Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 28,416	$ 22,399
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	18,427	18,897
Net loss on sales of assets	8	12
Stock-based compensation	3,647	2,304
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(1,691)	(2,230)
Deferred income taxes	917	3,133
Loss on derivatives reclassified from accumulated comprehensive earnings into earnings	45	59
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	43,739	24,256
Inventories	(29,436)	(31,514)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(57,839)	(34,739)
Current income taxes	2,209	7,176
Retirement benefit obligations	(1,166)	(2,080)
Other	(4,948)	(496)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,328	7,177
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment	(17,254)	(10,213)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	60	2
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,194)	(10,211)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	(4,823)	(4,136)
Proceeds from sales of treasury stock	2,211	1,095
Payments for repurchases of common stock	(4,663)	(6,837)
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	1,691	2,230
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	74,821	26,693
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	(64,858)	(46,275)
Payments of long-term debt	(12,589)	(12,589)
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,210)	(39,819)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,083)	(1,418)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(24,159)	(44,271)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	74,539	105,579
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 50,380	$ 61,308