Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 69,814	$ 67,168
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	37,892	36,234
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets	(230)	(72)
Stock-based compensation	5,379	5,291
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(4,397)	(3,680)
Deferred income taxes	(3,412)	(1,691)
Loss on derivatives reclassified from accumulated comprehensive earnings into earnings	86	88
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	25,709	(11,252)
Inventories	(24,626)	(35,221)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(16,709)	(32,696)
Current income taxes	5,814	(2,202)
Retirement benefit obligations	(2,789)	(1,164)
Other	456	(8,577)
Net cash provided by operating activities	92,987	12,226
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment	(47,184)	(30,523)
Proceeds from sale of assets	320	215
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(198,860)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(245,724)	(30,308)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	(10,966)	(10,343)
Proceeds from sales of treasury stock	6,533	5,118
Payments for repurchases of common stock	(17,144)	(14,312)
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	4,397	3,680
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	40,072	141,375
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	(35,329)	(108,935)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	200,000	0
Payments of long-term debt	(41,875)	(14,515)
Payment of debt financing costs	0	(2,185)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	145,688	(117)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(122)	(11)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(7,171)	(18,210)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	61,829	74,539
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 54,658	$ 56,329