Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information (Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 26,140	$ 28,317	$ 20,479
Income taxes paid	50,360	41,533	21,875
Income tax refunds received	9,496	10,867	2,825
Long-term debt assumed in business acquisition	0	0	18,610
Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account	6,333	2,270	3,880
Sales of assets on account	0	0	760
Equity investment funded by transfer of property, plant and equipment	0	0	165
Cashless exercise of stock options	1,982	4,190	0
Settlement of receivable through purchase of treasury shares in connection with the cashless exercise of stock options	881	0	0
Reduction of accounts receivable and short-term borrowing due to the settlement of accounts receivable previously sold with recourse	3,228	0	0
Reduction of accounts payable due to the assignment of accounts receivable with recourse	570	0	0
Reduction to goodwill due to favorable resolution of lease termination recorded in restructuring reserve	103	0	0
Payment of director fees through issuance of treasury stock	$ 52	$ 0	$ 0