Supplemental Financial Information - Trade Receivables, Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Cash Discounts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 43,283		$ 46,318		$ 48,509
Additions charged to costs and expenses	45,285		38,657		38,431
Deductions and other	(43,609)		(41,692)		(40,622)
Ending Balance	44,959		43,283		46,318
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	35,549		40,399		40,285
Additions charged to costs and expenses	6,277		12,510		6,487
Deductions and other	(6,166)	[1]	(17,360)	[1]	(6,373)	[1]
Ending Balance	35,660		35,549		40,399
Allowance for Cash Discount [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	7,734		5,919		8,224
Additions charged to costs and expenses	39,008		26,147		31,944
Deductions and other	(37,443)		(24,332)		(34,249)
Ending Balance	$ 9,299		$ 7,734		$ 5,919

[1] Accounts written off.