Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 1) (Propane contracts [Member], Cost of sales [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Propane contracts [Member] \| Cost of sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI and Noncontrolling Interest	$ (2,693)	$ (14,153)
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI and Noncontrolling Interest into Income	$ (17,224)	$ (1,722)

The effective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and noncontrolling interests into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	apu_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration