Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 68,181	$ 69,814
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	38,835	37,892
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	136	(230)
Stock-based compensation	6,330	5,379
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(2,163)	(4,397)
Deferred income taxes	(2,306)	(3,412)
Loss on derivatives reclassified from accumulated comprehensive earnings into earnings	49	86
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	59,408	25,709
Inventories	(27,698)	(24,626)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(23,884)	(16,709)
Current income taxes	15,158	5,814
Retirement benefit obligations	(2,486)	(2,789)
Other	(4,916)	456
Net cash provided by operating activities	124,644	92,987
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment	(68,560)	(47,184)
Proceeds from sale of assets	154	320
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(198,860)
Net cash used in investing activities	(68,406)	(245,724)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	(10,754)	(10,966)
Proceeds from sales of treasury stock	6,147	6,533
Payments for repurchases of common stock	(99,655)	(17,144)
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	2,163	4,397
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	256,071	40,072
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	(151,069)	(35,329)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	250,000	200,000
Payments of long-term debt	(300,000)	(41,875)
Payments of debt financing costs	(1,297)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(48,394)	145,688
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	265	(122)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	8,109	(7,171)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	48,556	61,829
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 56,665	$ 54,658