Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information (Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Supplemental Statements of Cash Flows Information
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 25,011	$ 25,596
Income taxes paid	41,903	33,549
Income tax refunds received	2,841	9,269
Purchases of property, plant and equipment on account	1,275	1,881
Cashless exercise of stock options	0	1,124
Common shares issued from treasury stock for benefit plans (Note 17)	9,335	0
Reduction of accounts receivable and short-term borrowing due to the settlement of accounts receivable previously sold with recourse	0	3,228
Reduction of accounts payable due to the assignment of accounts receivable with recourse	0	570
Reduction to goodwill due to favorable resolution of lease termination recorded in restructuring reserve	0	103
Payment of director fees through issuance of treasury stock	$ 0	$ 38