Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 67,168	$ 54,489
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	36,234	37,409
Net (gain) loss on sales of assets	(72)	1
Stock-based compensation	5,291	4,113
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(3,680)	(2,236)
Deferred income taxes	(1,691)	3,690
Loss on derivatives reclassified from accumulated comprehensive earnings into earnings	88	115
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(11,252)	(7,712)
Inventories	(35,221)	(59,883)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(32,696)	(7,279)
Current income taxes	(2,202)	5,789
Retirement benefit obligations	(1,164)	(1,980)
Other	(8,577)	(6,340)
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,226	20,176
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment	(30,523)	(20,124)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	215	20
Net cash used in investing activities	(30,308)	(20,104)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	(10,343)	(8,948)
Proceeds from sales of treasury stock	5,118	1,308
Payments for repurchases of common stock	(14,312)	(6,837)
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	3,680	2,236
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	141,375	28,207
Payments on revolving lines of credit and short-term borrowings	(108,935)	(46,278)
Payments of long-term debt	(14,515)	(14,569)
Payment of debt financing costs	(2,185)	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(117)	(44,881)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(11)	49
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(18,210)	(44,760)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	74,539	105,579
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 56,329	$ 60,819

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).