Acquisitions and Divestitures Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)	Distribution Business Segment			All Other Operations Business Segment			Total
Current assets, net	$	14,018		$	534		$	14,552
Plant and equipment	24,284			1,169			25,453
Goodwill	34,305			2,509			36,814
Other intangible assets	35,188			2,000			37,188
Current liabilities	(12,165		)	(2,551		)	(14,716		)
Non-current liabilities	(3,939		)	(722		)	(4,661		)
Total cash consideration	$	91,691		$	2,939		$	94,630

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

The following table provides unaudited pro forma results of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, as if fiscal 2013 acquisitions had occurred on April 1, 2011. The pro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained from the sellers of the businesses, as well as information obtained during the due diligence process associated with the acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisitions, such as increased depreciation and amortization expense resulting from the stepped-up basis to fair value of assets acquired and adjustments to reflect the Company’s borrowing and tax rates. The pro forma operating results do not include any anticipated synergies related to combining the businesses. Accordingly, such pro forma operating results were prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made as of April 1, 2011 or of results that may occur in the future.

	Nine Months Ended
	December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011
Net sales	$	3,752,201	$	3,556,780
Net earnings	257,229		225,097
Diluted earnings per share	$	3.26	$	2.87