Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net Earnings	$ 38,032	$ 33,371	$ 26,831
Non-cash items included in net earnings:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	3,354	3,490	3,380
Amortization of intangible assets	2,269	2,165	2,321
Amortization of deferred illumigene instrument costs	1,529	942	172
Stock-based compensation	2,502	1,987	2,504
Deferred income taxes	(1,823)	(1,448)	(1,218)
Loss on disposition and write-down of fixed assets and other assets	30	359	446
Change in current assets	(3,486)	1,234	(10,762)
Change in current liabilities	2,669	3,216	(570)
Other, net	(640)	(2,870)	(648)
Net cash provided by operating activities	44,436	42,446	22,456
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(3,234)	(3,530)	(9,139)
Proceeds from sale of assets		400
Purchases of intangibles and other assets	(43)	(1,305)	(12)
Net cash used for investing activities	(3,277)	(4,435)	(9,151)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Dividends paid	(31,354)	(31,226)	(30,943)
Proceeds and tax benefits from exercises of stock options	2,752	552	3,423
Net cash used for financing activities	(28,602)	(30,674)	(27,520)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents	132	630	(38)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents	12,689	7,967	(14,253)
Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Period	31,593	23,626	37,879
Cash and Equivalents at End of Period	44,282	31,593	23,626
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 20,093	$ 16,010	$ 17,991