Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 140,924	$ 167,494	$ 227,610
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	94,710	87,400	83,788
Gain on sale of California LPG storage facility			(39,887)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	12,807	12,459	9,345
Loss on extinguishments of debt	38,117
Other, net	(2,812)	2,146	320
Net change in:
Accounts receivable	(65,578)	(47,865)	74,134
Inventories	(20,532)	(24,600)	57,847
Accounts payable	25,690	15,637	(58,124)
Collateral deposits			17,830
Other current assets	2,912	(4,378)	16,210
Other current liabilities	(37,387)	10,523	(21,575)
Net cash provided by operating activities	188,851	218,816	367,498
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(77,228)	(83,170)	(78,739)
Proceeds from disposals of assets	5,131	2,586	6,880
Net proceeds from sales of California LPG storage facility			42,426
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(34,032)	(34,345)	(50,092)
Net cash used by investing activities	(106,129)	(114,929)	(79,525)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Distributions	(171,821)	(161,626)	(165,282)
Noncontrolling interest activity	(1,485)	(2,224)	(2,400)
Increase in bank loans	4,500	91,000
Issuance of long-term debt	904,332
Repayment of long-term debt	(817,976)	(83,107)	(71,659)
Proceeds associated with equity based compensation plans, net of tax withheld	616	566	(338)
Capital contributions from General Partner	18	17	10
Net cash used by financing activities	(81,816)	(155,374)	(239,669)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	906	(51,487)	48,304
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
End of year	8,632	7,726	59,213
Beginning of year	7,726	59,213	10,909
Increase (decrease)	906	(51,487)	48,304
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	$ 66,269	$ 65,147	$ 69,745