Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Net sales	$ 749,222	$ 782,316	$ 752,986	$ 715,209	$ 726,077	$ 740,897	$ 684,261	$ 713,192	$ 2,999,733	$ 2,864,427
Gross profit	348,553	368,430	348,687	325,627	336,548	354,119	316,386	215,487
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	64,787	78,659	52,086	39,251	51,565	80,986	(2,777)	(86,086)	234,783	43,688
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(9,029)	(13,925)	(768)	674	(1,950)	(668)	(1,590)	1,428	(23,048)	(2,780)
Net income	43,956	41,239	34,193	27,083	37,889	75,628	(20,161)	(63,436)
Merger expenses						614	4,991	38,874		44,479	45,903
Increase in cost of sales relating to an increase in acquired inventory								$ 122,104		$ 122,104