Star (SGU) 10-Q 5 Feb 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'SGU	'
Entity Registrant Name	'STAR GAS PARTNERS LP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001002590	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	57,467,744

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$83,234		$85,057
Receivables, net of allowance of $8,034 and $7,928, respectively	202,814		96,124
Inventories	84,290		68,150
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	3,258		646
Current deferred tax assets, net	24,222		32,447
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	25,152		23,456
Total current assets	422,970		305,880
Property and equipment, net	51,821		51,323
Goodwill	201,130		201,130
Intangibles, net	64,481		66,790
Deferred charges and other assets, net	7,162		7,381
Total assets	747,564		632,504
Current liabilities	'		'
Accounts payable	39,477		18,681
Revolving credit facility borrowings	100,348		'
Fair liability value of derivative instruments	1,037		3,999
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	87,368		87,142
Unearned service contract revenue	49,626		40,608
Customer credit balances	50,078		70,196
Total current liabilities	327,934		220,626
Long-term debt	124,487	[1]	124,460	[1]
Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net	14,616		19,292
Other long-term liabilities	7,757		8,845
Partners' capital	'		'
Common unitholders	295,427		282,289
General partner	42		3
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	-22,699		-23,011
Total partners' capital	272,770		259,281
Total liabilities and partners' capital	$747,564		$632,504
[1]	The 8.875% Senior Notes were originally issued in November 2010 in a private placement offering pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, and in February 2011, were exchanged for substantially identical public notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These public notes mature in December 2017 and accrue interest at an annual rate of 8.875% requiring semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The discount on these notes was $0.5 million at December 31, 2013. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing certain financial tests. The Partnership can incur debt up to $100 million for acquisitions and can also pay restricted payments of $22.0 million without passing certain financial tests.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowance	$8,034	$7,928

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Sales:	'		'
Product	$463,387		$454,470
Installations and service	57,223		62,055
Total sales	520,610		516,525
Cost and expenses:	'		'
Cost of product	358,577		356,613
Cost of installations and service	53,443		57,221
(Increase) decrease in fair value of derivative instruments	-5,458		7,965
Delivery and branch expenses	68,400		68,387
Depreciation and amortization expenses	4,359		4,358
General and administrative expenses	5,406		4,491
Finance charge income	-1,004		-1,088
Operating income	36,887		18,578
Interest expense, net	-3,623		-3,417
Amortization of debt issuance costs	-421		-492
Income before income taxes	32,843		14,669
Income tax expense	13,555		4,917
Net income	19,288		9,752
General Partner's interest in net income	109		53
Limited Partners' interest in net income	$19,179		$9,699
Basic and diluted income per Limited Partner Unit	$0.29	[1]	$0.15	[1]
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding:	'		'
Basic and Diluted	57,511		60,556
[1]	See Note 13 Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$19,288		$9,752
Other comprehensive income:	'		'
Unrealized gain on pension plan obligation	528	[1]	664	[1]
Tax effect of unrealized gain on pension plan	-216		-271
Total other comprehensive income	312		393
Total comprehensive income	$19,600		$10,145
[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 - Employee Benefit Plan.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Partners' Capital (USD $)		Total	Common Stock	General Partner	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2013		$259,281	$282,289	$3	($23,011)
Beginning Balance, unit at Sep. 30, 2013		'	57,718	326	'
Net income		19,288	19,179	109	'
Unrealized gain on pension plan obligation	[1]	528	'	'	528
Tax effect of unrealized gain on pension plan		-216	'	'	-216
Distributions		-4,811	-4,741	-70	'
Retirement of units, shares	[2]	'	-250	'	'
Retirement of units	[2]	-1,300	-1,300	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		$272,770	$295,427	$42	($22,699)
Ending Balance, Unit at Dec. 31, 2013		'	57,468	326	'
[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 - Employee Benefit Plan.
[2]	See Note 3 - Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$19,288	$9,752
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
(Increase) decrease in fair value of derivative instruments	-5,458	7,965
Depreciation and amortization	4,779	4,850
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	796	1,763
Change in deferred taxes	3,332	864
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Increase in receivables	-107,604	-106,395
Increase in inventories	-16,140	-35,683
Increase in other assets	-1,977	-3,799
Increase in accounts payable	21,253	8,878
Decrease in customer credit balances	-20,119	-22,603
Increase in other current and long-term liabilities	8,711	13,826
Net cash used in operating activities	-93,139	-120,582
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-2,992	-848
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	71	16
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,921	-832
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:	'	'
Revolving credit facility borrowings	100,348	36,703
Distributions	-4,811	-4,781
Unit repurchases	-1,300	-4,247
Deferred charges	'	-36
Net cash provided by financing activities	94,237	27,639
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,823	-93,775
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	85,057	108,091
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$83,234	$14,316

Partnership_Organization

Partnership Organization	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Partnership Organization	'
	1) Partnership Organization
	Star Gas Partners, L.P. (“Star Gas Partners,” the “Partnership,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a home heating oil and propane distributor and services provider with one reportable operating segment that principally provides services to residential and commercial customers to heat their homes and buildings. Star Gas Partners is a master limited partnership, which at December 31, 2013, had outstanding 57.5 million common units (NYSE: “SGU”) representing 99.44% limited partner interest in Star Gas Partners, and 0.3 million general partner units, representing 0.56% general partner interest in Star Gas Partners.
	The Partnership is organized as follows:
		•	The general partner of the Partnership is Kestrel Heat, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Kestrel Heat” or the “general partner”). The Board of Directors of Kestrel Heat (the “Board”) is appointed by its sole member, Kestrel Energy Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Kestrel”).
		•	The Partnership’s operations are conducted through Petro Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Petro”). Petro is a Minnesota corporation that is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership. Petro is subject to Federal and state corporation income taxes. Petro is a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region retail distributor of home heating oil and propane that at December 31, 2013 served approximately 407,000 full-service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers. Petro also sold home heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel to approximately 58,000 customers on a delivery only basis. In addition, Petro installed, maintained, and repaired heating and air conditioning equipment for its customers, and provided ancillary home services, including home security and plumbing, to approximately 16,000 customers.
		•	Star Gas Finance Company is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Partnership. Star Gas Finance Company serves as the co-issuer, jointly and severally with the Partnership, of its $125 million (excluding discount) 8.875% Senior Notes outstanding at December 31, 2013, that are due 2017. The Partnership is dependent on distributions, including inter-company interest payments from its subsidiaries, to service the Partnership’s debt obligations. The distributions from the Partnership’s subsidiaries are not guaranteed and are subject to certain loan restrictions. Star Gas Finance Company has nominal assets and conducts no business operations. (See Note 11—Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings)

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Star Gas Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of financial condition and results for the interim periods. Due to the seasonal nature of the Partnership’s business, the results of operations and cash flows for the three month period ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	These interim financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013.
	Reclassification
	The accompanying December 31, 2012 consolidated statements of operations have been revised from their previous presentation to reclassify finance charge income of $1,088 and present it separately as an element of operating income. Previously, finance charge income was included in the caption interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. This reclassification was made in order to conform with common industry practice regarding the reporting of finance charge income in operating income, and had no impact on net income, financial position, and cash flows for any period. Interest expense, net consists of:
	(in thousands)	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	(3,633	)	$	(3,427	)
	Interest income		10			10
	Interest expense, net	$	(3,623	)	$	(3,417	)
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the unrealized gain (loss) amortization on the Partnership’s pension plan obligation for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans, and the corresponding tax effect.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Partnership adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This amendment as clarified by ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in FASB Accounting Standards Codification or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The adoption of this amendment required added disclosures to enable users of our financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on our financial position, and did not impact our results of operations or the amount of assets and liabilities reported.

Common_Unit_Repurchase_and_Ret

Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement	'
	3) Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement
	In July 2012, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to 3.0 million of the Partnership’s common units (“Plan III”). In July 2013, the Board authorized an additional 1.9 million common units to be repurchased under its Plan III common unit repurchase plan. The authorized common unit repurchases may be made from time-to-time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or in such other manner deemed appropriate by management. There is no guarantee of the exact number of units that will be purchased under the program and the Partnership may discontinue purchases at any time. The program does not have a time limit. The Board may also approve additional purchases of units from time to time in private transactions. The Partnership’s repurchase activities take into account SEC safe harbor rules and guidance for issuer repurchases. All of the common units purchased in the repurchase program will be retired.
	Under the Partnership’s second amended and restated credit agreement (see Note 14. Subsequent Events), we must maintain Availability (as defined in the second amended and restated credit facility agreement) of $45 million, 15.0% of the facility size of $300 million (assuming the non-seasonal aggregate commitment is outstanding) on a historical pro forma and forward-looking basis, and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 in order to repurchase common units. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Partnership was in compliance with the equivalent covenant in the credit agreement then in effect.
	(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
	Period		Total Number of Units		Average Price Paid		Maximum Number
			Purchased (a)		per Unit (b)		of Units that May
							Yet Be Purchased
	Plan III - Number of units authorized							4,894
	Private transaction - Number of units authorized (c)							1,150
								6,044
	Plan III - Fiscal year 2012 total			22	$	4.26		6,022
	Plan III - Fiscal year 2013 total (c)			3,284	$	4.63		2,738
	Plan III - October 2013 (d)			250	$	5.2		2,488
	Plan III - November 2013			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - December 2013			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - First quarter fiscal year 2014 total			250	$	5.2		2,488
	(a)	Units were repurchased as part of a publicly announced program, except as noted in a private transaction.
	(b)	Amounts include repurchase costs.
	(c)	Fiscal year 2013 common unit repurchases include 1.15 million common units acquired in a private transaction.
	(d)	October 2013 common unit repurchases were acquired in a private transaction.

Derivatives_and_HedgingFair_Va

Derivatives and Hedging-Fair Value Measurements and Accounting for the Offsetting of Certain Contracts	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives and Hedging-Fair Value Measurements and Accounting for the Offsetting of Certain Contracts	'
	4) Derivatives and Hedging—Fair Value Measurements and Accounting for the Offsetting of Certain Contracts
	The Partnership uses derivative instruments such as futures, options and swap agreements in order to mitigate exposure to market risk associated with the purchase of home heating oil for price-protected customers, physical inventory on hand, inventory in transit and priced purchase commitments. The Partnership has elected not to designate its derivative instruments as hedging derivatives, but rather as economic hedges whose change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations in the line item (Increase) decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments. Depending on the risk being economically hedged, realized gains and losses are recorded in cost of product, cost of installations and service, or delivery and branch expenses.
	To hedge a substantial majority of the purchase price associated with heating oil gallons anticipated to be sold to its price-protected customers as of December 31, 2013, the Partnership held 1.6 million gallons of physical inventory and had bought 10.0 million gallons of swap contracts, 4.5 million gallons of call options, 6.9 million gallons of put options and 86.0 million net gallons of synthetic calls, all in future months to match anticipated sales. To hedge the inter-month differentials for its price-protected customers, its physical inventory on hand and inventory in transit, the Partnership, as of December 31, 2013, had bought 57.6 million gallons of future contracts, had sold 76.5 million gallons of future contracts and had sold 16.3 million gallons of future swap contracts. In addition to the previously described hedging instruments, the Partnership as of December 31, 2013, had bought corresponding long and short 38.6 million net gallons of swap contracts and bought 3.9 million gallons of spread contracts (simultaneous long and short positions) to lock-in the differential between high sulfur home heating oil and ultra low sulfur diesel. To hedge a majority of its internal fuel usage for fiscal 2014, the Partnership as of December 31, 2013, had bought 2.4 million gallons of future swap contracts.
	To hedge a substantial majority of the purchase price associated with heating oil gallons anticipated to be sold to its price-protected customers as of December 31, 2012, the Partnership held 2.4 million gallons of physical inventory and had bought 10.2 million gallons of swap contracts, 3.8 million gallons of call options, 7.8 million gallons of put options and 84.8 million net gallons of synthetic calls, all in future months to match anticipated sales. To hedge the inter-month differentials for its price-protected customers, its physical inventory on hand and inventory in transit, the Partnership, as of December 31, 2012, had bought 66.3 million gallons of future contracts, had sold 76.8 million gallons of future contracts, had bought 13.0 million gallons of diesel swap contracts (for NYS ultra-low sulfur heating oil customers) and had sold 30.8 million gallons of heating oil swap contracts (including 13.0 million gallons designated for NYS ultra-low sulfur heating oil customers). To hedge a majority of its internal fuel usage for fiscal 2013, the Partnership as of December 31, 2012, had bought 2.1 million gallons of future swap contracts.
	The Partnership’s derivative instruments are with the following counterparties: Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, Cargill, Inc., Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Key Bank, N.A., Regions Financial Corporation, Societe Generale, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The Partnership assesses counterparty credit risk and considers it to be low. We maintain master netting arrangements that allow for the non-conditional offsetting of amounts receivable and payable with counterparties to help manage our risks and record derivative positions on a net basis. The Partnership generally does not receive cash collateral from its counterparties and does not restrict the use of cash collateral maintained at counterparties. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate cash posted as collateral in the normal course of business at counterparties was $1.6 million. Positions with counterparties who are also parties to our revolving credit facility are collateralized under that facility. As of December 31, 2013, $5.1 million of hedge positions were secured under the credit facility.
	FASB ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classified the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The Partnership’s Level 1 derivative assets and liabilities represent the fair value of commodity contracts used in its hedging activities that are identical and traded in active markets. The Partnership’s Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities represent the fair value of commodity contracts used in its hedging activities that are valued using either directly or indirectly observable inputs, whose nature, risk and class are similar. No significant transfers of assets or liabilities have been made into and out of the Level 1 or Level 2 tiers. All derivative instruments were non-trading positions and were either a Level 1 or Level 2 instrument. The fair market value of our Level 1 and Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities are calculated by our counter-parties and are independently validated by the Partnership. The Partnership’s calculations are, for Level 1 derivative assets and liabilities, based on the published New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) market prices for the commodity contracts open at the end of the period. For Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities the calculations performed by the Partnership are based on a combination of the NYMEX published market prices and other inputs, including such factors as present value, volatility and duration.
	The Partnership had no assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition. The Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are listed on the following table.
	(In thousands)								Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging		Balance Sheet Location		Total				Quoted Prices in				Significant Other				Significant
	Instruments Under FASB ASC 815-10								Active Markets for				Observable Inputs				Unobservable
									Identical Assets				Level 2				Inputs
									Level 1								Level 3
	Asset Derivatives at December 31, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments		$	17,429			$	4,714			$	12,715			$	—
	Commodity contract assets at December 31, 2013				$	17,429			$	4,714			$	12,715			$	—
	Liability Derivatives at December 31, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	(15,208	)		$	(4,897	)		$	(10,311	)		$	—
	Commodity contract liabilities at December 31, 2013				$	(15,208	)		$	(4,897	)		$	(10,311	)		$	—
	Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments		$	14,467			$	1,175			$	13,292			$	—
	Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2013				$	14,467			$	1,175			$	13,292			$	—
	Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	(17,820	)		$	(519	)		$	(17,301	)		$	—
	Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2013				$	(17,820	)		$	(519	)		$	(17,301	)		$	—
	The Partnership’s derivative assets (liabilities) offset by counterparty and subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement are listed on the following table.
	(In thousands)														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
															Statement of Financial Position
	Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets		Gross				Gross				Net Assets				Financial				Cash		Net Amount
	(Liabilities)		Assets				Liabilities				(Liabilities)				Instruments				Collateral
			Recognized				Offset in the				Presented in								Received
							Statement of				the
							Financial				Statement of
							Position				Financial
											Position
	Fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	14,967			$	(11,709	)		$	3,258			$	—			$	—	$	3,258
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			2,462				(3,499	)			(1,037	)			—				—		(1,037	)
	Total at December 31, 2013		$	17,429			$	(15,208	)		$	2,221			$	—			$	—	$	2,221
	Fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	7,254			$	(6,608	)		$	646			$	—			$	—	$	646
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			7,213				(11,212	)			(3,999	)			—				—		(3,999	)
	Total at September 30, 2013		$	14,467			$	(17,820	)		$	(3,353	)		$	—			$	—	$	(3,353	)
	(In thousands)
	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
					Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized
	Derivatives Not		Location of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	Designated as Hedging		Income on Derivative		31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
	Instruments Under
	FASB ASC 815-10
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product (a)		$	5,311			$	4,876
	Commodity contracts		Cost of installations and service (a)		$	(8	)		$	(89	)
	Commodity contracts		Delivery and branch expenses (a)		$	(39	)		$	(85	)
	Commodity contracts		(Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments		$	(5,458	)		$	7,965
	(a)	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories	'
	5) Inventories
	The Partnership’s product inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market computed on the weighted average cost method. All other inventories, representing parts and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market using the FIFO method. The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13		30-Sep-13
	Product	$	66,296	$	50,197
	Parts and equipment		17,994		17,953
	Total inventory	$	84,290	$	68,150

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and Equipment	'
	6) Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets using the straight-line method (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013		September 30, 2013
	Property and equipment	$	172,412	$	170,462
	Less: accumulated depreciation		120,591		119,139
	Property and equipment, net	$	51,821	$	51,323

Other_Intangible_Assets

Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Intangible Assets	'
	7) Other Intangible Assets
	Intangibles, net
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013						September 30, 2013
		Gross		Accum.		Net		Gross		Accum.		Net
		Carrying		Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Customer lists and other intangibles	$	288,011	$	223,530	$	64,481	$	288,011	$	221,221	$	66,790
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012. Total estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and the four succeeding fiscal years ending September 30, is as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated
		Annual Book
		Amortization
		Expense
	2014	$	9,188
	2015	$	9,053
	2016	$	8,882
	2017	$	8,362
	2018	$	7,523

LongTerm_Debt_and_Bank_Facilit

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings	'
	8) Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings
	The Partnership’s debt is as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13				30-Sep-13
			Carrying		Fair Value (a)		Carrying		Fair Value (a)
			Amount				Amount
	8.875% Senior Notes (b)		$	124,487	$	130,938	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings (c)			100,348		100,348		—		—
	Total debt		$	224,835	$	231,286	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Total long-term portion of debt		$	124,487	$	130,938	$	124,460	$	130,000
	(a)	The Partnership’s fair value estimates of long-term debt are made at a specific point in time, based on Level 2 inputs. Due to the relatively short maturity of the revolving credit facility, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
	(b)	The 8.875% Senior Notes were originally issued in November 2010 in a private placement offering pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, and in February 2011, were exchanged for substantially identical public notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These public notes mature in December 2017 and accrue interest at an annual rate of 8.875% requiring semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The discount on these notes was $0.5 million at December 31, 2013. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing certain financial tests. The Partnership can incur debt up to $100 million for acquisitions and can also pay restricted payments of $22.0 million without passing certain financial tests.
	(c)	At December 31, 2013, the Partnership had an amended and restated asset based revolving credit facility agreement with a bank syndicate comprised of fifteen banks that expired in 2016. Under this agreement, the Partnership was permitted to borrow up to $250 million ($350 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) for working capital purposes (subject to certain borrowing base limitations and coverage ratios) and was permitted to issue up to $100 million in letters of credit.
	In January 2014, the Partnership entered into a second amended and restated asset based revolving credit facility agreement with a bank syndicate comprised of fifteen participants, which replaced the existing revolving credit facility. (See Note 14. Subsequent Events).
	The second amended and restated revolving credit facility provides the Partnership with the ability to borrow up to $300 million ($450 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) for working capital purposes (subject to certain borrowing base limitations and coverage ratios), including the issuance of up to $100 million in letters of credit and extends the maturity date to June 2017, or January 2019 if the Partnership has met the conditions of the facility termination date as defined in the agreement and as discussed further below. The Partnership can increase the facility size by $100 million without the consent of the bank group. However, the bank group is not obligated to fund the $100 million increase. If the bank group elects not to fund the increase, the Partnership can add additional lenders to the group, with the consent of the Agent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Obligations under the second amended and restated credit facility are guaranteed by the Partnership and its subsidiaries and are secured by liens on substantially all of the Partnership’s assets including accounts receivable, inventory, general intangibles, real property, fixtures and equipment.
	The interest rate on the second amended and restated credit facility is LIBOR plus (i) 1.75% (if Availability, as defined in the agreement is greater than or equal to $150 million), or (ii) 2.00% (if Availability is greater than $75 million but less than $150 million), or (iii) 2.25% (if Availability is less than or equal to $75 million). The Commitment Fee on the unused portion of the facility is 0.30% per annum.
	Under the second amended and restated credit facility, the Partnership is obligated to meet certain financial covenants, including the requirement to maintain at all times either Availability (borrowing base less amounts borrowed and letters of credit issued) of 12.5% of the facility size, or a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the revolving credit facility agreement) of not less than 1.1, which is calculated based upon Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months. In order to make acquisitions, the Partnership must maintain Availability of $40 million on a historical pro forma and forward-looking basis. In addition, the Partnership must maintain Availability of $45 million, 15.0% of the facility size of $300 million (assuming the non-seasonal aggregate commitment is outstanding), on a historical forward-looking basis, and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 in order to pay any distributions to unitholders or repurchase common units (Prior to the January 2014 agreement, the Partnership was required to maintain availability of 17.5% of the facility size, on a historical forward-looking basis, and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 in order to pay any distributions to unitholders or repurchase common units). Likewise, no inter-company dividends or distributions can be made (including those needed to pay interest or principle on our 8.875% Senior Notes), except to the Partnership or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership, if the immediately preceding covenants have not been met. Certain restrictions are also imposed by the agreement, including restrictions on the Partnership’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, to pay distributions to unitholders, to pay inter-company dividends or distributions, make investments, grant liens, sell assets, make acquisitions and engage in certain other activities.
	All outstanding amounts owed under the second amended and restated credit facility become due and payable on the facility termination date of June 1, 2017. If the Partnership has repaid, prepaid or otherwise defeased at least $100 million of our 8.875% Senior Notes and Availability is equal to or greater than the aggregate amount required to repay the remaining outstanding 8.875% Senior Notes (“Payoff Amount”), then the facility termination date is January 14, 2019. However, after June 1, 2017, in the event that Availability is less than the Payoff Amount, the facility termination date shall be three days following such date. Notwithstanding this, all outstanding amounts are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default which the Partnership considers usual and customary for an agreement of this type, including failure to make payments under the second amended and restated credit facility, non-performance of covenants and obligations or insolvency or bankruptcy (as described in the second amended and restated credit facility).
	At December 31, 2013, $100.3 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $46.5 million of letters of credit were issued. At September 30, 2013, no amount was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $44.7 million of letters of credit were issued.
	At December 31, 2013, availability was $148.0 million and the Partnership was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio. At September 30, 2013, availability was $164.3 million and the Partnership was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio.
	In July 2011, the Partnership’s shelf registration became effective, providing for the sale of up to $250 million in one or more offerings of common units representing limited partnership interests, partnership securities and debt securities; which may be secured or unsecured senior debt securities or secured or unsecured subordinated debt securities. As of December 31, 2013, no offerings under this shelf registration have occurred.

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plan	'
	9) Employee Benefit Plan
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	0		$	0
	Interest cost		690			620
	Expected return on plan assets		(776	)		(948	)
	Net amortization		528			664
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	442		$	336
	For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Partnership contributed $0.8 million and expects to make an additional $1.2 million contribution in fiscal 2014 to fund its pension obligation.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	10) Income Taxes
	Star Gas Partners is a master limited partnership and is not subject to tax at the entity level for Federal and state income tax purposes. However, Star Gas Partners income is derived from its corporate subsidiaries, and these financial statements reflect significant Federal and state income taxes relating to the corporate subsidiaries. For the corporate subsidiaries of Star Gas Partners, a consolidated Federal income tax return is filed. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence including historical tax losses, it is more likely than not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	Income and losses of Star Gas Partners are allocated directly to the individual partners. Even though Star Gas Partners will generate non-qualifying Master Limited Partnership income through its corporate subsidiaries, distributions from the corporate subsidiaries to Star Gas Partners are generally included in the determination of qualified Master Limited Partnership income. All or a portion of the distributions received by Star Gas Partners from the corporate subsidiaries could be a dividend or capital gain to the individual partners.
	The accompanying financial statements are reported on a fiscal year, however, Star Gas Partners and its Corporate subsidiaries file Federal and state income tax returns on a calendar year.
	The current and deferred income tax expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2013, and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Income before income taxes	$	32,843	$	14,669
	Current tax expense	$	10,223	$	4,053
	Deferred tax expense		3,332		864
	Total tax expense	$	13,555	$	4,917
	As of the calendar tax year ended December 31, 2013, Star Acquisitions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership, had an estimated Federal net operating loss carry forward (“NOLs”) of approximately $8.3 million. The Federal NOLs, which will expire between 2018 and 2024, are generally available to offset any future taxable income but are also subject to annual limitations of between $1.0 million and $2.2 million.
	FASB ASC 740-10-05-6 Income Taxes, Uncertain Tax Position, provides financial statement accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes and tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. At December 31, 2013, we had unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $0.8 million including related accrued interest and penalties of $0.1 million. These unrecognized tax benefits are primarily the result of state tax uncertainties. If recognized, these tax benefits would be recorded as a benefit to the effective tax rate.
	We believe that the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits will not materially change during the next 12 months ending December 31, 2014. Our continuing practice is to recognize interest related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. We file U.S. Federal income tax returns and various state and local returns. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved. For our Federal income tax returns we have four tax years subject to examination. In our major state tax jurisdictions of New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we have four, four, four and five tax years, respectively, that are subject to examination. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, based on our assessment of many factors including past experience and interpretation of tax law, we believe that our provision for income taxes reflect the most probable outcome. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgments about future events.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
	11) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Income taxes, net	$	6,740	$	2,541
	Interest	$	6,208	$	6,143
	Non-cash financing activities:
	Increase in interest expense - amortization of debt discount on 8.875% Senior Note	$	27	$	25

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	12) Commitments and Contingencies
	The Partnership’s operations are subject to the operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing and transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of hazardous liquids such as home heating oil and propane. As a result, at any given time, the Partnership is generally a defendant in various legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Partnership maintains insurance policies in amounts and with coverages and deductibles we believe are reasonable and prudent. However, the Partnership cannot assure that this insurance will be adequate to protect it from all material expenses related to potential future claims for personal and property damage or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economical prices. The Partnership does not carry business interruption insurance. In the opinion of management the Partnership is not a party to any litigation, which individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Limited_Part

Earnings (Loss) Per Limited Partner Unit	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings (Loss) Per Limited Partner Unit	'
	13) Earnings (Loss) Per Limited Partner Unit
	Income per limited partner unit is computed in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10-05 Earnings Per Share, Master Limited Partnerships (EITF 03-06), by dividing the limited partners’ interest in net income by the weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding. The pro forma nature of the allocation required by this standard provides that in any accounting period where the Partnership’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Partnership is required to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the periods were distributed, regardless of whether those earnings would actually be distributed during a particular period from an economic or practical perspective. This allocation does not impact the Partnership’s overall net income or other financial results. However, for periods in which the Partnership’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distributions for such period, it will have the impact of reducing the earnings per limited partner unit, as the calculation according to this standard results in a theoretical increased allocation of undistributed earnings to the general partner. In accounting periods where aggregate net income does not exceed aggregate distributions for such period, this standard does not have any impact on the Partnership’s net income per limited partner unit calculation. A separate and independent calculation for each quarter and year-to-date period is performed, in which the Partnership’s contractual participation rights are taken into account.
	The following presents the net income allocation and per unit data using this method for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:	December 31,
	(in thousands, except per unit data)	2013		2012
	Net income	$	19,288	$	9,752
	Less General Partners’ interest in net income		109		53
	Net income available to limited partners		19,179		9,699
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		2,665		762
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	16,514	$	8,937
	Per unit data:
	Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners	$	0.33	$	0.16
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		0.04		0.01
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	0.29	$	0.15
	Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding		57,511		60,556

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events	'
	14) Subsequent Events
	Quarterly Distribution Declared
	In January 2014, we declared a quarterly distribution of $0.0825 per unit, or $0.33 per unit on an annualized basis, on all common units with respect to the first quarter of fiscal 2014, payable on February 7, 2014, to holders of record on January 30, 2014. In accordance with our Partnership Agreement, the amount of distributions in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675, are distributed 90% to the holders of common units and 10% to the holders of the General Partner units (until certain distribution levels are met), subject to the management incentive compensation plan. As a result, $4.7 million will be paid to the common unit holders, $0.1 million to the General Partner (including $0.05 million of incentive distribution as provided in our Partnership Agreement) and $0.05 million to management pursuant to the management incentive compensation plan which provides for certain members of management to receive incentive distributions that would otherwise be payable to the General Partner.
	Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility Agreement
	In January 2014, the Partnership entered into a second amended and restated $300 million ($450 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) revolving credit facility agreement.
	Acquisition
	In January 2014, the Partnership entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Griffith Energy Services, Inc. (“Griffith”) of Columbia, Maryland from Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation. Griffith has operations in Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and serves approximately 50,000 customers.
	Under the terms of the agreement, the Partnership will acquire Griffith stock for $69.9 million plus working capital, which will be determined at closing. The Partnership will purchase Griffith utilizing cash on hand and borrowings on its recently restated and amended credit facility. The acquisition is anticipated to close during the second fiscal quarter of 2014, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Star Gas Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of financial condition and results for the interim periods. Due to the seasonal nature of the Partnership’s business, the results of operations and cash flows for the three month period ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	These interim financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013.
Reclassification	'
	Reclassification
	The accompanying December 31, 2012 consolidated statements of operations have been revised from their previous presentation to reclassify finance charge income of $1,088 and present it separately as an element of operating income. Previously, finance charge income was included in the caption interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. This reclassification was made in order to conform with common industry practice regarding the reporting of finance charge income in operating income, and had no impact on net income, financial position, and cash flows for any period. Interest expense, net consists of:
	(in thousands)	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	(3,633	)	$	(3,427	)
	Interest income		10			10
	Interest expense, net	$	(3,623	)	$	(3,417	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the unrealized gain (loss) amortization on the Partnership’s pension plan obligation for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans, and the corresponding tax effect.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Partnership adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This amendment as clarified by ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in FASB Accounting Standards Codification or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The adoption of this amendment required added disclosures to enable users of our financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on our financial position, and did not impact our results of operations or the amount of assets and liabilities reported.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Interest Expense, Net	'
	Previously, finance charge income was included in the caption interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. This reclassification was made in order to conform with common industry practice regarding the reporting of finance charge income in operating income, and had no impact on net income, financial position, and cash flows for any period. Interest expense, net consists of:
	(in thousands)	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	(3,633	)	$	(3,427	)
	Interest income		10			10
	Interest expense, net	$	(3,623	)	$	(3,417	)

Common_Unit_Repurchase_and_Ret1

Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Partnership's Repurchase Activities	'
	(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
	Period		Total Number of Units		Average Price Paid		Maximum Number
			Purchased (a)		per Unit (b)		of Units that May
							Yet Be Purchased
	Plan III - Number of units authorized							4,894
	Private transaction - Number of units authorized (c)							1,150
								6,044
	Plan III - Fiscal year 2012 total			22	$	4.26		6,022
	Plan III - Fiscal year 2013 total (c)			3,284	$	4.63		2,738
	Plan III - October 2013 (d)			250	$	5.2		2,488
	Plan III - November 2013			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - December 2013			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - First quarter fiscal year 2014 total			250	$	5.2		2,488
	(a)	Units were repurchased as part of a publicly announced program, except as noted in a private transaction.
	(b)	Amounts include repurchase costs.
	(c)	Fiscal year 2013 common unit repurchases include 1.15 million common units acquired in a private transaction.
	(d)	October 2013 common unit repurchases were acquired in a private transaction.

Derivatives_and_HedgingFair_Va1

Derivatives and Hedging-Fair Value Measurements and Accounting for the Offsetting of Certain Contracts (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Partnership's Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The Partnership had no assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition. The Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are listed on the following table.
	(In thousands)								Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging		Balance Sheet Location		Total				Quoted Prices in				Significant Other				Significant
	Instruments Under FASB ASC 815-10								Active Markets for				Observable Inputs				Unobservable
									Identical Assets				Level 2				Inputs
									Level 1								Level 3
	Asset Derivatives at December 31, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments		$	17,429			$	4,714			$	12,715			$	—
	Commodity contract assets at December 31, 2013				$	17,429			$	4,714			$	12,715			$	—
	Liability Derivatives at December 31, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	(15,208	)		$	(4,897	)		$	(10,311	)		$	—
	Commodity contract liabilities at December 31, 2013				$	(15,208	)		$	(4,897	)		$	(10,311	)		$	—
	Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments		$	14,467			$	1,175			$	13,292			$	—
	Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2013				$	14,467			$	1,175			$	13,292			$	—
	Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2013
	Commodity contracts		Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	(17,820	)		$	(519	)		$	(17,301	)		$	—
	Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2013				$	(17,820	)		$	(519	)		$	(17,301	)		$	—
	(In thousands)
	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
					Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized
	Derivatives Not		Location of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	Designated as Hedging		Income on Derivative		31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
	Instruments Under
	FASB ASC 815-10
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product (a)		$	5,311			$	4,876
	Commodity contracts		Cost of installations and service (a)		$	(8	)		$	(89	)
	Commodity contracts		Delivery and branch expenses (a)		$	(39	)		$	(85	)
	Commodity contracts		(Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments		$	(5,458	)		$	7,965
	(a)	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.
Partnership's Derivatives Assets (Liabilities) Offset by Counterparty	'
	The Partnership’s derivative assets (liabilities) offset by counterparty and subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement are listed on the following table.
	(In thousands)														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
															Statement of Financial Position
	Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets		Gross				Gross				Net Assets				Financial				Cash		Net Amount
	(Liabilities)		Assets				Liabilities				(Liabilities)				Instruments				Collateral
			Recognized				Offset in the				Presented in								Received
							Statement of				the
							Financial				Statement of
							Position				Financial
											Position
	Fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	14,967			$	(11,709	)		$	3,258			$	—			$	—	$	3,258
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			2,462				(3,499	)			(1,037	)			—				—		(1,037	)
	Total at December 31, 2013		$	17,429			$	(15,208	)		$	2,221			$	—			$	—	$	2,221
	Fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	7,254			$	(6,608	)		$	646			$	—			$	—	$	646
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			7,213				(11,212	)			(3,999	)			—				—		(3,999	)
	Total at September 30, 2013		$	14,467			$	(17,820	)		$	(3,353	)		$	—			$	—	$	(3,353	)
Partnership's Derivatives Assets (Liabilities) Offset by Counterparty	'
	The Partnership’s derivative assets (liabilities) offset by counterparty and subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement are listed on the following table.
	(In thousands)														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
															Statement of Financial Position
	Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets		Gross				Gross				Net Assets				Financial				Cash		Net Amount
	(Liabilities)		Assets				Liabilities				(Liabilities)				Instruments				Collateral
			Recognized				Offset in the				Presented in								Received
							Statement of				the
							Financial				Statement of
							Position				Financial
											Position
	Fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	14,967			$	(11,709	)		$	3,258			$	—			$	—	$	3,258
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			2,462				(3,499	)			(1,037	)			—				—		(1,037	)
	Total at December 31, 2013		$	17,429			$	(15,208	)		$	2,221			$	—			$	—	$	2,221
	Fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	7,254			$	(6,608	)		$	646			$	—			$	—	$	646
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			7,213				(11,212	)			(3,999	)			—				—		(3,999	)
	Total at September 30, 2013		$	14,467			$	(17,820	)		$	(3,353	)		$	—			$	—	$	(3,353	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Inventory	'
	The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013		September 30, 2013
	Product	$	66,296	$	50,197
	Parts and equipment		17,994		17,953
	Total inventory	$	84,290	$	68,150

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and Equipment	'
	Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets using the straight-line method (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013		September 30, 2013
	Property and equipment	$	172,412	$	170,462
	Less: accumulated depreciation		120,591		119,139
	Property and equipment, net	$	51,821	$	51,323

Other_Intangible_Assets_Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013						September 30, 2013
		Gross		Accum.		Net		Gross		Accum.		Net
		Carrying		Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Customer lists and other intangibles	$	288,011	$	223,530	$	64,481	$	288,011	$	221,221	$	66,790
Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	Total estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and the four succeeding fiscal years ending September 30, is as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated
		Annual Book
		Amortization
		Expense
	2014	$	9,188
	2015	$	9,053
	2016	$	8,882
	2017	$	8,362
	2018	$	7,523

LongTerm_Debt_and_Bank_Facilit1

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Partnership's Debt	'
	The Partnership’s debt is as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13				30-Sep-13
			Carrying		Fair Value (a)		Carrying		Fair Value (a)
			Amount				Amount
	8.875% Senior Notes (b)		$	124,487	$	130,938	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings (c)			100,348		100,348		—		—
	Total debt		$	224,835	$	231,286	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Total long-term portion of debt		$	124,487	$	130,938	$	124,460	$	130,000
	(a)	The Partnership’s fair value estimates of long-term debt are made at a specific point in time, based on Level 2 inputs. Due to the relatively short maturity of the revolving credit facility, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
	(b)	The 8.875% Senior Notes were originally issued in November 2010 in a private placement offering pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, and in February 2011, were exchanged for substantially identical public notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These public notes mature in December 2017 and accrue interest at an annual rate of 8.875% requiring semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The discount on these notes was $0.5 million at December 31, 2013. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing certain financial tests. The Partnership can incur debt up to $100 million for acquisitions and can also pay restricted payments of $22.0 million without passing certain financial tests.
	(c)	At December 31, 2013, the Partnership had an amended and restated asset based revolving credit facility agreement with a bank syndicate comprised of fifteen banks that expired in 2016. Under this agreement, the Partnership was permitted to borrow up to $250 million ($350 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) for working capital purposes (subject to certain borrowing base limitations and coverage ratios) and was permitted to issue up to $100 million in letters of credit.

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Tables

Employee Benefit Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	0		$	0
	Interest cost		690			620
	Expected return on plan assets		(776	)		(948	)
	Net amortization		528			664
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	442		$	336

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Current and Deferred Income Tax Expenses	'
	The current and deferred income tax expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2013, and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Income before income taxes	$	32,843	$	14,669
	Current tax expense	$	10,223	$	4,053
	Deferred tax expense		3,332		864
	Total tax expense	$	13,555	$	4,917

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Income taxes, net	$	6,740	$	2,541
	Interest	$	6,208	$	6,143
	Non-cash financing activities:
	Increase in interest expense - amortization of debt discount on 8.875% Senior Note	$	27	$	25

Earnings_Loss_Per_Limited_Part1

Earnings (Loss) Per Limited Partner Unit (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data	'
	The following presents the net income allocation and per unit data using this method for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:	December 31,
	(in thousands, except per unit data)	2013		2012
	Net income	$	19,288	$	9,752
	Less General Partners’ interest in net income		109		53
	Net income available to limited partners		19,179		9,699
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		2,665		762
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	16,514	$	8,937
	Per unit data:
	Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners	$	0.33	$	0.16
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		0.04		0.01
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	0.29	$	0.15
	Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding		57,511		60,556

Partnership_Organization_Addit

Partnership Organization - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
					Petro	8.875% Senior Notes	8.875% Senior Notes	Common Stock	Common Stock	General Partner	General Partner
					Customer
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]	'		'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of outstanding units	'		'		'	'	'	57,468	57,718	326	326
Percentage of limited partner interest	99.44%		'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of general partner interest	0.56%		'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of full-service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers served	'		'		407,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of customers to whom only home heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel were sold on a delivery only basis	'		'		58,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of customers to whom ancillary services were provided	'		'		16,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest in Star Gas Finance Company	'		'		'	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding senior notes	$124,487	[1]	$124,460	[1]	'	$125,000	'	'	'	'	'
Interest on senior notes	'		'		'	8.88%	8.88%	'	'	'	'
Maturity of public notes due	'		'		'	1-Dec-17	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	The 8.875% Senior Notes were originally issued in November 2010 in a private placement offering pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, and in February 2011, were exchanged for substantially identical public notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These public notes mature in December 2017 and accrue interest at an annual rate of 8.875% requiring semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The discount on these notes was $0.5 million at December 31, 2013. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing certain financial tests. The Partnership can incur debt up to $100 million for acquisitions and can also pay restricted payments of $22.0 million without passing certain financial tests.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Finance charge income	$1,004	$1,088

Components_of_Interest_Expense

Components of Interest Expense, Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest Income Expense Net [Line Items]	'	'
Interest expense	($3,633)	($3,427)
Interest income	10	10
Interest expense, net	($3,623)	($3,417)

Common_Unit_Repurchase_and_Ret2

Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013
	Second Amendment	Initial Common Units Authorized Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program	Additional Common Units Authorized Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program
Capital Unit [Line Items]	'	'	'
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase	'	3,000	1,900
Availability required to repurchase common units	$45	'	'
Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis	15.00%	'	'
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$300	'	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio for distributions to unit holders or to repurchase common units	1.15	'	'

Partnerships_Repurchase_Activi

Partnership's Repurchase Activities (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Capital Unit [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase in a private transaction

1,150

[1]

'

'

1,150

[1]

'

'

Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program Plan III and Private Transaction Beginning Total

6,044

'

'

6,044

'

'

Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Unit [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plan III partnership's common units authorized for repurchase

4,894

'

'

4,894

'

'

Total Number of Units Purchased

'

[2]

'

[2]

250

[2],[3]

250

[2]

3,284

[1],[2]

22

[2]

Average Price Paid per Unit

'

[4]

'

[4]

$5.20

[3],[4]

$5.20

[4]

$4.63

[1],[4]

$4.26

[4]

Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased

2,488

2,488

2,488

[3]

2,488

2,738

[1]

6,022

[1]

Fiscal year 2013 common unit repurchases include 1.15 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

[2]

Units were repurchased as part of a publicly announced program, except as noted in a private transaction.

[3]

October 2013 common unit repurchases were acquired in a private transaction.

[4]

Amounts include repurchase costs.

Partnerships_Repurchase_Activi1

Partnership's Repurchase Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program	'
Capital Unit [Line Items]	'
Repurchase of Common units acquired in a private transaction	1.15

Derivatives_and_HedgingFair_Va2

Derivatives and Hedging-Fair Value Measurements and Accounting for the Offsetting of Certain Contracts - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	gal	gal
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregated cash posted as collateral in normal course of business	1.6	'
Hedging positions secured under credit facility	5.1	'
Call Option	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	4,500,000	3,800,000
Put Option	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	6,900,000	7,800,000
Inventory	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	1,600,000	2,400,000
Swap Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	10,000,000	10,200,000
Synthetic calls	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	86,000,000	84,800,000
Futures Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	57,600,000	66,300,000
Futures Contracts Sold	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	76,500,000	76,800,000
Swap Contract Sold	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	16,300,000	30,800,000
Hedge a Majority of its Internal Fuel Usage Swap Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	2,400,000	2,100,000
Swap Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	'	13,000,000
Corresponding Long And Short Swap Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	38,600,000	'
Spread Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	3,900,000	'

Partnerships_Financial_Assets_

Partnership's Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10, Commodity Contract, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	$17,429	$14,467
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	-15,208	-17,820
Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	17,429	14,467
Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	-15,208	-17,820
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	4,714	1,175
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	-4,897	-519
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	4,714	1,175
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	-4,897	-519
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	12,715	13,292
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	-10,311	-17,301
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	12,715	13,292
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	($10,311)	($17,301)

Offsetting_of_Financial_Assets

Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (liabilities) (Detail) (Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets Recognized	$17,429	$14,467
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-15,208	-17,820
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	2,221	-3,353
Financial Instruments	'	'
Cash Collateral Received	'	'
Net Amount	2,221	-3,353
Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets Recognized	2,462	7,213
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-3,499	-11,212
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	-1,037	-3,999
Financial Instruments	'	'
Cash Collateral Received	'	'
Net Amount	-1,037	-3,999
Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments	'	'
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets Recognized	14,967	7,254
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-11,709	-6,608
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	3,258	646
Financial Instruments	'	'
Cash Collateral Received	'	'
Net Amount	$3,258	$646

Effect_of_Derivative_Instrumen

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Unrealized, commodity contracts	($5,458)		$7,965
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of product	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	5,311	[1]	4,876	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of installations and service	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	-8	[1]	-89	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Delivery and branch expenses	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	($39)	[1]	($85)	[1]
[1]	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

Components_of_Inventory_Detail

Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Product	$66,296	$50,197
Parts and equipment	17,994	17,953
Total inventory	$84,290	$68,150

Component_of_Property_and_Equi

Component of Property and Equipment and their Estimated Useful Lives (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	$172,412	$170,462
Less accumulated depreciation	120,591	119,139
Property and equipment, net	$51,821	$51,323

Intangible_Assets_Subject_to_A

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (Customer Lists And Other Intangibles, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Customer Lists And Other Intangibles	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$288,011	$288,011
Accum. Amortization	223,530	221,221
Net	$64,481	$66,790

Other_Intangible_Assets_Additi

Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$2.30	$2.30

Estimated_Annual_Amortization_

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	$9,188
2015	9,053
2016	8,882
2017	8,362
2018	$7,523

Partnerships_Debt_Detail

Partnership's Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
8.875% Senior Notes, Carrying Amount	$124,487	[1]	$124,460	[1]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, Carrying Amount	100,348	[2]	'
Total debt, Carrying Amount	224,835		124,460
Total long-term portion of debt, Carrying Amount	124,487		124,460
8.875% Senior Notes, Fair Value	130,938	[1],[3]	130,000	[1],[3]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, Fair Value	100,348	[2],[3]	'
Total debt, Fair Value	231,286	[3]	130,000	[3]
Total long-term portion of debt, Fair Value	$130,938	[1],[3]	$130,000	[1],[3]
[1]	The 8.875% Senior Notes were originally issued in November 2010 in a private placement offering pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, and in February 2011, were exchanged for substantially identical public notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These public notes mature in December 2017 and accrue interest at an annual rate of 8.875% requiring semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The discount on these notes was $0.5 million at December 31, 2013. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing certain financial tests. The Partnership can incur debt up to $100 million for acquisitions and can also pay restricted payments of $22.0 million without passing certain financial tests.
[2]	At December 31, 2013, the Partnership had an amended and restated asset based revolving credit facility agreement with a bank syndicate comprised of fifteen banks that expired in 2016. Under this agreement, the Partnership was permitted to borrow up to $250 million ($350 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) for working capital purposes (subject to certain borrowing base limitations and coverage ratios) and was permitted to issue up to $100 million in letters of credit.
[3]	The Partnership's fair value estimates of long-term debt are made at a specific point in time, based on Level 2 inputs. Due to the relatively short maturity of the revolving credit facility, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

Partnerships_Debt_Parenthetica

Partnership's Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility expiry	31-Dec-16
Maximum issuable letter of credit	$100
8.875% Senior Notes	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Senior notes issuance date	1-Nov-10
Interest accrued by public notes for each year	8.88%
Discount on notes	0.5
Maximum debt allowed for acquisitions	100
Restricted payments without passing certain financial tests	22
Maturity of public notes due	1-Dec-17
Interest payment frequency	'Semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year
First Amendment	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	250
Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility	$350

LongTerm_Debt_and_Bank_Facilit2

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Alternate revolving credit facility expiry	31-Dec-16	'	'
Letters of credit issued	$46.50	$44.70	'
Availability in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio	148	164.3	'
Available sale of offering of common units under shelf registration	'	'	250
Second Amendment	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	300	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility	450	'	'
Alternate revolving credit facility expiry	14-Jan-19	'	'
Revolving credit facility expiry	1-Jun-17	'	'
Additional revolving credit	100	'	'
Facility size that can be increased without consulting bank group	100	'	'
Description of variable rate	'The interest rate on the second amended and restated credit facility is LIBOR plus (i) 1.75% (if Availability, as defined in the agreement is greater than or equal to $150 million), or (ii) 2.00% (if Availability is greater than $75 million but less than $150 million), or (iii) 2.25% (if Availability is less than or equal to $75 million). The Commitment Fee on the unused portion of the facility is 0.30% per annum.	'	'
Condition one, additional interest rate based on LIBOR	1.75%	'	'
Condition two, additional interest rate based on LIBOR	2.00%	'	'
Condition three, additional interest rate based on LIBOR	2.25%	'	'
Minimum availability, condition one	150	'	'
Maximum availability, condition two	150	'	'
Minimum availability, condition two	75	'	'
Maximum availability, condition three	75	'	'
Commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility	0.30%	'	'
Availability percentage to maximum facility size	12.50%	'	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	1.1	'	'
Availability required to make acquisition	40	'	'
Availability required to pay distributions	45	'	'
Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis	15.00%	'	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio for distributions to unit holders or to repurchase common units	1.15	'	'
Line of credit facility description	'All outstanding amounts owed under the second amended and restated credit facility become due and payable on the facility termination date of June 1, 2017. If the Partnership has repaid, prepaid or otherwise defeased at least $100 million of our 8.875% Senior Notes and Availability is equal to or greater than the aggregate amount required to repay the remaining outstanding 8.875% Senior Notes ("Payoff Amount"), then the facility termination date is January 14, 2019.	'	'
Second Amendment | Prior to the January 2014 agreement	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis	17.50%	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility outstanding	$100.30	$0	'
8.875% Senior Notes	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest accrued by public notes for each year	8.88%	'	'
8.875% Senior Notes | Second Amendment	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest accrued by public notes for each year	8.88%	'	'

Net_Periodic_Benefit_Cost_Deta

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost:	'	'
Service cost	$0	$0
Interest cost	690	620
Expected return on plan assets	-776	-948
Net amortization	528	664
Net periodic benefit cost	$442	$336

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Addition

Employee Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Partnership contribution in pension plan	$0.80
Additional partnership contribution in pension plan	$1.20

Current_and_Deferred_Income_Ta

Current and Deferred Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities	'	'
Income before income taxes	$32,843	$14,669
Current tax expense	10,223	4,053
Deferred tax expense	3,332	864
Total tax expense	$13,555	$4,917

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Federal	New York	Connecticut	Pennsylvania	New Jersey	Minimum	Maximum
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward	$8.30	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual limitation of federal NOLs	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	2.2
Expiration date of net operating loss carryforward	'	'	'	'	'	'	31-Dec-18	31-Dec-24
Unrecognized income tax benefit	0.8	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized income tax benefit related accrued interest and penalties	$0.10	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of years for examination	'	'Four	'Four	'Four	'Four	'Five	'	'

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Income taxes, net	$6,740	$2,541
Interest	6,208	6,143
Non-cash financing activities:	'	'
Increase in interest expense - amortization of debt discount on 8.875% Senior Note	$27	$25

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas3

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (8.875% Senior Notes)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
8.875% Senior Notes	'	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Interest on senior notes	8.88%	8.88%

Net_Income_Allocation_and_Per_

Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:	'		'
Net income	$19,288		$9,752
Less General Partners' interest in net income	109		53
Net income available to limited partners	19,179		9,699
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	2,665		762
Limited Partner's interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$16,514		$8,937
Per unit data:	'		'
Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners	0.33		0.16
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	0.04		0.01
Limited Partner's interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$0.29	[1]	$0.15	[1]
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding	57,511		60,556
[1]	See Note 13 Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit.

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Second Amendment	Dividend Declared	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
			Griffith	Griffith	Second Amendment
			Customer
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution declared	'	$0.08	'	'	'
Partners capital projected distribution amount on annualized basis	'	$0.33	'	'	'
Minimum dividend distribution per unit	'	$0.07	'	'	'
Percentage of distributions to common unit holders in excess of minimum quarterly distribution	'	90.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of distributions to general unit holders in excess of minimum quarterly distribution	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Amount to paid to common unit holders	'	$4.70	'	'	'
Amount to paid to the General Partner	'	0.1	'	'	'
Incentive distribution to the General Partner	'	0.05	'	'	'
Incentive distributions to Management	'	0.05	'	'	'
Dividend payable date	'	7-Feb-14	'	'	'
Dividend record date	'	30-Jan-14	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	300	'	'	'	300
Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility	450	'	'	'	450
Number of customers	'	'	50,000	'	'
Aggregate purchase price partnership acquired	'	'	'	$69.90	'