Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010		Sep. 30, 2009
Trade receivables, Allowances for doubtful accounts and cash discounts
Beginning Balance	$ 46,318		$ 48,509		$ 35,614
Additions charged to costs and expenses	38,657		38,431		66,346
Deductions and other	(41,692)		(40,622)		(53,451)
Ending Balance	43,283		46,318		48,509
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Trade receivables, Allowances for doubtful accounts and cash discounts
Beginning Balance	40,399		40,285		26,709
Additions charged to costs and expenses	12,510		6,487		18,321
Deductions and other	(17,360)	[1]	(6,373)	[1]	(4,745)	[1]
Ending Balance	35,549		40,399		40,285
Allowance for Cash Discount [Member]
Trade receivables, Allowances for doubtful accounts and cash discounts
Beginning Balance	5,919		8,224		8,905
Additions charged to costs and expenses	26,147		31,944		48,025
Deductions and other	(24,332)		(34,249)		(48,706)
Ending Balance	$ 7,734		$ 5,919		$ 8,224

[1] Accounts written off.