10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2011

Commission file number: 1-9344

AIRGAS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	56-0732648
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100 Radnor, PA	19087-5283
(Address of principal executive offices)	(ZIP code)

(610) 687-5253

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Shares of common stock outstanding at November 2, 2011: 75,914,668 shares

AIRGAS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

September 30, 2011

INDEX

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and Six Months Ended September  30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)	3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2011 (Unaudited) and March 31, 2011	4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)	5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	43
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	44
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	46
Item 1A. Risk Factors	46
Item 6. Exhibits	47
SIGNATURE	48

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Six Months Ended September 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net Sales	$	1,187,083		$	1,061,663		$	2,351,383		$	2,114,319
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)		552,581			476,172			1,083,361			951,274
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		423,437			396,614			846,883			787,163
Restructuring and other special charges (Notes 17 and 18)		2,500			—			15,830			—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt (Note 19)		—			4,687			(6,700	)		8,474
Depreciation		60,382			56,214			120,649			110,479
Amortization		6,255			6,211			12,404			12,413
Total costs and expenses		1,045,155			939,898			2,072,427			1,869,803
Operating Income		141,928			121,765			278,956			244,516
Interest expense, net		(17,424	)		(14,025	)		(34,074	)		(27,344	)
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		—			(1,221	)		—			(4,162	)
Other income (expense), net		(581	)		852			149			242
Earnings before income taxes		123,923			107,371			245,031			213,252
Income taxes		(46,224	)		(40,806	)		(92,487	)		(81,888	)
Net Earnings	$	77,699		$	66,565		$	152,544		$	131,364
Net Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic earnings per share	$	1.03		$	0.80		$	1.98		$	1.57
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.01		$	0.78		$	1.94		$	1.54
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic		75,630			83,704			76,980			83,580
Diluted		77,262			85,566			78,672			85,408

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	(Unaudited) September 30, 2011			March 31, 2011
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash	$	36,701		$	57,218
Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $28,816 and $23,655 at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively		601,029			550,262
Inventories, net		373,056			362,502
Deferred income tax asset, net		52,000			50,132
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		102,433			100,531
Total current assets		1,165,219			1,120,645
Plant and equipment at cost		4,120,598			3,949,974
Less accumulated depreciation		(1,586,642	)		(1,494,216	)
Plant and equipment, net		2,533,956			2,455,758
Goodwill		1,137,675			1,117,336
Other intangible assets, net		204,618			197,168
Other non-current assets		52,320			44,974
Total assets	$	5,093,788		$	4,935,881
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable, trade	$	154,166		$	163,091
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		330,362			391,544
Current portion of long-term debt		10,391			9,868
Total current liabilities		494,919			564,503
Long-term debt, excluding current portion		2,202,688			1,842,994
Deferred income tax liability, net		745,397			722,954
Other non-current liabilities		76,755			70,548
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, 20,030 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011		—			—
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 200,000 shares authorized, 86,726 and 86,591 shares issued at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively		867			866
Capital in excess of par value		624,316			607,593
Retained earnings		1,604,798			1,498,728
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2,132			7,580
Treasury stock, 11,066 and 6,995 shares at cost at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively		(658,084	)		(379,885	)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,574,029			1,734,882
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	5,093,788		$	4,935,881

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)	Six Months Ended September 30,  2011			Six Months Ended September 30,  2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$	152,544		$	131,364
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation		120,649			110,479
Amortization		12,404			12,413
Impairment		2,500			—
Deferred income taxes		21,675			19,650
(Gain) loss on sales of plant and equipment		(532	)		1,149
Stock-based compensation expense		17,070			15,269
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		—			4,162
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of business acquisitions:
Securitization of trade receivables		—			(295,000	)
Trade receivables, net		(43,248	)		(38,251	)
Inventories, net		(6,815	)		(3,370	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(4	)		5,787
Accounts payable, trade		(9,692	)		(4,406	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(66,009	)		28,099
Other non-current assets		2,067			1,492
Other non-current liabilities		(1,357	)		(5,394	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		201,252			(16,557	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures		(166,812	)		(117,337	)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment		8,387			6,448
Business acquisitions and holdback settlements		(93,943	)		(6,936	)
Other, net		(443	)		(523	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(252,811	)		(118,348	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings		1,063,083			750,544
Repayment of debt		(704,220	)		(595,319	)
Financing costs		(4,203	)		(8,009	)
Premium paid on redemption of senior subordinated notes		—			(3,175	)
Purchase of treasury stock		(300,000	)		—
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		10,862			13,057
Stock issued for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan		7,381			7,374
Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options		4,722			4,286
Dividends paid to stockholders		(46,474	)		(39,315	)
Change in cash overdraft		(109	)		11,813
Net cash provided by financing activities		31,042			141,256
Change in cash	$	(20,517	)	$	6,351
Cash – Beginning of period		57,218			47,001
Cash – End of period	$	36,701		$	53,352

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Airgas, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Airgas” or the “Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required for annual financial statements. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the complete disclosures contained in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates. The consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, reasonable estimates and all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

(2) ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE CHANGES

(a) Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

On April 1, 2011, the Company adopted prospectively Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2009-13”), which addresses the allocation of revenue in arrangements containing multiple deliverables. Specifically, ASU 2009-13 modifies existing GAAP by providing new guidance concerning (1) the determination of whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting, and (2) the manner in which arrangement consideration should be allocated to such deliverables. The guidance requires the use of an entity’s best estimate of the selling price of a deliverable if vendor specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the selling price cannot be determined. Additionally, ASU 2009-13 eliminates the use of the residual method of allocating consideration when vendor specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the selling price is known for some, but not all, of the delivered items in a multiple element arrangement. Finally, ASU 2009-13 requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures in the financial statements.

The Company currently has contracts in place that contain multiple deliverables, principally product supply agreements for gases and container rental. These arrangements provide for the purchase of gas product and the rental of storage vessels under a single agreement. The Company treats the deliverables in these arrangements as separate units of accounting with selling prices derived from Company specific or third-party evidence, both of which are determined from the highly competitive markets within the specific localities of the Company’s packaged gas distribution business. Revenue for gas product in these arrangements is recognized when the product is shipped, while revenue for container rental in these arrangements is recognized over the period in which the customer is utilizing the container.

The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have an effect on the Company’s accounting for its multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, nor is it expected to materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the periods after the initial adoption.

On April 1, 2011, the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-28, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2010-28”), which provides additional guidance on when Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test must be performed. The guidance clarifies that for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts, Step 2 must be performed if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists based on the evaluation of certain qualitative factors. The Company’s consolidated financial statements were not impacted by the adoption of ASU 2010-28. Future goodwill impairment tests will follow the requirements of the new guidance.

On April 1, 2011, the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2010-29”), which provides clarification on disclosure requirements and amends current guidance to require entities to disclose pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. Qualitative disclosures describing the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combinations included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings are also required. Pro forma disclosures for acquisitions occurring on or after April 1, 2011 follow the new guidance – see Note 3 for disclosures related to the Company’s business combinations.

6

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(b) Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”), which amends existing GAAP with respect to fair value measurements. The majority of the key provisions of ASU 2011-04 represent clarifications to existing fair value measurement guidance, including changes in the valuation premise and the application of premiums and discounts. However, new disclosures are required under ASU 2011-04, including more robust disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements, a broader scope related to the disclosure of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and new disclosures around the fair value hierarchy related to assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value but not measured as such on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption prohibited. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a significant impact on its fair value measurements. Upon adoption, the Company will modify its fair value measurement disclosures as applicable in light of the new requirements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), which increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. Under ASU 2011-05, entities will be required to present all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, thereby eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. Currently, components of the Company’s other comprehensive income consist of foreign currency translation adjustments and the net gain or loss on derivative instruments. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted and full retrospective application required. The Company is currently evaluating the two alternative presentations of other comprehensive income; however, adoption of the new guidance will not impact the Company’s consolidated financial results.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”), which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. Under ASU 2011-08, entities are first permitted to perform a qualitative assessment about the likelihood of the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeding its fair value. If an entity determines that the carrying value of a reporting unit likely exceeds its fair value based on the qualitative assessment, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify the potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of the goodwill impairment loss, if any, to be recognized for that reporting unit. However, if an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is likely greater than its carrying amount based on the qualitative assessment, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The new guidance is effective for goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company has early adopted ASU 2011-08 effective October 1, 2011, and will perform future annual and interim goodwill impairment tests under the new guidance.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-09, Compensation - Retirement Benefits -Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan (“ASU 2011-09”). ASU 2011-09 requires more robust disclosures surrounding entities’ participation in multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”). The Company has historically participated in several MEPPs providing defined benefits to union employees under the terms of collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”), but successfully negotiated the withdrawal from the MEPP provided for in its last CBA that provided for a MEPP in November 2011. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company will adopt ASU 2011-09 for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its MEPP disclosures.

(3) ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions have been recorded using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, results of their operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the effective date of each respective acquisition.

During the six months ended September 30, 2011, the Company purchased five businesses. The largest of these businesses were ABCO Gases, Welding and Industrial Supply Company, Inc. (“ABCO”) and Pain Enterprises, Inc. (“Pain”). ABCO was a New England-based industrial gas and welding supply distributor with 12 locations throughout Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island with historical annual sales of approximately $35 million. Pain, a producer and distributor of dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide with 20 locations throughout the Midwestern United States, generated historical annual sales of approximately $33 million. For the six months ended September 30, 2011, a total of $93.9 million in cash was paid for the five businesses, the settlement of holdback liabilities and the settlement of a contingent consideration arrangement associated with a prior year acquisition. Transaction and other integration costs incurred in the six months ended September 30, 2011 were approximately $1.3 million. The businesses acquired during the six months ended September 30, 2011 had aggregate historical annual sales of approximately $70 million. These acquisitions contributed approximately $27 million in net sales for the six months ended September 30, 2011. The Company acquired these businesses in order to expand its geographic coverage and strengthen its national network of branch-store locations, and to expand its dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide production and distribution.

7

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Purchase Price Allocation

The Company negotiated the respective purchase prices of the businesses based on the expected cash flows to be derived from their operations after integration into the Company’s existing distribution network and production locations. The acquisition purchase price is allocated based on the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which are based on third-party appraisals and management estimates. Fiscal 2012 purchase price allocations are substantially complete, except for certain tangible and intangible assets related to the ABCO acquisition. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to fiscal 2012 acquisitions, as well as adjustments to finalize the valuations of certain prior year acquisitions. Valuation adjustments related to prior year acquisitions were not significant and appraisals for prior year acquisitions are complete. The final determination of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may result in further adjustments to the values presented below.

	Distribution Business Segment			All Other Operations Business Segment			Total
(In thousands)
Current assets, net	$	9,025		$	4,979		$	14,004
Plant and equipment		29,153			18,036			47,189
Goodwill		15,009			9,995			25,004
Other intangible assets		14,641			5,130			19,771
Current liabilities		(5,280	)		(2,276	)		(7,556	)
Non-current liabilities		(1,183	)		(3,286	)		(4,469	)
Total cash consideration	$	61,365		$	32,578		$	93,943

The fair value of trade receivables acquired in the fiscal 2012 acquisitions was $7.6 million, with gross contractual amounts receivable of $8.2 million. Goodwill associated with fiscal 2012 acquisitions was $25.1 million and is deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill largely consists of expected synergies resulting from the acquisitions, including the expansion of geographical coverage that will facilitate the sale of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related supplies. Intangible assets related to fiscal 2012 acquisitions represent customer relationships and non-competition agreements and amounted to $16.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. See Note 5 for further information on goodwill and intangible assets.

In connection with acquisitions completed prior to the April 1, 2009 adoption of the revised guidance on business combinations, the Company is a party to contingent consideration agreements that provide for additional purchase price to be paid to the sellers if the future earnings of the acquired businesses exceed predetermined amounts. Amounts payable under these contingent payment agreements continue through fiscal 2019 and are limited to $7.8 million. Such amounts, if paid, will be capitalized as additional costs of the acquisitions.

Pro Forma Operating Results

The following table provides unaudited pro forma results of operations for the six-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, as if fiscal 2012 acquisitions had occurred on April 1, 2010. The pro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained from the sellers of the businesses, as well as information obtained during the due diligence process associated with the acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisitions, such as increased depreciation and amortization expense resulting from the stepped-up basis to fair value of assets acquired and adjustments to reflect the Company’s borrowing and tax rates. The pro forma operating results do not include any anticipated synergies related to combining the businesses. Accordingly, such pro forma operating results were prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made as of April 1, 2010 or of results that may occur in the future.

	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2011		2010
Net sales	$	2,359,853	$	2,142,878
Net earnings		152,640		131,069
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.94	$	1.53

8

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(4) INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net, consist of:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011		March 31, 2011
Hardgoods	$	276,159	$	246,607
Gases		96,897		115,895
	$	373,056	$	362,502

Hardgoods inventories determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) inventory method totaled $34 million at September 30, 2011 and $32 million at March 31, 2011. The balance of the hardgoods inventories is valued using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) and average-cost inventory methods. If the hardgoods inventories valued under the LIFO method had been valued using the FIFO method, the carrying value of hardgoods inventory would have been $11.6 million higher at September 30, 2011 and $11.1 million higher at March 31, 2011. Substantially all of the inventories are finished goods.

(5) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from certain recent acquisitions are based on preliminary estimates of fair value and are subject to revision as the Company finalizes appraisals and other analyses. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:

(In thousands)	Distribution Business Segment			All Other Operations Business Segment			Total
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	930,718		$	186,618		$	1,117,336
Acquisitions (a)		15,009			9,995			25,004
Other adjustments, including foreign currency translation		(4,562	)		(103	)		(4,665	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	941,165		$	196,510		$	1,137,675

^(a) Includes current acquisitions and adjustments made to prior year acquisitions.

Other intangible assets amounted to approximately $205 million and $197 million, net of accumulated amortization of $85 million and $75 million at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively. These intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships, which are amortized over the estimated benefit periods which range from 7 to 17 years, and non-competition agreements, which are amortized over the term of the agreements. The determination of the estimated benefit period associated with customer relationships is based on an analysis of historical customer sales attrition information and other customer-related factors at the date of acquisition. There are no expected residual values related to these intangible assets. The Company evaluates the estimated benefit periods and recoverability of its intangible assets when facts and circumstances indicate that the lives may not be appropriate and/or the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying value is not recoverable, impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated based on either appraised value or other valuation techniques. Estimated future amortization expense by fiscal year is as follows: remainder of fiscal 2012 - $12.1 million; 2013 - $23.4 million; 2014 - $21.1 million; 2015 - $19.6 million; 2016 - $18.1 million; and $110.3 million thereafter.

9

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(6) ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities include:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011		March 31, 2011
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	$	83,483	$	121,691
Business insurance reserves (a)		48,973		45,438
Taxes other than income taxes		22,415		21,218
Cash overdraft		64,492		64,601
Deferred rental revenue		27,087		26,401
Accrued costs related to unsolicited takeover attempt (Note 19)		1,158		43,452
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		82,754		68,743
	$	330,362	$	391,544

^(a)  With respect to the business insurance reserves above, the Company had corresponding insurance receivables of $12.2 million at both September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, which are included within the “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” line item on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The insurance receivables represent the balance of probable claim losses in excess of the Company’s self-insured retention for which the Company is fully insured.

(7) INDEBTEDNESS

Long-term debt consists of:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011			March 31, 2011
Revolving credit borrowings - U.S.	$	439,700		$	331,000
Revolving credit borrowings - Multi-currency		42,053			43,103
Revolving credit borrowings - France		5,154			4,106
Trade receivables securitization		295,000			295,000
Senior notes, net		1,207,369			954,343
Senior subordinated notes		215,446			215,446
Other long-term debt		8,357			9,864
Total long-term debt		2,213,079			1,852,862
Less current portion of long-term debt		(10,391	)		(9,868	)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	2,202,688		$	1,842,994

Senior Credit Facility

On July 19, 2011, the Company entered into a $750 million Amended and Restated Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) to amend and restate the prior credit facility dated September 13, 2010. The Credit Facility consists of a $650 million U.S. dollar revolving credit line and a $100 million (U.S. dollar equivalent) multi-currency revolving credit line. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is July 19, 2016. Under circumstances described in the Credit Facility, the revolving credit line may be increased by an additional $325 million, provided that the multi-currency revolving credit line may not be increased by more than an additional $50 million.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $482 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility, including $440 million under the U.S. dollar revolver and $42 million under the multi-currency revolver. The Company also had outstanding letters of credit of $41 million issued under the Credit Facility. The U.S. dollar revolver borrowings bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 125 basis points. The multi-currency revolver bears interest based on a rate of 125 basis points over the Euro currency rate applicable to each foreign currency borrowing. As of September 30, 2011, the average effective interest rates on the U.S. dollar revolver and the multi-currency revolver were 1.38% and 2.13%, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

At September 30, 2011, the financial covenant of the Credit Facility did not restrict the Company’s ability to borrow on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to make payments, a cross-default to certain other debt, breaches of covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, certain monetary judgments and bankruptcy and ERISA events. In the event of default, repayment of borrowings under the Credit Facility may be accelerated. As of September 30, 2011, $227 million remained unused under the Company’s Credit Facility.

At September 30, 2011, the Company also maintained a committed revolving line of credit of up to €5.0 million (U.S. $6.7 million) to fund its operations in France. These revolving credit borrowings are outside of the Company’s Credit Facility. At September 30, 2011, French revolving credit borrowings were €3.8 million (U.S. $5.2 million). As of September 30, 2011, the variable interest rates on the French revolving credit borrowings were based on the Euro currency rate plus 212.5 basis points and the effective interest rate was 3.43%.

On October 11, 2011, the Company amended this committed revolving line of credit to increase the amount available to €8.0 million (U.S. $10.7 million), reduce the spread on borrowings to 125 basis points and extend the maturity to December 31, 2012.

Commercial Paper

In October 2011, the Company commenced a $750 million commercial paper program supported by its Credit Facility. This program allows the Company to obtain favorable short-term borrowing rates with maturities that may vary, but will generally not exceed 90 days from the date of issue. The Company will use proceeds from the commercial paper program to pay down amounts outstanding under its Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

Money Market Loans

The Company has an agreement with a financial institution that provides access to short-term advances not to exceed $35 million. The agreement expires on December 1, 2011, but may be extended subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. The advances are generally overnight or for up to seven days. The amount, term and interest rate of an advance are established through mutual agreement with the financial institution when the Company requests such an advance. At September 30, 2011, there were no advances outstanding under the agreement.

The Company also has an agreement with another financial institution to provide access to additional short-term advances not to exceed $35 million. The agreement expires on January 2, 2012, but may be extended subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. The advances may be for one to six months with rates at a fixed spread over the corresponding LIBOR. At September 30, 2011, there were no advances outstanding under the agreement.

Senior Notes

On June 3, 2011, the Company issued $250 million of 2.95% senior notes maturing on June 15, 2016 (the “2016 Notes”). The 2016 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 2.98%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2016 Notes were used to fund acquisitions and repurchase shares under the Company’s stock repurchase program. Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2011.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $300 million outstanding of 2.85% senior notes maturing on October 1, 2013 (the “2013 Notes”). The 2013 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 2.871%. Interest on the 2013 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $400 million outstanding of 4.5% senior notes maturing on September 15, 2014 (the “2014 Notes”). The 2014 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 4.527%. Interest on the 2014 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $250 million outstanding of 3.25% senior notes maturing on October 1, 2015 (the “2015 Notes”). The 2015 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 3.283%. Interest on the 2015 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

The 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Notes (collectively, the “Senior Notes”) contain covenants that could restrict the incurrence of liens and limit sale and leaseback transactions. Additionally, the Company has the option to redeem the Senior Notes prior to their maturity, in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal plus any accrued but unpaid interest and applicable make-whole payments.

Senior Subordinated Notes

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $215 million outstanding of 7.125% senior subordinated notes maturing on October 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). Interest on the 2018 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The 2018 Notes have a redemption provision, which permits the Company, at its option, to call the 2018 Notes at scheduled dates and prices. The first scheduled optional redemption date is October 1, 2013 at a price of 103.563% of the principal amount.

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Other Long-term Debt

The Company’s other long-term debt primarily consists of vendor financing of rental welders, capitalized lease obligations and notes issued to sellers of businesses acquired, which are repayable in periodic installments. At September 30, 2011, other long-term debt totaled $8.4 million with an average interest rate of approximately 6% and an average maturity of approximately one year.

Trade Receivables Securitization

The Company participates in a securitization agreement with three commercial banks to which it sells qualifying trade receivables on a revolving basis (the “Securitization Agreement”). The Company’s sale of qualified trade receivables is accounted for as a secured borrowing under which qualified trade receivables collateralize amounts borrowed from the commercial banks. Trade receivables that collateralize the Securitization Agreement are held in a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity, which is consolidated for financial reporting purposes and represents the Company’s only variable interest entity. Qualified trade receivables in the amount of the outstanding borrowing under the Securitization Agreement are not available to the general creditors of the Company. The maximum amount of the Securitization Agreement is $295 million and it bears interest at approximately LIBOR plus 80 basis points. At September 30, 2011, the amount of outstanding borrowing under the Securitization Agreement was $295 million, and it was classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amounts borrowed under the Securitization Agreement could fluctuate monthly based on the Company’s funding requirements and the level of qualified trade receivables available to collateralize the Securitization Agreement. The Securitization Agreement expires in March 2013 and contains customary events of termination, including standard cross-default provisions with respect to outstanding debt.

Debt Extinguishment Charges

During the six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company repurchased $30 million of its 2018 Notes at an average price of 110.6% of the principal. Losses on the early extinguishment of debt from the repurchase of the 2018 Notes were $3.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010 and related to the redemption premiums and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Also during the six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company entered into a new credit facility. In connection with the entry by the Company into the credit facility, on September 13, 2010, the Company’s then existing senior credit facility was terminated and all obligations under the prior credit facility (including the term loans) were repaid in full using proceeds of the credit facility and other funds. As a result of the termination of the prior credit facility, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.6 million during the six months ended September 30, 2010 related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Aggregate Long-term Debt Maturities

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at September 30, 2011 are as follows:

(In thousands)	Debt Maturities  (a)
September 30, 2012	$	10,391
March 31, 2013		296,266
March 31, 2014		301,097
March 31, 2015		400,472
March 31, 2016		250,178
Thereafter		947,305
	$	2,205,709

^(a) Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Agreement at September 30, 2011 are reflected as maturing at the agreement’s expiration in March 2013.

The Senior Notes are reflected in the debt maturity schedule at their maturity values rather than their carrying values, which are net of discounts of $122 thousand for the 2013 Notes, $288 thousand for the 2014 Notes, $302 thousand for the 2015 Notes and $327 thousand for the 2016 Notes at September 30, 2011. The 2013 Notes also include additional carrying value of $8.4 million at September 30, 2011 related to the Company’s fair value hedges — see Note 8 for additional disclosure.

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company manages its exposure to changes in market interest rates. The Company’s involvement with derivative instruments is limited to highly effective interest rate swap agreements used to manage well-defined interest rate risk exposures and

12

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

treasury rate lock agreements used to fix the interest rate related to forecasted debt issuances. The Company monitors its positions and credit ratings of its counterparties and does not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties. Interest rate swap and treasury rate lock agreements are not entered into for trading purposes. The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At September 30, 2011, the Company was party to a total of five interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company previously designated fixed interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges of interest payments on certain of the Company’s variable-rate debt instruments. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative instruments representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

For the six months ended September 30, 2010, the fair value of the liability for the fixed interest rate swap agreements decreased and the Company recorded a corresponding adjustment to AOCI of $3.5 million, or $2.3 million after tax. The amount of gain or loss recorded in current earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness related to the designated cash flow hedges was immaterial for the six months ended September 30, 2010.

At September 30, 2011, the Company was not party to any fixed interest rate swap agreements.

In anticipation of the issuance of the 2015 Notes, the Company entered into a treasury rate lock agreement in July 2010 with a notional amount of $100 million that matured in September 2010. The treasury rate lock agreement was designated as a cash flow hedge of the semi-annual interest payments associated with the forecasted issuance of the 2015 Notes. When the treasury rate lock agreement matured, the Company realized a loss of $2.6 million ($1.6 million after tax) which was reported as a component within AOCI and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the 2015 Notes. For the six months ended September 30, 2011, $259 thousand of the loss on the treasury rate lock was reclassified to interest expense. At September 30, 2011, the estimated loss recorded in AOCI on the treasury rate lock agreement that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $326 thousand, net of tax.

Fair Value Hedges

The Company also has variable interest rate swap agreements, which are designated as fair value hedges. For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had five variable interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional amount of $300 million. These variable interest rates swaps effectively convert the Company’s $300 million of fixed rate 2013 Notes to variable rate debt. At September 30, 2011, these swap agreements required the Company to make variable interest payments based on a weighted average forward rate of 1.44% and receive fixed interest payments from the counterparties based on a fixed rate of 2.85%. The maturity of these fair value swaps coincides with the maturity date of the Company’s 2013 Notes in October 2013. During the six months ended September 30, 2011, the fair value of the variable interest rate swaps increased by $3.2 million to an asset of $8.3 million and was recorded in other non-current assets. The corresponding increase in the carrying value of the 2013 Notes caused by the hedged risk was $3.2 million and was recorded in long-term debt. The Company records the gain or loss on the hedged item (i.e., the 2013 Notes) and the gain or loss on the variable interest rate swaps in interest expense. The net gain or loss recorded in earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness related to the designated fair value hedges was immaterial for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

Tabular Disclosure

The following tables reflect the fair values of derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as the effect of derivative instruments on the Company’s earnings and stockholders’ equity.

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

	September 30, 2011			March 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Interest rate swaps:
Variable interest rate swaps	Other non-current assets	$	8,288	Other non-current assets	$	5,086

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Earnings and Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands)	Amount of Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Six Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2011			2010
Interest rate contracts	$	259		$	947
Tax effect		(96	)		(280	)
Net effect	$	163		$	667

(In thousands)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Pre-tax Income Six Months Ended September 30,
Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Pre-tax Income for Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
	2011		2010
Interest expense, net	$	259	$	3,556

(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Pre-tax Income	Amount of Gain  (Loss) Recognized in Pre-tax Income Six Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships		2011			2010
Change in fair value of variable interest rate swaps	Interest expense, net	$	3,202		$	10,264
Change in carrying value of 2013 Notes	Interest expense, net		(3,237	)		(10,248	)
Net effect	Interest expense, net	$	(35	)	$	16

(9) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity of the valuation inputs are defined as follows:

• Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

• Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable, directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data at the measurement date.

• Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of the assumptions (including assumptions about risk) that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The carrying value of cash, trade receivables, other current receivables, trade payables and other current liabilities (e.g., deposit liabilities, cash overdrafts, etc.) approximates fair value.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011 are categorized in the tables below based on the lowest level of significant input to the valuation.

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)	Balance at September 30, 2011		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets - variable interest rate swap agreements		8,288		—		8,288		—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	17,827	$	9,539	$	8,288	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—

(In thousands)	Balance at     March 31, 2011		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets - variable interest rate swap agreements		5,086		—		5,086		—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	14,246	$	9,160	$	5,086	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—

The following is a general description of the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

Deferred compensation plan assets and corresponding liabilities — The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets consist of open-ended mutual funds (Level 1) and are included within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s deferred compensation plan liabilities are equal to the plan’s assets and are included within other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains or losses on the deferred compensation plan assets are recognized as other income (expense), net, while gains or losses on the deferred compensation plan liabilities are recognized as compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Derivative assets — interest rate swap agreements — The Company’s variable interest rate swap agreements are with highly rated counterparties, are designated as fair value hedges and effectively convert the Company’s fixed rate 2013 Notes to variable rate debt. The swap agreements are valued using an income approach that relies on observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and treasury spreads (Level 2). Expected future cash flows are converted to a present value amount based upon market expectations of the changes in these interest rate yield curves. The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements are included within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 8 for additional derivatives disclosures.

The carrying value of debt, which is reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, generally reflects the cash proceeds received upon its issuance, net of subsequent repayments, plus the impact of the Company’s fair value hedges. The fair value of the Company’s variable interest rate revolving credit borrowings disclosed in the table below was estimated based on observable forward yield curves and unobservable credit spreads management believes a market participant would assume for these facilities under market conditions as of the balance sheet date. The fair values of the fixed rate notes disclosed below were determined based on quoted prices from the broker/dealer market, observable market inputs for similarly termed treasury notes adjusted for the Company’s credit spread and unobservable inputs management believes a market participant would use in determining imputed interest for obligations without a stated interest rate. The fair value of the securitized receivables approximates its carrying value.

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)	Carrying Value at September  30, 2011		Fair Value at September  30, 2011		Carrying Value at March  31, 2011		Fair Value at March 31, 2011
Revolving credit borrowings	$	486,907	$	486,907	$	378,209	$	381,235
2013 Notes		308,286		314,871		305,019		308,716
2014 Notes		399,712		426,181		399,664		419,899
2015 Notes		249,698		259,461		249,660		249,430
2016 Notes		249,673		253,466		—		—
2018 Notes		215,446		231,874		215,446		235,105
Trade Receivables Securitization		295,000		295,000		295,000		295,000
Acquisition and other notes		8,357		8,632		9,864		10,146
Total debt	$	2,213,079	$	2,276,392	$	1,852,862	$	1,899,531

(10) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Changes in stockholders’ equity were as follows:

(In thousands of shares)	Shares of Common Stock $0.01 Par Value		Shares of Treasury Stock
Balance at March 31, 2011		86,591		6,995
Common stock issuance (a)		135		—
Reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises		—		(394	)
Purchase of treasury stock (d)		—		4,465
Balance at September 30, 2011		86,726		11,066

(In thousands)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	866	$	607,593		$	1,498,728		$	7,580		$	(379,885	)	$	1,734,882
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings							152,544									152,544
Foreign currency translation adjustments										(5,611	)					(5,611	)
Gain on derivative instruments										259						259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items										(96	)					(96	)
Total comprehensive income																147,096	(e)
Common stock issuances and reissuances from treasury stock - employee benefit plans (b)		1		(3,559	)								21,801			18,243
Tax benefit from stock option exercises				3,212												3,212
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.61 per share)							(46,474	)								(46,474	)
Stock-based compensation (c)				17,070												17,070
Purchase of treasury stock (d)													(300,000	)		(300,000	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	867	$	624,316		$	1,604,798		$	2,132		$	(658,084	)	$	1,574,029

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

^(a) Issuance of common stock for purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

^(b) Issuance of common stock and reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises and purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

^(c) The Company recognized compensation expense with a corresponding amount recorded to capital in excess of par value.

^(d) As of September 30, 2011, the Company had completed a $300 million share repurchase authorization announced on May 5, 2011, repurchasing 4.5 million shares on the open market at an average price of $67.19.

^(e) The Company’s comprehensive income was $147 million and $131 million for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Comprehensive income consists of net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, net gain on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and the net tax effect of other comprehensive income items. Net tax effect of comprehensive income items pertains to the Company’s derivative instruments only, as foreign currency translation adjustments relate to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net gain on derivative instruments reflects reclassification adjustments to income.

The table below presents the gross and net changes in the balances within each component of AOCI for the six months ended September 30, 2011.

(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Treasury Rate Lock Agreement			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	9,047		$	(1,467	)	$	7,580
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(5,611	)					(5,611	)
Derivative instruments:
Reclassification adjustments to income					259			259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items					(96	)		(96	)
Net change after tax of comprehensive income items		(5,611	)		163			(5,448	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	3,436		$	(1,304	)	$	2,132

(11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for its stock option plans and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company for the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Stock-based compensation expense related to:
Stock option plans	$	4,651		$	4,131		$	15,139		$	12,920
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - options to purchase stock		842			869			1,931			2,349
		5,493			5,000			17,070			15,269
Tax benefit		(1,794	)		(1,852	)		(5,959	)		(5,297	)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3,699		$	3,148		$	11,111		$	9,972

Fair Value

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $22.78 and $22.75, respectively.

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Summary of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes the stock option activity during the six months ended September 30, 2011:

	Number of Stock  Options (In thousands)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at March 31, 2011		6,886		$	41.11
Granted		994		$	66.38
Exercised		(395	)	$	27.68
Forfeited		(32	)	$	56.63
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		7,453		$	45.12
Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2011		7,426		$	45.06
Exercisable at September 30, 2011		4,863		$	37.94

A total of 1.8 million shares of common stock were available for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan at September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2011, $44.3 million of unrecognized non-cash compensation expense related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.8 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) encourages and assists employees in acquiring an equity interest in the Company. As of September 30, 2011, the ESPP was authorized to issue up to 5.5 million shares of Company common stock, of which 2.0 million shares were available for issuance.

Compensation expense is measured based on the fair value of the employees’ option to purchase shares of common stock at the grant date and is recognized over the future periods in which the related employee service is rendered. The fair value per share of employee options to purchase shares under the ESPP was $13.16 and $16.05 for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The fair value of the employees’ option to purchase shares of common stock was estimated using the Black-Scholes model.

The following table summarizes the activity of the ESPP during the six months ended September 30, 2011:

	Number of Purchase  Options (In thousands)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at March 31, 2011		67		$	51.03
Granted		293		$	53.96
Exercised		(135	)	$	54.81
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		225		$	52.58

(12) EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding during the period. Outstanding shares consist of issued shares less treasury stock. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents related to stock options and the Company’s ESPP.

Outstanding stock options that are anti-dilutive are excluded from the Company’s diluted earnings per share computation. There were approximately 2.0 million and 1.4 million shares covered by outstanding stock options that were anti-dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were approximately 1.7 million and 1.2 million shares covered by outstanding stock options that were anti-dilutive for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

The table below presents the computation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		75,630		83,704		76,980		83,580
Incremental shares from assumed exercises of stock options and options under the ESPP		1,632		1,862		1,692		1,828
Diluted		77,262		85,566		78,672		85,408

(13) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

The Company is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been fully adjudicated. These actions, when ultimately concluded and determined, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(14) SUMMARY BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

Business segment information for the Company’s Distribution and All Other Operations business segments is presented below for the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. Certain reclassifications were made to the presentation of business segment operating results for the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications were the result of changes made to the allocation of corporate operating expenses. Although corporate operating expenses are generally allocated to each business segment based on sales dollars, the Company reports expenses (excluding depreciation) related to the implementation of its SAP system and costs associated with the Company’s withdrawal from various MEPPs under selling, distribution and administrative expenses in the eliminations and other column below. Previously, these costs were allocated to each business segment based on sales dollars. Consolidated operating income and net earnings for the prior periods were not impacted by these reclassifications. Additionally, the legal, professional and other fees incurred as a result of the Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (“Air Products”) unsolicited takeover attempt (see Note 19), the restructuring charge related to the Company’s divisional realignment (see Note 17) and the impairment charge (see Note 18) were not allocated to the Company’s business segments, and are reflected in the eliminations and other column below.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2011										Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total			Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total
Gas and rent	$	611,726	$	143,557	$	(10,503	)	$	744,780		$	562,970	$	123,780	$	(8,084	)	$	678,666
Hardgoods		440,730		1,577		(4	)		442,303			381,315		1,688		(6	)		382,997
Total net sales		1,052,456		145,134		(10,507	)		1,187,083			944,285		125,468		(8,090	)		1,061,663
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)		484,416		78,672		(10,507	)		552,581			419,924		64,338		(8,090	)		476,172
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		376,142		41,218		6,077			423,437			355,367		34,070		7,177			396,614
Restructuring and other special charges		—		—		2,500			2,500			—		—		—			—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		—		—		—			—			—		—		4,687			4,687
Depreciation		55,597		4,785		—			60,382			52,287		3,927		—			56,214
Amortization		4,989		1,266		—			6,255			5,049		1,162		—			6,211
Operating income	$	131,312	$	19,193	$	(8,577	)	$	141,928		$	111,658	$	21,971	$	(11,864	)	$	121,765
	Six Months Ended September 30, 2011										Six Months Ended September 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total			Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total
Gas and rent	$	1,216,297	$	285,145	$	(19,625	)	$	1,481,817		$	1,119,417	$	250,692	$	(15,628	)	$	1,354,481
Hardgoods		866,619		2,955		(8	)		869,566			756,708		3,141		(11	)		759,838
Total net sales		2,082,916		288,100		(19,633	)		2,351,383			1,876,125		253,833		(15,639	)		2,114,319
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)		946,060		156,934		(19,633	)		1,083,361			834,362		132,551		(15,639	)		951,274
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		751,369		80,256		15,258			846,883			706,799		66,417		13,947			787,163
Restructuring and other special charges		—		—		15,830			15,830			—		—		—			—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		—		—		(6,700	)		(6,700	)		—		—		8,474			8,474
Depreciation		111,331		9,318		—			120,649			102,920		7,559		—			110,479
Amortization		9,904		2,500		—			12,404			10,089		2,324		—			12,413
Operating income	$	264,252	$	39,092	$	(24,388	)	$	278,956		$	221,955	$	44,982	$	(22,421	)	$	244,516

20

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(15) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes

Cash paid for interest and income taxes was as follows:

	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010
Interest paid	$	33,459	$	27,955
Income taxes (net of refunds) (a)		55,928		31,318

^(a) During the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company applied for and received federal income tax refunds of $9.8 million and $26.0 million, respectively.

(16) BENEFIT PLANS

Historically, the Company has participated in several MEPPs providing defined benefits to union employees under the terms of CBAs. Contributions have been made to the plans in accordance with negotiated CBAs. The plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers.

In connection with the renewal of CBAs, the Company has been successful in negotiating its withdrawal from MEPPs, replacing those retirement plans for CBA employees with defined contribution plans. As part of the withdrawal from a MEPP, the Company is required to fund its portion of the MEPP’s unfunded pension obligation, if any. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company negotiated the withdrawal from MEPPs under two CBAs and received a final assessment from an exited MEPP that was lower than previously estimated, resulting in a net charge related to its withdrawal obligations of $0.9 million. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recognized charges related to the withdrawal from MEPPs of $1.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively. MEPP withdrawal liabilities amounted to $7.7 million at September 30, 2011 and $16.0 million at March 31, 2011. The decrease in MEPP withdrawal liabilities since March 31, 2011 primarily relates to a payment of $8.6 million associated with a final assessment from a MEPP. These estimates are subject to change based on the ultimate amount of the withdrawal liability assessed by the MEPPs, which may be impacted by a number of factors, including investment returns, benefit levels, interest rates and continued participation by other employers in the MEPPs.

In October 2011, the Company’s remaining CBA that provided for a MEPP and covered ten employees came up for renewal. The Company successfully negotiated its withdrawal from the MEPP in November 2011, and expects to incur MEPP withdrawal charges of approximately $3.2 million in the third quarter ending December 31, 2011. Though the most recent plan data available from the MEPP was used in computing this estimate, the liability is subject to change based on future market conditions, employer contributions and benefit levels that will impact the Company’s ultimate withdrawal liability.

(17) RESTRUCTURING

In May 2011, the Company announced the alignment of its twelve regional distribution companies into four new divisions, and the consolidation of its regional company accounting and certain administrative functions into four newly created Business Support Centers. Currently, each of the Company’s twelve regional distribution companies operates with its own accounting and administrative functions. Enabled by the Company’s conversion to a single information platform across all of its regional companies as part of the SAP implementation, the restructuring will allow Airgas to more effectively utilize its resources across regional company boundaries and form an operating structure that will help Airgas leverage the full benefits of its new SAP platform.

As a result of the realignment, the Company recorded a $13.3 million restructuring charge for severance benefits under the Airgas, Inc. Severance Pay Plan during the three months ended June 30, 2011. The charge related to the announced workforce reduction of regional company support functions and was reflected in the “Restructuring and other special charges” line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company expects to pay severance benefits to affected employees through fiscal 2013.

21

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

The activity in the accrued liability balances associated with the restructuring plan was as follows for the six months ended September 30, 2011:

(In thousands)	Severance Costs
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	—
Restructuring charge		13,330
Cash payments		—
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	13,330

Of the $13.3 million in accrued restructuring costs at September 30, 2011, $10.1 million was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $3.2 million was included in other non-current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The restructuring charge was not allocated to the Company’s business segments (see Note 14).

For the year ending March 31, 2012, the Company expects to incur total restructuring and other related costs of approximately $21 million, of which $13.3 million was recorded during the six months ended September 30, 2011 related to severance benefits. The remaining costs expected to be recorded during the year ending March 31, 2012 are for transition staffing, relocation and other costs. The realignment is expected to be completed in fiscal 2013, during which year the Company expects to incur additional costs, primarily related to transition staffing, relocation and other costs, of approximately $6 million.

(18) ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE

In August 2011, the Company received 24 months notice that a supplier’s hydrogen plant, which generates carbon dioxide as a by-product that serves as the feedstock for the Company’s co-located liquid carbon dioxide plant, will cease operations in calendar year 2013. The Company expects the hydrogen plant to continue to supply the feedstock for its liquid carbon dioxide plant during the intervening period.

In accordance with guidance for the impairment of long-lived assets, the Company evaluated the assets at this liquid carbon dioxide plant for recovery. Using a discounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined the fair values of the plant assets were not sufficient to support the current carrying values of the assets. The fair values of the assets were estimated using an internally developed cash flow model. Factors such as expected future revenues and margins, the likelihood of asset redeployment and the length of the remaining operating term were considered in determining the future cash flows of the plant assets. As a result of an impairment analysis performed on the assets at this location, Airgas recorded a charge of $2.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 to adjust the carrying values of the plant assets to the Company’s estimated fair values. The impairment charge was reflected in the “Restructuring and other special charges” line item of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings and was not allocated to the Company’s business segments (see Note 14).

(19) UNSOLICITED TAKEOVER ATTEMPT

On February 11, 2010, Air Products initiated an unsolicited tender offer for all of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. In connection with this unsolicited tender offer, Air Products filed an action against the Company and members of its Board in the Delaware Court of Chancery. On February 15, 2011, the Delaware Court of Chancery denied in their entirety all requests for relief by Air Products and dismissed with prejudice all claims asserted against the Company and its directors. Air Products promptly terminated its unsolicited tender offer and no appeal of the Court’s decision was filed. In responding to the unsolicited tender offer and related litigation, the Company incurred on a cumulative basis a net $61.1 million of legal and professional fees and other costs. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recognized a $6.7 million benefit from lower than previously estimated net costs related to the fiscal 2011 unsolicited takeover attempt. The Company incurred unsolicited takeover attempt costs of $4.7 million and $8.5 million for the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

(20) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As described in Note 7, in October 2011, the Company commenced a $750 million commercial paper program supported by its Credit Facility. This program allows the Company to obtain favorable short-term borrowing rates, and the Company will use proceeds from the program to pay down amounts outstanding under its Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

Also as described in Note 7, in October 2011, the Company amended its French revolving line of credit to increase the amount available under the facility, reduce the spread on borrowings and extend the maturity date.

As described in Note 16, in November 2011, the Company successfully negotiated the withdrawal from the MEPP provided for in its last CBA that provided for a MEPP, and expects to incur MEPP withdrawal charges of approximately $3.2 million in the third quarter ending December 31, 2011.

22

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

Airgas, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Airgas” or the “Company”) had net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 (“current quarter”) of $1.19 billion compared to $1.06 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (“prior year quarter”), an increase of 12%. Total same-store sales increased 10%, with hardgoods up 14% and gas and rent up 7%. Acquisitions contributed 2% sales growth in the current quarter. The same-store sales growth for the current quarter was driven by both volume and price, with sales volumes up 6% and pricing up 4%. The increase in sales volumes reflects strength in the manufacturing-intensive regions of the U.S. and in the Company’s petrochemical and energy customers, with relative outperformance in the hardgoods business on the strength of sales to large manufacturing customers. Higher pricing reflects a broad-based price increase on gas and rent effective March 1, 2011. The pricing actions were designed to offset rising product, operating and distribution costs.

The Company’s operating income margin increased to 12.0%, a 50 basis point improvement over the prior year quarter. Additionally, the current quarter and prior year quarter operating income margins were burdened by 20 basis points and 50 basis points, respectively, of special charges noted below.

Net earnings per diluted share rose 29% to $1.01 in the current quarter versus $0.78 in the prior year quarter. Net earnings per diluted share in the current quarter reflect the benefit of the Company’s two recently completed share repurchase programs, which more than offset $0.02 per diluted share of incremental SAP implementation costs and depreciation expense. Net earnings per diluted share in the current and prior year quarters included special charges aggregating to $0.02 and $0.05 per diluted share, respectively. Special charges in each period consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2011		2010
Effect on Diluted EPS
Restructuring and other special charges	$	0.02	$	—
Costs related to unsolicited takeover attempt		—		0.03
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		—		0.01
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges		—		0.01
Special charges	$	0.02	$	0.05

Looking Forward

Looking forward, the Company expects earnings per diluted share for the third quarter ending December 31, 2011 in the range of $0.92 to $0.95. The earnings per diluted share range for the third quarter includes an estimated $0.03 per diluted share of restructuring charges and related costs arising from the Company’s transition to Business Support Centers (“BSCs”) and $0.08 per diluted share of implementation costs and depreciation expense associated with the Company’s SAP implementation, compared to $0.02 per diluted share in the prior year quarter. For the full year ending March 31, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”), the Company expects earnings per diluted share in the range of $3.82 to $3.92, which includes an estimated $0.19 per diluted share of restructuring and other special charges (including $0.02 per diluted share of asset impairment charges), $0.32 per diluted share of implementation costs and depreciation expense associated with its SAP implementation, $0.05 per diluted share benefit from lower than previously estimated net costs related to the Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (“Air Products”) unsolicited takeover attempt and $0.01 per diluted share in multi-employer pension plan (“MEPP”) withdrawal charges. Guidance for both the third quarter ending December 31, 2011 and fiscal 2012 includes the impact of the Company’s two recently completed stock repurchase programs, but excludes any additional MEPP withdrawal charges.

23

Enterprise Information System

The Company continued its phased, multi-year rollout of its highly-customized SAP enterprise information system, with the successful conversion of the second regional distribution company in September 2011. The Company continues to prepare for the implementation of SAP at the remainder of its business units, with the next two regional distribution companies scheduled to convert during the quarter ending December 31, 2011. The conversion schedule accelerates thereafter, with all regional distribution companies expected to be converted to SAP by the end of the summer of calendar year 2012.

With nearly $1 billion in annual revenues and approximately 2,600 active users operating on SAP as of September 30, 2011, the Company believes the implementation risk associated with the remaining business units is significantly diminished. The Company expects to incur the highest level of expenses related to the SAP implementation in fiscal 2012, as the majority of the regional distribution companies will be converted over the next twelve months. Total implementation costs and depreciation expense related to the SAP system were $0.07 and $0.15 per diluted share for the three- and six-month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and are expected to be $0.32 per diluted share for fiscal 2012. The Company expects the combination of lower implementation costs and the increase in SAP-related benefits to yield year-over-year earnings accretion of approximately $0.20 per diluted share in fiscal 2013 above and beyond the Company’s base business performance.

In August 2010, the Company quantified the economic benefits expected to be achieved through its implementation of SAP in three key areas: accelerated sales growth through expansion of the telesales platform, price management, and administrative and operating efficiencies. Upon full implementation, the Company expects these areas alone to yield an aggregate of $75 million to $125 million in incremental operating income on an annual run-rate basis. Further economic benefits are expected to be identified as the implementation progresses. By December 2013, the Company expects to have achieved a minimum of $75 million in annual run-rate operating income benefits, with a likelihood that these benefits will ultimately reach or exceed $125 million. Total SAP project expenditures are expected to be approximately $186 million, comprised of an estimated $91 million in expense and $95 million in capitalized costs. Through September 30, 2011, the Company had recognized $139 million in total SAP project expenditures, comprised of $44 million in expense and $95 million in capitalized costs.

New Divisional Alignment

In May 2011, the Company announced the alignment of its twelve regional distribution companies into four new divisions, and the consolidation of its regional company accounting and certain administrative functions into four newly created BSCs. Currently, each of the Company’s twelve regional distribution companies operates with its own accounting and administrative functions. Enabled by the Company’s conversion to a single information platform across all of its regional companies as part of the SAP implementation, the restructuring will allow Airgas to more effectively utilize its resources across regional company boundaries and form an operating structure that will help Airgas leverage the full benefits of its new SAP platform.

As a result of the realignment, the Company recorded a $13.3 million restructuring charge for severance benefits during the three months ended June 30, 2011. For fiscal 2012, the Company expects to incur total restructuring and other related costs of approximately $21 million. The remaining costs expected to be recorded during fiscal 2012 are for transition staffing, relocation and other costs. The realignment is expected to be completed in fiscal 2013, during which year the Company expects to incur additional costs, primarily related to transition staffing, relocation and other costs, of approximately $6 million.

Acquisitions

During the six months ended September 30, 2011, the Company purchased five businesses with aggregate historical annual sales of approximately $70 million. The largest of these businesses were ABCO Gases, Welding and Industrial Supply Company, Inc. (“ABCO”) and Pain Enterprises, Inc. (“Pain”). ABCO was a New England-based industrial gas and welding supply distributor with 12 locations throughout Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island with historical annual sales of approximately $35 million. Pain, a producer and distributor of dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide with 20 locations throughout the Midwestern United States, generated historical annual sales of approximately $33 million.

Multi-employer Pension Plan Withdrawals

In October 2011, the Company’s remaining collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) that provided for a MEPP and covered ten employees came up for renewal. The Company successfully negotiated its withdrawal from the MEPP in November 2011, and expects to incur MEPP withdrawal charges of approximately $3.2 million in the third quarter ending December 31, 2011. The Company’s guidance for both the third quarter ending December 31, 2011 and the full year fiscal 2012 does not include this MEPP withdrawal charge.

Commercial Paper Program

In October 2011, the Company commenced a $750 million commercial paper program supported by its $750 million Amended and Restated Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”). This program allows the Company to obtain favorable short-term borrowing rates with maturities that may vary, but will generally not exceed 90 days from the date of issue. The Company will use proceeds from the commercial paper program to pay down amounts outstanding under its Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

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Pricing Actions

The Company announced that beginning December 1, 2011, or as contracts permit, its operating units will increase prices on bulk and packaged industrial, medical, and specialty gases, on acetylene and fuel gases, and for delivery and other service charges. Cylinder and bulk tank rental rates will increase effective November 1, 2011, or as contracts permit. Effective October 28, 2011, or as contracts permit, a surcharge on helium will be in effect. The Company will also continue to pass along higher prices for welding hardgoods and safety products.

The actions are in response to rising raw material, energy, electricity, and labor and benefit costs, which in turn have raised the price of gases, welding hardgoods, and safety products sourced from suppliers. The increases have also raised operating costs at Airgas plants and distribution facilities, and increased the costs of cylinders, bulk tanks, plants and equipment. In addition, supply chain disruptions in certain products have resulted in higher distribution costs, and the regulatory landscape continues to change at a rapid pace, requiring extra steps to ensure compliance.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS COMMENTARY

Certain reclassifications were made to the presentation of business segment operating results for the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications were the result of changes made to the allocation of corporate operating expenses. Although corporate operating expenses are generally allocated to each business segment based on sales dollars, the Company reports expenses (excluding depreciation) related to the implementation of its SAP system and costs associated with the Company’s withdrawal from various MEPPs under selling, distribution and administrative expenses as “other” expenses that are not allocated to the Company’s business segments. Previously, these costs were allocated to each business segment based on sales dollars. Consolidated operating income and net earnings for the prior periods were not impacted by these reclassifications. Additionally, the legal, professional and other fees incurred as a result of Air Products’ unsolicited takeover attempt, the restructuring charge related to the Company’s divisional realignment and the asset impairment charge were not allocated to the Company’s business segments. These costs and benefits are also reflected in the other line item in the tables below.

Business segment information and statement of earnings commentary related to the prior periods have been recast to reflect the reclassifications described above.

Net Sales

Net sales increased 12% to $1.19 billion for the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter, driven by same-store sales growth of 10% and incremental sales of 2% contributed by acquisitions. Gas and rent same-store sales increased 7% and hardgoods increased 14%. Same-store sales were driven by increased volumes of 6% and price of 4%.

Strategic products account for more than 40% of net sales and include safety products, bulk, medical and specialty gases, as well as carbon dioxide and dry ice. The Company has identified these products as strategic because it believes they have good long-term growth profiles relative to the Company’s core industrial gas and welding products due to favorable end customer markets, application development, increasing environmental regulation, strong cross-selling opportunities or a combination thereof. For the current quarter, sales of strategic products increased 8% on a same-store sales basis as compared to the prior year quarter.

The Company estimates same-store sales growth based on a comparison of current period sales to prior period sales, adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures. The pro forma adjustments consist of adding acquired sales to, or subtracting sales of divested operations from, sales reported in the prior period. The table below reflects actual sales and does not include the pro forma adjustments used in calculating the same-store sales metric. The intercompany eliminations represent sales from the All Other Operations business segment to the Distribution business segment.

Net Sales (In thousands)	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2011			2010			Increase
Distribution	$	1,052,456		$	944,285		$	108,171		11	%
All Other Operations		145,134			125,468			19,666		16	%
Intercompany eliminations		(10,507	)		(8,090	)		(2,417	)
	$	1,187,083		$	1,061,663		$	125,420		12	%

The Distribution business segment’s principal products include industrial, medical and specialty gases, and process chemicals; cylinder and equipment rental; and hardgoods. Industrial, medical and specialty gases are distributed in cylinders and bulk containers. Equipment rental fees are generally charged on cylinders, cryogenic liquid containers, bulk and micro-bulk tanks, tube trailers and welding equipment. Hardgoods consist of welding consumables and equipment, safety products, construction supplies and maintenance, repair and operating supplies.

Distribution business segment sales increased 11% compared to the prior year quarter with an increase in same-store sales of 10% and incremental sales of 1% contributed by current and prior year acquisitions. The Distribution business segment’s gas and rent same-store sales increased 7% with volumes up 3% and pricing up 4%. Hardgoods same-store sales increased 15% with volumes up 11% and pricing up 4%. Both gas and rent and hardgoods volumes reflect the strength in the Company’s manufacturing, petrochemical and energy customers, while the increase in pricing was primarily driven by the March 1, 2011 price increase.

Sales of strategic gas products sold through the Distribution business segment in the current quarter increased 5% from the prior year quarter. Among strategic gas products, bulk gas sales were up 5% on improvement in the industrial manufacturing customer base and new customer signings. Sales of medical gases were up 5% as a result of new business signings and a modest increase in hospital and surgery center activity. Sales of specialty gases were up 5% driven primarily by higher volumes on improvement in demand for core specialty gases, including EPA protocols.

26

Contributing to the rise in Distribution business segment hardgoods same-store sales were increases in both safety products and the Company’s Radnor^® private-label brand product line, as well as strong growth in welding and automation equipment. Safety product sales increased 17% in the current quarter, comparing favorably to the hardgoods same-store sales increase for the Distribution business segment of 15% and reflecting broad-based improvement in the core safety business, particularly in large industrial production and contractor customers, and new strategic customers. The Company’s Radnor^® private-label line was up 19% for the current quarter, driven by the overall increase in hardgoods volumes.

Sales of core industrial gases increased 9% for the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting accelerating growth in the Company’s core business, especially in manufacturing. Revenues from the Company’s rental welder business experienced a 17% increase in same-store sales during the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of strength in demand related to general outage work.

The All Other Operations business segment consists of six business units. The primary products manufactured and/or distributed are carbon dioxide, dry ice, nitrous oxide, ammonia and refrigerant gases.

The All Other Operations business segment sales increased 16% in total and 7% on a same-store basis compared to the prior year quarter, with incremental sales of 9% contributed by current and prior year acquisitions. The same-store sales increase was driven by a significant increase in ammonia sales on both a volume and price basis.

Gross Profits (Excluding Depreciation)

Gross profits (excluding depreciation) do not reflect deductions related to depreciation expense and distribution costs. The Company reflects distribution costs as an element of selling, distribution and administrative expenses and recognizes depreciation on all of its property, plant and equipment in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings line item, “Depreciation.” Other companies may report certain or all of these costs as elements of their cost of products sold and, as such, the Company’s gross profits (excluding depreciation) discussed below may not be comparable to those of other businesses.

Consolidated gross profits (excluding depreciation) increased 8% compared to the prior year quarter, principally due to the same-store sales increase for the current quarter. The consolidated gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) in the current quarter declined 160 basis points to 53.5% compared to 55.1% in the prior year quarter. The decline in consolidated gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) reflects the continued shift in sales mix towards hardgoods, which carry lower gross profit margins (excluding depreciation) than gas and rent, a mix shift within hardgoods to lower-margin welding and automation equipment, a sales mix shift towards large customers, which generally carry lower gross profit margins (excluding depreciation) than small customers but at a lower net cost to serve, and higher costs from recent vendor price increases.

Gross Profits (ex. Depr.) (In thousands)	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2011		2010		Increase
Distribution	$	568,040	$	524,361	$	43,679	8	%
All Other Operations		66,462		61,130		5,332	9	%
	$	634,502	$	585,491	$	49,011	8	%

The Distribution business segment’s gross profits (excluding depreciation) increased 8% compared to the prior year quarter. The Distribution business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) was 54.0% versus 55.5% in the prior year quarter, a decrease of 150 basis points. The decline in the Distribution business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) reflects the sales mix shift towards hardgoods and lower-margin welding and automation equipment within hardgoods, as well as a mix shift towards large customers. As a percentage of the Distribution business segment’s sales, gas and rent decreased 150 basis points to 58.1% in the current quarter as compared to 59.6% in the prior year quarter.

The All Other Operations business segment’s gross profits (excluding depreciation) increased 9% compared to the prior year quarter. The All Other Operations business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) decreased 290 basis points to 45.8% in the current quarter from 48.7% in the prior year quarter. The decrease in the All Other Operations business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) was primarily driven by margin compression in the ammonia business, in which cost increases during the past several quarters have been significant and frequent, and in which price increases typically lag cost increases. The Company has announced additional pricing actions planned for the quarter ending December 31, 2011 to address this erosion in gross profit margin (excluding depreciation). Margin compression in the refrigerants business also contributed to the decrease in the All Other Operations business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation), as margins ran at more normal levels after market anomalies in the prior year quarter.

27

Operating Expenses

Selling, Distribution and Administrative (“SD&A”) Expenses

SD&A expenses consist of labor and overhead associated with the purchasing, marketing and distribution of the Company’s products, as well as costs associated with a variety of administrative functions such as legal, treasury, accounting, tax and facility-related expenses. Consolidated SD&A expenses increased $27 million, or 7%, in the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. Contributing to the increase in SD&A expenses were $20 million of higher variable costs associated with growing sales, such as sales commissions, salaries, production overtime and distribution costs, and approximately $7 million of incremental operating costs associated with acquired businesses. As a percentage of net sales, SD&A expenses decreased 170 basis points to 35.7% compared to 37.4% in the prior year quarter driven by operating leverage on sales growth and by the shift in sales mix towards hardgoods, which carry lower operating expenses relative to sales and corresponding lower gross margins as compared to gas and rent. Although corporate operating expenses are generally allocated to each business segment based on sales dollars, the Company reports SD&A expenses related to the implementation of its SAP system and the Company’s withdrawal from various MEPPs in the other line item in the table below.

SD&A Expenses (In thousands)	Three Months Ended September 30,				Increase / (Decrease)
	2011		2010
Distribution	$	376,142	$	355,367	$	20,775		6	%
All Other Operations		41,218		34,070		7,148		21	%
Other		6,077		7,177		(1,100	)
	$	423,437	$	396,614	$	26,823		7	%

SD&A expenses in the Distribution and All Other Operations business segments increased 6% and 21%, respectively, in the current quarter. For both business segments, the increases in SD&A costs were driven by higher variable costs on sales growth, including sales commissions, salaries, production overtime and distribution costs, and incremental operating costs associated with acquired businesses of $4 million for the Distribution business segment and $3 million for the All Other Operations business segment. As a percentage of Distribution business segment net sales, SD&A expenses in the Distribution business segment decreased 190 basis points to 35.7% compared to 37.6% in the prior year quarter driven by operating leverage on sales growth and by the shift in sales mix towards hardgoods. As a percentage of All Other Operations business segment net sales, SD&A expenses in the All Other Operations business segment increased 120 basis points to 28.4% compared to 27.2% in the prior year quarter primarily driven by higher distribution costs, much of which are recovered through surcharge billings to customers.

SD&A Expenses – Other

Enterprise Information System

The Company continues its phased, multi-year rollout of its highly-customized SAP enterprise information system, whereby business units will implement the new system in succession. Through September 30, 2011, the Company has successfully converted its Safety telesales and hardgoods infrastructure business and its first two regional distribution companies to SAP. The Company continues to prepare for the implementation of SAP at the remainder of its business units. SAP costs incurred by the Company include pre-implementation data conversion and training costs as well as post-implementation monitoring, training and operating activities related to the scheduled business unit rollouts. SAP costs for the current quarter were $6.1 million as compared to $5.8 million in the prior year quarter. These costs were recorded as SD&A expenses and were not allocated to the Company’s business segments. Total SAP implementation costs for fiscal 2012 to be reflected in SD&A expenses are expected to be approximately $36 million as the Company accelerates the rollout of the system to the other regional distribution companies.

Multi-employer Pension Plan Withdrawals

The Company participated, with other employers, in a number of MEPPs providing defined benefits to union employees under the terms of CBAs, but had withdrawn from all but one of them by September 30, 2011. Contributions are made to plans in accordance with the CBAs. The plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers.

As CBAs came up for renewal, the Company actively negotiated the withdrawal from MEPPs replacing those retirement plans for CBA employees with defined contribution plans. As part of the withdrawal from a MEPP, the Company is required to fund its portion of the MEPP’s unfunded pension obligation. The ultimate amount of the withdrawal liability assessed by the MEPPs is impacted by a number of factors, including investment returns, benefits levels, interest rates and continued participation by other employers in the MEPPs. The computation of the Company’s portion of a plan’s unfunded obligation may take up to 24 months for the pension plan administrators to prepare. As a result, the Company has recorded estimated liabilities for certain of these withdrawals based on the latest information available to the Company from the plans. There were no MEPP withdrawal charges during the current

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quarter. During the prior year quarter, the Company received revised estimated withdrawal liabilities from two plan administrators which resulted in additional charges of $1.4 million. These charges were reflected in SD&A expenses and were not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

Asset Impairment

In August 2011, the Company received 24 months notice that a supplier’s hydrogen plant, which generates carbon dioxide as a by-product that serves as the feedstock for the Company’s co-located liquid carbon dioxide plant, will cease operations in calendar year 2013. The Company expects the hydrogen plant to continue to supply the feedstock for its liquid carbon dioxide plant during the intervening period. As a result of an impairment analysis performed on the assets at this location, the Company recorded a charge of $2.5 million during the current quarter. The asset impairment charge was reflected within the “Restructuring and other special charges” line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and was not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation expense increased $4 million, or 7%, to $60 million in the current quarter as compared to $56 million in the prior year quarter. The increase primarily reflects the additional depreciation expense on capital investments in revenue generating assets to support customer demand (such as cylinders and bulk tanks) and $2 million of incremental depreciation expense related to the SAP enterprise information system. Amortization expense of $6 million in the current quarter was consistent with that of the prior year quarter. In fiscal 2012, total depreciation expense related to the SAP system is expected to be approximately $9 million, representing the expected full annual depreciation run-rate without the benefits associated with full implementation of the system.

Operating Income

Consolidated operating income of $142 million increased 17% in the current quarter driven by strong operating leverage on sales growth. The consolidated operating income margin increased 50 basis points to 12.0% from 11.5% in the prior year quarter.

Operating Income	Three Months Ended September 30,						Increase /
(In thousands)	2011			2010			(Decrease)
Distribution	$	131,312		$	111,658		$	19,654		18	%
All Other Operations		19,193			21,971			(2,778	)	-13	%
Other		(8,577	)		(11,864	)		3,287
	$	141,928		$	121,765		$	20,163		17	%

Operating income in the Distribution business segment increased 18% in the current quarter. The Distribution business segment’s operating income margin increased 70 basis points to 12.5% compared to 11.8% in the prior year quarter. The operating income margin increase was driven by strong operating leverage on organic sales growth in the current quarter, which more than offset higher variable costs associated with sales growth.

Operating income in the All Other Operations business segment decreased 13% compared to the prior year quarter. The All Other Operations business segment’s operating income margin of 13.2% was 430 basis points lower than the operating income margin of 17.5% in the prior year quarter. The decrease in operating income margin was primarily driven by the impact of gross margin compression in the ammonia and refrigerants businesses.

Interest Expense, Net and Losses on the Extinguishment of Debt

Interest expense, net, was $17 million in the current quarter, representing an increase of approximately $3 million, or 24%, compared to the prior year quarter. The overall increase in interest expense, net, resulted primarily from higher average debt balances in the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting the impact of the two recently completed stock repurchase programs and, to a lesser extent, the acquisitions of ABCO and Pain.

During the prior year quarter, the Company terminated its $1.7 billion credit facility (the “Prior Credit Facility”) which was scheduled to mature on July 25, 2011, and entered into the $750 million credit facility scheduled to mature on September 13, 2014. In connection with the early termination of its Prior Credit Facility, the Company recognized a loss of $0.6 million during the prior year quarter associated with deferred financing costs. Additionally, during the prior year quarter, the Company repurchased $5 million of its original $400 million 7.125% senior subordinated notes maturing on October 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). In conjunction with the repurchase of the 2018 Notes, the Company recognized losses on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.6 million. The losses reflected the redemption premiums and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

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Financing

On July 19, 2011, the Company entered into the $750 million Amended and Restated Credit Facility to amend and restate the credit facility dated September 13, 2010. The amendments included the extension of the maturity date from September 13, 2014 to July 19, 2016 and a reduction in the applicable rates.

Income Tax Expense

The effective income tax rate was 37.3% of pre-tax earnings in the current quarter compared to 38.0% in the prior year quarter. The Company expects the effective income tax rate for fiscal 2012 to be between 37.5% and 38.5% of pre-tax earnings.

Net Earnings

Net earnings per diluted share rose 29% to $1.01 in the current quarter compared to $0.78 in the prior year quarter. Net earnings were $77.7 million compared to $66.6 million in the prior year quarter. Net earnings per diluted share in the current and prior year quarters included special charges aggregating to $0.02 and $0.05 per diluted share, respectively. Special charges in each period consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
Effect on Diluted EPS	2011		2010
Restructuring and other special charges	$	0.02	$	—
Costs related to unsolicited takeover attempt		—		0.03
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		—		0.01
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges		—		0.01
Special charges	$	0.02	$	0.05

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS COMMENTARY

Net Sales

Net sales increased 11% to $2.35 billion for the six months ended September 30, 2011 (“current period”) compared to the six months ended September 30, 2010 (“prior year period”), driven by same-store sales growth of 9% and incremental sales of 2% contributed by acquisitions. Gas and rent same-store sales increased 7% and hardgoods increased 14%. Same-store sales were driven by increased volumes of 5% and price of 4%. The increase in sales volumes reflects strength in the Company’s manufacturing, petrochemical and energy customer segments. Higher pricing reflects two broad-based price increases on gas, rent and hardgoods effective June 1, 2010 and March 1, 2011. For the current period, sales of strategic products increased 8% on a same-store sales basis as compared to the prior year period.

Net Sales	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011			2010			Increase
Distribution	$	2,082,916		$	1,876,125		$	206,791		11	%
All Other Operations		288,100			253,833			34,267		13	%
Intercompany eliminations		(19,633	)		(15,639	)		(3,994	)
	$	2,351,383		$	2,114,319		$	237,064		11	%

Distribution business segment sales increased 11% compared to the prior year period with an increase in same-store sales of 10% and incremental sales of 1% contributed by current and prior year acquisitions. The Distribution business segment’s gas and rent same-store sales increased 7% with volumes up 3% and pricing up 4%. Hardgoods same-store sales increased 14% with volumes up 10% and pricing up 4%. Both gas and rent and hardgoods volumes reflect the strength in the Company’s manufacturing, petrochemical and energy customers, while the increase in pricing was primarily driven by the June 1, 2010 and March 1, 2011 price increases.

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Sales of strategic gas products sold through the Distribution business segment in the current period increased 6% from the prior year period. Among strategic gas products, bulk gas sales were up 6% on improvement in the industrial manufacturing customer base and new customer signings. Sales of medical gases were up 5% as a result of new business signings and a modest increase in hospital and surgery center activity. Sales of specialty gases were up 5% driven primarily by higher volumes on improvement in demand for core specialty gases, including EPA protocols.

Contributing to the rise in Distribution business segment hardgoods same-store sales were increases in both safety products and the Company’s Radnor^® private-label brand product line, as well as strong growth in welding and automation equipment. Safety product sales increased 14% in the current period, consistent with the hardgoods same-store sales increase for the Distribution business segment of 14% and reflecting broad-based improvement in the core safety business, particularly in large industrial production, contractor and resale customers, and new strategic customers. The Company’s Radnor^® private-label line was up 15% for the current period, driven by the overall increase in hardgoods volumes.

Sales of core industrial gases increased 8% for the current period as compared to the prior year period, reflecting accelerating growth in the Company’s core business, especially in manufacturing. Revenues from the Company’s rental welder business experienced a 16% increase in same-store sales during the current period as compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of strength in demand related to general outage work.

The All Other Operations business segment sales increased 13% in total and 7% on a same-store basis compared to the prior year period, with incremental sales of 6% contributed by current and prior year acquisitions. The same-store sales increase was driven by a significant increase in ammonia sales on both a volume and price basis, which was partially offset by lower volumes and pricing in refrigerant gases as a result of strong prior year period performance.

Gross Profits (Excluding Depreciation)

Consolidated gross profits (excluding depreciation) increased 9% compared to the prior year period, principally due to the same-store sales increase for the current period. The consolidated gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) in the current period declined 110 basis points to 53.9% compared to 55.0% in the prior year period. The decline in consolidated gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) primarily reflects the continued shift in sales mix towards hardgoods, a mix shift within hardgoods towards lower-margin welding and automation equipment, a sales mix shift towards large customers and higher costs from recent vendor price increases.

Gross Profits (ex. Depr.)	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010		Increase
Distribution	$	1,136,856	$	1,041,763	$	95,093	9	%
All Other Operations		131,166		121,282		9,884	8	%
	$	1,268,022	$	1,163,045	$	104,977	9	%

The Distribution business segment’s gross profits (excluding depreciation) increased 9% compared to the prior year period. The Distribution business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) was 54.6% versus 55.5% in the prior year period, a decrease of 90 basis points. The decline in the Distribution business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) reflects the sales mix shift towards hardgoods and large customers, and towards lower-margin welding and automation equipment within hardgoods. As a percentage of the Distribution business segment’s sales, gas and rent decreased 130 basis points to 58.4% in the current period as compared to 59.7% in the prior year period.

The All Other Operations business segment’s gross profits (excluding depreciation) increased 8% compared to the prior year period. The All Other Operations business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) decreased 230 basis points to 45.5% in the current period from 47.8% in the prior year period. The decrease in the All Other Operations business segment’s gross profit margin (excluding depreciation) was primarily driven by margin compression in the ammonia business as pricing lagged rising costs and, to a lesser extent, margin compression in the refrigerants business as margins normalized after last year’s market anomalies.

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Operating Expenses

Selling, Distribution and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated SD&A expenses increased $60 million, or 8%, in the current period as compared to the prior year period. Contributing to the increase in SD&A expenses were $48 million of higher variable costs associated with growing sales, such as sales commissions, salaries, production overtime and distribution costs, approximately $11 million of incremental operating costs associated with acquired businesses and $5 million of incremental costs associated with the SAP implementation, partially offset by a $4 million reduction in MEPP withdrawal charges in the current period. As a percentage of net sales, SD&A expenses decreased 120 basis points to 36.0% compared to 37.2% in the prior year period driven by operating leverage on sales growth and by the shift in sales mix to hardgoods, which carry lower operating expenses in relation to sales and corresponding lower gross margins.

SD&A Expenses	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010		Increase
Distribution	$	751,369	$	706,799	$	44,570	6	%
All Other Operations		80,256		66,417		13,839	21	%
Other		15,258		13,947		1,311
	$	846,883	$	787,163	$	59,720	8	%

SD&A expenses in the Distribution and All Other Operations business segments increased 6% and 21%, respectively, in the current period. For both business segments, the increases in SD&A costs were driven by higher variable costs on sales growth, including sales commissions, salaries, production overtime and distribution costs, and incremental operating costs associated with acquired businesses of $6 million for the Distribution business segment and $5 million for the All Other Operations business segment. As a percentage of Distribution business segment net sales, SD&A expenses in the Distribution business segment decreased 160 basis points to 36.1% compared to 37.7% in the prior year period driven by operating leverage on sales growth and by the shift in sales mix to hardgoods. As a percentage of All Other Operations business segment net sales, SD&A expenses in the All Other Operations business segment increased 170 basis points to 27.9% compared to 26.2% in the prior year period primarily driven by higher distribution costs, much of which are recovered through surcharge billings to customers.

SD&A Expenses – Other

Enterprise Information System

SAP costs incurred by the Company include pre-implementation data conversion and training costs as well as post-implementation monitoring, training and operating activities related to the scheduled business unit rollouts. SAP costs for the current period were $14 million as compared to $9 million in the prior year period. These costs were recorded as SD&A expenses and were not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

Multi-employer Pension Plan Withdrawals

During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company negotiated the withdrawal from MEPPs under two CBAs and received a final assessment from an exited MEPP that was lower than previously estimated, resulting in a net charge related to its withdrawal obligations of $0.9 million. There were no MEPP withdrawal charges for the current quarter. During the prior year period, the Company negotiated the withdrawal from MEPPs under two CBAs and received revised estimated withdrawal liabilities from two plan administrators which resulted in additional charges of $4.6 million. These charges were reflected in SD&A expenses and were not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

Restructuring

As a result of the realignment of the Company’s twelve regional distribution companies into four new divisions, and the consolidation of its regional company accounting and certain administrative functions into four newly created BSCs, the Company recorded a $13.3 million restructuring charge for severance benefits under the Airgas, Inc. Severance Pay Plan during the three months ended June 30, 2011. The charge related to the announced workforce reduction of regional company support functions and was reflected in the “Restructuring and other special charges” line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The restructuring charge was not allocated to the Company’s business segments. The Company expects to pay severance benefits to affected employees through fiscal 2013.

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The activity in the accrued liability balances associated with the restructuring plan was as follows for the six months ended September 30, 2011:

(In thousands)	Severance Costs
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	—
Restructuring charge		13,330
Cash payments		—
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	13,330

Asset Impairment

In August 2011, the Company received 24 months notice that a supplier’s hydrogen plant, which generates carbon dioxide as a by-product that serves as the feedstock for the Company’s co-located liquid carbon dioxide plant, will cease operations in calendar year 2013. The Company expects the hydrogen plant to continue to supply the feedstock for its liquid carbon dioxide plant during the intervening period. As a result of an impairment analysis performed on the assets at this location, the Company recorded a charge of $2.5 million during the current period. The asset impairment charge was reflected as a separate line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and was not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

Unsolicited Takeover Attempt

On February 11, 2010, Air Products initiated an unsolicited tender offer for all of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. In connection with this unsolicited tender offer, Air Products filed an action against the Company and members of its Board in the Delaware Court of Chancery. On February 15, 2011, the Delaware Court of Chancery denied in their entirety all requests for relief by Air Products and dismissed with prejudice all claims asserted against the Company and its directors. Air Products promptly terminated its unsolicited tender offer and no appeal of the Court’s decision was filed. In responding to the unsolicited tender offer and related litigation, the Company incurred on a cumulative basis a net $61.1 million of legal and professional fees and other costs. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recognized a $6.7 million benefit from lower than previously estimated net costs related to the fiscal 2011 unsolicited takeover attempt. During the prior year period, the Company incurred $8.5 million of unsolicited takeover attempt costs. The net costs related to the unsolicited takeover attempt were reflected as a separate line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and were not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation expense increased $10 million, or 9%, to $121 million in the current period as compared to the prior year period. The increase primarily reflects the additional depreciation expense on capital investments in revenue generating assets to support customer demand (such as cylinders and bulk tanks), $4 million of incremental depreciation expense related to the SAP enterprise information system and $2 million of additional depreciation expense on capital assets included in acquisitions. Amortization expense of $12 million in the current period was consistent with that of the prior year period.

Operating Income

Consolidated operating income of $279 million increased 14% in the current period driven by strong operating leverage on sales growth which more than offset the $9 million of incremental SD&A and depreciation expense related to the SAP implementation. The consolidated operating income margin increased 30 basis points to 11.9% from 11.6% in the prior year period despite incremental SAP costs that had a 30 basis-point impact on consolidated operating income margin.

Operating Income	Six Months Ended September 30,						Increase /
(In thousands)	2011			2010			(Decrease)
Distribution	$	264,252		$	221,955		$	42,297		19	%
All Other Operations		39,092			44,982			(5,890	)	-13	%
Other		(24,388	)		(22,421	)		(1,967	)
	$	278,956		$	244,516		$	34,440		14	%

Operating income in the Distribution business segment increased 19% in the current period. The Distribution business segment’s operating income margin increased 90 basis points to 12.7% compared to 11.8% in the prior year period. The operating income margin increase was driven by strong operating leverage on organic sales growth in the current period, which more than offset higher variable costs associated with sales growth.

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Operating income in the All Other Operations business segment decreased 13% compared to the prior year period. The All Other Operations business segment’s operating income margin of 13.6% was 410 basis points lower than the operating income margin of 17.7% in the prior year period. The decrease in operating income margin was primarily driven by the impact of gross margin compression in the ammonia and refrigerants businesses.

Interest Expense, Net and Losses on the Extinguishment of Debt

Interest expense, net, was $34 million in the current period, representing an increase of $7 million, or 25%, compared to the prior year period. The overall increase in interest expense, net, resulted primarily from higher average debt balances in the current period as compared to the prior year period, reflecting the impact of the two recently completed stock repurchase programs and, to a lesser extent, the acquisitions of ABCO and Pain.

As a result of the early termination of the Prior Credit Facility, the Company recognized a loss of $0.6 million associated with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs during the prior year period. Additionally, the Company repurchased $30 million of its 2018 Notes during the prior year period. In conjunction with the repurchase of the 2018 Notes, the Company recognized losses on the early extinguishment of debt of $3.6 million during the prior year period. The losses reflected the redemption premiums as well as the write-off of the associated unamortized debt issuance costs.

Financing

On June 3, 2011, the Company issued $250 million of 2.95% senior notes maturing on June 15, 2016 (the “2016 Notes”). The net proceeds from the sale of the 2016 Notes were used to fund acquisitions and repurchase shares under the Company’s May 2011 stock repurchase program. Additionally, on July 19, 2011, the Company entered into a $750 million Amended and Restated Credit Facility to amend and restate its previous credit facility dated September 13, 2010.

Income Tax Expense

The effective income tax rate was 37.7% of pre-tax earnings in the current period compared to 38.4% in the prior year period. The Company expects the effective income tax rate for fiscal 2012 to be between 37.5% and 38.5% of pre-tax earnings.

Net Earnings

Net earnings per diluted share rose 26% to $1.94 in the current period compared to $1.54 in the prior year period. Net earnings were $152.5 million compared to $131.4 million in the prior year period. Net earnings per diluted share in the current and prior year periods included net special charges aggregating to $0.08 and $0.12 per diluted share, respectively. Net special charges in each period consisted of the following:

	Six Months Ended September 30,
Effect on Diluted EPS	2011			2010
Restructuring and other special charges	$	0.12		$	—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		(0.05	)		0.06
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		—			0.03
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges		0.01			0.03
Special charges, net	$	0.08		$	0.12

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities was $201 million for the six months ended September 30, 2011, compared to a $17 million use of cash during the prior year period. The use of cash in the prior year period was driven by the new accounting treatment for the Company’s securitization agreement. On April 1, 2010, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that affected the presentation of its trade receivables securitization program, through which the Company participates with three commercial banks and sells qualifying trade receivables on a revolving basis (the “Securitization Agreement”). As a result of implementing the new

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guidance, funding under the agreement of $295 million on April 1, 2010 was reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as a use of cash from the securitization of trade receivables under net cash used in operating activities and as a source of cash under net cash provided by financing activities.

Working capital used cash of $126 million in the current period versus $12 million during the prior year period. The use of cash from working capital was driven by increases in working capital to support sales growth and the payout of fiscal 2011 accrued annual incentive compensation, as well as a decrease in accrued professional fees related to the Air Products’ unsolicited takeover attempt in the prior year. Net earnings adjusted for non-cash and non-operating items provided cash of $326 million versus $294 million in the prior year. Free cash flow* for the current period was $106 million, compared to $188 million in the prior year period, driven by adjusted cash from operations* of $257 million. The decrease in free cash flow from the prior year reflects an increase in capital expenditures and working capital to support sales growth, as well as an increase in the payout of accrued annual incentive compensation.

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $134 million during the current period, as compared to the prior year period. The increase in cash used for investing activities was primarily driven by the Company’s acquisition of ABCO and Pain and larger capital expenditures. During the six months ended September 30, 2011, the Company paid $94 million to acquire five businesses and settle holdback liabilities. The largest of the acquired businesses were ABCO and Pain, with historical annual sales of $35 million and $33 million, respectively. Capital expenditures also increased by $49 million to $167 million in the six months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to investments in revenue generating equipment, such as cylinders and bulk tanks, and the construction of an air separation unit in Clarksville, TN. Capital expenditures in both periods also reflect the development and implementation of the Company’s highly customized SAP system.

Financing activities provided cash of $31 million in the six months ended September 30, 2011 and $141 million in the six months ended September 30, 2010. The change in accounting principle for the Securitization Agreement noted above was reflected in proceeds from borrowings in the prior year, but had no impact on the Company’s net cash position. Net cash borrowings of $359 million in the current period were driven by the issuance of the $250 million 2016 Notes and additional revolver borrowings used to fund acquisitions and repurchase shares under the Company’s stock repurchase program. During fiscal 2012, the Company authorized and completed a share repurchase program, purchasing 4.5 million shares of treasury stock for $300 million.

Dividends

The Company paid its stockholders $46 million or $0.32 per share in the current quarter and $0.29 per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $0.22 per share and $0.25 per share in the first and second quarters, respectively, in the prior year period. Future dividend declarations and associated amounts paid will depend upon the Company’s earnings, financial condition, loan covenants, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by management and the Company’s Board of Directors.

* See Non-GAAP reconciliations.

Financial Instruments

Senior Credit Facility

On July 19, 2011, the Company entered into the Credit Facility to amend and restate the prior credit facility dated September 13, 2010. The Credit Facility consists of a $650 million U.S. dollar revolving credit line and a $100 million (U.S. dollar equivalent) multi-currency revolving credit line. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is July 19, 2016. Under circumstances described in the Credit Facility, the revolving credit line may be increased by an additional $325 million, provided that the multi-currency revolving credit line may not be increased by more than an additional $50 million.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $482 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility, including $440 million under the U.S. dollar revolver and $42 million under the multi-currency revolver. The Company also had outstanding letters of credit of $41 million issued under the Credit Facility. The U.S. dollar revolver borrowings bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 125 basis points. The multi-currency revolver bears interest based on a rate of 125 basis points over the Euro currency rate applicable to each foreign currency borrowing. As of September 30, 2011, the average effective interest rates on the U.S. dollar revolver and the multi-currency revolver were 1.38% and 2.13%, respectively.

At September 30, 2011, the financial covenant of the Credit Facility did not restrict the Company’s ability to borrow on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to make payments, a cross-default to certain other debt, breaches of covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, certain monetary judgments and bankruptcy and ERISA events.

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At September 30, 2011, the Company also maintained a committed revolving line of credit of up to €5.0 million (U.S. $6.7 million) to fund its operations in France. These revolving credit borrowings are outside of the Company’s Credit Facility. At September 30, 2011, French revolving credit borrowings were €3.8 million (U.S. $5.2 million). As of September 30, 2011, the variable interest rates on the French revolving credit borrowings were based on the Euro currency rate plus 212.5 basis points and the effective interest rate was 3.43%.

On October 11, 2011, the Company amended this committed revolving line of credit to increase the amount available to €8.0 million (U.S. $10.7 million), reduce the spread on borrowings to 125 basis points and extend the maturity to December 31, 2012.

Total Borrowing Capacity

As of September 30, 2011, $227 million remained unused under the Company’s Credit Facility. The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity from cash from operations and under its revolving credit facilities to meet its working capital, capital expenditure and other financial commitments. The financial covenant under the Company’s Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a leverage ratio not higher than 3.5. The leverage ratio is a contractually defined amount principally reflecting debt and, historically, the amounts outstanding under the Securitization Agreement divided by a contractually defined Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) for the trailing twelve-month period with pro forma adjustments for acquisitions. The financial covenant calculations of the Credit Facility include the pro forma results of acquired businesses. Therefore, total borrowing capacity is not reduced dollar-for-dollar with acquisition financing. The leverage ratio measures the Company’s ability to meet current and future obligations. At September 30, 2011, the Company’s leverage ratio was 2.7.

The Company continually evaluates alternative financing and believes that it can obtain financing on reasonable terms. The terms of any future financing arrangements depend on market conditions and the Company’s financial position at that time.

Commercial Paper

In October 2011, the Company commenced a $750 million commercial paper program supported by its Credit Facility. This program allows the Company to obtain favorable short-term borrowing rates with maturities that may vary, but will generally not exceed 90 days from the date of issue. The Company will use proceeds from the commercial paper program to pay down amounts outstanding under its Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

Money Market Loans

The Company has an agreement with a financial institution that provides access to short-term advances not to exceed $35 million. The agreement expires on December 1, 2011, but may be extended subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. The advances are generally overnight or for up to seven days. The amount, term and interest rate of an advance are established through mutual agreement with the financial institution when the Company requests such an advance. At September 30, 2011, there were no advances outstanding under the agreement.

The Company also has an agreement with another financial institution to provide access to additional short-term advances not to exceed $35 million. The agreement expires on January 2, 2012, but may be extended subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. The advances may be for one to six months with rates at a fixed spread over the corresponding LIBOR. At September 30, 2011, there were no advances outstanding under the agreement.

Senior Notes

On June 3, 2011, the Company issued $250 million of 2.95% senior notes maturing on June 15, 2016. The 2016 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 2.98%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2016 Notes were used to fund acquisitions and repurchase shares under the Company’s stock repurchase program. Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2011.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $300 million outstanding of 2.85% senior notes maturing on October 1, 2013 (the “2013 Notes”). The 2013 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 2.871%. Interest on the 2013 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $400 million outstanding of 4.5% senior notes maturing on September 15, 2014 (the “2014 Notes”). The 2014 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 4.527%. Interest on the 2014 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $250 million outstanding of 3.25% senior notes maturing on October 1, 2015 (the “2015 Notes”). The 2015 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 3.283%. Interest on the 2015 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

The 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Notes (collectively, the “Senior Notes”) contain covenants that could restrict the incurrence of liens and limit sale and leaseback transactions. Additionally, the Company has the option to redeem the Senior Notes prior to their maturity, in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal plus any accrued but unpaid interest and applicable make-whole payments.

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Senior Subordinated Notes

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $215 million outstanding of the 2018 Notes with a stated interest rate of 7.125%. Interest on the 2018 Notes is payable semi-annually on October 1 and April 1 of each year. The 2018 Notes have a redemption provision, which permits the Company, at its option, to call the 2018 Notes at scheduled dates and prices. The first scheduled optional redemption date is October 1, 2013 at a price of 103.563% of the principal amount.

Other Long-term Debt

The Company’s other long-term debt primarily consists of vendor financing of rental welders, capitalized lease obligations and notes issued to sellers of businesses acquired, which are repayable in periodic installments. At September 30, 2011, other long-term debt totaled $8.4 million with an average interest rate of approximately 6% and an average maturity of approximately one year.

Trade Receivables Securitization

The Company participates in the Securitization Agreement with three commercial banks to which it sells qualifying trade receivables on a revolving basis. The Company’s sale of qualified trade receivables is accounted for as a secured borrowing under which qualified trade receivables collateralize amounts borrowed from the commercial banks. Trade receivables that collateralize the Securitization Agreement are held in a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity, which is consolidated for financial reporting purposes and represents the Company’s only variable interest entity. Qualified trade receivables in the amount of the outstanding borrowing under the Securitization Agreement are not available to the general creditors of the Company. The maximum amount of the Securitization Agreement is $295 million and it bears interest at approximately LIBOR plus 80 basis points. At September 30, 2011, the amount of outstanding borrowing under the Securitization Agreement was $295 million, and it was classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amounts borrowed under the Securitization Agreement could fluctuate monthly based on the Company’s funding requirements and the level of qualified trade receivables available to collateralize the Securitization Agreement. The Securitization Agreement expires in March 2013 and contains customary events of termination, including standard cross-default provisions with respect to outstanding debt.

Debt Extinguishment Charges

During the six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company repurchased $30 million of its 2018 Notes at an average price of 110.6% of the principal. Losses on the early extinguishment of debt from the repurchase of the 2018 Notes were $3.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010 and related to the redemption premiums and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Also during the six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company entered into a new credit facility. In connection with the entry by the Company into the credit facility, on September 13, 2010, the Company’s then existing senior credit facility was terminated and all obligations under the prior credit facility (including the term loans) were repaid in full using proceeds of the credit facility and other funds. As a result of the termination of the prior credit facility, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.6 million during the six months ended September 30, 2010 related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company previously designated fixed interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges of interest payments on certain of the Company’s variable-rate debt instruments. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative instruments representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

For the six months ended September 30, 2010, the fair value of the liability for the fixed interest rate swap agreements decreased and the Company recorded a corresponding adjustment to AOCI of $3.5 million, or $2.3 million after tax. The amount of gain or loss recorded in current earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness related to the designated cash flow hedges was immaterial for the six months ended September 30, 2010.

At September 30, 2011, the Company was not party to any fixed interest rate swap agreements.

In anticipation of the issuance of the 2015 Notes, the Company entered into a treasury rate lock agreement in July 2010 with a notional amount of $100 million that matured in September 2010. The treasury rate lock agreement was designated as a cash flow hedge of the semi-annual interest payments associated with the forecasted issuance of the 2015 Notes. When the treasury rate lock agreement matured, the Company realized a loss of $2.6 million ($1.6 million after tax) which was reported as a component within AOCI and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the 2015 Notes. For the six months ended September 30, 2011, $259 thousand of the loss on the treasury rate lock was reclassified to interest expense. At September 30, 2011, the estimated loss recorded in AOCI on the treasury rate lock agreement that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $326 thousand, net of tax.

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The Company also has variable interest rate swap agreements, which are designated as fair value hedges. For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had five variable interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional amount of $300 million. These variable interest rates swaps effectively convert the Company’s $300 million of fixed rate 2013 Notes to variable rate debt. At September 30, 2011, these swap agreements required the Company to make variable interest payments based on a weighted average forward rate of 1.44% and receive fixed interest payments from the counterparties based on a fixed rate of 2.85%. The maturity of these fair value swaps coincides with the maturity date of the Company’s 2013 Notes in October 2013. During the six months ended September 30, 2011, the fair value of the variable interest rate swaps increased by $3.2 million to an asset of $8.3 million and was recorded in other non-current assets. The corresponding increase in the carrying value of the 2013 Notes caused by the hedged risk was $3.2 million and was recorded in long-term debt. The Company records the gain or loss on the hedged item (i.e., the 2013 Notes) and the gain or loss on the variable interest rate swaps in interest expense. The net gain or loss recorded in earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness related to the designated fair value hedges was immaterial for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate swaps using observable market rates to calculate the forward yield curves used to determine expected cash flows for each interest rate swap agreement. The discounted present values of the expected cash flows are calculated using the same forward yield curve. The discount rate assumed in the fair value calculations is adjusted for non-performance risk, dependent on the classification of the interest rate swap as an asset or liability. If an interest rate swap is a liability, the Company assesses the credit and non-performance risk of Airgas by determining an appropriate credit spread for entities with similar credit characteristics as the Company. If, however, an interest rate swap is in an asset position, a credit analysis of counterparties is performed assessing the credit and non-performance risk based upon the pricing history of counterparty specific credit default swaps or credit spreads for entities with similar credit ratings to the counterparties. The Company does not believe it is at risk for non-performance by its counterparties. However, if an interest rate swap is in an asset position, the failure of one or more of its counterparties would result in an increase in interest expense and a reduction of earnings. The Company compares its fair value calculations to the contract settlement values calculated by the counterparties for each swap agreement for reasonableness.

Interest Expense

A majority of the Company’s variable rate debt is based on a spread over LIBOR. Based on the Company’s fixed to variable interest rate ratio, for every 25 basis point increase in LIBOR, the Company estimates that its annual interest expense would increase by approximately $2.7 million.

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Non-GAAP Reconciliations

Adjusted Cash from Operations and Free Cash Flow

	Six Months Ended September 30,
(Amounts in thousands)	2011			2010
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	201,252		$	(16,557	)
Adjustments to net cash provided by (used in ) operating activities:
Cash used by the securitization of trade receivables		—			295,000
Stock issued for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan		7,381			7,374
Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options		4,722			4,286
Cash expenditures related to unsolicited takeover attempt		35,084			9,206
Cash expenditures related to MEPP withdrawals		8,752			—
Adjusted cash from operations		257,191			299,309
Capital expenditures		(166,812	)		(117,337	)
Adjustments to capital expenditures:
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment		8,387			6,448
Operating lease buyouts		6,873			—
Adjusted capital expenditures		(151,552	)		(110,889	)
Free cash flow	$	105,639		$	188,420

The Company believes that free cash flow and adjusted cash from operations provide investors meaningful insight into the Company’s ability to generate cash from operations without the impact of cash used related to Air Products’ unsolicited takeover attempt and MEPP withdrawals, which is available for servicing debt obligations and for the execution of its business strategies, including acquisitions, the prepayment of debt, the payment of dividends, or to support other investing and financing activities. Non-GAAP numbers should be read in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, as non-GAAP metrics are merely a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures. It should be noted as well that our free cash flow and adjusted cash from operations metrics may be different from free cash flow and adjusted cash from operations metrics provided by other companies.

OTHER

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table presents the Company’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2011:

(In thousands)						Payments Due by Period					More than 5 Years (a)
Contractual Obligations	Total			Remainder of fiscal 2012 (a)		1 to 3 Years (a)			3 to 5 Years (a)
Long-term debt (1)	$	2,205,709		$	7,506	$	600,248		$	650,650	$	947,305
Estimated interest payments on long-term debt (2)		284,338			34,154		128,262			80,276		41,646
Estimated receipts on interest rate swap agreements (3)		(8,288	)		—		(8,288	)		—		—
Non-compete agreements (4)		18,070			2,656		8,625			5,693		1,096
Letters of credit (5)		40,931			40,308		623			—		—
Operating leases (6)		252,568			42,391		115,384			53,638		41,155
Airgas, Inc. Severance Pay Plan (7)		13,330			1,880		11,450			—		—
Purchase obligations:
Liquid bulk gas supply agreements (8)		701,156			66,729		258,279			221,476		154,672
Liquid carbon dioxide supply agreements (9)		176,247			11,844		39,202			27,344		97,857
Ammonia supply agreements (10)		2,439			1,295		1,144			—		—
Other purchase commitments (11)		725			725		—			—		—
Construction commitments (12)		19,080			15,621		3,459			—		—
Total Contractual Obligations	$	3,706,305		$	225,109	$	1,158,388		$	1,039,077	$	1,283,731

^(a)  The “Remainder of fiscal 2012” column relates to obligations due in fiscal 2012. The “1 to 3 Years” column relates to obligations due in fiscal years ending March 31, 2013 and 2014. The “3 to 5 Years” column relates to obligations due in fiscal years ending March 31, 2015 and 2016. The “More than 5 Years” column relates to obligations due in fiscal years ending March 31, 2017 and beyond.

⁽¹⁾  Aggregate long-term debt instruments are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2011. Long-term debt includes capital lease obligations, which were not material and, therefore, did not warrant separate disclosure.

⁽²⁾  The future interest payments on the Company’s long-term debt obligations were estimated based on the current outstanding principal reduced by scheduled maturities in each period presented and interest rates as of September 30, 2011. The actual interest payments may differ materially from those presented above based on actual amounts of long-term debt outstanding and actual interest rates in future periods.

⁽³⁾  Receipts under interest rate swap agreements result from changes in market interest rates compared to contractual rates and payments to be exchanged between the parties to the agreements. The estimated payments in future periods were determined based on forward LIBOR rates as of September 30, 2011. Actual receipts may differ materially from those presented above based on actual interest rates in future periods.

⁽⁴⁾  Non-compete agreements are obligations of the Company to make scheduled future payments, generally to former owners of acquired businesses, contingent upon their compliance with the covenants of the non-compete agreements.

⁽⁵⁾  Letters of credit are guarantees of payment to third parties. The Company’s letters of credit principally back obligations associated with the Company’s self-insured retention on workers’ compensation, business automobile and general liability claims. The letters of credit are supported by the Company’s Credit Facility.

⁽⁶⁾  The Company’s operating leases at September 30, 2011 include approximately $183 million in fleet vehicles under long-term operating leases. The Company guarantees a residual value of $26 million related to its leased vehicles.

⁽⁷⁾  In May 2011, the Company announced its plan to realign its twelve regional companies’ accounting and certain administrative functions into four divisional Business Support Centers. As a result of this realignment, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $13.3 million associated with severance benefits expected to be paid under the Airgas, Inc. Severance Pay Plan to employees whose jobs are eliminated as a result of the realignment.

⁽⁸⁾  In addition to the gas volumes supplied by Airgas Merchant Gases, the Company purchases industrial, medical and specialty gases pursuant to requirements contracts from national and regional producers of industrial gases. The Company has a long-term

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take-or-pay supply agreement, in effect through August 31, 2017, with Air Products to supply the Company with bulk liquid nitrogen, oxygen and argon. Additionally, the Company purchases helium and hydrogen gas from Air Products under a long-term supply agreement. Based on the volume of fiscal 2012 purchases, the Air Products supply agreements represent approximately $58 million annually in bulk gas purchases.

The Company also has long-term take-or-pay supply agreements with Linde AG to purchase oxygen, nitrogen, argon and helium. The agreements expire at various dates through July 2019 and represent approximately $56 million in annual bulk gas purchases. Additionally, the Company has long-term take-or-pay supply agreements to purchase oxygen, nitrogen and argon from other major producers. Annual purchases under these contracts are approximately $16 million and they expire at various dates through 2024.

The purchase commitments for future periods contained in the table above reflect estimates based on fiscal 2012 purchases. The supply agreements noted above contain periodic adjustments based on certain economic indices and market analysis. The Company believes the minimum product purchases under the agreements are within the Company’s normal product purchases. Actual purchases in future periods under the supply agreements could differ materially from those presented in the table due to fluctuations in demand requirements related to varying sales levels as well as changes in economic conditions.

⁽⁹⁾  The Company is a party to long-term take-or-pay supply agreements for the purchase of liquid carbon dioxide with approximately 15 suppliers that expire at various dates through 2044. The purchase commitments for future periods contained in the table above reflect estimates based on fiscal 2012 purchases. The Company believes the minimum product purchases under the agreements are within the Company’s normal product purchases. Actual purchases in future periods under the liquid carbon dioxide supply agreements could differ materially from those presented in the table due to fluctuations in demand requirements related to varying sales levels as well as changes in economic conditions. Certain of the liquid carbon dioxide supply agreements contain market pricing subject to certain economic indices.

⁽¹⁰⁾  The Company purchases ammonia from a variety of sources.

⁽¹¹⁾  Other purchase commitments primarily include property, plant and equipment expenditures.

⁽¹²⁾  Construction commitments represent an outstanding commitment to a customer to construct an on-site air separation unit in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Forward-looking Statements

This report contains statements that are forward looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company’s estimate of $3.2 million in withdrawal liabilities to be incurred related to its withdrawal from the MEPP negotiated in November 2011; the benefits to be derived from the SAP implementation, including the Company’s estimate of an aggregate of $75 million to $125 million in incremental operating income on an annual run-rate basis upon full implementation; the Company’s expectation that by December 2013, it will have achieved a minimum of $75 million in annual run-rate operating income benefits, with a likelihood that these benefits will ultimately reach or exceed $125 million; the Company’s estimate of total SAP implementation costs of $36 million to be incurred in fiscal 2012; the Company’s expectations as to the schedule for the SAP implementation and estimates of the total SAP project expenditures of approximately $186 million; the Company’s estimate of total depreciation expense related to the SAP system to be approximately $9 million in fiscal 2012; the Company’s expectation of earnings of $0.92 to $0.95 per diluted share for the third quarter ending December 31, 2011 and earnings per diluted share of $3.82 to $3.92 for the full fiscal year 2012, both of which include the Company’s estimates of restructuring and other special charges, SAP implementation costs and SAP-related depreciation expense, the first quarter MEPP withdrawal charge and the first quarter benefit related to the unsolicited takeover attempt, but exclude any additional MEPP withdrawal charges; the Company’s expectations of the benefits to be achieved in connection with the realignment into four new divisions and estimates of the total restructuring charges and related costs of approximately $21 million; the Company’s expectation as to the long-term growth profiles of its strategic products; the continued supply of feedstock from a supplier that intends to cease operations of its hydrogen plant in calendar year 2013; the Company’s plans to increase prices; the Company’s expectation that its overall effective income tax rate for fiscal 2012 will range from 37.5% to 38.5% of pre-tax earnings; the Company’s belief that it has sufficient liquidity from cash from operations and under its revolving credit facilities to meet its working capital, capital expenditure and other financial commitments; the Company’s belief that it can obtain financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s future dividend declarations; the Company’s ability to manage its exposure to interest rate risk through the use of interest rate derivatives; the performance of counterparties under interest rate derivative agreements; the Company’s expectation as to the amount of losses to be reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into earnings within the next twelve months; the Company’s estimate that for every 25 basis point increase in LIBOR, annual interest expense will increase approximately $2.7 million; the estimate of future interest payments on the Company’s long-term debt obligations; the estimate of future receipts under interest rate swap agreements; and the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: the Company’s inability to meet its earnings estimates resulting from lower sales, decreased selling prices, higher product costs and/or higher operating expenses than that forecasted by the Company; weakening of the economy resulting in weakening demand for the Company’s products; weakening operating and financial performance of the Company’s customers, which can negatively impact the Company’s sales and the

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Company’s ability to collect its accounts receivable; changes in the environmental regulations that affect the Company’s sales of specialty gases; higher or lower overall tax rates in fiscal 2012 than those estimated by the Company resulting from changes in tax laws and the impact of changes in tax laws on the Company’s consolidated results, changes in reserves and other estimates; increases in debt in future periods and the impact on the Company’s ability to pay and/or grow its dividend as a result of loan covenant and other restrictions; a decline in demand from markets served by the Company; adverse customer response to the Company’s strategic product sales initiatives; a lack of cross-selling opportunities for the Company’s strategic products; a lack of specialty gas sales growth due to a downturn in certain markets; the negative effect of an economic downturn on strategic product sales and margins; the inability of strategic products to diversify against cyclicality; supply shortages of certain gases and the resulting inability of the Company to meet customer gas requirements; customers’ acceptance of current prices and of future price increases; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; a rise in product costs and/or operating expenses at a rate faster than the Company’s ability to increase prices; higher or lower capital expenditures than that estimated by the Company; limitations on the Company’s borrowing capacity dictated by the Credit Facility; fluctuations in interest rates; the Company’s ability to continue to access credit markets on satisfactory terms; the impact of tightened credit markets on the Company’s customers; the extent and duration of current economic trends in the U.S. economy; higher than expected implementation costs of the SAP system and the realignment of its divisional structure; conversion problems related to the SAP system that disrupt the Company’s business and negatively impact customer relationships; the Company’s expectation that all regional companies will be converted to SAP by the end of the summer of calendar year 2012; the inability to retain employees to be affected by the reorganization prior to its completion; potential disruption to the Company’s business from integration problems associated with acquisitions; the Company’s success in continuing its cost reduction program; the Company’s ability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate acquisitions to achieve anticipated acquisition synergies; increased liabilities arising from MEPP withdrawals; the inability to manage interest rate exposure; higher interest expense than that estimated by the Company due to changes in debt levels or increases in LIBOR; unanticipated non-performance by counterparties related to interest rate derivatives; the effects of competition on products, pricing and sales growth; changes in product prices from gas producers and name-brand manufacturers and suppliers of hardgoods; customer acceptance of the increased prices; changes in customer demand resulting in the inability to meet minimum product purchases under long-term supply agreements and the inability to negotiate alternative supply arrangements; costs associated with the construction of an air separation unit in Clarksville, Tennessee and the effects of, and changes in, the economy, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, inflation and monetary fluctuations, both on a national and international basis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement made herein or that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The Company manages its exposure to changes in market interest rates. The interest rate exposure arises primarily from the interest payment terms of the Company’s borrowing agreements. Interest rate derivatives are used to adjust the interest rate risk exposures that are inherent in its portfolio of funding sources. The Company also uses treasury rate lock agreements to hedge the risk associated with the interest rates paid on forecasted debt issuances. The Company has not established, and will not establish, any interest rate risk positions for purposes other than managing the risk associated with its portfolio of funding sources or anticipated funding sources. The counterparties to interest rate derivatives are major financial institutions. The Company has established counterparty credit guidelines and only enters into transactions with financial institutions with long-term credit ratings of at least a single ‘A’ rating by one of the major credit rating agencies. In addition, the Company monitors its position and the credit ratings of its counterparties, thereby minimizing the risk of non-performance by the counterparties.

The table below summarizes the Company’s market risks associated with debt obligations and interest rate swaps at September 30, 2011. For debt obligations, the table presents cash flows related to payments of principal and interest by fiscal year of maturity. For interest rate swaps, the table presents the notional amounts underlying the agreements by year of maturity. The notional amounts are used to calculate contractual payments to be exchanged and are not actually paid or received. Fair values were computed using market quotes, if available, or based on discounted cash flows using market interest rates as of the end of the period.

(In millions)	3/31/2012			3/31/2013			3/31/2014			3/31/2015			3/31/2016			Thereafter			Total		Fair Value
Fixed Rate Debt:
Other long-term debt	$	2.4		$	4.2		$	1.1		$	0.5		$	0.2		$	—		$	8.4	$	8.6
Interest expense		0.2			0.2			0.1			—			—			—			0.5
Average interest rate		6.37	%		5.39	%		4.89	%		4.56	%		3.89	%		—
Senior notes due 10/1/2013	$	—		$	—		$	300.0		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	300.0	$	314.9
Interest expense		4.3			8.6			4.2			—			—			—			17.1
Interest rate		2.85	%		2.85	%		2.85	%		—			—			—
Senior notes due 9/15/2014	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	400.0		$	—		$	—		$	400.0	$	426.2
Interest expense		9.0			18.0			18.0			8.3			—			—			53.3
Interest rate		4.50	%		4.50	%		4.50	%		4.50	%		—			—
Senior notes due 10/1/2015	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	250.0		$	—		$	250.0	$	259.5
Interest expense		4.1			8.1			8.1			8.1			4.1			—			32.5
Interest rate		3.25	%		3.25	%		3.25	%		3.25	%		3.25	%		—
Senior notes due 6/15/2016	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	250.0		$	250.0	$	253.5
Interest expense		3.7			7.4			7.4			7.4			7.4			1.4			34.7
Interest rate		2.95	%		2.95	%		2.95	%		2.95	%		2.95	%		2.95	%
Senior subordinated notes due 10/1/2018	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	215.4		$	215.4	$	231.9
Interest expense		7.7			15.4			15.4			15.4			15.4			38.2			107.5
Interest rate		7.13	%		7.13	%		7.13	%		7.13	%		7.13	%		7.13	%

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(In millions)	3/31/2012			3/31/2013			3/31/2014			3/31/2015			3/31/2016			Thereafter			Total			Fair Value
Variable Rate Debt:
Revolving credit borrowings - U.S.	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	439.7		$	439.7		$	439.7
Interest expense		3.1			6.2			6.2			6.2			6.2			1.7			29.6
Interest rate (a)		1.38	%		1.38	%		1.38	%		1.38	%		1.38	%		1.38	%
Revolving credit borrowings - Multi-currency	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	42.1		$	42.1		$	42.1
Interest expense		0.5			0.9			0.9			0.9			0.9			0.3		$	4.4
Interest rate (a)		2.13	%		2.13	%		2.13	%		2.13	%		2.13	%		2.13	%
Revolving credit borrowings - France	$	5.2		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5.2		$	5.2
Interest expense		0.05			—			—			—			—			—		$	0.05
Interest rate (a)		3.43	%		—			—			—			—			—
Trade receivables securitization	$	—		$	295.0		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	295.0		$	295.0
Interest expense		1.5			3.2			—			—			—			—		$	4.7
Interest Rate Swaps:
5 swaps receive fixed/pay variable
Notional amounts	$	—		$	—		$	300.0		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	300.0		$	(8.3	)
Swap (receipts)		—			—			(8.3	)		—			—			—			(8.3	)
Variable forward pay rate = 1.44%
Weighted average receive rate = 2.85%

^(a)  The interest rate on the revolving credit facilities is the weighted average of the variable interest rates on the U.S. dollar revolving credit line and the multi-currency revolving credit line. The variable interest rates on the U.S. dollar revolving credit line are based on a spread over LIBOR applicable to each tranche under the U.S. credit line. The average of the variable interest rates on the multi-currency portions of the Credit Facility is based on a spread over the Euro currency rate applicable to each foreign currency borrowing under the multi-currency credit line. The variable interest rates on the French revolving credit borrowings are also based on a spread over the Euro currency rate.

The interest rate used in the computation of estimated future interest expense in the table above reflects the interest rate on the French revolving credit borrowings in effect at September 30, 2011. The above table also presents the French revolving credit borrowings at their maturity date as of September 30, 2011. The French revolving credit facility was subsequently amended on October 11, 2011. Amendments to the agreement include the extension of the maturity date from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, an increase to the amount available under the facility from €5.0 million to €8.0 million and a reduction in the applicable spread. The spread applicable at September 30, 2011 was reduced from 2.125% to 1.250% per annum over the Euro currency rate.

Limitations of the Tabular Presentation

As the table incorporates only those interest rate risk exposures that exist as of September 30, 2011, it does not consider those exposures or positions that could arise after that date. In addition, actual cash flows of financial instruments in future periods may differ materially from prospective cash flows presented in the table due to future fluctuations in variable interest rates, debt levels and the Company’s credit rating.

Foreign Currency Rate Risk

Canadian subsidiaries and the European operations of the Company are funded in part with local currency debt. The Company does not otherwise hedge its exposure to translation gains and losses relating to foreign currency net asset exposures. The Company considers its exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations to be immaterial to its financial position and results of operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of September 30, 2011. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

44

(b) Changes in Internal Control

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Company has an ongoing initiative to implement a new enterprise information system (the “SAP system”). The SAP system will be implemented in stages, by business unit, through fiscal 2013. Management believes the necessary procedures are in place to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as the implementation continues.

45

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been fully adjudicated. These actions, when ultimately concluded and determined, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011.

46

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are being filed or furnished as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

Exhibit No.	Description
31.1	Certification of Peter McCausland as Chief Executive Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Robert M. McLaughlin as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Peter McCausland as Chief Executive Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Robert M. McLaughlin as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
*101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
*101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
*101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.
*101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
*101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files in these exhibits are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

47

Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: November 8, 2011	AIRGAS, INC.
	(Registrant)
	BY:	/S/    THOMAS M. SMYTH
		Thomas M. Smyth Vice President & Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

48

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Description
31.1	Certification of Peter McCausland as Chief Executive Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Robert M. McLaughlin as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Peter McCausland as Chief Executive Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Robert M. McLaughlin as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Airgas, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.
*101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
*101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
*101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.
*101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
*101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files in these exhibits are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Peter McCausland, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Airgas, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 8, 2011

/s/ Peter McCausland

Peter McCausland

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert M. McLaughlin, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Airgas, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 8, 2011

/s/ Robert M. McLaughlin

Robert M. McLaughlin

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Airgas, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Peter McCausland, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

/s/ Peter McCausland

Peter McCausland

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

November 8, 2011

The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as an exhibit to the Report and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Airgas, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Robert M. McLaughlin, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

/s/ Robert M. McLaughlin

Robert M. McLaughlin

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

November 8, 2011

The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as an exhibit to the Report and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

XML

Indebtedness (Money Market Loans Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Money market loans maximum amount allowed	$ 35
Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Money market loans maximum amount allowed	35
Money market loan advances, amount outstanding	$ 0
Agreement Expiring In December 2011 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Money market advances agreement expiration	December 1, 2011
Money market loans, terms	generally overnight or for up to seven days
Agreement Expiring In January 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Money market loans, terms	The advances may be for one to six months with rates at a fixed spread over the corresponding LIBOR.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Current Assets
Cash	$ 36,701	$ 57,218
Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $28,816 and $23,655 at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively	601,029	550,262
Inventories, net	373,056	362,502
Deferred income tax asset, net	52,000	50,132
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	102,433	100,531
Total current assets	1,165,219	1,120,645
Plant and equipment at cost	4,120,598	3,949,974
Less accumulated depreciation	(1,586,642)	(1,494,216)
Plant and equipment, net	2,533,956	2,455,758
Goodwill	1,137,675	1,117,336
Other intangible assets, net	204,618	197,168
Other non-current assets	52,320	44,974
Total assets	5,093,788	4,935,881
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable, trade	154,166	163,091
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	330,362	391,544
Current portion of long-term debt	10,391	9,868
Total current liabilities	494,919	564,503
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	2,202,688	1,842,994
Deferred income tax liability, net	745,397	722,954
Other non-current liabilities	76,755	70,548
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, 20,030 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 200,000 shares authorized, 86,726 and 86,591 shares issued at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively	867	866
Capital in excess of par value	624,316	607,593
Retained earnings	1,604,798	1,498,728
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,132	7,580
Treasury stock, 11,066 and 6,995 shares at cost at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively	(658,084)	(379,885)
Total stockholders' equity	1,574,029	1,734,882
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 5,093,788	$ 4,935,881

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Trade receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 28,816	$ 23,655
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,030	20,030
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	86,726	86,591
Treasury stock, shares	11,066	6,995

XML

Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of collective bargaining agreements for which Company negotiated withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans	2
Charges related to the withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans		$ 1.4		$ 4.6
Withdrawal liabilities			7.7		16.0
Payment associated with the final assessment from a MEPP			8.6
Number of employees covered under MEPPs			10
Estimated additional withdrawal liabilities			3.2
Multi-Employer Pension Plans Under Collective Bargaining Agreements [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Charges related to the withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans	$ 0.9

XML

Indebtedness (Other Long-Term Debt Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other long-term debt	$ 8.4
Other long-term debt, average maturity, years	1
Acquisition And Other Notes Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other long-term debt, average interest rate	6.00%

XML

Asset Impairment Charge

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Asset Impairment Charge [Abstract]

Asset Impairment Charge

(18) ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE

In August 2011, the Company received 24 months notice that a supplier's hydrogen plant, which generates carbon dioxide as a by-product that serves as the feedstock for the Company's co-located liquid carbon dioxide plant, will cease operations in calendar year 2013. The Company expects the hydrogen plant to continue to supply the feedstock for its liquid carbon dioxideplant during the intervening period.

In accordance with guidance for the impairment of long-lived assets, the Company evaluated the assets at this liquid carbon dioxide plant for recovery. Using a discounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined the fair values of the plant assets were not sufficient to support the current carrying values of the assets. The fair values of the assets were estimated using an internally developed cash flow model. Factors such as expected future revenues and margins, the likelihood of asset redeployment and the length of the remaining operating term were considered in determining the future cash flows of the plant assets. As a result of an impairment analysis performed on the assets at this location, Airgas recorded a charge of $2.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 to adjust the carrying values of the plant assets to the Company's estimated fair values. The impairment charge was reflected in the "Restructuring and other special charges" line item of the Company's Consolidated Statement of Earnings and was not allocated to the Company's business segments (see Note 14).

XML

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Nov. 02, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	arg
Entity Registrant Name	AIRGAS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000804212
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		75,914,668

XML

Indebtedness (Senior Credit Facility Narrative) (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended							6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] Amended [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] Amended [Member] EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- Multi-Currency [Member] Preceding [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Credit Facility [Member] Letters of Credit [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Credit Facility [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- U.S. [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- Multi-Currency [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 10.7	€ 8.0			$ 750.0	$ 650.0	$ 100.0	€ 5.0	$ 6.7
Maturity date				Jul. 19, 2016
Revolving credit facility, maximum increase	325							50
Outstanding borrowings						482.0	440.0	42.0	3.8	5.2
Letters of credit outstanding amount					41
Percentage added to the basis rate		1.25%	1.25%				1.25%	1.25%	2.125%	2.125%
Effective interest rate							1.38%	2.13%	3.43%	3.43%
Amended and restated credit facility		October 11, 2011	October 11, 2011
Line of credit facility, expiration date		December 31, 2012	December 31, 2012
Unused portion of revolving credit facility						$ 227

XML

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Airgas, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Airgas" or the "Company"). Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required for annual financial statements. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the complete disclosures contained in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates. The consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, reasonable estimates and all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

XML

Indebtedness (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,213,079	$ 1,852,862
Other long-term debt	8,357	9,864
Less current portion of long-term debt	(10,391)	(9,868)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	2,202,688	1,842,994
Revolving Credit Borrowings- U.S. [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	439,700	331,000
Revolving Credit Borrowings- Multi-Currency [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	42,053	43,103
Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	5,154	4,106
Trade Receivables Securitization [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	295,000	295,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,207,369	954,343
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 215,446	$ 215,446

XML

Indebtedness

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Indebtedness [Abstract]

Indebtedness

(7) INDEBTEDNESS

Long-term debt consists of:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011			March 31, 2011
Revolving credit borrowings - U.S.	$	439,700		$	331,000
Revolving credit borrowings - Multi-currency		42,053			43,103
Revolving credit borrowings - France		5,154			4,106
Trade receivables securitization		295,000			295,000
Senior notes, net		1,207,369			954,343
Senior subordinated notes		215,446			215,446
Other long-term debt		8,357			9,864
Total long-term debt		2,213,079			1,852,862
Less current portion of long-term debt		(10,391	)		(9,868	)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	2,202,688		$	1,842,994

Senior Credit Facility

On July 19, 2011, the Company entered into a $750 million Amended and Restated Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") to amend and restate the prior credit facility dated September 13, 2010. The Credit Facility consists of a $650 million U.S. dollar revolving credit line and a $100 million (U.S. dollar equivalent) multi-currency revolving credit line. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is July 19, 2016. Under circumstances described in the Credit Facility, the revolving credit line may be increased by an additional $325 million, provided that the multi-currency revolving credit line may not be increased by more than an additional $50 million.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $482 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility, including $440 million under the U.S. dollar revolver and $42 million under the multi-currency revolver. The Company also had outstanding letters of credit of $41 million issued under the Credit Facility. The U.S. dollar revolver borrowings bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 125 basis points. The multi-currency revolver bears interest based on a rate of 125 basis points over the Euro currency rate applicable to each foreign currency borrowing. As of September 30, 2011, the average effective interest rates on the U.S. dollar revolver and the multi-currency revolver were 1.38% and 2.13%, respectively.

At September 30, 2011, the financial covenant of the Credit Facility did not restrict the Company's ability to borrow on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to make payments, a cross-default to certain other debt, breaches of covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, certain monetary judgments and bankruptcy and ERISA events. In the event of default, repayment of borrowings under the Credit Facility may be accelerated. As of September 30, 2011, $227 million remained unused under the Company's Credit Facility.

At September 30, 2011, the Company also maintained a committed revolving line of credit of up to €5.0 million (U.S. $6.7 million) to fund its operations in France. These revolving credit borrowings are outside of the Company's Credit Facility. At September 30, 2011, French revolving credit borrowings were €3.8 million (U.S. $5.2 million). As of September 30, 2011, the variable interest rates on the French revolving credit borrowings were based on the Euro currency rate plus 212.5 basis points and the effective interest rate was 3.43%.

On October 11, 2011, the Company amended this committed revolving line of credit to increase the amount available to €8.0 million (U.S. $10.7 million), reduce the spread on borrowings to 125 basis points and extend the maturity to December 31, 2012.

Commercial Paper

In October 2011, the Company commenced a $750 million commercial paper program supported by its Credit Facility. This program allows the Company to obtain favorable short-term borrowing rates with maturities that may vary, but will generally not exceed 90 days from the date of issue. The Company will use proceeds from the commercial paper program to pay down amounts outstanding under its Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

Money Market Loans

The Company has an agreement with a financial institution that provides access to short-term advances not to exceed $35 million. The agreement expires on December 1, 2011, but may be extended subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. The advances are generally overnight or for up to seven days. The amount, term and interest rate of an advance are established through mutual agreement with the financial institution when the Company requests such an advance. At September 30, 2011, there were no advances outstanding under the agreement.

The Company also has an agreement with another financial institution to provide access to additional short-term advances not to exceed $35 million. The agreement expires on January 2, 2012, but may be extended subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. The advances may be for one to six months with rates at a fixed spread over the corresponding LIBOR. At September 30, 2011, there were no advances outstanding under the agreement.

Senior Notes

On June 3, 2011, the Company issued $250 million of 2.95% senior notes maturing on June 15, 2016 (the "2016 Notes"). The 2016 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 2.98%. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2016 Notes were used to fund acquisitions and repurchase shares under the Company's stock repurchase program. Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2011.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $300 million outstanding of 2.85% senior notes maturing on October 1, 2013 (the "2013 Notes"). The 2013 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 2.871%. Interest on the 2013 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $400 million outstanding of 4.5% senior notes maturing on September 15, 2014 (the "2014 Notes"). The 2014 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 4.527%. Interest on the 2014 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $250 million outstanding of 3.25% senior notes maturing on October 1, 2015 (the "2015 Notes"). The 2015 Notes were issued at a discount with a yield of 3.283%. Interest on the 2015 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

The 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Notes (collectively, the "Senior Notes") contain covenants that could restrict the incurrence of liens and limit sale and leaseback transactions. Additionally, the Company has the option to redeem the Senior Notes prior to their maturity, in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal plus any accrued but unpaid interest and applicable make-whole payments.

Senior Subordinated Notes

At September 30, 2011, the Company had $215 million outstanding of 7.125% senior subordinated notes maturing on October 1, 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). Interest on the 2018 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The 2018 Notes have a redemption provision, which permits the Company, at its option, to call the 2018 Notes at scheduled dates and prices. The first scheduled optional redemption date is October 1, 2013 at a price of 103.563% of the principal amount.

Other Long-term Debt

The Company's other long-term debt primarily consists of vendor financing of rental welders, capitalized lease obligations and notes issued to sellers of businesses acquired, which are repayable in periodic installments. At September 30, 2011, other long-term debt totaled $8.4 million with an average interest rate of approximately 6% and an average maturity of approximately one year.

Trade Receivables Securitization

The Company participates in a securitization agreement with three commercial banks to which it sells qualifying trade receivables on a revolving basis (the "Securitization Agreement"). The Company's sale of qualified trade receivables is accounted for as a secured borrowing under which qualified trade receivables collateralize amounts borrowed from the commercial banks. Trade receivables that collateralize the Securitization Agreement are held in a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity, which is consolidated for financial reporting purposes and represents the Company's only variable interest entity. Qualified trade receivables in the amount of the outstanding borrowing under the Securitization Agreement are not available to the general creditors of the Company. The maximum amount of the Securitization Agreement is $295 million and it bears interest at approximately LIBOR plus 80 basis points. At September 30, 2011, the amount of outstanding borrowing under the Securitization Agreement was $295 million, and it was classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amounts borrowed under the Securitization Agreement could fluctuate monthly based on the Company's funding requirements and the level of qualified trade receivables available to collateralize the Securitization Agreement. The Securitization Agreement expires in March 2013 and contains customary events of termination, including standard cross-default provisions with respect to outstanding debt.

Debt Extinguishment Charges

During the six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company repurchased $30 million of its 2018 Notes at an average price of 110.6% of the principal. Losses on the early extinguishment of debt from the repurchase of the 2018 Notes were $3.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2010 and related to the redemption premiums and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Also during the six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company entered into a new credit facility. In connection with the entry by the Company into the credit facility, on September 13, 2010, the Company's then existing senior credit facility was terminated and all obligations under the prior credit facility (including the term loans) were repaid in full using proceeds of the credit facility and other funds. As a result of the termination of the prior credit facility, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $0.6 million during the six months ended September 30, 2010 related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Aggregate Long-term Debt Maturities

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at September 30, 2011 are as follows:

(In thousands)	Debt Maturities  (a)
September 30, 2012	$	10,391
March 31, 2013		296,266
March 31, 2014		301,097
March 31, 2015		400,472
March 31, 2016		250,178
Thereafter		947,305
	$	2,205,709

^(a) Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Agreement at September 30, 2011 are reflected as maturing at the agreement's expiration in March 2013.

The Senior Notes are reflected in the debt maturity schedule at their maturity values rather than their carrying values, which are net of discounts of $122 thousand for the 2013 Notes, $288 thousand for the 2014 Notes, $302 thousand for the 2015 Notes and $327 thousand for the 2016 Notes at September 30, 2011. The 2013 Notes also include additional carrying value of $8.4 million at September 30, 2011 related to the Company's fair value hedges — see Note 8 for additional disclosure.

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Acquisitions (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Summary Of Fair Values Of The Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed

	Distribution Business Segment			All Other Operations Business Segment			Total
(In thousands)
Current assets, net	$	9,025		$	4,979		$	14,004
Plant and equipment		29,153			18,036			47,189
Goodwill		15,009			9,995			25,004
Other intangible assets		14,641			5,130			19,771
Current liabilities		(5,280	)		(2,276	)		(7,556	)
Non-current liabilities		(1,183	)		(3,286	)		(4,469	)
Total cash consideration	$	61,365		$	32,578		$	93,943

Pro Forma Operating Results

	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2011		2010
Net sales	$	2,359,853	$	2,142,878
Net earnings		152,640		131,069
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.94	$	1.53

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Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Inventories [Line Items]
Inventory, Net	$ 373,056,000	$ 362,502,000
Hardgoods [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Inventory, Net	276,159,000	246,607,000
LIFO inventory amount	34,000,000	32,000,000
Excess carrying value of inventories when valued under FIFO	11,600,000	11,100,000
Gases [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Inventory, Net	$ 96,897,000	$ 115,895,000

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Cash Paid For Interest And Taxes

	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010
Interest paid	$	33,459	$	27,955
Income taxes (net of refunds) (a)		55,928		31,318

^(a) During the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company applied for and received federal income tax refunds of $9.8 million and $26.0 million, respectively.

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Subsequent Events

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

(20) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As described in Note 7, in October 2011, the Company commenced a $750 million commercial paper program supported by its Credit Facility. This program allows the Company to obtain favorable short-term borrowing rates, and the Company will use proceeds from the program to pay down amounts outstanding under its Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

Also as described in Note 7, in October 2011, the Company amended its French revolving line of credit to increase the amount available under the facility, reduce the spread on borrowings and extend the maturity date.

As described in Note 16, in November 2011, the Company successfully negotiated the withdrawal from the MEPP provided for in its last CBA that provided for a MEPP, and expects to incur MEPP withdrawal charges of approximately $3.2 million in the third quarter ending December 31, 2011.

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Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

(12) EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding during the period. Outstanding shares consist of issued shares less treasury stock. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents related to stock options and the Company's ESPP.

Outstanding stock options that are anti-dilutive are excluded from the Company's diluted earnings per share computation. There were approximately 2.0 million and 1.4 million shares covered by outstanding stock options that were anti-dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were approximately 1.7 million and 1.2 million shares covered by outstanding stock options that were anti-dilutive for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The table below presents the computation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		75,630		83,704		76,980		83,580
Incremental shares from assumed exercises of stock options and options under the ESPP		1,632		1,862		1,692		1,828
Diluted		77,262		85,566		78,672		85,408

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Acquisitions

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

(3) ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions have been recorded using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, results of their operations have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the effective date of each respective acquisition.

During the six months ended September 30 2011, the Company purchased five businesses. The largest of these businesses were ABCO Gases, Welding and Industrial Supply Company, Inc. ("ABCO") and Pain Enterprises, Inc. ("Pain"). ABCO was a New England-based industrial gas and welding supply distributor with 12 locations throughout Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island with historical annual sales of approximately $35 million. Pain, a producer and distributor of dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide with 20 locations throughout the Midwestern United States, generated historical annual sales of approximately $33 million. For the six months ended September 30, 2011, a total of $93.9 million in cash was paid for the five businesses, the settlement of holdback liabilities and the settlement of a contingent consideration arrangement associated with a prior year acquisition. Transaction and other integration costs incurred in the six months ended September 30, 2011 were approximately $1.3 million. The businesses acquired during the six months ended September 30, 2011 had aggregate historical annual sales of approximately $70 million. These acquisitions contributed approximately $27 million in net sales for the six months ended September 30, 2011. The Company acquired these businesses in order to expand its geographic coverage and strengthen its national network of branch-store locations, and to expand its dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide production and distribution.

Purchase Price Allocation

The Company negotiated the respective purchase prices of the businesses based on the expected cash flows to be derived from their operations after integration into the Company's existing distribution network and production locations. The acquisition purchase price is allocated based on the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which are based on third-party appraisals and management estimates. Fiscal 2012 purchase price allocations are substantially complete, except for certain tangible and intangible assets related to the ABCO acquisition. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to fiscal 2012 acquisitions, as well as adjustments to finalize the valuations of certain prior year acquisitions. Valuation adjustments related to prior year acquisitions were not significant and appraisals for prior year acquisitions are complete. The final determination of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may result in further adjustments to the values presented below.

	Distribution Business Segment			All Other Operations Business Segment			Total
(In thousands)
Current assets, net	$	9,025		$	4,979		$	14,004
Plant and equipment		29,153			18,036			47,189
Goodwill		15,009			9,995			25,004
Other intangible assets		14,641			5,130			19,771
Current liabilities		(5,280	)		(2,276	)		(7,556	)
Non-current liabilities		(1,183	)		(3,286	)		(4,469	)
Total cash consideration	$	61,365		$	32,578		$	93,943

The fair value of trade receivables acquired in the fiscal 2012 acquisitions was $7.6 million, with gross contractual amounts receivable of $8.2 million. Goodwill associated with fiscal 2012 acquisitions was $25.1 million and is deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill largely consists of expected synergies resulting from the acquisitions, including the expansion of geographical coverage that will facilitate the sale of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related supplies. Intangible assets related to fiscal 2012 acquisitions represent customer relationships and non-competition agreements and amounted to $16.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. See Note 5 for further information on goodwill and intangible assets.

In connection with acquisitions completed prior to the April 1, 2009 adoption of the revised guidance on business combinations, the Company is a party to contingent consideration agreements that provide for additional purchase price to be paid to the sellers if the future earnings of the acquired businesses exceed predetermined amounts. Amounts payable under these contingent payment agreements continue through fiscal 2019 and are limited to $7.8 million. Such amounts, if paid, will be capitalized as additional costs of the acquisitions.

Pro Forma Operating Results

The following table provides unaudited pro forma results of operations for the six-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, as if fiscal 2012 acquisitions had occurred on April 1, 2010. The pro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained from the sellers of the businesses, as well as information obtained during the due diligence process associated with the acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisitions, such as increased depreciation and amortization expense resulting from the stepped-up basis to fair value of assets acquired and adjustments to reflect the Company's borrowing and tax rates. The pro forma operating results do not include any anticipated synergies related to combining the businesses. Accordingly, such pro forma operating results were prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made as of April 1, 2010 or of results that may occur in the future.

	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2011		2010
Net sales	$	2,359,853	$	2,142,878
Net earnings		152,640		131,069
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.94	$	1.53

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Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Stock-based compensation expense related to:
Stock option plans	$	4,651		$	4,131		$	15,139		$	12,920
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - options to purchase stock		842			869			1,931			2,349
		5,493			5,000			17,070			15,269
Tax benefit		(1,794	)		(1,852	)		(5,959	)		(5,297	)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3,699		$	3,148		$	11,111		$	9,972

Summary Of Stock Option Activity

	Number of Stock  Options (In thousands)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at March 31, 2011		6,886		$	41.11
Granted		994		$	66.38
Exercised		(395	)	$	27.68
Forfeited		(32	)	$	56.63
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		7,453		$	45.12
Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2011		7,426		$	45.06
Exercisable at September 30, 2011		4,863		$	37.94

ESPP - Purchase Option Activity

	Number of Purchase  Options (In thousands)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at March 31, 2011		67		$	51.03
Granted		293		$	53.96
Exercised		(135	)	$	54.81
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		225		$	52.58

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Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities

(9) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity of the valuation inputs are defined as follows:

• Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

• Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable, directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data at the measurement date.

• Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect management's best estimate of the assumptions (including assumptions about risk) that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The carrying value of cash, trade receivables, other current receivables, trade payables and other current liabilities (e.g., deposit liabilities, cash overdrafts, etc.) approximates fair value.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011 are categorized in the tables below based on the lowest level of significant input to the valuation.

(In thousands)	Balance at September 30, 2011		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets - variable interest rate swap agreements		8,288		—		8,288		—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	17,827	$	9,539	$	8,288	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—

(In thousands)	Balance at     March 31, 2011		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets - variable interest rate swap agreements		5,086		—		5,086		—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	14,246	$	9,160	$	5,086	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—

The following is a general description of the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

Deferred compensation plan assets and corresponding liabilities — The Company's deferred compensation plan assets consist of open-ended mutual funds (Level 1) and are included within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's deferred compensation plan liabilities are equal to the plan's assets and are included within other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains or losses on the deferred compensation plan assets are recognized as other income (expense), net, while gains or losses on the deferred compensation plan liabilities are recognized as compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Derivative assets — interest rate swap agreements — The Company's variable interest rate swap agreements are with highly rated counterparties, are designated as fair value hedges and effectively convert the Company's fixed rate 2013 Notes to variable rate debt. The swap agreements are valued using an income approach that relies on observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and treasury spreads (Level 2). Expected future cash flows are converted to a present value amount based upon market expectations of the changes in these interest rate yield curves. The fair values of the Company's interest rate swap agreements are included within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 8 for additional derivatives disclosures.

The carrying value of debt, which is reported on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, generally reflects the cash proceeds received upon its issuance, net of subsequent repayments, plus the impact of the Company's fair value hedges. The fair value of the Company's variable interest rate revolving credit borrowings disclosed in the table below was estimated based on observable forward yield curves and unobservable credit spreads management believes a market participant would assume for these facilities under market conditions as of the balance sheet date. The fair values of the fixed rate notes disclosed below were determined based on quoted prices from the broker/dealer market, observable market inputs for similarly termed treasury notes adjusted for the Company's credit spread and unobservable inputs management believes a market participant would use in determining imputed interest for obligations without a stated interest rate. The fair value of the securitized receivables approximates its carrying value.

(In thousands)	Carrying Value at September  30, 2011		Fair Value at September  30, 2011		Carrying Value at March  31, 2011		Fair Value at March 31, 2011
Revolving credit borrowings	$	486,907	$	486,907	$	378,209	$	381,235
2013 Notes		308,286		314,871		305,019		308,716
2014 Notes		399,712		426,181		399,664		419,899
2015 Notes		249,698		259,461		249,660		249,430
2016 Notes		249,673		253,466		—		—
2018 Notes		215,446		231,874		215,446		235,105
Trade Receivables Securitization		295,000		295,000		295,000		295,000
Acquisition and other notes		8,357		8,632		9,864		10,146
Total debt	$	2,213,079	$	2,276,392	$	1,852,862	$	1,899,531

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Summary By Business Segment

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Summary By Business Segment [Abstract]

Summary By Business Segment

(14) SUMMARY BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

Business segment information for the Company's Distribution and All Other Operations business segments is presented below for the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. Certain reclassifications were made to the presentation of business segment operating results for the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications were the result of changes made to the allocation of corporate operating expenses. Although corporate operating expenses are generally allocated to each business segment based on sales dollars, the Company reports expenses (excluding depreciation) related to the implementation of its SAP system and costs associated with the Company's withdrawal from various MEPPs under selling, distribution and administrative expenses in the eliminations and other column below. Previously, these costs were allocated to each business segment based on sales dollars. Consolidated operating income and net earnings for the prior periods were not impacted by these reclassifications. Additionally, the legal, professional and other fees incurred as a result of the Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. ("Air Products") unsolicited takeover attempt (see Note 19), the restructuring charge related to the Company's divisional realignment (see Note 17) and the impairment charge (see Note 18) were not allocated to the Company's business segments, and are reflected in the eliminations and other column below.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2011										Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total			Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total
Gas and rent	$	611,726	$	143,557	$	(10,503	)	$	744,780		$	562,970	$	123,780	$	(8,084	)	$	678,666
Hardgoods		440,730		1,577		(4	)		442,303			381,315		1,688		(6	)		382,997
Total net sales		1,052,456		145,134		(10,507	)		1,187,083			944,285		125,468		(8,090	)		1,061,663
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)		484,416		78,672		(10,507	)		552,581			419,924		64,338		(8,090	)		476,172
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		376,142		41,218		6,077			423,437			355,367		34,070		7,177			396,614
Restructuring and other special charges		—		—		2,500			2,500			—		—		—			—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		—		—		—			—			—		—		4,687			4,687
Depreciation		55,597		4,785		—			60,382			52,287		3,927		—			56,214
Amortization		4,989		1,266		—			6,255			5,049		1,162		—			6,211
Operating income	$	131,312	$	19,193	$	(8,577	)	$	141,928		$	111,658	$	21,971	$	(11,864	)	$	121,765
	Six Months Ended September 30, 2011										Six Months Ended September 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total			Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total
Gas and rent	$	1,216,297	$	285,145	$	(19,625	)	$	1,481,817		$	1,119,417	$	250,692	$	(15,628	)	$	1,354,481
Hardgoods		866,619		2,955		(8	)		869,566			756,708		3,141		(11	)		759,838
Total net sales		2,082,916		288,100		(19,633	)		2,351,383			1,876,125		253,833		(15,639	)		2,114,319
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)		946,060		156,934		(19,633	)		1,083,361			834,362		132,551		(15,639	)		951,274
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		751,369		80,256		15,258			846,883			706,799		66,417		13,947			787,163
Restructuring and other special charges		—		—		15,830			15,830			—		—		—			—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt						(6,700	)		(6,700	)		—		—		8,474			8,474
Depreciation		111,331		9,318		—			120,649			102,920		7,559		—			110,479
Amortization		9,904		2,500		—			12,404			10,089		2,324		—			12,413
Operating income	$	264,252	$	39,092	$	(24,388	)	$	278,956		$	221,955	$	44,982	$	(22,421	)	$	244,516

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Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Liabilities) (Details) (Severance Costs [Member], USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Severance Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at March 31, 2011
Restructuring charge	13,330
Cash payments
Balance at September 30, 2011	$ 13,330

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Stockholders' Equity

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

(10) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Changes in stockholders' equity were as follows:

(In thousands of shares)	Shares of Common Stock $0.01 Par Value		Shares of Treasury Stock
Balance at March 31, 2011		86,591		6,995
Common stock issuance (a)		135		—
Reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises		—		(394	)
Purchase of treasury stock (d)		—		4,465
Balance at September 30, 2011		86,726		11,066

(In thousands)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	866	$	607,593		$	1,498,728		$	7,580		$	(379,885	)	$	1,734,882
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings							152,544									152,544
Foreign currency translation adjustments										(5,611	)					(5,611	)
Gain on derivative instruments										259						259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items										(96	)					(96	)
Total comprehensive income																147,096	(e)
Common stock issuances and reissuances from treasury stock - employee benefit plans (b)		1		(3,559	)								21,801			18,243
Tax benefit from stock option exercises				3,212												3,212
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.61 per share)							(46,474	)								(46,474	)
Stock-based compensation (c)				17,070												17,070
Purchase of treasury stock (d)													(300,000	)		(300,000	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	867	$	624,316		$	1,604,798		$	2,132		$	(658,084	)	$	1,574,029

^(a) Issuance of common stock for purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

^(b) Issuance of common stock and reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises and purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

^(c) The Company recognized compensation expense with a corresponding amount recorded to capital in excess of par value.

^(d) As of September 30, 2011, the Company had completed a $300 million share repurchase authorization announced on May 5, 2011, repurchasing 4.5 million shares on the open market at an average price of $67.19.

^(e) The Company's comprehensive income was $147 million and $131 million for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Comprehensive income consists of net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, net gain on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and the net tax effect of other comprehensive income items. Net tax effect of comprehensive income items pertains to the Company's derivative instruments only, as foreign currency translation adjustments relate to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net gain on derivative instruments reflects reclassification adjustments to income.

The table below presents the gross and net changes in the balances within each component of AOCI for the six months ended September 30, 2011.

(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Treasury Rate Lock Agreement			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	9,047		$	(1,467	)	$	7,580
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(5,611	)					(5,611	)
Derivative instruments:
Reclassification adjustments to income					259			259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items					(96	)		(96	)
Net change after tax of comprehensive income items		(5,611	)		163			(5,448	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	3,436		$	(1,304	)	$	2,132

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Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Fair Values Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments

	September 30, 2011			March 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Interest rate swaps:
Variable interest rate swaps	Other non-current assets	$	8,288	Other non-current assets	$	5,086

Effect Of Derivative Instruments On The Consolidated Statements Of Earnings And Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands)	Amount of Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Six Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2011			2010
Interest rate contracts	$	259		$	947
Tax effect		(96	)		(280	)
Net effect	$	163		$	667

(In thousands)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Pre-tax Income Six Months Ended September 30,
Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Pre-tax Income for Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
	2011		2010
Interest expense, net	$	259	$	3,556

(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Pre-tax Income	Amount of Gain  (Loss) Recognized in Pre-tax Income Six Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships		2011			2010
Change in fair value of variable interest rate swaps	Interest expense, net	$	3,202		$	10,264
Change in carrying value of 2013 Notes	Interest expense, net		(3,237	)		(10,248	)
Net effect	Interest expense, net	$	(35	)	$	16

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Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company manages its exposure to changes in market interest rates. The Company's involvement with derivative instruments is limited to highly effective interest rate swap agreements used to manage well-defined interest rate risk exposures and treasury rate lock agreements used to fix the interest rate related to forecasted debt issuances. The Company monitors its positions and credit ratings of its counterparties and does not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties. Interest rate swap and treasury rate lock agreements are not entered into for trading purposes. The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At September 30, 2011, the Company was party to a total of five interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company previously designated fixed interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges of interest payments on certain of the Company's variable-rate debt instruments. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative instruments representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

For the six months ended September 30, 2010, the fair value of the liability for the fixed interest rate swap agreements decreased and the Company recorded a corresponding adjustment to AOCI of $3.5 million, or $2.3 million after tax. The amount of gain or loss recorded in current earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness related to the designated cash flow hedges was immaterial for the six months ended September 30, 2010.

At September 30, 2011, the Company was not party to any fixed interest rate swap agreements.

In anticipation of the issuance of the 2015 Notes, the Company entered into a treasury rate lock agreement in July 2010 with a notional amount of $100 million that matured in September 2010. The treasury rate lock agreement was designated as a cash flow hedge of the semi-annual interest payments associated with the forecasted issuance of the 2015 Notes. When the treasury rate lock agreement matured, the Company realized a loss of $2.6 million ($1.6 million after tax) which was reported as a component within AOCI and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the 2015 Notes. For the six months ended September 30, 2011, $259 thousand of the loss on the treasury rate lock was reclassified to interest expense. At September 30, 2011, the estimated loss recorded in AOCI on the treasury rate lock agreement that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $326 thousand, net of tax.

Fair Value Hedges

The Company also has variable interest rate swap agreements, which are designated as fair value hedges. For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings.

At September 30, 2011, the Company had five variable interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional amount of $300 million. These variable interest rates swaps effectively convert the Company's $300 million of fixed rate 2013 Notes to variable rate debt. At September 30, 2011, these swap agreements required the Company to make variable interest payments based on a weighted average forward rate of 1.44% and receive fixed interest payments from the counterparties based on a fixed rate of 2.85%. The maturity of these fair value swaps coincides with the maturity date of the Company's 2013 Notes in October 2013. During the six months ended September 30, 2011, the fair value of the variable interest rate swaps increased by $3.2 million to an asset of $8.3 million and was recorded in other non-current assets. The corresponding increase in the carrying value of the 2013 Notes caused by the hedged risk was $3.2 million and was recorded in long-term debt. The Company records the gain or loss on the hedged item (i.e., the 2013 Notes) and the gain or loss on the variable interest rate swaps in interest expense. The net gain or loss recorded in earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness related to the designated fair value hedges was immaterial for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

Tabular Disclosure

The following tables reflect the fair values of derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as the effect of derivative instruments on the Company's earnings and stockholders' equity.

Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

	September 30, 2011			March 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Interest rate swaps:
Variable interest rate swaps	Other non-current assets	$	8,288	Other non-current assets	$	5,086

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Earnings and Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands)	Amount of Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Six Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2011			2010
Interest rate contracts	$	259		$	947
Tax effect		(96	)		(280	)
Net effect	$	163		$	667

(In thousands)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Pre-tax Income Six Months Ended September 30,
Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Pre-tax Income for Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
	2011		2010
Interest expense, net	$	259	$	3,556

(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Pre-tax Income	Amount of Gain  (Loss) Recognized in Pre-tax Income Six Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships		2011			2010
Change in fair value of variable interest rate swaps	Interest expense, net	$	3,202		$	10,264
Change in carrying value of 2013 Notes	Interest expense, net		(3,237	)		(10,248	)
Net effect	Interest expense, net	$	(35	)	$	16

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Indebtedness (Senior Subordinated Notes Narrative) (Details) (7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Maturing October 2018 [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date	Oct. 01, 2018
Interest rate	7.125%
Interest payable terms	semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year
Senior notes call feature description	The 2018 Notes have a redemption provision, which permits the Company, at its option, to call the 2018 Notes at scheduled dates and prices. The first scheduled optional redemption date is October 1, 2013 at a price of 103.563% of the principal amount.
First scheduled optional redemption date	Oct. 01, 2013
Percentage of price in excess of principal on redemption	103.563%
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	215

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Basis Of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Airgas, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Airgas" or the "Company"). Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures required for annual financial statements. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the complete disclosures contained in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates. The consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, reasonable estimates and all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

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Inventories, Net

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Inventories, Net [Abstract]

Inventories, Net

(4) INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net, consist of:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011		March 31, 2011
Hardgoods	$	276,159	$	246,607
Gases		96,897		115,895
	$	373,056	$	362,502

Hardgoods inventories determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") inventory method totaled $34 million at September 30, 2011 and $32 million at March 31, 2011. The balance of the hardgoods inventories is valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") and average-cost inventory methods. If the hardgoods inventories valued under the LIFO method had been valued using the FIFO method, the carrying value of hardgoods inventory would have been $11.6 million higher at September 30, 2011 and $11.1 million higher at March 31, 2011. Substantially all of the inventories are finished goods.

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Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	5
Historical annual sales	$ 70,000,000
Cash paid for acquired businesses, settlement of holdback liabilities and contingent consideration	93,900,000
Transaction and other integration costs	1,300,000
Net sales from current year acquisitions	27,000,000
Goodwill amount deductible for income tax	25,100,000
Other intangible assets	19,771,000
Amounts payable under contingent payment agreements	7,800,000
Gross contractual amounts of acquired receivables	8,200,000
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of receivables acquired	7,600,000
Pain [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations	20
Historical annual sales	33,000,000
ABCO [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations	12
Historical annual sales	35,000,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	16,500,000
Non-Competition Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets	$ 3,100,000

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Indebtedness (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Indebtedness [Abstract]

Schedule Of Long-Term Debt

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011			March 31, 2011
Revolving credit borrowings - U.S.	$	439,700		$	331,000
Revolving credit borrowings - Multi-currency		42,053			43,103
Revolving credit borrowings - France		5,154			4,106
Trade receivables securitization		295,000			295,000
Senior notes, net		1,207,369			954,343
Senior subordinated notes		215,446			215,446
Other long-term debt		8,357			9,864
Total long-term debt		2,213,079			1,852,862
Less current portion of long-term debt		(10,391	)		(9,868	)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	2,202,688		$	1,842,994

Schedule Of Debt Maturities

(In thousands)	Debt Maturities  (a)
September 30, 2012	$	10,391
March 31, 2013		296,266
March 31, 2014		301,097
March 31, 2015		400,472
March 31, 2016		250,178
Thereafter		947,305
	$	2,205,709

^(a) Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Agreement at September 30, 2011 are reflected as maturing at the agreement's expiration in March 2013.

The Senior Notes are reflected in the debt maturity schedule at their maturity values rather than their carrying values, which are net of discounts of $122 thousand for the 2013 Notes, $288 thousand for the 2014 Notes, $302 thousand for the 2015 Notes and $327 thousand for the 2016 Notes at September 30, 2011. The 2013 Notes also include additional carrying value of $8.4 million at September 30, 2011 related to the Company's fair value hedges — see Note 8 for additional disclosure.

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Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Fair Value Of Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments) (Details) (Variable Interest Rate Swaps [Member], Other Non-Current Assets [Member], USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Other Non-Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of interest rate swaps	$ 8,288	$ 5,086

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Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities (Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	$ 9,539	$ 9,160
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	17,827	14,246
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	9,539	9,160
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	9,539	9,160
Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	9,539	9,160
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	9,539	9,160
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	9,539	9,160
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	9,539	9,160
Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Variable Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	8,288	5,086
Deferred compensation plan liabilities
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Variable Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	8,288	5,086
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Deferred compensation plan liabilities
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Variable Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets
Variable Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 8,288	$ 5,086

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Indebtedness (Senior Notes Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 03, 2011 2.95% Senior Notes Maturing 2016 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 2.85% Senior Notes Maturing October 2013 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 4.5% Senior Notes Maturing September 2014 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 3.25% Senior Notes Maturing October 2015 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 250,000,000	$ 300,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate	2.95%	2.85%	4.50%	3.25%
Maturity date	Jun. 15, 2016	Oct. 01, 2013	Sep. 15, 2014	Oct. 01, 2015
Effective interest rate	2.98%	2.871%	4.527%	3.283%
Interest payable terms	semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year	semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year	semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year	semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year
Percentage of principal that must be repaid in addition to accrued interest under call feature of notes					100.00%
Senior notes call feature description					in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal plus any accrued but unpaid interest and applicable make-whole payments

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Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted	$ 22.78	$ 22.75
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options	$ 44.3
Weighted-average vesting period (in years)	1.8
2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock available for issuance	1.8
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Purchase Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	5.5
Shares of common stock available for issuance	2.0
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted	$ 13.16	$ 16.05

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

(5) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from certain recent acquisitions are based on preliminary estimates of fair value and are subject to revision as the Company finalizes appraisals and other analyses. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:

(In thousands)	Distribution Business Segment			All Other Operations Business Segment			Total
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	930,718		$	186,618		$	1,117,336
Acquisitions (a)		15,009			9,995			25,004
Other adjustments, including foreign currency translation		(4,562	)		(103	)		(4,665	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	941,165		$	196,510		$	1,137,675

^(a) Includes current acquisitions and adjustments made to prior year acquisitions.

Other intangible assets amounted to approximately $205 million and $197 million, net of accumulated amortization of $85 million and $75 million at September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively. These intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships, which are amortized over the estimated benefit periods which range from 7 to 17 years, and non-competition agreements, which are amortized over the term of the agreements. The determination of the estimated benefit period associated with customer relationships is based on an analysis of historical customer sales attrition information and other customer-related factors at the date of acquisition. There are no expected residual values related to these intangible assets. The Company evaluates the estimated benefit periods and recoverability of its intangible assets when facts and circumstances indicate that the lives may not be appropriate and/or the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying value is not recoverable, impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated based on either appraised value or other valuation techniques. Estimated future amortization expense by fiscal year is as follows: remainder of fiscal 2012 - $12.1 million; 2013 - $23.4 million; 2014 - $21.1 million; 2015 - $19.6 million; 2016 - $18.1 million; and $110.3 million thereafter.

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Subsequent Events (Details) In Millions					1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] Amended [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] Amended [Member] EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2011 Credit Facility [Member] USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2010 Commercial Paper [Member]	Oct. 31, 2011 Commercial Paper [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Commercial Paper [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- U.S. [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2011 Revolving Credit Borrowings- France [Member] USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 10.7	€ 8.0	$ 750.0		$ 750.0	$ 750.0	$ 650.0	€ 5.0	$ 6.7
Commercial paper program, commencement date					October 2011
Estimated additional withdrawal liabilities	$ 3.2

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Acquisitions (Pro Forma Operating Results) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,359,853	$ 2,142,878
Net earnings	$ 152,640	$ 131,069
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.94	$ 1.53

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Inventories, Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Inventories, Net [Abstract]

Inventories, Net

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011		March 31, 2011
Hardgoods	$	276,159	$	246,607
Gases		96,897		115,895
	$	373,056	$	362,502

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Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (Stock Option [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at the beginning of period, Number of Stock Options	6,886
Granted, Number of Stock Options	994
Exercised, Number of Stock Options	(395)
Forfeited, Number of Stock Options	(32)
Outstanding at the end of period, Number of Stock Options	7,453
Vested or expected to vest as of September 30, 2011, Number of Stock Options	7,426
Exercisable as of September 30, 2011, Number of Stock Options	4,863
Outstanding at the beginning of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 41.11
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 66.38
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 27.68
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 56.63
Outstanding at the end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 45.12
Vested or expected to vest as of Sept 30, 2011, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 45.06
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 37.94

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Stockholders' Equity (Changes In Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $) Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010
Purchase of treasury stock			4,500
Balance at March 31, 2011			$ 1,734,882,000
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings	77,699,000	66,565,000	152,544,000		131,364,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(5,611,000)
Gain on derivative instruments			259,000
Tax effect of comprehensive income items			(96,000)
Total comprehensive income			147,096,000	[1]	131,000,000
Common stock issuances and reissuances from treasury stock-employee benefit plans			18,243,000	[2]
Tax benefit from stock option exercises			3,212,000
Dividends paid on common stock			(46,474,000)
Stock-based compensation			17,070,000	[3]
Purchase of treasury stock			(300,000,000)	[4]
Balance at September 30, 2011	1,574,029,000		1,574,029,000
Cash dividend paid			$ 0.61
Stock repurchase authorization, value			300,000,000
Stock repurchase authorization, average price per share			$ 67.19
Common Stock [Member]
Balance at March 31, 2011			86,591
Common stock issuance			135	[5]
Reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises
Purchase of treasury stock				[4]
Balance at September 30, 2011	86,726		86,726
Balance at March 31, 2011			866,000
Comprehensive income:
Tax effect of comprehensive income items
Common stock issuances and reissuances from treasury stock-employee benefit plans			1,000	[2]
Balance at September 30, 2011	867,000		867,000
Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]
Balance at March 31, 2011			607,593,000
Comprehensive income:
Tax effect of comprehensive income items
Common stock issuances and reissuances from treasury stock-employee benefit plans			(3,559,000)	[2]
Tax benefit from stock option exercises			3,212,000
Stock-based compensation			17,070,000	[3]
Balance at September 30, 2011	624,316,000		624,316,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at March 31, 2011			1,498,728,000
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings			152,544,000
Tax effect of comprehensive income items
Dividends paid on common stock			(46,474,000)
Balance at September 30, 2011	1,604,798,000		1,604,798,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Balance at March 31, 2011			7,580,000
Comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(5,611,000)
Gain on derivative instruments			259,000
Tax effect of comprehensive income items			(96,000)
Balance at September 30, 2011	2,132,000		2,132,000
Treasury Stock [Member]
Balance at March 31, 2011			6,995
Common stock issuance				[5]
Reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises			(394)
Purchase of treasury stock			4,465	[4]
Balance at September 30, 2011	11,066		11,066
Balance at March 31, 2011			(379,885,000)
Comprehensive income:
Tax effect of comprehensive income items
Common stock issuances and reissuances from treasury stock-employee benefit plans			21,801,000	[2]
Purchase of treasury stock			(300,000,000)	[4]
Balance at September 30, 2011	$ (658,084,000)		$ (658,084,000)

[1] The Company's comprehensive income was $147 million and $131 million for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Comprehensive income consists of net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, net gain on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and the net tax effect of other comprehensive income items. Net tax effect of comprehensive income items pertains to the Company's derivative instruments only, as foreign currency translation adjustments relate to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net gain on derivative instruments reflects reclassification adjustments to income.

[2] Issuance of common stock and reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises and purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

[3] The Company recognized compensation expense with a corresponding amount recorded to capital in excess of par value.

[4] As of September 30, 2011, the Company had completed a $300 million share repurchase authorization announced on May 5, 2011, repurchasing 4.5 million shares on the open market at an average price of $67.19.

[5] Issuance of common stock for purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

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Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]

Assets And Liabilities At Fair Value Measured On A Recurring Basis

(In thousands)	Balance at September 30, 2011		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets - variable interest rate swap agreements		8,288		—		8,288		—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	17,827	$	9,539	$	8,288	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	9,539	$	9,539	$	—	$	—

(In thousands)	Balance at     March 31, 2011		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets - variable interest rate swap agreements		5,086		—		5,086		—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	14,246	$	9,160	$	5,086	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	9,160	$	9,160	$	—	$	—

Carrying Value And Fair Value Of Debt

(In thousands)	Carrying Value at September  30, 2011		Fair Value at September  30, 2011		Carrying Value at March  31, 2011		Fair Value at March 31, 2011
Revolving credit borrowings	$	486,907	$	486,907	$	378,209	$	381,235
2013 Notes		308,286		314,871		305,019		308,716
2014 Notes		399,712		426,181		399,664		419,899
2015 Notes		249,698		259,461		249,660		249,430
2016 Notes		249,673		253,466		—		—
2018 Notes		215,446		231,874		215,446		235,105
Trade Receivables Securitization		295,000		295,000		295,000		295,000
Acquisition and other notes		8,357		8,632		9,864		10,146
Total debt	$	2,213,079	$	2,276,392	$	1,852,862	$	1,899,531

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Acquisitions (Summary Of Fair Values Of The Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net	$ 14,004
Plant and equipment	47,189
Goodwill	25,004
Other intangible assets	19,771
Current liabilities	(7,556)
Non-current liabilities	(4,469)
Total cash consideration	93,943
Distribution Business Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net	9,025
Plant and equipment	29,153
Goodwill	15,009
Other intangible assets	14,641
Current liabilities	(5,280)
Non-current liabilities	(1,183)
Total cash consideration	61,365
All Other Operations Business Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net	4,979
Plant and equipment	18,036
Goodwill	9,995
Other intangible assets	5,130
Current liabilities	(2,276)
Non-current liabilities	(3,286)
Total cash consideration	$ 32,578

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Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011		March 31, 2011
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	$	83,483	$	121,691
Business insurance reserves (a)		48,973		45,438
Taxes other than income taxes		22,415		21,218
Cash overdraft		64,492		64,601
Deferred rental revenue		27,087		26,401
Accrued costs related to unsolicited takeover attempt (Note 19)		1,158		43,452
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		82,754		68,743
	$	330,362	$	391,544

^(a)  With respect to the business insurance reserves above, the Company had corresponding insurance receivables of $12.2 million at both September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, which are included within the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" line item on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The insurance receivables represent the balance of probable claim losses in excess of the Company's self-insured retention for which the Company is fully insured.

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Commitments And Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

(13) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

The Company is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been fully adjudicated. These actions, when ultimately concluded and determined, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect upon the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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Indebtedness (Schedule Of Debt Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
September 30, 2012	$ 10,391,000	[1]
March 31, 2013	296,266,000	[1]
March 31, 2014	301,097,000	[1]
March 31, 2015	400,472,000	[1]
March 31, 2016	250,178,000	[1]
Thereafter	947,305,000	[1]
Total maturities of long-term debt	2,205,709,000	[1]
2.85% Senior Notes Maturing October 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounts	122,000
Additional carrying value related to fair value hedges	8,400,000
4.5% Senior Notes Maturing September 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounts	288,000
3.25% Senior Notes Maturing October 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounts	302,000
2.95% Senior Notes Maturing 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounts	$ 327,000

[1] Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Agreement at September 30, 2011 are reflected as maturing at the agreement's expiration in March 2013.

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Asset Impairment Charge (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011 months	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Asset Impairment Charge [Abstract]
Supplier contract termination notice period	24
Restructuring and other special charges		$ 2,500		$ 15,830

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Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities (Carrying Value And Fair Value Of Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	$ 2,213,079	$ 1,852,862
Fair value	2,276,392	1,899,531
Revolving Credit Borrowings [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	486,907	378,209
Fair value	486,907	381,235
2013 Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	308,286	305,019
Fair value	314,871	308,716
2014 Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	399,712	399,664
Fair value	426,181	419,899
2015 Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	249,698	249,660
Fair value	259,461	249,430
2016 Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	249,673
Fair value	253,466
2018 Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	215,446	215,446
Fair value	231,874	235,105
Trade Receivables Securitization [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	295,000	295,000
Fair value	295,000	295,000
Acquisition And Other Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying value, Debt	8,357	9,864
Fair value	$ 8,632	$ 10,146

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Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities

(6) ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities include:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2011		March 31, 2011
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	$	83,483	$	121,691
Business insurance reserves (a)		48,973		45,438
Taxes other than income taxes		22,415		21,218
Cash overdraft		64,492		64,601
Deferred rental revenue		27,087		26,401
Accrued costs related to unsolicited takeover attempt (Note 19)		1,158		43,452
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		82,754		68,743
	$	330,362	$	391,544

^(a)  With respect to the business insurance reserves above, the Company had corresponding insurance receivables of $12.2 million at both September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, which are included within the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" line item on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The insurance receivables represent the balance of probable claim losses in excess of the Company's self-insured retention for which the Company is fully insured.

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Benefit Plans

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

(16) BENEFIT PLANS

Historically, the Company has participated in several MEPPs providing defined benefits to union employees under the terms of CBAs. Contributions have been made to the plans in accordance with negotiated CBAs. The plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers.

In connection with the renewal of CBAs, the Company has been successful in negotiating its withdrawal from MEPPs, replacing those retirement plans for CBA employees with defined contribution plans. As part of the withdrawal from a MEPP, the Company is required to fund its portion of the MEPP's unfunded pension obligation, if any. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company negotiated the withdrawal from MEPPs under two CBAs and received a final assessment from an exited MEPP that was lower than previously estimated, resulting in a net charge related to its withdrawal obligations of $0.9 million. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recognized charges related to the withdrawal from MEPPs of $1.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively. MEPP withdrawal liabilities amounted to $7.7 million at September 30, 2011 and $16.0 million at March 31, 2011. The decrease in MEPP withdrawal liabilities since March 31, 2011 primarily relates to a payment of $8.6 million associated with a final assessment from a MEPP. These estimates are subject to change based on the ultimate amount of the withdrawal liability assessed by the MEPPs, which may be impacted by a number of factors, including investment returns, benefit levels, interest rates and continued participation by other employers in the MEPPs.

In October 2011, the Company's remaining CBA that provided for a MEPP and covered ten employees came up for renewal. The Company successfully negotiated its withdrawal from the MEPP in November 2011, and expects to incur MEPP withdrawal charges of approximately $3.2 million in the third quarter ending December 31, 2011. Though the most recent plan data available from the MEPP was used in computing this estimate, the liability is subject to change based on future market conditions, employer contributions and benefit levels that will impact the Company's ultimate withdrawal liability.

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Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Stock-based compensation expense related to:
Stock option plans	$ 4,651	$ 4,131	$ 15,139	$ 12,920
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - options to purchase stock	842	869	1,931	2,349
Stock-based compensation expense	5,493	5,000	17,070	15,269
Tax benefit	(1,794)	(1,852)	(5,959)	(5,297)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$ 3,699	$ 3,148	$ 11,111	$ 9,972

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Stockholders' Equity (Gross And Net Changes In And The Balances Within Each Component Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Balance at March 31, 2011	$ 7,580
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,611)
Reclassification adjustments to income	259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items	(96)
Net change after tax of comprehensive income items	(5,448)
Balance at September 30, 2011	2,132
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Balance at March 31, 2011	9,047
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,611)
Net change after tax of comprehensive income items	(5,611)
Balance at September 30, 2011	3,436
Treasury Rate Lock Agreement [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Balance at March 31, 2011	(1,467)
Reclassification adjustments to income	259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items	(96)
Net change after tax of comprehensive income items	163
Balance at September 30, 2011	$ (1,304)

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Restructuring (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Restructuring [Abstract]

Schedule Of Restructuring Liabilities

(In thousands)	Severance Costs
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	—
Restructuring charge		13,330
Cash payments		—
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	13,330

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Cash Paid For Interest And Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 33,459,000		$ 27,955,000
Income taxes (net of refunds)	55,928,000	[1]	31,318,000	[1]
Proceeds from income tax refunds	$ 9,800,000		$ 26,000,000

[1] During the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company applied for and received federal income tax refunds of $9.8 million and $26.0 million, respectively.

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Changes In Goodwill

(In thousands)	Distribution Business Segment			All Other Operations Business Segment			Total
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	930,718		$	186,618		$	1,117,336
Acquisitions (a)		15,009			9,995			25,004
Other adjustments, including foreign currency translation		(4,562	)		(103	)		(4,665	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	941,165		$	196,510		$	1,137,675

^(a) Includes current acquisitions and adjustments made to prior year acquisitions.

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Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$ 152,544	$ 131,364
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	120,649	110,479
Amortization	12,404	12,413
Impairment	2,500
Deferred income taxes	21,675	19,650
(Gain) loss on sales of plant and equipment	(532)	1,149
Stock-based compensation expense	17,070	15,269
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		4,162
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of business acquisitions:
Securitization of trade receivables		(295,000)
Trade receivables, net	(43,248)	(38,251)
Inventories, net	(6,815)	(3,370)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(4)	5,787
Accounts payable, trade	(9,692)	(4,406)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(66,009)	28,099
Other non-current assets	2,067	1,492
Other non-current liabilities	(1,357)	(5,394)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	201,252	(16,557)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(166,812)	(117,337)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment	8,387	6,448
Business acquisitions and holdback settlements	(93,943)	(6,936)
Other, net	(443)	(523)
Net cash used in investing activities	(252,811)	(118,348)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings	1,063,083	750,544
Repayment of debt	(704,220)	(595,319)
Financing costs	(4,203)	(8,009)
Premium paid on redemption of senior subordinated notes		(3,175)
Purchase of treasury stock	(300,000)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	10,862	13,057
Stock issued for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	7,381	7,374
Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options	4,722	4,286
Dividends paid to stockholders	(46,474)	(39,315)
Change in cash overdraft	(109)	11,813
Net cash provided by financing activities	31,042	141,256
Change in cash	(20,517)	6,351
Cash - Beginning of period	57,218	47,001
Cash - End of period	$ 36,701	$ 53,352

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Restructuring

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Restructuring [Abstract]

Restructuring

(17) RESTRUCTURING

In May 2011, the Company announced the alignment of its twelve regional distribution companies into four new divisions, and the consolidation of its regional company accounting and certain administrative functions into four newly created Business Support Centers. Currently, each of the Company's twelve regional distribution companies operates with its own accounting and administrative functions. Enabled by the Company's conversion to a single information platform across all of its regional companies as part of the SAP implementation, the restructuring will allow Airgas to more effectively utilize its resources across regional company boundaries and form an operating structure that will help Airgas leverage the full benefits of its new SAP platform.

As a result of the realignment, the Company recorded a $13.3 million restructuring charge for severance benefits under the Airgas, Inc. Severance Pay Plan during the three months ended June 30, 2011. The charge related to the announced workforce reduction of regional company support functions and was reflected in the "Restructuring and other special charges" line item in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company expects to pay severance benefits to affected employees through fiscal 2013.

The activity in the accrued liability balances associated with the restructuring plan was as follows for the six months ended September 30, 2011:

(In thousands)	Severance Costs
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	—
Restructuring charge		13,330
Cash payments		—
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	13,330

Of the $13.3 million in accrued restructuring costs at September 30, 2011, $10.1 million was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $3.2 million was included in other non-current liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The restructuring charge was not allocated to the Company's business segments (see Note 14).

For the year ending March 31, 2012, the Company expects to incur total restructuring and other related costs of approximately $21 million, of which $13.3 million was recorded during the six months ended September 30, 2011 related to severance benefits. The remaining costs expected to be recorded during the year ending March 31, 2012 are for transition staffing, relocation and other costs. The realignment is expected to be completed in fiscal 2013, during which year the Company expects to incur additional costs, primarily related to transition staffing, relocation and other costs, of approximately $6 million.

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 204,618,000	$ 197,168,000
Net, accumulated amortization of intangible assets	85,000,000	75,000,000
Intangible asset residual value	0
Estimated future amortization expense in 2012	12,100,000
Estimated future amortization expense in 2013	23,400,000
Estimated future amortization expense in 2014	21,100,000
Estimated future amortization expense in 2015	19,600,000
Estimated future amortization expense in 2016	18,100,000
Estimated future amortization expense thereafter	$ 110,300,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer relationships estimated useful lives minimum (in years)	7
Customer relationships estimated useful lives maximum (in years)	17

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Unsolicited Takeover Attempt

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Unsolicited Takeover Attempt [Abstract]

Unsolicited Takeover Attempt

(19) UNSOLICITED TAKEOVER ATTEMPT

On February 11, 2010, Air Products initiated an unsolicited tender offer for all of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. In connection with this unsolicited tender offer, Air Products filed an action against the Company and members of its Board in the Delaware Court of Chancery. On February 15, 2011, the Delaware Court of Chancery denied in their entirety all requests for relief by Air Products and dismissed with prejudice all claims asserted against the Company and its directors. Air Products promptly terminated its unsolicited tender offer and no appeal of the Court's decision was filed. In responding to the unsolicited tender offer and related litigation, the Company incurred on a cumulative basis a net $61.1 million of legal and professional fees and other costs. During the three months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recognized a $6.7 million benefit from lower than previously estimated net costs related to the fiscal 2011 unsolicited takeover attempt. The Company incurred unsolicited takeover attempt costs of $4.7 million and $8.5 million for the three and six months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

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Restructuring (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of regional companies consolidated into divisions		12
Number of new divisions resulting from restructuring		4
Expected restructuring and associated expenses		$ 21
Severance Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	13.3	13.3
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		10.1
Other Non-Current Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		3.2
Transition Staffing, Relocation And Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected restructuring and associated expenses		$ 6

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Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic	75,630,000	83,704,000	76,980,000	83,580,000
Incremental shares from assumed exercises of stock options and options under the ESPP	1,632,000	1,862,000	1,692,000	1,828,000
Diluted	77,262,000	85,566,000	78,672,000	85,408,000
Anti-dilutive are excluded from the Company's diluted earnings per share	2,000,000	1,400,000	1,700,000	1,200,000

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Accounting And Disclosure Changes

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Accounting And Disclosure Changes [Abstract]

Accounting And Disclosure Changes

(2) ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE CHANGES

(a) Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

On April 1, 2011, the Company adopted prospectively Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("ASU 2009-13"), which addresses the allocation of revenue in arrangements containing multiple deliverables. Specifically, ASU 2009-13 modifies existing GAAP by providing new guidance concerning (1) the determination of whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting, and (2) the manner in which arrangement consideration should be allocated to such deliverables. The guidance requires the use of an entity's best estimate of the selling price of a deliverable if vendor specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the selling price cannot be determined. Additionally, ASU 2009-13 eliminates the use of the residual method of allocating consideration when vendor specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of the selling price is known for some, but not all, of the delivered items in a multiple element arrangement. Finally, ASU 2009-13 requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures in the financial statements.

The Company currently has contracts in place that contain multiple deliverables, principally product supply agreements for gases and container rental. These arrangements provide for the purchase of gas product and the rental of storage vessels under a single agreement. The Company treats the deliverables in these arrangements as separate units of accounting with selling prices derived from Company specific or third-party evidence, both of which are determined from the highly competitive markets within the specific localities of the Company's packaged gas distribution business. Revenue for gas product in these arrangements is recognized when the product is shipped, while revenue for container rental in these arrangements is recognized over the period in which the customer is utilizing the container.

The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have an effect on the Company's accounting for its multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, nor is it expected to materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements in the periods after the initial adoption.

On April 1, 2011, the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-28, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("ASU 2010-28"), which provides additional guidance on when Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test must be performed. The guidance clarifies that for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts, Step 2 must be performed if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists based on the evaluation of certain qualitative factors. The Company's consolidated financial statements were not impacted by the adoption of ASU 2010-28. Future goodwill impairment tests will follow the requirements of the new guidance.

On April 1, 2011, the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations – a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("ASU 2010-29"), which provides clarification on disclosure requirements and amends current guidance to require entities to disclose pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. Qualitative disclosures describing the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combinations included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings are also required. Pro forma disclosures for acquisitions occurring on or after April 1, 2011 follow the new guidance – see Note 3 for disclosures related to the Company's business combinations.

(b) Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs ("ASU 2011-04"), which amends existing GAAP with respect to fair value measurements. The majority of the key provisions of ASU 2011-04 represent clarifications to existing fair value measurement guidance, including changes in the valuation premise and the application of premiums and discounts. However, new disclosures are required under ASU 2011-04, including more robust disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements, a broader scope related to the disclosure of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and new disclosures around the fair value hierarchy related to assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value but not measured as such on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption prohibited. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a significant impact on its fair value measurements. Upon adoption, the Company will modify its fair value measurement disclosures as applicable in light of the new requirements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2011-05"), which increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. Under ASU 2011-05, entities will be required to present all non-owner changes in stockholders' equity in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, thereby eliminating the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders' equity. Currently, components of the Company's other comprehensive income consist of foreign currency translation adjustments and the net gain or loss on derivative instruments. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted and full retrospective application required. The Company is currently evaluating the two alternative presentations of other comprehensive income; however, adoption of the new guidance will not impact the Company's consolidated financial results.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment ("ASU 2011-08"), which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. Under ASU 2011-08, entities are first permitted to perform a qualitative assessment about the likelihood of the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeding its fair value. If an entity determines that the carrying value of a reporting unit likely exceeds its fair value based on the qualitative assessment, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify the potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of the goodwill impairment loss, if any, to be recognized for that reporting unit. However, if an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is likely greater than its carrying amount based on the qualitative assessment, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The new guidance is effective for goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company has early adopted ASU 2011-08 effective October 1, 2011, and will perform future annual and interim goodwill impairment tests under the new guidance.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-09, Compensation - Retirement Benefits -Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer's Participation in a Multiemployer Plan ("ASU 2011-09"). ASU 2011-09 requires more robust disclosures surrounding entities' participation in multiemployer pension plans ("MEPPs"). The Company has historically participated in several MEPPs providing defined benefits to union employees under the terms of collective bargaining agreements ("CBAs"), but successfully negotiated the withdrawal from the MEPP provided for in its last CBA that provided for a MEPP in November 2011. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company will adopt ASU 2011-09 for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its MEPP disclosures.

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Stock-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

(11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for its stock option plans and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company for the three and six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Stock-based compensation expense related to:
Stock option plans	$	4,651		$	4,131		$	15,139		$	12,920
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - options to purchase stock		842			869			1,931			2,349
		5,493			5,000			17,070			15,269
Tax benefit		(1,794	)		(1,852	)		(5,959	)		(5,297	)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3,699		$	3,148		$	11,111		$	9,972

Fair Value

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $22.78 and $22.75, respectively.

Summary of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes the stock option activity during the six months ended September 30, 2011:

	Number of Stock  Options (In thousands)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at March 31, 2011		6,886		$	41.11
Granted		994		$	66.38
Exercised		(395	)	$	27.68
Forfeited		(32	)	$	56.63
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		7,453		$	45.12
Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2011		7,426		$	45.06
Exercisable at September 30, 2011		4,863		$	37.94

A total of 1.8 million shares of common stock were available for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan at September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2011, $44.3 million of unrecognized non-cash compensation expense related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.8 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") encourages and assists employees in acquiring an equity interest in the Company. As of September 30, 2011, the ESPP was authorized to issue up to 5.5 million shares of Company common stock, of which 2.0 million shares were available for issuance.

Compensation expense is measured based on the fair value of the employees' option to purchase shares of common stock at the grant date and is recognized over the future periods in which the related employee service is rendered. The fair value per share of employee options to purchase shares under the ESPP was $13.16 and $16.05 for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The fair value of the employees' option to purchase shares of common stock was estimated using the Black-Scholes model.

The following table summarizes the activity of the ESPP during the six months ended September 30, 2011:

	Number of Purchase  Options (In thousands)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at March 31, 2011		67		$	51.03
Granted		293		$	53.96
Exercised		(135	)	$	54.81
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		225		$	52.58

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Indebtedness (Debt Extinguishment Charges Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Losses on the extinguishment of debt	$ 1,221,000	$ 4,162,000
7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes Maturing October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt, amount		30,000,000
Average price of notes repurchased percentage		110.60%
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		3,600,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		$ 600,000

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Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Effect On Earnings And Equity Statements) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in pre-tax income	$ 259
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI, pre-tax	259	947
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Change In Fair Value Of Variable Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in pre-tax income	3,202	10,264
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Change In Carrying Value Of 2013 Notes [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in pre-tax income	(3,237)	(10,248)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into pre-tax income	259	3,556
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in pre-tax income	(35)	16
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Tax Effect [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax effect	(96)	(280)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments	$ 163	$ 667

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Summary By Business Segment (Financial Information By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gas and rent	$ 744,780	$ 678,666	$ 1,481,817	$ 1,354,481
Hardgoods	442,303	382,997	869,566	759,838
Total net sales	1,187,083	1,061,663	2,351,383	2,114,319
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)	552,581	476,172	1,083,361	951,274
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses	423,437	396,614	846,883	787,163
Restructuring and other special charges	2,500		15,830
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		4,687	(6,700)	8,474
Depreciation	60,382	56,214	120,649	110,479
Amortization	6,255	6,211	12,404	12,413
Operating Income	141,928	121,765	278,956	244,516
Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gas and rent	611,726	562,970	1,216,297	1,119,417
Hardgoods	440,730	381,315	866,619	756,708
Total net sales	1,052,456	944,285	2,082,916	1,876,125
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)	484,416	419,924	946,060	834,362
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses	376,142	355,367	751,369	706,799
Restructuring and other special charges
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt
Depreciation	55,597	52,287	111,331	102,920
Amortization	4,989	5,049	9,904	10,089
Operating Income	131,312	111,658	264,252	221,955
All Other Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gas and rent	143,557	123,780	285,145	250,692
Hardgoods	1,577	1,688	2,955	3,141
Total net sales	145,134	125,468	288,100	253,833
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)	78,672	64,338	156,934	132,551
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses	41,218	34,070	80,256	66,417
Restructuring and other special charges
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt
Depreciation	4,785	3,927	9,318	7,559
Amortization	1,266	1,162	2,500	2,324
Operating Income	19,193	21,971	39,092	44,982
Eliminations And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gas and rent	(10,503)	(8,084)	(19,625)	(15,628)
Hardgoods	(4)	(6)	(8)	(11)
Total net sales	(10,507)	(8,090)	(19,633)	(15,639)
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)	(10,507)	(8,090)	(19,633)	(15,639)
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses	6,077	7,177	15,258	13,947
Restructuring and other special charges	2,500		15,830
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		4,687	(6,700)	8,474
Depreciation
Amortization
Operating Income	$ (8,577)	$ (11,864)	$ (24,388)	$ (22,421)

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Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Changes In Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands of shares)	Shares of Common Stock $0.01 Par Value		Shares of Treasury Stock
Balance at March 31, 2011		86,591		6,995
Common stock issuance (a)		135		—
Reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises		—		(394	)
Purchase of treasury stock (d)		—		4,465
Balance at September 30, 2011		86,726		11,066

(In thousands)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	866	$	607,593		$	1,498,728		$	7,580		$	(379,885	)	$	1,734,882
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings							152,544									152,544
Foreign currency translation adjustments										(5,611	)					(5,611	)
Gain on derivative instruments										259						259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items										(96	)					(96	)
Total comprehensive income																147,096	(e)
Common stock issuances and reissuances from treasury stock - employee benefit plans (b)		1		(3,559	)								21,801			18,243
Tax benefit from stock option exercises				3,212												3,212
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.61 per share)							(46,474	)								(46,474	)
Stock-based compensation (c)				17,070												17,070
Purchase of treasury stock (d)													(300,000	)		(300,000	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	867	$	624,316		$	1,604,798		$	2,132		$	(658,084	)	$	1,574,029

^(a) Issuance of common stock for purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

^(b) Issuance of common stock and reissuance of treasury stock for stock option exercises and purchases through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

^(c) The Company recognized compensation expense with a corresponding amount recorded to capital in excess of par value.

^(d) As of September 30, 2011, the Company had completed a $300 million share repurchase authorization announced on May 5, 2011, repurchasing 4.5 million shares on the open market at an average price of $67.19.

^(e) The Company's comprehensive income was $147 million and $131 million for the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Comprehensive income consists of net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, net gain on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and the net tax effect of other comprehensive income items. Net tax effect of comprehensive income items pertains to the Company's derivative instruments only, as foreign currency translation adjustments relate to permanent investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net gain on derivative instruments reflects reclassification adjustments to income.

Gross And Net Changes In "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income"

(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Treasury Rate Lock Agreement			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	9,047		$	(1,467	)	$	7,580
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(5,611	)					(5,611	)
Derivative instruments:
Reclassification adjustments to income					259			259
Tax effect of comprehensive income items					(96	)		(96	)
Net change after tax of comprehensive income items		(5,611	)		163			(5,448	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	3,436		$	(1,304	)	$	2,132

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

(15) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes

Cash paid for interest and income taxes was as follows:

	Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010
Interest paid	$	33,459	$	27,955
Income taxes (net of refunds) (a)		55,928		31,318

^(a) During the six months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company applied for and received federal income tax refunds of $9.8 million and $26.0 million, respectively.

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Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Earnings [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 1,187,083	$ 1,061,663	$ 2,351,383	$ 2,114,319
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)	552,581	476,172	1,083,361	951,274
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses	423,437	396,614	846,883	787,163
Restructuring and other special charges (Notes 17 and 18)	2,500		15,830
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt (Note 19)		4,687	(6,700)	8,474
Depreciation	60,382	56,214	120,649	110,479
Amortization	6,255	6,211	12,404	12,413
Total costs and expenses	1,045,155	939,898	2,072,427	1,869,803
Operating Income	141,928	121,765	278,956	244,516
Interest expense, net	(17,424)	(14,025)	(34,074)	(27,344)
Losses on the extinguishment of debt		(1,221)		(4,162)
Other income (expense), net	(581)	852	149	242
Earnings before income taxes	123,923	107,371	245,031	213,252
Income taxes	(46,224)	(40,806)	(92,487)	(81,888)
Net Earnings	$ 77,699	$ 66,565	$ 152,544	$ 131,364
Net Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.03	$ 0.80	$ 1.98	$ 1.57
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.01	$ 0.78	$ 1.94	$ 1.54
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	75,630	83,704	76,980	83,580
Diluted	77,262	85,566	78,672	85,408

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Six Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		75,630		83,704		76,980		83,580
Incremental shares from assumed exercises of stock options and options under the ESPP		1,632		1,862		1,692		1,828
Diluted		77,262		85,566		78,672		85,408

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Unsolicited Takeover Attempt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		$ 4,687,000	$ (6,700,000)	$ 8,474,000
Unsolicited Takeover Attempt [Member]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Legal fees			$ 61,100,000

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Indebtedness (Commercial Paper Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010 days	Oct. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 750.0
Commercial Paper [Member]
Commercial paper program, commencement date	October 2011
Revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 750.0	$ 750.0
Short term debt maturity period (in days)		90

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Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended						12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fixed Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Treasury Rate Lock Agreement [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Treasury Rate Lock Agreement [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Fair Value Hedging [Member] Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Fair Value Hedging [Member] Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Fair Value Hedging [Member] Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member] Variable Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Treasury Rate Lock Agreement [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Line Items]
Number of interest rate derivatives held										5
Number of interest rate derivatives outstanding									5
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives						$ 100,000,000			$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI, pre-tax				3,500,000
Adjustment to "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)", net of tax		163,000	667,000	2,300,000
Effective portion of derivative instrument loss to be reclassified from AOCI into Income	(2,600,000)
Effective portion of derivative instrument loss to be reclassified from AOCI into Income, net of tax	(1,600,000)
Treasury rate lock was reclassified to interest expense											259,000
Net amount of existing losses recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)"					326,000
Fixed interest payments converted to variable rate payments									300,000,000
Weighted average rate								1.44%
Fixed interest rate								2.85%
Maturity date							Oct. 01, 2013
Increase in fair value									3,200,000
Fair value of an asset recorded in "Other non-current assets"									8,300,000
Increase in carrying value of the 2013 Notes caused by hedged risk recorded in "Long-term debt"									$ 3,200,000

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Stock-Based Compensation (ESPP - Purchase Option Activity) (Details) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at the beginning of period, Number of Stock Options	67
Granted, Number of Stock Options	293
Exercised, Number of Stock Options	(135)
Outstanding at the end of period, Number of Stock Options	225
Outstanding at the beginning of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 51.03
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 53.96
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 54.81
Outstanding at the end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 52.58

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Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Changes In Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	$ 1,117,336
Acquisitions	25,004	[1]
Other adjustments, including foreign currency translation	(4,665)
Goodwill ending balance	1,137,675
Distribution Business Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	930,718
Acquisitions	15,009	[1]
Other adjustments, including foreign currency translation	(4,562)
Goodwill ending balance	941,165
All Other Operations Business Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance	186,618
Acquisitions	9,995	[1]
Other adjustments, including foreign currency translation	(103)
Goodwill ending balance	$ 196,510

[1] Includes current acquisitions and adjustments made to prior year acquisitions.

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Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	$ 83,483,000		$ 121,691,000
Business insurance reserves	48,973,000	[1]	45,438,000	[1]
Taxes other than income taxes	22,415,000		21,218,000
Cash overdraft	64,492,000		64,601,000
Deferred rental revenue	27,087,000		26,401,000
Accrued costs related to unsolicited takeover attempt (Note 19)	1,158,000		43,452,000
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities	82,754,000		68,743,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	330,362,000		391,544,000
Insurance receivables	$ 12,200,000		$ 12,200,000

[1] With respect to the business insurance reserves above, the Company had corresponding insurance receivables of $12.2 million at both September 30, 2011 and March 31, 2011, which are included within the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" line item on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The insurance receivables represent the balance of probable claim losses in excess of the Company's self-insured retention for which the Company is fully insured.

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Indebtedness (Trade Receivables Securitization Narrative) (Details) (Trade Receivables Securitization [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Trade Receivables Securitization [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of commercial banks participating in trade securitization agreement	3
Trade receivables securitization agreement, maximum amount	$ 295
Basis points	80
Trade receivables securitization expiration date	March 2013
Amount of outstanding borrowing under Securitization Agreement	$ 295

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Summary By Business Segment (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Summary By Business Segment [Abstract]

Financial Information By Segment

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2011										Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total			Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total
Gas and rent	$	611,726	$	143,557	$	(10,503	)	$	744,780		$	562,970	$	123,780	$	(8,084	)	$	678,666
Hardgoods		440,730		1,577		(4	)		442,303			381,315		1,688		(6	)		382,997
Total net sales		1,052,456		145,134		(10,507	)		1,187,083			944,285		125,468		(8,090	)		1,061,663
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)		484,416		78,672		(10,507	)		552,581			419,924		64,338		(8,090	)		476,172
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		376,142		41,218		6,077			423,437			355,367		34,070		7,177			396,614
Restructuring and other special charges		—		—		2,500			2,500			—		—		—			—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt		—		—		—			—			—		—		4,687			4,687
Depreciation		55,597		4,785		—			60,382			52,287		3,927		—			56,214
Amortization		4,989		1,266		—			6,255			5,049		1,162		—			6,211
Operating income	$	131,312	$	19,193	$	(8,577	)	$	141,928		$	111,658	$	21,971	$	(11,864	)	$	121,765
	Six Months Ended September 30, 2011										Six Months Ended September 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total			Distribution		All Other Ops.		Eliminations and Other			Total
Gas and rent	$	1,216,297	$	285,145	$	(19,625	)	$	1,481,817		$	1,119,417	$	250,692	$	(15,628	)	$	1,354,481
Hardgoods		866,619		2,955		(8	)		869,566			756,708		3,141		(11	)		759,838
Total net sales		2,082,916		288,100		(19,633	)		2,351,383			1,876,125		253,833		(15,639	)		2,114,319
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)		946,060		156,934		(19,633	)		1,083,361			834,362		132,551		(15,639	)		951,274
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		751,369		80,256		15,258			846,883			706,799		66,417		13,947			787,163
Restructuring and other special charges		—		—		15,830			15,830			—		—		—			—
Costs (benefit) related to unsolicited takeover attempt						(6,700	)		(6,700	)		—		—		8,474			8,474
Depreciation		111,331		9,318		—			120,649			102,920		7,559		—			110,479
Amortization		9,904		2,500		—			12,404			10,089		2,324		—			12,413
Operating income	$	264,252	$	39,092	$	(24,388	)	$	278,956		$	221,955	$	44,982	$	(22,421	)	$	244,516