Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 93,477	$ 95,470
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	56,220	53,870
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets	(78)	(84)
Stock-based compensation	7,355	6,680
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(4,755)	(3,778)
Deferred income taxes	(36)	91
Loss on derivatives reclassified from accumulated comprehensive earnings into earnings	128	131
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	24,584	(8,003)
Inventories	(20,164)	(46,918)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(16,320)	(19,284)
Current income taxes	(2,543)	(4,168)
Retirement benefit obligations	(3,290)	(766)
Other	(1,561)	(9,588)
Net cash provided by operating activities	133,017	63,653
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment	(78,515)	(44,224)
Proceeds from sale of assets	354	231
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(198,860)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(277,021)	(43,993)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	(16,421)	(15,855)
Proceeds from sales of treasury stock	7,439	5,754
Payments for repurchases of common stock	(45,754)	(31,881)
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	4,755	3,778
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	97,072	185,129
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	(62,329)	(180,189)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	200,000	0
Payments of long-term debt	(41,875)	(16,440)
Payments of debt financing costs	0	(2,185)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	142,887	(51,889)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	260	(2,407)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(857)	(34,636)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	61,829	74,539
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 60,972	$ 39,903