Airgas Transaction	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Airgas Transaction [Abstract]
Airgas Transaction	6. AIRGAS TRANSACTION In February 2010, we commenced a tender offer to acquire all the outstanding common stock of Airgas, Inc. (Airgas), including the associated preferred stock purchase rights. Based on a decision by the Delaware Chancery Court to uphold the decision of Airgas' Board of Directors to retain the preferred stock purchase rights, we withdrew our offer on 15 February 2011. Prior to the tender offer, we purchased approximately 1.5 million shares of Airgas stock for a total cost of $69.6. On 16 February 2011, we sold the 1.5 million shares of Airgas stock for total proceeds of $94.7 and recognized a gain of $25.1 ($15.9 after-tax, or $.07 per share). For the year ended 30 September 2011, a net loss of $48.5 ($31.6 after-tax, or $.14 per share) was recognized related to this transaction. This amount is reflected separately on the consolidated income statement as “Net loss on Airgas transaction” and includes amortization of fees related to a term loan credit facility, the gain on the sale of Airgas stock, and other acquisition-related costs. For the year ended 30 September 2010, $96.0 ($60.1 after-tax, or $.28 per share) in expense was recognized in relation to this transaction. For the years ended 30 September 2011 and 2010, cash payments for the acquisition-related costs were $156.2 and $12.0, respectively. These payments are classified as operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Airgas Transaction

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

6. AIRGAS TRANSACTION

In February 2010, we commenced a tender offer to acquire all the outstanding common stock of Airgas, Inc. (Airgas), including the associated preferred stock purchase rights. Based on a decision by the Delaware Chancery Court to uphold the decision of Airgas' Board of Directors to retain the preferred stock purchase rights, we withdrew our offer on 15 February 2011.

Prior to the tender offer, we purchased approximately 1.5 million shares of Airgas stock for a total cost of $69.6. On 16 February 2011, we sold the 1.5 million shares of Airgas stock for total proceeds of $94.7 and recognized a gain of $25.1 ($15.9 after-tax, or $.07 per share).

For the year ended 30 September 2011, a net loss of $48.5 ($31.6 after-tax, or $.14 per share) was recognized related to this transaction. This amount is reflected separately on the consolidated income statement as “Net loss on Airgas transaction” and includes amortization of fees related to a term loan credit facility, the gain on the sale of Airgas stock, and other acquisition-related costs. For the year ended 30 September 2010, $96.0 ($60.1 after-tax, or $.28 per share) in expense was recognized in relation to this transaction. For the years ended 30 September 2011 and 2010, cash payments for the acquisition-related costs were $156.2 and $12.0, respectively. These payments are classified as operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.