Griffon (GFF) 10-Q 30 Apr 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	GRIFFON CORP
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	51,045,387
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	50725
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary FIlers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus (Q1,Q2,Q3,FY)	Q2

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$42,602	$92,405
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,121 and $7,336	286,452	258,436
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments of $14,592 and $16,985 at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.	94,844	109,930
Inventories, net	320,297	290,135
Prepaid and other current assets	44,525	62,569
Assets of discontinued operations	1,638	1,624
Total Current Assets	790,358	815,099
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	361,200	370,565
GOODWILL	358,695	371,846
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	220,811	233,623
OTHER ASSETS	13,943	13,302
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2,246	2,126
Total Assets	1,747,253	1,806,561
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	9,162	7,886
Accounts payable	182,369	218,703
Accrued liabilities	84,494	101,292
Liabilities of discontinued operations	2,528	3,282
Total Current Liabilities	278,553	331,163
LONG-TERM DEBT, net	858,315	791,301
OTHER LIABILITIES	142,229	148,240
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3,524	3,830
Total Liabilities	1,282,621	1,274,534
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - See Note 19
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total Shareholders’ Equity	464,632	532,027
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$1,747,253	$1,806,561

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net allowances	$6,121	$7,336
Contract costs, net of progress payments	14,592	16,985
Debt discount, long term debt	$7,632	$9,584

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	COMMON STOCK [Member]	CAPITAL INEXCESS OFPAR VALUE [Member]	RETAINED EARNINGS [Member]	TREASURY SHARES [Member]	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Member]	DEFERRED COMPENSATION [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$532,027	$19,621	$506,090	$427,913	($354,216)	($30,064)	($37,317)
Balance (in Shares) at Sep. 30, 2014		78,484,000			25,335,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	12,593			12,593
Dividend	-3,911			-3,911
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	345		345
Amortization of deferred compensation	1,391						1,391
Common stock issued (shares)		51,000
Common stock issued	285	13	272
Common stock acquired	-37,577				-37,577
Common stock acquired (in Shares)					2,683,000
Common stock issued for equity awards, net	-18	132	-150
Stock grants and equity awards, net (in Shares)		528,000
ESOP allocation of common stock	327		327
Stock-based compensation	5,372		5,372
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-46,202					-46,202
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$464,632	$19,766	$512,256	$436,595	($391,793)	($76,266)	($35,926)
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		79,063,000			28,018,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$500,020	$507,687	$1,002,180	$961,145
Cost of goods and services	385,645	397,700	769,816	745,655
Gross profit	114,375	109,987	232,364	215,490
Selling, general and administrative expenses	93,566	89,622	187,462	177,302
Restructuring and other related charges	0	692	0	1,534
Total operating expenses	93,566	90,314	187,462	178,836
Income from operations	20,809	19,673	44,902	36,654
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	-12,012	-12,389	-23,766	-25,523
Interest income	155	28	272	61
Loss from debt extinguishment, net	0	-38,890	0	-38,890
Other, net	-757	783	-1,208	1,689
Total other expense, net	-12,614	-50,468	-24,702	-62,663
Income (loss) before taxes	8,195	-30,795	20,200	-26,009
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,073	-4,970	7,607	-3,420
Net income (loss)	5,122	-25,825	12,593	-22,589
Basic income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.11	($0.53)	$0.27	($0.44)
Weighted-average shares outstanding	45,349	48,990	45,829	50,872
Diluted income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.11	($0.53)	$0.26	($0.44)
Weighted-average shares outstanding	47,669	48,990	47,682	50,872
Dividends paid per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.03	$0.08	$0.06
Net income (loss)	5,122	-25,825	12,593	-22,589
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-30,384	1,224	-45,884	-1,913
Pension and other post retirement plans	353	1,099	706	1,415
Loss on cash flow hedge	-80	0	-154	0
Gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	92	0	-870	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-30,019	2,323	-46,202	-498
Comprehensive income (loss), net	($24,897)	($23,502)	($33,609)	($23,087)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$12,593	($22,589)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	34,453	33,232
Stock-based compensation	5,372	4,996
Asset impairment charges - restructuring	0	169
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	242	132
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs	3,265	3,188
Loss from debt extinguishment, net	0	38,890
Deferred income taxes	1,282	-57
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets and investments	-315	180
Change in assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:
Increase in accounts receivable and contract costs and recognized income not yet billed	-23,424	-46,834
Increase in inventories	-39,252	-23,858
Decrease in prepaid and other assets	754	3,482
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes payable	-40,244	-18,713
Other changes, net	2,223	1,206
Net cash used in operating activities	-43,051	-26,576
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-39,713	-34,845
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	0	-22,781
Proceeds from sale of assets	177	294
Proceeds from sale of investments	-8,891	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-30,645	-57,332
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	285	584
Dividends paid	-3,911	-3,290
Purchase of shares for treasury	-37,577	-63,370
Proceeds from long-term debt	99,556	644,514
Payments of long-term debt	-29,425	-586,310
Change in short-term borrowings	-572	4,908
Financing costs	-590	-10,687
Purchase of ESOP shares	0	-10,000
Tax benefit from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	345	273
Other, net	95	144
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	28,206	-23,234
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in operating activities	-545	-640
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-545	-640
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	-3,768	-415
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	-49,803	-108,197
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	92,405	178,130
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$42,602	$69,933

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	About Griffon Corporation
	Griffon Corporation (the “Company” or “Griffon”) is a diversified management and holding company that conducts business through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Griffon oversees the operations of its subsidiaries, allocates resources among them and manages their capital structures. Griffon provides direction and assistance to its subsidiaries in connection with acquisition and growth opportunities as well as in connection with divestitures. Griffon, to further diversify, also seeks out, evaluates and, when appropriate, will acquire additional businesses that offer potentially attractive returns on capital.
	Griffon currently conducts its operations through three reportable segments:
	•	Home & Building Products (“HBP”) consists of two companies, The AMES Companies, Inc. (“AMES”) and Clopay Building Products Company, Inc. (“CBP”):
	- AMES is a global provider of non-powered landscaping products that make work easier for homeowners and professionals.
	- CBP is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential, commercial and industrial garage doors to professional installing dealers and major home center retail chains.
	•	Telephonics Corporation (“Telephonics”) designs, develops and manufactures high-technology integrated information, communication and sensor system solutions to military and commercial markets worldwide.
	•	Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. (“Plastics”) is an international leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films used in a variety of hygienic, health-care and industrial applications.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, they should be read with reference to Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014, which provides a more complete explanation of Griffon’s accounting policies, financial position, operating results, business properties and other matters. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of interim results. Griffon’s HBP operations are seasonal; for this and other reasons, the financial results of the Company for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.
	The condensed consolidated balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 was derived from the audited financial statements included in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Griffon and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates may be adjusted due to changes in economic, industry or customer financial conditions, as well as changes in technology or demand. Significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returns, net realizable value of inventories, restructuring reserves, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, percentage of completion method of accounting, pension assumptions, useful lives associated with depreciation and amortization of intangible and fixed assets, warranty reserves, sales incentive accruals, stock based compensation assumptions, income taxes and tax valuation reserves, environmental reserves, legal reserves, insurance reserves and the valuation of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations, acquisition assumptions used and the accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions Griffon may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
	Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The carrying values of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts and notes payable, and revolving credit debt approximate fair value due to either the short-term nature of such instruments or the fact that the interest rate of the revolving credit debt is based upon current market rates.
	Applicable accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy requiring the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The accounting guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, as follows:
	•	Level 1 inputs are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
	•	Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The fair values of Griffon’s 2022 senior notes and 2017, 4% convertible notes approximated $594,000 and $129,813, respectively, on March 31, 2015. Fair values were based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	Insurance contracts with values of $3,397 at March 31, 2015, are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs) and are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	At March 31, 2015, trading securities, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs), with a fair value of $1,267 ($1,000 cost basis) were included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the current quarter, the Company settled all outstanding available-for-sale securities with proceeds totaling $8,891 and recognized a gain of $489 in Other income, and accordingly, gains on available-for-sale securities were reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, and realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	In the normal course of business, Griffon’s operations are exposed to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage these risks, Griffon may enter into various derivative contracts such as foreign currency exchange contracts, including forwards and options. During 2015, Griffon entered into several such contracts in order to lock into a foreign currency rate for planned settlements of trade and inter-company liabilities payable in US dollars. At inception, these hedges were all deemed effective as cash flow hedges with gains and losses related to changes in fair value deferred and recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and Prepaid and other current assets until settlement. Upon settlement, gains and losses were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as Other income. Griffon had $5,378 of Australian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.29, which qualified for hedge accounting at March 31, 2015. AOCI included deferred gains of $134 ($98, net of tax) at March 31, 2015. All contracts expire in 15 to 105 days. Gains of $151 and $239 were recorded in Other Income during the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, for all settled contracts.
	At March 31, 2015, Griffon had $2,408 of Canadian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.27. The contracts, which protect Canada operations from currency fluctuations for U.S. dollar based purchases, do not qualify for hedge accounting. For the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, a fair value gain of $163 and $256, respectively, was recorded in Other assets and to Other income for the outstanding contracts, based on similar contract values (level 2 inputs). All contracts expire in 16 to 196 days. Losses of $41 and $42 were recorded in Other Income during the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, for all settled contracts.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS
	On May 21, 2014, AMES acquired the Australian Garden and Tools business of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (“Cyclone”) for approximately $40,000, including a $4,000 working capital adjustment. Cyclone, which was integrated with AMES, offers a full range of quality garden and hand tool products sold under various leading brand names including Cyclone®, Nylex® and Trojan®, designed to meet the requirements of both the Do-it-Yourself and professional trade segments. Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expenses included $2,363 of related acquisition costs recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2014.
	On December 31, 2013, AMES acquired Northcote Pottery (“Northcote”), founded in 1897 and a leading brand in the Australian outdoor planter and decor market, for approximately $22,000. Northcote, which was integrated with AMES, complements Southern Patio, acquired in 2011, and, with Cyclone, adds to AMES’ existing lawn and garden operations in Australia. First quarter 2014 SG&A expenses included $798 of related acquisition costs.
	The accounts of the acquired companies, after adjustment to reflect fair market values (level 3 inputs), have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition; in each instance, acquired inventory was not significant. Griffon is in the process of finalizing the initial purchase price allocation for Cyclone as of the date of these financial statements, primarily with respect to the finalization of tax accounts.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the Cyclone and Northcote assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition:
		Cyclone			Northcote			Total
	Current Assets, net of cash acquired	$	21,116		$	7,398		$	28,514
	PP&E	488			1,385			1,873
	Goodwill	11,322			11,254			22,576
	Amortizable intangible assets	11,608			6,098			17,706
	Indefinite life intangible assets	3,548			3,121			6,669
	Total assets acquired	48,082			29,256			77,338
	Total liabilities assumed	(8,557		)	(7,475		)	(16,032		)
	Net assets acquired	$	39,525		$	21,781		$	61,306
	Amounts assigned to major intangible assets, none of which are tax deductible, for Cyclone and Northcote are as follows:
		Cyclone			Northcote			Total		Amortization
										Period (Years)
	Goodwill	$	11,322		$	11,254		22,576		N/A
	Tradenames	3,548			3,121			6,669		Indefinite
	Customer relationships	11,608			6,098			17,706		25
		$	26,478		$	20,473		46,951

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out or average) or market.
	The following table details the components of inventory:
		At March 31, 2015		At September 30, 2014
	Raw materials and supplies	$	79,885	$	75,560
	Work in process	78,573		67,866
	Finished goods	161,839		146,709
	Total	$	320,297	$	290,135

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	The following table details the components of property, plant and equipment, net:
		At March 31, 2015			At September 30, 2014
	Land, building and building improvements	$	120,192		$	127,714
	Machinery and equipment	717,505			720,417
	Leasehold improvements	45,916			42,852
		883,613			890,983
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(522,413		)	(520,418		)
	Total	$	361,200		$	370,565
	Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment was $15,279 and $14,491 for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $30,558 and $29,396 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation included in SG&A expenses was $3,262 and $2,394 for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $6,432 and $5,236 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Remaining components of depreciation, attributable to manufacturing operations, are included in Cost of goods and services.
	No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the six months ended March 31, 2015, which would require additional impairment testing of property, plant and equipment.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
	The following table provides changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment during the six months ended March 31, 2015:
		At September 30, 2014		Other			At March 31, 2015
				adjustments
				including currency
				translations
	Home & Building Products	$	288,396	$	(2,467	)	$	285,929
	Telephonics	18,545		—			18,545
	Plastics	64,905		(10,684		)	54,221
	Total	$	371,846	$	(13,151	)	$	358,695
	The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible assets:
		At March 31, 2015							At September 30, 2014
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated			Average		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated
				Amortization			Life				Amortization
							(Years)
	Customer relationships	$	171,047	$	36,594		25		$	180,282	$	35,280
	Unpatented technology	6,069		3,285			13		6,500		3,313
	Total amortizable intangible assets	177,116		39,879					186,782		38,593
	Trademarks	83,574		—					85,434		—
	Total intangible assets	$	260,690	$	39,879				$	272,216	$	38,593
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1,914 and $1,949 for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $3,895 and $3,836 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the six months ended March 31, 2015, which would require impairment testing of long-lived intangible assets including goodwill.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	In both the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, the Company reported pre-tax income compared to losses in the prior year respective periods. The effective tax rates for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015 were provisions of 37.5% and 37.7%, respectively, compared to benefits of 16.1% and 13.2%, in the comparable period year periods, respectively. The current and prior year tax rates reflect the impact of permanent differences not deductible in determining taxable income, changes in earnings mix between domestic and non-domestic operations, and tax reserves.
	The quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015 included net tax provisions of $145 and $494, respectively, for discrete items resulting primarily from provision for taxes on repatriation of foreign earnings, partially offset by the benefit of the retroactive extension of the federal R&D credit signed into law December 19, 2014, and release of a valuation allowance. The comparable prior year periods included $609 and $320, respectively, of provisions for discrete items primarily resulting from the conclusion of tax audits in certain jurisdictions and the impact of tax law changes.
	Excluding discrete items, the effective tax rates for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015 were 35.7% and 35.2%, respectively, compared to benefit rates of 18.1% and 14.4% in the comparable prior year periods, respectively.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT
			At March 31, 2015																		At September 30, 2014
			Outstanding Balance				Original Issuer Discount				Capitalized Fees & Expenses				Balance Sheet				Coupon Interest Rate (1)		Outstanding Balance				Original Issuer Discount				Capitalized Fees & Expenses				Balance Sheet				Coupon Interest Rate (1)
	Senior notes due 2022	(a)	$	600,000			$	—			$	(8,909	)		$	591,091			5.25	%	$	600,000			$	—			$	(9,553	)		$	590,447			5.25	%
	Revolver due 2020	(a)	95,000				—				(2,278		)		92,722				n/a		25,000				—				(2,009		)		22,991				n/a
	Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	100,000				(7,632		)		(813		)		91,555				4	%	100,000				(9,584		)		(1,034		)		89,382				4	%
	Real estate mortgages	(c)	15,958				—				(504		)		15,454				n/a		16,388				—				(576		)		15,812				n/a
	ESOP Loans	(d)	37,845				—				(257		)		37,588				n/a		38,946				—				(262		)		38,684				n/a
	Capital lease - real estate	(e)	8,044				—				(169		)		7,875				5	%	8,551				—				(181		)		8,370				5	%
	Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	4,491				—				—				4,491				n/a		3,306				—				—				3,306				n/a
	Non U.S. term loans	(g)	25,191				—				(112		)		25,079				n/a		28,470				—				(161		)		28,309				n/a
	Other long term debt	(h)	1,635				—				(13		)		1,622				n/a		1,910				—				(24		)		1,886				n/a
	Totals		888,164				(7,632		)		(13,055		)		867,477						822,571				(9,584		)		(13,800		)		799,187
	less: Current portion		(9,162		)		—				—				(9,162		)				(7,886		)		—				—				(7,886		)
	Long-term debt		$	879,002			$	(7,632	)		$	(13,055	)		$	858,315					$	814,685			$	(9,584	)		$	(13,800	)		$	791,301
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015																		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt				Amort. Debt Issuance Costs				Total Interest Expense			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt				Amort.				Total Interest Expense
										Discount				& Other Fees														Discount				Debt Issuance Costs
																																& Other Fees
	Senior notes due 2018	(a)	n/a			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		7.1	%		$	6,133			$	—			$	261			$	6,394
	Senior notes due 2022	(a)	5.5	%		7,875				—				322				8,197			5.3			2,800				—				111				2,911
	Revolver due 2020	(a)	n/a			659				—				133				792			n/a			306				—				142				448
	Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	9.2	%		1,000				990				110				2,100			9.3	%		1,000				909				110				2,019
	Real estate mortgages	(c)	3.8	%		116				—				36				152			3.8	%		122				—				37				159
	ESOP Loans	(d)	2.9	%		254				—				18				272			3.4	%		180				—				5				185
	Capital lease - real estate	(e)	5.3	%		102				—				6				108			5.3	%		114				—				7				121
	Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	n/a			109				—				—				109			n/a			224				—				—				224
	Non U.S. term loans	(g)	n/a			337				—				14				351			n/a			101				—				—				101
	Other long term debt	(h)	n/a			22				—				2				24			n/a			—				—				—				—
	Capitalized interest					(93		)		—				—				(93		)				(173		)		—				—				(173		)
	Totals					$	10,381			$	990			$	641			$	12,012					$	10,807			$	909			$	673			$	12,389
	(1) not applicable =/a
			Six Months Ended March 31, 2015																		Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt Discount				Amort. Debt Issuance Costs & Other Fees				Total Interest Expense			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt Discount				Amort. Debt Issuance Costs & Other Fees				Total Interest Expense
	Senior notes due 2018	(a)	n/a			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		7.1	%		$	15,930			$	—			$	667			$	16,597
	Senior notes due 2022	(a)	5.5	%		15,750				—				644				16,394			5.3			2,800				—				111				2,911
	Revolver due 2020	(a)	n/a			997				—				291				1,288			n/a			473				—				278				751
	Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	9.1	%		2,000				1,952				221				4,173			9.1	%		2,000				1,792				221				4,013
	Real estate mortgages	(c)	3.9	%		240				—				72				312			4	%		252				—				73				325
	ESOP Loans	(d)	2.9	%		514				—				35				549			3.2	%		332				—				7				339
	Capital lease - real estate	(e)	5.3	%		208				—				12				220			5.3	%		233				—				14				247
	Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	n/a			250				—				—				250			n/a			417				—				—				417
	Non U.S. term loans	(g)	n/a			725				—				30				755			n/a			153				—				4				157
	Other long term debt	(h)	n/a			53				—				8				61			n/a			11				—				21				32
	Capitalized interest					(236		)		—				—				(236		)				(266		)		—				—				(266		)
	Totals					$	20,501			$	1,952			$	1,313			$	23,766					$	22,335			$	1,792			$	1,396			$	25,523
	On February 27, 2014, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon issued, at par, $600,000 of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (“Senior Notes”); interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. Proceeds from the Senior Notes were used to redeem $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018, to pay a call and tender offer premium of $31,530 and to make interest payments of $16,716, with the balance used to pay a portion of the related transaction fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, all obligations under the $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018 were discharged.
	The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Griffon guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries, and subject to certain covenants, limitations and restrictions. On June 18, 2014, Griffon exchanged all of the Senior Notes for substantially identical Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 via an exchange offer. The fair value of the Senior Notes approximated $594,000 on March 31, 2015 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	In connection with these transactions, Griffon capitalized $10,313 of underwriting fees and other expenses incurred related to the issuance and exchange of the Senior Notes, which will amortize over the term of such notes. Griffon recognized a loss on the early extinguishment of debt on the 7.125% senior notes aggregating $38,890, comprised of the $31,530 tender offer premium, the write-off of $6,574 of remaining deferred financing fees and $786 of prepaid interest on defeased notes.
	On March 13, 2015, Griffon amended its Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Agreement”) to increase the credit facility from $225,000 to $250,000, extend its maturity date from March 28, 2019 to March 13, 2020 and modify certain other provisions of the credit facility. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a limit of $50,000 (decreased from $60,000), and a multi-currency sub-facility of $50,000. The Credit Agreement provides for same day borrowings of base rate loans in lieu of a swing line sub-facility. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and re-borrowed at any time, subject to final maturity of the facility or the occurrence of a default or an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on borrowings at either a LIBOR or base rate benchmark rate, in each case without a floor, plus an applicable margin, which adjusts based on financial performance. Current margins are 1.00% (compared to 1.25% prior to the amendment) for base rate loans and 2.00% (compared to 2.25% prior to the amendment) for LIBOR loans. The Credit Agreement has certain financial maintenance tests including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants place limits on Griffon's ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens and make restricted payments and investments. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Griffon’s material domestic subsidiaries and are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all domestic assets of the Company and the guarantors, and a pledge of not greater than 65% of the equity interest in each of Griffon’s material, first-tier foreign subsidiaries (except that a lien on the assets of Griffon's material domestic subsidiaries securing a limited amount of the debt under the credit agreement relating to Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement; see footnote (d) below). At March 31, 2015, outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $95,000 and $20,560, respectively, under the Credit Agreement; $134,440 was available for borrowing at that date.
	(b)	On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The current conversion rate of the 2017 Notes is 69.3811 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, corresponding to a conversion price of $14.41 per share. When a cash dividend is declared that would result in an adjustment to the conversion ratio of less than 1%, any adjustment to the conversion ratio is deferred until the first to occur of (i) actual conversion; (ii) the 42nd trading day prior to maturity of the notes; and (iii) such time as the cumulative adjustment equals or exceeds 1%. As of March 31, 2015, the above conversion price reflects dividends paid through March 26, 2015. At both March 31, 2015 and 2014, the 2017 Notes had a capital in excess of par component, net of tax, of $15,720. The fair value of the 2017 Notes approximated $129,813 on March 31, 2015 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	(c)	On October 21, 2013, Griffon refinanced two real estate mortgages to secure loans totaling $17,175. The loans mature in October 2018, are collateralized by the related properties and are guaranteed by Griffon. The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%.
	(d)	In December 2013, Griffon’s ESOP entered into an agreement that refinanced the two existing ESOP loans into one new Term Loan in the amount of $21,098 (the "Agreement"). The Agreement also provided for a Line Note with $10,000 available to purchase shares of Griffon common stock in the open market. In July 2014, Griffon's ESOP entered into an amendment to the existing Agreement which provided an additional $10,000 Line Note available to purchase shares in the open market. During 2014, the Line Notes were combined with the Term Loan to form one new Term Loan. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.38% or the lender’s prime rate, at Griffon’s option. The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $551, with a balloon payment of approximately $30,137 due at maturity on December 31, 2018. During 2014, 1,591,117 shares of Griffon common stock, for a total of $20,000 or $12.57 per share, were purchased with proceeds from the Line Notes. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of the loan and with a lien on a specific amount of Griffon assets (which lien ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement) and is guaranteed by Griffon.
	(e)	In October 2006, CBP entered into a capital lease totaling $14,290 for real estate in Troy, Ohio. The lease matures in 2022, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0%, is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon.
	(f)	In November 2010, Clopay Europe GmbH (“Clopay Europe”) entered into a €10,000 revolving credit facility and a €20,000 term loan. The term loan was paid off in December 2013 and the revolver had no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2015. The revolving facility matures in November 2015 and is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank. The revolving credit facility accrues interest at EURIBOR plus 2.20% per annum (2.28% at March 31, 2015). Clopay Europe is required to maintain a certain minimum equity to assets ratio and keep leverage below a certain level, defined as the ratio of total debt to EBITDA.
	Clopay do Brazil maintains lines of credit of $4,000. Interest on borrowings accrues at a rate of Brazilian CDI plus 6.0% (18.60% at March 31, 2015). At March 31, 2015 there was $2,200 borrowed under the lines. Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. guarantees the loan and lines.
	In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 revolving credit facility.  The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (1.54% LIBOR USD and 2.45% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of March 31, 2015). The revolving facility matures in November 2015. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity.  At March 31, 2015, there was $2,291 borrowed under the revolving credit facility with CAD $12,110 available.
	(g)	In December 2013 and May 2014, Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd entered into two unsecured term loans in the outstanding amounts of AUD $12,500 and AUD $20,000, respectively. The AUD $12,500 term loan requires quarterly interest payments with principal due upon maturity in December 2016. The AUD $20,000 term loan requires quarterly principal payments of AUD $625 beginning in August 2015, with a balloon payment due upon maturity in May 2017. The loans accrue interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.8% per annum (5.2% at March 31, 2015 for each loan). As of March 31, 2015, Northcote had an outstanding combined balance of $25,079 on the term loans, net of deferred costs.
	Subsidiaries of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd also maintain two lines of credit of AUD $3,000 and AUD $5,000 which accrue interest at BBSY plus 2.25% per annum (4.61% at March 31, 2015) and 2.50% per annum (4.86% at March 31, 2015), respectively. At March 31, 2015, there were no outstanding borrowings under the lines. Griffon guarantees the term loans and the AUD $3,000 line of credit; the assets of a subsidiary of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd secures the AUD $5,000 line of credit.
	(h)	Other long-term debt primarily consists of capital leases.
	At March 31, 2015, Griffon and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the terms and covenants of all credit and loan agreements.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_EPS

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
	Basic EPS (and diluted EPS in periods when a loss exists) was calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS was calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus additional common shares that could be issued in connection with stock based compensation and upon the settlement of the 2017 Convertible notes. In the six months ended March 31, 2015 and in the prior year periods, the 2017 Notes were anti-dilutive due to the conversion price being greater than the weighted-average stock price during the periods presented.
	The following table is a reconciliation of the share amounts (in thousands) used in computing earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended March 31,		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015	2014	2015	2014
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	45,349	48,990	45,829	50,872
	Incremental shares from stock based compensation	1,874	—	1,853	—
	Convertible debt due 2017	446	—	—	—
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	47,669	48,990	47,682	50,872
	Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted EPS computation	567	644	580	644
	Griffon has the intent and ability to settle the principal amount of the 2017 Notes in cash, and as such, the potential issuance of shares related to the principal amount of the 2017 Notes does not affect diluted shares.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	During 2015, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share in each quarter, totaling $0.08 per share for the six months ended March 31, 2015. During 2014, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.03 per share, totaling $0.12 per share for the year. Dividends paid on allocated shares in the ESOP were used to pay down the ESOP loan and recorded as a reduction in expense. A dividend payable was established for the holders of restricted shares; such dividends will be released upon vesting of the underlying restricted shares.
	On April 30, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share, payable on June 25, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 22, 2015.
	Compensation expense for restricted stock is recognized ratably over the required service period based on the fair value of the grant, calculated as the number of shares granted multiplied by the stock price on the date of grant and, for performance shares, the likelihood of achieving the performance criteria. Compensation cost related to stock-based awards with graded vesting, generally over a period of three to four years, is recognized using the straight-line attribution method and recorded within SG&A expenses.
	In February 2011, shareholders approved the Griffon Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan") under which awards of performance shares, performance units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, deferred shares and other stock-based awards may be granted. On January 30, 2014, shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Incentive Plan, which, among other things, added 1,200,000 shares to the Incentive Plan. Options granted under the Incentive Plan may be either “incentive stock options” or nonqualified stock options, generally expire ten years after the date of grant and are granted at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for award under the Incentive Plan is 4,200,000 (600,000 of which may be issued as incentive stock options), plus any shares underlying awards outstanding on the effective date of the Incentive Plan under the 2006 Incentive Plan that are subsequently canceled or forfeited. As of March 31, 2015, 422,877 shares were available for grant.
	All grants outstanding under the Griffon Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan, 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and Outside Director Stock Award Plan will continue under their terms; no additional awards will be granted under such plans.
	During the first quarter of 2015, Griffon granted 462,032 restricted stock awards with vesting periods of three years, 458,016 of which are also subject to certain performance conditions, with a total fair value of $5,775, or a weighted average fair value of $12.50 per share. During the second quarter of 2015, Griffon granted 201,399 restricted stock awards with vesting periods of three years, 146,699 of which are also subject to certain performance conditions, with a total fair value of $2,805, or a weighted average fair value of $13.93 per share.
	For the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, stock based compensation expense totaled $2,795 and $3,321, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, stock based compensation expense totaled $5,372 and $4,996, respectively.
	During the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, 14,626 shares, with a market value of $195 or $13.30 per share, and 76,025 shares, with a market value of $1,080 or $14.21 per share, respectively, were withheld to settle employee taxes due to the vesting of restricted stock, and were added to treasury.
	In May 2014, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock; on March 20, 2015, an additional $50,000 was authorized. Under both programs, the Company may purchase shares in the open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or in privately negotiated transactions. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, Griffon purchased 1,581,200 shares of common stock under the May 2014 program, for a total of $24,212 or $15.31 per share. During the six months ended March 31, 2015, Griffon purchased 2,606,241 shares of common stock under the May 2014 program, for a total of $36,498 or $14.00 per share. As of March 31, 2015, $52,362 remains under existing Board authorizations.
	From August 2011 to March 31, 2015, Griffon repurchased 9,601,103 shares of common stock, for a total of $108,695 or $11.32 per share, under Board authorized repurchase programs.
	In addition to repurchases under Board authorized programs, on December 10, 2013, Griffon repurchased 4,444,444 shares of its common stock for $50,000 from GS Direct, L.L.C. (“GS Direct”), an affiliate of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The repurchase was effected in a private transaction at a per share price of $11.25, an approximate 9.2% discount to the stock’s closing price on November 12, 2013, the day before announcement of the transaction. After closing the transaction, GS Direct continued to hold approximately 5.56 million shares (approximately 10% of the shares outstanding at such time) of Griffon’s common stock. Subject to certain exceptions, if GS Direct intends to sell its remaining shares of Griffon common stock at any time prior to December 31, 2015, it will first negotiate in good faith to sell such shares to the Company.

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	Griffon’s reportable segments are as follows:
	•	HBP is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential, commercial and industrial garage doors to professional installing dealers and major home center retail chains, as well as a global provider of non-powered landscaping products that make work easier for homeowners and professionals.
	•	Telephonics develops, designs and manufactures high-technology integrated information, communication and sensor system solutions to military and commercial markets worldwide.
	•	Plastics is an international leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films used in a variety of hygienic, health-care and industrial applications.
	Information on Griffon’s reportable segments is as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	REVENUE	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Home & Building Products:
	AMES	$	159,092		$	160,705		$	292,202		$	257,313
	CBP	104,513			90,838			243,113			212,680
	Home & Building Products	263,605			251,543			535,315			469,993
	Telephonics	98,687			104,185			189,345			200,210
	Plastics	137,728			151,959			277,520			290,942
	Total consolidated net sales	$	500,020		$	507,687		$	1,002,180		$	961,145
	The following table reconciles segment operating profit to income before taxes:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Segment operating profit:
	Home & Building Products	$	8,651		$	8,818		$	25,020		$	18,211
	Telephonics	9,114			10,677			16,631			21,329
	Plastics	9,867			9,352			17,887			15,177
	Total segment operating profit	27,632			28,847			59,538			54,717
	Net interest expense	(11,857		)	(12,361		)	(23,494		)	(25,462		)
	Unallocated amounts	(7,580		)	(8,391		)	(15,844		)	(16,374		)
	Loss from debt extinguishment, net	—			(38,890		)	—			(38,890		)
	Income before taxes	$	8,195		$	(30,795	)	$	20,200		$	(26,009	)
	Griffon evaluates performance and allocates resources based on each segment's operating results before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, unallocated amounts (mainly corporate overhead), restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, as applicable (“Segment adjusted EBITDA”). Griffon believes this information is useful to investors for the same reason.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment adjusted EBITDA to Income (loss) before taxes:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Segment adjusted EBITDA:
	Home & Building Products	$	17,330		$	17,124		$	41,800		$	36,191
	Telephonics	11,616			12,535			21,648			24,931
	Plastics	15,764			16,216			30,315			28,959
	Total Segment adjusted EBITDA	44,710			45,875			93,763			90,081
	Net interest expense	(11,857		)	(12,361		)	(23,494		)	(25,462		)
	Segment depreciation and amortization	(17,078		)	(16,336		)	(34,225		)	(33,032		)
	Unallocated amounts	(7,580		)	(8,391		)	(15,844		)	(16,374		)
	Loss from debt extinguishment, net	—			(38,890		)	—			(38,890		)
	Restructuring charges	—			(692		)	—			(1,534		)
	Acquisition costs	—			—			—			(798		)
	Income (loss) before taxes	$	8,195		$	(30,795	)	$	20,200		$	(26,009	)
	Unallocated amounts typically include general corporate expenses not attributable to a reportable segment.
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	DEPRECIATION and AMORTIZATION	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Segment:
	Home & Building Products	$	8,679		$	7,614		$	16,780		$	15,648
	Telephonics	2,502			1,858			5,017			3,602
	Plastics	5,897			6,864			12,428			13,782
	Total segment depreciation and amortization	17,078			16,336			34,225			33,032
	Corporate	115			103			228			200
	Total consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	17,193		$	16,439		$	34,453		$	33,232
	CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
	Segment:
	Home & Building Products	$	11,114		$	6,722		$	21,375		$	15,190
	Telephonics	1,339			5,520			2,308			8,887
	Plastics	7,486			4,390			15,165			10,150
	Total segment	19,939			16,632			38,848			34,227
	Corporate	853			297			865			618
	Total consolidated capital expenditures	$	20,792		$	16,929		$	39,713		$	34,845
	ASSETS	At March 31, 2015			At September 30, 2014
	Segment assets:
	Home & Building Products	$	1,091,443		$	1,030,005
Telephonics	291,535			319,327
Plastics	354,150			389,464
Total segment assets	1,737,128			1,738,796
Corporate	6,241			64,015
Total continuing assets	1,743,369			1,802,811
Assets of discontinued operations	3,884			3,750
Consolidated total	$	1,747,253		$	1,806,561

DEFINED_BENEFIT_PENSION_EXPENS

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION EXPENSE	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION EXPENSE	DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION EXPENSE
	Defined benefit pension expense (income) was as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	—		$	45		$	—		$	90
	Interest cost	2,207			2,500			4,414			5,000
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,932		)	(2,885		)	(5,864		)	(5,770		)
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost	4			4			8			8
	Recognized actuarial loss	541			489			1,082			978
	Net periodic expense (income)	$	(180	)	$	153		$	(360	)	$	306

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance requiring an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss or tax credit carryforward, except for instances when the carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes and an entity does not intend to use the deferred tax benefit for these purposes. In these circumstances, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and accordingly, the Company adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2014. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance changing the requirements for reporting discontinued operations where a disposal of a component of an entity or group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either classified as held for sale, or disposed of by sale or otherwise disposed. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures about the discontinued operation and disclosure information for other significant dispositions. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in 2015. The Company's adoption of this standard did not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved, in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. This guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and is effective for the Company beginning in 2017; early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on management's responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern and related footnote disclosures. Management will be required to evaluate, at each reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning in 2017; implementation of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. This guidance requires debt issuance costs on the balance sheet to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of a related debt liability, similar to debt discounts. The Company early adopted this guidance and applied it retrospectively for all periods presented in the financial statements. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements, and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The following amounts related to the Installation Services segment, discontinued in 2008, and other businesses discontinued several years ago, which have been segregated from Griffon’s continuing operations, and are reported as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
		At March 31, 2015		At September 30, 2014
	Assets of discontinued operations:
	Prepaid and other current assets	$	1,638	$	1,624
	Other long-term assets	2,246		2,126
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	3,884	$	3,750
	Liabilities of discontinued operations:
	Accrued liabilities, current	$	2,528	$	3,282
	Other long-term liabilities	3,524		3,830
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	6,052	$	7,112
	There was no Installation Services revenue or income for the six months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_RELATE

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES	RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES
	In September 2014, Telephonics recognized $4,244 in restructuring costs in connection with the closure of its Swedish facility and restructuring of operations, a voluntary early retirement plan and a reduction in force aimed at improving efficiency by combining functions and responsibilities, resulting in the elimination of 80 positions.
	In January 2013, AMES undertook to close certain of its U.S. manufacturing facilities and consolidate affected operations primarily into its Camp Hill and Carlisle, PA locations. These actions, completed at the end of the 2015 first quarter, improved manufacturing and distribution efficiencies, allow for in-sourcing of certain production previously performed by third party suppliers, and improved material flow and absorption of fixed costs. AMES incurred pre-tax restructuring and related exit costs approximating $7,941, comprised of cash charges of $4,016 and non-cash, asset-related charges of $3,925; the cash charges included $2,622 for one-time termination benefits and other personnel-related costs and $1,394 for facility exit costs and had $19,964 of capital expenditures.
	HBP recognized $692 and $1,534 in restructuring and other related exit costs in the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively; such charges primarily related to one-time termination benefits, facility and other personnel costs, and asset impairment charges related to the AMES plant consolidation initiatives. There were no restructuring charges in the current year.
	A summary of the restructuring and other related charges included in the line item “Restructuring and other related charges” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) were recognized as follows:
		Workforce			Facilities &		Other		Non-cash		Total
		Reduction			Exit Costs		Related		Facility and
							Costs		Other
	Amounts incurred in:
	Quarter ended December 31, 2013	$	638		$	95	$	109	$	—	$	842
	Quarter ended March 31, 2014	495			137		60		—		692
	Six Months Ended March 31, 2014	$	1,133		$	232	$	169	$	—	$	1,534
	The activity in the restructuring accrual recorded in accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		Workforce
		Reduction
	Accrued liability at September 30, 2014	$	5,228
	Payments	(4,064		)
	Accrued liability at March 31, 2015	$	1,164

OTHER_EXPENSE

OTHER EXPENSE	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
OTHER EXPENSE	OTHER EXPENSE
	For the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, Other income (expense) included $(985) and $436, respectively, of net currency exchange gains (losses) in connection with the translation of receivables and payables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of Griffon and its subsidiaries as well as $517 and $15, respectively, of net investment income.
	For the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, Other income (expense) included $(1,525) and $679, respectively, of net currency exchange gains (losses) in connection with the translation of receivables and payables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of Griffon and its subsidiaries as well as $563 and $127, respectively, of net investment income.

WARRANTY_LIABILITY

WARRANTY LIABILITY	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
WARRANTY LIABILITY	WARRANTY LIABILITY
	Telephonics offers warranties against product defects for periods generally ranging from one to two years, depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. Typical warranties require Telephonics to repair or replace the defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. At the time revenue is recognized, Griffon records a liability for warranty costs, estimated based on historical experience, and periodically assesses its warranty obligations and adjusts the liability as necessary. AMES offers an express limited warranty for a period of ninety days on all products from the date of original purchase unless otherwise stated on the product or packaging.
	Changes in Griffon’s warranty liability, included in Accrued liabilities, were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Balance, beginning of period	$	4,908		$	6,929		$	4,934		$	6,649
	Warranties issued and changes in estimated pre-existing warranties	1,842			1,135			2,791			2,101
	Actual warranty costs incurred	(1,076		)	(953		)	(2,051		)	(1,639		)
	Balance, end of period	$	5,674		$	7,111		$	5,674		$	7,111

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015									Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(30,384	)	$	—		$	(30,384	)	$	1,224		$	—		$	1,224
	Pension and other defined benefit plans	545			(192		)	353			1,698			(599		)	1,099
	Loss on cash flow hedge	(91		)	11			(80		)	—			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities	$	145		$	(53	)	$	92		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(29,785	)	$	(234	)	$	(30,019	)	$	2,922		$	(599	)	$	2,323
		Six Months Ended March 31, 2015									Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(45,884	)	$	—		$	(45,884	)	$	(1,913	)	$	—		$	(1,913	)
	Pension and other defined benefit plans	1,090			(384		)	706			2,191			(776		)	1,415
	Loss on cash flow hedge	(204		)	50			(154		)	—			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities	(1,370		)	500			(870		)	—			—			—
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(46,368	)	$	166		$	(46,202	)	$	278		$	(776	)	$	(498	)
	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(49,704	)	$	(3,820	)
	Pension and other defined benefit plans	(26,660		)	(27,366		)
	Gain on cash flow hedge	98			252
	Available-for-sale securities	—			870
		$	(76,266	)	$	(30,064	)
	Total comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net income (loss)	$	5,122		$	(25,825	)	$	12,593		$	(22,589	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(30,019		)	2,323			(46,202		)	(498		)
	Comprehensive loss	$	(24,897	)	$	(23,502	)	$	(33,609	)	$	(23,087	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income (loss) were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(Gain) Loss	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Pension amortization	$	545		$	493		$	1,090		$	986
	Cash flow hedges	(110		)	—			(197		)	—
	Available-for-sale securities	(489		)	—			(489		)	—
	Total	(54		)	493			404			986
	Tax	20			(168		)	(146		)	(345		)
	Total	$	(34	)	$	325		$	258		$	641

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Legal and environmental
	Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State (“DEC”), with ISC Properties, Inc. Lightron Corporation (“Lightron”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Griffon, once conducted operations at a location in Peekskill in the Town of Cortlandt, New York (the “Peekskill Site”) owned by ISC Properties, Inc. (“ISC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Griffon. ISC sold the Peekskill Site in November 1982.
	Subsequently, Griffon was advised by the DEC that random sampling at the Peekskill Site and in a creek near the Peekskill Site indicated concentrations of solvents and other chemicals common to Lightron’s prior plating operations. ISC then entered into a consent order with the DEC in 1996 (the “Consent Order”) to perform a remedial investigation and prepare a feasibility study. After completing the initial remedial investigation pursuant to the Consent Order, ISC was required by the DEC, and did accordingly conduct over the next several years, supplemental remedial investigations, including soil vapor investigations, under the Consent Order.
	In April 2009, the DEC advised ISC’s representatives that both the DEC and the New York State Department of Health had reviewed and accepted an August 2007 Remedial Investigation Report and an Additional Data Collection Summary Report dated January 30, 2009. With the acceptance of these reports, ISC completed the remedial investigation required under the Consent Order and was authorized, accordingly, by the DEC to conduct the Feasibility Study required by the Consent Order. Pursuant to the requirements of the Consent Order and its obligations thereunder, ISC, without acknowledging any responsibility to perform any remediation at the Site, submitted to the DEC in August 2009, a draft feasibility study which recommended for the soil, groundwater and sediment medias, remediation alternatives having a current net capital cost value, in the aggregate, of approximately $5,000.  In February 2011, DEC advised ISC it has accepted and approved the feasibility study. Accordingly, ISC has no further obligations under the consent order.
	Upon acceptance of the feasibility study, DEC issued a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (“PRAP”) that sets forth the proposed remedy for the site. The PRAP accepted the recommendation contained in the feasibility study for remediation of the soil and groundwater medias, but selected a different remediation alternative for the sediment medium. The approximate cost and the current net capital cost value of the remedy proposed by DEC in the PRAP is approximately $10,000.  After receiving public comments on the PRAP, the DEC issued a Record of Decision (“ROD”) that set forth the specific remedies selected and responded to public comments. The remedies selected by the DEC in the ROD are the same remedies as those set forth in the PRAP.
	It is now expected that DEC will enter into negotiations with potentially responsible parties to request they undertake performance of the remedies selected in the ROD, and if such parties do not agree to implement such remedies, then the State may use State Superfund money to remediate the Peekskill site and seek recovery of costs from such parties. Griffon does not acknowledge any responsibility to perform any remediation at the Peekskill Site.
	Improper Advertisement Claim involving Union Tools® Products. Since December 2004, a customer of AMES has been named in various litigation matters relating to certain Union Tools products. The plaintiffs in those litigation matters have asserted causes of action against the customer of AMES for improper advertisement to end consumers. The allegations suggest that advertisements led the consumers to believe that Union Tools’ hand tools were wholly manufactured within boundaries of the United States. The complaints assert various causes of action against the customer of AMES under federal and state law, including common law fraud. At some point, likely once the litigation against the customer of AMES ends, the customer may seek indemnity (including recovery of its legal fees and costs) against AMES for an unspecified amount. Presently, AMES cannot estimate the amount of loss, if any, if the customer were to seek legal recourse against AMES.
	Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State, regarding Frankfort, NY site. During fiscal 2009, an underground fuel tank with surrounding soil contamination was discovered at the Frankfort, N.Y. site, which is the result of historical facility operations prior to AMES’ ownership. While AMES was actively working with the DEC and the New York State Department of Health to define remediation requirements relative to the underground fuel tank, the DEC took the position that AMES was responsible to remediate other types of contamination on the site. After negotiations with the DEC, on August 15, 2011, AMES executed an Order on Consent with the DEC. The Order is without admission or finding of liability or acknowledgment that there has been a release of hazardous substances at the site. Importantly, the Order does not waive any rights that AMES has under a 1991 Consent Judgment entered into between the DEC and a predecessor of AMES relating to the site. The Order requires that AMES identify areas of concern at the site, and formulate a strategy to investigate and remedy both on and off site conditions in compliance with applicable environmental law. At the conclusion of the remedy phase of the remediation to the satisfaction of the DEC, the DEC will issue a Certificate of Completion. On August 1, 2012, a fire occurred during the course of demolition of certain structures at the Frankfort, NY site, requiring cleanup and additional remediation under the oversight of the DEC, which work has been substantially completed. AMES has performed significant additional investigative and remedial activities in the last few years under work plans approved by the DEC and has submitted a remedial investigative report to the DEC, which the DEC accepted in draft form. In September 2014, AMES submitted an addendum to the remedial investigation report to the DEC and in February 2015 submitted a Final Remedial Investigation Report to DEC. In March 2015, the NYDEC approved the Remedial Investigation Report and conducted a public information session. After receipt of public comments, the next steps will be to define the remedial objectives, develop cleanup alternatives and prepare a Proposed Remedial Action Plan for public comment.
	U.S. Government investigations and claims
	Defense contracts and subcontracts, including Griffon’s contracts and subcontracts, are subject to audit and review by various agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including among others, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (“DCAA”), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”), and the Department of Justice ("DOJ") which has responsibility for asserting claims on behalf of the U.S. government. In addition to ongoing audits, pursuant to an administrative subpoena Griffon is currently providing information to the U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General and the DOJ. No claim has been asserted against Griffon in connection with this matter, and Griffon is unaware of any material financial exposure in connection with the inquiry.
	In general, departments and agencies of the U.S. Government have the authority to investigate various transactions and operations of Griffon, and the results of such investigations may lead to administrative, civil or criminal proceedings, the ultimate outcome of which could be fines, penalties, repayments or compensatory or treble damages. U.S. Government regulations provide that certain findings against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. Government contracts or the loss of export privileges for a company or an operating division or subdivision. Suspension or debarment could have a material adverse effect on Telephonics because of its reliance on government contracts.
	General legal
	Griffon is subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and is a party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes, based on facts presently known to it, that the resolution of the matters above and such other matters will not have a material adverse effect on Griffon’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

CONSOLIDATING_GUARANTOR_AND_NO

CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidating Guarantor And Non Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Griffon’s Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by the domestic assets of Clopay Building Products Company, Inc., Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc., Telephonics Corporation, The AMES Companies, Inc., ATT Southern, Inc. and Clopay Ames True Temper Holding Corp., all of which are indirectly 100% owned by Griffon. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, presented below are condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations or financial position of the guarantor companies or non-guarantor companies had they operated as independent entities. The guarantor companies and the non-guarantor companies include the consolidated financial results of their wholly-owned subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.
	The indenture relating to the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”) contains terms providing that, under certain limited circumstances, a guarantor will be released from its obligations to guarantee the Senior Notes.  These circumstances include (i) a sale of at least a majority of the stock, or all or substantially all the assets, of the subsidiary guarantor as permitted by the Indenture; (ii) a public equity offering of a subsidiary guarantor that qualifies as a “Minority Business” as defined in the Indenture (generally, a business the EBITDA of which constitutes less than 50% of the segment adjusted EBITDA of the Company for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters), and that meets certain other specified conditions as set forth in the Indenture; (iii) the designation of a guarantor as an “unrestricted subsidiary” as defined in the Indenture, in compliance with the terms of the Indenture; (iv) Griffon exercising its right to defease the Senior Notes, or to otherwise discharge its obligations under the Indenture, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and (v) upon obtaining the requisite consent of the holders of the Senior Notes.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	At March 31, 2015
		Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
	CURRENT ASSETS
	Cash and equivalents	$	3,174		$	10,803		$	28,625		$	—		$	42,602
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	—			257,607			62,622			(33,777		)	286,452
	Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	—			94,385			459			—			94,844
	Inventories, net	—			259,569			60,728			—			320,297
	Prepaid and other current assets	6,691			22,895			10,742			4,197			44,525
	Assets of discontinued operations	—			—			1,638			—			1,638
	Total Current Assets	9,865			645,259			164,814			(29,580		)	790,358
	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,230			272,429			87,541			—			361,200
	GOODWILL	—			284,875			73,820			—			358,695
	INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	—			154,636			66,175			—			220,811
	INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	590,476			993,640			197,273			(1,781,389		)	—
	EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	767,088			641,569			1,736,265			(3,144,922		)	—
	OTHER ASSETS	41,721			50,077			9,594			(87,449		)	13,943
	ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			2,246			—			2,246
	Total Assets	$	1,410,380		$	3,042,485		$	2,337,728		$	(5,043,340	)	$	1,747,253
	CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	2,202		$	1,147		$	5,813		$	—		$	9,162
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	17,305			199,512			66,422			(16,376		)	266,863
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			—			2,528			—			2,528
	Total Current Liabilities	19,507			200,659			74,763			(16,376		)	278,553
	LONG-TERM DEBT, net	810,754			6,792			40,769			—			858,315
	INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	55,663			1,000,772			709,578			(1,766,013		)	—
	OTHER LIABILITIES	59,824			158,927			26,622			(103,144		)	142,229
	LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			3,524			—			3,524
	Total Liabilities	945,748			1,367,150			855,256			(1,885,533		)	1,282,621
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	464,632			1,675,335			1,482,472			(3,157,807		)	464,632
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	1,410,380		$	3,042,485		$	2,337,728		$	(5,043,340	)	$	1,747,253
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	At September 30, 2014
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidation
		Company			Companies			Companies
	CURRENT ASSETS
	Cash and equivalents	$	6,813		$	31,522		$	54,070		$	—		$	92,405
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	—			213,922			77,218			(32,704		)	258,436
	Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	—			109,804			126			—			109,930
	Inventories, net	—			219,326			70,537			272			290,135
	Prepaid and other current assets	4,366			26,319			17,101			14,783			62,569
	Assets of discontinued operations	—			—			1,624			—			1,624
	Total Current Assets	11,179			600,893			220,676			(17,649		)	815,099
	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,327			270,519			98,643			76			370,565
	GOODWILL	—			284,875			86,971			—			371,846
	INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	—			156,772			76,851			—			233,623
	INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	540,080			892,433			213,733			(1,646,246		)	—
	EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	780,600			662,403			1,782,406			(3,225,409		)	—
	OTHER ASSETS	27,880			53,896			6,739			(75,213		)	13,302
	ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			2,126			—			2,126
	Total Assets	$	1,361,066		$	2,921,791		$	2,488,145		$	(4,964,441	)	$	1,806,561
	CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	2,202		$	1,144		$	4,540		$	—		$	7,886
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25,703			227,419			87,684			(20,811		)	319,995
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			—			3,282			—			3,282
	Total Current Liabilities	27,905			228,563			95,506			(20,811		)	331,163
	LONG-TERM DEBT, net	738,360			7,806			45,135			—			791,301
	INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	21,573			815,094			762,192			(1,598,859		)	—
	OTHER LIABILITIES	41,201			151,674			26,949			(71,584		)	148,240
	LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			3,830			—			3,830
	Total Liabilities	829,039			1,203,137			933,612			(1,691,254		)	1,274,534
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	532,027			1,718,654			1,554,533			(3,273,187		)	532,027
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	1,361,066		$	2,921,791		$	2,488,145		$	(4,964,441	)	$	1,806,561
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
($ in thousands)	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
Revenue	$	—		$	400,042		$	113,206		$	(13,228	)	$	500,020
Cost of goods and services	—			306,625			91,320			(12,300		)	385,645
Gross profit	—			93,417			21,886			(928		)	114,375
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,301			71,970			17,349			(1,054		)	93,566
Total operating expenses	5,301			71,970			17,349			(1,054		)	93,566
Income (loss) from operations	(5,301		)	21,447			4,537			126			20,809
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	(2,224		)	(7,698		)	(1,935		)	—			(11,857		)
Other, net	521			1,615			(2,767		)	(126		)	(757		)
Total other income (expense)	(1,703		)	(6,083		)	(4,702		)	(126		)	(12,614		)
Income (loss) before taxes	(7,004		)	15,364			(165		)	—			8,195
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,984		)	3,062			1,995			—			3,073
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(5,020		)	12,302			(2,160		)	—			5,122
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	10,142			(735		)	12,302			(21,709		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	5,122		$	11,567		$	10,142		$	(21,709	)	$	5,122
Net Income (loss)	$	5,122		$	11,567		$	10,142		$	(21,709	)	$	5,122
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(30,019		)	(12,075		)	(18,389		)	30,464			(30,019		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(24,897	)	$	(508	)	$	(8,247	)	$	8,755		$	(24,897	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
($ in thousands)	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
Revenue	$	—		$	396,505		$	127,782		$	(16,600	)	$	507,687
Cost of goods and services	—			305,191			107,555			(15,046		)	397,700
Gross profit	—			91,314			20,227			(1,554		)	109,987
Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,161			68,234			15,833			(1,606		)	89,622
Restructuring and other related charges	—			728			(36		)	—			692
Total operating expenses	7,161			68,962			15,797			(1,606		)	90,314
Income (loss) from operations	(7,161		)	22,352			4,430			52			19,673
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	(2,885		)	(7,329		)	(2,147		)	—			(12,361		)
Loss from debt extinguishment, net	(38,890		)	—			—			—			(38,890		)
Other, net	15			1,014			(194		)	(52		)	783
Total other income (expense)	(41,760		)	(6,315		)	(2,341		)	(52		)	(50,468		)
Income (loss) before taxes	(48,921		)	16,037			2,089			—			(30,795		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(11,045		)	6,053			22			—			(4,970		)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(37,876		)	9,984			2,067			—			(25,825		)
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	12,051			1,982			9,984			(24,017		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	(25,825	)	$	11,966		$	12,051		$	(24,017	)	$	(25,825	)
Net Income (loss)	$	(25,825	)	$	11,966		$	12,051		$	(24,017	)	$	(25,825	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	2,323			80			2,073			(2,153		)	2,323
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(23,502	)	$	12,046		$	14,124		$	(26,170	)	$	(23,502	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
Revenue	$	—		$	778,156		$	252,087		$	(28,063	)	$	1,002,180
Cost of goods and services	—			595,995			199,594			(25,773		)	769,816
Gross profit	—			182,161			52,493			(2,290		)	232,364
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10,821			141,527			37,448			(2,334		)	187,462
Total operating expenses	10,821			141,527			37,448			(2,334		)	187,462
Income (loss) from operations	(10,821		)	40,634			15,045			44			44,902
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	(4,128		)	(15,125		)	(4,241		)	—			(23,494		)
Other, net	567			2,910			(4,641		)	(44		)	(1,208		)
Total other income (expense)	(3,561		)	(12,215		)	(8,882		)	(44		)	(24,702		)
Income (loss) before taxes	(14,382		)	28,419			6,163			—			20,200
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(5,465		)	10,799			2,273			—			7,607
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(8,917		)	17,620			3,890			—			12,593
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	21,510			5,301			17,620			(44,431		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	12,593		$	22,921		$	21,510		$	(44,431	)	$	12,593
Net Income (loss)	$	12,593		$	22,921		$	21,510		$	(44,431	)	$	12,593
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(46,202		)	(16,655		)	(29,220		)	45,875			(46,202		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(33,609	)	$	6,266		$	(7,710	)	$	1,444		$	(33,609	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
Revenue	$	—		$	741,149		$	249,534		$	(29,538	)	$	961,145
Cost of goods and services	—			565,174			206,949			(26,468		)	745,655
Gross profit	—			175,975			42,585			(3,070		)	215,490
Selling, general and administrative expenses	13,491			136,615			30,408			(3,212		)	177,302
Restructuring and other related charges	—			1,492			42			—			1,534
Total operating expenses	13,491			138,107			30,450			(3,212		)	178,836
Income (loss) from operations	(13,491		)	37,868			12,135			142			36,654
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	(6,490		)	(14,579		)	(4,393		)	—			(25,462		)
Loss from debt extinguishment, net	(38,890		)	—			—			—			(38,890		)
Other, net	127			3,072			(1,368		)	(142		)	1,689
Total other income (expense)	(45,253		)	(11,507		)	(5,761		)	(142		)	(62,663		)
Income (loss) before taxes	(58,744		)	26,361			6,374			—			(26,009		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(15,579		)	11,692			467			—			(3,420		)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(43,165		)	14,669			5,907			—			(22,589		)
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	20,576			5,748			14,669			(40,993		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	(22,589	)	$	20,417		$	20,576		$	(40,993	)	$	(22,589	)
Net Income (loss)	$	(22,589	)	$	20,417		$	20,576		$	(40,993	)	$	(22,589	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(498		)	1,869			(2,707		)	838			(498		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(23,087	)	$	22,286		$	17,869		$	(40,155	)	$	(23,087	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	12,593		$	22,921		$	21,510		$	(44,431	)	$	12,593
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(49,888		)	(451		)	7,288			—			(43,051		)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(188		)	(30,584		)	(8,941		)	—			(39,713		)
Intercompany distributions	10,000			(10,000		)	—			—			—
Proceeds from sale of investments	8,891			—						—			8,891
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			12			165			—			177
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	18,703			(40,572		)	(8,776		)	—			(30,645		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	285			—			—			—			285
Purchase of shares for treasury	(37,577		)	—			—			—			(37,577		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	97,000			—			2,556			—			99,556
Payments of long-term debt	(28,101		)	(717		)	(607		)	—			(29,425		)
Change in short-term borrowings	—			—			(572		)	—			(572		)
Financing costs	(590		)	—			—			—			(590		)
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	345			—			—			—			345
Dividend	(3,911		)	—			—			—			(3,911		)
Other, net	95			21,021			(21,021		)	—			95
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	27,546			20,304			(19,644		)	—			28,206
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	—			—			(545		)	—			(545		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(3,768		)	—			(3,768		)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(3,639		)	(20,719		)	(25,445		)	—			(49,803		)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	6,813			31,522			54,070			—			92,405
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	3,174		$	10,803		$	28,625		$	—		$	42,602
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	(22,589	)	$	20,417		$	20,576		$	(40,993	)	$	(22,589	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(30,836		)	(27,389		)	31,649			—			(26,576		)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(618		)	(29,921		)	(4,306		)	—			(34,845		)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(1,000		)	(21,781		)	—			(22,781		)
Intercompany distributions	10,000			(10,000		)	—			—			—
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			230			64			—			294
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	9,382			(40,691		)	(26,023		)	—			(57,332		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	584			—			—			—			584
Purchase of shares for treasury	(63,370		)	—			—			—			(63,370		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	629,568			10,939			4,007			—			644,514
Payments of long-term debt	(582,108		)	(12,097		)	7,895			—			(586,310		)
Change in short-term borrowings	—			—			4,908			—			4,908
Financing costs	(10,142		)	—			(545		)	—			(10,687		)
Purchase of ESOP shares	(10,000		)	—			—			—			(10,000		)
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	273			—			—			—			273
Dividend	(8,290		)	5,000			—			—			(3,290		)
Other, net	144			43,140			(43,140		)	—			144
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(43,341		)	46,982			(26,875		)	—			(23,234		)
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	—			—			(640		)	—			(640		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(415		)	—			(415		)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(64,795		)	(21,098		)	(22,304		)	—			(108,197		)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	68,994			46,357			62,779			—			178,130
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	4,199		$	25,259		$	40,475		$	—		$	69,933

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, they should be read with reference to Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014, which provides a more complete explanation of Griffon’s accounting policies, financial position, operating results, business properties and other matters. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of interim results. Griffon’s HBP operations are seasonal; for this and other reasons, the financial results of the Company for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.
	The condensed consolidated balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 was derived from the audited financial statements included in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Griffon and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates may be adjusted due to changes in economic, industry or customer financial conditions, as well as changes in technology or demand. Significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returns, net realizable value of inventories, restructuring reserves, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, percentage of completion method of accounting, pension assumptions, useful lives associated with depreciation and amortization of intangible and fixed assets, warranty reserves, sales incentive accruals, stock based compensation assumptions, income taxes and tax valuation reserves, environmental reserves, legal reserves, insurance reserves and the valuation of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations, acquisition assumptions used and the accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions Griffon may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
	Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The carrying values of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts and notes payable, and revolving credit debt approximate fair value due to either the short-term nature of such instruments or the fact that the interest rate of the revolving credit debt is based upon current market rates.
	Applicable accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy requiring the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The accounting guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, as follows:
	•	Level 1 inputs are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
	•	Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The fair values of Griffon’s 2022 senior notes and 2017, 4% convertible notes approximated $594,000 and $129,813, respectively, on March 31, 2015. Fair values were based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	Insurance contracts with values of $3,397 at March 31, 2015, are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs) and are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	At March 31, 2015, trading securities, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs), with a fair value of $1,267 ($1,000 cost basis) were included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the current quarter, the Company settled all outstanding available-for-sale securities with proceeds totaling $8,891 and recognized a gain of $489 in Other income, and accordingly, gains on available-for-sale securities were reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, and realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	In the normal course of business, Griffon’s operations are exposed to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage these risks, Griffon may enter into various derivative contracts such as foreign currency exchange contracts, including forwards and options. During 2015, Griffon entered into several such contracts in order to lock into a foreign currency rate for planned settlements of trade and inter-company liabilities payable in US dollars. At inception, these hedges were all deemed effective as cash flow hedges with gains and losses related to changes in fair value deferred and recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and Prepaid and other current assets until settlement. Upon settlement, gains and losses were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as Other income. Griffon had $5,378 of Australian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.29, which qualified for hedge accounting at March 31, 2015. AOCI included deferred gains of $134 ($98, net of tax) at March 31, 2015. All contracts expire in 15 to 105 days. Gains of $151 and $239 were recorded in Other Income during the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, for all settled contracts.
	At March 31, 2015, Griffon had $2,408 of Canadian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.27. The contracts, which protect Canada operations from currency fluctuations for U.S. dollar based purchases, do not qualify for hedge accounting. For the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, a fair value gain of $163 and $256, respectively, was recorded in Other assets and to Other income for the outstanding contracts, based on similar contract values (level 2 inputs). All contracts expire in 16 to 196 days. Losses of $41 and $42 were recorded in Other Income during the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, for all settled contracts.
Inventories	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out or average) or market.
New Accounting Pronouncements	In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance requiring an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss or tax credit carryforward, except for instances when the carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes and an entity does not intend to use the deferred tax benefit for these purposes. In these circumstances, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and accordingly, the Company adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2014. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance changing the requirements for reporting discontinued operations where a disposal of a component of an entity or group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either classified as held for sale, or disposed of by sale or otherwise disposed. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures about the discontinued operation and disclosure information for other significant dispositions. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in 2015. The Company's adoption of this standard did not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved, in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. This guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and is effective for the Company beginning in 2017; early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on management's responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern and related footnote disclosures. Management will be required to evaluate, at each reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning in 2017; implementation of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. This guidance requires debt issuance costs on the balance sheet to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of a related debt liability, similar to debt discounts. The Company early adopted this guidance and applied it retrospectively for all periods presented in the financial statements. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements, and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	ACQUISITIONS
	On May 21, 2014, AMES acquired the Australian Garden and Tools business of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (“Cyclone”) for approximately $40,000, including a $4,000 working capital adjustment. Cyclone, which was integrated with AMES, offers a full range of quality garden and hand tool products sold under various leading brand names including Cyclone®, Nylex® and Trojan®, designed to meet the requirements of both the Do-it-Yourself and professional trade segments. Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expenses included $2,363 of related acquisition costs recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2014.
	On December 31, 2013, AMES acquired Northcote Pottery (“Northcote”), founded in 1897 and a leading brand in the Australian outdoor planter and decor market, for approximately $22,000. Northcote, which was integrated with AMES, complements Southern Patio, acquired in 2011, and, with Cyclone, adds to AMES’ existing lawn and garden operations in Australia. First quarter 2014 SG&A expenses included $798 of related acquisition costs.
	The accounts of the acquired companies, after adjustment to reflect fair market values (level 3 inputs), have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition; in each instance, acquired inventory was not significant. Griffon is in the process of finalizing the initial purchase price allocation for Cyclone as of the date of these financial statements, primarily with respect to the finalization of tax accounts.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the Cyclone and Northcote assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition:
		Cyclone			Northcote			Total
	Current Assets, net of cash acquired	$	21,116		$	7,398		$	28,514
	PP&E	488			1,385			1,873
	Goodwill	11,322			11,254			22,576
	Amortizable intangible assets	11,608			6,098			17,706
	Indefinite life intangible assets	3,548			3,121			6,669
	Total assets acquired	48,082			29,256			77,338
	Total liabilities assumed	(8,557		)	(7,475		)	(16,032		)
	Net assets acquired	$	39,525		$	21,781		$	61,306
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	mounts assigned to major intangible assets, none of which are tax deductible, for Cyclone and Northcote are as follows:
		Cyclone			Northcote			Total		Amortization
										Period (Years)
	Goodwill	$	11,322		$	11,254		22,576		N/A
	Tradenames	3,548			3,121			6,669		Indefinite
	Customer relationships	11,608			6,098			17,706		25
		$	26,478		$	20,473		46,951

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	The following table details the components of inventory:
		At March 31, 2015		At September 30, 2014
	Raw materials and supplies	$	79,885	$	75,560
	Work in process	78,573		67,866
	Finished goods	161,839		146,709
	Total	$	320,297	$	290,135

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table details the components of property, plant and equipment, net:
		At March 31, 2015			At September 30, 2014
	Land, building and building improvements	$	120,192		$	127,714
	Machinery and equipment	717,505			720,417
	Leasehold improvements	45,916			42,852
		883,613			890,983
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(522,413		)	(520,418		)
	Total	$	361,200		$	370,565

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table provides changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment during the six months ended March 31, 2015:
		At September 30, 2014		Other			At March 31, 2015
				adjustments
				including currency
				translations
	Home & Building Products	$	288,396	$	(2,467	)	$	285,929
	Telephonics	18,545		—			18,545
	Plastics	64,905		(10,684		)	54,221
	Total	$	371,846	$	(13,151	)	$	358,695
Schedule Of Identifiable Intangible Assets	The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible assets:
		At March 31, 2015							At September 30, 2014
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated			Average		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated
				Amortization			Life				Amortization
							(Years)
	Customer relationships	$	171,047	$	36,594		25		$	180,282	$	35,280
	Unpatented technology	6,069		3,285			13		6,500		3,313
	Total amortizable intangible assets	177,116		39,879					186,782		38,593
	Trademarks	83,574		—					85,434		—
	Total intangible assets	$	260,690	$	39,879				$	272,216	$	38,593

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt
			At March 31, 2015																		At September 30, 2014
			Outstanding Balance				Original Issuer Discount				Capitalized Fees & Expenses				Balance Sheet				Coupon Interest Rate (1)		Outstanding Balance				Original Issuer Discount				Capitalized Fees & Expenses				Balance Sheet				Coupon Interest Rate (1)
	Senior notes due 2022	(a)	$	600,000			$	—			$	(8,909	)		$	591,091			5.25	%	$	600,000			$	—			$	(9,553	)		$	590,447			5.25	%
	Revolver due 2020	(a)	95,000				—				(2,278		)		92,722				n/a		25,000				—				(2,009		)		22,991				n/a
	Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	100,000				(7,632		)		(813		)		91,555				4	%	100,000				(9,584		)		(1,034		)		89,382				4	%
	Real estate mortgages	(c)	15,958				—				(504		)		15,454				n/a		16,388				—				(576		)		15,812				n/a
	ESOP Loans	(d)	37,845				—				(257		)		37,588				n/a		38,946				—				(262		)		38,684				n/a
	Capital lease - real estate	(e)	8,044				—				(169		)		7,875				5	%	8,551				—				(181		)		8,370				5	%
	Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	4,491				—				—				4,491				n/a		3,306				—				—				3,306				n/a
	Non U.S. term loans	(g)	25,191				—				(112		)		25,079				n/a		28,470				—				(161		)		28,309				n/a
	Other long term debt	(h)	1,635				—				(13		)		1,622				n/a		1,910				—				(24		)		1,886				n/a
	Totals		888,164				(7,632		)		(13,055		)		867,477						822,571				(9,584		)		(13,800		)		799,187
	less: Current portion		(9,162		)		—				—				(9,162		)				(7,886		)		—				—				(7,886		)
	Long-term debt		$	879,002			$	(7,632	)		$	(13,055	)		$	858,315					$	814,685			$	(9,584	)		$	(13,800	)		$	791,301
	On February 27, 2014, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon issued, at par, $600,000 of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (“Senior Notes”); interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. Proceeds from the Senior Notes were used to redeem $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018, to pay a call and tender offer premium of $31,530 and to make interest payments of $16,716, with the balance used to pay a portion of the related transaction fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, all obligations under the $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018 were discharged.
	The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Griffon guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries, and subject to certain covenants, limitations and restrictions. On June 18, 2014, Griffon exchanged all of the Senior Notes for substantially identical Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 via an exchange offer. The fair value of the Senior Notes approximated $594,000 on March 31, 2015 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	In connection with these transactions, Griffon capitalized $10,313 of underwriting fees and other expenses incurred related to the issuance and exchange of the Senior Notes, which will amortize over the term of such notes. Griffon recognized a loss on the early extinguishment of debt on the 7.125% senior notes aggregating $38,890, comprised of the $31,530 tender offer premium, the write-off of $6,574 of remaining deferred financing fees and $786 of prepaid interest on defeased notes.
	On March 13, 2015, Griffon amended its Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Agreement”) to increase the credit facility from $225,000 to $250,000, extend its maturity date from March 28, 2019 to March 13, 2020 and modify certain other provisions of the credit facility. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a limit of $50,000 (decreased from $60,000), and a multi-currency sub-facility of $50,000. The Credit Agreement provides for same day borrowings of base rate loans in lieu of a swing line sub-facility. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and re-borrowed at any time, subject to final maturity of the facility or the occurrence of a default or an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on borrowings at either a LIBOR or base rate benchmark rate, in each case without a floor, plus an applicable margin, which adjusts based on financial performance. Current margins are 1.00% (compared to 1.25% prior to the amendment) for base rate loans and 2.00% (compared to 2.25% prior to the amendment) for LIBOR loans. The Credit Agreement has certain financial maintenance tests including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants place limits on Griffon's ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens and make restricted payments and investments. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Griffon’s material domestic subsidiaries and are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all domestic assets of the Company and the guarantors, and a pledge of not greater than 65% of the equity interest in each of Griffon’s material, first-tier foreign subsidiaries (except that a lien on the assets of Griffon's material domestic subsidiaries securing a limited amount of the debt under the credit agreement relating to Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement; see footnote (d) below). At March 31, 2015, outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $95,000 and $20,560, respectively, under the Credit Agreement; $134,440 was available for borrowing at that date.
	(b)	On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The current conversion rate of the 2017 Notes is 69.3811 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, corresponding to a conversion price of $14.41 per share. When a cash dividend is declared that would result in an adjustment to the conversion ratio of less than 1%, any adjustment to the conversion ratio is deferred until the first to occur of (i) actual conversion; (ii) the 42nd trading day prior to maturity of the notes; and (iii) such time as the cumulative adjustment equals or exceeds 1%. As of March 31, 2015, the above conversion price reflects dividends paid through March 26, 2015. At both March 31, 2015 and 2014, the 2017 Notes had a capital in excess of par component, net of tax, of $15,720. The fair value of the 2017 Notes approximated $129,813 on March 31, 2015 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	(c)	On October 21, 2013, Griffon refinanced two real estate mortgages to secure loans totaling $17,175. The loans mature in October 2018, are collateralized by the related properties and are guaranteed by Griffon. The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%.
	(d)	In December 2013, Griffon’s ESOP entered into an agreement that refinanced the two existing ESOP loans into one new Term Loan in the amount of $21,098 (the "Agreement"). The Agreement also provided for a Line Note with $10,000 available to purchase shares of Griffon common stock in the open market. In July 2014, Griffon's ESOP entered into an amendment to the existing Agreement which provided an additional $10,000 Line Note available to purchase shares in the open market. During 2014, the Line Notes were combined with the Term Loan to form one new Term Loan. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.38% or the lender’s prime rate, at Griffon’s option. The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $551, with a balloon payment of approximately $30,137 due at maturity on December 31, 2018. During 2014, 1,591,117 shares of Griffon common stock, for a total of $20,000 or $12.57 per share, were purchased with proceeds from the Line Notes. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of the loan and with a lien on a specific amount of Griffon assets (which lien ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement) and is guaranteed by Griffon.
	(e)	In October 2006, CBP entered into a capital lease totaling $14,290 for real estate in Troy, Ohio. The lease matures in 2022, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0%, is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon.
	(f)	In November 2010, Clopay Europe GmbH (“Clopay Europe”) entered into a €10,000 revolving credit facility and a €20,000 term loan. The term loan was paid off in December 2013 and the revolver had no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2015. The revolving facility matures in November 2015 and is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank. The revolving credit facility accrues interest at EURIBOR plus 2.20% per annum (2.28% at March 31, 2015). Clopay Europe is required to maintain a certain minimum equity to assets ratio and keep leverage below a certain level, defined as the ratio of total debt to EBITDA.
	Clopay do Brazil maintains lines of credit of $4,000. Interest on borrowings accrues at a rate of Brazilian CDI plus 6.0% (18.60% at March 31, 2015). At March 31, 2015 there was $2,200 borrowed under the lines. Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. guarantees the loan and lines.
	In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 revolving credit facility.  The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (1.54% LIBOR USD and 2.45% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of March 31, 2015). The revolving facility matures in November 2015. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity.  At March 31, 2015, there was $2,291 borrowed under the revolving credit facility with CAD $12,110 available.
	(g)	In December 2013 and May 2014, Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd entered into two unsecured term loans in the outstanding amounts of AUD $12,500 and AUD $20,000, respectively. The AUD $12,500 term loan requires quarterly interest payments with principal due upon maturity in December 2016. The AUD $20,000 term loan requires quarterly principal payments of AUD $625 beginning in August 2015, with a balloon payment due upon maturity in May 2017. The loans accrue interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.8% per annum (5.2% at March 31, 2015 for each loan). As of March 31, 2015, Northcote had an outstanding combined balance of $25,079 on the term loans, net of deferred costs.
	Subsidiaries of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd also maintain two lines of credit of AUD $3,000 and AUD $5,000 which accrue interest at BBSY plus 2.25% per annum (4.61% at March 31, 2015) and 2.50% per annum (4.86% at March 31, 2015), respectively. At March 31, 2015, there were no outstanding borrowings under the lines. Griffon guarantees the term loans and the AUD $3,000 line of credit; the assets of a subsidiary of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd secures the AUD $5,000 line of credit.
	(h)	Other long-term debt primarily consists of capital leases.
Schedule of Interest Expense For Long Term Debt
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015																		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt				Amort. Debt Issuance Costs				Total Interest Expense			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt				Amort.				Total Interest Expense
										Discount				& Other Fees														Discount				Debt Issuance Costs
																																& Other Fees
	Senior notes due 2018	(a)	n/a			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		7.1	%		$	6,133			$	—			$	261			$	6,394
	Senior notes due 2022	(a)	5.5	%		7,875				—				322				8,197			5.3			2,800				—				111				2,911
	Revolver due 2020	(a)	n/a			659				—				133				792			n/a			306				—				142				448
	Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	9.2	%		1,000				990				110				2,100			9.3	%		1,000				909				110				2,019
	Real estate mortgages	(c)	3.8	%		116				—				36				152			3.8	%		122				—				37				159
	ESOP Loans	(d)	2.9	%		254				—				18				272			3.4	%		180				—				5				185
	Capital lease - real estate	(e)	5.3	%		102				—				6				108			5.3	%		114				—				7				121
	Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	n/a			109				—				—				109			n/a			224				—				—				224
	Non U.S. term loans	(g)	n/a			337				—				14				351			n/a			101				—				—				101
	Other long term debt	(h)	n/a			22				—				2				24			n/a			—				—				—				—
	Capitalized interest					(93		)		—				—				(93		)				(173		)		—				—				(173		)
	Totals					$	10,381			$	990			$	641			$	12,012					$	10,807			$	909			$	673			$	12,389
	(1) not applicable =/a
			Six Months Ended March 31, 2015																		Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt Discount				Amort. Debt Issuance Costs & Other Fees				Total Interest Expense			Effective Interest Rate (1)			Cash Interest				Amort. Debt Discount				Amort. Debt Issuance Costs & Other Fees				Total Interest Expense
	Senior notes due 2018	(a)	n/a			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		7.1	%		$	15,930			$	—			$	667			$	16,597
	Senior notes due 2022	(a)	5.5	%		15,750				—				644				16,394			5.3			2,800				—				111				2,911
	Revolver due 2020	(a)	n/a			997				—				291				1,288			n/a			473				—				278				751
	Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	9.1	%		2,000				1,952				221				4,173			9.1	%		2,000				1,792				221				4,013
	Real estate mortgages	(c)	3.9	%		240				—				72				312			4	%		252				—				73				325
	ESOP Loans	(d)	2.9	%		514				—				35				549			3.2	%		332				—				7				339
	Capital lease - real estate	(e)	5.3	%		208				—				12				220			5.3	%		233				—				14				247
	Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	n/a			250				—				—				250			n/a			417				—				—				417
	Non U.S. term loans	(g)	n/a			725				—				30				755			n/a			153				—				4				157
	Other long term debt	(h)	n/a			53				—				8				61			n/a			11				—				21				32
	Capitalized interest					(236		)		—				—				(236		)				(266		)		—				—				(266		)
	Totals					$	20,501			$	1,952			$	1,313			$	23,766					$	22,335			$	1,792			$	1,396			$	25,523
	On February 27, 2014, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon issued, at par, $600,000 of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (“Senior Notes”); interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. Proceeds from the Senior Notes were used to redeem $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018, to pay a call and tender offer premium of $31,530 and to make interest payments of $16,716, with the balance used to pay a portion of the related transaction fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, all obligations under the $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018 were discharged.
	The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Griffon guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries, and subject to certain covenants, limitations and restrictions. On June 18, 2014, Griffon exchanged all of the Senior Notes for substantially identical Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 via an exchange offer. The fair value of the Senior Notes approximated $594,000 on March 31, 2015 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	In connection with these transactions, Griffon capitalized $10,313 of underwriting fees and other expenses incurred related to the issuance and exchange of the Senior Notes, which will amortize over the term of such notes. Griffon recognized a loss on the early extinguishment of debt on the 7.125% senior notes aggregating $38,890, comprised of the $31,530 tender offer premium, the write-off of $6,574 of remaining deferred financing fees and $786 of prepaid interest on defeased notes.
	On March 13, 2015, Griffon amended its Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Agreement”) to increase the credit facility from $225,000 to $250,000, extend its maturity date from March 28, 2019 to March 13, 2020 and modify certain other provisions of the credit facility. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a limit of $50,000 (decreased from $60,000), and a multi-currency sub-facility of $50,000. The Credit Agreement provides for same day borrowings of base rate loans in lieu of a swing line sub-facility. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and re-borrowed at any time, subject to final maturity of the facility or the occurrence of a default or an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on borrowings at either a LIBOR or base rate benchmark rate, in each case without a floor, plus an applicable margin, which adjusts based on financial performance. Current margins are 1.00% (compared to 1.25% prior to the amendment) for base rate loans and 2.00% (compared to 2.25% prior to the amendment) for LIBOR loans. The Credit Agreement has certain financial maintenance tests including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants place limits on Griffon's ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens and make restricted payments and investments. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Griffon’s material domestic subsidiaries and are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all domestic assets of the Company and the guarantors, and a pledge of not greater than 65% of the equity interest in each of Griffon’s material, first-tier foreign subsidiaries (except that a lien on the assets of Griffon's material domestic subsidiaries securing a limited amount of the debt under the credit agreement relating to Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement; see footnote (d) below). At March 31, 2015, outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $95,000 and $20,560, respectively, under the Credit Agreement; $134,440 was available for borrowing at that date.
	(b)	On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The current conversion rate of the 2017 Notes is 69.3811 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, corresponding to a conversion price of $14.41 per share. When a cash dividend is declared that would result in an adjustment to the conversion ratio of less than 1%, any adjustment to the conversion ratio is deferred until the first to occur of (i) actual conversion; (ii) the 42nd trading day prior to maturity of the notes; and (iii) such time as the cumulative adjustment equals or exceeds 1%. As of March 31, 2015, the above conversion price reflects dividends paid through March 26, 2015. At both March 31, 2015 and 2014, the 2017 Notes had a capital in excess of par component, net of tax, of $15,720. The fair value of the 2017 Notes approximated $129,813 on March 31, 2015 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).
	(c)	On October 21, 2013, Griffon refinanced two real estate mortgages to secure loans totaling $17,175. The loans mature in October 2018, are collateralized by the related properties and are guaranteed by Griffon. The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%.
	(d)	In December 2013, Griffon’s ESOP entered into an agreement that refinanced the two existing ESOP loans into one new Term Loan in the amount of $21,098 (the "Agreement"). The Agreement also provided for a Line Note with $10,000 available to purchase shares of Griffon common stock in the open market. In July 2014, Griffon's ESOP entered into an amendment to the existing Agreement which provided an additional $10,000 Line Note available to purchase shares in the open market. During 2014, the Line Notes were combined with the Term Loan to form one new Term Loan. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.38% or the lender’s prime rate, at Griffon’s option. The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $551, with a balloon payment of approximately $30,137 due at maturity on December 31, 2018. During 2014, 1,591,117 shares of Griffon common stock, for a total of $20,000 or $12.57 per share, were purchased with proceeds from the Line Notes. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of the loan and with a lien on a specific amount of Griffon assets (which lien ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement) and is guaranteed by Griffon.
	(e)	In October 2006, CBP entered into a capital lease totaling $14,290 for real estate in Troy, Ohio. The lease matures in 2022, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0%, is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon.
	(f)	In November 2010, Clopay Europe GmbH (“Clopay Europe”) entered into a €10,000 revolving credit facility and a €20,000 term loan. The term loan was paid off in December 2013 and the revolver had no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2015. The revolving facility matures in November 2015 and is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank. The revolving credit facility accrues interest at EURIBOR plus 2.20% per annum (2.28% at March 31, 2015). Clopay Europe is required to maintain a certain minimum equity to assets ratio and keep leverage below a certain level, defined as the ratio of total debt to EBITDA.
	Clopay do Brazil maintains lines of credit of $4,000. Interest on borrowings accrues at a rate of Brazilian CDI plus 6.0% (18.60% at March 31, 2015). At March 31, 2015 there was $2,200 borrowed under the lines. Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. guarantees the loan and lines.
	In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 revolving credit facility.  The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (1.54% LIBOR USD and 2.45% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of March 31, 2015). The revolving facility matures in November 2015. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity.  At March 31, 2015, there was $2,291 borrowed under the revolving credit facility with CAD $12,110 available.
	(g)	In December 2013 and May 2014, Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd entered into two unsecured term loans in the outstanding amounts of AUD $12,500 and AUD $20,000, respectively. The AUD $12,500 term loan requires quarterly interest payments with principal due upon maturity in December 2016. The AUD $20,000 term loan requires quarterly principal payments of AUD $625 beginning in August 2015, with a balloon payment due upon maturity in May 2017. The loans accrue interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.8% per annum (5.2% at March 31, 2015 for each loan). As of March 31, 2015, Northcote had an outstanding combined balance of $25,079 on the term loans, net of deferred costs.
	Subsidiaries of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd also maintain two lines of credit of AUD $3,000 and AUD $5,000 which accrue interest at BBSY plus 2.25% per annum (4.61% at March 31, 2015) and 2.50% per annum (4.86% at March 31, 2015), respectively. At March 31, 2015, there were no outstanding borrowings under the lines. Griffon guarantees the term loans and the AUD $3,000 line of credit; the assets of a subsidiary of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd secures the AUD $5,000 line of credit.
	(h)	Other long-term debt primarily consists of capital leases.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_EPS_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table is a reconciliation of the share amounts (in thousands) used in computing earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended March 31,		Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015	2014	2015	2014
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	45,349	48,990	45,829	50,872
	Incremental shares from stock based compensation	1,874	—	1,853	—
	Convertible debt due 2017	446	—	—	—
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	47,669	48,990	47,682	50,872
	Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted EPS computation	567	644	580	644

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Tables

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Information on Griffon’s reportable segments is as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	REVENUE	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Home & Building Products:
	AMES	$	159,092		$	160,705		$	292,202		$	257,313
	CBP	104,513			90,838			243,113			212,680
	Home & Building Products	263,605			251,543			535,315			469,993
	Telephonics	98,687			104,185			189,345			200,210
	Plastics	137,728			151,959			277,520			290,942
	Total consolidated net sales	$	500,020		$	507,687		$	1,002,180		$	961,145
	The following table reconciles segment operating profit to income before taxes:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Segment operating profit:
	Home & Building Products	$	8,651		$	8,818		$	25,020		$	18,211
	Telephonics	9,114			10,677			16,631			21,329
	Plastics	9,867			9,352			17,887			15,177
	Total segment operating profit	27,632			28,847			59,538			54,717
	Net interest expense	(11,857		)	(12,361		)	(23,494		)	(25,462		)
	Unallocated amounts	(7,580		)	(8,391		)	(15,844		)	(16,374		)
	Loss from debt extinguishment, net	—			(38,890		)	—			(38,890		)
	Income before taxes	$	8,195		$	(30,795	)	$	20,200		$	(26,009	)
	The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment adjusted EBITDA to Income (loss) before taxes:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Segment adjusted EBITDA:
	Home & Building Products	$	17,330		$	17,124		$	41,800		$	36,191
	Telephonics	11,616			12,535			21,648			24,931
	Plastics	15,764			16,216			30,315			28,959
	Total Segment adjusted EBITDA	44,710			45,875			93,763			90,081
	Net interest expense	(11,857		)	(12,361		)	(23,494		)	(25,462		)
	Segment depreciation and amortization	(17,078		)	(16,336		)	(34,225		)	(33,032		)
	Unallocated amounts	(7,580		)	(8,391		)	(15,844		)	(16,374		)
	Loss from debt extinguishment, net	—			(38,890		)	—			(38,890		)
	Restructuring charges	—			(692		)	—			(1,534		)
	Acquisition costs	—			—			—			(798		)
	Income (loss) before taxes	$	8,195		$	(30,795	)	$	20,200		$	(26,009	)
	Unallocated amounts typically include general corporate expenses not attributable to a reportable segment.
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	DEPRECIATION and AMORTIZATION	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Segment:
	Home & Building Products	$	8,679		$	7,614		$	16,780		$	15,648
	Telephonics	2,502			1,858			5,017			3,602
	Plastics	5,897			6,864			12,428			13,782
	Total segment depreciation and amortization	17,078			16,336			34,225			33,032
	Corporate	115			103			228			200
	Total consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	17,193		$	16,439		$	34,453		$	33,232
	CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
	Segment:
	Home & Building Products	$	11,114		$	6,722		$	21,375		$	15,190
	Telephonics	1,339			5,520			2,308			8,887
	Plastics	7,486			4,390			15,165			10,150
	Total segment	19,939			16,632			38,848			34,227
	Corporate	853			297			865			618
	Total consolidated capital expenditures	$	20,792		$	16,929		$	39,713		$	34,845
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
	ASSETS	At March 31, 2015			At September 30, 2014
	Segment assets:
	Home & Building Products	$	1,091,443		$	1,030,005
	Telephonics	291,535			319,327
	Plastics	354,150			389,464
	Total segment assets	1,737,128			1,738,796
	Corporate	6,241			64,015
	Total continuing assets	1,743,369			1,802,811
	Assets of discontinued operations	3,884			3,750
	Consolidated total	$	1,747,253		$	1,806,561

DEFINED_BENEFIT_PENSION_EXPENS1

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION EXPENSE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	Defined benefit pension expense (income) was as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	—		$	45		$	—		$	90
	Interest cost	2,207			2,500			4,414			5,000
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,932		)	(2,885		)	(5,864		)	(5,770		)
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost	4			4			8			8
	Recognized actuarial loss	541			489			1,082			978
	Net periodic expense (income)	$	(180	)	$	153		$	(360	)	$	306

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	The following amounts related to the Installation Services segment, discontinued in 2008, and other businesses discontinued several years ago, which have been segregated from Griffon’s continuing operations, and are reported as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
		At March 31, 2015		At September 30, 2014
	Assets of discontinued operations:
	Prepaid and other current assets	$	1,638	$	1,624
	Other long-term assets	2,246		2,126
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	3,884	$	3,750
	Liabilities of discontinued operations:
	Accrued liabilities, current	$	2,528	$	3,282
	Other long-term liabilities	3,524		3,830
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	6,052	$	7,112

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_RELATE1

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule Of Restructuring And Other Related Charges	A summary of the restructuring and other related charges included in the line item “Restructuring and other related charges” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) were recognized as follows:
		Workforce			Facilities &		Other		Non-cash		Total
		Reduction			Exit Costs		Related		Facility and
							Costs		Other
	Amounts incurred in:
	Quarter ended December 31, 2013	$	638		$	95	$	109	$	—	$	842
	Quarter ended March 31, 2014	495			137		60		—		692
	Six Months Ended March 31, 2014	$	1,133		$	232	$	169	$	—	$	1,534
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The activity in the restructuring accrual recorded in accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		Workforce
		Reduction
	Accrued liability at September 30, 2014	$	5,228
	Payments	(4,064		)
	Accrued liability at March 31, 2015	$	1,164

WARRANTY_LIABILITY_Tables

WARRANTY LIABILITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	Changes in Griffon’s warranty liability, included in Accrued liabilities, were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Balance, beginning of period	$	4,908		$	6,929		$	4,934		$	6,649
	Warranties issued and changes in estimated pre-existing warranties	1,842			1,135			2,791			2,101
	Actual warranty costs incurred	(1,076		)	(953		)	(2,051		)	(1,639		)
	Balance, end of period	$	5,674		$	7,111		$	5,674		$	7,111

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS1

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015									Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(30,384	)	$	—		$	(30,384	)	$	1,224		$	—		$	1,224
	Pension and other defined benefit plans	545			(192		)	353			1,698			(599		)	1,099
	Loss on cash flow hedge	(91		)	11			(80		)	—			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities	$	145		$	(53	)	$	92		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(29,785	)	$	(234	)	$	(30,019	)	$	2,922		$	(599	)	$	2,323
		Six Months Ended March 31, 2015									Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(45,884	)	$	—		$	(45,884	)	$	(1,913	)	$	—		$	(1,913	)
	Pension and other defined benefit plans	1,090			(384		)	706			2,191			(776		)	1,415
	Loss on cash flow hedge	(204		)	50			(154		)	—			—			—
	Available-for-sale securities	(1,370		)	500			(870		)	—			—			—
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(46,368	)	$	166		$	(46,202	)	$	278		$	(776	)	$	(498	)
	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(49,704	)	$	(3,820	)
	Pension and other defined benefit plans	(26,660		)	(27,366		)
	Gain on cash flow hedge	98			252
	Available-for-sale securities	—			870
		$	(76,266	)	$	(30,064	)
	Total comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Net income (loss)	$	5,122		$	(25,825	)	$	12,593		$	(22,589	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(30,019		)	2,323			(46,202		)	(498		)
	Comprehensive loss	$	(24,897	)	$	(23,502	)	$	(33,609	)	$	(23,087	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income (loss) were as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,						For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	(Gain) Loss	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Pension amortization	$	545		$	493		$	1,090		$	986
	Cash flow hedges	(110		)	—			(197		)	—
	Available-for-sale securities	(489		)	—			(489		)	—
	Total	(54		)	493			404			986
	Tax	20			(168		)	(146		)	(345		)
	Total	$	(34	)	$	325		$	258		$	641

CONSOLIDATING_GUARANTOR_AND_NO1

CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidating Guarantor And Non Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	At March 31, 2015
		Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
	CURRENT ASSETS
	Cash and equivalents	$	3,174		$	10,803		$	28,625		$	—		$	42,602
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	—			257,607			62,622			(33,777		)	286,452
	Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	—			94,385			459			—			94,844
	Inventories, net	—			259,569			60,728			—			320,297
	Prepaid and other current assets	6,691			22,895			10,742			4,197			44,525
	Assets of discontinued operations	—			—			1,638			—			1,638
	Total Current Assets	9,865			645,259			164,814			(29,580		)	790,358
	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,230			272,429			87,541			—			361,200
	GOODWILL	—			284,875			73,820			—			358,695
	INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	—			154,636			66,175			—			220,811
	INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	590,476			993,640			197,273			(1,781,389		)	—
	EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	767,088			641,569			1,736,265			(3,144,922		)	—
	OTHER ASSETS	41,721			50,077			9,594			(87,449		)	13,943
	ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			2,246			—			2,246
	Total Assets	$	1,410,380		$	3,042,485		$	2,337,728		$	(5,043,340	)	$	1,747,253
	CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	2,202		$	1,147		$	5,813		$	—		$	9,162
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	17,305			199,512			66,422			(16,376		)	266,863
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			—			2,528			—			2,528
	Total Current Liabilities	19,507			200,659			74,763			(16,376		)	278,553
	LONG-TERM DEBT, net	810,754			6,792			40,769			—			858,315
	INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	55,663			1,000,772			709,578			(1,766,013		)	—
	OTHER LIABILITIES	59,824			158,927			26,622			(103,144		)	142,229
	LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			3,524			—			3,524
	Total Liabilities	945,748			1,367,150			855,256			(1,885,533		)	1,282,621
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	464,632			1,675,335			1,482,472			(3,157,807		)	464,632
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	1,410,380		$	3,042,485		$	2,337,728		$	(5,043,340	)	$	1,747,253
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	At September 30, 2014
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidation
		Company			Companies			Companies
	CURRENT ASSETS
	Cash and equivalents	$	6,813		$	31,522		$	54,070		$	—		$	92,405
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances	—			213,922			77,218			(32,704		)	258,436
	Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	—			109,804			126			—			109,930
	Inventories, net	—			219,326			70,537			272			290,135
	Prepaid and other current assets	4,366			26,319			17,101			14,783			62,569
	Assets of discontinued operations	—			—			1,624			—			1,624
	Total Current Assets	11,179			600,893			220,676			(17,649		)	815,099
	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,327			270,519			98,643			76			370,565
	GOODWILL	—			284,875			86,971			—			371,846
	INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	—			156,772			76,851			—			233,623
	INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	540,080			892,433			213,733			(1,646,246		)	—
	EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	780,600			662,403			1,782,406			(3,225,409		)	—
	OTHER ASSETS	27,880			53,896			6,739			(75,213		)	13,302
	ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			2,126			—			2,126
	Total Assets	$	1,361,066		$	2,921,791		$	2,488,145		$	(4,964,441	)	$	1,806,561
	CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	2,202		$	1,144		$	4,540		$	—		$	7,886
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25,703			227,419			87,684			(20,811		)	319,995
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			—			3,282			—			3,282
	Total Current Liabilities	27,905			228,563			95,506			(20,811		)	331,163
	LONG-TERM DEBT, net	738,360			7,806			45,135			—			791,301
	INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	21,573			815,094			762,192			(1,598,859		)	—
	OTHER LIABILITIES	41,201			151,674			26,949			(71,584		)	148,240
	LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			—			3,830			—			3,830
	Total Liabilities	829,039			1,203,137			933,612			(1,691,254		)	1,274,534
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	532,027			1,718,654			1,554,533			(3,273,187		)	532,027
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	1,361,066		$	2,921,791		$	2,488,145		$	(4,964,441	)	$	1,806,561
Condensed Income Statement	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	($ in thousands)	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
	Revenue	$	—		$	400,042		$	113,206		$	(13,228	)	$	500,020
	Cost of goods and services	—			306,625			91,320			(12,300		)	385,645
	Gross profit	—			93,417			21,886			(928		)	114,375
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,301			71,970			17,349			(1,054		)	93,566
	Total operating expenses	5,301			71,970			17,349			(1,054		)	93,566
	Income (loss) from operations	(5,301		)	21,447			4,537			126			20,809
	Other income (expense)
	Interest income (expense), net	(2,224		)	(7,698		)	(1,935		)	—			(11,857		)
	Other, net	521			1,615			(2,767		)	(126		)	(757		)
	Total other income (expense)	(1,703		)	(6,083		)	(4,702		)	(126		)	(12,614		)
	Income (loss) before taxes	(7,004		)	15,364			(165		)	—			8,195
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,984		)	3,062			1,995			—			3,073
	Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(5,020		)	12,302			(2,160		)	—			5,122
	Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	10,142			(735		)	12,302			(21,709		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	5,122		$	11,567		$	10,142		$	(21,709	)	$	5,122
	Net Income (loss)	$	5,122		$	11,567		$	10,142		$	(21,709	)	$	5,122
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(30,019		)	(12,075		)	(18,389		)	30,464			(30,019		)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(24,897	)	$	(508	)	$	(8,247	)	$	8,755		$	(24,897	)
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	($ in thousands)	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
	Revenue	$	—		$	396,505		$	127,782		$	(16,600	)	$	507,687
	Cost of goods and services	—			305,191			107,555			(15,046		)	397,700
	Gross profit	—			91,314			20,227			(1,554		)	109,987
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,161			68,234			15,833			(1,606		)	89,622
	Restructuring and other related charges	—			728			(36		)	—			692
	Total operating expenses	7,161			68,962			15,797			(1,606		)	90,314
	Income (loss) from operations	(7,161		)	22,352			4,430			52			19,673
	Other income (expense)
	Interest income (expense), net	(2,885		)	(7,329		)	(2,147		)	—			(12,361		)
	Loss from debt extinguishment, net	(38,890		)	—			—			—			(38,890		)
	Other, net	15			1,014			(194		)	(52		)	783
	Total other income (expense)	(41,760		)	(6,315		)	(2,341		)	(52		)	(50,468		)
	Income (loss) before taxes	(48,921		)	16,037			2,089			—			(30,795		)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(11,045		)	6,053			22			—			(4,970		)
	Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(37,876		)	9,984			2,067			—			(25,825		)
	Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	12,051			1,982			9,984			(24,017		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	(25,825	)	$	11,966		$	12,051		$	(24,017	)	$	(25,825	)
	Net Income (loss)	$	(25,825	)	$	11,966		$	12,051		$	(24,017	)	$	(25,825	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	2,323			80			2,073			(2,153		)	2,323
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(23,502	)	$	12,046		$	14,124		$	(26,170	)	$	(23,502	)
Condensed Cash Flow Statement	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
	CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income (loss)	$	12,593		$	22,921		$	21,510		$	(44,431	)	$	12,593
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(49,888		)	(451		)	7,288			—			(43,051		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(188		)	(30,584		)	(8,941		)	—			(39,713		)
	Intercompany distributions	10,000			(10,000		)	—			—			—
	Proceeds from sale of investments	8,891			—						—			8,891
	Proceeds from sale of assets	—			12			165			—			177
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	18,703			(40,572		)	(8,776		)	—			(30,645		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	285			—			—			—			285
	Purchase of shares for treasury	(37,577		)	—			—			—			(37,577		)
	Proceeds from long-term debt	97,000			—			2,556			—			99,556
	Payments of long-term debt	(28,101		)	(717		)	(607		)	—			(29,425		)
	Change in short-term borrowings	—			—			(572		)	—			(572		)
	Financing costs	(590		)	—			—			—			(590		)
	Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	345			—			—			—			345
	Dividend	(3,911		)	—			—			—			(3,911		)
	Other, net	95			21,021			(21,021		)	—			95
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	27,546			20,304			(19,644		)	—			28,206
	CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
	Net cash used in discontinued operations	—			—			(545		)	—			(545		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(3,768		)	—			(3,768		)
	NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(3,639		)	(20,719		)	(25,445		)	—			(49,803		)
	CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	6,813			31,522			54,070			—			92,405
	CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	3,174		$	10,803		$	28,625		$	—		$	42,602
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
	CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income (loss)	$	(22,589	)	$	20,417		$	20,576		$	(40,993	)	$	(22,589	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(30,836		)	(27,389		)	31,649			—			(26,576		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(618		)	(29,921		)	(4,306		)	—			(34,845		)
	Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(1,000		)	(21,781		)	—			(22,781		)
	Intercompany distributions	10,000			(10,000		)	—			—			—
	Proceeds from sale of assets	—			230			64			—			294
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	9,382			(40,691		)	(26,023		)	—			(57,332		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	584			—			—			—			584
	Purchase of shares for treasury	(63,370		)	—			—			—			(63,370		)
	Proceeds from long-term debt	629,568			10,939			4,007			—			644,514
	Payments of long-term debt	(582,108		)	(12,097		)	7,895			—			(586,310		)
	Change in short-term borrowings	—			—			4,908			—			4,908
	Financing costs	(10,142		)	—			(545		)	—			(10,687		)
	Purchase of ESOP shares	(10,000		)	—			—			—			(10,000		)
	Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	273			—			—			—			273
	Dividend	(8,290		)	5,000			—			—			(3,290		)
	Other, net	144			43,140			(43,140		)	—			144
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(43,341		)	46,982			(26,875		)	—			(23,234		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
	Net cash used in discontinued operations	—			—			(640		)	—			(640		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(415		)	—			(415		)
	NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(64,795		)	(21,098		)	(22,304		)	—			(108,197		)
	CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	68,994			46,357			62,779			—			178,130
	CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	4,199		$	25,259		$	40,475		$	—		$	69,933

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	company
	segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3
Number of companies	2

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from settlement of available-for-sale securities		($8,891,000)
Gain on settlement of available-for-sale securities	489,000
Gains recorded in Other Income for settled contracts	151	239
Minimum [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Foreign currency contracts duration		16 days
Maximum [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Foreign currency contracts duration		196 days
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Contracts Revenue		5,378,000
Contracts Weighted Average Rate Price		$1.29
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Before Tax	134,000	134,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	98,000	98,000
Gain (loss) recorded in Other Income for settled contracts	41,000	42,000
Canadian Dollar Forward Contracts [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative asset, notional amount	2,408,000	2,408,000
Canadian Dollar Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, average forward exchange rate	1.27	1.27
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Insurance contracts fair value	3,397,000	3,397,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Canadian Dollar Forward Contracts [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	163,000	256,000
Convertible Notes 2017 [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	4.00%	4.00%
Convertible Notes 2017 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Convertible debt, fair value disclosures	129,813,000	129,813,000
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%
Senior Notes 2022 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Convertible debt, fair value disclosures	594,000,000	594,000,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Trading securities	1,267,000	1,267,000
Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) [Line Items]
Trading securities	$1,000,000	$1,000,000

ACQUISITIONS_Details

ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	21-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	$0	$22,781
Guarantor Companies [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired		1,000
Cyclone [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, consideration transferred			40,000
Business combination, working capital adjustment			4,000
Business acquisition, transaction costs			2,363
Northcote Pottery [Member] | Guarantor Companies [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired				22,000
Business acquisition, transaction costs		$798		$798

ACQUISITIONS_Details_Summary_o

ACQUISITIONS (Details) - Summary of Fair Values of Assets Acquired (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	21-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
GOODWILL	$358,695	$371,846
Recent Acquirees [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
GOODWILL	22,576
Cyclone [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current Assets, net of cash acquired			21,116
PP&E			488
GOODWILL			11,322
Amortizable intangible assets			11,608
Indefinite life intangible assets			3,548
Total assets acquired			48,082
Total liabilities assumed			-8,557
Net assets acquired			39,525
Northcote [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current Assets, net of cash acquired				7,398
PP&E				1,385
GOODWILL				11,254
Amortizable intangible assets				6,098
Indefinite life intangible assets				3,121
Total assets acquired				29,256
Total liabilities assumed				-7,475
Net assets acquired				21,781
2014 Acquirees [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current Assets, net of cash acquired		28,514
PP&E		1,873
GOODWILL		22,576
Amortizable intangible assets		17,706
Indefinite life intangible assets		6,669
Total assets acquired		77,338
Total liabilities assumed		-16,032
Net assets acquired		$61,306

ACQUISITIONS_Details_Summary_o1

ACQUISITIONS (Details) - Summary of Goodwill and Intangible Asset Classifications (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	21-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	358,695	$371,846
Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization Period (Years)	25 years
Recent Acquirees [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	22,576
Total Goodwill and Intangibles	46,951
Recent Acquirees [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	17,706
Recent Acquirees [Member] | Tradenames [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite life intangible assets	6,669
Cyclone [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			11,322
Indefinite life intangible assets			3,548
Amortizable intangible assets			11,608
Total Goodwill and Intangibles			26,478
Cyclone [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets			11,608
Cyclone [Member] | Tradenames [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite life intangible assets			3,548
Northcote [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				11,254
Indefinite life intangible assets				3,121
Amortizable intangible assets				6,098
Total Goodwill and Intangibles				20,473
Northcote [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets				6,098
Northcote [Member] | Tradenames [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite life intangible assets				$3,121

INVENTORIES_Details_Summary_of

INVENTORIES (Details) - Summary of Inventories Stated at Lower Cost (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$79,885	$75,560
Work in process	78,573	67,866
Finished goods	161,839	146,709
Total	$320,297	$290,135

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - Summary of Property Plant and Equipment (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment Gross	$883,613	$890,983
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-522,413	-520,418
Total	361,200	370,565
Land, building and building improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment Gross	120,192	127,714
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment Gross	717,505	720,417
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant And Equipment Gross	$45,916	$42,852

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_D1

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$15,279	$14,491	$30,558	$29,396
Selling, general and administrative expense [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense	$3,262	$2,394	$6,432	$5,236

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - Summary of Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
30-Sep-14	$371,846
Other adjustments including currency translations	-13,151
31-Mar-15	358,695
Home & Building Products [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
30-Sep-14	288,396
Other adjustments including currency translations	-2,467
31-Mar-15	285,929
Telephonics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
30-Sep-14		18,545
31-Mar-15	18,545	18,545
Plastics [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
30-Sep-14	64,905
Other adjustments including currency translations	-10,684
31-Mar-15	$54,221

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - Summary of Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - Summary of Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$177,116	$186,782
Accumulated Amortization	39,879	38,593
Trademarks	83,574	85,434
Total intangible assets	260,690	272,216
Customer Relationships [Member]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - Summary of Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	171,047	180,282
Accumulated Amortization	36,594	35,280
Average Life (Years)	25 years
Unpatented Technology [Member]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) - Summary of Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,069	6,500
Accumulated Amortization	$3,285	$3,313
Average Life (Years)	13 years

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLES4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$1,914	$1,949	$3,895	$3,836

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, provision (benefit) percent	-37.50%	-16.10%	-37.70%	-13.20%
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in enacted tax rate, amount	$145	$320	$494	$609
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, nondeductible provision (benefit) percent	35.70%	18.10%	35.20%	14.40%

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_Summary_

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Long-Term Debt (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$888,164	$822,571
less: Current portion, Outstanding Balance	-9,162	-7,886
Long-term debt, Outstanding Balance	879,002	814,685
Original Issuer Discount	-7,632	-9,584
less: Current portion, Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Long-term debt, Original Issuer Discount	-7,632	-9,584
Balance Sheet	867,477	799,187
less: Current portion	-9,162	-7,886
Long-term debt	858,315	791,301
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-13,055	-13,800
Senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	600,000	600,000
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	591,091	590,447
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-8,909	-9,553
Coupon Interest Rate	5.25%	5.25%
Revolver due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	95,000	25,000
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	92,722	22,991
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-2,278	-2,009
Convert. debt due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	100,000	100,000
Original Issuer Discount	-7,632	-9,584
Balance Sheet	91,555	89,382
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-813	-1,034
Coupon Interest Rate	4.00%	4.00%
Real estate mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	15,958	16,388
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	15,454	15,812
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-504	-576
ESOP Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	37,845	38,946
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	37,588	38,684
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-257	-262
Capital lease - real estate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	8,044	8,551
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	7,875	8,370
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-169	-181
Coupon Interest Rate	5.00%	5.00%
Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	4,491	3,306
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	4,491	3,306
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	0	0
Non U.S. term loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	25,191	28,470
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	25,079	28,309
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	-112	-161
Other long term debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	1,635	1,910
Original Issuer Discount	0	0
Balance Sheet	1,622	1,886
Capitalized Fees & Expenses	($13)	($24)

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_Summary_1

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Effective Interest Rate			6.00%
Cash Interest	($10,381)	($10,807)	($20,501)	($22,335)
Amort. Debt Discount	-990	-909	-1,952	-1,792
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	641	673	1,313	1,396
Total Interest Expense	-12,012	-12,389	-23,766	-25,523
Senior notes due 2018 [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Effective Interest Rate		7.10%		7.10%
Cash Interest	0	-6,133	0	-15,930
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	0	261	0	667
Total Interest Expense	0	-6,394	0	-16,597
Senior notes due 2022 [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Effective Interest Rate	5.50%		5.50%
Cash Interest	-7,875	-2,800	-15,750	-2,800
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	322	111	644	111
Total Interest Expense	-8,197	-2,911	-16,394	-2,911
Revolver due 2019 [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Cash Interest	-659	-306	-997	-473
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	133	142	291	278
Total Interest Expense	-792	-448	-1,288	-751
Convert. debt due 2017 [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Effective Interest Rate	9.20%	9.30%	9.10%	9.10%
Cash Interest	-1,000	-1,000	-2,000	-2,000
Amort. Debt Discount	-990	-909	-1,952	-1,792
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	110	110	221	221
Total Interest Expense	-2,100	-2,019	-4,173	-4,013
Real estate mortgages [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Effective Interest Rate	3.80%	3.80%	3.90%	4.00%
Cash Interest	-116	-122	-240	-252
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	36	37	72	73
Total Interest Expense	-152	-159	-312	-325
ESOP Loans [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Effective Interest Rate	2.90%	3.40%	2.90%	3.20%
Cash Interest	-254	-180	-514	-332
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	18	5	35	7
Total Interest Expense	-272	-185	-549	-339
Capital lease - real estate [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Effective Interest Rate	5.30%	5.30%	5.30%	5.30%
Cash Interest	-102	-114	-208	-233
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	6	7	12	14
Total Interest Expense	-108	-121	-220	-247
Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Cash Interest	-109	-224	-250	-417
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	0	0	0	0
Total Interest Expense	-109	-224	-250	-417
Non U.S. term loans [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Cash Interest	-337	-101	-725	-153
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	14	0	30	4
Total Interest Expense	-351	-101	-755	-157
Other long term debt [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Cash Interest	-22	0	-53	-11
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	2	0	8	21
Total Interest Expense	-24	0	-61	-32
Capitalized interest [Member]
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - Summary of Interest Expense Incurred [Line Items]
Cash Interest	-93	-173	-236	-266
Amort. Debt Discount	0	0	0	0
Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees	0	0	0	0
Total Interest Expense	($93)	($173)	($236)	($266)

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2007

Oct. 21, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

31-May-14

Dec. 21, 2009

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 21, 2009

Mar. 13, 2015

Feb. 14, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 13, 2015

Feb. 14, 2014

Feb. 14, 2014

Mar. 13, 2015

Feb. 14, 2014

Mar. 13, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 27, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Nov. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

31-May-14

31-May-14

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2007

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

31-May-14

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 14, 2014

Feb. 27, 2014

Feb. 27, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Convert. debt due 2017 [Member]

Convert. debt due 2017 [Member]

Convert. debt due 2017 [Member]

Convert. debt due 2017 [Member]

LIBOR Rate [Member]

LIBOR Rate [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver Due 2020 [Member]

Convertible Notes 2017 [Member]

Senior notes due 2022 [Member]

Senior notes due 2022 [Member]

Senior notes due 2022 [Member]

Senior notes due 2022 [Member]

Senior notes due 2022 [Member]

Senior notes due 2022 [Member]

Senior notes due 2018 [Member]

Senior notes due 2018 [Member]

Senior notes due 2018 [Member]

Senior notes due 2018 [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Real estate mortgages [Member]

Real estate mortgages [Member]

Real estate mortgages [Member]

Real estate mortgages [Member]

Real estate mortgages [Member]

ESOP Loans [Member]

ESOP Loans [Member]

ESOP Loans [Member]

ESOP Loans [Member]

ESOP Loans [Member]

ESOP Loan July 2014 [Member]

ESOP Loan July 2014 [Member]

Term Loan December 2013 and May 2014 [Member]

Term Loan December 2013 and May 2014 [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan May 2014 [Member]

Term Loan May 2014 [Member]

Capital lease - real estate [Member]

Capital lease - real estate [Member]

Capital lease - real estate [Member]

Capital lease - real estate [Member]

Capital lease - real estate [Member]

Capital lease - real estate [Member]

Revolver Due 2013 [Member]

Non U.S. term loans [Member]

Non U.S. term loans [Member]

Non U.S. term loans [Member]

Non U.S. term loans [Member]

Non U.S. term loans [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Non U.S. lines of credit [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Revolver due 2019 [Member]

Senior notes due 2018 [Member]

Senior notes due 2018 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

loan

property

USD ($)

loan

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Letter Of Credit Subfacility [Member]

Letter Of Credit Subfacility [Member]

Multicurrency Subfacility [Member]

Margin Rate [Member]

Margin Rate [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

EUR (€)

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Brazilian CDI [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

Line of Credit One [Member]

Line of Credit One [Member]

Line of Credit Two [Member]

Line of Credit Two [Member]

Line of Credit Two [Member]

LIBOR Rate [Member]

Bankers Acceptance Rate [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes 2017 [Member]

Senior notes due 2022 [Member]

line_of_credit

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

AUD

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Northcote Holdings Pty. Ltd [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Face amount

$21,098,000

$21,098,000

$17,175,000

$100,000,000

$600,000,000

12,500,000

20,000,000

$550,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

4.00%

5.25%

7.13%

7.13%

7.13%

Payment of tender offer premium

31,530,000

31,530,000

Interest paid

10,381,000

10,807,000

20,501,000

22,335,000

7,875,000

2,800,000

15,750,000

2,800,000

0

6,133,000

0

15,930,000

16,716,000

116,000

122,000

240,000

252,000

254,000

180,000

514,000

332,000

102,000

114,000

208,000

233,000

337,000

101,000

725,000

153,000

109,000

224,000

250,000

417,000

659,000

306,000

997,000

473,000

Underwriting fees and other expense capitalized

10,313,000

Loss from debt extinguishment, net

0

-38,890,000

0

-38,890,000

-38,890,000

Write off of deferred debt issuance cost

6,574,000

Prepaid interest on defeased note on extinguishment of debt

786,000

Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity

50,000

60,000,000

50,000,000

250,000

3,000,000

5,000,000

5,000,000

225,000,000

Line of credit facility, interest rate during period

2.00%

2.25%

1.00%

1.25%

Maximum percentage of equity interest of subsidiaries borrowings guaranteed

65.00%

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

20,560,000

20,560,000

0

95,000,000

25,079,000

2,200,000

2,200,000

2,291,000

2,291,000

Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity

134,440,000

Debt instrument, convertible, conversion ratio

69.3811

Debt conversion, converted instrument, amount

1,000

Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price (in Dollars per share)

$14.41

Debt instrument, convertible, terms of conversion feature

1.00%

Debt instrument, convertible, if-converted value in excess of principal

15,720,000

Convertible debt, fair value disclosures

129,813,000

594,000,000

Number of properties refinanced

2

Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis

The revolving credit facility accrues interest at EURIBOR plus 2.20% per annum (2.28% at March 31, 2015).

The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate

1.30%

2.20%

2.25%

2.38%

2.38%

2.80%

2.25%

2.50%

Long-term debt, gross

888,164,000

888,164,000

822,571,000

600,000,000

600,000,000

600,000,000

15,958,000

15,958,000

16,388,000

37,845,000

37,845,000

38,946,000

8,044,000

8,044,000

8,551,000

25,191,000

25,191,000

28,470,000

4,491,000

4,491,000

3,306,000

95,000,000

95,000,000

25,000,000

Number of refinanced ESOP loan

2

Number of new term loan refinance from esop loans

1

Amount of line note available to purchase common stock in open market

10,000,000

10,000,000

Shares purchased for award value

20,000,000

Shares purchased for award value (usd per share)

$12.57

Debt instrument, periodic payment, principal

551,000

625,000

Debt instrument balloon payment

30,137,000

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Ownership Plan

1,591,117

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

99,556,000

644,514,000

14,290,000

Capital lease maturity year

2022

Long-term debt, percentage bearing fixed interest, percentage rate

5.00%

Proceeds from long-term lines of credit

20,000,000

10,000,000

12,110,000

15,000,000

Debt instrument, number of loans

2

2

Maintains maximum amount of line of credit

$4,000,000

$4,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate during period

6.00%

5.50%

5.50%

7.10%

7.10%

3.80%

3.80%

3.90%

4.00%

2.90%

3.40%

2.90%

3.20%

18.60%

5.30%

5.30%

5.30%

5.30%

Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end

1.54%

2.45%

Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage

4.00%

5.25%

5.25%

5.25%

5.20%

2.28%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

4.61%

4.86%

4.86%

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_EPS_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS) (Details) - Summary of Reconciliation of Share Amounts Used in Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	45,349	48,990	45,829	50,872
Incremental shares from stock based compensation	1,874	0	1,853	0
Convertible debt due 2017	446	0	0	0
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	47,669	48,990	47,682	50,872
Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive restricted stock excluded from diluted EPS computation	567	644	580	644

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	41 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 20, 2015	31-May-14	Dec. 10, 2013
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid (in Dollars per share)			$0.04		$0.03	$0.08	$0.06	$0.12
Number of additional shares authorized for awards (in Shares)	1,200,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, description						Options granted under the Incentive Plan may be either “incentive stock options” or nonqualified stock options, generally expire ten years after the date of grant and are granted at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant.
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, expiration period						10 years
Maximum percentage of exercise price at grand date fair value						100.00%
Stock-based compensation			$2,795,000		$3,321,000	$5,372,000	$4,996,000
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount												50,000,000	50,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Additional Authorized Amount											50,000
Stock repurchased during period, shares (in Shares)		4,444,444	1,581,200			2,606,241,000			9,601,103
Stock repurchased during period, value			24,212,000			36,498,000			108,695,000
Stock repurchased during period per share (in Dollars per share)		$11.25	$15.31			$14			$11.32
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount			52,362,000			52,362,000
Shares paid for tax withholding for share based compensation (in Shares)			76,025	14,626
Shares paid for tax withholding for share based compensation, value			1,080,000	195,000
Shares paid for tax withholding for share based compensation, value per share (in Dollars per share)			$14.21	$13.30
Stock repurchase during period stock closing price discount percent		9.20%
Stock repurchase program, number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in Shares)					5,560,000		5,560,000
Stock repurchase program number of shares authorized to be repurchased percent					10.00%		10.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Dividends declared, amount per share (in Dollars per share)										$0.04
Incentive Plan [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for award (in Shares)			4,200,000			4,200,000
New shares issued (in Shares)			600,000
Incentive Stock Options [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant (in Shares)			422,877			422,877
2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options additional grants in future (in Shares)			0			0
Restricted Stock [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Equity instruments other than options, grants in period (in Shares)			201,399	462,032
Award vesting period			3 years
Equity instruments other than options, vested in period, fair value			$2,805,000	$5,775,000
Equity instruments other than options, grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value (in Dollars per share)			$13.93	$12.50
Performance Shares [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Equity instruments other than options, grants in period (in Shares)			458,016
Subject to Performance Conditions [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) [Line Items]
Equity instruments other than options, grants in period (in Shares)			146,699

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Details_Summ

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) - Summary of Reconciliation of Segment Profit Before Taxes and Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Home & Building Products:
Revenue	$500,020,000	$507,687,000		$1,002,180,000	$961,145,000
Segment operating profit:
Segment operating profit	20,809,000	19,673,000		44,902,000	36,654,000
Net interest expense	-11,857,000	-12,361,000		-23,494,000	-25,462,000
Unallocated amounts	-7,580,000	-8,391,000		-15,844,000	-16,374,000
Income before taxes	8,195,000	-30,795,000		20,200,000	-26,009,000
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Segment adjusted EBITDA	44,710,000	45,875,000		93,763,000	90,081,000
Net interest expense	-11,857,000	-12,361,000		-23,494,000	-25,462,000
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	17,193,000	16,439,000		34,453,000	33,232,000
Unallocated amounts	-7,580,000	-8,391,000		-15,844,000	-16,374,000
Restructuring charges	0	-692,000	-842,000	0	-1,534,000
Acquisition costs	0	0		0	-798,000
Segment:
Capital expenditures	20,792,000	16,929,000		39,713,000	34,845,000
Ames True Temper Inc [Member]
Home & Building Products:
Revenue	159,092,000	160,705,000		292,202,000	257,313,000
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Restructuring charges						-7,941,000
Clopay Building Products [Member]
Home & Building Products:
Revenue	104,513,000	90,838,000		243,113,000	212,680,000
Home And Building Products [Member]
Home & Building Products:
Revenue	263,605,000	251,543,000		535,315,000	469,993,000
Segment operating profit:
Segment operating profit	8,651,000	8,818,000		25,020,000	18,211,000
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Segment adjusted EBITDA	17,330,000	17,124,000		41,800,000	36,191,000
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	8,679,000	7,614,000		16,780,000	15,648,000
Restructuring charges		-692,000			-1,534,000
Segment:
Capital expenditures	11,114,000	6,722,000		21,375,000	15,190,000
Telephonics [Member]
Home & Building Products:
Revenue	98,687,000	104,185,000		189,345,000	200,210,000
Segment operating profit:
Segment operating profit	9,114,000	10,677,000		16,631,000	21,329,000
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Segment adjusted EBITDA	11,616,000	12,535,000		21,648,000	24,931,000
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	2,502,000	1,858,000		5,017,000	3,602,000
Restructuring charges							-4,244
Segment:
Capital expenditures	1,339,000	5,520,000		2,308,000	8,887,000
Plastics [Member]
Home & Building Products:
Revenue	137,728,000	151,959,000		277,520,000	290,942,000
Segment operating profit:
Segment operating profit	9,867,000	9,352,000		17,887,000	15,177,000
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Segment adjusted EBITDA	15,764,000	16,216,000		30,315,000	28,959,000
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	5,897,000	6,864,000		12,428,000	13,782,000
Segment:
Capital expenditures	7,486,000	4,390,000		15,165,000	10,150,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment operating profit:
Segment operating profit	27,632,000	28,847,000		59,538,000	54,717,000
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	17,078,000	16,336,000		34,225,000	33,032,000
Segment:
Capital expenditures	19,939,000	16,632,000		38,848,000	34,227,000
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Consolidated depreciation and amortization	115,000	103,000		228,000	200,000
Segment:
Capital expenditures	$853,000	$297,000		$865,000	$618,000

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Details_Summ1

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) - Summary of Segment Assets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$1,743,369	$1,802,811
Assets of discontinued operations	3,884	3,750
Total Assets	1,747,253	1,806,561
Home And Building Products [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	1,091,443	1,030,005
Telephonics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	291,535	319,327
Plastics [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	354,150	389,464
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	1,737,128	1,738,796
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment assets:
Continuing Assets	$6,241	$64,015

DEFINED_BENEFIT_PENSION_EXPENS2

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION EXPENSE (Details) - Summary of Defined Benefit Pension Expense (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$0	$45	$0	$90
Interest cost	2,207	2,500	4,414	5,000
Expected return on plan assets	-2,932	-2,885	-5,864	-5,770
Amortization:
Prior service cost	4	4	8	8
Recognized actuarial loss	541	489	1,082	978
Net periodic expense (income)	($180)	$153	($360)	$306

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) - Summary of Discontinued Operations (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets of discontinued operations:
Prepaid and other current assets	$1,638	$1,624
Other long-term assets	2,246	2,126
Total assets of discontinued operations	3,884	3,750
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
Accrued liabilities, current	2,528	3,282
Other long-term liabilities	3,524	3,830
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$6,052	$7,112

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail1

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Installation Services revenue	$0	$0

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_RELATE2

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
						position
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$0	($692,000)	($842,000)	$0	($1,534,000)
Telephonics [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges						-4,244
Number of positions eliminated						80
Home And Building Products [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		-692,000			-1,534,000
Ames True Temper Inc [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges							-7,941,000
Ames True Temper Inc [Member] | Capital Expenditures [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, cost incurred to date							19,964,000
Ames True Temper Inc [Member] | Cash Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges							-4,016,000
Ames True Temper Inc [Member] | Asset Impairment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges							-3,925,000
Ames True Temper Inc [Member] | One-time Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges							-2,622,000
Ames True Temper Inc [Member] | Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges							($1,394,000)

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_RELATE3

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES (Details) - Summary of Accrued Liability for the Restructuring and Related Charges (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Amounts incurred in:
Amount incurred in	$0	$692,000	$842,000	$0	$1,534,000
Workforce Reduction [Member]
Amounts incurred in:
Amount incurred in		495,000	638,000		1,133,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued liability				5,228,000
Payments				-4,064,000
Accrued liability	1,164,000			1,164,000
Facilities & Exit Costs [Member]
Amounts incurred in:
Amount incurred in		137,000	95,000		232,000
Other [Member]
Amounts incurred in:
Amount incurred in		60,000	109,000		169,000
Non-cash Facility and Other [Member]
Amounts incurred in:
Amount incurred in	$0		$0		$0

OTHER_EXPENSE_Details

OTHER EXPENSE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), before tax	($985)	$436	($1,525)	$679
Investment income, net	$517	$15	$563	$127

WARRANTY_LIABILITY_Details

WARRANTY LIABILITY (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Telephonics [Member] | Minimum [Member]
WARRANTY LIABILITY (Details) [Line Items]
Product Warranty Period	1 year
Telephonics [Member] | Maximum [Member]
WARRANTY LIABILITY (Details) [Line Items]
Product Warranty Period	2 years
Ames True Temper Inc [Member]
WARRANTY LIABILITY (Details) [Line Items]
Product Warranty Period	90 days

WARRANTY_LIABILITY_Details_Sum

WARRANTY LIABILITY (Details) - Summary of Changes in Warrant Liability Included in Accrued Liabilities (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$4,908	$6,929	$4,934	$6,649
Warranties issued and changes in estimated pre-existing warranties	1,842	1,135	2,791	2,101
Actual warranty costs incurred	-1,076	-953	-2,051	-1,639
Balance, end of period	$5,674	$7,111	$5,674	$7,111

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) - Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pre-tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	($30,384)	$1,224	($45,884)	($1,913)
Pension and other defined benefit plans	545	1,698	1,090	2,191
Loss on cash flow hedge	-91	0	-204	0
Available-for-sale securities	145	0	-1,370	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-29,785	2,922	-46,368	278
Tax
Pension and other defined benefit plans	-192	-599	-384	-776
Loss on cash flow hedge	11	0	50	0
Available-for-sale securities	-53	0	500	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-234	-599	166	-776
Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-30,384	1,224	-45,884	-1,913
Pension and other defined benefit plans	353	1,099	706	1,415
Loss on cash flow hedge	-80	0	-154	0
Available-for-sale securities	92	0	-870	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	($30,019)	$2,323	($46,202)	($498)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)-AOCI (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($76,266)	($30,064)
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-49,704	-3,820
Pension and other defined benefit plans [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-26,660	-27,366
Gain on cash flow hedge [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	98	252
Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$0	$870

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS4

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)- Total comprehensive income (loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Net income	$5,122	($25,825)	$12,593	($22,589)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-30,019	2,323	-46,202	-498
Comprehensive loss	($24,897)	($23,502)	($33,609)	($23,087)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS5

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) - Summary of Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Pension amortization	$545	$493	$1,090	$986
Cash flow hedges	-110	0	-197	0
Available-for-sale securities	-489	0	-489	0
Total	-54	493	404	986
Tax	-20	168	146	345
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($34)	$325	$258	$641

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2011	Apr. 30, 2009
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Net capital cost value			$5,000,000
Obligation under consent order		0
Net capital cost value in proposed remedial action plan		10,000,000
Loss contingency claim asserted	$0

CONSOLIDATING_GUARANTOR_AND_NO2

CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidating Guarantor And Non Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent	100.00%
Maximum percentage of segment adjusted EBITDA to business EBITDA	50.00%

CONSOLIDATING_GUARANTOR_AND_NO3

CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - Summary of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$42,602	$92,405	$69,933	$178,130	$178,130
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	286,452	258,436
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	94,844	109,930
Inventories, net	320,297	290,135
Prepaid and other current assets	44,525	62,569
Assets of discontinued operations	1,638	1,624
Total Current Assets	790,358	815,099
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	361,200	370,565
GOODWILL	358,695	371,846
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	220,811	233,623
INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	0	0
EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
OTHER ASSETS	13,943	13,302
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2,246	2,126
Total Assets	1,747,253	1,806,561
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	9,162	7,886
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	266,863	319,995
Liabilities of discontinued operations	2,528	3,282
Total Current Liabilities	278,553	331,163
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discounts	858,315	791,301
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	0	0
OTHER LIABILITIES	142,229	148,240
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3,524	3,830
Total Liabilities	1,282,621	1,274,534
Total Shareholders’ Equity	464,632	532,027
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	1,747,253	1,806,561
Parent Company [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	3,174	6,813	4,199		68,994
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	0	0
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Prepaid and other current assets	6,691	4,366
Assets of discontinued operations	0	0
Total Current Assets	9,865	11,179
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,230	1,327
GOODWILL	0	0
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	0	0
INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	590,476	540,080
EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	767,088	780,600
OTHER ASSETS	41,721	27,880
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	0
Total Assets	1,410,380	1,361,066
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	2,202	2,202
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	17,305	25,703
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	19,507	27,905
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discounts	810,754	738,360
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	55,663	21,573
OTHER LIABILITIES	59,824	41,201
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	0
Total Liabilities	945,748	829,039
Total Shareholders’ Equity	464,632	532,027
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	1,410,380	1,361,066
Guarantor Companies [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	10,803	31,522	25,259		46,357
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	257,607	213,922
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	94,385	109,804
Inventories, net	259,569	219,326
Prepaid and other current assets	22,895	26,319
Assets of discontinued operations	0	0
Total Current Assets	645,259	600,893
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	272,429	270,519
GOODWILL	284,875	284,875
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	154,636	156,772
INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	993,640	892,433
EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	641,569	662,403
OTHER ASSETS	50,077	53,896
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	0
Total Assets	3,042,485	2,921,791
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	1,147	1,144
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	199,512	227,419
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	200,659	228,563
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discounts	6,792	7,806
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	1,000,772	815,094
OTHER LIABILITIES	158,927	151,674
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	0
Total Liabilities	1,367,150	1,203,137
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,675,335	1,718,654
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,042,485	2,921,791
Non-Guarantor Companies [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	28,625	54,070	40,475		62,779
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	62,622	77,218
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	459	126
Inventories, net	60,728	70,537
Prepaid and other current assets	10,742	17,101
Assets of discontinued operations	1,638	1,624
Total Current Assets	164,814	220,676
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	87,541	98,643
GOODWILL	73,820	86,971
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	66,175	76,851
INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	197,273	213,733
EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	1,736,265	1,782,406
OTHER ASSETS	9,594	6,739
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2,246	2,126
Total Assets	2,337,728	2,488,145
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	5,813	4,540
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	66,422	87,684
Liabilities of discontinued operations	2,528	3,282
Total Current Liabilities	74,763	95,506
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discounts	40,769	45,135
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	709,578	762,192
OTHER LIABILITIES	26,622	26,949
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3,524	3,830
Total Liabilities	855,256	933,612
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,482,472	1,554,533
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	2,337,728	2,488,145
Elimination [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	0	0	0		0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	-33,777	-32,704
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	0	0
Inventories, net	0	272
Prepaid and other current assets	4,197	14,783
Assets of discontinued operations	0	0
Total Current Assets	-29,580	-17,649
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	0	76
GOODWILL	0	0
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	0	0
INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	-1,781,389	-1,646,246
EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	-3,144,922	-3,225,409
OTHER ASSETS	-87,449	-75,213
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	0
Total Assets	-5,043,340	-4,964,441
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-16,376	-20,811
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	-16,376	-20,811
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discounts	0	0
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	-1,766,013	-1,598,859
OTHER LIABILITIES	-103,144	-71,584
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	0
Total Liabilities	-1,885,533	-1,691,254
Total Shareholders’ Equity	-3,157,807	-3,273,187
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	($5,043,340)	($4,964,441)

CONSOLIDATING_GUARANTOR_AND_NO4

CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - Summary of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	$500,020,000	$507,687,000		$1,002,180,000	$961,145,000
Cost of goods and services	385,645,000	397,700,000		769,816,000	745,655,000
Gross profit	114,375,000	109,987,000		232,364,000	215,490,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	93,566,000	89,622,000		187,462,000	177,302,000
Restructuring and other related charges	0	692,000	842,000	0	1,534,000
Total operating expenses	93,566,000	90,314,000		187,462,000	178,836,000
Income from operations	20,809,000	19,673,000		44,902,000	36,654,000
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	-11,857,000	-12,361,000		-23,494,000	-25,462,000
Loss from debt extinguishment, net	0	-38,890,000		0	-38,890,000
Other, net	-757,000	783,000		-1,208,000	1,689,000
Total other expense, net	-12,614,000	-50,468,000		-24,702,000	-62,663,000
Income (loss) before taxes	8,195,000	-30,795,000		20,200,000	-26,009,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,073,000	-4,970,000		7,607,000	-3,420,000
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	5,122,000	-25,825,000		12,593,000	-22,589,000
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	0	0		0	0
Net income (loss)	5,122,000	-25,825,000		12,593,000	-22,589,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-30,384,000	1,224,000		-45,884,000	-1,913,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-30,019,000	2,323,000		-46,202,000	-498,000
Comprehensive income (loss), net	-24,897,000	-23,502,000		-33,609,000	-23,087,000
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0		0	0
Cost of goods and services	0	0		0	0
Gross profit	0	0		0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,301,000	7,161,000		10,821,000	13,491,000
Restructuring and other related charges		0			0
Total operating expenses	5,301,000	7,161,000		10,821,000	13,491,000
Income from operations	-5,301,000	-7,161,000		-10,821,000	-13,491,000
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	-2,224,000	-2,885,000		-4,128,000	-6,490,000
Loss from debt extinguishment, net		-38,890,000			-38,890,000
Other, net	521,000	15,000		567,000	127,000
Total other expense, net	-1,703,000	-41,760,000		-3,561,000	-45,253,000
Income (loss) before taxes	-7,004,000	-48,921,000		-14,382,000	-58,744,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-1,984,000	-11,045,000		-5,465,000	-15,579,000
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	-5,020,000	-37,876,000		-8,917,000	-43,165,000
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	10,142,000	12,051,000		21,510,000	20,576,000
Net income (loss)	5,122,000	-25,825,000		12,593,000	-22,589,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-30,019,000	2,323,000		-46,202,000	-498,000
Comprehensive income (loss), net	-24,897,000	-23,502,000		-33,609,000	-23,087,000
Guarantor Companies [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	400,042,000	396,505,000		778,156,000	741,149,000
Cost of goods and services	306,625,000	305,191,000		595,995,000	565,174,000
Gross profit	93,417,000	91,314,000		182,161,000	175,975,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	71,970,000	68,234,000		141,527,000	136,615,000
Restructuring and other related charges		728,000			1,492,000
Total operating expenses	71,970,000	68,962,000		141,527,000	138,107,000
Income from operations	21,447,000	22,352,000		40,634,000	37,868,000
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	-7,698,000	-7,329,000		-15,125,000	-14,579,000
Loss from debt extinguishment, net		0			0
Other, net	1,615,000	1,014,000		2,910,000	3,072,000
Total other expense, net	-6,083,000	-6,315,000		-12,215,000	-11,507,000
Income (loss) before taxes	15,364,000	16,037,000		28,419,000	26,361,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,062,000	6,053,000		10,799,000	11,692,000
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	12,302,000	9,984,000		17,620,000	14,669,000
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	-735,000	1,982,000		5,301,000	5,748,000
Net income (loss)	11,567,000	11,966,000		22,921,000	20,417,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-12,075,000	80,000		-16,655,000	1,869,000
Comprehensive income (loss), net	-508,000	12,046,000		6,266,000	22,286,000
Non-Guarantor Companies [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	113,206,000	127,782,000		252,087,000	249,534,000
Cost of goods and services	91,320,000	107,555,000		199,594,000	206,949,000
Gross profit	21,886,000	20,227,000		52,493,000	42,585,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17,349,000	15,833,000		37,448,000	30,408,000
Restructuring and other related charges		-36,000			42,000
Total operating expenses	17,349,000	15,797,000		37,448,000	30,450,000
Income from operations	4,537,000	4,430,000		15,045,000	12,135,000
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	-1,935,000	-2,147,000		-4,241,000	-4,393,000
Loss from debt extinguishment, net		0			0
Other, net	-2,767,000	-194,000		-4,641,000	-1,368,000
Total other expense, net	-4,702,000	-2,341,000		-8,882,000	-5,761,000
Income (loss) before taxes	-165,000	2,089,000		6,163,000	6,374,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,995,000	22,000		2,273,000	467,000
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	-2,160,000	2,067,000		3,890,000	5,907,000
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	12,302,000	9,984,000		17,620,000	14,669,000
Net income (loss)	10,142,000	12,051,000		21,510,000	20,576,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-18,389,000	2,073,000		-29,220,000	-2,707,000
Comprehensive income (loss), net	-8,247,000	14,124,000		-7,710,000	17,869,000
Elimination [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	-13,228,000	-16,600,000		-28,063,000	-29,538,000
Cost of goods and services	-12,300,000	-15,046,000		-25,773,000	-26,468,000
Gross profit	-928,000	-1,554,000		-2,290,000	-3,070,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-1,054,000	-1,606,000		-2,334,000	-3,212,000
Restructuring and other related charges		0			0
Total operating expenses	-1,054,000	-1,606,000		-2,334,000	-3,212,000
Income from operations	126,000	52,000		44,000	142,000
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	0	0		0	0
Loss from debt extinguishment, net		0			0
Other, net	-126,000	-52,000		-44,000	-142,000
Total other expense, net	-126,000	-52,000		-44,000	-142,000
Income (loss) before taxes	0	0		0	0
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	0	0		0	0
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	0	0		0	0
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	-21,709,000	-24,017,000		-44,431,000	-40,993,000
Net income (loss)	-21,709,000	-24,017,000		-44,431,000	-40,993,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	30,464,000	-2,153,000		45,875,000	838,000
Comprehensive income (loss), net	$8,755,000	($26,170,000)		$1,444,000	($40,155,000)

CONSOLIDATING_GUARANTOR_AND_NO5

CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - Summary of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$12,593	($22,589)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-43,051	-26,576
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-39,713	-34,845
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	0	-22,781
Intercompany distributions	0	0
Proceeds from sale of investments	-8,891	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	177	294
Net cash used in investing activities	-30,645	-57,332
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	285	584
Purchase of shares for treasury	-37,577	-63,370
Proceeds from long-term debt	99,556	644,514
Payments of long-term debt	-29,425	-586,310
Change in short-term borrowings	-572	4,908
Financing costs	-590	-10,687
Purchase of ESOP shares	0	-10,000
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	345	273
Dividend	-3,911	-3,290
Other, net	95	144
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	28,206	-23,234
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-545	-640
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	-3,768	-415
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	-49,803	-108,197
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	92,405	178,130
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	42,602	69,933
Parent Company [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	12,593	-22,589
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-49,888	-30,836
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-188	-618
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Intercompany distributions	10,000	10,000
Proceeds from sale of investments	-8,891
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	18,703	9,382
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	285	584
Purchase of shares for treasury	-37,577	-63,370
Proceeds from long-term debt	97,000	629,568
Payments of long-term debt	-28,101	-582,108
Change in short-term borrowings	0	0
Financing costs	-590	-10,142
Purchase of ESOP shares		-10,000
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	345	273
Dividend	-3,911	-8,290
Other, net	95	144
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	27,546	-43,341
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	0	0
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	-3,639	-64,795
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	6,813
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	3,174	4,199
Guarantor Companies [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	22,921	20,417
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-451	-27,389
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-30,584	-29,921
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired		-1,000
Intercompany distributions	-10,000	-10,000
Proceeds from sale of investments	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	12	230
Net cash used in investing activities	-40,572	-40,691
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0
Purchase of shares for treasury	0	0
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	10,939
Payments of long-term debt	-717	-12,097
Change in short-term borrowings	0	0
Financing costs	0	0
Purchase of ESOP shares		0
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	0	0
Dividend	0	5,000
Other, net	21,021	43,140
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,304	46,982
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	0	0
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	-20,719	-21,098
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	31,522
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	10,803	25,259
Non-Guarantor Companies [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	21,510	20,576
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	7,288	31,649
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-8,941	-4,306
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired		-21,781
Intercompany distributions	0	0
Proceeds from sale of investments
Proceeds from sale of assets	165	64
Net cash used in investing activities	-8,776	-26,023
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0
Purchase of shares for treasury	0	0
Proceeds from long-term debt	2,556	4,007
Payments of long-term debt	-607	7,895
Change in short-term borrowings	-572	4,908
Financing costs	0	-545
Purchase of ESOP shares		0
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	0	0
Dividend	0	0
Other, net	-21,021	-43,140
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-19,644	-26,875
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-545	-640
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	-3,768	-415
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	-25,445	-22,304
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	54,070
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	28,625	40,475
Elimination [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of investments	0
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0
Elimination [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	-44,431	-40,993
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	0	0
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Intercompany distributions	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		0
Purchase of shares for treasury	0	0
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments of long-term debt	0	0
Change in short-term borrowings	0	0
Financing costs	0	0
Purchase of ESOP shares		0
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	0	0
Dividend	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	0	0
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	0	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	0
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$0	$0