the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable was $6,889 and $7,908, respectively. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief,” which provides transition relief for entities adopting ASU 2016-13. Specifically, ASU 2019-05 amends ASU 2016-13 to allow companies to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option for financial instruments . For entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments in ASU 2019-05 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein . Woodward expects to adopt ASU 2019-05 in fiscal year 2021. Woodward does not expect to elect the fair value option for its financial instruments upon the adoption of both ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2019-05. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and has subsequently issued supplemental and/or clarifying ASUs (collectively “ASC 842”). The purpose of ASC 842 is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for substantially all leases on the balance sheet, and provide additional disclosure information about leasing arrangements. ASC 842 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. Woodward adopted ASC 842 on October 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method under which prior periods were not restated and the cumulative effect of initial adoption was recognized in retained earnings on the date of initial application, October 1, 2019. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under ASC 842 will not be provided for dates and periods before October 1, 2019. The new guidance under ASC 842 provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. Woodward elected the "package of practical expedients," which allowed Woodward not to reassess under the new guidance our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. Accordingly, Woodward carried forward its existing conclusions on lease classification for leases existing as of the adoption date. Additionally, embedded lease arrangements were assessed under the prior guidance of ASC 840 lease framework for transition on October 1, 2019 in accordance with the leases policy outlined below. The new lease accounting guidance under ASC 842 has been applied for all arrangements commencing or modified on or after October 1, 2019. Woodward also elected as a practical expedient to not record qualifying short-term leases with a term of twelve months or less (inclusive of reasonably certain renewals and termination options) at the inception of the contract on the balance sheet and instead recognizes those lease payments in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings on a straight-line basis over the lease term. This practical expedient may not be applied to short-term leases that contain a purchase option that is reasonably certain of exercise. Woodward has also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for its lease arrangements when it is the lessee. The application of this practical expedient is discussed at Note 5, Leases The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in recognition of additional operating ROU assets and operating lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 1, 2019 of $18,894 and $18,851, respectively. See Note 5, Leases

Revenue

Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	Note 3. Revenue Sales of Products Woodward primarily generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of engineered aerospace and industrial products, including revenue derived from maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) performance obligations performed on products originally manufactured by Woodward and subsequently returned by original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) or other end-user customers. The majority of Woodward’s costs incurred to satisfy MRO performance obligations are related to replacing and/or refurbishing component parts of the returned products to restore the units back to a condition generally comparable to that of the unit upon its initial sale to an OEM customer. Therefore, Woodward considers almost all of its revenue to be derived from product sales, including those related to MRO. Revenue from manufactured products, MRO, and services represented 86%, 12%, and 2% Point in time and over time revenue recognition The amount of revenue recognized as point in time or over time follows: For the Year Ended September 30, 2020 For the Year Ended September 30, 2019 Aerospace Industrial Consolidated Aerospace Industrial Consolidated Point in time $ 590,817 $ 592,157 $ 1,182,974 $ 762,042 $ 634,219 $ 1,396,261 Over time 1,000,146 312,545 1,312,691 1,118,478 385,458 1,503,936 Total net sales $ 1,590,963 $ 904,702 $ 2,495,665 $ 1,880,520 $ 1,019,677 $ 2,900,197 Material Rights and Costs to Fulfill a Contract For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, Woodward recognized an increase in revenue of $6,784 and $6,017, respectively, and cost of goods sold of $6,638 and $9,580, respectively, related to changes in estimated total lifetime sales. Other than amounts related to changes in estimate, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, Woodward amortized $1,241 and $376, respectively, of costs to fulfill contracts with customers to cost of goods sold and amortized $1,664 and $719, respectively, of contract liabilities to revenue. As of September 30, 2020, other assets included $133,349 of capitalized costs to fulfill contracts with customers, compared to $105,206 as of September 30, 2019. Accounts Receivable and Contract assets Customer receivables include amounts billed and currently due from customers as well as unbilled amounts (contract assets) and are included in “Accounts receivable” in Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts are billed in accordance with contractual terms, which are generally tied to shipment of the products to the customer, or as work progresses in accordance with contractual terms. Billed accounts receivable are typically due within 60 days. Woodward’s contracts with customers generally have no financing components. Accounts receivable consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Billed receivables Trade accounts receivable $ 307,914 $ 381,942 Other (Chinese financial institutions) 56,640 42,171 Less: Allowance for uncollectible amounts (6,889 ) (7,908 ) Net billed receivables 357,665 416,205 Current unbilled receivables (contract assets), net 180,322 175,324 Total accounts receivable, net $ 537,987 $ 591,529 As of September 30, 2020, “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes $16,751 of unbilled receivables not expected to be invoiced and collected within a period of twelve months, compared to $1,573 as of September 30, 2019. Unbilled receivables not expected to be invoiced and collected within a period of twelve months are primarily attributable to customer delays for deliveries on firm orders in the Aerospace segment due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Billed and unbilled accounts receivable from the U.S. Government were less than 10% Contract liabilities Contract liabilities consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Current Noncurrent Current Noncurrent Deferred revenue from material rights from GE joint venture formation $ 4,066 $ 234,240 $ 8,317 $ 230,588 Deferred revenue from advanced invoicing and/or prepayments from customers 3,239 85 4,554 141 Liability related to customer supplied inventory 14,955 — 13,396 — Deferred revenue from material rights related to engineering and development funding 2,360 132,317 1,624 106,436 Net contract liabilities $ 24,620 $ 366,642 $ 27,891 $ 337,165 The current portion of contract liabilities is included in “Accrued liabilities” and the noncurrent portion is included in “Other liabilities” of Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Woodward recognized revenue of $29,579 in the year ended September 30, 2020 from contract liabilities balances recorded as of September 30, 2019, compared to $21,658 in the year ended September 30, 2019 from contract liabilities balances recorded as of October 1, 2018 Woodward recognized revenue of $79,569 for the fiscal year 2020, compared to $98,061 for the fiscal year 2019 related to noncash consideration received from customers. The Aerospace segment recognized $78,179 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, compared to $96,762 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, while the Industrial segment recognized $1,390 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 compared to $1,299 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. Remaining performance obligations Remaining performance obligations related to the aggregate amount of the total contract transaction price of firm orders for which the performance obligation has not yet been recognized in revenue as of September 30, 2020 was $1,454,406, compared to $1,527,437 as of September 30, 2019, the majority of which in both periods relate to Woodward’s Aerospace segment. Woodward expects to recognize almost all of these remaining performance obligations within two years after September 30, 2020. Remaining performance obligations related to material rights that have not yet been recognized in revenue as of September 30, 2020 was $465,668, of which $6,983 is expected to be recognized in fiscal year 2021, and the balance is expected to be recognized thereafter. Woodward expects to recognize revenue from performance obligations related to material rights over the life of the underlying programs, which may be as long as forty years. Disaggregation of Revenue Woodward designs, produces and services reliable, efficient, low-emission, and high-performance energy control products for diverse applications in markets throughout the world. Woodward reports financial results for each of its Aerospace and Industrial reportable segments. Woodward further disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers by primary market and by geographical area as Woodward believes this best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of its revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Revenue by primary market for the Aerospace reportable segment was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Commercial OEM 434,306 659,336 Commercial aftermarket 399,843 497,795 Defense OEM 526,264 529,940 Defense aftermarket 230,550 193,449 Total Aerospace segment net sales $ 1,590,963 $ 1,880,520 Revenue by primary market for the Industrial reportable segment was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Reciprocating engines $ 632,555 $ 751,136 Industrial turbines 222,366 210,064 Renewables 1 49,781 58,477 Total Industrial segment net sales $ 904,702 $ 1,019,677 (1) Sales in the renewables market were discontinued as of May 1, 2020 following the closing of the divestiture of the disposal group (see Note 11, Sale of businesses The customers who account for approximately 10% or more of net sales of each of Woodward’s reportable segments for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 are as follows: Customer Aerospace The Boeing Company, General Electric Company, Raytheon Technologies Industrial Rolls-Royce PLC, Weichai Westport, General Electric Company Net sales by geographic area, as determined based on the location of the customer, were as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Year Ended September 30, 2019 Aerospace Industrial Consolidated Aerospace Industrial Consolidated United States $ 1,231,004 $ 195,450 $ 1,426,454 $ 1,415,880 $ 212,184 $ 1,628,064 Germany 52,635 181,330 233,965 72,907 229,177 302,084 Europe, excluding Germany 122,938 214,033 336,971 178,905 252,511 431,416 China 38,359 171,526 209,885 47,492 167,337 214,829 Asia, excluding China 27,068 113,001 140,069 37,991 126,497 164,488 Other countries 118,959 29,362 148,321 127,345 31,971 159,316 Total net sales $ 1,590,963 $ 904,702 $ 2,495,665 $ 1,880,520 $ 1,019,677 $ 2,900,197

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 4. 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, 2020 2019 2018 Numerator: Net earnings $ 240,395 $ 259,602 $ 180,378 Denominator: Basic shares outstanding 62,267 61,950 61,493 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 1,942 2,548 2,383 Diluted shares outstanding 64,209 64,498 63,876 Income per common share: Basic earnings per share $ 3.86 $ 4.19 $ 2.93 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.74 $ 4.02 $ 2.82 The following stock option grants were outstanding during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, but were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Options 660 25 760 Weighted-average option price $ 104.45 $ 96.54 $ 78.72 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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations 211 208 198

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Note 5. Leases Woodward adopted ASC 842 on October 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method under which prior periods were not restated and the cumulative effect of initial adoption was recognized in retained earnings on the date of initial application, October 1, 2019. Woodward is primarily a lessee in lease arrangements but has some embedded lessor arrangements. Lessee arrangements Woodward has entered into operating leases for certain facilities and equipment with terms in excess of one year under agreements that expire at various dates. Some leases require the payment of property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, or other similar costs in addition to rental payments. Woodward has also entered into finance leases for equipment with terms in excess of one year under agreements that expire at various dates. Woodward determines if an arrangement for the use of property, plant and equipment is a lease at inception. Under ASC 842, an arrangement contains a lease if the arrangement conveys the right to control the use of plant, property or equipment (identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. For arrangements determined to be a lease under this criteria, Woodward assesses lease classification as either an operating or finance lease whenever the new lease is executed or an existing lease requires reclassification based on changes in the lease’s terms and conditions. Lease classification impacts the treatment of the lease on the income statement and amortization of the lease ROU asset. In determining lease classification, Woodward considers both qualitative and quantitative factors when performing the following classification tests: (i) transfer of ownership at the end of the lease term, (ii) existence of a bargain purchase option, (iii) the lease term, (iv) minimum lease payments, and (v) whether the leased asset is so customized to Woodward’s needs as to effectively have utility only to Woodward. Woodward applies the following thresholds when performing the classification tests: (i) 75% or greater is considered to be the majority of the asset’s remaining economic life, (ii) the exercise of the renewal option or the non-exercise of a termination option is reasonably certain if it has at least a 75% likelihood of occurring (in arriving at the percentage likelihood, Woodward considers its plans as to whether to renew the lease and the economic factors that may impact the decision to renew and Woodward will include a renewal option or non-exercise of a termination option in the lease term only if the Company has an economic incentive to extend the lease), and (iii) the present value of the future minimum lease payments is considered to exceed substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset if the payments exceed 90% of the asset’s fair value. Woodward considers the exercise of the option to purchase a leased asset as reasonably certain if it has at least a 75% likelihood of being exercised or, among other things, a significant economic incentive exists for exercising the option. Lease components are elements of an arrangement that provide the customer with the right to use an identified asset. The right to use an underlying asset is a separate lease component if: (i) the lessee can benefit from the right to use the underlying asset either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available, and (ii) the right to use the underlying asset is neither highly dependent on nor highly interrelated with other rights to use other underlying assets in the arrangement. Woodward may enter into lessee arrangements that contain a lease component but also contain other non-lease components. When the non-lease component in an arrangement relates to inventory, as inventory is outside the scope of ASC 842, the payment Woodward makes for inventory is accounted for and expensed separately and apart from lease expense, rather than as a lease component. For all other classes of underlying assets in lessee arrangements, Woodward has elected to combine lease and non-lease components and to account for them as lease expense. ROU assets represent Woodward’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent Woodward’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets include any initial direct costs (incremental costs of a lease that would not have been incurred had the lease not been executed) and lease prepayments made, and are reduced by any lease incentives received. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and leases with only variable lease payments are not recorded on the balance sheet. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of the remaining fixed lease payments over the lease term. In determining the estimated present value of lease payments, Woodward discounts the fixed lease payments using the rate implicit in the agreement or, if the implicit rate is not known, using the incremental borrowing rate. As of September 30, 2020, none of Woodward’s leases have been discounted using the implicit rate as it could not be readily determined. Woodward’s incremental borrowing rate is based on the information available at the lease commencement date, with consideration given to Woodward’s recent debt issuances as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics. When measuring lease liabilities, Woodward only uses lease payments remaining throughout the remainder of the lease term and only includes the amount that is probable of being owed under significant residual value guarantees, if any. Lease liabilities are subject to the same considerations as Woodward’s debt instruments in classifying them as current or noncurrent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For operating leases, lease expense is recognized over the expected lease term and classified as a cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expense based on the nature of the underlying leased asset. For finance leases, the ROU asset is recognized over the shorter of the useful life of the asset, consistent with Woodward’s normal depreciation policy, or the lease term, and is classified as a cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expense, or research and development expense, based on the nature and use of the underlying leased asset. Interest expense is recorded in connection with the finance lease liability using the effective interest rate method and is classified as interest expense. Certain of Woodward’s operating lease agreements include variable payments that are passed through by the landlord, such as insurance, taxes, and common area maintenance, payments based on the usage of the asset, and rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Pass-through charges, payments due to changes in usage of the asset, and payments due to changes in indexation are included within variable rent expense and are recognized in the period in which the variable obligation for the payments was incurred. None of Woodward’s lease agreements contain significant residual value guarantees, restrictions, or covenants. As of September 30, 2020, Woodward has not entered into any lease arrangements that have not yet commenced but would create significant rights and obligations. Woodward does not have any lease transactions between related parties. Lease-related assets and liabilities follows: Classification on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2020 Assets: Operating lease assets Other assets $ 18,918 Finance lease assets Property, plant and equipment, net 1,201 Total lease assets 20,119 Current liabilities: Operating lease liabilities Accrued liabilities 4,925 Finance lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt 1,634 Noncurrent liabilities: Operating lease liabilities Other liabilities 14,569 Finance lease liabilities Long-term debt, less current portion 1,173 Total lease liabilities $ 22,301 In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward determined that the approved plan to divest of the renewable power systems business and other related businesses (as described more fully in Note 11, Sale of businesses Supplemental lease-related information follows: September 30, 2020 Weighted average remaining lease term Operating leases 5.5 years Finance leases 2.1 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 3.2 % Finance leases 3.0 % Lease-related expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Operating lease expense $ 6,164 Amortization of financing lease assets 476 Interest on financing lease liabilities 87 Variable lease expense 1,101 Short-term lease expense 466 Sublease income 1 (697 ) Total lease expense $ 7,597 (1) Relates to two separate subleases Woodward has entered into for a leased manufacturing building in Niles, Illinois. Lease-related supplemental cash flow information for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 5,622 Operating cash flows for finance leases 87 Financing cash flows for finance leases 1,590 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for recorded lease obligations: Operating leases 6,501 Finance leases 1,244 Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2020 follows: Year Ending September 30: Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 5,485 1,687 2022 4,255 739 2023 3,186 325 2024 2,230 136 2025 1,939 — Thereafter 4,232 — Total lease payments 21,327 2,887 Less: imputed interest (1,833 ) (80 ) Total lease obligations $ 19,494 $ 2,807 Comparable future minimum rental payment under Year Ending September 30: Operating Leases Finance Leases 2020 (full twelve months) $ 6,667 $ 213 2021 5,119 98 2022 3,823 33 2023 2,899 3 2024 2,378 — Thereafter 6,033 — Total minimum lease payments under ASC 840 $ 26,919 $ 347 In the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, total rental payments charged to expense for operating leases under ASC 840 were $7,578 and $8,348, respectively. Lessor arrangements Woodward enters into various customer supply agreements, customer sales agreements, and/or product development agreements (collectively, “manufacturing contracts”) with customers to provide highly specialized products. In certain of these manufacturing contracts, the property, plant and equipment used to manufacture the products is used only for the benefit of one customer. This is primarily driven by the demand for customer products, which can be so great that it is economically beneficial to dedicate the plant and equipment to just one customer. Additionally, this can be driven by the set-up of the property, plant and equipment required to produce specified product and/or the specialized nature of the property, plant and equipment such that it is not economically feasible to use the plant, property and equipment to manufacture other products. Woodward has assessed its manufacturing contracts and concluded that certain of the contracts for the manufacture of customer products met the criteria to be considered a leasing arrangement (“embedded leases”) with Woodward as the lessor. The specific manufacturing contracts that met the criteria were those that utilized Woodward property, plant and equipment and which is substantially (more than 90%) dedicated to the manufacturing of the product(s) for a single customer. Woodward has dedicated manufacturing lines with three of its customers representing embedded leases, all of which qualified as operating leases with undefined quantities of future customer purchase commitments. Woodward’s customers for which embedded lessor arrangements have been identified do not have contractual long-term commitments to purchase specified quantities of related products or services from Woodward, although Woodward expects to continue selling to such customers into the future and is presently unaware of any economic penalties, or other factors, which would further define a lease term on such arrangements. Although Woodward expects to allocate some portion of future net sales to these customers to embedded lessor arrangements, it cannot provide expected future undiscounted lease payments from property, plant and equipment leased to customers as of September 30, 2020. If in the future customers reduce purchases of related products from Woodward, the Company believes it will derive additional value from the underlying equipment by repurposing its use to support other customer arrangements. Woodward will continue to assess its future manufacturing contracts and monitor its current manufacturing contracts for changes which may trigger additional embedded leases under ASC 842. A manufacturing contract with a customer that contains an embedded lease will generally include lease components, such as the equipment, and non-lease components, such as other inputs used in the manufacture of the customer’s product. In evaluating its embedded leases, Woodward first identified and separated its lease and non-lease components. Woodward has determined that for its current embedded leases, the property, plant and equipment used by Woodward represents lease components and all other inputs that Woodward uses to develop, manufacture and sell the customer product represents non-lease components. Woodward allocates revenue from contracts with customers between lease and non-lease components by imputing a reasonable rate of return based on the estimated fair value of the dedicated property, plant and equipment. Under ASC 842, consistent with the previous guidance, Woodward will continue to recognize property, plant and equipment in embedded lessor arrangements on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in property, plant and equipment, net. The property, plant and equipment will continue to be depreciated as normal. Woodward recognizes revenue from the embedded lessor arrangements based on the value of the underlying dedicated property, plant, and equipment. There are no fixed payments that the customers under the embedded lessor arrangements are obligated to pay. Therefore, all the customer payments under the embedded lessor arrangements are considered variable with the associated leasing revenue recognized when the revenue from underlying product sale related to variable lease payment is recognized. Revenue from contracts with customers that included embedded operating leases, which is included in “Net sales” at the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, was $6,823 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. Other than the embedded leases identified, Woodward is not the lessor in any other leasing arrangements. None of the embedded leases identified by Woodward qualify as a sales-type or direct finance lease. None of the operating leases for which Woodward is the lessor include options for the lessee to purchase the underlying asset at the end of the lease term or residual value guarantees, nor are any such operating leases with related parties. The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment September 30, 2020 Property, plant and equipment leased to others through embedded leasing arrangements $ 76,655 Less accumulated depreciation (29,819 ) Property, plant and equipment leased to others through embedded leasing arrangements, net $ 46,836

Business Acquisition

Business Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisition	Note 6. Business acquisition In fiscal year 2018, the Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Woodward Aken GmbH (collectively, the “Purchasers”), entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “L’Orange Agreement”) with MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH (“MTU”) and MTU America Inc. (together with MTU, the “Sellers”), both of which were subsidiaries of Rolls-Royce PLC (“Rolls-Royce”). Pursuant to the L’Orange Agreement, the Purchasers agreed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of stock of L’Orange GmbH, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries in China and Germany, as well as all of the outstanding equity interests of its affiliate, Fluid Mechanics LLC, and their related operations (collectively, “L’Orange”), for total consideration (including cash consideration and the assumption of certain liabilities) of €700,000, or approximately $811,000 based on the foreign currency exchange rate as of the date Woodward executed cross currency swaps in connection with the financing of the transaction as described in Note 9, Derivative instruments and hedging activities In connection with the Closing, MTU and a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce, and Woodward L’Orange, entered into a long-term supply agreement, dated June 1, 2018 (the “LTSA”). Pursuant to the terms of the LTSA, Woodward L’Orange will continue to supply to MTU and its affiliates within Rolls-Royce certain liquid fuel injection systems, injectors, pumps and other associated parts and components for industrial diesel, heavy fuel oil and dual-fuel engines in a manner consistent with the supply of such products prior to the transaction. The LTSA has an initial term that extends through December 31, 2032. During the term of the LTSA, MTU will continue to purchase certain of these products exclusively from Woodward L’Orange, subject to certain limitations specified therein, at pricing negotiated at arms-length. ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”), provides a framework to account for acquisition transactions under U.S. GAAP. The purchase price of L’Orange, prepared consistent with the required ASC 805 framework, is allocated as follows: Cash paid to Sellers $ 780,401 Less acquired cash and restricted cash (9,286 ) Total purchase price $ 771,115 The cash consideration was financed through the use of cash on hand, the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $400,000 of senior unsecured notes in a series of private placement transactions and $167,420 borrowed under Woodward’s revolving credit agreement (see Note 16, Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt Derivative instruments and hedging activities The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was finalized as of June 30, 2019 using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction were recorded at their acquisition date fair values, while transaction costs associated with the acquisition were expensed as incurred. Woodward’s allocation was based on an evaluation of the appropriate fair values and represents management’s best estimate based on available data. The following table, which is final as of June 30, 2019, summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Closing. Accounts receivable $ 26,538 Inventories (1) 72,392 Other current assets 1,385 Property, plant, and equipment 89,772 Goodwill 257,447 Intangible assets 573,427 Total assets acquired 1,020,961 Other current liabilities 41,997 Deferred income tax liabilities 166,927 Other noncurrent liabilities 40,922 Total liabilities assumed 249,846 Net assets acquired $ 771,115 (1) Inventories include a $16,324 adjustment to state work in progress and finished goods inventories at their fair value as of the acquisition date. The entire inventory fair value adjustment was recognized as a noncash increase to cost of goods sold ratably over the estimated inventory turnover period during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The final purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $257,447 of goodwill. Only the portion of goodwill that relates to the U.S. operations of Woodward L’Orange is deductible for tax purposes. The Company has included all of the goodwill in its Industrial segment. The goodwill represents the estimated value of potential expansion with new customers, the opportunity to further develop sales opportunities with new customers, other synergies including supply chain savings expected to be achieved through the integration of Woodward L’Orange with Woodward’s Industrial segment, and intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the value of the assembled Woodward L’Orange workforce that is not included within the estimated value of the acquired backlog and customer relationship intangible assets. In connection with the acquisition of L’Orange, Woodward assumed the defined benefit pension obligations of the L’Orange defined benefit pension plans (the “Woodward L’Orange Pension Plans”). Woodward’s assumption of the liability associated with the Woodward L’Orange Pension Plans was part of the total consideration paid by Woodward to acquire L’Orange and thus reduced Woodward’s cash payment for the transaction. As of the Closing, the total liability recognized by the Company associated with the Woodward L’Orange Pension Plans was $39,257, of which $1,143 was considered current. A summary of the intangible assets acquired, weighted-average useful lives, and amortization methods follows: Estimated Amounts Weighted- Average Useful Life Amortization Method Intangible assets with finite lives: Customer relationships and contracts $ 388,705 22 years Straight-line Process technology 74,260 22 years Straight-line Backlog 42,932 1 year Accelerated Other 232 3 years Straight-line Intangible asset with indefinite life: Trade name 67,298 Indefinite Not amortized Total $ 573,427 Pro forma results for Woodward giving effect to the L’Orange acquisition The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Woodward and Woodward L’Orange as if the acquisition had been completed as of the beginning of the fiscal year prior to the year the acquisition took place, or October 1, 2016. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition and related borrowings had taken place on October 1, 2016, nor is it indicative of future results. The unaudited pro forma financial information for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 includes Woodward’s results, including the post-acquisition results of Woodward L’Orange, since June 1, 2018. The unaudited pro forma financial information for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 combines Woodward’s results with the pre-acquisition results of L’Orange for the period prior to June 1, 2018, and the post-acquisition results of Woodward L’Orange since June 1, 2018. Prior to the L’Orange acquisition by Woodward, L’Orange was a wholly owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce, and as such was not a standalone entity for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the historical operating results of L’Orange may not be indicative of the results that might have been achieved, historically or in the future, if L’Orange had been a standalone entity. The unaudited pro forma results for fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 were as Year Ended Year Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 As reported Pro forma As reported Pro forma Net sales $ 2,900,197 $ 2,900,197 $ 2,325,873 $ 2,549,874 Net earnings 259,602 267,649 180,378 225,800 Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share $ 4.19 $ 4.32 $ 2.93 $ 3.67 Diluted earnings per share 4.02 4.15 2.82 3.53 The unaudited pro forma results for all periods presented include adjustments made to account for certain costs and transactions that would have been incurred had the acquisition been completed as of October 1, 2016, including amortization charges for acquired intangible assets, elimination of intercompany transactions, adjustments for acquisition transaction costs, adjustments for depreciation expense for property, plant, and equipment, and adjustments to interest expense. These adjustments are net of any applicable tax impact and were included to arrive at the pro forma results above. The operating results of Woodward L’Orange have been included in Woodward’s operating results for the periods subsequent to the completion of the acquisition on June 1, 2018. Woodward L’Orange contributed net sales of $332,009 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, and net sales of $102,905 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. Woodward L’Orange contributed net income before income taxes of $47,246 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, and a net loss before income taxes of $9,334 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. Woodward incurred acquisition financing related costs of $14,823 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 as compared to $4,904 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The acquisition financing related costs are included in “Interest expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Joint Venture

Joint Venture	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Joint Venture	Note 7. 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 between Woodward and GE (the “JV”) to develop, manufacture and support fuel systems for specified existing and all future GE commercial aircraft engines that produce thrust in excess of fifty thousand pounds. Unamortized deferred revenue from material rights in connection with the JV formation included: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Accrued liabilities $ 4,066 $ 8,317 Other liabilities 234,240 230,588 Amortization of the deferred revenue (material right) recognized as an increase to sales was $5,493 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, $7,652 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, and $5,854 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. 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. In addition, GE will continue to pay contingent consideration to Woodward consisting of fifteen annual payments of $4,894 each, which began on January 4, 2017, subject to certain claw-back conditions. Woodward received its third and fourth annual payments of $4,894 during the three-months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020, respectively, which were recorded as deferred income and included in Net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Neither Woodward nor GE contributed any tangible assets to the JV. Other income related to Woodward’s equity interest in the earnings of the JV was as follows: For the Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Other income $ 15,580 $ 12,932 $ 3,339 Cash distributions to Woodward from the JV, recognized in Net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, from the JV include: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Cash distributions $ 14,000 $ 15,000 $ — Net sales to the JV were as follows: For the Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Net sales 1 $ 48,222 $ 60,955 $ 72,511 (1) Net sales include a reduction of $23,904 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, $34,236 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, and $26,023 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 related to royalties owed to the JV by Woodward on sales by Woodward directly to third party aftermarket customers. The Consolidated Balance Sheets include “Accounts receivable” related to amounts the JV owed Woodward, “Accounts payable” related to amounts Woodward owed the JV, and “Other assets” related to Woodward’s net investment in the JV, as follows: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Accounts receivable $ 3,062 $ 5,906 Accounts payable 1,502 4,270 Other assets 9,123 7,543 Woodward records in “Other liabilities” amounts invoiced to the JV for support of the JV’s engineering and development projects as an increase to contract liabilities, and records in “Other assets” related incurred expenditures as costs to fulfill a contract. Woodward’s contract liabilities classified as “Other liabilities” included amounts invoiced to the JV as of September 30, 2020 of $70,618 compared to $69,079 as of fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. Woodward’s costs to fulfill a contract included in “Other assets” related to JV activities were $70,618 as of September 30, 2020 and $69,079 as of fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, Woodward recognized a $6,609 reduction in the contract liability in “Other liabilities” and a $6,261 reduction in costs to fulfill a contract in “Other assets” related to the termination of a JV engineering and development project previously recognized as a material right, compared to a $2,774 reduction in the cost to fulfill a contract in “Other assets” but a reduction of $2,790 in the contract liability in “Other liabilities” for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

Financial Instruments and Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	Note 8. Financial instruments and fair value measurements The table below presents information about Woodward’s financial assets and liabilities 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. At September 30, 2020 At September 30, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial assets: Cash $ 112,817 $ — $ — $ 112,817 $ 52,971 $ — $ — $ 52,971 Investments in reverse repurchase agreements — — — — 886 — — 886 Investments in term deposits with foreign banks 40,453 — — 40,453 45,216 — — 45,216 Equity securities 25,381 — — 25,381 20,504 — — 20,504 Cross currency interest rate swaps — — — — — 24,758 — 24,758 Total financial assets $ 178,651 $ — $ — $ 178,651 $ 119,577 $ 24,758 $ — $ 144,335 Financial liabilities: Cross currency interest rate swaps $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ — $ — $ — Total financial liabilities $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ — $ — $ — 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” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2020, the Company terminated its existing investments in reverse repurchase agreements. 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 with creditworthy financial institutions. Such investments are reported in “Cash and cash equivalents” at fair value, with realized gains from interest 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” on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The trading securities are included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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. Cross currency interest rate swaps: Woodward holds cross currency interest rate swaps, which are accounted for at fair value. The swaps in an asset position are included in “Other assets,” and swaps in a liability position are included in “Other liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of Woodward’s cross currency interest rate swaps are determined using a market approach that is based on observable inputs other than quoted market prices, including contract terms, interest rates, currency rates, and other market factors. As of September 30, 2020, swaps in a liability position in the amount of $51,387 were included in “Other liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2019, swaps in an asset position in the amount of $24,758 were included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows: At September 30, 2020 At September 30, 2019 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost Assets: Notes receivable from municipalities 2 $ 13,413 $ 11,846 $ 13,100 $ 12,346 Note receivable from sale of disposal group 2 6,341 6,061 — — Investments in short-term time deposits 2 13,678 13,671 13,468 13,509 Liabilities: Long-term debt 2 $ 935,610 $ 840,654 $ 928,618 $ 867,377 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, Woodward received long-term notes from municipalities within the states of Illinois and 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 1.2% at September 30, 2020 and 1.7% at September 30, 2019. In connection with the sale of the disposal group (See Note 11, Sale of businesses September 30, 2020 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 for 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 value hierarchy. The interest rates used to estimate the fair value of the short-term time deposits was 4.4% at September 30, 2020 and 5.7% at September 30, 2019. 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 1.5% at September 30, 2020 and 2.5% at September 30, 2019.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments And Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 9. Derivative instruments and hedging activities Derivative instruments not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments In May 2018, Woodward entered into cross currency interest rate swap agreements that synthetically convert $167,420 of floating-rate debt under Woodward’s then existing revolving credit agreement to Euro denominated floating-rate debt in conjunction with the L’Orange acquisition (the “Floating-Rate Cross Currency Swap”). Also in May 2018, Woodward entered into cross currency interest rate swap agreements that synthetically convert an aggregate principal amount of $400,000 of fixed-rate debt associated with the 2018 Note Purchase Agreement (as defined in Note 16, Credit facilities short-term borrowings and long-term debt Credit facilities short-term borrowings and long-term debt In May 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties in future cash flows, Woodward terminated the Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap and Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps. At the date of settlement, the total notional value of the Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap and Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps was $108,823 and $400,000, respectively. Woodward received net cash proceeds of $59,571, which includes $58,191 related to the fair value of the derivative assets and $4,380 of net accrued interest, less payment of $3,000 for fees to terminate the swap agreements. The proceeds received for the fair value of the instruments is recorded in “Other”, while net accrued interest is recorded in “Other” and “Accrued liabilities”, respectively, in cash flows provided by operating activities of Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The fees to terminate the swap agreements were expensed as incurred and presented in the line item “Selling, general and administrative” expenses in Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Upon termination and settlement of the instruments, Woodward entered into a new floating-rate cross-currency interest rate swap (the “2020 Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap”), with a notional value of $45,000, and five fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swap agreements (the “2020 Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps”), with an aggregate notional value of $400,000, which effectively reduce the interest rates on the underlying fixed and floating-rate debt under the 2018 Notes and Woodward’s existing revolving credit agreement, respectively. The net interest income of the cross-currency interest rate swaps is recorded as a reduction to “Interest expense” in Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of September 30, 2020, the total notional value of the 2020 Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap and 2020 Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps was $41,250 and $400,000, respectively. See Note 8, Financial Instruments and fair value measurements Derivatives instruments in fair value hedging relationships Concurrent with the entry into the Floating-Rate Cross Currency Swap, a corresponding Euro denominated intercompany loan receivable with identical terms and notional amount as the underlying Euro denominated floating-rate debt, with a reciprocal cross currency interest rate swap, was entered into by Woodward Barbados Financing SRL (“Barbados”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward, and is designated as a fair value hedge under the criteria prescribed in ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging In May 2020, Woodward settled the Euro denominated intercompany loan receivable with identical terms and notional value to the Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap and reciprocal intercompany cross-currency interest rate swap. The fair value hedge designated on these instruments was discontinued at the date of settlement and resulted in a reclassification of $1,719 of previously unrecognized losses from accumulated OCI into earnings. The loss on discontinuation of the fair value hedging relationship is recognized in “Gain on cross-currency interest rate swaps, net” in Woodward’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Concurrent with settlement of the Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap and discontinuation of the previous fair value hedging relationship, a US dollar denominated intercompany loan payable with identical terms and notional value as the 2020 Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap, together with a reciprocal intercompany floating-rate cross-currency interest rate swap, was entered into by Woodward Barbados Euro Financing SRL (“Euro Barbados”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodward. The US dollar denominated intercompany loan and reciprocal intercompany floating-rate cross-currency interest rate swap is designated as a fair value hedge under the criteria prescribed in ASC 815. The objective of the derivative instrument is to hedge against the foreign currency exchange risk attributable to the spot remeasurement of the US dollar denominated intercompany loan, as Euro Barbados maintains a Euro functional currency. For each floating-rate intercompany cross-currency interest rate swap, only the change in the fair value related to the cross-currency basis spread, or excluded component, of the derivative instrument is recognized in accumulated OCI . The remaining change in the fair value of the derivative instrument is recognized in foreign currency transaction gain or loss included in “Selling, general and administrative costs” in Woodward’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings . The change in the fair value of the derivative instrument in foreign currency transaction gain or loss offsets the change in the spot remeasurement of the intercompany Euro and US dollar denominated loans . Hedge effectiveness is assessed based on the fair value changes of the derivative instrument, after excluding any fair value changes related to the cross-currency basis spread . The initial cost of the cross-currency basis spread is recorded in earnings each period through the swap accrual process . There are no credit-risk-related contingent features associated with the intercompany floating-rate cross-currency interest rate swap. Derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships In conjunction with the entry into the Fixed-Rate Cross Currency Swaps, five corresponding intercompany loans receivable, with identical terms and amounts of each tranche of the underlying aggregate principal amount of $400,000 of fixed-rate debt, and reciprocal cross currency interest rate swaps were entered into by Barbados, which are designated as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in ASC 815. The objective of these derivative instruments is to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows attributable to the foreign currency exchange risk of cash flows for future principal and interest payments associated with the Euro denominated intercompany loans over a fifteen year period. In May 2020, Woodward settled the Euro denominated intercompany loans receivable with identical terms and notional value to the Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps and reciprocal cross-currency interest rate swaps. The cash flow hedges designated on these instruments were discontinued at the date of settlement and resulted in a reclassification of $32,200 of previously unrecognized gains from accumulated OCI into earnings. The gain on discontinuation of the cash flow hedging relationships is recognized in “Gain on cross-currency interest rate swaps, net” in Woodward’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Concurrent with settlement of the Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps and the discontinuation of the previous cash flow hedging relationships, five corresponding US dollar intercompany loans payable, with identical terms and notional values of each tranche of the 2020 Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps, together with reciprocal fixed-rate intercompany cross-currency interest rate swaps were entered into by Euro Barbados, which are designated as cash flow hedges under the criteria prescribed in ASC 815. The objective of these derivative instruments is to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows attributable to the foreign currency exchange risk of cash flows for future principal and interest payments associated with the US dollar denominated intercompany loans over a thirteen-year period, as Euro Barbados maintains a Euro functional currency. For each of the fixed-rate intercompany cross-currency interest rate swaps, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are recognized in accumulated OCI and reclassified to foreign currency transaction gain or loss included in “Selling, general and administrative costs” in Woodward’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Reclassifications out of accumulated OCI of the change in fair value occur each reporting period based upon changes in the spot rate remeasurement of the Euro and US dollar denominated intercompany loans, including associated interest. Hedge effectiveness is assessed based on the fair value changes of the derivative instruments and such hedges are deemed to be highly effective in offsetting exposure to variability in foreign exchange rates. There are no credit-risk-related contingent features associated with these fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swaps. In June 2013, in connection with Woodward’s expected refinancing of current maturities on its then 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 815. 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 principal and interest payments on a portion of anticipated future debt issuances. The treasury lock agreement was terminated in August 2013 and the resulting gain of $507 was recorded as a reduction to accumulated OCI, net of tax, and is being recognized as a decrease to interest expense over a seven-year period. Derivatives instruments in net investment hedging relationships 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 (the “Series M Notes”). Woodward designated the Series M Notes as a hedge of a foreign currency exposure of Woodward’s net investment in its Euro denominated functional currency subsidiaries. Related to the Series M Notes, included in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings are net foreign exchange losses of $3,199 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Impact of derivative instruments designated as qualifying hedging instruments The following table discloses the impact of derivative instruments designated as qualifying hedging instruments on Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Derivatives in: Location Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Cross currency interest rate swap agreement designated as fair value hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 4,592 $ 4,832 $ 5,396 Cross currency interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses (3,190 ) 13,430 (3,190 ) Treasury lock agreement designated as cash flow hedge Interest expense (72 ) — (72 ) $ 1,330 $ 18,262 $ 2,134 Year Ended September 30, 2019 Derivatives in: Location Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Cross currency interest rate swap agreement designated as fair value hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses $ (9,394 ) $ (8,317 ) $ (8,356 ) Cross currency interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses (23,018 ) (39,442 ) (23,018 ) Treasury lock agreement designated as cash flow hedge Interest expense (72 ) — (72 ) $ (32,484 ) $ (47,759 ) $ (31,446 ) Year Ended September 30, 2018 Derivatives in: Location Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Cross currency interest rate swap agreement designated as fair value hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 472 $ 1,034 $ 472 Cross currency interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,067 21,966 1,067 Treasury lock agreement designated as cash flow hedge Interest expense (72 ) — (72 ) $ 1,467 $ 23,000 $ 1,467 The remaining unrecognized gains and losses in Woodward’s Consolidated Balance Sheets associated with derivative instruments that were previously entered into by Woodward, which are classified in accumulated OCI were net losses of $21,132 as of September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019

Supplemental Statement of Cash

Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information	Note 10. Supplemental statement of cash flows information Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 27,148 $ 39,909 $ 29,677 Income taxes paid 94,088 68,112 44,831 Income tax refunds received 17,653 1,454 1,976 Non-cash activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account 3,076 8,737 11,982 Impact of the adoption of ASC 606 — 38,700 — Impact of the adoption of ASC 842 (Note 5) 255 — — Impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-16 — 1,005 — Common shares issued from treasury to settle benefit obligations (Note 22) 14,748 14,846 14,741 Purchases of treasury stock on account — 4,204 —

Sale of businesses

Sale of businesses	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Sale of businesses	Note 11. Sale of businesses In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward’s board of directors (“the Board”) approved a plan to divest Woodward’s renewable power systems business, protective relays business, and other businesses within the Company’s Industrial segment (collectively, the “disposal group”). Woodward determined that the approved plan to divest the disposal group represented a triggering event requiring (i) the net assets of the disposal group to be classified as held for sale and (ii) the long-lived assets attributable to the disposal group be assessed for impairment. Given the facts and circumstances at that time, Woodward determined that the value of the long-lived assets of the disposal group, including goodwill, intangible assets, ROU assets and property, plant, and equipment, were not recoverable and a $22,900 non-cash impairment charge was recorded during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The non-cash impairment charge removed all the goodwill, intangible assets, ROU assets and property, plant, and equipment associated with the disposal group from the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020. Further, on the approval of the divestiture plan and subsequent marketing of the disposal group, Woodward determined that based on the current market conditions, the carrying value of the disposal group’s remaining held for sale net assets exceeded the fair value. As a result, Woodward recorded a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of the disposal group to their fair value. The non-cash impairment charge associated with the long-lived assets, and related valuation allowance for the other remaining net assets attributable to the disposal group, resulted in a total impairment charge of $37,902. In determining the amount by which the carrying value of the disposal group’s remaining net assets exceeded their fair value, Woodward considered primarily the market value of the assets held for sale based on negotiations it had entered into with affiliates of the AURELIUS Group for the sale of the majority of the disposal group. On January 31, 2020, Woodward entered into a definitive agreement to sell the majority of the disposal group to affiliates of the AURELIUS Group for $ 23,400 , subject to customary purchase price adjustments, consisting of cash and a $ 6,000 promissory note. The assets were primarily located in Germany, Poland and Bulgaria and accounted for approximately $ of sales in fiscal year 2019. The valuation reserve recorded to reduce the carrying value of the net assets held for sale was based on the estimated selling price pursuant to the definitive agreement reduced by the estimated working capital adjustments, transaction costs, and anticipated losses on assets held for sale that were not included in the disposal group to be sold to the AURELIUS Group. During the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward recognized an additional loss on sale of the disposal group, resulting in a net loss of $515 as a result of working capital adjustments realized upon closing of the sale. The net loss on sale of the disposal group is recorded in the line item “Other (income) expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The transactions consummating the sale of the disposal group were completed on April 30, 2020. The carrying value of the assets and liabilities sold were as follows: June 30, 2020 Assets: Accounts receivable $ 17,637 Inventories 441 Other current assets 796 Other assets 51 Total assets 18,925 Liabilities: Accounts payable 7,633 Accrued liabilities 2,998 Other liabilities 450 Total liabilities $ 11,081

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Inventory Net [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 12. Inventories September 30, September 30, 2020 2019 Raw materials $ 123,626 $ 134,878 Work in progress 92,934 133,885 Component parts (1) 255,980 287,128 Finished goods 66,889 59,051 Customer supplied inventory 14,955 13,396 On-hand inventory for which control has transferred to the customer (116,441 ) (111,502 ) $ 437,943 $ 516,836 (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	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Note 13. Property, plant, and equipment September 30, September 30, 2020 2019 Land and land improvements $ 83,095 $ 94,976 Buildings and building improvements 551,540 587,541 Leasehold improvements 18,610 17,446 Machinery and production equipment 776,884 731,159 Computer equipment and software 123,903 124,201 Office furniture and equipment 41,177 39,934 Other 19,814 19,346 Construction in progress 36,367 57,624 1,651,390 1,672,227 Less accumulated depreciation (653,975 ) (613,452 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 997,415 $ 1,058,775 In the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company announced its decision to relocate its Duarte, California operations to the Company’s newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, and in fiscal year 2019, finalized the relocation. On December 30, 2019, the Company closed on the sale of one of two parcels of real property at the Duarte facility and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets of $13,522. On August 11, 2020, the Company closed on the sale of the final parcel of real property at the Duarte facility and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets of $8,801 (see Note 19, Other (income) expense, net In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward determined that the approved plan to divest of the disposal group (see Note 11, Sale of businesses On September 25, 2020 the Company closed on the sale of its Loveland, Colorado campus with a concurrent purchase of a new property in Windsor, Colorado for future operations, resulting in recognition of a pre-tax gain on sale of assets of $2,330 (see Note 19, Other (income) expense, net For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Depreciation expense $ 91,700 $ 85,982 $ 71,389 For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, Woodward capitalized interest that would have otherwise been included in interest expense of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Capitalized interest $ 136 $ 779 $ 2,187

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Note 14. Goodwill September 30, 2019 Impairment Charges Additions Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2020 Aerospace $ 455,423 $ — $ — $ — $ 455,423 Industrial 342,430 (8,640 ) — 19,039 352,829 Consolidated $ 797,853 $ (8,640 ) $ — $ 19,039 $ 808,252 September 30, 2018 Impairment Charges Additions Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2019 Aerospace $ 455,423 $ — $ — $ — $ 455,423 Industrial 357,827 — — (15,397 ) 342,430 Consolidated $ 813,250 $ — $ — $ (15,397 ) $ 797,853 In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward determined that the approved plan to divest of the disposal group (see Note 11, Sale of businesses Woodward tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or at any time there is an indication goodwill may be impaired, commonly referred to as triggering events. Woodward completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of July 31, 2020 during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 . 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, 2020 impairment test were discounted using weighted-average cost of capital assumptions ranging from 8.30% to 9.99%. The terminal values of the forecasted cash flows were calculated using the Gordon Growth Model and assumed an annual compound growth rate after five years of 3.44%. 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 test performed as of July 31, 2020 did not indicate impairment of any of Woodward’s reporting units. Woodward’s July 31, 2020 goodwill analysis indicated a premium of approximately 17% compared to the carrying value of one of its reporting units in the Aerospace segment, which is primarily comprised of the thrust reverser actuation systems (“TRAS”) business and was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 related declines in commercial OEM and aftermarket. Woodward is not aware of any facts, circumstances or triggering events that have arisen indicating that goodwill has been impaired or that the premium of approximately 17% has changed significantly for this reporting unit since Woodward’s July 31, 2020 analysis.

Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net	Note 15. Intangible assets, net September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Intangible assets with finite lives: Customer relationships and contracts: Aerospace $ 281,683 $ (196,520 ) $ 85,163 $ 281,683 $ (181,995 ) $ 99,688 Industrial 429,249 (57,045 ) $ 372,204 407,683 (43,986 ) 363,697 Total $ 710,932 $ (253,565 ) $ 457,367 $ 689,366 $ (225,981 ) $ 463,385 Intellectual property: Aerospace $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Industrial 15,778 (15,640 ) $ 138 19,201 (18,705 ) 496 Total $ 15,778 $ (15,640 ) $ 138 $ 19,201 $ (18,705 ) $ 496 Process technology: Aerospace $ 76,371 $ (63,956 ) $ 12,415 $ 76,371 $ (59,913 ) $ 16,458 Industrial 90,945 (22,300 ) $ 68,645 92,820 (24,926 ) 67,894 Total $ 167,316 $ (86,256 ) $ 81,060 $ 169,191 $ (84,839 ) $ 84,352 Other intangibles: Aerospace $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Industrial 235 (183 ) 52 1,541 (1,249 ) 292 Total $ 235 $ (183 ) $ 52 $ 1,541 $ (1,249 ) $ 292 Intangible asset with indefinite life: Tradename: Aerospace $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Industrial 68,094 — $ 68,094 63,467 — 63,467 Total $ 68,094 $ — $ 68,094 $ 63,467 $ — $ 63,467 Total intangibles: Aerospace $ 358,054 $ (260,476 ) $ 97,578 $ 358,054 $ (241,908 ) $ 116,146 Industrial 647,738 (138,605 ) $ 509,133 625,212 (129,366 ) 495,846 Consolidated Total $ 1,005,792 $ (399,081 ) $ 606,711 $ 983,266 $ (371,274 ) $ 611,992 Indefinite lived intangible assets The Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset is tested for impairment on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the fair value of the Woodward L’Orange intangible asset may be below its carrying amount. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset, determined using discounted cash flows based on the relief from royalty method under the income approach, with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its fair value. Woodward has not recorded any impairment charges for this asset. During the fourth quarter, Woodward completed its annual impairment test of the Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset as of July 31, 2020 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. The fair value of the Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible assets was determined using discounted cash flows based on the relief from royalty method under the income approach. This method represents a Level 3 input (based upon a fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP) and incorporates various estimates and assumptions, the most significant being projected revenue growth rates, royalty rates, 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 the forecasted cash flow. Management projects revenue growth rates and cash flows based on Woodward L’Orange’s current operational results, expected performance and operational strategies over a five year period. These projections are adjusted to reflect current economic conditions and demand for certain products, and require considerable management judgment. The forecasted cash flow used in the July 31, 2020 impairment test was discounted using weighted-average cost of capital assumption of 8.5%. The terminal value of the forecasted cash flow was calculated using the Gordon Growth Model and assumed an annual compound growth rate after five years of 3.44%. 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 the forecasted cash flow. The results of impairment test performed as of July 31, 2020 indicated the estimated fair value of the Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset was in excess of its carrying value, and accordingly, no impairment existed. Finite lived intangible assets In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward determined that the approved plan to divest of the disposal group (see Note 11, Sale of businesses September 30, 2020 For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Amortization expense $ 39,458 $ 56,022 $ 44,742 Future amortization expense associated with intangibles is expected to be: Year Ending September 30: 2021 $ 40,388 2022 38,275 2023 37,224 2024 33,472 2025 28,257 Thereafter 361,001 $ 538,617

Credit Facilities, Short-term B

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt	Note 16. Credit facilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt As of September 30, 2020 Total availability Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees Outstanding borrowings Remaining availability Revolving credit facility $ 1,000,000 $ (11,771 ) $ — $ 988,229 Foreign lines of credit and overdraft facilities 7,567 — — 7,567 Foreign performance guarantee facilities 511 (256 ) — 255 $ 1,008,078 $ (12,027 ) $ — $ 996,051 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 provided for the option to increase available borrowings up to $1,500,000, subject to lenders’ participation. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement can be made by Woodward and certain of its foreign subsidiaries in U.S. dollars or in foreign currencies other than the U.S. dollar and generally bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.875% to 1.75%. The Revolving Credit Agreement matures on June 19, 2024. Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, there were no borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2020 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 and transaction costs associated with permitted acquisitions (incurred within six-months of the permitted acquisition), 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 each period of four consecutive quarters during which a permitted acquisition occurs, and (ii) a minimum consolidated net worth of $1,156,000 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. As of September 30, 2020 Management believes that Woodward was in compliance with the covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement at September 30, 2020. 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 on Woodward’s foreign lines of credit and foreign overdraft facilities as of both September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Long-term debt September 30, September 30, 2020 2019 Long-term portion of revolving credit facility - Floating rate (LIBOR plus 0.875% - 1.75%), due June 19, 2024; unsecured $ — $ 42,297 Series G notes – 3.42%, due November 15, 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series H notes – 4.03%, due November 15, 2023; unsecured 25,000 25,000 Series I notes – 4.18%, due November 15, 2025; unsecured 25,000 25,000 Series J notes – Floating rate (LIBOR plus 1.25%), due November 15, 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series K notes – 4.03%, due November 15, 2023; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series L notes – 4.18%, due November 15, 2025; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series M notes – 1.12% due September 23, 2026; unsecured 46,962 43,770 Series N notes – 1.31% due September 23, 2028; unsecured 90,401 84,257 Series O notes – 1.57% due September 23, 2031; unsecured 50,484 47,053 Series P notes – 4.27% due May 30, 2025; unsecured 85,000 85,000 Series Q notes – 4.35% due May 30, 2027; unsecured 85,000 85,000 Series R notes – 4.41% due May 30, 2029; unsecured 75,000 75,000 Series S notes – 4.46% due May 30, 2030; unsecured 75,000 75,000 Series T notes – 4.61% due May 30, 2033; unsecured 80,000 80,000 Finance leases (Note 5) 2,807 — Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,171 ) (2,478 ) Total long-term debt 838,483 864,899 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 101,634 — Long-term debt, less current portion $ 736,849 $ 864,899 The 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 private 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 with the First Closing Notes, collectively the “USD Notes”) on November 15, 2013. On November 15, 2020, Woodward paid the entire principal balance of $100,000 on the Series G and J Notes using cash on hand and proceeds from borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility. On September 23, 2016, Woodward and the BV Subsidiary each entered into note purchase agreements (the “2016 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 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”). On May 31, 2018, Woodward entered into a note purchase agreement (the “2018 Note Purchase Agreement”) relating to the sale by Woodward of an aggregate principal amount of $400,000 of senior unsecured notes comprised of (a) $85,000 aggregate principal amount of its Series P Senior Notes (the “Series P Notes”), (b) $85,000 aggregate principal amount of its Series Q Senior Notes (the “Series Q Notes”), (c) $75,000 aggregate principal amount of its Series R Senior Notes (the “Series R Notes”), (d) $75,000 aggregate principal amount of its Series S Senior Notes (the “Series S Notes”), and (e) $80,000 aggregate principal amount of its Series T Senior Notes (the “Series T Notes”, and together with the Series P Notes, the Series Q Notes, the Series R Notes, and the Series S Notes, the “2018 Notes,” and, together with the USD Notes and 2016 Notes, the “Notes”), in a series of private placement transactions. In connection with the issuance of the 2018 Notes, the Company entered into cross currency swap transactions in respect of each tranche of the 2018 Notes, which effectively reduced the interest rates on the Series P Notes to 1.82% per annum, the Series Q Notes to 2.15% per annum, the Series R Notes to 2.42% per annum, the Series S Notes to 2.55% per annum and the Series T Notes to 2.90% per annum (see Note 9, Derivative instruments and hedging activities Interest on the remaining 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 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 all principal is paid. As of September 30, 2020 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 payment and performance obligations under the Notes, including without limitation the obligations for payment of all principal, interest and any applicable prepayment compensation amount, 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 Notes contain restrictive 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 each series of the 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. 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 $1,156,000 plus 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. For the 2018 Notes, Woodward’s consolidated net worth must at all times equal or exceed $1,156,000 plus (i) 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 and (ii) 50% of the net cash proceeds received by Woodward on or after May 31, 2018 from the issuance of capital stock, other than issuances pursuant to employee stock option or ownership plans. The Company, 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 the Notes to be prepaid (but, in the case of partial prepayment, not less than $1,000 for each the USD Notes and the 2018 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 prepayment, plus any applicable prepayment compensation amount. The prepayment compensation amount, as to the USD Notes and 2018 Notes, other than the Series J Notes, is computed by discounting the remaining scheduled payments of interest and principal of the USD Notes and/or 2018 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 and/or 2018 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 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 Notes 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, 2020 Year Ending September 30: 2021 $ 100,000 2022 — 2023 — 2024 75,000 2025 85,000 Thereafter 577,846 $ 837,846 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, 2020 Debt Issuance Costs Amounts recognized as interest expense from the amortization of debt issuance costs were $892 in fiscal year 2020, $1,094 in fiscal year 2019, and $1,256 in fiscal year 2018. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Notes of $2,171 as of September 30, 2020 and $2,478 as of September 30, 2019 were recorded as a reduction in “Long-term debt, less current portion” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with Woodward’s Revolving Credit Agreements of $2,242 as of September 30, 2020 and $2,840 as of September 30, 2019 were 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, 2020
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Note 17. Accrued liabilities At September 30, 2020 2019 Salaries and other member benefits $ 50,850 $ 115,649 Warranties 18,972 27,309 Interest payable 15,281 13,808 Accrued retirement benefits 3,051 3,587 Current portion of loss reserve on contractual lease commitments — 1,245 Net current contract liabilities (Note 3) 24,620 27,891 Restructuring charges 3,395 507 Taxes, other than income 13,925 15,708 Other 21,700 22,423 $ 151,794 $ 228,127 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 as revenue is recognized 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, 2020 2019 2018 Warranties, beginning of period $ 27,309 $ 20,130 $ 13,597 Increases due to acquisition of L'Orange — — 6,045 Impact from adoption of ASC 606 — 705 — Expense, net of recoveries 8,687 14,559 5,158 Reductions for settling warranties (17,422 ) (7,540 ) (4,413 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 398 (545 ) (257 ) Warranties, end of period $ 18,972 $ 27,309 $ 20,130 Restructuring charges In fiscal year 2018, the Company recorded restructuring charges totaling $17,013, the majority of which relate to the Company’s decision to relocate its Duarte, California operations to the Company’s newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Duarte facility, which manufactures thrust reverser actuation systems, is part of the Company’s Aerospace segment. The remaining restructuring charges recognized during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 consist of workforce management costs related to aligning the Company’s industrial turbomachinery business, which is part of the Company’s Industrial segment, with the then current market conditions. All of the restructuring charges recorded during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 were recorded as nonsegment expenses and were paid as of September 30, 2020. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, the Company committed to a plan of termination (the “Termination Plan”), as well as other cost savings actions, in response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business. The Termination Plan involved the termination and/or furlough of employees and contractors at certain of the Company’s operating facilities, primarily in the United States. As a result of the Termination Plan and other related actions, the Company incurred $23,673 of restructuring charges for employee severance and benefits costs as of September 30, 2020, with the majority of the cash expenditures being paid by September 30, 2020. All of the restructuring charges recorded during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 were recorded as nonsegment expenses and the remaining unpaid amounts are expected to be paid within one year of the balance sheet date. The summary of activity in accrued restructuring charges during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 Period Activity Balances as of September 30, 2019 Charges Payments Foreign currency exchange rate changes Non-cash activity Balances as of September 30, 2020 Workforce management costs associated with: Duarte plant relocation $ 440 $ — $ (440 ) $ — $ — $ — Industrial turbomachinery business realignment 67 — (67 ) — — — COVID-19 pandemic — 23,673 (18,065 ) 77 (2,290 ) 3,395 Total $ 507 $ 23,673 $ (18,572 ) $ 77 $ (2,290 ) $ 3,395 Period Activity Balances as of September 30, 2018 Charges Payments Foreign currency exchange rate changes Non-cash activity Balances as of September 30, 2019 Workforce management costs associated with: Duarte plant relocation $ 12,504 $ — $ (8,685 ) $ — $ (3,379 ) $ 440 Industrial turbomachinery business realignment 4,018 — (3,760 ) — (191 ) 67 Total $ 16,522 $ — $ (12,445 ) $ — $ (3,570 ) $ 507

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Note 18. Other liabilities At September 30, 2020 2019 Net accrued retirement benefits, less amounts recognized within accrued liabilities $ 114,013 $ 111,257 Total unrecognized tax benefits 10,230 10,644 Noncurrent income taxes payable (1) 18,322 20,251 Deferred economic incentives (2) 9,105 11,535 Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments (3) — 1,754 Cross-currency swap derivative liability (4) 51,387 — Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 14,569 — Net noncurrent contract liabilities (5) 366,642 337,165 Other 33,637 13,482 $ 617,905 $ 506,088 (1) See Note 20, Income taxes (2) 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. (3) In connection with the construction of a new production facility in Niles, Illinois, Woodward vacated a lease facility in Skokie, Illinois, and recorded a loss reserve on the estimated remaining contractual lease commitment, net of anticipated sublease income. As of September 30, 2019, the current portion of the accrued loss reserve on contractual lease commitments was included in “accrued liabilities” (see Note 17, Accrued liabilities (4) See Note 8, Financial instruments and fair value measurements (5) See Note 3, Revenue,

Other (Income) Expense, Net

Other (Income) Expense, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract]
Other (Income) Expense, Net	Note 19. Other (income) expense, net Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Equity interest in the earnings of the JV (Note 7) $ (15,580 ) $ (12,932 ) $ (3,339 ) Net (gain) loss on sales of assets and businesses ( 1) (23,598 ) 1,925 (1,106 ) Rent income (1,403 ) (245 ) (170 ) Net (gain) loss on investments in deferred compensation program (3,376 ) (942 ) (1,661 ) Loss on forward option derivative instrument — — 5,543 Other components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit, excluding service cost and interest expense (11,809 ) (12,965 ) (12,801 ) Other (400 ) (810 ) (792 ) $ (56,166 ) $ (25,969 ) $ (14,326 ) (1) Included in net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was the pre-tax gain on sale of Duarte real property in the amount of $22,323, the pre-tax gain on sale of the Loveland campus of $2,330, and a net loss on divestiture of the disposal group of $515.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 20. Income taxes Income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Current: Federal $ 15,976 $ 40,173 $ 39,979 State 1,383 2,402 3,697 Foreign 22,588 34,660 25,968 Deferred: Federal 10,784 (2,015 ) (10,519 ) State (547 ) (2,948 ) (3,784 ) Foreign (8,698 ) (11,262 ) (16,141 ) $ 41,486 $ 61,010 $ 39,200 Earnings before income taxes by geographical area consisted of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 180,753 $ 211,267 $ 181,671 Other countries 101,128 109,345 37,907 $ 281,881 $ 320,612 $ 219,578 Significant components of deferred income taxes presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are related to the following: At September 30, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Defined benefit plans, other postretirement $ 6,238 $ 6,535 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 6,106 6,836 Inventory 53,867 51,740 Stock-based and other compensation 35,919 45,839 Defined benefit plans, pension 5,624 11,399 Deferred revenue net of unbilled receivables 39,990 32,310 Other reserves 10,119 11,571 Tax credits and incentives 14,340 13,580 Lease obligations 5,764 — Other 9,223 5,611 Valuation allowance (1,833 ) (3,638 ) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 185,357 181,783 Deferred tax liabilities: Goodwill and intangibles - net (218,900 ) (212,926 ) Property, plant and equipment (107,862 ) (97,469 ) Right of use assets (4,837 ) — Other (2,673 ) (4,589 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (334,272 ) (314,984 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (148,915 ) $ (133,201 ) Woodward has recorded a net operating loss (“NOL”) deferred tax asset of $6,106 as of September 30, 2020 and $6,836 as of September 30, 2019. A portion of these NOL carryforwards started to expire in 2019 and are currently offset by a valuation allowance. Woodward has 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 the expiration of net operating losses at a wholly owned subsidiary. At September 30, 20 20 , Woodward has not provided for taxes on undistributed foreign earnings of $ 296,165 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. On December 22, 2017 the U.S. enacted the Tax Act. The Tax Act included significant changes to prior tax law, including a permanent reduction to the U.S federal corporate income tax rate of 35% to 21%, a one-time repatriation tax on deferred foreign income (“Transition Tax”), deemed inclusions of foreign low tax earnings, limitations on certain deductions, adjusted foreign tax credits, and business-related exclusions. Enactment of the Tax Act during December 2017 resulted in a net change to Woodward’s income tax expense in the amount of $14,778, which was recorded in the three-months ended December 31, 2017. After adjustments to amounts made throughout fiscal year 2018, the net impact of the enactment of the Tax Act was $10,860. Woodward finalized its assessment of the income tax effects of the Tax Act in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. On June 14, 2019, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued final regulations that modified the Transition Tax computation required by the Tax Act. As a result, in the three-months ended June 30, 2019, Woodward recognized additional income tax expense related to the Transition Tax of $10,588. The permanent reduction to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% was effective January 1, 2018 (the “Effective Date”). When a U.S. federal tax rate change occurs during a taxpayer’s fiscal year, taxpayers are required to compute a weighted daily average rate for the fiscal year of enactment. As a result of the Tax Act, Woodward calculated a U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate of 24.5% for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 and applied this rate in computing the income tax provision for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. The U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate of 24.5% is the weighted daily average rate between the pre-enactment U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% applicable to Woodward’s 2018 fiscal year prior to the Effective Date and the post-enactment U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% applicable to the 2018 fiscal year after the Effective Date. The U.S. federal statutory rate is 21% for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. The following is a reconciliation of the U.S. Federal statutory tax 21% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, 21.0% in fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 and 24.5% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 to Woodward’s effective income tax rate: Year Ending September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Percent of pretax earnings Statutory tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 24.5 % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 0.3 (0.1 ) (0.5 ) Taxes on international activities (2.1 ) 0.2 (1.8 ) Research credit (3.6 ) (3.3 ) (4.8 ) Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation (2.8 ) (3.5 ) (1.4 ) Domestic production activities deduction — – (1.6 ) Adjustments of prior period tax items 1.0 0.9 (5.0 ) Effect of U.S. federal corporate rate reduction on net beginning U.S. deferred tax liability — – (5.0 ) Transition Tax — 3.3 6.2 Increased deferred tax liability associated with anticipated repatriation taxes — – 3.7 Effect of U.S. federal corporate rate reduction on net current year U.S. deferred tax activity — – 2.0 Other items, net 0.9 0.5 1.6 Effective tax rate 14.7 % 19.0 % 17.9 % 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. The decrease in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 is primarily attributable to (i) the additional income tax expense resulting from Transition Tax regulations issued by the IRS on June 14, 2019 which did not repeat in the current fiscal year and (ii) increased foreign earnings in a lower tax jurisdiction taxed at a lower rate resulting from the net gain on termination of the cross-currency interest rate swaps termination. This decrease was partially offset by a smaller favorable net excess income tax benefits from stock-based compensation. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows: Year Ending September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 10,305 $ 8,364 $ 20,132 Additions to current year tax positions 1,890 1,930 2,675 Reductions to prior year tax positions (2,415 ) – (14,458 ) Additions to prior year tax positions 71 11 15 Lapse of applicable statute of limitations — – – Ending balance $ 9,851 $ 10,305 $ 8,364 Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits were $4,730 as of September 30, 2020 and $4,411 as of September 30, 2019 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 $84 in the next twelve months due to the completion of review 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 $489 as of September 30, 2020 and $437 as of September 30, 2019. In March 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security Act” (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act provides relief from the certain economic impacts of COVID-19 to companies and individuals. Non-income tax impacts of the CARES Act include (i) extension of payment deadliness for certain U.S. payroll taxes and (ii) tax credits for certain qualifying costs incurred by the Company in connection with certain facility closures due to COVID-19. Non-income tax credits are generally recognized as a reduction to the related costs that generated the credits. The non-income tax impacts of the CARES Act were insignificant to the results of operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020. 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 limitation may result in changes to tax expense. Woodward’s fiscal years remaining open to examination for U.S. Federal income taxes include fiscal years 2018 and thereafter. In fiscal year 2020, Woodward concluded its U.S. Federal income tax examination through fiscal year 2017, which included a foreign tax carryback to fiscal year 2016. Woodward’s fiscal years remaining open to examination for significant U.S. state income tax jurisdictions include fiscal years 2016 and thereafter. Woodward closed various audits in foreign jurisdictions in the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2019. Consequently, fiscal years remaining open to examination in significant foreign jurisdictions include 2016 and thereafter.

Retirement benefits

Retirement benefits	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement benefits	Note 21. 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 non-U.S. employees are also eligible to participate in similar non-U.S. 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 quarters of fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, Woodward fulfilled its annual Woodward stock contribution obligation using shares held in treasury stock by issuing a total of 124 shares of common stock for a value of $14,748 in fiscal year 2020, 158 total shares of common stock for a value of $14,846 in fiscal year 2019, and 202 shares of common stock for a value of $14,741 in fiscal year 2018. The Woodward Retirement Savings Plan (the “WRS Plan”) held 3,199 shares of Woodward stock as of September 30, 2020 and 3,623 shares as of September 30, 2019. 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 common stock to the WRS Plan of $11,230 as of September 30, 2020 and $11,701 as of September 30, 2019. The amount of expense associated with defined contribution plans was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Company costs $ 33,769 $ 35,510 $ 34,084 Defined benefit plans Woodward has defined benefit plans that provide pension benefits for certain retired employees in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany. 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. On October 26, 2018, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom (the “High Court”) issued a ruling (the “Court Ruling”) requiring defined benefit plan sponsors in the United Kingdom to equalize benefits payable to men and women under its United Kingdom defined benefit pension plans by amending those plans to increase the pension benefits payable to participants that accrued such benefits during the period from 1990 to 1997. In the Court Ruling, the High Court also provided details on acceptable alternative methods of amending plans to equalize the pension benefits. Although final guidance around the appropriate equalization methodology to be used has not yet been issued, Woodward has concluded that Court Ruling is applicable to its defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom and has made the necessary plan amendments. Woodward’s current estimate of the impact of the Court Ruling in the amount of $601 has been reflected in the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plan’s obligation and assets as of September 30, 2019 was amortized as a net prior service cost as of September 30, 2020. Woodward does not expect any changes to the estimate resulting from final guidance around the appropriate equalization methodology to be used will be material to the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plan’s obligation and assets. In connection with the acquisition of L’Orange on June 1, 2018, Woodward assumed the unfunded defined benefit pension obligations of the L’Orange defined benefit pension plans in Germany (the “L’Orange Pension Plans”). Woodward’s assumption of the liability associated with the L’Orange Pension Plans was part of the total consideration paid by Woodward to acquire L’Orange and thus reduced Woodward’s cash payment for the transaction. Woodward has completed its valuation of the defined benefit pension obligations associated with the L’Orange Pension Plans and determined the value of the associated unfunded obligation was $39,257, of which $1,143 was considered current as of the June 1, 2018 acquisition date. The L’Orange Pension Plans had expenses of $3,000, $2,004 and $673 and Woodward made $873, $782 and $219 of contributions to the L’Orange Pension Plans to pay participant benefits during the years ended September 30, 2020, September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. The L’Orange Pension Plans are unfunded. Excluding the Woodward HRT Plan, which is only partially frozen to salaried participants, 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: 2020 2019 2018 United States: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 2.75% 3.25% 4.35% Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate 3.25 4.35 3.80 Long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.39 7.39 7.39 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. 2020 2019 2018 United Kingdom: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 1.62% 1.74% 2.68% Rate of compensation increase 3.30 3.50 3.60 Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate - service cost 1.79 2.70 2.58 Discount rate - interest cost 1.59 2.51 2.36 Rate of compensation increase 3.50 3.60 3.60 Long-term rate of return on plan assets 4.75 4.75 4.75 2020 2019 2018 Japan: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 1.10% 0.53% 0.62% Rate of compensation increase 2.00 2.00 2.00 Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate - service cost 0.72 0.80 0.72 Discount rate - interest cost 0.31 0.42 0.38 Rate of compensation increase 2.00 2.00 2.00 Long-term rate of return on plan assets 2.50 2.50 2.50 2020 2019 2018 Germany: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 0.97% 0.81% 1.87% Rate of compensation increase 2.50 2.50 2.50 Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate - service cost 1.01 2.06 2.05 Discount rate - interest cost 0.56 1.53 1.49 Rate of compensation increase 2.50 2.50 2.50 In the United Kingdom, Germany 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 years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2019 and 2018 benefit obligation, respectively, matched with separate cash flows for each future year. 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, 2020 were based on the Society of Actuaries (“SOA”) Pri-2012 Mortality Tables Report using the SOA’s Mortality Improvement Scale MP-2019 (“MP-2019”) and projected forward using a custom projection scale based on MP-2019 with a 5-year convergence period and a long-term rate of 0.75%. The projected benefit obligations in the United States as of September 30, 2019 were based on the 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, 2020, mortality assumptions in Japan were based on the Standard rates 2020 and mortality assumptions for the United Kingdom pension scheme were based on the Self-administered pension scheme (“SAPS”) S3 “all” tables with a projected 1.5% annual improvement rate. Compared to September 30, 2019, where 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. As of September 30, 2020, and September 30, 2019, mortality assumptions in Germany were based on the Heubeck 2018 G mortality tables. Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings: Year Ended September 30, United States Other Countries Total 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Service cost $ 1,659 $ 1,451 $ 1,643 $ 2,865 $ 2,036 $ 1,124 $ 4,524 $ 3,487 $ 2,767 Interest cost 5,590 6,384 6,004 1,278 1,906 1,526 6,868 8,290 7,530 Expected return on plan assets (12,346 ) (11,986 ) (11,614 ) (2,827 ) (2,638 ) (2,780 ) (15,173 ) (14,624 ) (14,394 ) Amortization of: Net losses 1,430 617 598 1,046 283 291 2,476 900 889 Net prior service cost 936 709 709 23 — — 959 709 709 Net periodic (benefit) cost $ (2,731 ) $ (2,825 ) $ (2,660 ) $ 2,385 $ 1,587 $ 161 $ (346 ) $ (1,238 ) $ (2,499 ) 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 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Changes in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 175,595 $ 150,032 $ 121,535 $ 103,485 $ 297,130 $ 253,517 Plan amendment — — — 601 — 601 Service cost 1,659 1,451 2,865 2,036 4,524 3,487 Interest cost 5,590 6,384 1,278 1,906 6,868 8,290 Net actuarial losses (gains) 7,811 23,841 (4,841 ) 22,174 2,970 46,015 Contribution by participants 91 — 9 9 100 9 Benefits paid (6,669 ) (6,113 ) (3,434 ) (3,181 ) (10,103 ) (9,294 ) Settlements — — (476 ) — (476 ) — Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 6,610 (5,495 ) 6,610 (5,495 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 184,077 $ 175,595 $ 123,546 $ 121,535 $ 307,623 $ 297,130 Changes in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 170,556 $ 165,342 $ 63,577 $ 62,380 $ 234,133 $ 227,722 Actual return on plan assets 37,577 11,327 576 5,121 38,153 16,448 Contributions by the Company — — 2,272 1,697 2,272 1,697 Contributions by plan participants 91 — 9 9 100 9 Benefits paid (6,669 ) (6,113 ) (3,434 ) (3,181 ) (10,103 ) (9,294 ) Settlements — (476 ) (476 ) — Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 2,630 (2,449 ) 2,630 (2,449 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 201,555 $ 170,556 $ 65,154 $ 63,577 $ 266,709 $ 234,133 Net over/(under) funded status at end of year $ 17,478 $ (5,039 ) $ (58,392 ) $ (57,958 ) $ (40,914 ) $ (62,997 ) At September 30, 2020, the Company’s defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany represented $59,003, $10,119 and $54,424 of the total projected benefit obligation, respectively. At September 30, 2020, the United Kingdom and Japan pension plan assets represented $53,557 and $11,597 of the total fair value of all plan assets, respectively. The German pension plans are unfunded and have no plan assets. The largest contributor to the net actuarial losses affecting the benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans in the United States is due to a decrease in the discount rate, partially offset by return on plan assets significantly exceeding expectations. The largest contributor to the net actuarial gains affecting the benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany is due to an increase in the discount rate, partially offset by lower than expected return on plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligations of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at September 30, 2020 was $184,077 in the United States, $58,198 in the United Kingdom, $9,266 in Japan, and $54,403 in Germany, and at September 30, 2019 was $175,595 in the United States, $56,389 in the United Kingdom, $10,081 in Japan and $51,908 in Germany. 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, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ (141,561 ) $ (286,495 ) $ (166,062 ) $ (10,635 ) Accumulated benefit obligation (140,623 ) (284,368 ) (165,321 ) (9,605 ) Fair value of plan assets 79,963 222,661 186,746 11,472 The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other comprehensive losses for the defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended September 30, United States Other Countries Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of: Other non-current assets $ 19,064 $ — $ 1,476 $ 838 $ 20,540 $ 838 Accrued liabilities — — (1,059 ) (1,539 ) (1,059 ) (1,539 ) Other non-current liabilities (1,586 ) (5,039 ) (58,809 ) (57,256 ) (60,395 ) (62,295 ) Net over/(under) funded status at end of year $ 17,478 $ (5,039 ) $ (58,392 ) $ (57,957 ) $ (40,914 ) $ (62,996 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Unrecognized net prior service cost $ 4,814 $ 5,750 $ 583 $ 579 $ 5,397 $ 6,329 Unrecognized net losses 9,317 28,167 30,794 32,641 40,111 60,808 Total amounts recognized 14,131 33,917 31,377 33,220 45,508 67,137 Deferred taxes (6,721 ) (11,577 ) (9,457 ) (10,029 ) (16,178 ) (21,606 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ 7,410 $ 22,340 $ 21,920 $ 23,191 $ 29,330 $ 45,531 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 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 33,917 $ 10,744 $ 33,220 $ 14,529 $ 67,137 $ 25,273 Net (gain) loss (17,420 ) 24,499 (2,446 ) 19,691 (19,866 ) 44,190 Prior service cost due to plan amendment — — — 601 — 601 Amortization of: Net losses (1,430 ) (617 ) (1,046 ) (283 ) (2,476 ) (900 ) Prior service cost (936 ) (709 ) (23 ) — (959 ) (709 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 1,672 (1,318 ) 1,672 (1,318 ) Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year $ 14,131 $ 33,917 $ 31,377 $ 33,220 $ 45,508 $ 67,137 Pension benefit payments are made from the assets of the pension plans. The German pension plans are unfunded; therefore, benefit payments are made from Company contributions into these plans as required to meet the payment obligations. Using foreign exchange rates as of September 30, 2020 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 2021 $ 7,650 $ 3,493 $ 11,143 2022 8,280 3,347 11,627 2023 8,809 3,952 12,761 2024 9,283 3,841 13,124 2025 9,647 3,792 13,439 2026 – 2030 51,942 20,898 72,840 Woodward expects its pension plan contributions in fiscal year 2021 will be $689 in the United Kingdom, $219 in Japan and $1,021 in Germany. Woodward expects to have no pension plan contributions in fiscal year 2021 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 the United Kingdom and Japan 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. The plans in Germany are unfunded and have no plan assets. Pension plan assets at September 30, 2020 and 2019 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, 2020 2019 Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges United States: Asset Class Equity Securities 64.4 % 41.7 % — 81.7 % 60.6 % 41.4 % — 81.4 % Debt Securities 35.0 % 28.3 % — 48.3 % 37.9 % 28.6 % — 48.6 % Other 0.6 % 0.0% 1.5 % 0.0% 100.0 % 100.0 % United Kingdom: Asset Class Equity Securities 39.6 % 50.0 % — 90.0 % 41.6 % 30.0 % — 60.0 % Debt Securities 60.1 % 45.0 % — 70.0 % 57.8 % 45.0 % — 70.0 % Other 0.3 % 0.0% 0.6 % 0.0% 100.0 % 100.0 % Japan: Asset Class Equity Securities 39.7 % 36.0 % — 44.0 % 41.4 % 36.0 % — 44.0 % Debt Securities 59.4 % 55.0 % — 63.0 % 57.7 % 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, 2020 and September 30, 2019. At September 30, 2020 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 $ 1,115 $ 270 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,385 Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund 70,492 — — — — — 70,492 U.S. equity large cap fund 65,025 — — — — — 65,025 International equity large cap growth fund 64,923 — — — — — 64,923 Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities — — — 2,470 — — 2,470 International equity securities — — — 2,135 — — 2,135 Japanese fixed income securities — — — 5,151 — — 5,151 International fixed income securities — — — 1,734 — — 1,734 Global target return equity/bond fund — — — 13,002 — — 13,002 Index linked U.K. equity fund — — — 2,878 — — 2,878 Index linked international equity fund — — — 5,351 — — 5,351 Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund — — — 18,055 — — 18,055 Index linked U.K. government securities fund — — — 5,767 — — 5,767 Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund — — — 8,341 — — 8,341 Total assets $ 201,555 $ 270 $ — $ 64,884 $ — $ — $ 266,709 At September 30, 2019 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 $ 2,568 $ 418 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,986 Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund 64,514 — — — — — 64,514 U.S. equity large cap fund 56,829 — — — — — 56,829 International equity large cap growth fund 46,645 — — — — — 46,645 Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities — — — 2,518 — — 2,518 International equity securities — — — 2,226 — — 2,226 Japanese fixed income securities — — — 4,915 — — 4,915 International fixed income securities — — — 1,710 — — 1,710 Global target return equity/bond fund — — — 12,488 — — 12,488 Index linked U.K. equity fund — — — 3,738 — — 3,738 Index linked international equity fund — — — 5,438 — — 5,438 Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund — — — 16,737 — — 16,737 Index linked U.K. government securities fund — — — 5,491 — — 5,491 Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund — — — 7,898 — — 7,898 Total assets $ 170,556 $ 418 $ — $ 63,159 $ — $ — $ 234,133 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 2020 or 2019. 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 for approximately 455 retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries and may provide future benefits to 8 active employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries, upon retirement, if the employees elect to participate. 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: 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit obligation at September 30 2.45 % 3.05 % 4.30 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended September 30 3.05 4.30 3.80 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. 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, 2020 were based on the SOA Pri-2012 Mortality Tables Report using the SOA’s MP-2019 and projected forward using a custom projection scale based on MP-2019 with a 5-year convergence period and a long-term rate of 0.75%. The projected benefit obligations in the United States as of September 30, 2019 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, 2020, mortality assumptions for the United Kingdom postretirement medical plan were based on the SAP S3 “all” tables with a projected 1.5% annual improvement rate, whereas of September 30, 2019 mortality assumptions for the United Kingdom postretirement medical plan were based on the SAP S2 “all” tables with a projected 1.5% annual improvement rate. Assumed healthcare cost trend rates at September 30, were as follows: 2020 2019 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.00 % 6.25 % 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 Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Service cost $ 2 $ 5 $ 7 Interest cost 782 1,154 1,165 Amortization of: Net losses 47 55 94 Net prior service cost (benefit) 3 (5 ) (158 ) Curtailment gain — — (330 ) Net periodic cost $ 834 $ 1,209 $ 778 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, 2020 2019 Changes in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 26,671 $ 27,985 Service cost 2 5 Interest cost 782 1,154 Premiums paid by plan participants 1,088 1,192 Net actuarial gains (313 ) (373 ) Benefits paid (2,785 ) (3,292 ) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at end of year $ 25,445 $ 26,671 Changes in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Contributions by the company 1,697 2,100 Premiums paid by plan participants 1,088 1,192 Benefits paid (2,785 ) (3,292 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status at end of year $ (25,445 ) $ (26,671 ) The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other comprehensive losses for the postretirement plans: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of: Accrued liabilities $ (1,992 ) $ (2,048 ) Other non-current liabilities (23,453 ) (24,623 ) Funded status at end of year $ (25,445 ) $ (26,671 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Unrecognized net prior service cost (benefit) $ 1 $ 4 Unrecognized net gains (363 ) (3 ) Total amounts recognized (362 ) 1 Deferred taxes (324 ) (414 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ (686 ) $ (413 ) Woodward pays plan benefits from its general funds; therefore, there are no segregated plan assets as of September 30, 2020 or September 30, 2019. The accumulated benefit obligations of the Company’s postretirement plans were $25,445 at September 30, 2020 and $26,671 at September 30, 2019. The largest contributor to the actuarial gains affecting the Company’s postretirement plans accumulated benefit obligations were the claims experience being lower than expected and the adoption of updated mortality tables, partially offset by the decrease in discount rate and actual participant benefits paid. The following table reconciles the changes in accumulated other comprehensive losses for the other postretirement benefit plans: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 1 $ 424 Net gain (313 ) (373 ) Curtailment arising during the

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Note 22. 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 fiscal years were: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Dividends declared and paid $ 37,664 $ 39,066 $ 34,003 Dividend per share amount 0.6050 0.6300 0.5525 Stock repurchase program In the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, Woodward’s board of directors terminated the Company’s prior stock 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 ended in November 2019 (the “2017 Authorization”). Effective upon the expiration of the 2017 Authorization in November 2019, Woodward’s board of directors approved 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 2022 (the “2019 Authorization”). In fiscal year 2020 2019 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 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “2017 Plan”) and the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), as applicable. 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 of directors (the “Committee”), including, but not limited to, the power to determine the recipients of awards and the terms of those awards. On January 29, 2020, Woodward’s stockholders approved an additional 1,000 shares of Woodward’s common stock to be made available for future grants. Under the 2017 Plan, there were approximately 1,972 shares of Woodward’s common stock available for future grants as of September 30, 2020 Stock options Woodward believes that stock options align the interests of its employees and directors with the interests of its stockholders. Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of Woodward’s stock at the date the grants are awarded, a ten year term, and generally have a four year vesting schedule at a rate of 25% per year. 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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average exercise price per share $ 90.52 79.84 78.91 Weighted-average grant date market value of Woodward stock $ 90.52 79.84 78.91 Expected term (years) 6.4 - 8.7 6.5 - 8.7 6.4 - 8.7 Estimated volatility 25.7 % - 35.1 % 25.7 % - 31.0 % 29.1 % - 32.7 % Estimated dividend yield 0.4 % - 0.9 % 0.6 % 0.8 % 0.6 % - 0.8 % Risk-free interest rate 0.4 % - 1.7 % 1.5 % - 3.1 % 2.1 % - 2.8 % The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average grant date fair value of options $ 25.41 $ 24.12 $ 25.66 The following is a summary of the activity for stock option awards during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020: Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Balance at September 30, 2019 5,387 $ 53.73 Options granted 912 90.52 Options exercised (756 ) 33.26 Options forfeited (94 ) 95.55 Options expired (6 ) 72.79 Balance at September 30, 2020 5,443 62.00 Exercise prices of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2020 range from $25.57 to $127.84. Changes in non-vested stock options during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows: Number Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Balance at September 30, 2019 2,068 $ 23.43 Options granted 912 25.41 Options vested (808 ) 21.57 Options forfeited (94 ) 26.84 Balance at September 30, 2020 2,078 24.69 Information about stock options that have vested, or are expected to vest, and are exercisable at September 30, 2020 was as follows: Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Life in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options outstanding 5,443 $ 62.00 6.0 $ 114,139 Options vested and exercisable 3,365 49.63 4.6 103,059 Options vested and expected to vest 5,362 61.72 5.9 113,399 Other information follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 17,423 $ 15,863 $ 13,944 Total intrinsic value of options exercised 50,059 70,866 16,690 Cash received from exercises of stock options 24,969 36,044 9,132 Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options 9,399 13,416 3,524 Restricted stock units Restricted stock units have been granted to certain employees of L’Orange (at acquisition) and other current Woodward members in key management positions. Each restricted stock unit entitles the holder to one share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. The restricted stock units were granted with a two year vesting schedule and vest on the one and two year anniversaries of the grant date at a rate of 50% per year. The restricted stock units do not participate in dividends during the vesting period. The fair value of restricted stock units granted were estimated using the closing price of Woodward common stock on the grant date. A summary of the activity for restricted stock units in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020: Number Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Unit Balance at September 30, 2019 9 $ 91.55 Units granted — n/a Units vested (7 ) 87.30 Units forfeited — n/a Balance at September 30, 2020 2 103.53 Stock-based compensation expense 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 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. Stock-based compensation expense recognized was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Employee stock-based compensation expense $ 22,903 $ 18,146 $ 18,229 At September 30, 2020 Preferred stock rights On April 5, 2020, the Board declared a dividend distribution of one right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company to stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 16, 2020 (the “Record Date”). Each Right entitles the registered holder, upon the occurrence of specified events, to purchase from the Company one one thousandth of a share of Series B Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.003 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), of the Company at an exercise price of $480.00 (the “Exercise Price”). In addition, each Right entitles the registered holder (other than any person or group that acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock without the approval of the Board), following the occurrence of other specified events, to purchase common stock of the Company or stock of any acquirer of the Company at a substantial discount. The complete terms of the Rights are set forth in a Preferred Stock Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”), dated as of April 5, 2020, between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent. The Board adopted the Rights Agreement to protect stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics. In general terms, it works by imposing a significant penalty upon any person or group that acquires 15% or more of the common stock of the Company without the approval of the Board. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights Agreement and the issuance of the Rights may be to render more difficult or discourage a merger, tender or exchange offer or other business combination involving the Company that is not approved by the Board. However, neither the Rights Agreement nor the Rights should interfere with any merger, tender or exchange offer, or other business combination approved by the Board. The Rights expire on the earliest of (i) on April 5, 2021 (unless such date is extended) or (ii) the redemption or exchange of the Rights pursuant to the Rights Agreement.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 23. Commitments and contingencies 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, 2021 $ 343,480 2022 49,457 2023 6,389 2024 27,308 2025 1,859 Thereafter 1,811 Total $ 430,304 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 using estimates of the most likely amount of loss where it believes that it is probable the matter will result in a loss when ultimately resolved and such loss is reasonably estimable. 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 related 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 any such officer if such officer’s employment is terminated within two years following the change of control. On April 9, 2019, Senvion, a German wind turbine manufacturer and a significant customer of Woodward’s renewables business, announced that it filed for self-administration insolvency proceedings and declared it would be exploring options for the sale or partial liquidation of the company. On September 16, 2019, Senvion agreed on exclusive talks with Siemens Gamesa over the sale of a substantial part of its business consisting of certain services and onshore assets in Europe. Concurrent with this announcement, Woodward management concluded that the remainder of the Senvion business would not emerge from insolvency and therefore, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, Woodward impaired all of its accounts receivable from Senvion as well as inventory and certain other current assets held specifically for Senvion programs. The total amount of the impairment charged to both selling, general and administrative and cost of goods sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 was $12,601.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 24. Segment information Woodward serves the aerospace 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. Woodward L’Orange has been included in Woodward’s Industrial segment results since the closing of the L’Orange Acquisition. 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, 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, 2020 2019 2018 Segment external net sales: Aerospace $ 1,590,963 $ 1,880,520 $ 1,557,988 Industrial 904,702 1,019,677 767,885 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,495,665 $ 2,900,197 $ 2,325,873 Segment earnings: Aerospace $ 310,137 $ 389,126 $ 308,553 Industrial 100,321 93,521 49,894 Nonsegment expenses (1) (94,530 ) (119,447 ) (100,078 ) Interest Expense, net (34,047 ) (42,588 ) (38,791 ) Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 281,881 $ 320,612 $ 219,578 (1) Nonsegment expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2018 includes restructuring charges of $22,216 and $17,013, respectively. See Note 17, Accrued liabilities 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, 2020 2019 2018 Segment assets: Aerospace $ 1,752,516 $ 1,900,657 $ 1,805,892 Industrial 1,529,411 1,561,441 1,642,462 Unallocated corporate property, plant and equipment, net 106,380 114,887 102,083 Other unallocated assets 515,029 379,541 240,212 Consolidated total assets $ 3,903,336 $ 3,956,526 $ 3,790,649 Segment depreciation and amortization: Aerospace $ 63,530 $ 60,710 $ 54,828 Industrial 57,444 71,173 51,695 Unallocated corporate amounts 10,184 10,121 9,608 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 131,158 $ 142,004 $ 116,131 Segment capital expenditures: Aerospace $ 26,148 $ 56,525 $ 98,358 Industrial 10,631 30,195 17,109 Unallocated corporate amounts 10,308 12,346 11,673 Consolidated capital expenditures $ 47,087 $ 99,066 $ 127,140 Sales to Boeing were made by Woodward’s Aerospace segment and totaled approximately 14% of net sales in fiscal year 2020, 15% of net sales in fiscal year 2019, and 12% of net sales in fiscal year 2018. Sales to GE were made by both of Woodward’s reportable segments and totaled approximately 11% of net sales in fiscal year 2020, 14% of net sales in fiscal year 2019, and 16% of net sales in fiscal year 2018. Accounts receivable from Boeing totaled approximately 13% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2020 and 14% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2019. Accounts receivable from GE totaled approximately 9% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2020 and 8% of accounts receivable at and September 30, 2019. 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, 2020 Aerospace $ 149,416 $ 536,424 $ 685,840 Industrial 5,867 17,473 23,340 Total net external sales $ 155,283 $ 553,897 $ 709,180 Percentage of total net sales 6 % 22 % 28 % Fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 Aerospace $ 118,334 $ 545,306 $ 663,640 Industrial 4,491 13,810 18,301 Total net external sales $ 122,825 $ 559,116 $ 681,941 Percentage of total net sales 4 % 19 % 23 % Fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 Aerospace $ 84,252 $ 429,386 $ 513,638 Industrial 2,547 8,658 11,205 Total net external sales $ 86,799 $ 438,044 $ 524,843 Percentage of total net sales 4 % 19 % 23 % For net sales by geographical area for the year ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, refer to Note 3, Revenue Year Ended September 30, 2018 United States $ 1,350,708 Germany 230,834 Europe, excluding Germany 323,109 Asia 283,031 Other countries 138,191 Consolidated net sales $ 2,325,873 Property, plant, and equipment, net by geographical area, as determined by the physical location of the assets, were as follows: At September 30, 2020 2019 United States $ 885,501 $ 926,370 Germany 89,826 107,975 Other countries 22,088 24,430 Consolidated property, plant and equipment, net $ 997,415 $ 1,058,775

Supplemental Quarterly Financia

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data	Note 25. Supplemental quarterly financial data (unaudited) Quarterly results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 follow: 2020 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Net sales $ 720,355 $ 720,220 $ 523,826 $ 531,264 Gross margin (1) 185,438 202,706 128,315 123,784 Earnings before income taxes (2)(3)(4)(5) 61,548 107,199 45,016 68,118 Net earnings (2)(3)(4)(5) 53,373 91,318 38,465 57,239 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (2)(3)(4)(5) 0.86 1.47 0.62 0.92 Diluted earnings per share (2)(3)(4)(5) 0.83 1.41 0.61 0.89 Cash dividends per share 0.1625 0.2800 0.0813 0.0813 2019 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Net sales $ 652,811 $ 758,844 $ 752,005 $ 736,537 Gross margin (1)(6)(7) 160,637 192,003 189,489 165,414 Earnings before income taxes (6)(7)(8) 61,515 90,168 92,314 76,615 Net earnings (6)(7)(8)(9) 49,120 77,579 66,107 66,796 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (6)(7)(8)(9) 0.79 1.25 1.07 1.08 Diluted earnings per share (6)(7)(8)(9) 0.77 1.20 1.02 1.03 Cash dividends per share 0.1425 0.1625 0.1625 0.1625 Notes: 1. Gross margin represents net sales less cost of goods sold. 2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. 3. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale. Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019. 4. Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business. 5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded. 6 . Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with 7 . Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible. 8 . Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively . 9 . In the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 2020 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Segment external net sales: Aerospace $ 473,925 $ 474,236 $ 306,494 $ 336,308 Industrial 246,430 245,984 217,332 194,956 Total $ 720,355 $ 720,220 $ 523,826 $ 531,264 Segment earnings: Aerospace $ 92,911 $ 117,638 $ 41,096 $ 58,492 Industrial 28,230 25,972 27,438 18,681 Nonsegment expenses (1)(2)(3)(4) (51,071 ) (28,131 ) (15,158 ) (170 ) Interest expense, net (8,522 ) (8,280 ) (8,360 ) (8,885 ) Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 61,548 $ 107,199 $ 45,016 $ 68,118 2019 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Segment external net sales: Aerospace $ 392,887 $ 482,954 $ 498,775 $ 505,904 Industrial (5) 259,924 275,890 253,230 230,633 Total $ 652,811 $ 758,844 $ 752,005 $ 736,537 Segment earnings: Aerospace $ 72,854 $ 101,722 $ 103,238 $ 111,312 Industrial (5) 29,169 27,128 26,240 10,984 Nonsegment expenses (6)(7) (29,001 ) (27,496 ) (26,713 ) (36,237 ) Interest expense, net (11,507 ) (11,186 ) (10,451 ) (9,444 ) Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 61,515 $ 90,168 $ 92,314 $ 76,615 Notes : 1. Nonsegment expenses for the first quarter and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax gain on the sale of assets of $13,522 and $8,801, respectively, associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. 2. Nonsegment expenses in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, include a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019 related to Woodward’s approved a plan to divest the disposal group. 3. Nonsegment expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and a swap breakage fee of $3,000, as a result of terminating and settling our existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. 4. Nonsegment expenses in the third quarter and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s . 5. Industrial segment earnings for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible. 6 . Nonsegment expenses for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection 7 . Nonsegment expenses for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	WOODWARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS For the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 (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 2020 Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 7,908 $ 4,293 $ 30 $ (5,342 ) $ 6,889 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 3,638 12 — (1,818 ) 1,832 Fiscal year 2019 Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 3,938 $ 4,899 $ 251 $ (1,180 ) $ 7,908 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 4,522 19 — (903 ) 3,638 Fiscal year 2018 Allowance for uncollectible accounts 3,776 207 466 (511 ) 3,938 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 3,714 73 553 182 4,522 Notes: (a) Includes recoveries of accounts previously written off. (b) Represents accounts receivable written off against the allowance for uncollectible accounts and releases of valuation reserves to income tax expense. Also included are foreign currency exchange rate adjustments. Currency translation adjustments resulted in a decrease in the reserves of $123 in fiscal year 2020, an increase in the reserves of $112 in fiscal year 2019, and an increase in the reserves of $96 in fiscal year 2018.

Operations and Summary of Sig_2

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	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	Nature of operations 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 Woodward 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, 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. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") outbreak a global pandemic. When combined with the various measures enacted by governments and private organizations to contain COVID-19 or slow its spread, the pandemic has adversely impacted global activity and contributed to significant declines and volatility in financial markets; and the Company has likewise been significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite recent promising announcements regarding various vaccines in development and their potential safety and efficacy, there can be no assurance as to whether any vaccine will in fact be safe and efficacious, or as to when any vaccines will be approved by appropriate regulatory authorities and become widely available. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic could continue to have a material adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger an extended period of global economic slowdown, and the full extent of its impact on the Company’s future business is currently unknown. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate material adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts to estimates and assumptions used by management for the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. The pandemic presents uncertainty and risk with respect to the Company and its performance and financial results. See Note 17, Accrued liabilities
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. The exchange rate in effect at the time of the cash flow is used for significant or infrequent cash flows, such as payments for a business acquisition, for which the use of weighted-average rates of exchange would result in a substantially different cash flow. 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 assets and liabilities of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries, are denominated in foreign currencies. Selling, general, and administrative expenses include a net foreign currency gain of $194 in fiscal year 2020, a net foreign currency loss of $1,018 in fiscal year 2019, and a net foreign currency loss of $1,608 in fiscal year 2018.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized on contracts with Woodward’s customers for arrangements in which quantities and pricing are fixed and/or determinable and are generally based on customer purchase orders, often within the framework of a long-term supply arrangement with the customer. Woodward has determined that it is the principal in its sales transactions, as Woodward is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promised performance obligations, has discretion to establish the selling price, and generally assumes the inventory risk. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract with a customer to transfer a distinct product or service to the customer. Woodward recognizes revenue for performance obligations within a customer contract when control of the associated product or service is transferred to the customer. Some of Woodward’s contracts with customers contain a single performance obligation, while other contracts contain multiple performance obligations. Each product within a contract generally represents a separate performance obligation as Woodward does not provide significant installation and integration services, the products do not customize each other, and the products can function independently of each other. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the customer obtains control of the associated product or service. When there are multiple performance obligations within a contract, Woodward generally uses the observable standalone sales price for each distinct product or service within the contract to allocate the transaction price to the distinct products or services. In instances when a standalone sales price for each product or service is not observable within the contract, Woodward allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation using an estimate of the standalone selling price for each product or service, which is generally based on incurred costs plus a reasonable margin, for each distinct product or service in the contract. When determining the transaction price of each contract, Woodward considers contractual consideration payable by the customer and variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price. Variable consideration, consisting of early payment discounts, rebates and other sources of price variability, are included in the estimated transaction price based on both customer-specific information as well as historical experience. Woodward’s contracts with customers generally do not include a financing component. Woodward regularly reviews its estimates of variable consideration on the transaction price and recognizes changes in estimates on a cumulative catch-up basis as if the most current estimate of the transaction price adjusted for variable consideration had been known as of the inception of the contract. In the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, Woodward did not recognize a significant amount of revenue due to changes in transaction price from performance obligations that were satisfied, or partially satisfied, in prior periods.
Point in time and over time revenue recognition	Point in time and over time revenue recognition: Control of the products generally transfers to the customer at a point in time, as the customer does not control the products as they are produced. Woodward exercises judgment and considers the timing of right of payment, transfer of the risk and rewards, transfers of title, transfer of physical possession, and customer acceptance when determining when control of the product transfers to the customer, generally upon shipment of products, consistent with Woodward’s historical revenue recognition model. Performance obligations are satisfied and revenue is recognized over time if: (i) the customer receives the benefits as Woodward performs work, if the customer controls the asset as it is being enhanced, or if the product being produced for the customer has no alternative use to Woodward; and (ii) Woodward has an enforceable right to payment with a profit. For products being produced for the customer that have no alternative use to Woodward and Woodward has an enforceable right to payment with a profit, and where the products are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer, revenue is recognized as a series of distinct products. As Woodward satisfies MRO performance obligations, revenue is recognized over time, as the customer, rather than Woodward, controls the asset being enhanced. When services are provided, revenue from those services is recognized over time because control is transferred continuously to customers as Woodward performs the work. As a practical expedient, revenue for services that are short-term in nature are recognized using an output method as the customer is invoiced, as the invoiced amount corresponds directly to Woodward’s performance to date on the arrangement. For services that are not short-term in nature, MRO, and sales of products that have no alternative use to Woodward and an enforceable right to payment with a profit, Woodward uses an actual cost input measure to determine the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. For these revenue streams, revenue is recognized over time as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred to-date for each contract and the total estimated costs for such contract at completion of the performance obligation (the cost-to-cost method). Woodward has concluded that this measure of progress best depicts the transfer of assets to the customer, because incurred costs are integral to Woodward’s completion of the performance obligation under the specific customer contract and correlate directly to the transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, material and overhead. Contract cost estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability; the complexity of the work to be performed; the cost and availability of materials; the performance of subcontractors; and the availability and timing of funding from the customer. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. A change in one or more of these estimates could affect the timing of revenue recognition on these contracts. Woodward reviews and updates its cost estimates regularly. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that completion costs may be different than those estimated. Such changes in cost estimates and the related impact on the revenue recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined is recorded as a cumulative catch-up adjustment. The production of products and MRO activities are generally shorter-term in nature and therefore, the impacts of changes in estimates for these costs are considered immaterial. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, Woodward recognizes provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts in the period in which such losses are determined. In situations where the creditworthiness of a customer becomes in doubt, Woodward ceases to recognize the over-time revenue on the associated customer contract. Occasionally Woodward sells maintenance or service arrangements, extended warranties, or other stand ready services. Woodward recognizes revenue from such arrangements as a series of performance obligations over the time period in which the services are available to the customer.
Material Rights and Costs to Fulfill a Contract	Material Rights and Costs to Fulfill a Contract : Customers sometimes pay consideration to Woodward for product engineering and development activities that do not result in the immediate transfer of distinct products or services to the customer. There is an implicit assumption that without the customer making such advance payments to Woodward, Woodward’s future sales of products or services to the customer would be at a higher selling price; therefore, such payments create a “material right” to the customer that effectively gives the customer an option to acquire future products or services, at a discount, that are dependent upon the product engineering and development. Material rights are recorded as contract liabilities and will be recognized when control of the related products or services are transferred to the customer. Woodward capitalizes costs of product engineering and development identified as material rights up to the amount of customer funding as costs to fulfill a contract because the costs incurred up to the amount of the customer funding commitment are recoverable. Due to the uncertainty of the product success and/or demand, fulfillment costs in excess of the customer funding are expensed as incurred . Woodward recognizes the deferred material rights as revenue based on a percentage of actual sales to total estimated lifetime sales of the related developed products as the customers exercise their option to acquire additional products or services at a discount . Woodward amortizes the capitalized costs to fulfill a contract as cost of goods sold proportionally to the recognition of the associated deferred material rights . Estimated total lifetime sales are reviewed at least annually and more frequently when circumstances warrant a modification to the previous estimate. Woodward does not record incremental costs of obtaining a contract, as Woodward does not pay sales commissions or incur other incremental costs related to contracts with Woodward’s customers for arrangements in which quantities and pricing are fixed and/or determinable.
Contract Liabilities	Contract liabilities: Advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized represent contract liabilities and are recorded as deferred revenues when customers remit contractual cash payments in advance of Woodward satisfying performance obligations under contractual arrangements, including those with performance obligations satisfied over time. Woodward generally receives advance payments from customers related to maintenance or service arrangements, extended warranties, or other stand ready services, which it recognizes over the performance period. Contract liabilities are derecognized when revenue is recognized and the performance obligation is satisfied. Advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized are included in deferred revenue, which is classified as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when Woodward expects to recognize revenue.
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 costs	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, either from credit risk or other adjustments to the original selling price or anticipated cash discounts. 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. Bad debt 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. The allowance associated with anticipated other adjustments to the selling price or cash discounts is also established and is included in the allowance for uncollectible amounts. In establishing this amount, both customer-specific information as well as historical experience is considered. In coordination with its customers and when terms are considered favorable to Woodward, Woodward from time to time transfers ownership to collect amounts due to Woodward for outstanding accounts receivable to third parties in exchange for cash. When the transfer of accounts receivable meets the criteria of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 860-10, “Transfers and Servicing,” and are without recourse, it is recognized as a sale and the accounts receivable is derecognized. Consistent with common business practice in China, Woodward’s Chinese subsidiaries accept bankers’ acceptance notes from Chinese customers in settlement of certain customer billed accounts receivable. 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. Woodward has elected to adopt the practical expedient to not adjust the promised amounts of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component at contract inception as the financing component associated with accepting bankers’ acceptance notes has a duration of less than one year. Woodward’s contracts with customers generally have no other financing components. Unbilled receivables (contract assets) arise when the timing of billing differs from the timing of revenue recognized, such as when contract provisions require revenue to be recognized over time rather than at a point in time. Unbilled receivables primarily relate to performance obligations satisfied over time when the cost-to-cost method is utilized and the revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer as there is not yet a right to payment in accordance with contractual terms. Unbilled receivables are recorded as a contract asset when the revenue associated with the contract is recognized prior to billing and derecognized when billed in accordance with the terms of the contract. For composition of accounts receivable, see Note 3, Revenue.
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	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 of 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, 2020 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 1 – 10 years Office furniture and equipment 3 – 10 years Other 3 – 10 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 years to five years.
Purchase accounting	Purchase accounting: Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method, assets and liabilities, including intangible assets, are recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Acquisition costs in excess of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded as goodwill. Transaction-related costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred.
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 indicates the fair value of a reporting unit may be 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 test consists 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. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward determined that the approved plan to divest of the renewable power systems business and other related businesses (as described more fully in Note 11, Sale of businesses Based on the results of Woodward’s annual goodwill impairment testing, no additional impairment charges were recorded in the year ended September 30, 2020 or since the goodwill was originally recorded due to the annual goodwill impairment test.
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. Woodward amortizes the cost of other intangibles over their useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite. The cost of amortizable other intangibles are amortized over their respective useful life 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. Amortizable other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change indicating that the related carrying amount of the other intangible asset may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible is both not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Based on Woodward’s plan to divest the disposal group, Woodward determined that the remaining value of the intangible assets of the disposal group was not recoverable, and a $200 non-cash impairment charge was recorded for the year ended September 30, 2020. Woodward has recorded no additional impairment charges related to its other intangibles as of September 30, 2020 or since the other intangibles were originally recorded due to the annual goodwill impairment test. Estimated lives over which intangible assets are amortized at September 30, 2020 were as follows: Customer relationships and contracts 9 – 30 years Intellectual property 10 – 17 years Process technology 8 – 30 years Other 3 – 15 years Woodward has one other indefinitely lived intangible asset consisting of the Woodward L’Orange tradename. The Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset is tested for impairment on an annual basis and more often if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the fair value of the Woodward L’Orange intangible asset may be below its carrying amount. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the Woodward L’Orange tradename intangible asset, determined using discounted cash flows, with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the Woodward L’Orange intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its fair value. Woodward has not recorded any impairment charges.
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. On the approval of the divestiture plan and subsequent marketing of the disposal group (as described more fully in Note 11, Sale of businesses
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 under the deferred compensation program 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.
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 Sheets 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	Derivatives: The Company is exposed to various 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 only with 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. To mitigate interest rate risk, the Company has 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets 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 these loans are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustments within total comprehensive (losses) earnings. Also, to hedge against the foreign currency exposure attributable to the spot remeasurement its Euro denominated intercompany loans, Woodward has entered into derivative instruments in fair value hedging relationships, and derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows attributable to the foreign currency exchange risk of cash flows for future principal and interest payments associated with its Euro denominated intercompany loans. Further information on net investment hedges and derivative instruments in fair value and cash flow hedging relationships, including the Company’s policy in accounting for these derivatives, can be found at Note 9, 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, cross-currency interest rate swaps 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 municipal notes of similar maturity. The fair value of term deposits is 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 the cross-currency interest rate swaps is determined using a market approach that is based on observable inputs other than quoted market prices, including contract terms, interest rates, currency rates, and other market factors. 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 8, 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 other 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.
Lessee	Woodward adopted ASC 842 on October 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method under which prior periods were not restated and the cumulative effect of initial adoption was recognized in retained earnings on the date of initial application, October 1, 2019. Woodward is primarily a lessee in lease arrangements but has some embedded lessor arrangements.

Operations and Summary of Sig_3

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives	Estimated lives over which fixed assets are generally depreciated at September 30, 2020 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 1 – 10 years Office furniture and equipment 3 – 10 years Other 3 – 10 years
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Lives	Estimated lives over which intangible assets are amortized at September 30, 2020 were as follows: Customer relationships and contracts 9 – 30 years Intellectual property 10 – 17 years Process technology 8 – 30 years Other 3 – 15 years

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue Recognition Time	The amount of revenue recognized as point in time or over time follows: For the Year Ended September 30, 2020 For the Year Ended September 30, 2019 Aerospace Industrial Consolidated Aerospace Industrial Consolidated Point in time $ 590,817 $ 592,157 $ 1,182,974 $ 762,042 $ 634,219 $ 1,396,261 Over time 1,000,146 312,545 1,312,691 1,118,478 385,458 1,503,936 Total net sales $ 1,590,963 $ 904,702 $ 2,495,665 $ 1,880,520 $ 1,019,677 $ 2,900,197
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Billed receivables Trade accounts receivable $ 307,914 $ 381,942 Other (Chinese financial institutions) 56,640 42,171 Less: Allowance for uncollectible amounts (6,889 ) (7,908 ) Net billed receivables 357,665 416,205 Current unbilled receivables (contract assets), net 180,322 175,324 Total accounts receivable, net $ 537,987 $ 591,529
Schedule of Contract Liability	Contract liabilities consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Current Noncurrent Current Noncurrent Deferred revenue from material rights from GE joint venture formation $ 4,066 $ 234,240 $ 8,317 $ 230,588 Deferred revenue from advanced invoicing and/or prepayments from customers 3,239 85 4,554 141 Liability related to customer supplied inventory 14,955 — 13,396 — Deferred revenue from material rights related to engineering and development funding 2,360 132,317 1,624 106,436 Net contract liabilities $ 24,620 $ 366,642 $ 27,891 $ 337,165
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue	Revenue by primary market for the Aerospace reportable segment was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Commercial OEM 434,306 659,336 Commercial aftermarket 399,843 497,795 Defense OEM 526,264 529,940 Defense aftermarket 230,550 193,449 Total Aerospace segment net sales $ 1,590,963 $ 1,880,520 Revenue by primary market for the Industrial reportable segment was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Reciprocating engines $ 632,555 $ 751,136 Industrial turbines 222,366 210,064 Renewables 1 49,781 58,477 Total Industrial segment net sales $ 904,702 $ 1,019,677 The customers who account for approximately 10% or more of net sales of each of Woodward’s reportable segments for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 are as follows: Customer Aerospace The Boeing Company, General Electric Company, Raytheon Technologies Industrial Rolls-Royce PLC, Weichai Westport, General Electric Company Net sales by geographic area, as determined based on the location of the customer, were as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Year Ended September 30, 2019 Aerospace Industrial Consolidated Aerospace Industrial Consolidated United States $ 1,231,004 $ 195,450 $ 1,426,454 $ 1,415,880 $ 212,184 $ 1,628,064 Germany 52,635 181,330 233,965 72,907 229,177 302,084 Europe, excluding Germany 122,938 214,033 336,971 178,905 252,511 431,416 China 38,359 171,526 209,885 47,492 167,337 214,829 Asia, excluding China 27,068 113,001 140,069 37,991 126,497 164,488 Other countries 118,959 29,362 148,321 127,345 31,971 159,316 Total net sales $ 1,590,963 $ 904,702 $ 2,495,665 $ 1,880,520 $ 1,019,677 $ 2,900,197

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted	The following is a reconciliation of net earnings to basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Numerator: Net earnings $ 240,395 $ 259,602 $ 180,378 Denominator: Basic shares outstanding 62,267 61,950 61,493 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units 1,942 2,548 2,383 Diluted shares outstanding 64,209 64,498 63,876 Income per common share: Basic earnings per share $ 3.86 $ 4.19 $ 2.93 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.74 $ 4.02 $ 2.82
Anti-dilutive Stock Options Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following stock option grants were outstanding during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, but were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Options 660 25 760 Weighted-average option price $ 104.45 $ 96.54 $ 78.72
Schedule of Treasury Stock Shares Held for Deferred Compensation Included in Basic and Diluted Shares Outstanding	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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations 211 208 198

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Lease-Related Assets and Liabilities	Lease-related assets and liabilities follows: Classification on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2020 Assets: Operating lease assets Other assets $ 18,918 Finance lease assets Property, plant and equipment, net 1,201 Total lease assets 20,119 Current liabilities: Operating lease liabilities Accrued liabilities 4,925 Finance lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt 1,634 Noncurrent liabilities: Operating lease liabilities Other liabilities 14,569 Finance lease liabilities Long-term debt, less current portion 1,173 Total lease liabilities $ 22,301
Supplemental Lease-Related Information	Supplemental lease-related information follows: September 30, 2020 Weighted average remaining lease term Operating leases 5.5 years Finance leases 2.1 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 3.2 % Finance leases 3.0 %
Lease-Related Expenses	Lease-related expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Operating lease expense $ 6,164 Amortization of financing lease assets 476 Interest on financing lease liabilities 87 Variable lease expense 1,101 Short-term lease expense 466 Sublease income 1 (697 ) Total lease expense $ 7,597 (1) Relates to two separate subleases Woodward has entered into for a leased manufacturing building in Niles, Illinois.
Lease-Related Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Lease-related supplemental cash flow information for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 5,622 Operating cash flows for finance leases 87 Financing cash flows for finance leases 1,590 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for recorded lease obligations: Operating leases 6,501 Finance leases 1,244
Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2020 follows: Year Ending September 30: Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 5,485 1,687 2022 4,255 739 2023 3,186 325 2024 2,230 136 2025 1,939 — Thereafter 4,232 — Total lease payments 21,327 2,887 Less: imputed interest (1,833 ) (80 ) Total lease obligations $ 19,494 $ 2,807
Future Minimum Lease Payments	Comparable future minimum rental payment under Year Ending September 30: Operating Leases Finance Leases 2020 (full twelve months) $ 6,667 $ 213 2021 5,119 98 2022 3,823 33 2023 2,899 3 2024 2,378 — Thereafter 6,033 — Total minimum lease payments under ASC 840 $ 26,919 $ 347
Property, Plant and Equipment Leased to Others through Embedded Leasing Arrangements	The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment September 30, 2020 Property, plant and equipment leased to others through embedded leasing arrangements $ 76,655 Less accumulated depreciation (29,819 ) Property, plant and equipment leased to others through embedded leasing arrangements, net $ 46,836

Business Acquisition (Tables)

Business Acquisition (Tables) - Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of the Purchase Price	The purchase price of L’Orange, prepared consistent with the required ASC 805 framework, is allocated as follows: Cash paid to Sellers $ 780,401 Less acquired cash and restricted cash (9,286 ) Total purchase price $ 771,115
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table, which is final as of June 30, 2019, summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Closing. Accounts receivable $ 26,538 Inventories (1) 72,392 Other current assets 1,385 Property, plant, and equipment 89,772 Goodwill 257,447 Intangible assets 573,427 Total assets acquired 1,020,961 Other current liabilities 41,997 Deferred income tax liabilities 166,927 Other noncurrent liabilities 40,922 Total liabilities assumed 249,846 Net assets acquired $ 771,115 (1) Inventories include a $16,324 adjustment to state work in progress and finished goods inventories at their fair value as of the acquisition date. The entire inventory fair value adjustment was recognized as a noncash increase to cost of goods sold ratably over the estimated inventory turnover period during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.
Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired	A summary of the intangible assets acquired, weighted-average useful lives, and amortization methods follows: Estimated Amounts Weighted- Average Useful Life Amortization Method Intangible assets with finite lives: Customer relationships and contracts $ 388,705 22 years Straight-line Process technology 74,260 22 years Straight-line Backlog 42,932 1 year Accelerated Other 232 3 years Straight-line Intangible asset with indefinite life: Trade name 67,298 Indefinite Not amortized Total $ 573,427
Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Results	The unaudited pro forma results for fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 were as Year Ended Year Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 As reported Pro forma As reported Pro forma Net sales $ 2,900,197 $ 2,900,197 $ 2,325,873 $ 2,549,874 Net earnings 259,602 267,649 180,378 225,800 Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share $ 4.19 $ 4.32 $ 2.93 $ 3.67 Diluted earnings per share 4.02 4.15 2.82 3.53

Joint Venture (Tables)

Joint Venture (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Unamortized Deferred Revenue from JV	Unamortized deferred revenue from material rights in connection with the JV formation included: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Accrued liabilities $ 4,066 $ 8,317 Other liabilities 234,240 230,588
Other Income Related JV	Other income related to Woodward’s equity interest in the earnings of the JV was as follows: For the Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Other income $ 15,580 $ 12,932 $ 3,339
Cash Distribution from JV	Cash distributions to Woodward from the JV, recognized in Net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, from the JV include: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Cash distributions $ 14,000 $ 15,000 $ —
Net Sales to the JV	Net sales to the JV were as follows: For the Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Net sales 1 $ 48,222 $ 60,955 $ 72,511
Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Other Assets Related to JV	The Consolidated Balance Sheets include “Accounts receivable” related to amounts the JV owed Woodward, “Accounts payable” related to amounts Woodward owed the JV, and “Other assets” related to Woodward’s net investment in the JV, as follows: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Accounts receivable $ 3,062 $ 5,906 Accounts payable 1,502 4,270 Other assets 9,123 7,543

Financial Instruments and Fai_2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The table below presents information about Woodward’s financial assets and liabilities 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. At September 30, 2020 At September 30, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Financial assets: Cash $ 112,817 $ — $ — $ 112,817 $ 52,971 $ — $ — $ 52,971 Investments in reverse repurchase agreements — — — — 886 — — 886 Investments in term deposits with foreign banks 40,453 — — 40,453 45,216 — — 45,216 Equity securities 25,381 — — 25,381 20,504 — — 20,504 Cross currency interest rate swaps — — — — — 24,758 — 24,758 Total financial assets $ 178,651 $ — $ — $ 178,651 $ 119,577 $ 24,758 $ — $ 144,335 Financial liabilities: Cross currency interest rate swaps $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ — $ — $ — Total financial liabilities $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ 51,387 $ — $ — $ — $ —
Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	The estimated fair values and carrying costs of other financial instruments that are not required to be remeasured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows At September 30, 2020 At September 30, 2019 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost Estimated Fair Value Carrying Cost Assets: Notes receivable from municipalities 2 $ 13,413 $ 11,846 $ 13,100 $ 12,346 Note receivable from sale of disposal group 2 6,341 6,061 — — Investments in short-term time deposits 2 13,678 13,671 13,468 13,509 Liabilities: Long-term debt 2 $ 935,610 $ 840,654 $ 928,618 $ 867,377

Derivative Instruments and He_2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments And Hedges [Abstract]
Impact of Derivative Instruments on Earnings	The following table discloses the impact of derivative instruments designated as qualifying hedging instruments on Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Derivatives in: Location Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Cross currency interest rate swap agreement designated as fair value hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 4,592 $ 4,832 $ 5,396 Cross currency interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses (3,190 ) 13,430 (3,190 ) Treasury lock agreement designated as cash flow hedge Interest expense (72 ) — (72 ) $ 1,330 $ 18,262 $ 2,134 Year Ended September 30, 2019 Derivatives in: Location Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Cross currency interest rate swap agreement designated as fair value hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses $ (9,394 ) $ (8,317 ) $ (8,356 ) Cross currency interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses (23,018 ) (39,442 ) (23,018 ) Treasury lock agreement designated as cash flow hedge Interest expense (72 ) — (72 ) $ (32,484 ) $ (47,759 ) $ (31,446 ) Year Ended September 30, 2018 Derivatives in: Location Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Cross currency interest rate swap agreement designated as fair value hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 472 $ 1,034 $ 472 Cross currency interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,067 21,966 1,067 Treasury lock agreement designated as cash flow hedge Interest expense (72 ) — (72 ) $ 1,467 $ 23,000 $ 1,467

Supplemental Statement of Cas_2

Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information	Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 27,148 $ 39,909 $ 29,677 Income taxes paid 94,088 68,112 44,831 Income tax refunds received 17,653 1,454 1,976 Non-cash activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account 3,076 8,737 11,982 Impact of the adoption of ASC 606 — 38,700 — Impact of the adoption of ASC 842 (Note 5) 255 — — Impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-16 — 1,005 — Common shares issued from treasury to settle benefit obligations (Note 22) 14,748 14,846 14,741 Purchases of treasury stock on account — 4,204 —

Sale of businesses (Tables)

Sale of businesses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Carrying Value of the Assets and Liabilities Sold	The transactions consummating the sale of the disposal group were completed on April 30, 2020. The carrying value of the assets and liabilities sold were as follows: June 30, 2020 Assets: Accounts receivable $ 17,637 Inventories 441 Other current assets 796 Other assets 51 Total assets 18,925 Liabilities: Accounts payable 7,633 Accrued liabilities 2,998 Other liabilities 450 Total liabilities $ 11,081

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Inventory Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	September 30, September 30, 2020 2019 Raw materials $ 123,626 $ 134,878 Work in progress 92,934 133,885 Component parts (1) 255,980 287,128 Finished goods 66,889 59,051 Customer supplied inventory 14,955 13,396 On-hand inventory for which control has transferred to the customer (116,441 ) (111,502 ) $ 437,943 $ 516,836 (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 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment, Net	September 30, September 30, 2020 2019 Land and land improvements $ 83,095 $ 94,976 Buildings and building improvements 551,540 587,541 Leasehold improvements 18,610 17,446 Machinery and production equipment 776,884 731,159 Computer equipment and software 123,903 124,201 Office furniture and equipment 41,177 39,934 Other 19,814 19,346 Construction in progress 36,367 57,624 1,651,390 1,672,227 Less accumulated depreciation (653,975 ) (613,452 ) Property, plant, and equipment, net $ 997,415 $ 1,058,775
Schedule of Depreciation Expense	For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Depreciation expense $ 91,700 $ 85,982 $ 71,389
Schedule of Capitalized Interest	For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, Woodward capitalized interest that would have otherwise been included in interest expense of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Capitalized interest $ 136 $ 779 $ 2,187

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	September 30, 2019 Impairment Charges Additions Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2020 Aerospace $ 455,423 $ — $ — $ — $ 455,423 Industrial 342,430 (8,640 ) — 19,039 352,829 Consolidated $ 797,853 $ (8,640 ) $ — $ 19,039 $ 808,252 September 30, 2018 Impairment Charges Additions Effects of Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2019 Aerospace $ 455,423 $ — $ — $ — $ 455,423 Industrial 357,827 — — (15,397 ) 342,430 Consolidated $ 813,250 $ — $ — $ (15,397 ) $ 797,853

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Intangible assets with finite lives: Customer relationships and contracts: Aerospace $ 281,683 $ (196,520 ) $ 85,163 $ 281,683 $ (181,995 ) $ 99,688 Industrial 429,249 (57,045 ) $ 372,204 407,683 (43,986 ) 363,697 Total $ 710,932 $ (253,565 ) $ 457,367 $ 689,366 $ (225,981 ) $ 463,385 Intellectual property: Aerospace $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Industrial 15,778 (15,640 ) $ 138 19,201 (18,705 ) 496 Total $ 15,778 $ (15,640 ) $ 138 $ 19,201 $ (18,705 ) $ 496 Process technology: Aerospace $ 76,371 $ (63,956 ) $ 12,415 $ 76,371 $ (59,913 ) $ 16,458 Industrial 90,945 (22,300 ) $ 68,645 92,820 (24,926 ) 67,894 Total $ 167,316 $ (86,256 ) $ 81,060 $ 169,191 $ (84,839 ) $ 84,352 Other intangibles: Aerospace $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Industrial 235 (183 ) 52 1,541 (1,249 ) 292 Total $ 235 $ (183 ) $ 52 $ 1,541 $ (1,249 ) $ 292 Intangible asset with indefinite life: Tradename: Aerospace $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Industrial 68,094 — $ 68,094 63,467 — 63,467 Total $ 68,094 $ — $ 68,094 $ 63,467 $ — $ 63,467 Total intangibles: Aerospace $ 358,054 $ (260,476 ) $ 97,578 $ 358,054 $ (241,908 ) $ 116,146 Industrial 647,738 (138,605 ) $ 509,133 625,212 (129,366 ) 495,846 Consolidated Total $ 1,005,792 $ (399,081 ) $ 606,711 $ 983,266 $ (371,274 ) $ 611,992
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense	For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Amortization expense $ 39,458 $ 56,022 $ 44,742
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Future amortization expense associated with intangibles is expected to be: Year Ending September 30: 2021 $ 40,388 2022 38,275 2023 37,224 2024 33,472 2025 28,257 Thereafter 361,001 $ 538,617

Credit Facilities, Short-term_2

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term Borrowings and Availability Under Various Short-term Credit Facilities	As of September 30, 2020 Total availability Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees Outstanding borrowings Remaining availability Revolving credit facility $ 1,000,000 $ (11,771 ) $ — $ 988,229 Foreign lines of credit and overdraft facilities 7,567 — — 7,567 Foreign performance guarantee facilities 511 (256 ) — 255 $ 1,008,078 $ (12,027 ) $ — $ 996,051
Schedule of Long-term Debt	September 30, September 30, 2020 2019 Long-term portion of revolving credit facility - Floating rate (LIBOR plus 0.875% - 1.75%), due June 19, 2024; unsecured $ — $ 42,297 Series G notes – 3.42%, due November 15, 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series H notes – 4.03%, due November 15, 2023; unsecured 25,000 25,000 Series I notes – 4.18%, due November 15, 2025; unsecured 25,000 25,000 Series J notes – Floating rate (LIBOR plus 1.25%), due November 15, 2020; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series K notes – 4.03%, due November 15, 2023; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series L notes – 4.18%, due November 15, 2025; unsecured 50,000 50,000 Series M notes – 1.12% due September 23, 2026; unsecured 46,962 43,770 Series N notes – 1.31% due September 23, 2028; unsecured 90,401 84,257 Series O notes – 1.57% due September 23, 2031; unsecured 50,484 47,053 Series P notes – 4.27% due May 30, 2025; unsecured 85,000 85,000 Series Q notes – 4.35% due May 30, 2027; unsecured 85,000 85,000 Series R notes – 4.41% due May 30, 2029; unsecured 75,000 75,000 Series S notes – 4.46% due May 30, 2030; unsecured 75,000 75,000 Series T notes – 4.61% due May 30, 2033; unsecured 80,000 80,000 Finance leases (Note 5) 2,807 — Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,171 ) (2,478 ) Total long-term debt 838,483 864,899 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 101,634 — Long-term debt, less current portion $ 736,849 $ 864,899
Schedule of Future Principal Payments of Long-term Debt	Required future principal payments of the Notes as of September 30, 2020 Year Ending September 30: 2021 $ 100,000 2022 — 2023 — 2024 75,000 2025 85,000 Thereafter 577,846 $ 837,846

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities	At September 30, 2020 2019 Salaries and other member benefits $ 50,850 $ 115,649 Warranties 18,972 27,309 Interest payable 15,281 13,808 Accrued retirement benefits 3,051 3,587 Current portion of loss reserve on contractual lease commitments — 1,245 Net current contract liabilities (Note 3) 24,620 27,891 Restructuring charges 3,395 507 Taxes, other than income 13,925 15,708 Other 21,700 22,423 $ 151,794 $ 228,127
Changes in Accrued Product Warranties	Changes in accrued product warranties were as follows: Twelve-Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Warranties, beginning of period $ 27,309 $ 20,130 $ 13,597 Increases due to acquisition of L'Orange — — 6,045 Impact from adoption of ASC 606 — 705 — Expense, net of recoveries 8,687 14,559 5,158 Reductions for settling warranties (17,422 ) (7,540 ) (4,413 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes 398 (545 ) (257 ) Warranties, end of period $ 18,972 $ 27,309 $ 20,130
Employee Severance [Member]
Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Loss Reserve & Restructuring Reserve Activity	The summary of activity in accrued restructuring charges during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 Period Activity Balances as of September 30, 2019 Charges Payments Foreign currency exchange rate changes Non-cash activity Balances as of September 30, 2020 Workforce management costs associated with: Duarte plant relocation $ 440 $ — $ (440 ) $ — $ — $ — Industrial turbomachinery business realignment 67 — (67 ) — — — COVID-19 pandemic — 23,673 (18,065 ) 77 (2,290 ) 3,395 Total $ 507 $ 23,673 $ (18,572 ) $ 77 $ (2,290 ) $ 3,395 Period Activity Balances as of September 30, 2018 Charges Payments Foreign currency exchange rate changes Non-cash activity Balances as of September 30, 2019 Workforce management costs associated with: Duarte plant relocation $ 12,504 $ — $ (8,685 ) $ — $ (3,379 ) $ 440 Industrial turbomachinery business realignment 4,018 — (3,760 ) — (191 ) 67 Total $ 16,522 $ — $ (12,445 ) $ — $ (3,570 ) $ 507

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Liabilities	At September 30, 2020 2019 Net accrued retirement benefits, less amounts recognized within accrued liabilities $ 114,013 $ 111,257 Total unrecognized tax benefits 10,230 10,644 Noncurrent income taxes payable (1) 18,322 20,251 Deferred economic incentives (2) 9,105 11,535 Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments (3) — 1,754 Cross-currency swap derivative liability (4) 51,387 — Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 14,569 — Net noncurrent contract liabilities (5) 366,642 337,165 Other 33,637 13,482 $ 617,905 $ 506,088 (1) See Note 20, Income taxes (2) 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. (3) In connection with the construction of a new production facility in Niles, Illinois, Woodward vacated a lease facility in Skokie, Illinois, and recorded a loss reserve on the estimated remaining contractual lease commitment, net of anticipated sublease income. As of September 30, 2019, the current portion of the accrued loss reserve on contractual lease commitments was included in “accrued liabilities” (see Note 17, Accrued liabilities (4) See Note 8, Financial instruments and fair value measurements (5) See Note 3, Revenue,

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Ta

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract]
Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net	Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Equity interest in the earnings of the JV (Note 7) $ (15,580 ) $ (12,932 ) $ (3,339 ) Net (gain) loss on sales of assets and businesses ( 1) (23,598 ) 1,925 (1,106 ) Rent income (1,403 ) (245 ) (170 ) Net (gain) loss on investments in deferred compensation program (3,376 ) (942 ) (1,661 ) Loss on forward option derivative instrument — — 5,543 Other components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit, excluding service cost and interest expense (11,809 ) (12,965 ) (12,801 ) Other (400 ) (810 ) (792 ) $ (56,166 ) $ (25,969 ) $ (14,326 ) (1) Included in net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was the pre-tax gain on sale of Duarte real property in the amount of $22,323, the pre-tax gain on sale of the Loveland campus of $2,330, and a net loss on divestiture of the disposal group of $515.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Current: Federal $ 15,976 $ 40,173 $ 39,979 State 1,383 2,402 3,697 Foreign 22,588 34,660 25,968 Deferred: Federal 10,784 (2,015 ) (10,519 ) State (547 ) (2,948 ) (3,784 ) Foreign (8,698 ) (11,262 ) (16,141 ) $ 41,486 $ 61,010 $ 39,200
Earnings Before Income Taxes by Geographical Area	Earnings before income taxes by geographical area consisted of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 180,753 $ 211,267 $ 181,671 Other countries 101,128 109,345 37,907 $ 281,881 $ 320,612 $ 219,578
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of deferred income taxes presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are related to the following: At September 30, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Defined benefit plans, other postretirement $ 6,238 $ 6,535 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 6,106 6,836 Inventory 53,867 51,740 Stock-based and other compensation 35,919 45,839 Defined benefit plans, pension 5,624 11,399 Deferred revenue net of unbilled receivables 39,990 32,310 Other reserves 10,119 11,571 Tax credits and incentives 14,340 13,580 Lease obligations 5,764 — Other 9,223 5,611 Valuation allowance (1,833 ) (3,638 ) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 185,357 181,783 Deferred tax liabilities: Goodwill and intangibles - net (218,900 ) (212,926 ) Property, plant and equipment (107,862 ) (97,469 ) Right of use assets (4,837 ) — Other (2,673 ) (4,589 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (334,272 ) (314,984 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (148,915 ) $ (133,201 )
Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate	The following is a reconciliation of the U.S. Federal statutory tax 21% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, 21.0% in fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 and 24.5% in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 to Woodward’s effective income tax rate: Year Ending September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Percent of pretax earnings Statutory tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 24.5 % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 0.3 (0.1 ) (0.5 ) Taxes on international activities (2.1 ) 0.2 (1.8 ) Research credit (3.6 ) (3.3 ) (4.8 ) Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation (2.8 ) (3.5 ) (1.4 ) Domestic production activities deduction — – (1.6 ) Adjustments of prior period tax items 1.0 0.9 (5.0 ) Effect of U.S. federal corporate rate reduction on net beginning U.S. deferred tax liability — – (5.0 ) Transition Tax — 3.3 6.2 Increased deferred tax liability associated with anticipated repatriation taxes — – 3.7 Effect of U.S. federal corporate rate reduction on net current year U.S. deferred tax activity — – 2.0 Other items, net 0.9 0.5 1.6 Effective tax rate 14.7 % 19.0 % 17.9 %
Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows: Year Ending September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 10,305 $ 8,364 $ 20,132 Additions to current year tax positions 1,890 1,930 2,675 Reductions to prior year tax positions (2,415 ) – (14,458 ) Additions to prior year tax positions 71 11 15 Lapse of applicable statute of limitations — – – Ending balance $ 9,851 $ 10,305 $ 8,364

Retirement benefits (Tables)

Retirement benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Amount of Expense Associated with Defined Contribution Plans	The amount of expense associated with defined contribution plans was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Company costs $ 33,769 $ 35,510 $ 34,084
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings: Year Ended September 30, United States Other Countries Total 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Service cost $ 1,659 $ 1,451 $ 1,643 $ 2,865 $ 2,036 $ 1,124 $ 4,524 $ 3,487 $ 2,767 Interest cost 5,590 6,384 6,004 1,278 1,906 1,526 6,868 8,290 7,530 Expected return on plan assets (12,346 ) (11,986 ) (11,614 ) (2,827 ) (2,638 ) (2,780 ) (15,173 ) (14,624 ) (14,394 ) Amortization of: Net losses 1,430 617 598 1,046 283 291 2,476 900 889 Net prior service cost 936 709 709 23 — — 959 709 709 Net periodic (benefit) cost $ (2,731 ) $ (2,825 ) $ (2,660 ) $ 2,385 $ 1,587 $ 161 $ (346 ) $ (1,238 ) $ (2,499 )
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan	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 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Changes in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 175,595 $ 150,032 $ 121,535 $ 103,485 $ 297,130 $ 253,517 Plan amendment — — — 601 — 601 Service cost 1,659 1,451 2,865 2,036 4,524 3,487 Interest cost 5,590 6,384 1,278 1,906 6,868 8,290 Net actuarial losses (gains) 7,811 23,841 (4,841 ) 22,174 2,970 46,015 Contribution by participants 91 — 9 9 100 9 Benefits paid (6,669 ) (6,113 ) (3,434 ) (3,181 ) (10,103 ) (9,294 ) Settlements — — (476 ) — (476 ) — Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 6,610 (5,495 ) 6,610 (5,495 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 184,077 $ 175,595 $ 123,546 $ 121,535 $ 307,623 $ 297,130 Changes in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 170,556 $ 165,342 $ 63,577 $ 62,380 $ 234,133 $ 227,722 Actual return on plan assets 37,577 11,327 576 5,121 38,153 16,448 Contributions by the Company — — 2,272 1,697 2,272 1,697 Contributions by plan participants 91 — 9 9 100 9 Benefits paid (6,669 ) (6,113 ) (3,434 ) (3,181 ) (10,103 ) (9,294 ) Settlements — (476 ) (476 ) — Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 2,630 (2,449 ) 2,630 (2,449 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 201,555 $ 170,556 $ 65,154 $ 63,577 $ 266,709 $ 234,133 Net over/(under) funded status at end of year $ 17,478 $ (5,039 ) $ (58,392 ) $ (57,958 ) $ (40,914 ) $ (62,997 )
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, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ (141,561 ) $ (286,495 ) $ (166,062 ) $ (10,635 ) Accumulated benefit obligation (140,623 ) (284,368 ) (165,321 ) (9,605 ) Fair value of plan assets 79,963 222,661 186,746 11,472
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other comprehensive losses for the defined benefit pension plans: Year Ended September 30, United States Other Countries Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of: Other non-current assets $ 19,064 $ — $ 1,476 $ 838 $ 20,540 $ 838 Accrued liabilities — — (1,059 ) (1,539 ) (1,059 ) (1,539 ) Other non-current liabilities (1,586 ) (5,039 ) (58,809 ) (57,256 ) (60,395 ) (62,295 ) Net over/(under) funded status at end of year $ 17,478 $ (5,039 ) $ (58,392 ) $ (57,957 ) $ (40,914 ) $ (62,996 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Unrecognized net prior service cost $ 4,814 $ 5,750 $ 583 $ 579 $ 5,397 $ 6,329 Unrecognized net losses 9,317 28,167 30,794 32,641 40,111 60,808 Total amounts recognized 14,131 33,917 31,377 33,220 45,508 67,137 Deferred taxes (6,721 ) (11,577 ) (9,457 ) (10,029 ) (16,178 ) (21,606 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ 7,410 $ 22,340 $ 21,920 $ 23,191 $ 29,330 $ 45,531
Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	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 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 33,917 $ 10,744 $ 33,220 $ 14,529 $ 67,137 $ 25,273 Net (gain) loss (17,420 ) 24,499 (2,446 ) 19,691 (19,866 ) 44,190 Prior service cost due to plan amendment — — — 601 — 601 Amortization of: Net losses (1,430 ) (617 ) (1,046 ) (283 ) (2,476 ) (900 ) Prior service cost (936 ) (709 ) (23 ) — (959 ) (709 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes — — 1,672 (1,318 ) 1,672 (1,318 ) Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year $ 14,131 $ 33,917 $ 31,377 $ 33,220 $ 45,508 $ 67,137
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	Pension benefit payments are made from the assets of the pension plans. The German pension plans are unfunded; therefore, benefit payments are made from Company contributions into these plans as required to meet the payment obligations. Using foreign exchange rates as of September 30, 2020 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 2021 $ 7,650 $ 3,493 $ 11,143 2022 8,280 3,347 11,627 2023 8,809 3,952 12,761 2024 9,283 3,841 13,124 2025 9,647 3,792 13,439 2026 – 2030 51,942 20,898 72,840
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets, Actual and Target Allocations	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, 2020 2019 Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges Percentage of Plan Assets Target Allocation Ranges United States: Asset Class Equity Securities 64.4 % 41.7 % — 81.7 % 60.6 % 41.4 % — 81.4 % Debt Securities 35.0 % 28.3 % — 48.3 % 37.9 % 28.6 % — 48.6 % Other 0.6 % 0.0% 1.5 % 0.0% 100.0 % 100.0 % United Kingdom: Asset Class Equity Securities 39.6 % 50.0 % — 90.0 % 41.6 % 30.0 % — 60.0 % Debt Securities 60.1 % 45.0 % — 70.0 % 57.8 % 45.0 % — 70.0 % Other 0.3 % 0.0% 0.6 % 0.0% 100.0 % 100.0 % Japan: Asset Class Equity Securities 39.7 % 36.0 % — 44.0 % 41.4 % 36.0 % — 44.0 % Debt Securities 59.4 % 55.0 % — 63.0 % 57.7 % 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	The following table presents Woodward’s pension plan assets using the fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. At September 30, 2020 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 $ 1,115 $ 270 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1,385 Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund 70,492 — — — — — 70,492 U.S. equity large cap fund 65,025 — — — — — 65,025 International equity large cap growth fund 64,923 — — — — — 64,923 Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities — — — 2,470 — — 2,470 International equity securities — — — 2,135 — — 2,135 Japanese fixed income securities — — — 5,151 — — 5,151 International fixed income securities — — — 1,734 — — 1,734 Global target return equity/bond fund — — — 13,002 — — 13,002 Index linked U.K. equity fund — — — 2,878 — — 2,878 Index linked international equity fund — — — 5,351 — — 5,351 Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund — — — 18,055 — — 18,055 Index linked U.K. government securities fund — — — 5,767 — — 5,767 Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund — — — 8,341 — — 8,341 Total assets $ 201,555 $ 270 $ — $ 64,884 $ — $ — $ 266,709 At September 30, 2019 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 $ 2,568 $ 418 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,986 Mutual funds: U.S. corporate bond fund 64,514 — — — — — 64,514 U.S. equity large cap fund 56,829 — — — — — 56,829 International equity large cap growth fund 46,645 — — — — — 46,645 Pooled funds: Japanese equity securities — — — 2,518 — — 2,518 International equity securities — — — 2,226 — — 2,226 Japanese fixed income securities — — — 4,915 — — 4,915 International fixed income securities — — — 1,710 — — 1,710 Global target return equity/bond fund — — — 12,488 — — 12,488 Index linked U.K. equity fund — — — 3,738 — — 3,738 Index linked international equity fund — — — 5,438 — — 5,438 Index linked U.K. corporate bonds fund — — — 16,737 — — 16,737 Index linked U.K. government securities fund — — — 5,491 — — 5,491 Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund — — — 7,898 — — 7,898 Total assets $ 170,556 $ 418 $ — $ 63,159 $ — $ — $ 234,133
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	The actuarial assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit cost and plan obligations of postretirement benefits were as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit obligation at September 30 2.45 % 3.05 % 4.30 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended September 30 3.05 4.30 3.80
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components reflected as expense in Woodward’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Service cost $ 2 $ 5 $ 7 Interest cost 782 1,154 1,165 Amortization of: Net losses 47 55 94 Net prior service cost (benefit) 3 (5 ) (158 ) Curtailment gain — — (330 ) Net periodic cost $ 834 $ 1,209 $ 778
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan	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, 2020 2019 Changes in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 26,671 $ 27,985 Service cost 2 5 Interest cost 782 1,154 Premiums paid by plan participants 1,088 1,192 Net actuarial gains (313 ) (373 ) Benefits paid (2,785 ) (3,292 ) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at end of year $ 25,445 $ 26,671 Changes in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Contributions by the company 1,697 2,100 Premiums paid by plan participants 1,088 1,192 Benefits paid (2,785 ) (3,292 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status at end of year $ (25,445 ) $ (26,671 )
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following tables provide the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position and accumulated other comprehensive losses for the postretirement plans: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of: Accrued liabilities $ (1,992 ) $ (2,048 ) Other non-current liabilities (23,453 ) (24,623 ) Funded status at end of year $ (25,445 ) $ (26,671 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of: Unrecognized net prior service cost (benefit) $ 1 $ 4 Unrecognized net gains (363 ) (3 ) Total amounts recognized (362 ) 1 Deferred taxes (324 ) (414 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income $ (686 ) $ (413 )
Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table reconciles the changes in accumulated other comprehensive losses for the other postretirement benefit plans: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year $ 1 $ 424 Net gain (313 ) (373 ) Curtailment arising during the period — — Amortization of: Net losses (47 ) (55 ) Prior service (cost) benefit (3 ) 5 Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year $ (362 ) $ 1
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates	Assumed healthcare cost trend rates at September 30, were as follows: 2020 2019 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.00 % 6.25 % 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 Future Postretirement Company Contributions	Using foreign currency exchange rates as of September 30, 2020 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, 2021 $ 3,113 2022 3,078 2023 3,017 2024 2,949 2025 2,867 2026 – 2030 12,690
Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Amounts of Contributions Associated with Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plans	The amounts of contributions associated with the multiemployer defined benefit plans were as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Company contributions $ 417 $ 252 $ 334
United States [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	The actuarial assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit cost and plan obligations of retirement pension benefits were as follows: 2020 2019 2018 United States: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 2.75% 3.25% 4.35% Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate 3.25 4.35 3.80 Long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.39 7.39 7.39
United Kingdom | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	2020 2019 2018 United Kingdom: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 1.62% 1.74% 2.68% Rate of compensation increase 3.30 3.50 3.60 Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate - service cost 1.79 2.70 2.58 Discount rate - interest cost 1.59 2.51 2.36 Rate of compensation increase 3.50 3.60 3.60 Long-term rate of return on plan assets 4.75 4.75 4.75
Japan | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	2020 2019 2018 Japan: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 1.10% 0.53% 0.62% Rate of compensation increase 2.00 2.00 2.00 Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate - service cost 0.72 0.80 0.72 Discount rate - interest cost 0.31 0.42 0.38 Rate of compensation increase 2.00 2.00 2.00 Long-term rate of return on plan assets 2.50 2.50 2.50
Germany [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	2020 2019 2018 Germany: Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30: Discount rate 0.97% 0.81% 1.87% Rate of compensation increase 2.50 2.50 2.50 Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30: Discount rate - service cost 1.01 2.06 2.05 Discount rate - interest cost 0.56 1.53 1.49 Rate of compensation increase 2.50 2.50 2.50

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividends Declared and Paid	Dividends declared and paid during 2020, 2019 and 2018 fiscal years were: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Dividends declared and paid $ 37,664 $ 39,066 $ 34,003 Dividend per share amount 0.6050 0.6300 0.5525
Stock-based Compensation Expense Recognized	Stock-based compensation expense recognized was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Employee stock-based compensation expense $ 22,903 $ 18,146 $ 18,229
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Assumptions Used in Estimate of Fair Value of Stock Option Awards	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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average exercise price per share $ 90.52 79.84 78.91 Weighted-average grant date market value of Woodward stock $ 90.52 79.84 78.91 Expected term (years) 6.4 - 8.7 6.5 - 8.7 6.4 - 8.7 Estimated volatility 25.7 % - 35.1 % 25.7 % - 31.0 % 29.1 % - 32.7 % Estimated dividend yield 0.4 % - 0.9 % 0.6 % 0.8 % 0.6 % - 0.8 % Risk-free interest rate 0.4 % - 1.7 % 1.5 % - 3.1 % 2.1 % - 2.8 %
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Options Granted	The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average grant date fair value of options $ 25.41 $ 24.12 $ 25.66
Summary of Activity for Stock Option Awards	The following is a summary of the activity for stock option awards during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020: Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Balance at September 30, 2019 5,387 $ 53.73 Options granted 912 90.52 Options exercised (756 ) 33.26 Options forfeited (94 ) 95.55 Options expired (6 ) 72.79 Balance at September 30, 2020 5,443 62.00
Changes in Non-vested Stock Options	Changes in non-vested stock options during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows: Number Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Balance at September 30, 2019 2,068 $ 23.43 Options granted 912 25.41 Options vested (808 ) 21.57 Options forfeited (94 ) 26.84 Balance at September 30, 2020 2,078 24.69
Stock Options Vested, or Expected to Vest and Exercisable	Information about stock options that have vested, or are expected to vest, and are exercisable at September 30, 2020 was as follows: Number Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Life in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options outstanding 5,443 $ 62.00 6.0 $ 114,139 Options vested and exercisable 3,365 49.63 4.6 103,059 Options vested and expected to vest 5,362 61.72 5.9 113,399
Other Stock Option Information	Other information follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 17,423 $ 15,863 $ 13,944 Total intrinsic value of options exercised 50,059 70,866 16,690 Cash received from exercises of stock options 24,969 36,044 9,132 Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options 9,399 13,416 3,524
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units	A summary of the activity for restricted stock units in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020: Number Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Unit Balance at September 30, 2019 9 $ 91.55 Units granted — n/a Units vested (7 ) 87.30 Units forfeited — n/a Balance at September 30, 2020 2 103.53

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Unconditional Purchase Obligations	Future minimum unconditional purchase obligations are as follows: Year Ending September 30, 2021 $ 343,480 2022 49,457 2023 6,389 2024 27,308 2025 1,859 Thereafter 1,811 Total $ 430,304

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Summary of Consolidated Net Sales and Earnings by Segment	A summary of consolidated net sales and earnings by segment follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Segment external net sales: Aerospace $ 1,590,963 $ 1,880,520 $ 1,557,988 Industrial 904,702 1,019,677 767,885 Total consolidated net sales $ 2,495,665 $ 2,900,197 $ 2,325,873 Segment earnings: Aerospace $ 310,137 $ 389,126 $ 308,553 Industrial 100,321 93,521 49,894 Nonsegment expenses (1) (94,530 ) (119,447 ) (100,078 ) Interest Expense, net (34,047 ) (42,588 ) (38,791 ) Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 281,881 $ 320,612 $ 219,578 (1) Nonsegment expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2018 includes restructuring charges of $22,216 and $17,013, respectively. See Note 17, Accrued liabilities
Summary of Consolidated Total Assets, Depreciation and Amortization, and Capital Expenditures by Segment	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, 2020 2019 2018 Segment assets: Aerospace $ 1,752,516 $ 1,900,657 $ 1,805,892 Industrial 1,529,411 1,561,441 1,642,462 Unallocated corporate property, plant and equipment, net 106,380 114,887 102,083 Other unallocated assets 515,029 379,541 240,212 Consolidated total assets $ 3,903,336 $ 3,956,526 $ 3,790,649 Segment depreciation and amortization: Aerospace $ 63,530 $ 60,710 $ 54,828 Industrial 57,444 71,173 51,695 Unallocated corporate amounts 10,184 10,121 9,608 Consolidated depreciation and amortization $ 131,158 $ 142,004 $ 116,131 Segment capital expenditures: Aerospace $ 26,148 $ 56,525 $ 98,358 Industrial 10,631 30,195 17,109 Unallocated corporate amounts 10,308 12,346 11,673 Consolidated capital expenditures $ 47,087 $ 99,066 $ 127,140
External Net Sales by Geographical Area	For net sales by geographical area for the year ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, refer to Note 3, Revenue Year Ended September 30, 2018 United States $ 1,350,708 Germany 230,834 Europe, excluding Germany 323,109 Asia 283,031 Other countries 138,191 Consolidated net sales $ 2,325,873
Property, Plant, and Equipment - Net by Geographical Area	Property, plant, and equipment, net by geographical area, as determined by the physical location of the assets, were as follows: At September 30, 2020 2019 United States $ 885,501 $ 926,370 Germany 89,826 107,975 Other countries 22,088 24,430 Consolidated property, plant and equipment, net $ 997,415 $ 1,058,775
U.S. Government Related [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
U.S. Government Related Sales by Segment	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, 2020 Aerospace $ 149,416 $ 536,424 $ 685,840 Industrial 5,867 17,473 23,340 Total net external sales $ 155,283 $ 553,897 $ 709,180 Percentage of total net sales 6 % 22 % 28 % Fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 Aerospace $ 118,334 $ 545,306 $ 663,640 Industrial 4,491 13,810 18,301 Total net external sales $ 122,825 $ 559,116 $ 681,941 Percentage of total net sales 4 % 19 % 23 % Fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 Aerospace $ 84,252 $ 429,386 $ 513,638 Industrial 2,547 8,658 11,205 Total net external sales $ 86,799 $ 438,044 $ 524,843 Percentage of total net sales 4 % 19 % 23 %

Supplemental Quarterly Financ_2

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 follow: 2020 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Net sales $ 720,355 $ 720,220 $ 523,826 $ 531,264 Gross margin (1) 185,438 202,706 128,315 123,784 Earnings before income taxes (2)(3)(4)(5) 61,548 107,199 45,016 68,118 Net earnings (2)(3)(4)(5) 53,373 91,318 38,465 57,239 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (2)(3)(4)(5) 0.86 1.47 0.62 0.92 Diluted earnings per share (2)(3)(4)(5) 0.83 1.41 0.61 0.89 Cash dividends per share 0.1625 0.2800 0.0813 0.0813 2019 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Net sales $ 652,811 $ 758,844 $ 752,005 $ 736,537 Gross margin (1)(6)(7) 160,637 192,003 189,489 165,414 Earnings before income taxes (6)(7)(8) 61,515 90,168 92,314 76,615 Net earnings (6)(7)(8)(9) 49,120 77,579 66,107 66,796 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (6)(7)(8)(9) 0.79 1.25 1.07 1.08 Diluted earnings per share (6)(7)(8)(9) 0.77 1.20 1.02 1.03 Cash dividends per share 0.1425 0.1625 0.1625 0.1625 Notes: 1. Gross margin represents net sales less cost of goods sold. 2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. 3. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale. Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019. 4. Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business. 5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded. 6 . Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with 7 . Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible. 8 . Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively . 9 . In the third quarter of fiscal year 2019
Segment Reporting [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Quarterly Financial Information	2020 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Segment external net sales: Aerospace $ 473,925 $ 474,236 $ 306,494 $ 336,308 Industrial 246,430 245,984 217,332 194,956 Total $ 720,355 $ 720,220 $ 523,826 $ 531,264 Segment earnings: Aerospace $ 92,911 $ 117,638 $ 41,096 $ 58,492 Industrial 28,230 25,972 27,438 18,681 Nonsegment expenses (1)(2)(3)(4) (51,071 ) (28,131 ) (15,158 ) (170 ) Interest expense, net (8,522 ) (8,280 ) (8,360 ) (8,885 ) Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 61,548 $ 107,199 $ 45,016 $ 68,118 2019 Fiscal Quarters First Second Third Fourth Segment external net sales: Aerospace $ 392,887 $ 482,954 $ 498,775 $ 505,904 Industrial (5) 259,924 275,890 253,230 230,633 Total $ 652,811 $ 758,844 $ 752,005 $ 736,537 Segment earnings: Aerospace $ 72,854 $ 101,722 $ 103,238 $ 111,312 Industrial (5) 29,169 27,128 26,240 10,984 Nonsegment expenses (6)(7) (29,001 ) (27,496 ) (26,713 ) (36,237 ) Interest expense, net (11,507 ) (11,186 ) (10,451 ) (9,444 ) Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 61,515 $ 90,168 $ 92,314 $ 76,615 Notes : 1. Nonsegment expenses for the first quarter and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax gain on the sale of assets of $13,522 and $8,801, respectively, associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. 2. Nonsegment expenses in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, include a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019 related to Woodward’s approved a plan to divest the disposal group. 3. Nonsegment expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and a swap breakage fee of $3,000, as a result of terminating and settling our existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. 4. Nonsegment expenses in the third quarter and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s . 5. Industrial segment earnings for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible. 6 . Nonsegment expenses for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection 7 . Nonsegment expenses for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively.

Operations and Summary of Sig_4

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Selling, general, and administrative expenses include net foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	$ 194,000	$ (1,018,000)	$ (1,608,000)
Impairment loss, Goodwill	8,640,000
Additional asset impairment charges	0
Impairment of intangible assets	200,000
Additional asset impairment charges, intangible assets	0
Disposal group impairment charges	$ 22,900,000

Operations and Summary of Sig_5

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Machinery and Production Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Machinery and Production Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Office furniture and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Office furniture and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Computer Equipment and Software, Excluding ERP system [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Computer Equipment and Software, Excluding ERP system [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Enterprise Resource Planning system [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Operations and Summary of Sig_6

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Useful Lives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Customer Relationships And Contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	9 years
Customer Relationships And Contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	30 years
Intellectual Property [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Intellectual Property [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	17 years
Process Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	8 years
Process Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	30 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years

New Accounting Standards (Narra

New Accounting Standards (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 01, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 01, 2018
Bad debt expense for trade accounts receivable	$ 884
Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable	6,889		$ 7,908
Operating right-of-use assets	18,918
Operating lease liabilities	19,494
ASU 2016-16 [Member] | Retained Earnings And Other Current Assets [Member] | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]
Cumulative effect from adoption				$ 1,005
ASC 842 [Member]
Cumulative effect from adoption	$ 255
Operating right-of-use assets		$ 18,894
Operating lease liabilities		$ 18,851
Operating lease liability statement of financial position extensible list		us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesMember

Revenue (Narrative) (Details)

Revenue (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Increase in revenue related to changes in estimated total lifetime sales	$ 6,784	$ 6,017
Increase in cost of goods sold related to changes in estimated total lifetime sales	6,638	9,580
Amortized capitalized costs to fulfill contracts	1,241	376
Deferred liability revenue amortization	1,664	719
Capitalized cost	$ 133,349	105,206
Billed accounts receivable due within	60 days
Noncurrent unbilled receivables	$ 16,751	$ 1,573
Percent of total billed and unbilled accounts receivable from U.S. Government	10.00%	10.00%
Revenue from contract liabilities	$ 29,579	$ 21,658
Revenue related to noncash consideration	79,569	98,061
Aerospace [Member]
Revenue related to noncash consideration	78,179	96,762
Industrial [Member]
Revenue related to noncash consideration	$ 1,390	$ 1,299
Net Sales [Member] | Manufactured Products [Member]
Percentage of attributable to revenue	86.00%	86.00%
Net Sales [Member] | MRO Products [Member]
Percentage of attributable to revenue	12.00%	12.00%
Net Sales [Member] | Service [Member]
Percentage of attributable to revenue	2.00%	2.00%

Revenue (Schedule of Revenue Re

Revenue (Schedule of Revenue Recognition Time) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 531,264	$ 523,826	$ 720,220	$ 720,355	$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
Point In Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales													1,182,974	1,396,261
Over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales													1,312,691	1,503,936
Aerospace [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	336,308	306,494	474,236	473,925	505,904		498,775		482,954		392,887		1,590,963	1,880,520
Aerospace [Member] | Point In Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales													590,817	762,042
Aerospace [Member] | Over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales													1,000,146	1,118,478
Industrial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 194,956	$ 217,332	$ 245,984	$ 246,430	$ 230,633	[1]	$ 253,230	[1]	$ 275,890	[1]	$ 259,924	[1]	904,702	1,019,677
Industrial [Member] | Point In Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales													592,157	634,219
Industrial [Member] | Over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales													$ 312,545	$ 385,458
[1]	Industrial segment earnings for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively.  These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.

Revenue (Schedule of Accounts R

Revenue (Schedule of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Contract With Customer Asset [Line Items]
Less: Allowance for uncollectible amounts	$ (6,889)	$ (7,908)
Net billed receivables	357,665	416,205
Current unbilled receivables (contract assets), net	180,322	175,324
Total accounts receivable, net	537,987	591,529
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Contract With Customer Asset [Line Items]
Billed receivables	307,914	381,942
Other (Chinese Financial Institutions) [Member]
Contract With Customer Asset [Line Items]
Billed receivables	$ 56,640	$ 42,171

Revenue (Schedule of Contract L

Revenue (Schedule of Contract Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Contract With Customer Liability [Line Items]
Current contract liabilities		$ 24,620	$ 27,891
Noncurrent contract liabilities	[1]	366,642	337,165
Deferred Revenue From Material Rights From GE Joint Venture Formation [Member]
Contract With Customer Liability [Line Items]
Current contract liabilities		4,066	8,317
Noncurrent contract liabilities		234,240	230,588
Deferred Revenue From Advance Invoicing And/Or Prepayments From Customers [Member]
Contract With Customer Liability [Line Items]
Current contract liabilities		3,239	4,554
Noncurrent contract liabilities		85	141
Liability Related To Customer Supplied Inventory [Member]
Contract With Customer Liability [Line Items]
Current contract liabilities		14,955	13,396
Deferred Revenue From Material Rights Related To Engineering And Development Funding [Member]
Contract With Customer Liability [Line Items]
Current contract liabilities		2,360	1,624
Noncurrent contract liabilities		$ 132,317	$ 106,436
[1]	See Note 3, Revenue,

Revenue (Narrative - Performanc

Revenue (Narrative - Performance Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 1,454,406	$ 1,527,437
Material Rights [Member]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 465,668

Revenue (Narrative - Performa_2

Revenue (Narrative - Performance Obligations) (Details1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 1,454,406	$ 1,527,437
Material Rights [Member]
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 465,668
Material Rights [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2021-10-01
Period of remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year
Remaining performance obligation amount	$ 6,983
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, year	2021
Maximum [Member] | Material Rights [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2020-10-01
Period of remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	40 years
Aerospace [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2020-10-01
Period of remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	2 years

Revenue (Schedule of Disaggrega

Revenue (Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales		$ 531,264	$ 523,826	$ 720,220	$ 720,355	$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														1,426,454	1,628,064
Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														233,965	302,084
Europe, excluding Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														336,971	431,416
China
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														209,885	214,829
Asia, excluding China [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														140,069	164,488
Other Countries [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														148,321	159,316
Aerospace [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales		336,308	306,494	474,236	473,925	505,904		498,775		482,954		392,887		1,590,963	1,880,520
Aerospace [Member] | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														1,231,004	1,415,880
Aerospace [Member] | Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														52,635	72,907
Aerospace [Member] | Europe, excluding Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														122,938	178,905
Aerospace [Member] | China
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														38,359	47,492
Aerospace [Member] | Asia, excluding China [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														27,068	37,991
Aerospace [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														118,959	127,345
Aerospace [Member] | Commercial OEM [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														434,306	659,336
Aerospace [Member] | Commercial Aftermarket [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														399,843	497,795
Aerospace [Member] | Defense OEM [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														526,264	529,940
Aerospace [Member] | Defense Aftermarket [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														230,550	193,449
Industrial [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales		$ 194,956	$ 217,332	$ 245,984	$ 246,430	$ 230,633	[1]	$ 253,230	[1]	$ 275,890	[1]	$ 259,924	[1]	904,702	1,019,677
Industrial [Member] | United States [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														195,450	212,184
Industrial [Member] | Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														181,330	229,177
Industrial [Member] | Europe, excluding Germany [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														214,033	252,511
Industrial [Member] | China
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														171,526	167,337
Industrial [Member] | Asia, excluding China [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														113,001	126,497
Industrial [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														29,362	31,971
Industrial [Member] | Reciprocating Engines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														632,555	751,136
Industrial [Member] | Industrial Turbines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales														222,366	210,064
Industrial [Member] | Renewables [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	[2]													$ 49,781	$ 58,477
[1]	Industrial segment earnings for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively.  These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[2]	Sales in the renewables market were discontinued as of May 1, 2020 following the closing of the divestiture of the disposal group (see Note 11, Sale of businesses

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, 2020	[1],[2],[3],[4]	Jun. 30, 2020	[1],[2],[3],[4]	Mar. 31, 2020	[1],[2],[3],[4]	Dec. 31, 2019	[1],[2],[3],[4]	Sep. 30, 2019	[5],[6],[7],[8]	Jun. 30, 2019	[5],[6],[7],[8]	Mar. 31, 2019	[5],[6],[7],[8]	Dec. 31, 2018	[5],[6],[7],[8]	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Numerator:
Net earnings	$ 57,239		$ 38,465		$ 91,318		$ 53,373		$ 66,796		$ 66,107		$ 77,579		$ 49,120		$ 240,395	$ 259,602	$ 180,378
Denominator:
Basic shares outstanding																	62,267	61,950	61,493
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units																	1,942	2,548	2,383
Diluted shares outstanding																	64,209	64,498	63,876
Income per common share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.92		$ 0.62		$ 1.47		$ 0.86		$ 1.08		$ 1.07		$ 1.25		$ 0.79		$ 3.86	$ 4.19	$ 2.93
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.89		$ 0.61		$ 1.41		$ 0.83		$ 1.03		$ 1.02		$ 1.20		$ 0.77		$ 3.74	$ 4.02	$ 2.82
[1]	2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
[2]	5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded.
[3]	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale.  Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019.
[4]	Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business.
[5]	In the third quarter of fiscal year 2019
[6]	Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively .
[7]	Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[8]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with

Earnings Per Share (Anti-diluti

Earnings Per Share (Anti-dilutive Stock Options Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options	660	25	760
Weighted-average option price	$ 104.45	$ 96.54	$ 78.72

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average treasury stock shares held for deferred compensation obligations	211	208	198

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lease initial term		12 months
Non-cash impairment charge	$ 37,902
Total rental payments			$ 7,578	$ 8,348
Revenue included embedded operating leases		$ 6,823
Disposal Groups [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge		$ 639

Leases (Lease-Related Assets an

Leases (Lease-Related Assets and Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Assets:
Operating lease assets	$ 18,918
Finance lease assets	1,201
Total lease assets	20,119
Current liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities	$ 4,925
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesMember
Finance lease liabilities	$ 1,634
Noncurrent liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities	$ 14,569
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesMember
Finance lease liabilities	$ 1,173
Total lease liabilities	$ 22,301

Leases (Supplemental Lease-Rela

Leases (Supplemental Lease-Related Information) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term, Operating leases	5 years 6 months
Weighted average remaining lease term, Finance leases	2 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average discount rate, Operating leases	3.20%
Weighted average discount rate, Finance leases	3.00%

Leases (Lease-Related Expenses)

Leases (Lease-Related Expenses) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$ 6,164
Amortization of financing lease assets	476
Interest on financing lease liabilities	87
Variable lease expense	1,101
Short-term lease expense	466
Sublease income	(697)	[1]
Total lease expense	$ 7,597
[1]	Relates to two separate subleases Woodward has entered into for a leased manufacturing building in Niles, Illinois.

Leases (Lease-Related Supplemen

Leases (Lease-Related Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases	$ 5,622
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for finance leases	87
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Financing cash flows for finance leases	1,590
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for recorded lease obligations: Operating leases	6,501
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for recorded lease obligations: Finance leases	$ 1,244

Leases (Maturities of Lease Lia

Leases (Maturities of Lease Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Year Ending September 30:
Operating Leases, 2021	$ 5,485
Operating Leases, 2022	4,255
Operating Leases, 2023	3,186
Operating Leases, 2024	2,230
Operating Leases, 2025	1,939
Operating Leases, Thereafter	4,232
Operating Leases, Total lease payments	21,327
Operating Leases, Less: imputed interest	(1,833)
Operating lease liabilities	19,494
Year Ending September 30:
Finance Leases, 2021	1,687
Finance Leases, 2022	739
Finance Leases, 2023	325
Finance Leases, 2024	136
Finance Leases, Total lease payments	2,887
Finance Leases, Less: imputed interest	(80)
Finance Leases, Total lease obigations	$ 2,807

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Pa

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Year Ending September 30:
Operating Leases, 2020 (full twelve months)	$ 6,667
Operating Leases, 2021	5,119
Operating Leases, 2022	3,823
Operating Leases, 2023	2,899
Operating Leases, 2024	2,378
Operating Leases, Thereafter	6,033
Operating Leases, Total minimum lease payments under ASC 840	26,919
Year Ending September 30:
Finance Leases, 2020 (full twelve months)	213
Finance Leases, 2021	98
Finance Leases, 2022	33
Finance Leases, 2023	3
Finance Leases, Total minimum lease payments under ASC 840	$ 347

Leases (Property, Plant and Equ

Leases (Property, Plant and Equipment Leased to Others through Embedded Leasing Arrangements) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment leased to others through embedded leasing arrangements	$ 76,655
Less accumulated depreciation	(29,819)
Property, plant and equipment leased to others through embedded leasing arrangements, net	$ 46,836

Business Acquisition (Narrative

Business Acquisition (Narrative) (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)		Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018EUR (€)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt																					$ 400,000
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit																			$ 1,248,135	$ 1,683,542	1,930,261
Net sales			$ 531,264		$ 523,826		$ 720,220		$ 720,355		$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		2,495,665	2,900,197	2,325,873
Earnings (loss) before income taxes			68,118	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 45,016	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 107,199	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 61,548	[1],[2],[3],[4]	76,615	[5],[6],[7]	$ 92,314	[5],[6],[7]	$ 90,168	[5],[6],[7]	$ 61,515	[5],[6],[7]	281,881	320,612	219,578
Acquisition financing related costs																			14,823		$ 4,904
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current portion of pension obligation			$ 1,059								$ 1,539								$ 1,059	1,539
Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Effective Date of Acquisition																					Jun. 1, 2018
Purchase agreement contract price																					$ 811,000	€ 700,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt																					400,000
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit																					167,420
Goodwill	$ 257,447
Net sales																				332,009	102,905
Earnings (loss) before income taxes																				$ 47,246	$ 9,334
Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Obligation assumed in L'Orange acquisition		$ 39,257
Current portion of pension obligation		$ 1,143
[1]	2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
[2]	5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded.
[3]	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale.  Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019.
[4]	Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business.
[5]	Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively .
[6]	Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[7]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with

Business Acquisition (Schedule

Business Acquisition (Schedule of the Purchase Price) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price		$ 771,115
Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid to Sellers	$ 780,401
Less acquired cash and restricted cash	(9,286)
Total purchase price	$ 771,115

Business Acquisition (Schedul_2

Business Acquisition (Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 01, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 808,252	$ 797,853		$ 813,250
Fair value adjustment to inventory as of acquisition date						$ 16,324
Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable				$ 26,538
Inventories	[1]			72,392
Other current assets				1,385
Property, plant, and equipment				89,772
Goodwill				257,447
Intangible assets		$ 573,427		573,427
Total assets acquired				1,020,961
Other current liabilities				41,997
Deferred income tax liabilities				166,927
Other noncurrent liabilities				40,922
Total liabilities assumed				249,846
Net assets acquired				$ 771,115
[1]	Inventories include a $16,324 adjustment to state work in progress and finished goods inventories at their fair value as of the acquisition date.  The entire inventory fair value adjustment was recognized as a noncash increase to cost of goods sold ratably over the estimated inventory turnover period during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

Business Acquisition (Schedul_3

Business Acquisition (Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 573,427	$ 573,427
Trade Name [Member] | Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 67,298
Customer Relationships And Contracts [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted- Average Useful Life	22 years
Customer Relationships And Contracts [Member] | Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 388,705
Process Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted- Average Useful Life	22 years
Process Technology [Member] | Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 74,260
Backlog [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted- Average Useful Life	1 year
Backlog [Member] | Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 42,932
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted- Average Useful Life	3 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 232

Business Acquisition (Schedul_4

Business Acquisition (Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 531,264		$ 523,826		$ 720,220		$ 720,355		$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
Net earnings	$ 57,239	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 38,465	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 91,318	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 53,373	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 66,796	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 66,107	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 77,579	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 49,120	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 240,395	$ 259,602	$ 180,378
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.92	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 0.62	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 1.47	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 0.86	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 1.08	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 1.07	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 1.25	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 0.79	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 3.86	$ 4.19	$ 2.93
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.89	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 0.61	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 1.41	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 0.83	[1],[2],[3],[4]	$ 1.03	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 1.02	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 1.20	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 0.77	[5],[6],[7],[8]	$ 3.74	$ 4.02	$ 2.82
Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales																		$ 332,009	$ 102,905
Net sales																		2,900,197	2,549,874
Net earnings																		$ 267,649	$ 225,800
Basic earnings per share																		$ 4.32	$ 3.67
Diluted earnings per share																		$ 4.15	$ 3.53
[1]	2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
[2]	5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded.
[3]	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale.  Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019.
[4]	Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business.
[5]	In the third quarter of fiscal year 2019
[6]	Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively .
[7]	Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[8]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with

Joint Venture (Narrative) (Deta

Joint Venture (Narrative) (Details) - Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Agreement to Form Joint Venture, Execution Date			Jan. 4, 2016
Ownership interest, joint venture			50.00%
Cash received annually from formation of joint venture	$ 4,894	$ 4,894	$ 4,894
Other Liabilities [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Contract liabilities			70,618	$ 69,079
Reduction in contract liabilities and costs to fulfill contract			6,609	2,790
Other Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Costs to fulfill a contract			70,618	69,079
Reduction in contract assets and costs to fulfill contract			6,261	2,774
Sales [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred income recognized as an increase to sales			5,493	7,652	$ 5,854
Reduction to sales related to royalties owed to joint venture			$ 23,904	$ 34,236	$ 26,023

Joint Venture (Unamortized Defe

Joint Venture (Unamortized Deferred Revenue from JV) (Details) - Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities	$ 4,066	$ 8,317
Other liabilities	$ 234,240	$ 230,588

Joint Venture (Other Income Rel

Joint Venture (Other Income Related JV) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other income	$ 15,580	$ 12,932	$ 3,339
Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other income	$ 15,580	$ 12,932	$ 3,339

Joint Venture (Cash Distributio

Joint Venture (Cash Distribution from JV) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash distributions	$ 14,000	$ 15,000

Joint Venture (Net Sales to the

Joint Venture (Net Sales to the JV) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net sales	[1]	$ 48,222	$ 60,955	$ 72,511
[1]	Net sales include a reduction of $23,904 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, $34,236 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, and $26,023 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 related to royalties owed to the JV by Woodward on sales by Woodward directly to third party aftermarket customers.

Joint Venture (Accounts Receiva

Joint Venture (Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Other Assets Related to JV) (Details) - Woodward and General Electric Joint Venture [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ 3,062	$ 5,906
Accounts payable	1,502	4,270
Other assets	$ 9,123	$ 7,543

Financial Instruments and Fai_3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Financial assets:
Total financial assets	$ 178,651	$ 144,335
Financial liabilities:
Total financial liabilities	51,387
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Financial assets:
Cross currency interest rate swaps		24,758
Financial liabilities:
Cross currency interest rate swaps	51,387
Cash [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	112,817	52,971
Investments in Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Financial assets:
Investments		886
Investments in Term Deposits with Foreign Banks [Member]
Financial assets:
Investments	40,453	45,216
Equity Securities [Member]
Financial assets:
Equity securities	25,381	20,504
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets:
Total financial assets	178,651	119,577
Level 1 [Member] | Cash [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	112,817	52,971
Level 1 [Member] | Investments in Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Financial assets:
Investments		886
Level 1 [Member] | Investments in Term Deposits with Foreign Banks [Member]
Financial assets:
Investments	40,453	45,216
Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Financial assets:
Equity securities	25,381	20,504
Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets:
Total financial assets		24,758
Financial liabilities:
Total financial liabilities	51,387
Level 2 [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Financial assets:
Cross currency interest rate swaps		$ 24,758
Financial liabilities:
Cross currency interest rate swaps	$ 51,387

Financial Instruments and Fai_4

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Long-Term Debt [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Interest rate used to measure long-term debt	1.5	2.5
Long Term Notes Receivable from Municipalities [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Interest rate used to measure municipal notes	1.2	1.7
Interest rate used to measure long-term debt	2.3
Investments in Short-Term Time Deposits [Member] | Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Interest rate used to measure short-term time deposits	4.4	5.7
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Cross currency interest rate swaps		$ 24,758
Cross currency interest rate swaps	$ 51,387
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Cross currency interest rate swaps		$ 24,758
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Cross currency interest rate swaps	$ 51,387

Financial Instruments and Fai_5

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
ASSETS
Investments in short-term time deposits, Estimated Fair Value	$ 13,678	$ 13,468
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, Estimated Fair Value	935,610	928,618
Investments in short-term time deposits, Carrying Cost	13,671	13,509
Long-term debt, Carrying Cost	840,654	867,377
Long Term Notes Receivable from Municipalities [Member]
ASSETS
Notes receivable, Estimated Fair Value	13,413	13,100
Liabilities:
Notes receivable, Carrying Cost	11,846	$ 12,346
Long Term Notes Receivable from Sale of Disposal Groups [Member]
ASSETS
Notes receivable, Estimated Fair Value	6,341
Liabilities:
Notes receivable, Carrying Cost	$ 6,061

Derivative Instruments and He_3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2020USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Swaploan	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)Swaploan	May 31, 2018USD ($)loan	Sep. 23, 2016EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount				$ 41,250
Swap termination fee			$ 3,000
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings				(2,134)	$ 31,446	$ (1,467)
Remaining unrecognzied gains (losses) associated with derivative instruments included in AOCI				$ (21,132)	(5,004)
2016 Note Purchase Agreements [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Issuance date				Sep. 23, 2016
Face amount | €							€ 160,000,000		€ 160,000,000
Series M Notes [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Face amount | €							€ 40,000,000		€ 40,000,000
Maturity date				Sep. 23, 2026
Gain (Loss) on foreign currency transaction designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary				$ 3,199	2,682	838
Floating-Rate Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member] | Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings				(5,396)	8,356	(472)
Floating-Rate Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								$ 167,420
Floating-Rate Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings	$ 1,719
2020 Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount				$ 400,000
2020 Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swaps [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Economic Hedge [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								400,000
Derivative, number of instruments | Swap				5			5
Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	108,823
Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	400,000
Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap and Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Proceeds from swap contracts settlement	59,571
Derivative asset, fair value	58,191
Proceed from net interest accrued on swap contracts settlement	4,380
Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap and Fixed-Rate Cross-Currency Swap [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Swap termination fee	3,000
2020 Floating-Rate Cross-Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount				$ 45,000
Fixed-Rate Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings				$ 3,190	$ 23,018	$ (1,067)
Fixed-Rate Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								$ 400,000
Derivative, number of instruments | loan				5			5	5
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings	$ 32,200
Treasury Lock [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount										$ 25,000
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings		$ 507

Derivative Instruments and He_4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Impact of Derivative Instruments on Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative	$ 1,330	$ (32,484)	$ 1,467
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative	18,262	(47,759)	23,000
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings	2,134	(31,446)	1,467
Floating-Rate Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative	4,592	(9,394)	472
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative	4,832	(8,317)	1,034
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings	5,396	(8,356)	472
Fixed-Rate Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative	(3,190)	(23,018)	1,067
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative	13,430	(39,442)	21,966
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings	(3,190)	(23,018)	1,067
Treasury Lock [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Income) Expense Recognized in Earnings on Derivative	(72)	(72)	(72)
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings	$ (72)	$ (72)	$ (72)

Supplemental Statement of Cas_3

Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information (Schedule of Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 27,148	$ 39,909	$ 29,677
Income taxes paid	94,088	68,112	44,831
Income tax refunds received	17,653	1,454	1,976
Non-cash activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account	3,076	8,737	11,982
Impact of the adoption of ASC 606		38,700
Impact of the adoption of ASC 842 (Note 5)	255
Impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-16		1,005
Common shares issued from treasury to settle benefit obligations (Note 22)	$ 14,748	14,846	$ 14,741
Purchases of treasury stock on account		$ 4,204

Sale of businesses (Narrative)

Sale of businesses (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020
Impairment of assets sold			$ 12,601	$ 37,902
AURELIUS Group [Member]
Loss (gain) on sale of disposal group	$ (515)	$ 515
Disposal Groups [Member]
Non-cash impairment charge				22,900
Impairment of assets sold				$ 37,902
Disposal Groups [Member] | AURELIUS Group [Member]
Purchase price						$ 23,400
Promissory note						$ 6,000
Disposal Groups [Member] | AURELIUS Group [Member] | Germany, Poland And Bulgaria [Member]
Sales					$ 88,000

Sale of businesses (Carrying Va

Sale of businesses (Carrying Value of the Assets and Liabilities Sold) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Assets:
Accounts receivable	$ 17,637
Inventories	441
Other current assets	796
Other assets	51
Total assets	18,925
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	7,633
Accrued liabilities	2,998
Other liabilities	450
Total liabilities	$ 11,081

Inventories (Schedule of Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Inventory Net [Abstract]
Raw materials		$ 123,626	$ 134,878
Work in progress		92,934	133,885
Component parts	[1]	255,980	287,128
Finished goods		66,889	59,051
Customer supplied inventory		14,955	13,396
On-hand inventory for which control has transferred to the customer		116,441	111,502
Inventory, net		$ 437,943	$ 516,836
[1]	Component parts include items that can be sold separately as finished goods or included in the manufacture of other products.

Property, Plant, and Equipmen_2

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 1,651,390	$ 1,672,227
Less accumulated depreciation	(653,975)	(613,452)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	997,415	1,058,775
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	83,095	94,976
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	551,540	587,541
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	18,610	17,446
Machinery and Production Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	776,884	731,159
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	123,903	124,201
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	41,177	39,934
Other [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	19,814	19,346
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 36,367	$ 57,624

Property, Plant, and Equipmen_3

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 25, 2020	Aug. 11, 2020	Dec. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on sale of assets	[1]							$ 23,598	$ (1,925)	$ 1,106
Impairment of assets held for sale							$ 12,601	37,902
Duarte Facility [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on sale of assets			$ 8,801	$ 13,522	$ 8,801	$ 13,522		(22,323)
Disposal Groups [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of assets held for sale								37,902
Disposal Groups [Member] | Plant, Property and Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of assets held for sale								$ 13,421
Loveland Facility [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on sale of assets		$ 2,330
[1]	Included in net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was the pre-tax gain on sale of Duarte real property in the amount of $22,323, the pre-tax gain on sale of the Loveland campus of $2,330, and a net loss on divestiture of the disposal group of $515.

Property, Plant, and Equipmen_4

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Schedule of Depreciation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment Net [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 91,700	$ 85,982	$ 71,389

Property, Plant, and Equipmen_5

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Schedule of Capitalized Interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment Net [Abstract]
Capitalized interest	$ 136	$ 779	$ 2,187

Goodwill (Schedule of Goodwill)

Goodwill (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 797,853	$ 813,250
Impairment loss, Goodwill	8,640
Effects of Foreign Currency Translation	19,039	(15,397)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	808,252	797,853
Aerospace [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	455,423	455,423
Goodwill, Ending Balance	455,423	455,423
Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	342,430	357,827
Impairment loss, Goodwill	8,640
Effects of Foreign Currency Translation	19,039	(15,397)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 352,829	$ 342,430

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details)

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge		$ 8,640
Assumed annual compound growth rate after five years	3.44%
Percent premium from goodwill analysis on reporting units in aeropspace system	17.00%
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of capital assumption	8.30%
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of capital assumption	9.99%
Disposal Groups [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge		$ 8,640

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedul

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	$ (399,081)	$ (371,274)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	538,617
Intangible Assets, Gross, Total	1,005,792	983,266
Intangible Assets, Net, Total	606,711	611,992
Customer Relationships And Contracts [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	710,932	689,366
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(253,565)	(225,981)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	457,367	463,385
Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	15,778	19,201
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(15,640)	(18,705)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	138	496
Process Technology [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	167,316	169,191
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(86,256)	(84,839)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	81,060	84,352
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	235	1,541
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(183)	(1,249)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	52	292
Trade Name [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	68,094	63,467
Aerospace [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(260,476)	(241,908)
Intangible Assets, Gross, Total	358,054	358,054
Intangible Assets, Net, Total	97,578	116,146
Aerospace [Member] | Customer Relationships And Contracts [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	281,683	281,683
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(196,520)	(181,995)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	85,163	99,688
Aerospace [Member] | Process Technology [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	76,371	76,371
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(63,956)	(59,913)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	12,415	16,458
Industrial [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(138,605)	(129,366)
Intangible Assets, Gross, Total	647,738	625,212
Intangible Assets, Net, Total	509,133	495,846
Industrial [Member] | Customer Relationships And Contracts [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	429,249	407,683
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(57,045)	(43,986)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	372,204	363,697
Industrial [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	15,778	19,201
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(15,640)	(18,705)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	138	496
Industrial [Member] | Process Technology [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	90,945	92,820
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(22,300)	(24,926)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	68,645	67,894
Industrial [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value - Finite-Lived Intangible	235	1,541
Accumulated Amortization of Finite-Lived Intangible	(183)	(1,249)
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	52	292
Industrial [Member] | Trade Name [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	$ 68,094	$ 63,467

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrati

Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of capital assumption	8.50%
Assumed annual compound growth rate after five years	3.44%
Assumed annual compound growth rate period	5 years
Disposal Groups [Member]
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets, Indefinite-lived		$ 200

Intangible Assets, Net (Sched_2

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 39,458	$ 56,022	$ 44,742

Intangible Assets, Net (Sched_3

Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
2021	$ 40,388
2022	38,275
2023	37,224
2024	33,472
2025	28,257
Thereafter	361,001
Net Carrying Amount - Finite-Lived Intangible	$ 538,617

Credit Facilities, Short-term_3

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Short-term Borrowings and Availability Under Various Short-term Credit Facilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	$ 1,008,078
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees	(12,027)
Remaining availability	996,051
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	1,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees	(11,771)
Outstanding borrowings	0	$ (262,297)
Remaining availability	988,229
Foreign Lines Of Credit And Overdraft Facilities [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	7,567
Remaining availability	7,567
Foreign Performance Guarantee Facilities [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total availability	511
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees	(256)
Remaining availability	$ 255

Credit Facilities, Short-term_4

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 15, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	May 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2016EUR (€)	Oct. 01, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,008,078
Short-term borrowings				$ 220,000
Amortization of debt financing costs recognized as interest expense		892		1,094	$ 1,256
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 2,171		2,478
The Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description		The Notes contain restrictive 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 each series of the 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.  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 $1,156,000 plus 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.  For the 2018 Notes, Woodward’s consolidated net worth must at all times equal or exceed $1,156,000 plus (i) 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 and (ii) 50% of the net cash proceeds received by Woodward on or after May 31, 2018 from the issuance of capital stock, other than issuances pursuant to employee stock option or ownership plans.	The Notes contain restrictive 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 each series of the 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.  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 $1,156,000 plus 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.  For the 2018 Notes, Woodward’s consolidated net worth must at all times equal or exceed $1,156,000 plus (i) 50% of Woodward’s positive net income for each completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 and (ii) 50% of the net cash proceeds received by Woodward on or after May 31, 2018 from the issuance of capital stock, other than issuances pursuant to employee stock option or ownership plans.
Percent of debt not exceed net worth		25.00%	25.00%
Percent of the principal amount		100.00%	100.00%
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 2,171		2,478
The Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		3.5				3.5
The Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		4				4
Amended And Restated Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Percentage of Positive Net Income as Part of Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement		50.00%	50.00%
Line Of Credit Facility, Percentage of Net Cash Proceeds as Part of Amended And Restated		50.00%	50.00%
Line Of Credit Facility, Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Covenant		$ 1,156,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description		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 and transaction costs associated with permitted acquisitions (incurred within six-months of the permitted acquisition), 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 each period of four consecutive quarters during which a permitted acquisition occurs, and (ii) a minimum consolidated net worth of $1,156,000 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.	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 and transaction costs associated with permitted acquisitions (incurred within six-months of the permitted acquisition), 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 each period of four consecutive quarters during which a permitted acquisition occurs, and (ii) a minimum consolidated net worth of $1,156,000 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.
Amended And Restated Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings		$ 60,000
Leverage ratio		3.5				3.5
Amended And Restated Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		4				4
2013 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount									$ 250,000
2016 Note Purchase Agreements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount | €						€ 160,000,000		€ 160,000,000
Debt Discount Rate		50.00%	50.00%
2016 Note Purchase Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal | €			€ 1,000,000
Series M Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount | €						€ 40,000,000		40,000,000
Series N Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount | €								77,000,000
Series M Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount | €								€ 43,000,000
2018 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							$ 400,000
Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Convenant		$ 1,156,000
Percent Positive Net Income		50.00%	50.00%
Series P Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							85,000
Series P Notes [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		1.82%				1.82%
Series Q Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							85,000
Series Q Notes [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.15%				2.15%
Series R Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							75,000
Series R Notes [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.42%				2.42%
Series S Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							75,000
Series S Notes [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.55%				2.55%
Series T Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							$ 80,000
Series T Notes [Member] | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.90%				2.90%
Series J Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		1.52%				1.52%
Percent of debt not exceed net worth		0.00%	0.00%
Series G H I J K L M N And O Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum Consolidated Net Worth Convenant		$ 1,156,000
Percent Positive Net Income		50.00%	50.00%
USD Notes And 2018 Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal		$ 1,000
Swapped Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Discount Rate		50.00%	50.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity extension		1,500,000
Outstanding borrowings		$ 0		$ 262,297
Effective interest rate		3.01%		3.01%		3.01%
Short-term borrowings		$ 0		$ 220,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		0.875%	0.875%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		1.75%	1.75%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Series G and J Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 100,000
Foreign Lines Of Credit And Overdraft Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 7,567
Short-term borrowings		0		0
Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance of unamortized debt issuance costs, line of credit		$ 2,242		$ 2,840

Credit Facilities, Short-term_5

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 838,483	$ 864,899
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(2,171)	(2,478)
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	101,634
Long-term debt, less current portion	736,849	864,899
Series G Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 50,000	50,000
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2020
Interest rate	3.42%
Series H Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 25,000	25,000
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2023
Interest rate	4.03%
Series I Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 25,000	25,000
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2025
Interest rate	4.18%
Series J Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 50,000	50,000
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2020
Series J Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.25%
Series K Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 50,000	50,000
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2023
Interest rate	4.03%
Series L Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 50,000	50,000
Maturity date	Nov. 15, 2025
Interest rate	4.18%
Series M Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date	Sep. 23, 2026
Series M Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 46,962	43,770
Maturity date	Sep. 23, 2026
Interest rate	1.12%
Series N Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 90,401	84,257
Maturity date	Sep. 23, 2028
Interest rate	1.31%
Series M Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 50,484	47,053
Maturity date	Sep. 23, 2031
Interest rate	1.57%
Series P Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 85,000	85,000
Maturity date	May 30, 2025
Interest rate	4.27%
Series Q Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 85,000	85,000
Maturity date	May 30, 2027
Interest rate	4.35%
Series R Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 75,000	75,000
Maturity date	May 30, 2029
Interest rate	4.41%
Series S Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 75,000	75,000
Maturity date	May 30, 2030
Interest rate	4.46%
Finance Leases [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,807
Series T Notes [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 80,000	80,000
Maturity date	May 30, 2033
Interest rate	4.61%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 42,297
Maturity date	Jun. 19, 2024
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.875%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%

Credit Facilities, Short-term_6

Credit Facilities, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt (Schedule of Future Principal Payments of Long-term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 100,000
2024	75,000
2025	85,000
Thereafter	577,846
Long-term debt balance	$ 837,846

Accrued Liabilities (Accrued Li

Accrued Liabilities (Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Salaries and other member benefits	$ 50,850	$ 115,649
Warranties	18,972	27,309	$ 20,130	$ 13,597
Interest payable	15,281	13,808
Accrued retirement benefits	3,051	3,587
Current portion of loss reserve on contractual lease commitments		1,245
Net current contract liabilities (Note 3)	24,620	27,891
Restructuring charges	3,395	507
Taxes, other than income	13,925	15,708
Other	21,700	22,423
Accrued liabilities	$ 151,794	$ 228,127

Accrued Liabilities (Changes in

Accrued Liabilities (Changes in Accrued Product Warranties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Warranties, beginning of period	$ 27,309	$ 20,130	$ 13,597
Increases due to acquisition of L'Orange			6,045
Impact from adoption of ASC 606		705
Expense, net of recoveries	8,687	14,559	5,158
Reductions for settling warranties	(17,422)	(7,540)	(4,413)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	398	(545)	(257)
Warranties, end of period	$ 18,972	$ 27,309	$ 20,130

Accrued Liabilities (Narrative)

Accrued Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 22,216	$ 17,013
Termination Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related charges	$ 23,673
Duarte Relocation Restructuring Charge Reserve
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 17,013

Accrued Liabilities (Changes _2

Accrued Liabilities (Changes in Restructuring Reserve Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Charges	$ 22,216		$ 17,013
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, beginning of period	507	$ 16,522
Charges	23,673
Payments	18,572	12,445
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	77
Non-cash activity	(2,290)	(3,570)
Restructuring charges, end of period	3,395	507	16,522
Employee Severance [Member] | Covid-19 Pandemic [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Charges	23,673
Payments	18,065
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	77
Non-cash activity	(2,290)
Restructuring charges, end of period	3,395
Employee Severance [Member] | Duarte Relocation Restructuring Charge Reserve
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, beginning of period	440	12,504
Payments	440	8,685
Non-cash activity		(3,379)
Restructuring charges, end of period		440	12,504
Employee Severance [Member] | Industrial Turbomachinery Business Realignment [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, beginning of period	67	4,018
Payments	$ 67	3,760
Non-cash activity		(191)
Restructuring charges, end of period		$ 67	$ 4,018

Other Liabilities (Schedule of

Other Liabilities (Schedule of Other Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 01, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Net accrued retirement benefits, less amounts recognized within accrued liabilities		$ 114,013		$ 111,257
Total unrecognized tax benefits		10,230		10,644
Noncurrent income taxes payable	[1]	18,322		20,251
Deferred economic incentives	[2]	9,105		11,535
Loss reserve on contractual lease commitments	[3]			1,754
Cross currency swap derivative liability	[4]	51,387
Operating lease liabilities		14,569
Net noncurrent contract liabilities	[5]	366,642		337,165
Other		33,637		13,482
Other liabilities		617,905		$ 506,088
Finance Leases, Total lease obigations		$ 2,807
Loss Reserve On Contractual Lease Commitments [Member]
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Finance Leases, Total lease obigations			$ 2,688
[1]	See Note 20, Income taxes
[2]	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.
[3]	In connection with the construction of a new production facility in Niles, Illinois, Woodward vacated a lease facility in Skokie, Illinois, and recorded a loss reserve on the estimated remaining contractual lease commitment, net of anticipated sublease income. As of September 30, 2019, the current portion of the accrued loss reserve on contractual lease commitments was included in “accrued liabilities” (see Note 17, Accrued liabilities
[4]	See Note 8, Financial instruments and fair value measurements
[5]	See Note 3, Revenue,

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Sc

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract]
Equity interest in the earnings of the JV (Note 7)		$ (15,580)	$ (12,932)	$ (3,339)
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets and businesses	[1]	(23,598)	1,925	(1,106)
Rent income		(1,403)	(245)	(170)
Net (gain) loss on investments in deferred compensation program		(3,376)	(942)	(1,661)
Loss on forward option derivative instrument				5,543
Other components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit, excluding service cost and interest expense		(11,809)	(12,965)	(12,801)
Other		(400)	(810)	(792)
Other (income) expense, net		$ (56,166)	$ (25,969)	$ (14,326)
[1]	Included in net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was the pre-tax gain on sale of Duarte real property in the amount of $22,323, the pre-tax gain on sale of the Loveland campus of $2,330, and a net loss on divestiture of the disposal group of $515.

Other (Income) Expense, Net (_2

Other (Income) Expense, Net (Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net) (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Aug. 11, 2020	Dec. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets	[1]					$ 23,598	$ (1,925)	$ 1,106
Net loss on divestiture						515
Duarte Facility [Member]
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets		$ 8,801	$ 13,522	$ 8,801	$ 13,522	(22,323)
Loveland Campus [Member]
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets						$ (2,330)
[1]	Included in net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was the pre-tax gain on sale of Duarte real property in the amount of $22,323, the pre-tax gain on sale of the Loveland campus of $2,330, and a net loss on divestiture of the disposal group of $515.

Income Taxes (Components of Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Current:
Federal	$ 15,976	$ 40,173	$ 39,979
State	1,383	2,402	3,697
Foreign	22,588	34,660	25,968
Deferred:
Federal	10,784	(2,015)	(10,519)
State	(547)	(2,948)	(3,784)
Foreign	(8,698)	(11,262)	(16,141)
Income tax expense	$ 41,486	$ 61,010	$ 39,200

Income Taxes (Earnings Before I

Income Taxes (Earnings Before Income Taxes by Geographical Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

[1],[2],[3],[4]

Jun. 30, 2020

[1],[2],[3],[4]

Mar. 31, 2020

[1],[2],[3],[4]

Dec. 31, 2019

[1],[2],[3],[4]

Sep. 30, 2019

[5],[6],[7]

Jun. 30, 2019

[5],[6],[7]

Mar. 31, 2019

[5],[6],[7]

Dec. 31, 2018

[5],[6],[7]

Sep. 30, 2020

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

United States

$ 180,753

$ 211,267

$ 181,671

Other countries

101,128

109,345

37,907

Earnings before income taxes

$ 68,118

$ 45,016

$ 107,199

$ 61,548

$ 76,615

$ 92,314

$ 90,168

$ 61,515

$ 281,881

$ 320,612

$ 219,578

[1]

2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.

[2]

5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded.

[3]

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale.  Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019.

[4]

Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business.

[5]

Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively .

[6]

Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.

[7]

Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Defined benefit plans, other postretirement	$ 6,238	$ 6,535
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	6,106	6,836
Inventory	53,867	51,740
Stock-based and other compensation	35,919	45,839
Defined benefit plans, pension	5,624	11,399
Deferred revenue net of unbilled receivables	39,990	32,310
Other reserves	10,119	11,571
Tax credits and incentives	14,340	13,580
Lease obligations	5,764
Other	9,223	5,611
Valuation allowance	(1,833)	(3,638)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	185,357	181,783
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and intangibles - net	(218,900)	(212,926)
Property, plant and equipment	(107,862)	(97,469)
Right of use assets	(4,837)
Other	(2,673)	(4,589)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(334,272)	(314,984)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (148,915)	$ (133,201)

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	21.00%	35.00%			21.00%	21.00%	24.50%	35.00%	21.00%
Net discrete impacts of the enactment of the Tax Act			$ 10,588	$ 14,778			$ 10,860
Undistributed foreign earnings not provided for taxes					$ 296,165				$ 296,165
Net operating loss deferred tax asset, foreign					6,106	$ 6,836			6,106
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate					4,730	4,411			4,730
Accrued interest and penalties					489	$ 437			489
Possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits liability					$ 84				$ 84
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Years remaining open to tax examination					2018
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Years remaining open to tax examination					2017
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Years remaining open to tax examination					2016
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Years remaining open to tax examination					2016

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of U.S Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate) (Details)	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	21.00%	24.50%	35.00%	21.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit			0.30%	(0.10%)	(0.50%)
Taxes on international activities			(2.10%)	0.20%	(1.80%)
Research credit			(3.60%)	(3.30%)	(4.80%)
Net excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation			(2.80%)	(3.50%)	(1.40%)
Domestic production activities deduction					(1.60%)
Adjustments of prior period tax items			1.00%	0.90%	(5.00%)
Effect of U.S. federal corporate rate reduction on net beginning U.S. deferred tax liability					(5.00%)
Transition Tax				3.30%	6.20%
Increased deferred tax liability associated with anticipated repatriation taxes					3.70%
Effect of U.S. federal corporate rate reduction on net current year U.S. deferred tax activity					2.00%
Other items, net			0.90%	0.50%	1.60%
Effective tax rate			14.70%	19.00%	17.90%

Income Taxes (Reconciliation _2

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 10,305	$ 8,364	$ 20,132
Additions to current year tax positions	1,890	1,930	2,675
Reductions to prior year tax positions	(2,415)		(14,458)
Additions to prior year tax positions	71	11	15
Ending Balance	$ 9,851	$ 10,305	$ 8,364

Retirement Benefits (Narrative)

Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)yrshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of annual contribution equal to eligible prior year wages					5.00%
Number of years of service					2 years
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans					$ 14,748	$ 14,846	$ 14,741
Shares of woodward stock held in woodward retirement savings plan | shares					3,199	3,623
Accrued liabilities					$ 11,230	$ 11,701
Treasury Stock at Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans		$ 14,748	$ 14,846	$ 14,741	$ 5,328	$ 5,673	$ 7,584
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans, shares | shares		124	158	202	124	158	202
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current portion of pension obligation					$ 1,059	$ 1,539
Net periodic retirement (benefit) cost					(346)	(1,238)	$ (2,499)
Projected benefit obligation					307,623	297,130	253,517
Fair value of plan assets					266,709	234,133	227,722
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets					1,385	2,986
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					5,767	5,491
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					8,341	7,898
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic retirement (benefit) cost					$ (2,731)	$ (2,825)	(2,660)
Discount rate support/source data					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
Convergence period					5 years	10 years
Long term rate					0.75	0.75
Projected benefit obligation					$ 184,077	$ 175,595	150,032
Fair value of plan assets					201,555	170,556	165,342
Accumulated benefit obligation					184,077
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year					0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current portion of pension obligation					1,059	1,539
Net periodic retirement (benefit) cost					$ 2,385	1,587	161
Discount rate support/source data					In the United Kingdom, Germany 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 years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2019 and 2018 benefit obligation, respectively, matched with separate cash flows for each future year
Projected benefit obligation					$ 123,546	121,535	103,485
Fair value of plan assets					65,154	$ 63,577	62,380
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation					59,003
Fair value of plan assets					53,557
Accumulated benefit obligation					58,198
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year					689
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Japan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation					10,119
Fair value of plan assets					11,597
Accumulated benefit obligation					9,266
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year					219
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Germany [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation					54,424
Fair value of plan assets					0
Accumulated benefit obligation					54,403
Estimated future employer contributions in the next fiscal year					$ 1,021
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Japan And United Kingdom [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Annual improvement rate					1.5	1.5
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current portion of pension obligation					$ 1,992	$ 2,048
Net periodic retirement (benefit) cost					834	1,209	778
Accumulated benefit obligation					$ 25,445	$ 26,671
Option to elect company provided medical insurance coverage up to this age and a Medicare supplemental plan after this age | yr					65
Age employees were eligible to participate in plan | yr					55
Defined benefit plan, minimum years of service required for employees to be eligible for benefits					10 years
Approximate number of retired employees and their covered dependents and beneficiaries currently providing postretirement benefits					455
Approximate number of active employees and their covered dependants and beneficiaries who may receive postretirement benefits in the future					8
As a result of a plan amendment, all postretirement medical benefits are fully insured for retirees who have attained this age					65
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | United States [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
Convergence period					5 years	10 years
Long term rate					0.75	0.75
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | United Kingdom
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
Long term rate					1.5	1.5
Woodward Retirement Savings Plan [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation						$ 175,595
Woodward Retirement Savings Plan [Member] | United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation						56,389
Woodward Retirement Savings Plan [Member] | Japan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation						10,081
Woodward Retirement Savings Plan [Member] | Germany [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation						51,908
Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Obligation assumed in L'Orange acquisition	$ 39,257
Current portion of pension obligation	$ 1,143
Net periodic retirement (benefit) cost					$ 3,000	2,004	673
Contributions paid					$ 873	$ 782	$ 219

Retirement Benefits (Schedule o

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Amount of Expense Associated with Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Company costs	$ 33,769	$ 35,510	$ 34,084

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_2

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Assumptions Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | United States [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	2.75%	3.25%	4.35%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:
Discount rate	3.25%	4.35%	3.80%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.39%	7.39%	7.39%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | United Kingdom
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	1.62%	1.74%	2.68%
Rate of compensation increase	3.30%	3.50%	3.60%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	4.75%	4.75%	4.75%
Discount rate - service cost	1.79%	2.70%	2.58%
Discount rate - interest cost	1.59%	2.51%	2.36%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.60%	3.60%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Japan
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	1.10%	0.53%	0.62%
Rate of compensation increase	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Discount rate - service cost	0.72%	0.80%	0.72%
Discount rate - interest cost	0.31%	0.42%	0.38%
Rate of compensation increase	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Germany [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	0.97%	0.81%	1.87%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:
Discount rate - service cost	1.01%	2.06%	2.05%
Discount rate - interest cost	0.56%	1.53%	1.49%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligation at September 30:
Discount rate	2.45%	3.05%	4.30%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine periodic benefit costs for years ended September 30:
Discount rate	3.05%	4.30%	3.80%

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_3

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 4,524	$ 3,487	$ 2,767
Interest cost	6,868	8,290	7,530
Expected return on plan assets	(15,173)	(14,624)	(14,394)
Amortization of: Net losses	2,476	900	889
Amortization of: Prior service cost (benefit)	959	709	709
Net periodic (benefit) cost	(346)	(1,238)	(2,499)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2	5	7
Interest cost	782	1,154	1,165
Amortization of: Net losses	47	55	94
Amortization of: Prior service cost (benefit)	3	(5)	(158)
Curtailment gain			(330)
Net periodic (benefit) cost	834	1,209	778
United States [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,659	1,451	1,643
Interest cost	5,590	6,384	6,004
Expected return on plan assets	(12,346)	(11,986)	(11,614)
Amortization of: Net losses	1,430	617	598
Amortization of: Prior service cost (benefit)	936	709	709
Net periodic (benefit) cost	(2,731)	(2,825)	(2,660)
Foreign Plan | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2,865	2,036	1,124
Interest cost	1,278	1,906	1,526
Expected return on plan assets	(2,827)	(2,638)	(2,780)
Amortization of: Net losses	1,046	283	291
Amortization of: Prior service cost (benefit)	23
Net periodic (benefit) cost	$ 2,385	$ 1,587	$ 161

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_4

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 297,130	$ 253,517
Plan amendment		601
Service cost	4,524	3,487	$ 2,767
Interest cost	6,868	8,290	7,530
Net actuarial losses (gains)	2,970	46,015
Contribution by participants	100	9
Benefits paid	(10,103)	(9,294)
Settlements	(476)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	6,610	(5,495)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	307,623	297,130	253,517
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	234,133	227,722
Actual return on plan assets	38,153	16,448
Contributions by the Company	2,272	1,697
Contribution by participants	100	9
Benefits paid	(10,103)	(9,294)
Settlements	(476)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,630	(2,449)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	266,709	234,133	227,722
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	(40,914)	(62,997)
United States [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	175,595	150,032
Service cost	1,659	1,451	1,643
Interest cost	5,590	6,384	6,004
Net actuarial losses (gains)	7,811	23,841
Contribution by participants	91
Benefits paid	(6,669)	(6,113)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	184,077	175,595	150,032
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	170,556	165,342
Actual return on plan assets	37,577	11,327
Contribution by participants	91
Benefits paid	(6,669)	(6,113)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	201,555	170,556	165,342
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	17,478	(5,039)
Foreign Plan | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	121,535	103,485
Plan amendment		601
Service cost	2,865	2,036	1,124
Interest cost	1,278	1,906	1,526
Net actuarial losses (gains)	(4,841)	22,174
Contribution by participants	9	9
Benefits paid	(3,434)	(3,181)
Settlements	(476)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	6,610	(5,495)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	123,546	121,535	103,485
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	63,577	62,380
Actual return on plan assets	576	5,121
Contributions by the Company	2,272	1,697
Contribution by participants	9	9
Benefits paid	(3,434)	(3,181)
Settlements	(476)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	2,630	(2,449)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	65,154	63,577	62,380
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	(58,392)	(57,958)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	26,671	27,985
Service cost	2	5
Interest cost	782	1,154
Net actuarial losses (gains)	(313)	(373)
Contribution by participants	1,088	1,192
Benefits paid	(2,785)	(3,292)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	25,445	26,671	$ 27,985
Changes in fair value of plan assets:
Contributions by the Company	1,697	2,100
Contribution by participants	1,088	1,192
Benefits paid	(2,785)	(3,292)
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	$ (25,445)	$ (26,671)

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_5

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation, plans with ABO in excess of plan assets	$ (141,561)	$ (286,495)
Accumulated benefit obligation, plans with ABO in excess of plan assets	(140,623)	(284,368)
Fair value of plan assets, plans with ABO in excess of plan assets	79,963	222,661
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation less than plan assets
Projected benefit obligation, plans with ABO less than plan assets	(166,062)	(10,635)
Accumulated benefit obligation, plans with ABO less than plan assets	(165,321)	(9,605)
Fair value of plan assets, plans with ABO less than plan assets	$ 186,746	$ 11,472

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_6

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Other non-current assets	$ 20,540	$ 838
Accrued liabilities	(1,059)	(1,539)
Other non-current liabilities	(60,395)	(62,295)
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	(40,914)	(62,996)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service cost (benefit)	5,397	6,329
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	40,111	60,808
Total amounts recognized	45,508	67,137	$ 25,273
Deferred taxes	(16,178)	(21,606)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	29,330	45,531
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Accrued liabilities	(1,992)	(2,048)
Other non-current liabilities	(23,453)	(24,623)
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	(25,445)	(26,671)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service cost (benefit)	1	4
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	(363)	(3)
Total amounts recognized	(362)	1	424
Deferred taxes	(324)	(414)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	(686)	(413)
United States [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Other non-current assets	19,064
Other non-current liabilities	(1,586)	(5,039)
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	17,478	(5,039)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service cost (benefit)	4,814	5,750
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	9,317	28,167
Total amounts recognized	14,131	33,917	10,744
Deferred taxes	(6,721)	(11,577)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	7,410	22,340
Foreign Plan | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in statement of financial position consist of:
Other non-current assets	1,476	838
Accrued liabilities	(1,059)	(1,539)
Other non-current liabilities	(58,809)	(57,256)
Net over/(under) funded status at end of year	(58,392)	(57,957)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:
Unrecognized net prior service cost (benefit)	583	579
Unrecognized net (gains) losses	30,794	32,641
Total amounts recognized	31,377	33,220	$ 14,529
Deferred taxes	(9,457)	(10,029)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 21,920	$ 23,191

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_7

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net (gain) loss	$ (20,179)	$ 43,817	$ (13,805)
Prior service cost due to plan amendment		(601)
Amortization of: Net losses	2,523	955	985
Prior service (cost) benefit	(962)	(704)	(551)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,672	(1,318)	(367)
Curtailment arising during the period			(59)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year	67,137	25,273
Net (gain) loss	(19,866)	44,190
Prior service cost due to plan amendment		601
Amortization of: Net losses	(2,476)	(900)
Prior service (cost) benefit	(959)	(709)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,672	(1,318)
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year	45,508	67,137	25,273
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year	33,917	10,744
Net (gain) loss	(17,420)	24,499
Amortization of: Net losses	(1,430)	(617)
Prior service (cost) benefit	(936)	(709)
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year	14,131	33,917	10,744
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year	33,220	14,529
Net (gain) loss	(2,446)	19,691
Prior service cost due to plan amendment		601
Amortization of: Net losses	(1,046)	(283)
Prior service (cost) benefit	(23)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,672	(1,318)
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year	31,377	33,220	14,529
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at beginning of year	1	424
Net (gain) loss	(313)	(373)
Amortization of: Net losses	(47)	(55)
Prior service (cost) benefit	(3)	5
Accumulated other comprehensive losses at end of year	$ (362)	$ 1	$ 424

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_8

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	$ 11,143
2022	11,627
2023	12,761
2024	13,124
2025	13,439
2026 – 2030	72,840
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	3,113
2022	3,078
2023	3,017
2024	2,949
2025	2,867
2026 – 2030	12,690
United States [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	7,650
2022	8,280
2023	8,809
2024	9,283
2025	9,647
2026 – 2030	51,942
Foreign Plan | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	3,493
2022	3,347
2023	3,952
2024	3,841
2025	3,792
2026 – 2030	$ 20,898

Retirement Benefits (Schedule_9

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets, Actual and Target Allocations) (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
United States [Member] | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	64.40%	60.60%
United States [Member] | Equity Securities | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	41.70%	41.40%
United States [Member] | Equity Securities | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	81.70%	81.40%
United States [Member] | Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	35.00%	37.90%
United States [Member] | Debt Securities | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	28.30%	28.60%
United States [Member] | Debt Securities | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	48.30%	48.60%
United States [Member] | Other Investment Asset
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	0.60%	1.50%
Target Allocation Ranges	0.00%	0.00%
United States [Member] | Other Investment Asset | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	0.00%	0.00%
United States [Member] | Other Investment Asset | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	0.00%	0.00%
United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
United Kingdom | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	39.60%	41.60%
United Kingdom | Equity Securities | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	50.00%	30.00%
United Kingdom | Equity Securities | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	90.00%	60.00%
United Kingdom | Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	60.10%	57.80%
United Kingdom | Debt Securities | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	45.00%	45.00%
United Kingdom | Debt Securities | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	70.00%	70.00%
United Kingdom | Other Investment Asset
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	0.30%	0.60%
Target Allocation Ranges	0.00%	0.00%
United Kingdom | Other Investment Asset | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	0.00%	0.00%
United Kingdom | Other Investment Asset | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	0.00%	0.00%
Japan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
Japan | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	39.70%	41.40%
Japan | Equity Securities | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	36.00%	36.00%
Japan | Equity Securities | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	44.00%	44.00%
Japan | Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	59.40%	57.70%
Japan | Debt Securities | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	55.00%	55.00%
Japan | Debt Securities | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	63.00%	63.00%
Japan | Other Investment Asset
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets	0.90%	0.90%
Japan | Other Investment Asset | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	0.00%	0.00%
Japan | Other Investment Asset | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Ranges	2.00%	2.00%

Retirement Benefits (Schedul_10

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets, Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 266,709	$ 234,133	$ 227,722
United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	201,555	170,556	165,342
Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	65,154	63,577	$ 62,380
Level 1 [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	201,555	170,556
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	270	418
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	64,884	63,159
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,385	2,986
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Level 1 [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,115	2,568
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	270	418
Debt Security, Corporate, US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	70,492	64,514
Debt Security, Corporate, US | Level 1 [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	70,492	64,514
Domestic Equity Large Cap Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	65,025	56,829
Domestic Equity Large Cap Fund | Level 1 [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	65,025	56,829
International Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	64,923	46,645
International Equity Large Cap Growth Fund | Level 1 [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	64,923	46,645
Private Equity Funds Foreign Japan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,470	2,518
Private Equity Funds Foreign Japan | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,470	2,518
Private Equity Funds Pooled Funds Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,135	2,226
Private Equity Funds Pooled Funds Foreign | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,135	2,226
Fixed Income Funds Japan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,151	4,915
Fixed Income Funds Japan | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,151	4,915
Fixed Income Funds Foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,734	1,710
Fixed Income Funds Foreign | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,734	1,710
Global Target Return Equity Bond Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,002	12,488
Global Target Return Equity Bond Fund | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,002	12,488
United Kingdom Index Linked Equity Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,878	3,738
United Kingdom Index Linked Equity Fund | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,878	3,738
Index linked international equity fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,351	5,438
Index linked international equity fund | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,351	5,438
Corporate Debt Securities United Kingdom
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,055	16,737
Corporate Debt Securities United Kingdom | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,055	16,737
Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,767	5,491
Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. government securities fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,767	5,491
Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,341	7,898
Pooled funds: Index linked U.K. long-term government securities fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 8,341	$ 7,898

Retirement Benefits (Schedul_11

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	6.00%	6.25%
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

Retirement Benefits (Schedul_12

Retirement Benefits (Schedule of Amounts of Contributions Associated with Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Company contributions	$ 417	$ 252	$ 334

Stockholders' Equity (Dividends

Stockholders' Equity (Dividends Declared and Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared and paid									$ 37,664	$ 39,066	$ 34,003
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.0813	$ 0.0813	$ 0.2800	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1625	$ 0.1425	$ 0.6050	$ 0.6300	$ 0.5525

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Apr. 05, 2020Right$ / shares	Jan. 29, 2020shares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payments for repurchases of common stock | $			$ 13,346	$ 110,311
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements | $			$ 10,302
Forfeiture rate, Board of Directors			0.00%
Forfeiture rate, non-Board of Directors			9.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period			1 year 10 months 24 days
Business closing date(Record Date)			Apr. 16, 2020
Preferred stock par value | $ / shares			$ 0.003	$ 0.003
Rights Agreement [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred stock rights description			Each Right entitles the registered holder, upon the occurrence of specified events, to purchase from the Company one one thousandth of a share of Series B Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.003 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), of the Company at an exercise price of $480.00 (the “Exercise Price”). In addition, each Right entitles the registered holder (other than any person or group that acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock without the approval of the Board), following the occurrence of other specified events, to purchase common stock of the Company or stock of any acquirer of the Company at a substantial discount.
Rights maturity date	Apr. 5, 2021
Rights Agreement [Member] | Series B Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of share to purchase per right	0.10%
Preferred stock par value | $ / shares	$ 0.003
Rights exercise price | $ / shares	$ 480
Rights Agreement [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of preferred stock rights distributed per outstanding share as of business closing date | Right	1
2017 Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of additional shares available for future grants | shares		1,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested contractual term, in years			10 years
Vesting period, in years			4 years
Exercise prices of stock options outstanding | $ / shares			$ 62	$ 53.73
Stock Options [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate			25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years			2 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate			50.00%
2017 Authorization [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Repurchase period in years			3 years
Shares of common stock repurchased | shares				1,102
Payments for repurchases of common stock | $				$ 110,311	$ 0
2017 Authorization [Member] | 2017 Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for future grants | shares			1,972
2019 Authorization [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Repurchase period in years			3 years
Shares of common stock repurchased | shares			124
Payments for repurchases of common stock | $			$ 13,346
Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of stock options outstanding | $ / shares			$ 127.84
Maximum [Member] | 2017 Authorization [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program authorized amount | $							$ 500,000
Maximum [Member] | 2019 Authorization [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program authorized amount | $						$ 500,000
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of stock options outstanding | $ / shares			$ 25.57

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Assumptions Used in Estimate of Fair Value of Stock Option Awards) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average exercise price per share	$ 90.52	$ 79.84	$ 78.91
Weighted-average grant date market value of Woodward stock	$ 90.52	$ 79.84	$ 78.91
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	6 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 6 months	6 years 4 months 24 days
Estimated volatility	25.70%	25.70%	29.10%
Estimated dividend yield	0.40%	0.60%	0.60%
Risk-free interest rate	0.40%	1.50%	2.10%
Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	8 years 8 months 12 days	8 years 8 months 12 days	8 years 8 months 12 days
Estimated volatility	35.10%	31.00%	32.70%
Estimated dividend yield	0.90%	0.80%	0.80%
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%	3.10%	2.80%

Stockholders' Equity (Weighted

Stockholders' Equity (Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Options Granted) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options	$ 25.41	$ 24.12	$ 25.66

Stockholders' Equity (Summary o

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Activity for Stock Option Awards) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020$ / sharesshares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, beginning balance | shares	5,387
Options granted, Number of options | shares	912
Options exercised, Number of options | shares	(756)
Options forfeited, Number of options | shares	(94)
Options expired, Number of options | shares	(6)
Number of options, ending balance | shares	5,443
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, beginning balance | $ / shares	$ 53.73
Options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	90.52
Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	33.26
Options forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	95.55
Options expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | $ / shares	72.79
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, ending balance | $ / shares	$ 62

Stockholders' Equity (Changes i

Stockholders' Equity (Changes in Non-vested Stock Options) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, beginning balance	2,068
Options granted, Number of options	912
Options vested, Number of options	(808)
Options forfeited, Number of options	(94)
Number of Options, ending balance	2,078	2,068
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, beginning balance	$ 23.43
Options granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	25.41	$ 24.12	$ 25.66
Options vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	21.57
Options forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	26.84
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, ending balance	$ 24.69	$ 23.43

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Opt

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Options Vested, or Expected to Vest and Exercisable) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding, Number of options	5,443	5,387
Options vested and exercisable, Number of options	3,365
Options vested and expected to vest, Number of options	5,362
Options outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 62	$ 53.73
Options vested and exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	49.63
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 61.72
Options outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Life in Years	6 years
Options vested and exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Life in Years	4 years 7 months 6 days
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted-Average Remaining Life in Years	5 years 10 months 25 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 114,139
Options vested and exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	103,059
Options vested and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 113,399

Stockholders' Equity (Other Sto

Stockholders' Equity (Other Stock Option Information) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total fair value of stock options vested	$ 17,423	$ 15,863	$ 13,944
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	50,059	70,866	16,690
Cash received from exercises of stock options	24,969	36,044	9,132
Excess tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options	$ 9,399	$ 13,416	$ 3,524

Stockholders' Equity (Summary_2

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020$ / sharesshares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of units, beginning balance | shares	9
Units vested, Number | shares	(7)
Number of units, ending balance | shares	2
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit, beginning balance | $ / shares	$ 91.55
Units vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit | $ / shares	87.30
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit, ending balance | $ / shares	$ 103.53

Stockholders' Equity (Stock-bas

Stockholders' Equity (Stock-based Compensation Expense Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share Based Compensation [Abstract]
Employee stock-based compensation expense	$ 22,903	$ 18,146	$ 18,229

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Unconditional Purchase Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 343,480
2022	49,457
2023	6,389
2024	27,308
2025	1,859
Thereafter	1,811
Total	$ 430,304

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Impairment of assets sold	$ 12,601	$ 37,902
Officer [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period in which payments of termination benefits required for employment terminated following change of control		2 years

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments | segment	2
Restructuring charges | $	$ 22,216		$ 17,013
General Electric [Member] | Sales [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	11.00%	14.00%	16.00%
General Electric [Member] | Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	9.00%	8.00%
Boeing Company [Member] | Sales [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	14.00%	15.00%	12.00%
Boeing Company [Member] | Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total attributable to major customer	13.00%	14.00%

Segment Information (Summary of

Segment Information (Summary of Consolidated Net Sales and Earnings by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated net sales		$ 531,264		$ 523,826		$ 720,220		$ 720,355		$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
Interest Expense, net		(8,885)		(8,360)		(8,280)		(8,522)		(9,444)		(10,451)		(11,186)		(11,507)		(34,047)	(42,588)	(38,791)
Consolidated earnings before income taxes		68,118	[1],[2],[3],[4]	45,016	[1],[2],[3],[4]	107,199	[1],[2],[3],[4]	61,548	[1],[2],[3],[4]	76,615	[5],[6],[7]	92,314	[5],[6],[7]	90,168	[5],[6],[7]	61,515	[5],[6],[7]	281,881	320,612	219,578
Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated net sales		336,308		306,494		474,236		473,925		505,904		498,775		482,954		392,887		1,590,963	1,880,520
Segment earnings (loss)		58,492		41,096		117,638		92,911		111,312		103,238		101,722		72,854
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated net sales		194,956		217,332		245,984		246,430		230,633	[8]	253,230	[8]	275,890	[8]	259,924	[8]	904,702	1,019,677
Segment earnings (loss)		$ 18,681		$ 27,438		$ 25,972		$ 28,230		$ 10,984	[8]	$ 26,240	[8]	$ 27,128	[8]	$ 29,169	[8]
Operating Segments [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated net sales																		1,590,963	1,880,520	1,557,988
Segment earnings (loss)																		310,137	389,126	308,553
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated net sales																		904,702	1,019,677	767,885
Segment earnings (loss)																		100,321	93,521	49,894
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment earnings (loss)	[9]																	$ (94,530)	$ (119,447)	$ (100,078)
[1]	2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
[2]	5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded.
[3]	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale.  Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019.
[4]	Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business.
[5]	Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively .
[6]	Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[7]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with
[8]	Industrial segment earnings for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively.  These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[9]	Nonsegment expenses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2018 includes restructuring charges of $22,216 and $17,013, respectively. See Note 17, Accrued liabilities

Segment Information (Summary _2

Segment Information (Summary of Consolidated Total Assets, Depreciation and Amortization, and Capital Expenditures by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated total assets	$ 3,903,336	$ 3,956,526	$ 3,790,649
Property, plant and equipment, net	997,415	1,058,775
Other assets	265,435	198,517
Depreciation and amortization	131,158	142,004	116,131
Capital expenditures	47,087	99,066	127,140
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	106,380	114,887	102,083
Other assets	515,029	379,541	240,212
Depreciation and amortization	10,184	10,121	9,608
Capital expenditures	10,308	12,346	11,673
Aerospace [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated total assets	1,752,516	1,900,657	1,805,892
Depreciation and amortization	63,530	60,710	54,828
Capital expenditures	26,148	56,525	98,358
Industrial [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated total assets	1,529,411	1,561,441	1,642,462
Depreciation and amortization	57,444	71,173	51,695
Capital expenditures	$ 10,631	$ 30,195	$ 17,109

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, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 531,264	$ 523,826	$ 720,220	$ 720,355	$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
Aerospace [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	336,308	306,494	474,236	473,925	505,904		498,775		482,954		392,887		1,590,963	1,880,520
Industrial [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 194,956	$ 217,332	$ 245,984	$ 246,430	$ 230,633	[1]	$ 253,230	[1]	$ 275,890	[1]	$ 259,924	[1]	904,702	1,019,677
Direct Sales to U.S. Government [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													155,283	122,825	86,799
Direct Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													149,416	118,334	84,252
Direct Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													$ 5,867	$ 4,491	$ 2,547
Direct Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Sales [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of attributable to revenue													6.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Indirect Sales to U.S. Government [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													$ 553,897	$ 559,116	$ 438,044
Indirect Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													536,424	545,306	429,386
Indirect Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													$ 17,473	$ 13,810	$ 8,658
Indirect Sales to U.S. Government [Member] | Sales [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of attributable to revenue													22.00%	19.00%	19.00%
U.S. Government Related [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													$ 709,180	$ 681,941	$ 524,843
U.S. Government Related [Member] | Aerospace [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													685,840	663,640	513,638
U.S. Government Related [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Net sales													$ 23,340	$ 18,301	$ 11,205
U.S. Government Related [Member] | Sales [Member]
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of attributable to revenue													28.00%	23.00%	23.00%
[1]	Industrial segment earnings for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively.  These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.

Segment Information (External N

Segment Information (External Net Sales by Geographical Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 531,264	$ 523,826	$ 720,220	$ 720,355	$ 736,537	$ 752,005	$ 758,844	$ 652,811	$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
United States [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales											1,350,708
Net sales									1,426,454	1,628,064
Germany [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales											230,834
Net sales									233,965	302,084
Europe, excluding Germany [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales											323,109
Net sales									$ 336,971	$ 431,416
Asia [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales											283,031
All Other Countries [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales											$ 138,191

Segment Information (Property,

Segment Information (Property, Plant, and Equipment - Net by Geographical Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 997,415	$ 1,058,775
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	885,501	926,370
Germany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	89,826	107,975
Other Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 22,088	$ 24,430

Supplemental Quarterly Financ_3

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 531,264		$ 523,826		$ 720,220		$ 720,355		$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
Gross margin	[1]	123,784		128,315		202,706		185,438		165,414	[2],[3]	189,489	[2],[3]	192,003	[2],[3]	160,637	[2],[3]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		68,118	[4],[5],[6],[7]	45,016	[4],[5],[6],[7]	107,199	[4],[5],[6],[7]	61,548	[4],[5],[6],[7]	76,615	[2],[3],[8]	92,314	[2],[3],[8]	90,168	[2],[3],[8]	61,515	[2],[3],[8]	281,881	320,612	219,578
Net earnings		$ 57,239	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 38,465	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 91,318	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 53,373	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 66,796	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 66,107	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 77,579	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 49,120	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 240,395	$ 259,602	$ 180,378
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share		$ 0.92	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 0.62	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 1.47	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 0.86	[4],[5],[6],[7]	$ 1.08	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 1.07	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 1.25	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 0.79	[2],[3],[8],[9]	$ 3.86	$ 4.19	$ 2.93
Diluted earnings per share		0.89	[4],[5],[6],[7]	0.61	[4],[5],[6],[7]	1.41	[4],[5],[6],[7]	0.83	[4],[5],[6],[7]	1.03	[2],[3],[8],[9]	1.02	[2],[3],[8],[9]	1.20	[2],[3],[8],[9]	0.77	[2],[3],[8],[9]	3.74	4.02	2.82
Cash dividends per share		$ 0.0813		$ 0.0813		$ 0.2800		$ 0.1625		$ 0.1625		$ 0.1625		$ 0.1625		$ 0.1425		$ 0.6050	$ 0.6300	$ 0.5525
[1]	Gross margin represents net sales less cost of goods sold.
[2]	Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[3]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with
[4]	2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
[5]	5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded.
[6]	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale.  Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019.
[7]	Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business.
[8]	Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively .
[9]	In the third quarter of fiscal year 2019

Supplemental Quarterly Financ_4

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Aug. 11, 2020	Dec. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets	[1]										$ 23,598	$ (1,925)	$ 1,106
Non-cash impairment charge						$ 37,902
Gain on cross-currency interest rate swaps, net					$ 30,481						30,481
Swap termination fee					3,000
Transition tax								$ 10,588
Asset impairment charges							$ 12,601				37,902
Non-cash impairment charge						37,902
Restructuring charges											22,216		17,013
Senvion [Member]
Asset impairment charges							12,601
Duarte Plant Relocation [Member]
Duarte move related costs							3,930	7,035	$ 9,161	$ 6,963
Restructuring charges													$ 17,013
Industrial [Member] | Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Non cash acquisition related charges								2,604	8,985	9,511
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Asset impairment charges							12,601
Unallocated Corporate [Member] | Business Acquisition, Acquiree - L'Orange [Member]
Restructuring charges				$ 3,176	$ 19,040
Aerospace [Member] | Duarte Plant Relocation [Member]
Duarte move related costs							$ 3,930	$ 7,035	$ 9,161	$ 6,963
Duarte Facility [Member]
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets		$ 8,801	$ 13,522	$ 8,801		$ 13,522					$ (22,323)
[1]	Included in net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was the pre-tax gain on sale of Duarte real property in the amount of $22,323, the pre-tax gain on sale of the Loveland campus of $2,330, and a net loss on divestiture of the disposal group of $515.

Supplemental Quarterly Financ_5

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Quarterly Financial Information - Segment Reporting) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 531,264		$ 523,826		$ 720,220		$ 720,355		$ 736,537		$ 752,005		$ 758,844		$ 652,811		$ 2,495,665	$ 2,900,197	$ 2,325,873
Interest expense, net	(8,885)		(8,360)		(8,280)		(8,522)		(9,444)		(10,451)		(11,186)		(11,507)		(34,047)	(42,588)	(38,791)
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	68,118	[1],[2],[3],[4]	45,016	[1],[2],[3],[4]	107,199	[1],[2],[3],[4]	61,548	[1],[2],[3],[4]	76,615	[5],[6],[7]	92,314	[5],[6],[7]	90,168	[5],[6],[7]	61,515	[5],[6],[7]	281,881	320,612	$ 219,578
Aerospace [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net sales	336,308		306,494		474,236		473,925		505,904		498,775		482,954		392,887		1,590,963	1,880,520
Segment earnings (loss)	58,492		41,096		117,638		92,911		111,312		103,238		101,722		72,854
Industrial [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Net sales	194,956		217,332		245,984		246,430		230,633	[8]	253,230	[8]	275,890	[8]	259,924	[8]	$ 904,702	$ 1,019,677
Segment earnings (loss)	18,681		27,438		25,972		28,230		10,984	[8]	26,240	[8]	27,128	[8]	29,169	[8]
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Segment earnings (loss)	$ (170)	[9],[10],[11],[12]	$ (15,158)	[9],[10],[11],[12]	$ (28,131)	[9],[10],[11],[12]	$ (51,071)	[9],[10],[11],[12]	$ (36,237)	[13],[14]	$ (26,713)	[13],[14]	$ (27,496)	[13],[14]	$ (29,001)	[13],[14]
[1]	2. Associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, we closed on the sale of our Duarte real property and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of assets in the amount of $13,522 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 and $8,801 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020.
[2]	5. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and future cash flow uncertainties, Woodward elected to terminate and settle its existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments. Concurrent with settlement of the derivative instruments, Woodward discontinued the related foreign currency hedging relationships associated with the instruments. As a result of the termination of the instruments, and related hedging relationships, a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and swap breakage fee of $3,000 were recorded.
[3]	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, Woodward approved a plan to divest the disposal group, which resulted in the recognition of the associated assets and liabilities as held for sale.  Concurrently, Woodward determined that the assets held for sale, net of any liabilities held for sale, were impaired and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019.
[4]	Results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s business.
[5]	Results for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively .
[6]	Results for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively. These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[7]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection with
[8]	Industrial segment earnings for the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax non-cash charges of $9,511, $8,985, $2,604, respectively.  These costs are associated with the purchase accounting impacts related to the revaluation of the L’Orange inventory recognized in cost of goods sold and the amortization of the backlog intangible.
[9]	3. Nonsegment expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax gain of $30,481 and a swap breakage fee of $3,000, as a result of terminating and settling our existing cross-currency interest rate swap derivative instruments.
[10]	4. Nonsegment expenses in the third quarter and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19,040 and $3,176, respectively, which relate to the Company’s response to the ongoing global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company’s .
[11]	1. Nonsegment expenses for the first quarter and fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 include a pre-tax gain on the sale of assets of $13,522 and $8,801, respectively, associated with our decision to relocate our Duarte, California operations to the newly renovated Drake Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.
[12]	Nonsegment expenses in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, include a non-cash impairment charge of $37,902, representing the write down of the associated net assets held for sale to their fair market value as of December 31, 2019 related to Woodward’s approved a plan to divest the disposal group.
[13]	Nonsegment expenses for the first through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2019 include, pre-tax Duarte move related costs of $6,963, $9,161, $7,035, and $3,930, respectively.
[14]	Nonsegment expenses for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 include pre-tax, non-cash charges of $12,601 related to the impairment of receivables, inventory and certain other assets in connection

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Currency translation adjustments		$ 123	$ 112	$ 96
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year		7,908	3,938	3,776
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses		4,293	4,899	207
Additions: Charged to Other Accounts	[1]	30	251	466
Deductions	[2]	(5,342)	(1,180)	(511)
Balance at End of Year		6,889	7,908	3,938
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year		3,638	4,522	3,714
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses		12	19	73
Additions: Charged to Other Accounts	[1]			553
Deductions	[2]	(1,818)	(903)	182
Balance at End of Year		$ 1,832	$ 3,638	$ 4,522
[1]	Includes recoveries of accounts previously written off.
[2]	Represents accounts receivable written off against the allowance for uncollectible accounts and releases of valuation reserves to income tax expense.  Also included are foreign currency exchange rate adjustments.  Currency translation adjustments resulted in a decrease in the reserves of $123 in fiscal year 2020, an increase in the reserves of $112 in fiscal year 2019, and an increase in the reserves of $96 in fiscal year 2018.