Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net Sales	$ 1,313,587	$ 1,279,891
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)	583,406	575,543
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses	494,713	473,475
Depreciation	72,635	67,030
Amortization	7,752	7,229
Total costs and expenses	1,158,506	1,123,277
Operating Income	155,081	156,614
Interest expense, net	(16,139)	(20,794)
Other income, net	1,869	113
Earnings before income taxes	140,811	135,933
Income taxes	(51,959)	(51,247)
Net Earnings	$ 88,852	$ 84,686
Net Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.20	$ 1.16
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.18	$ 1.14
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	74,272	73,231
Diluted	75,483	74,536
Dividends Declared per Common Share	$ 0.55	$ 0.48

The aggregate total costs related to selling and distributing a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. Distribution expenses are expenses associated with the distribution of the firm's products and services, including labor and overhead associated with warehousing and delivery. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc.

No definition available.