Other Income, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Other income, net
Total other income, net	$ 25,563	$ 7,704	$ 16,005
Other Income, Net (Textuals) [Abstract]
Gain on sale of California LPG storage facility			39,887
Gains on sales of fixed assets [Member]
Other income, net
Total other income, net	2,222	1,470	2,795
Finance Charges [Member]
Other income, net
Total other income, net	15,111	11,346	11,717
Losses on IRPAs [Member]
Other income, net
Total other income, net		(12,193)	(1,659)
Other Income Net [Member]
Other income, net
Total other income, net	$ 8,230	$ 7,081	$ 3,152