Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 186,229	$ 208,620
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	70,369	65,106
Provision for uncollectible accounts	9,454	9,593
Net change in realized gains and losses deferred as cash flow hedges	2,900	206
Loss on extinguishment of debt	18,801
Other, net	(3,784)	3,040
Net change in:
Accounts receivable	(58,547)	(56,135)
Inventories	3,851	(7,062)
Accounts payable	(3,371)	(15,585)
Other current assets	3,385	(360)
Other current liabilities	(109,335)	(73,566)
Net cash provided by operating activities	119,952	133,857
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(59,201)	(59,796)
Proceeds from disposals of assets	2,678	1,944
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(31,194)	(17,296)
Net cash used by investing activities	(87,717)	(75,148)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Distributions	(127,540)	(120,010)
Noncontrolling interest activity	(1,723)	(1,800)
Increase in bank loans	85,000	15,000
Issuance of long-term debt	462,122
Repayment of long-term debt	(452,235)	(2,067)
Proceeds associated with equity-based compensation plans, net of tax withheld	616	566
Capital contributions from General Partner	18	17
Net cash used by financing activities	(33,742)	(108,294)
Cash and cash equivalents decrease	(1,507)	(49,585)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
End of period	6,219	9,628
Beginning of period	7,726	59,213
Decrease	$ (1,507)	$ (49,585)