MWI Veterinary Supply (MWIV) 10-K 27 Nov 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 15, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
DocumentType	'10-K	'	'
DocumentPeriodEndDate	30-Sep-13	'	'
AmendmentFlag	'false	'	'
DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus	'FY	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
CurrentFiscalYearEndDate	'--09-30	'	'
EntityCentralIndexKey	'0001323974	'	'
Trading Symbol	'mwiv	'	'
EntityCurrentReportingStatus	'Yes	'	'
EntityFilerCategory	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
EntityRegistrantName	'MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc.	'	'
EntityVoluntaryFilers	'No	'	'
EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer	'Yes	'	'
EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding	'	12,851,474	'
EntityPublicFloat	'	'	$1,609

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'
Product sales	$2,260,279	$1,996,294	$1,489,500
Product sales to related party	68,355	61,873	55,185
Commissions	18,851	16,979	20,655
Total revenues	2,347,485	2,075,146	1,565,340
Cost of product sales	2,043,147	1,808,230	1,359,755
Gross profit	304,338	266,916	205,585
Selling, general and administrative expenses	193,999	172,104	130,656
Depreciation and amortization	10,016	9,045	6,263
Operating income	100,323	85,767	68,666
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest expense	-714	-926	-741
Earnings of equity method investees	337	318	268
Other	735	781	507
Total other income (expense), net	358	173	34
Income before taxes	100,681	85,940	68,700
Income tax expense	-37,832	-32,463	-26,120
Net income	$62,849	$53,477	$42,580
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic	$4.96	$4.24	$3.42
Diluted	$4.95	$4.23	$3.40
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	12,675	12,616	12,464
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	12,709	12,647	12,513

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$62,849	$53,477	$42,580
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	237	1,877	-663
Actuarial gain on unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax	139	228	21
Total comprehensive income	$63,225	$55,582	$41,938

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Actuarial gain on unfunded pension liability, tax provision	$48	$145	$67

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$953	$514
Receivables, net	307,445	288,922
Inventories	326,093	251,375
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,004	10,094
Deferred income taxes	2,327	1,580
Total current assets	642,822	552,485
Property and equipment, net	39,183	35,784
Goodwill	71,150	61,841
Intangibles, net	40,490	38,706
Other assets, net	8,910	7,567
Total assets	802,555	696,383
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Credit facilities	18,801	48,080
Accounts payable	324,057	258,741
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	21,816	19,952
Current portion of capital lease obligations	103	337
Total current liabilities	364,777	327,110
Deferred income taxes	9,321	7,180
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	16	104
Other long-term liabilities	2,122	2,687
Stockholders Equity	'	'
Common stock $0.01 par value, 40,000 authorized; 12,848 and 12,792 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	128	128
Additional paid in capital	148,459	144,667
Retained earnings	275,814	212,965
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,918	1,542
Total stockholders’ equity	426,319	359,302
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$802,555	$696,383

Statement_of_Financial_Positio

Statement of Financial Position (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common Stock Par Value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	12,848,000	12,792,000
Common Stock Shares Outstanding	12,848,000	12,792,000

STATEMENT_OF_STOCKHOLDERS_EQUI

STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock Member	Additional Paid In Capital Member	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Member	Retained Earnings Member	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	$125	$129,675	$79	$116,908	$246,787
Shares Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	12,457	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	42,580	42,580
Issuance of common stock	'	412	'	'	412
Issuance of common stock (shares)	6	'	'	'	'
Exercises of common stock options	1	97	'	'	98
Exercises of common stock options (shares)	102	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit of common stock exercises	'	2,714	'	'	2,714
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures	'	861	'	'	861
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures (shares)	53	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	'	'	-663	'	-663
Actuarial gain on unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax	'	'	21	'	21
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	126	133,759	-563	159,488	292,810
Shares Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	12,618	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	53,477	53,477
Issuance of common stock	'	562	'	'	562
Issuance of common stock (shares)	7	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for purchase of Micro	1	7,158	'	'	7,159
Issuance of common stock for purchase of Micro (shares)	94	'	'	'	'
Exercises of common stock options	'	154	'	'	154
Exercises of common stock options (shares)	15	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit of common stock exercises	'	895	'	'	895
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures	1	2,139	'	'	2,140
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures (shares)	58	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	'	'	1,877	'	1,877
Actuarial gain on unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax	'	'	228	'	228
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	128	144,667	1,542	212,965	359,302
Shares Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	12,792	'	'	'	12,792
Net income	'	'	'	62,849	62,849
Issuance of common stock	'	651	'	'	651
Issuance of common stock (shares)	5	'	'	'	'
Exercises of common stock options	'	108	'	'	108
Exercises of common stock options (shares)	6	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit of common stock exercises	'	1,323	'	'	1,323
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures	'	1,710	'	'	1,710
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures (shares)	45	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	'	'	237	'	237
Actuarial gain on unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax	'	'	139	'	139
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$128	$148,459	$1,918	$275,814	$426,319
Shares Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	12,848	'	'	'	12,848

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$62,849	$53,477	$42,580
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	10,038	9,062	6,284
Amortization of debt issuance costs	38	41	65
Stock-based compensation	3,553	2,157	831
Deferred income taxes	1,410	1,182	597
Earnings of equity method investees	-337	-318	-268
Excess tax benefit of exercise of common stock options and restricted stock vesting	-1,323	-895	-2,714
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	111	32	'
Other	-280	-206	-76
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects of business acquisitions):	'	'	'
Receivables	-15,173	-48,879	-23,021
Inventories	-72,864	-52,831	8,553
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,135	-1,118	3,398
Accounts payable	63,403	50,018	-5,150
Accrued expenses	2,889	2,516	1,349
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,449	14,238	32,428
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:	'	'	'
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-17,107	-51,718	-9,000
Purchases of property and equipment	-10,780	-7,597	-12,516
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	189	96	'
Other	-430	-646	-3,993
Net cash used in investing activities	-28,128	-59,865	-25,509
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings on credit facilities	673,249	539,071	249,978
Payments on credit facilities	-702,271	-494,186	-257,166
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	651	562	412
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	108	154	98
Excess tax benefit of exercise of common stock options and restricted stock vesting	1,323	895	2,714
Tax withholdings on net settlements of share-based awards	-1,855	'	'
Debt issuance costs	'	-111	'
Payment on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-312	-986	-3,327
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-29,107	45,399	-7,291
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	225	136	67
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	439	-92	-305
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	514	606	911
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$953	$514	$606

Business_Description_and_Basis

Business Description and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Business Description and Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Business Description and Basis of Presentation
	MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. is a leading distributor of animal health products to veterinarians in the United States and United Kingdom. We sell our products primarily to veterinarians in both the companion and production animal markets. As of September 30, 2013, we operated thirteen distribution centers located across the United States and one distribution center in the United Kingdom.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements consist of MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively referred to herein as “MWI” or the “Company.” All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.  We use the equity method of accounting for our investments in entities in which we have significant influence; generally this represents an ownership interest between 20% and 50%. Our share of income or loss from these investments is reported as increases or decreases in the respective investment with a corresponding amount reported as other income/(expense).
	Basis of Accounting and Use of Estimates — The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing financial information, we use certain estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Some of these estimates require difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for allowance for doubtful accounts, customer incentives, vendor rebates, inventories, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes and contingencies. The estimates of fair value of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the periods are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable.
	Segment Information — We are a distributor of animal health products to veterinarians. Our financial results are disclosed as one reportable segment.  We identified two operating segments based on geographic areas but aggregate based on applicable accounting standards.  We determined that the two operating segments have similar operating margins and are expected to maintain this similarity into the future.  Additionally, our products, customers, operations, delivery to market and regulatory environments are all similar in nature.
	Foreign Currency Translation — For our international operations, local currencies have been determined to be the functional currencies.  We translate functional currency assets and liabilities to their U.S. dollar equivalents at rates in effect at the balance sheet date and record these translation adjustments in Stockholders’ Equity – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss).  We translate functional currency statement of income amounts to their U.S. dollar equivalents at average rates for the period.
	Other Comprehensive Income — Comprehensive income includes cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and actuarial adjustments on pension valuation. At September 30, 2013, accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of actuarial adjustments, net of tax, of ($66), and foreign currency translation adjustments of $1,984.
	Revenue Recognition —  We sell products we source from vendors to our customers through either a “buy/sell” transaction or an agency relationship with our vendors. In a “buy/sell” transaction, we purchase or take inventory of products from the vendor. When a customer places an order with us, we pick, pack, ship and invoice the customer for the order. We recognize revenue from “buy/sell” transactions as product sales when the product is delivered to the customer. We accept product returns from our customers. We estimate returns based on historical experience and recognize these estimated returns as a reduction of product sales. Product returns have not been significant to our financial statements. We record revenues net of sales tax.  In an agency relationship, we generally do not purchase and take inventory of products from vendors. We receive an order from a customer, then transmit the order to the vendor, who picks, packs and ships the order to the customer. In some cases, the vendor invoices and collects payment from the customer, while in other cases we invoice and collect payment from the customer on behalf of the vendor. We receive a commission payment for soliciting the order from the customer and for providing other customer service activities. Commissions are recognized when the services upon which the commissions are based are complete. Gross billings from agency contracts were $349,006,  $332,343 and $371,024 for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and generated commission revenue of $18,851,  $16,979 and $20,655 for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Cost of Product Sales and Vendor Rebates — Cost of product sales consist of our inventory product cost, including shipping costs to and from our distribution centers. Costs of fulfillment are included in selling, general and administrative costs. Vendor rebates are recorded based on the terms of the contracts or programs with each vendor. We receive quarterly, semi-annual and annual performance-based rebates from third-party vendors based upon attainment of certain sales and/or purchase goals. Sales rebates are classified in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as a reduction to cost of product sales at the time the sales performance measures are achieved. Purchase rebates are measured against inventory purchases from the vendors and are classified as a reduction of inventory until the product is sold. When the inventory is sold and purchase measures are achieved, purchase rebates are recognized as a reduction to cost of product sales.
	Historically, actual results have not significantly deviated from those determined using the estimates described above. We expect that our estimates in the future will continue to be reasonable as our rebates are based on specific vendor program goals and are principally recorded upon achievement of sales or purchase performance measures. Vendors may change or eliminate rebate programs from year to year.
	Customer Incentives — Customer incentives are accrued based on the terms of the contracts with each customer. These incentive programs provide that the customer receive an incentive based on their product purchases or attainment of performance goals. Incentives are estimated based on the specific terms in each agreement, historical experience and product growth rates.  Incentives are recognized as a reduction to product sales.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Our banking arrangements allow us to fund outstanding checks when presented to the financial institution for payment.
	Inventories — Inventories, consisting of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, capital equipment and technology, supplies and nutritional products, are stated at the lower of cost (on a moving-average basis) or market.
	Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, which include the shorter of useful life or lease term for leasehold improvements, of the related assets as follows:
		Buildings	25 to 35 years
		Machinery, furniture and equipment	3 to 15 years
		Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
		Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 years
	The cost and accumulated depreciation of items sold or retired are removed from the property accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in net income. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred and improvements are capitalized.
	We periodically review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. No impairments were identified during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets — We recognize the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination as goodwill on the consolidated balance sheet. We perform an annual impairment test on goodwill as of September 30th each year.  We calculate the fair value of each reporting unit using both an income approach and a market approach,  and compare the fair value to its book value.  We have concluded that there was no impairment during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Impairment tests will continue to be performed at least annually and more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment.
	Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships, trademarks and patents, technology and covenants not to compete and are amortized, as necessary, over their useful lives or contractual term which range from 1-20 years.  We review both indefinite-lived and definite-lived identifiable intangible assets at least annually for impairment or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  No impairments were identified during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Other Assets — Included in other assets are our equity method investments and investments in entities accounted for under the cost method of accounting, which includes an investment in Cubex of $4,000. We periodically evaluate these investments for other-than-temporary impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, or when indicators of impairment are noted. In the event an investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, we would recognize the loss component in the consolidated statements of income.  Other assets also consist of debt issuance costs that are being amortized over the term of the related debt.
	Earnings Per Common Share — Basic earnings per common share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares plus the weighted-average number of potential outstanding common shares. Potential common shares that would increase earnings per share amounts are antidilutive and are, therefore, excluded from the earnings per common share computations. Earnings per common share is computed separately for each period presented.
	Income Taxes — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized to provide for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax rates in effect during the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
	Concentrations of Risk — Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of our receivables. Our customers are geographically dispersed throughout the United States and United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, we rely on a smaller number of relatively larger customers than does our business in the United States.  These customers in the aggregate accounted for  14.5% and 18.1% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and one significant customer accounted for 2.6% and 7.6% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. We routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and review their credit history before extending credit. In addition, we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information.
	Advertising — Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are included as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs were $1,165,  $1,203 and $723 in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Recently Issued and New Accounting Pronouncements —In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which includes bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement.  This guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013.  We do not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which provides additional disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  This guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013.  We do not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Business_Acquisition

Business Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisitions	'
	3. Business Acquisitions
	On March 21, 2011, MWI Co. purchased substantially all of the assets of Nelson Laboratories Limited Partnership (“Nelson”) for $7,000 in cash. Nelson was a distributor of animal health products to over 1,100 veterinary practices, primarily in the Midwestern United States. This acquisition allows us to better serve our customers in this region. An intangible asset representing customer relationships acquired in the acquisition has an estimated useful life of 10 years. The amount recorded in goodwill is deductible for tax purposes over 15 years.
	On October 31, 2011, MWI Co. purchased substantially all of the assets of Micro Beef Technologies, Ltd. (“Micro”) for $60,878, including $53,400 in cash and 94,359 shares of common stock valued at $7,158, which is the fair value of the common stock as of the date of acquisition and a working capital adjustment of $320. The $53,400 paid in cash as consideration of Micro was funded with borrowings under our Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 7) as then in effect. Micro is a value-added distributor to the production animal market, including the distribution of micro feed ingredients, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, supplies and other animal health products. Micro also is a leading innovator of proprietary, computerized management systems for the production animal market. We incurred $1,104 of direct acquisition-related and integration expenses.  The intangible assets acquired in the acquisition include technology, customer relationships, trade name and covenant not to compete. The useful life of the amortizing intangible assets ranges from 5 years to 17 years. Trade name is a non-amortizing intangible asset. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition of Micro includes the expected synergies that we believed would result from this acquisition.  The amount recorded in goodwill is deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. The fair values assigned to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on management's estimates and assumptions as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques.
	On December 31, 2012, MWI Co. purchased substantially all of the assets of Prescription Containers, Inc. (“PCI Animal Health”), for a net purchase price of $17,107, after consideration of post-closing adjustments.  PCI Animal Health was a distributor of companion animal health products to veterinary practices, primarily in the Northeastern United States.  The intangible asset acquired in the acquisition is for customer relationships and has a useful life of 10 years.  The amount recorded in goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. The fair values assigned to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on management's estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. We adjusted those valuations during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of further review of these estimates and assumptions. The fair value assigned to the purchased intangible related to customer relationships decreased by $1,190 with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill. The related impact on amortization recognized from that date is insignificant to the consolidated statements of income.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of each acquisition, which may be adjusted during the measurement period as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805. These purchase price allocations are based on a combination of valuations and analyses.
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash	$	-	$	1	$	-
	Receivables		3,585		22,374		4,041
	Inventories		1,928		27,701		3,594
	Other current assets		-		105		-
	Property and equipment		-		8,882		1,900
	Investments		-		199		-
	Goodwill		9,327		12,473		1,823
	Intangibles		4,780		15,760		140
	Total assets acquired		19,620		87,495		11,498
	Accounts payable		2,513		25,026		4,498
	Accrued expenses		-		1,591		-
	Other liabilities				-		-
	Total liabilities assumed		2,513		26,617		4,498
	Net assets acquired	$	17,107	$	60,878	$	7,000
	The following table presents information for Micro that is included in our consolidated statements of income from the acquisition date of October 31, 2011 through the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012:
	Micro's operations included in MWI's results
			Fiscal year ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues	$	246,624
	Net Income	$	4,089
	The following table presents supplemental pro forma information for the Company as if the acquisition of Micro had occurred on October 1, 2010 for the periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited):
		Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Results
		Fiscal year ended September 30,
		2012		2011
	Revenues	$	2,097,076	$	1,793,672
	Net Income	$	53,571	$	45,769
	The unaudited pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition on October 1, 2010.  Additionally, the unaudited pro forma consolidated results do not purport to project the future results of operations of the combined company.

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	4. Receivables
	Receivables consist of the following at September 30:
		2013		2012
	Trade	$	282,923	$	271,199
	Vendor rebates and programs		26,983		20,469
			309,906		291,668
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		-2,461		-2,746
		$	307,445	$	288,922

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property And Equipment	'
	5. Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consists of the following at September 30:
		2013		2012
	Land	$	1,932	$	1,952
	Building and leasehold improvements		14,914		14,420
	Machinery, furniture and equipment		38,032		33,075
	Computer equipment		9,868		8,276
	Construction in progress		4,328		1,773
			69,074		59,496
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-29,891		-23,712
		$	39,183	$	35,784
	We recorded depreciation expense of $6,974,  $6,210 and $4,501 for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangibles

Goodwill and Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangibles	'
	6. Goodwill and Intangibles
	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the fiscal years ended September 30, are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Goodwill - Beginning of year	$	61,841		$	49,041
	Acquisition activity		9,327			12,473
	Foreign exchange translation		-18			327
	Goodwill - End of year	$	71,150		$	61,841
	Intangible assets consist of the following as of September 30:
		Useful Lives		2013			2012
	Amortizing:
	Customer relationships	9 - 20 years		$	35,797		$	31,045
	Covenants not to compete	1 - 5 years			450			710
	Technology	11 years			5,830			5,830
	Other	3 - 5 years			1,126			1,084
					43,203			38,669
	Accumulated amortization				-10,388			-7,640
					32,815			31,029
	Non-Amortizing:
	Trade names and patents				7,675			7,677
				$	40,490		$	38,706
	We recorded amortization expense of $3,064,  $2,852 and $1,783 for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Amount
	2014	$	3,102
	2015		2,799
	2016		2,669
	2017		2,596
	2018		2,578
	Thereafter		19,071
		$	32,815

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	7. Debt
		2013		2012
	Revolving credit facility, 1.06% as of September 30, 2013	$	16,300	$	39,500
	Sterling revolving credit facility, 1.44% as of September 30, 2013		2,501		8,580
	Capital lease obligations (1)		119		441
	Total debt and capital lease obligations		18,920		48,521
	Less: Long-term portion of capital lease obligations		-16		-104
	Total debt and capital lease obligations included in current liabilities	$	18,904	$	48,417
	(1) The capital lease obligations have varying maturity dates.
	Revolving Credit Facility — MWI Co. as borrower, is party to a Credit Agreement dated December 13, 2006, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among MWI Co., MWI, and Memorial Pet Care, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”).  The Credit Agreement allows for an aggregate revolving commitment of the Lenders of $150,000 and a maturity date of November 1, 2016.  Under the Credit Agreement, the margin on variable interest rate borrowings ranges from 0.95% to 1.50%.  The commitment fee under the Credit Agreement ranges from 0.15% to 0.25% depending on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio.  The variable interest rate is equal to the Daily LIBOR Floating Rate or the LIBOR 1-month, 2-month, 3-month or 6-month fixed rate (at MWI Co.’s option) plus the margin.  The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants, including a fixed charge ratio and a funded debt to EBITDA ratio.  We were in compliance with all of the covenants as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Sterling Revolving Credit Facility— On March 15, 2013, Centaur entered into a First Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the “Sterling Revolving Credit Facility”) dated November 5, 2010 with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. London Branch.  The Amendment increases the maximum loan amount of the Sterling Revolving Credit Facility to £20,000, an increase of £7,500, and extends the term of the facility to November 1, 2016. Interest is based on LIBOR for the applicable interest period plus an applicable margin of 0.95% to 1.50%, and the commitment fee ranges from 0.15% to 0.25%, depending on our funded debt to EBITDA ratio.  The facility contains a financial covenant requiring Centaur to maintain a minimum tangible net worth of £5,000.  As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, Centaur was in compliance with the covenant. Our outstanding balance on the Sterling Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2013 was £1,550, or $2,501 using the exchange rate on September 30, 2013.  The interest rate for the Sterling Revolving Credit Facility was 1.44% as of September 30, 2013.
	Also on March 15, 2013, Centaur entered into an uncommitted overdraft facility (the “Overdraft Facility”) with Wells Fargo. The Overdraft Facility allows Centaur to borrow an additional £10,000 to fund short term normal trading cycle fluctuations. The Overdraft Facility will expire on November 1, 2016.  Interest on the borrowing under the Overdraft Facility is the same as the terms under the Amendment.

Common_Stock_and_StockBased_Aw

Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards [Abstract]	'
Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards	'
	8. Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards
	2002 Stock Plan
	We had a 2002 Stock Plan (the “2002 Plan”) to provide our directors, executives and other key employees with additional incentives by allowing them to acquire an ownership interest in us and, as a result, encouraging them to contribute to our success. All options that were granted under this plan have been exercised and there are no additional shares available for issuance under the 2002 Plan.
	2005 Stock Plan
	We have a 2005 Stock-Based Award and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2005 Plan”), under which we may offer restricted shares of our common stock and grant options to purchase shares of our common stock to selected employees and non-employee directors. The purpose of the 2005 Plan is to promote our long-term financial success by attracting, retaining and rewarding eligible participants. At September 30, 2013 and 2012 we had 815,260 and 865,917 shares, respectively, of our common stock available for issuance under the 2005 Plan.
	The 2005 Plan permits us to grant stock options (both incentive stock options and non‑qualified stock options), restricted stock and deferred stock. The compensation committee will determine the number and type of stock-based awards to each participant, the exercise price of each award, the duration of the award (not to exceed ten years), vesting provisions and all other terms and conditions of such award in individual award agreements. The 2005 Plan provides for the cancellation of all unvested awards upon termination of employment with us, unless determined otherwise by the compensation committee at the time awards are granted.
	A summary of common stock options activity under the 2002 and 2005 Plans is as follows:
			2013						2012						2011
					Weighted							Weighted						Weighted
			Number		average				Number			average			Number			average
			of		exercise				of			exercise			of			exercise
			Shares		price				Shares			price			Shares			price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		22,360		$	17.53				37,385		$	14.73			139,550		$	4.65
	Exercised		-6,186			17.43				-14,769			10.44			-102,128			0.96
	Cancelled or expired		-136			17.00				-256			17.00			-37			17.00
	Outstanding at end of year		16,038		$	17.58				22,360		$	17.53			37,385		$	14.73
	Exercisable at end of year		16,038		$	17.58				22,360		$	17.53			37,385		$	14.73
		Outstanding and exercisable options
					Weighted
					average
					remaining		Weighted
					contractual		average
			Number of		life		exercise
	Range of exercise prices		Shares		(in years)		price
	$17.00 - $19.99		14,248		1.8		$	17.00
	$20.00 - $22.60		1,790		2.0		$	22.17
	The intrinsic value of the shares outstanding and exercisable was $2,114 as of September 30, 2013 and $1,993 as of September 30, 2012. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $644,  $1,105, and $6,548, respectively.
	A summary of restricted stock awards activity under the 2005 Plan is as follows:
		2013						2012						2011
				Weighted							Weighted						Weighted
		Number		average				Number			average			Number			average
		of		grant date				of			grant date			of			grant date
		Shares		fair value				Shares			fair value			Shares			fair value
	Nonvested at beginning of year	129,396		$	69.94				105,540		$	61.69			70,584		$	49.33
	Granted	70,575			145.65				74,848			101.97			63,900			71.14
	Vested	-44,547			144.52				-48,072			102.09			-25,934			52.46
	Forfeitures	-13,180			80.96				-2,920			63.49			-3,010			51.92
	Nonvested at end of year	142,244		$	83.13				129,396		$	69.94			105,540		$	61.69
	As of September 30, 2013, total unrecognized stock based compensation expense related to nonvested awards was approximately $15,911 before income taxes, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining term of the awards which range from 1 to 5 years.  During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $3,553 and $3,569, respectively, in compensation expense related to common stock awards.  The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $6,438,  $4,908, and $1,800, respectively.
	2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) allows substantially all employees to purchase shares of our common stock at 95% of the fair market value on the date of purchase.  The purchase date is the last trading date of the purchase period, which begins in March, June, September and December.  Employees accumulate amounts through payroll deductions during the purchase period of between 1% and 10% but no more than $20 annually.  An employee is allowed to purchase a maximum of 200 shares per purchase period.  We issued 5,396 and 6,859 shares of our common stock under the ESPP during fiscal years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Computation_of_Earnings_per_Sh

Computation of Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Computation Of Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Computation Of Earnings Per Common Share	'
	9. Computation of Earnings per Common Share (In thousands, except per share data)
		2013				2012				2011
		Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
	Net income	$	62,849	$	62,849	$	53,477	$	53,477	$	42,580	$	42,580
	Weighted average common
	shares outstanding		12,675		12,675		12,616		12,616		12,464		12,464
	Effect of diluted securities
	Stock options and restricted stock				34				31				49
	Weighted average shares
	outstanding				12,709				12,647				12,513
	Earnings per share	$	4.96	$	4.95	$	4.24	$	4.23	$	3.42	$	3.40
	There was no impact from anti-dilutive shares in fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	10. Income Taxes
	Income before taxes is as follows:
		2013			2012		2011
	Income before taxes
	United States	$	96,915		$	81,482	$	65,271
	Foreign		3,766			4,458		3,429
	Total income before taxes	$	100,681		$	85,940	$	68,700
	The components of income tax expense consist of the following:
		2013			2012		2011
	United States
	Current payable
	Federal	$	30,200		$	25,535	$	20,741
	State		4,952			4,494		3,696
	Deferred
	Federal		1,652			1,308		628
	State		253			220		120
	Total U.S. tax expense		37,057			31,557		25,185
	International
	Current payable		1,275			1,252		1,109
	Deferred		-500			-346		-174
	Total international tax expense		775			906		935
	Total income tax expense	$	37,832		$	32,463	$	26,120
	Our deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following at September 30:
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	866		$	958
	Inventories		658			521
	Lease expense		544			394
	Employee benefits		334			439
	Acquisition-related costs		444			-
	Other		164			368
	Total deferred tax assets		3,010			2,680
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Investments		-786			-
	Property and equipment		-8,876			-7,684
	Prepaid expenses		-227			-395
	Other		-115			-201
	Total deferred tax liabilities		-10,004			-8,280
	Net deferred liabilities	$	-6,994		$	-5,600
	Other deferred tax assets totaling $711 and $770 as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, arising from the Company’s foreign subsidiary, are subject to full valuation allowance.
	Income tax expense differed from income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for all periods presented as follows:
		2013		2012		2011
	Taxes computed at statutory rate	35.0%		35.0%		35.0%
	State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)	3.4		3.6		3.7
	Foreign	-0.9		-1.1		-0.9
	Other	0.1		0.3		0.2
		37.6%		37.8%		38.0%
	In general, it is the practice and intention of the Company to reinvest the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company has not made a provision for U.S. income or additional foreign withholding taxes on the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration.  Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances.  It is not practicable to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability related to investments in foreign subsidiaries because of the complexities of the hypothetical calculation.
	A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		2013			2012		2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits – Beginning of year	$	-		$	23	$	198
	Gross increases related to prior period tax positions		-			-		-
	Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions		-			-8		-175
	Gross increases related to current period tax positions		-			-		-
	Settlements		-			-15		-
	Unrecognized tax benefits – End of year	$	-		$	-	$	23
	For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the amount included in our income tax expense for tax-related interest and penalties was not significant.  Of the $23 unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2011, $15 would have impacted our effective rate, if recognized. We expect no material changes to our unrecognized tax benefits during the next fiscal year.  Our policy for classifying interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits is to include such items in income tax expense.
	We filed Form 3115 Application of Change in Accounting Method with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.  We filed an advance consent request for a non-automatic account method change for tax purposes for which we received approval during fiscal year 2011.  Resolution decreased the liability for unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $175.
	We completed an examination by the IRS for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to income tax examination for years before 2008 in the U.S. and 2008 in significant state and local jurisdictions.  We are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years before 2011 in significant foreign jurisdictions.

Statements_of_Cash_flows_Suppl

Statements of Cash flows - Supplemental and Non-Cash Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Statements of Cash Flows — Supplemental and Noncash Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Statements of Cash Flows — Supplemental and Noncash Disclosures	'
	11. Statements of Cash Flows — Supplemental and Noncash Disclosures
		2013		2012		2011
	Supplemental Disclosures
	Cash paid for interest	$	620	$	788	$	505
	Cash paid for income taxes		34,045		31,025		21,302
	Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Issuance of restricted common stock for asset acquisition		-		7,158		-
	Capital lease asset additions and related obligations		-		165		455
	Equipment acquisitions financed with accounts payable		265		192		124

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	12. Commitments and Contingencies
	From time to time, in the normal course of business, we may become a party to legal proceedings that may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.  At September 30, 2013, we were not a party to any material pending legal proceedings and were not aware of any claims that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	We have operating leases for office and distribution center space and equipment for varying periods. We also lease some of our vehicles in the United Kingdom under capital leases.  Certain leases have renewal options and require contingent payments for increases, including executory costs, property taxes, insurance and certain other costs in excess of a base year amount. Total rent expense for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $6,301,  $5,382 and $4,259, respectively.
	The aggregate future noncancelable minimum rental payments on operating leases and capital leases at September 30, 2013 are as follows:
		Lease Obligations
	Fiscal Year	Operating Leases		Capital Leases
	2014	$	5,160	$	103
	2015		4,634		16
	2016		4,541
	2017		4,317
	2018		4,226
	Thereafter		11,573
	Total future minimum obligations	$	34,451	$	119

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	13. Related Party Transactions
	MWI Co., our subsidiary, holds a 50% membership interest in Feeders’ Advantage that is accounted for as an investment using the equity method. Sales of products to Feeders’ Advantage, which are at our cost, were $68,355,  $61,873 and $55,185 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. MWI Co. charged Feeders’ Advantage for certain operating and administrative services of $1,079,  $1,008 and $919 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors are each members of the board of managers of Feeders’ Advantage.
	MWI Co. allows Feeders’ Advantage to use its cash management system to finance its day-to-day operations. At any given time, the outstanding position used in the cash management system may be a receivable or payable depending on the cash activity.  A receivable balance bears interest at the prime rate. The interest due on the outstanding receivable is calculated and charged to Feeders’ Advantage on the last day of each month. Conversely, to the extent MWI Co. has a payable balance due to Feeders’ Advantage, the payable balance accrues interest in favor of Feeders’ Advantage at the average federal funds rates in effect for that month.  As of September 30, 2013 MWI Co. had a payable balance to Feeders’ Advantage of $777.  As of September 30, 2012 MWI Co. had a receivable balance from Feeders' Advantage of $62.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	14. Employee Benefit Plans
	We have a multi-employer defined contribution profit sharing plan with a 401(k) arrangement for employees in the United States.  To become eligible for the profit sharing portion of the plan, an employee must complete two years of service and attain the age of twenty-one. Participation is automatic beginning the following January or July. To become eligible for the 401(k) portion of the plan, the employee must complete three-months of service and attain the age of twenty-one.
	Both portions of the plan allow for employer contributions. We are required to match 50% of the employee’s contribution to the 401(k) portion of the plan up to 6% of the employee’s salary. Our matching contributions for the 401(k) portion of the plan were $2,122,  $1,871 and $1,464 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Employee’s contributions are fully vested immediately while employer contributions vest over a five-year period.
	Contributions to the profit sharing portion of the Plans are discretionary, ranging from 0% to 3%, and are approved by our board of directors. Total profit sharing expense for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $1,997,  $1,847 and $1,516, respectively. Employer contributions are fully vested immediately.
	Centaur sponsors a defined contribution plan for all other staff not participating in the defined benefit plan described below. The contributions made by the employer over the period are detailed below. Contributions are currently payable at a minimum of 3% up to a maximum of 6% of eligible pay if matched by employee.  The matching contribution for the plan was $257,  $250 and $269 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Centaur operates a defined benefit pension plan which provides benefits based on pensionable pay and is closed to future benefit accrual.
	The fair value of plan assets, benefit obligation and funded status of the defined benefit plan as of September 30 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Fair value of plan assets	$	5,242		$	5,329		$	4,760
	Benefit obligation		-6,667			-7,228			-7,031
	Unfunded pension liability	$	-1,425		$	-1,899		$	-2,271
	The unfunded pension liability is recognized as other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Net periodic benefit expense for the fiscal year ended September 30 consisted of the following:
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest cost	$	195		$	219		$	255
	Expected return on plan assets		-252			-249			-205
	Net periodic (benefit)/cost		-57			-30			50
	Other changes recognized in other comprehensive income
	Actuarial gain		-187			-373			-88
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and
	other comprehensive income	$	-244		$	-403		$	-38
	Total gain recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax	$	-139		$	-228		$	-21
	The estimated net actuarial gain that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit costs during fiscal year 2014 is not significant.  The following table provides the weighted-average actuarial assumptions:
			2013		2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
	Discount rate		3.6%		3.0%
	Rate of compensation increase (1)		N/A		N/A
			2013		2012		2011
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
	Discount rate		3.0%		3.1%		3.6%
	Expected return on plan assets		5.0%		5.2%		4.3%
	Rate of compensation increase (1)		N/A		N/A		N/A
	(1) There is no assumed rate of compensation increase as there have been no current active members since April 2006.
	The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, as discussed in Note 15, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, the assets of the plan, by major asset category, at fair value as of September 30:
			2013							2012
			Market			Asset		Fair Value		Market		Asset	Fair Value
	Asset Class		Value			Allocation		Level		Value		Allocation	Level
	Equities		$	2,062		39%		2		$	1,793	34%	2
	Corporate bonds			979		19%		2			1,275	24%	2
	UK Government bonds			-		0%		2			485	9%	2
	Cash			82		2%		1			218	4%	1
	Other assets			2,119		40%		2			1,558	29%	2
	Total		$	5,242		100%				$	5,329	100%

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	15. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Current fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and disclosures.  This hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques based on observable and unobservable data.  The guidance categorizes these inputs used in measuring fair value into three levels which include the following:
	·	Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
	·	Level 2 – inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and
	·	Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable, and the fair values approximate book values due to their short maturities.
	Our revolving credit facilities in the United States and in the United Kingdom were amended in the recent past and are based on market conditions such as LIBOR.  Because these credit facilities include interest rates based on current market conditions (Level 1 inputs), we believe that the estimated fair value of our debt was materially the same as our carrying value.

Geographic_Information

Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Geographic Information	'
	16. Geographic Information
	Revenues and long-lived assets by geographic region are as follows:
		2013		2012		2011
	Revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30
	United States	$	2,032,260	$	1,776,414	$	1,304,794
	International		315,225		298,732		260,546
	Total	$	2,347,485	$	2,075,146	$	1,565,340
	Long-lived assets as of September 30
	United States	$	32,881	$	29,001	$	18,953
	International		6,302		6,783		6,256
	Total	$	39,183	$	35,784	$	25,209

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data	'
	17. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		Three-Months Ended
		Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		June 30,		Sept. 30,		Year (1)
			(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
	Fiscal Year 2013
	Total revenues	$	572,848	$	563,114	$	606,443	$	605,080	$	2,347,485
	Gross profit		76,929		74,679		77,511		75,219		304,338
	Operating income		27,077		24,238		26,534		22,473		100,323
	Net income		16,751		15,100		16,781		14,216		62,849
	Earnings per common share — basic	$	1.32	$	1.19	$	1.32	$	1.12	$	4.96
	Earnings per common share — diluted	$	1.32	$	1.19	$	1.32	$	1.12	$	4.95
	Weighted average common shares
	outstanding:
	Basic		12,665		12,674		12,679		12,683		12,675
	Diluted		12,695		12,709		12,713		12,721		12,709
	Fiscal Year 2012
	Total revenues	$	461,901	$	507,170	$	554,669	$	551,406	$	2,075,146
	Gross profit		62,514		66,618		69,519		68,265		266,916
	Operating income		21,415		21,411		23,287		19,654		85,767
	Net income		13,196		13,178		14,503		12,600		53,477
	Earnings per common share — basic	$	1.05	$	1.04	$	1.15	$	0.99	$	4.24
	Earnings per common share — diluted	$	1.05	$	1.04	$	1.15	$	0.99	$	4.23
	Weighted average common shares
	outstanding:
	Basic		12,581		12,619		12,628		12,636		12,616
	Diluted		12,605		12,648		12,662		12,672		12,647
	(1) The sums of the quarterly amounts may not agree to the year-to-date amount as a result of rounding.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	18. Subsequent Event
	On November 1, 2013, subsequent to our fiscal year end, we acquired substantially all of the assets of IVESCO Holdings, LLC (“IVESCO”)  for an enterprise value of approximately $67.5 million, plus a closing  net working capital adjustment of approximately $11.2 million. This transaction is subject to a final post-closing working capital adjustment. The cash purchase price was funded with borrowings by the Company under its existing Credit Agreement. IVESCO engaged in the distribution and sale of animal health and related products and service, logistics and technical support relating to such distribution and sale of animal health and related products.
	As the initial accounting for the business combination was not complete at the time the financial statements were issued, the purchase price allocation and pro-forma income statement disclosures have not been disclosed.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements consist of MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively referred to herein as “MWI” or the “Company.” All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.  We use the equity method of accounting for our investments in entities in which we have significant influence; generally this represents an ownership interest between 20% and 50%. Our share of income or loss from these investments is reported as increases or decreases in the respective investment with a corresponding amount reported as other income/(expense).
Basis of Accounting and Use of Estimates	'
	Basis of Accounting and Use of Estimates — The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing financial information, we use certain estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Some of these estimates require difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for allowance for doubtful accounts, customer incentives, vendor rebates, inventories, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes and contingencies. The estimates of fair value of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses for the periods are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information — We are a distributor of animal health products to veterinarians. Our financial results are disclosed as one reportable segment.  We identified two operating segments based on geographic areas but aggregate based on applicable accounting standards.  We determined that the two operating segments have similar operating margins and are expected to maintain this similarity into the future.  Additionally, our products, customers, operations, delivery to market and regulatory environments are all similar in nature.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation — For our international operations, local currencies have been determined to be the functional currencies.  We translate functional currency assets and liabilities to their U.S. dollar equivalents at rates in effect at the balance sheet date and record these translation adjustments in Stockholders’ Equity – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss).  We translate functional currency statement of income amounts to their U.S. dollar equivalents at average rates for the period.
Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Other Comprehensive Income — Comprehensive income includes cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and actuarial adjustments on pension valuation. At September 30, 2013, accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of actuarial adjustments, net of tax, of ($66), and foreign currency translation adjustments of $1,984.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition —  We sell products we source from vendors to our customers through either a “buy/sell” transaction or an agency relationship with our vendors. In a “buy/sell” transaction, we purchase or take inventory of products from the vendor. When a customer places an order with us, we pick, pack, ship and invoice the customer for the order. We recognize revenue from “buy/sell” transactions as product sales when the product is delivered to the customer. We accept product returns from our customers. We estimate returns based on historical experience and recognize these estimated returns as a reduction of product sales. Product returns have not been significant to our financial statements. We record revenues net of sales tax.  In an agency relationship, we generally do not purchase and take inventory of products from vendors. We receive an order from a customer, then transmit the order to the vendor, who picks, packs and ships the order to the customer. In some cases, the vendor invoices and collects payment from the customer, while in other cases we invoice and collect payment from the customer on behalf of the vendor. We receive a commission payment for soliciting the order from the customer and for providing other customer service activities. Commissions are recognized when the services upon which the commissions are based are complete. Gross billings from agency contracts were $349,006,  $332,343 and $371,024 for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and generated commission revenue of $18,851,  $16,979 and $20,655 for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Cost of Product Sales and Vendor Rebates	'
	Cost of Product Sales and Vendor Rebates — Cost of product sales consist of our inventory product cost, including shipping costs to and from our distribution centers. Costs of fulfillment are included in selling, general and administrative costs. Vendor rebates are recorded based on the terms of the contracts or programs with each vendor. We receive quarterly, semi-annual and annual performance-based rebates from third-party vendors based upon attainment of certain sales and/or purchase goals. Sales rebates are classified in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as a reduction to cost of product sales at the time the sales performance measures are achieved. Purchase rebates are measured against inventory purchases from the vendors and are classified as a reduction of inventory until the product is sold. When the inventory is sold and purchase measures are achieved, purchase rebates are recognized as a reduction to cost of product sales.
	Historically, actual results have not significantly deviated from those determined using the estimates described above. We expect that our estimates in the future will continue to be reasonable as our rebates are based on specific vendor program goals and are principally recorded upon achievement of sales or purchase performance measures. Vendors may change or eliminate rebate programs from year to year.
Customer Incentives	'
	Customer Incentives — Customer incentives are accrued based on the terms of the contracts with each customer. These incentive programs provide that the customer receive an incentive based on their product purchases or attainment of performance goals. Incentives are estimated based on the specific terms in each agreement, historical experience and product growth rates.  Incentives are recognized as a reduction to product sales.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Our banking arrangements allow us to fund outstanding checks when presented to the financial institution for payment.
Inventories	'
	Inventories — Inventories, consisting of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, capital equipment and technology, supplies and nutritional products, are stated at the lower of cost (on a moving-average basis) or market.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, which include the shorter of useful life or lease term for leasehold improvements, of the related assets as follows:
		Buildings	25 to 35 years
		Machinery, furniture and equipment	3 to 15 years
		Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
		Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 years
	The cost and accumulated depreciation of items sold or retired are removed from the property accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in net income. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred and improvements are capitalized.
	We periodically review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. No impairments were identified during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets — We recognize the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination as goodwill on the consolidated balance sheet. We perform an annual impairment test on goodwill as of September 30th each year.  We calculate the fair value of each reporting unit using both an income approach and a market approach,  and compare the fair value to its book value.  We have concluded that there was no impairment during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Impairment tests will continue to be performed at least annually and more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment.
	Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships, trademarks and patents, technology and covenants not to compete and are amortized, as necessary, over their useful lives or contractual term which range from 1-20 years.  We review both indefinite-lived and definite-lived identifiable intangible assets at least annually for impairment or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  No impairments were identified during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets — Included in other assets are our equity method investments and investments in entities accounted for under the cost method of accounting, which includes an investment in Cubex of $4,000. We periodically evaluate these investments for other-than-temporary impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, or when indicators of impairment are noted. In the event an investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, we would recognize the loss component in the consolidated statements of income.  Other assets also consist of debt issuance costs that are being amortized over the term of the related debt.
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	Earnings Per Common Share — Basic earnings per common share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares plus the weighted-average number of potential outstanding common shares. Potential common shares that would increase earnings per share amounts are antidilutive and are, therefore, excluded from the earnings per common share computations. Earnings per common share is computed separately for each period presented.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized to provide for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are measured using enacted tax rates in effect during the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Concentrations of Risk	'
	Concentrations of Risk — Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of our receivables. Our customers are geographically dispersed throughout the United States and United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, we rely on a smaller number of relatively larger customers than does our business in the United States.  These customers in the aggregate accounted for  14.5% and 18.1% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and one significant customer accounted for 2.6% and 7.6% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. We routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and review their credit history before extending credit. In addition, we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information.
Advertising	'
	Advertising — Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are included as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs were $1,165,  $1,203 and $723 in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'
		Buildings	25 to 35 years
		Machinery, furniture and equipment	3 to 15 years
		Computer equipment	3 to 7 years
		Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 years

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash	$	-	$	1	$	-
	Receivables		3,585		22,374		4,041
	Inventories		1,928		27,701		3,594
	Other current assets		-		105		-
	Property and equipment		-		8,882		1,900
	Investments		-		199		-
	Goodwill		9,327		12,473		1,823
	Intangibles		4,780		15,760		140
	Total assets acquired		19,620		87,495		11,498
	Accounts payable		2,513		25,026		4,498
	Accrued expenses		-		1,591		-
	Other liabilities				-		-
	Total liabilities assumed		2,513		26,617		4,498
	Net assets acquired	$	17,107	$	60,878	$	7,000
Information Included in Statements of Income	'
	Micro's operations included in MWI's results
			Fiscal year ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues	$	246,624
	Net Income	$	4,089
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information	'
		Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Results
		Fiscal year ended September 30,
		2012		2011
	Revenues	$	2,097,076	$	1,793,672
	Net Income	$	53,571	$	45,769

Receivables_Table

Receivables (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Accounts Receivable	'
		2013		2012
	Trade	$	282,923	$	271,199
	Vendor rebates and programs		26,983		20,469
			309,906		291,668
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		-2,461		-2,746
		$	307,445	$	288,922

Property_and_Equipment_Table

Property and Equipment (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property And Equipment	'
		2013		2012
	Land	$	1,932	$	1,952
	Building and leasehold improvements		14,914		14,420
	Machinery, furniture and equipment		38,032		33,075
	Computer equipment		9,868		8,276
	Construction in progress		4,328		1,773
			69,074		59,496
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		-29,891		-23,712
		$	39,183	$	35,784

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Table

Goodwill and Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Changes in the Carrying Value of Goodwill	'
		2013			2012
	Goodwill - Beginning of year	$	61,841		$	49,041
	Acquisition activity		9,327			12,473
	Foreign exchange translation		-18			327
	Goodwill - End of year	$	71,150		$	61,841
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
		Useful Lives		2013			2012
	Amortizing:
	Customer relationships	9 - 20 years		$	35,797		$	31,045
	Covenants not to compete	1 - 5 years			450			710
	Technology	11 years			5,830			5,830
	Other	3 - 5 years			1,126			1,084
					43,203			38,669
	Accumulated amortization				-10,388			-7,640
					32,815			31,029
	Non-Amortizing:
	Trade names and patents				7,675			7,677
				$	40,490		$	38,706
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	'
		Amount
	2014	$	3,102
	2015		2,799
	2016		2,669
	2017		2,596
	2018		2,578
	Thereafter		19,071
		$	32,815

Debt_Table

Debt (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
		2013		2012
	Revolving credit facility, 1.06% as of September 30, 2013	$	16,300	$	39,500
	Sterling revolving credit facility, 1.44% as of September 30, 2013		2,501		8,580
	Capital lease obligations (1)		119		441
	Total debt and capital lease obligations		18,920		48,521
	Less: Long-term portion of capital lease obligations		-16		-104
	Total debt and capital lease obligations included in current liabilities	$	18,904	$	48,417
	(1) The capital lease obligations have varying maturity dates.

Common_Stock_and_StockBased_Aw1

Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards [Abstract]	'
Stock Options Activity	'
			2013						2012						2011
					Weighted							Weighted						Weighted
			Number		average				Number			average			Number			average
			of		exercise				of			exercise			of			exercise
			Shares		price				Shares			price			Shares			price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		22,360		$	17.53				37,385		$	14.73			139,550		$	4.65
	Exercised		-6,186			17.43				-14,769			10.44			-102,128			0.96
	Cancelled or expired		-136			17.00				-256			17.00			-37			17.00
	Outstanding at end of year		16,038		$	17.58				22,360		$	17.53			37,385		$	14.73
	Exercisable at end of year		16,038		$	17.58				22,360		$	17.53			37,385		$	14.73
Stock Options, by Exercise Price Range	'
		Outstanding and exercisable options
					Weighted
					average
					remaining		Weighted
					contractual		average
			Number of		life		exercise
	Range of exercise prices		Shares		(in years)		price
	$17.00 - $19.99		14,248		1.8		$	17.00
	$20.00 - $22.60		1,790		2.0		$	22.17
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	'
		2013						2012						2011
				Weighted							Weighted						Weighted
		Number		average				Number			average			Number			average
		of		grant date				of			grant date			of			grant date
		Shares		fair value				Shares			fair value			Shares			fair value
	Nonvested at beginning of year	129,396		$	69.94				105,540		$	61.69			70,584		$	49.33
	Granted	70,575			145.65				74,848			101.97			63,900			71.14
	Vested	-44,547			144.52				-48,072			102.09			-25,934			52.46
	Forfeitures	-13,180			80.96				-2,920			63.49			-3,010			51.92
	Nonvested at end of year	142,244		$	83.13				129,396		$	69.94			105,540		$	61.69

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Computation Of Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Computation Of Earnings Per Common Share	'
		2013				2012				2011
		Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
	Net income	$	62,849	$	62,849	$	53,477	$	53,477	$	42,580	$	42,580
	Weighted average common
	shares outstanding		12,675		12,675		12,616		12,616		12,464		12,464
	Effect of diluted securities
	Stock options and restricted stock				34				31				49
	Weighted average shares
	outstanding				12,709				12,647				12,513
	Earnings per share	$	4.96	$	4.95	$	4.24	$	4.23	$	3.42	$	3.40

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax	'
		2013			2012		2011
	Income before taxes
	United States	$	96,915		$	81,482	$	65,271
	Foreign		3,766			4,458		3,429
	Total income before taxes	$	100,681		$	85,940	$	68,700
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
		2013			2012		2011
	United States
	Current payable
	Federal	$	30,200		$	25,535	$	20,741
	State		4,952			4,494		3,696
	Deferred
	Federal		1,652			1,308		628
	State		253			220		120
	Total U.S. tax expense		37,057			31,557		25,185
	International
	Current payable		1,275			1,252		1,109
	Deferred		-500			-346		-174
	Total international tax expense		775			906		935
	Total income tax expense	$	37,832		$	32,463	$	26,120
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	866		$	958
	Inventories		658			521
	Lease expense		544			394
	Employee benefits		334			439
	Acquisition-related costs		444			-
	Other		164			368
	Total deferred tax assets		3,010			2,680
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Investments		-786			-
	Property and equipment		-8,876			-7,684
	Prepaid expenses		-227			-395
	Other		-115			-201
	Total deferred tax liabilities		-10,004			-8,280
	Net deferred liabilities	$	-6,994		$	-5,600
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Taxes computed at statutory rate	35.0%		35.0%		35.0%
	State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)	3.4		3.6		3.7
	Foreign	-0.9		-1.1		-0.9
	Other	0.1		0.3		0.2
		37.6%		37.8%		38.0%
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
		2013			2012		2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits – Beginning of year	$	-		$	23	$	198
	Gross increases related to prior period tax positions		-			-		-
	Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions		-			-8		-175
	Gross increases related to current period tax positions		-			-		-
	Settlements		-			-15		-
	Unrecognized tax benefits – End of year	$	-		$	-	$	23

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	'
		Lease Obligations
	Fiscal Year	Operating Leases		Capital Leases
	2014	$	5,160	$	103
	2015		4,634		16
	2016		4,541
	2017		4,317
	2018		4,226
	Thereafter		11,573
	Total future minimum obligations	$	34,451	$	119

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Funded Status	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Fair value of plan assets	$	5,242		$	5,329		$	4,760
	Benefit obligation		-6,667			-7,228			-7,031
	Unfunded pension liability	$	-1,425		$	-1,899		$	-2,271
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest cost	$	195		$	219		$	255
	Expected return on plan assets		-252			-249			-205
	Net periodic (benefit)/cost		-57			-30			50
	Other changes recognized in other comprehensive income
	Actuarial gain		-187			-373			-88
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and
	other comprehensive income	$	-244		$	-403		$	-38
	Total gain recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax	$	-139		$	-228		$	-21
Schedule of Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions	'
			2013		2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
	Discount rate		3.6%		3.0%
	Rate of compensation increase (1)		N/A		N/A
			2013		2012		2011
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
	Discount rate		3.0%		3.1%		3.6%
	Expected return on plan assets		5.0%		5.2%		4.3%
	Rate of compensation increase (1)		N/A		N/A		N/A
	(1) There is no assumed rate of compensation increase as there have been no current active members since April 2006.
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
			2013							2012
			Market			Asset		Fair Value		Market		Asset	Fair Value
	Asset Class		Value			Allocation		Level		Value		Allocation	Level
	Equities		$	2,062		39%		2		$	1,793	34%	2
	Corporate bonds			979		19%		2			1,275	24%	2
	UK Government bonds			-		0%		2			485	9%	2
	Cash			82		2%		1			218	4%	1
	Other assets			2,119		40%		2			1,558	29%	2
	Total		$	5,242		100%				$	5,329	100%

Geographic_Information_Table

Geographic Information (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region	'
		2013		2012		2011
	Revenues for the fiscal years ended September 30
	United States	$	2,032,260	$	1,776,414	$	1,304,794
	International		315,225		298,732		260,546
	Total	$	2,347,485	$	2,075,146	$	1,565,340
	Long-lived assets as of September 30
	United States	$	32,881	$	29,001	$	18,953
	International		6,302		6,783		6,256
	Total	$	39,183	$	35,784	$	25,209

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
		Three-Months Ended
		Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		June 30,		Sept. 30,		Year (1)
			(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
	Fiscal Year 2013
	Total revenues	$	572,848	$	563,114	$	606,443	$	605,080	$	2,347,485
	Gross profit		76,929		74,679		77,511		75,219		304,338
	Operating income		27,077		24,238		26,534		22,473		100,323
	Net income		16,751		15,100		16,781		14,216		62,849
	Earnings per common share — basic	$	1.32	$	1.19	$	1.32	$	1.12	$	4.96
	Earnings per common share — diluted	$	1.32	$	1.19	$	1.32	$	1.12	$	4.95
	Weighted average common shares
	outstanding:
	Basic		12,665		12,674		12,679		12,683		12,675
	Diluted		12,695		12,709		12,713		12,721		12,709
	Fiscal Year 2012
	Total revenues	$	461,901	$	507,170	$	554,669	$	551,406	$	2,075,146
	Gross profit		62,514		66,618		69,519		68,265		266,916
	Operating income		21,415		21,411		23,287		19,654		85,767
	Net income		13,196		13,178		14,503		12,600		53,477
	Earnings per common share — basic	$	1.05	$	1.04	$	1.15	$	0.99	$	4.24
	Earnings per common share — diluted	$	1.05	$	1.04	$	1.15	$	0.99	$	4.23
	Weighted average common shares
	outstanding:
	Basic		12,581		12,619		12,628		12,636		12,616
	Diluted		12,605		12,648		12,662		12,672		12,647
	(1) The sums of the quarterly amounts may not agree to the year-to-date amount as a result of rounding.

Business_Description_and_Basis1

Business Description and Basis of Presentation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	store
UNITED STATES	'
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation Details [Line Items]	'
Number Of Distribution Centers	13
UNITED KINGDOM	'
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation Details [Line Items]	'
Number Of Distribution Centers	1

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Segment Information) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	segment
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Number of Operating Segments	2

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	($66)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$1,984

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Revenue Recognition) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gross Billings From Agency Contracts	$349,006	$332,343	$371,024
Commission Revenue	$18,851	$16,979	$20,655

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'25 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery, Furniture, and Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'1 year
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'35 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery, Furniture, and Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'15 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'7 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Other Assets) (Details) (Cubex [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cubex [Member]	'
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]	'
Cost Method Investments	$4,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Concentrations of Risk) (Details) (Accounts Receivable [Member])	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Customer Concentration Risk	7.60%	2.60%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Customer Concentration Risk	18.10%	14.50%

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Advertising) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Advertising Expense	$1,165	$1,203	$723

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
	Nelson Laboratories [Member]	Micro Beef Technologies [Member]	Prescription Containers, Inc. [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
	store			Micro Beef Technologies [Member]	Micro Beef Technologies [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement	21-Mar-11	31-Oct-11	31-Dec-12	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	'	$60,878	$17,107	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	7,000	53,400	'	'	'
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred	'	320	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs	'	1,104	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	'	94,359	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	'	7,158	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Places in Acquiree Distribution Network	1,100	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'10 years	'	'10 years	'5 years	'17 years
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible, Period	'15 years	'15 years	'15 years	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	'	'	$1,190	'	'

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Recog

Acquisitions (Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$71,150	$61,841	$49,041
Nelson Laboratories [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Receivables	'	'	4,041
Inventories	'	'	3,594
Property and equipment	'	'	1,900
Goodwill	'	'	1,823
Intangibles	'	'	140
Total assets acquired	'	'	11,498
Accounts payable	'	'	4,498
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	4,498
Net assets acquired	'	'	7,000
Micro Beef Technologies [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash	'	1	'
Receivables	'	22,374	'
Inventories	'	27,701	'
Other current assets	'	105	'
Property and equipment	'	8,882	'
Investments	'	199	'
Goodwill	'	12,473	'
Intangibles	'	15,760	'
Total assets acquired	'	87,495	'
Accounts payable	'	25,026	'
Accrued expenses	'	1,591	'
Total liabilities assumed	'	26,617	'
Net assets acquired	'	60,878	'
Prescription Containers, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Receivables	3,585	'	'
Inventories	1,928	'	'
Goodwill	9,327	'	'
Intangibles	4,780	'	'
Total assets acquired	19,620	'	'
Accounts payable	2,513	'	'
Total liabilities assumed	2,513	'	'
Net assets acquired	$17,107	'	'

Acquisitions_Information_Inclu

Acquisitions (Information Included in Statements of Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisition, Revenue	$246,624
Business Acquisition, Net Income (Loss)	$4,089

Acquisitions_Business_Acquisit

Acquisitions (Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Business Acquisitions [Abstract]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$2,097,076	$1,793,672
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$53,571	$45,769

Receivables_Details

Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]	Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]	Vendor Rebates and Programs [Member]	Vendor Rebates and Programs [Member]	Accounts Receivable [Member]	Accounts Receivable [Member]
							Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Receivables, gross	$309,906	$291,668	$282,923	$271,199	$26,983	$20,469	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-2,461	-2,746	'	'	'	'	'	'
Receivables, net	$307,445	$288,922	'	'	'	'	'	'
Customer Concentration Risk	'	'	'	'	'	'	7.60%	2.60%

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$69,074	$59,496	'
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	-29,891	-23,712	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	39,183	35,784	25,209
Depreciation	6,974	6,210	4,501
Land [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,932	1,952	'
Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	14,914	14,420	'
Machinery, Furniture, and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	38,032	33,075	'
Computer Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	9,868	8,276	'
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$4,328	$1,773	'

Intangibles_Changes_in_the_Car

Intangibles (Changes in the Carrying Value of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill and Intangibles [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$61,841	$49,041
Acquisition activity	9,327	12,473
Foreign exchange	-18	327
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$71,150	$61,841

Intangibles_Schedule_Of_Intang

Intangibles (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$43,203	$38,669
Accumulated Amortization	-10,388	-7,640
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	32,815	31,029
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	7,675	7,677
Intangible Assets, Net	40,490	38,706
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	35,797	31,045
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	450	710
Technology [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	5,830	5,830
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'11 years	'
Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$1,126	$1,084
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'9 years	'
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'1 year	'
Minimum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'3 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'20 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'5 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'5 years	'

Intangibles_Schedule_of_Expect

Intangibles (Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Goodwill and Intangibles [Abstract]	'	'	'
Year One (2014)	$3,102	'	'
Year Two (2015)	2,799	'	'
Year Three (2016)	2,669	'	'
Year Four (2017)	2,596	'	'
Year Five (2018)	2,578	'	'
Thereafter	19,071	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	32,815	31,029	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$3,064	$2,852	$1,783

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Bank Of America And Wells Fargo Facilities [Member]	Wells Fargo Facility [Member]	Wells Fargo Facility [Member]	Wells Fargo Facility [Member]	Overdraft Facility [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
	USD ($)	GBP (£)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	GBP (£)	Bank Of America And Wells Fargo Facilities [Member]	Bank Of America And Wells Fargo Facilities [Member]	Wells Fargo Facility [Member]	Bank Of America And Wells Fargo Facilities [Member]	Wells Fargo Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$150,000,000	£ 20,000,000	£ 20,000,000	'	£ 10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	'	'	'	'	'	0.95%	'	0.95%	1.50%	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.15%	0.15%	0.25%	0.25%
Termination Date	1-Nov-16	'	1-Nov-16	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) in Borrowing Capacity	'	'	7,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount Outstanding	'	1,550,000	1,550,000	2,501,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest Rate at Period End	1.06%	'	'	1.44%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Minimum Tangible Net Worth	'	£ 5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Debt_Schedule_of_Longterm_Debt

Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt and capital lease obligations	$18,920	$48,521
Less: Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	-16	-104
Total debt and capital lease obligations included in current liabilities	18,904	48,417
Domestic Line of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt and capital lease obligations	16,300	39,500
Foreign Line of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt and capital lease obligations	2,501	8,580
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt and capital lease obligations	$119	$441

Common_Stock_and_StockBased_Aw2

Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares of common stock available for issuance	815,260	865,917	'	'
Award expiration period	'10 years	'	'	'
Number Of Outstanding Options	16,038	22,360	37,385	139,550
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.58	$17.53	$14.73	'
Intrinsic value of the shares outstanding and exercisable	$2,114	$1,993	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	644	1,105	6,548	'
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	15,911	'	'	'
Compensation Expense	3,553	3,569	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	6,438	4,908	1,800	'
Share purchase price as a percentage of share market value	95.00%	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Payroll Deduction Rate Minimum	1.00%	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Payroll Deduction Rate Maximum	10.00%	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Annual Limit	$20	'	'	'
Maximum shares per purchase period	200	'	'	'
Shares issued during the period pursuant to ESPP	5,396	'	6,859	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'1 year	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'5 years	'	'	'

Common_Stock_and_StockBased_Aw3

Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards (Stock Options Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards [Abstract]	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year	22,360	37,385	139,550
Exercised	-6,186	-14,769	-102,128
Cancelled or expired	-136	-256	-37
Outstanding at end of year	16,038	22,360	37,385
Exercisable at end of year	16,038	22,360	37,385
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of year	$17.53	$14.73	$4.65
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	$17.43	$10.44	$0.96
Weighted average exercise price, Cancelled or expired	$17	$17	$17
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at end of year	$17.58	$17.53	$14.73
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable	$17.58	$17.53	$14.73

Common_Stock_and_StockBased_Aw4

Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards (Stock Options, by Exercise Price Range) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
				$17.00 to $19.99	$20.00 to $22.60
Common Stock Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares Exercisable, End of Year	16,038	22,360	37,385	14,248	1,790
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	'	'	'	'1 year 9 months 18 days	'2 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.58	$17.53	$14.73	$17	$22.17
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	'	'	'	$17	$20
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	'	'	'	$19.99	$22.60

Common_Stock_and_StockBased_Aw5

Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards (Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Common Stock and Stock-Based Awards [Abstract]	'	'	'
Nonvested at beginning of year	129,396	105,540	70,584
Granted	70,575	74,848	63,900
Vested	-44,547	-48,072	-25,934
Forfeitures	-13,180	-2,920	-3,010
Nonvested at end of year	142,244	129,396	105,540
Weighted average grant date fair value, Nonvested at beginning of year	$69.94	$61.69	$49.33
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$145.65	$101.97	$71.14
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	$144.52	$102.09	$52.46
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeitures	$80.96	$63.49	$51.92
Weighted average grant date fair value, Nonvested at end of year	$83.13	$69.94	$61.69

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Computation Of Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$14,216	$16,781	$15,100	$16,751	$12,600	$14,503	$13,178	$13,196	$62,849	$53,477	$42,580
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	12,683	12,679	12,674	12,665	12,636	12,628	12,619	12,581	12,675	12,616	12,464
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34	31	49
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total	12,721	12,713	12,709	12,695	12,672	12,662	12,648	12,605	12,709	12,647	12,513
Basic EPS	$1.12	$1.32	$1.19	$1.32	$0.99	$1.15	$1.04	$1.05	$4.96	$4.24	$3.42
Diluted EPS	$1.12	$1.32	$1.19	$1.32	$0.99	$1.15	$1.04	$1.05	$4.95	$4.23	$3.40
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent	'	'	$711	$770
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	23	198	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	15	'	'	'
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	$175	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income before Income Tax) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
United States	$96,915	$81,482	$65,271
Foreign	3,766	4,458	3,429
Income before taxes	$100,681	$85,940	$68,700

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$30,200	$25,535	$20,741
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	4,952	4,494	3,696
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,652	1,308	628
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	253	220	120
Federal, State, and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	37,057	31,557	25,185
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,275	1,252	1,109
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-500	-346	-174
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	775	906	935
Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$37,832	$32,463	$26,120

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$866	$958
Inventory	658	521
Lease Expense	544	394
Employee Benefits	334	439
Acquisition-related costs	444	'
Other Deferred Tax Assets	164	368
Total Deferred Tax Assets	3,010	2,680
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Investments	-786	'
Property and Equipment	-8,876	-7,684
Prepaid expenses	-227	-395
Other Deferred Tax Liabilities	-115	-201
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	-10,004	-8,280
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net	($6,994)	($5,600)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Taxes computed at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit)	3.40%	3.60%	3.70%
Foreign	-0.90%	-1.10%	-0.90%
Other	0.10%	0.30%	0.20%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Total	37.60%	37.80%	38.00%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Details [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning of year	$23	$198
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	-8	-175
Settlements	-15	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, End of year	'	$23

Recovered_Sheet1

Statements of Cash Flows - Supplemental and Noncash Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statements of Cash Flows — Supplemental and Noncash Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash Paid For Interest	$620	$788	$505
Cash Paid for Income Taxes	34,045	31,025	21,302
Issuance of restricted common stock for asset acquisition	'	7,158	'
Capital lease asset additions and related obligations	'	165	455
Equipment acquisitions financed with accounts payable	$265	$192	$124

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent Expense	$6,301	$5,382	$4,259
Operating Lease Obligations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (2014)	5,160	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (2015)	4,634	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (2016)	4,541	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (2017)	4,317	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (2018)	4,226	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (Thereafter)	11,573	'	'
Future Minimum Payments, Total	34,451	'	'
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (2014)	103	'	'
Future Minimum Payments (2015)	16	'	'
Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	$119	'	'

Related_Party_Details

Related Party (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Product sales to related party	$68,355	$61,873	$55,185
Feeders Advantage [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage	50.00%	'	'
Product sales to related party	68,355	61,873	55,185
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	1,079	1,008	919
Due to Related Parties, Current	777	'	'
Due from Related Parties, Current	'	$62	'

Benefit_Plans_Narrative_Detail

Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Discretionary Matching Percentage	0.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Discretionary Matching Percentage	3.00%	'	'
United States Defined Contribution Plans Of US Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$2,122	$1,871	$1,464
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	50.00%	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	6.00%	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	1,997	1,847	1,516
401k Portion [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Requisite Service Period	'2 years	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Minimum Age	'21 years	'	'
Profit Sharing Portion [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Requisite Service Period	'3 months	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Minimum Age	'21 years	'	'
Foreign Defined Contribution Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$257	$250	$269
Foreign Defined Contribution Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	3.00%	'	'
Foreign Defined Contribution Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	6.00%	'	'

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Net_

Benefit Plans (Schedule of Net Funded Status) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$5,242	$5,329	$4,760
Benefit obligation	-6,667	-7,228	-7,031
Unfunded pension liability	($1,425)	($1,899)	($2,271)

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Net_1

Benefit Plans (Schedule of Net Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest Cost	$195	$219	$255
Expected Return on Plan Assets	-252	-249	-205
Net periodic (benefit)/cost	-57	-30	50
Other Changes Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Actuarial gain	-187	-373	-88
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive income	-244	-403	-38
Total gain recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax	($139)	($228)	($21)

Benefit_Plans_Schedule_of_Weig

Benefit Plans (Schedule of Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount Rate	3.60%	3.00%	'
Rate of Compensation Increase	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount Rate, Periodic Benefit Costs	3.00%	3.10%	3.60%
Expected Return on Assets	5.00%	5.20%	4.30%
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase	'	'	'

Benefit_Plans_Plan_Assets_Deta

Benefit Plans (Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Equities [Member]

Equities [Member]

Corporate Bonds [Member]

Corporate Bonds [Member]

UK Government Bonds [Member]

UK Government Bonds [Member]

Cash [Member]

Cash [Member]

Other Plan Assets [Member]

Other Plan Assets [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value of Plan Assets

$5,242

$5,329

$4,760

$2,062

$1,793

$979

$1,275

'

$485

$82

$218

$2,119

$1,558

Actual Plan Asset Allocations

100.00%

100.00%

'

39.00%

34.00%

19.00%

24.00%

0.00%

9.00%

2.00%

4.00%

40.00%

29.00%

Fair Value Measurement Level

'

'

'

'2

'2

'2

'2

'2

'2

'1

'1

'2

'2

Geographic_Information_Revenue

Geographic Information (Revenues and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$605,080	$606,443	$563,114	$572,848	$551,406	$554,669	$507,170	$461,901	$2,347,485	$2,075,146	$1,565,340
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	39,183	'	'	'	35,784	'	'	'	39,183	35,784	25,209
UNITED STATES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,032,260	1,776,414	1,304,794
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	32,881	'	'	'	29,001	'	'	'	32,881	29,001	18,953
International [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	315,225	298,732	260,546
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$6,302	'	'	'	$6,783	'	'	'	$6,302	$6,783	$6,256

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Sched

Quarterly Financial Data Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$605,080	$606,443	$563,114	$572,848	$551,406	$554,669	$507,170	$461,901	$2,347,485	$2,075,146	$1,565,340
Gross profit	75,219	77,511	74,679	76,929	68,265	69,519	66,618	62,514	304,338	266,916	205,585
Operating Income Loss	22,473	26,534	24,238	27,077	19,654	23,287	21,411	21,415	100,323	85,767	68,666
Net income	$14,216	$16,781	$15,100	$16,751	$12,600	$14,503	$13,178	$13,196	$62,849	$53,477	$42,580
Basic EPS	$1.12	$1.32	$1.19	$1.32	$0.99	$1.15	$1.04	$1.05	$4.96	$4.24	$3.42
Diluted EPS	$1.12	$1.32	$1.19	$1.32	$0.99	$1.15	$1.04	$1.05	$4.95	$4.23	$3.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	12,683	12,679	12,674	12,665	12,636	12,628	12,619	12,581	12,675	12,616	12,464
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	12,721	12,713	12,709	12,695	12,672	12,662	12,648	12,605	12,709	12,647	12,513

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (IVESCO Holdings, L.L.C. [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2013
IVESCO Holdings, L.L.C. [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	$67,500
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred	$11,200