Partners' Capital and Incentive Compensation Plans (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 Year Years Employee Customers State lb	Sep. 30, 2010 Year Years	Sep. 30, 2009 Barrels Years Year
Partnership paid AmeriGas Common Unit-based awards in Common Units and cash
Number of Common Units subject to original Awards granted	49,287	57,750	60,200
Fiscal year granted	2,008	2,007	2,006
Payment of Awards:
AmeriGas Partners Common Units issued	35,787	42,121	36,437
Cash paid	$ 1,196	$ 1,219	$ 879
Common Unit Awards [Member]
Partnership paid AmeriGas Common Unit-based awards in Common Units and cash
Number of Common Units subject to original Awards granted	41,064	49,650	38,350