Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,513,905	$ 1,278,913	$ 2,702,788	$ 2,326,225
Cost of Products Sold	1,002,517	772,171	1,749,890	1,401,595
Cost of products sold - restructuring	11,804	12,072	21,470	21,525
Cost of products sold - merger and integration	915	0	1,675	0
Gross Profit	498,669	494,670	929,753	903,105
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses	236,602	222,821	453,154	426,082
Amortization	20,559	18,501	40,794	36,998
Other restructuring costs	10,356	8,345	20,253	26,449
Other Merger and Integration Costs	6,871	2,773	11,556	5,429
Loss on sale of business	11,287	0	11,287	0
Other operating expense - net	1,380	2,194	392	2,944
Operating Income	211,614	240,036	392,317	405,203
Interest income	324	572	626	1,005
Interest expense	(19,448)	(18,505)	(34,870)	(35,044)
Other income (expense) - net	711	(376)	1,954	317
Income Before Income Taxes	193,201	221,727	360,027	371,481
Income taxes	65,954	72,001	121,257	118,874
Net Income	$ 127,247	$ 149,726	$ 238,770	$ 252,607
Earnings per common share:
Net Income, in USD per share	$ 1.12	$ 1.25	$ 2.09	$ 2.12
Net Income - Assuming Dilution, in USD per share	$ 1.12	$ 1.25	$ 2.09	$ 2.11
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.48	$ 0.40	$ 0.96	$ 0.80