Star (SGU) 10-K 10 Dec 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'SGU	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'STAR GAS PARTNERS LP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001002590	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	57,282,752	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$255,051,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$48,999		$85,057
Receivables, net of allowance of $9,220 and $7,928, respectively	123,800		96,124
Inventories	59,240		68,150
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	2,342		646
Current deferred tax assets, net	38,141		32,447
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	23,943		23,456
Total current assets	296,465		305,880
Property and equipment, net	67,419		51,323
Goodwill	209,331		201,130
Intangibles, net	100,783		66,790
Deferred charges and other assets, net	11,109		7,381
Total assets	685,107		632,504
Current liabilities	'		'
Accounts payable	21,644		18,681
Fair liability value of derivative instruments	12,358		3,999
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	102,934		87,142
Unearned service contract revenue	43,901		40,608
Customer credit balances	72,595		70,196
Total current liabilities	253,432		220,626
Long-term debt	124,572	[1]	124,460	[1]
Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net	25,181		19,292
Other long-term liabilities	8,677		8,845
Partners' capital	'		'
Common unitholders	296,968		282,289
General partner	-105		3
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	-23,618		-23,011
Total partners' capital	273,245		259,281
Total liabilities and partners' capital	$685,107		$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 $0.4 million at September 30, 2014. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing particular 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.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, allowance	$9,220	$7,928

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Sales:	'		'		'
Product	$1,734,475		$1,518,738		$1,295,374
Installations and services	227,249		223,058		202,214
Total sales	1,961,724		1,741,796		1,497,588
Cost and expenses:	'		'		'
Cost of product	1,349,432		1,192,009		1,024,071
Cost of installations and services	205,868		196,659		175,740
(Increase) decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments	6,566		6,775		-8,549
Delivery and branch expenses	282,646		250,210		217,376
Depreciation and amortization expenses	21,635		17,303		16,395
General and administrative expenses	22,592		18,356		18,689
Finance charge income	-6,870		-5,521		-4,393
Operating income	79,855		66,005		58,259
Interest expense, net	-16,854		-14,433		-14,060
Amortization of debt issuance costs	-1,602		-1,745		-1,634
Income before income taxes	61,399		49,827		42,565
Income tax expense	25,315		19,921		16,576
Net income	36,084		29,906		25,989
General Partner's interest in net income	203		159		136
Limited Partners' interest in net income	$35,881		$29,747		$25,853
Basic and diluted income per Limited Partner Unit	$0.57	[1],[2]	$0.47	[1],[2]	$0.40	[2]
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding:	'		'		'
Basic and Diluted	57,476		59,409		61,931
[1]	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.
[2]	See Note 17 Earnings Per Limited Partner Units.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$36,084		$29,906		$25,989
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation	-1,070	[1]	6,337	[1]	1,176	[1]
Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation	463		-2,577		-480
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-607		3,760		696
Total comprehensive income	$35,477		$33,666		$26,685
[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12-Employee Benefit Plan.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Par

Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (USD $)		Total	Common Stock	General Partner	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2011		$272,633	$299,913	$187	($27,467)
Beginning Balance, unit at Sep. 30, 2011		'	64,970	326	'
Net income		25,989	25,853	136	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation	[1]	1,176	'	'	1,176
Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation		-480	'	'	-480
Distributions	[2]	-19,525	-19,299	-226	'
Retirement of units, shares	[3]	'	-3,968	'	'
Retirement of units	[3]	-19,648	-19,648	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012		260,145	286,819	97	-26,771
Ending Balance, Unit at Sep. 30, 2012		'	61,002	326	'
Net income		29,906	29,747	159	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation	[1]	6,337	'	'	6,337
Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation		-2,577	'	'	-2,577
Distributions	[2]	-19,313	-19,060	-253	'
Retirement of units, shares	[3]	'	-3,284	'	'
Retirement of units	[3]	-15,217	-15,217	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013		259,281	282,289	3	-23,011
Ending Balance, Unit at Sep. 30, 2013		'	57,718	326	'
Net income		36,084	35,881	203	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation	[1]	-1,070	'	'	-1,070
Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation		463	'	'	463
Distributions	[2]	-19,850	-19,539	-311	'
Retirement of units, shares	[3]	'	-313	'	'
Retirement of units	[3]	-1,663	-1,663	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014		$273,245	$296,968	($105)	($23,618)
Ending Balance, Unit at Sep. 30, 2014		'	57,405	326	'
[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12-Employee Benefit Plan.
[2]	See Note 3-Quarterly Distributions of Available Cash.
[3]	See Note 4-Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$36,084	$29,906	$25,989
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments	6,566	6,775	-8,549
Depreciation and amortization	23,237	19,047	18,029
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	7,514	6,481	6,017
Change in deferred taxes	658	1,676	12,913
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of amounts related to acquisitions:	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in receivables	12,771	-14,074	5,804
(Increase) decrease in inventories	14,057	-20,664	34,335
Decrease in other assets	2,571	4,207	4,226
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	-8,091	-4,555	3,372
Increase (decrease) in customer credit balances	-2,433	-15,878	11,952
Increase (decrease) in other current and long-term liabilities	2,221	5,571	-8,260
Net cash provided by operating activities	95,155	18,492	105,828
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-9,112	-5,994	-5,803
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets	257	410	503
Acquisitions (net of cash acquired of $4,151, $0 and $0, respectively)	-98,463	-1,376	-39,217
Net cash used in investing activities	-107,318	-6,960	-44,517
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility borrowings	195,482	111,542	86,252
Revolving credit facility repayments	-195,482	-111,542	-86,252
Distributions	-19,850	-19,313	-19,525
Unit repurchase	-1,663	-15,217	-19,648
Increase in deferred charges	-2,382	-36	-836
Net cash used in financing activities	-23,895	-34,566	-40,009
Net increase (decrease) in cash	-36,058	-23,034	21,302
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	85,057	108,091	86,789
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$48,999	$85,057	$108,091

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Acquisitions, cash acquired	$4,151	$0	$0

Partnership_Organization

Partnership Organization	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Partnership Organization	'
	1) Partnership Organization
	Star Gas Partners, L.P. (“Star Gas Partners,” the “Partnership,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a full service provider specializing in the sale of home heating products and services to residential and commercial customers to heat their homes and buildings. The Partnership also services and sells heating and air conditioning equipment to its home heating oil and propane customers and to a lesser extent, provides these offerings to customers outside of our home heating oil and propane customer base. In certain of our marketing areas, we provide home security and plumbing services primarily to our home heating oil and propane customer base. We also sell diesel fuel, gasoline and home heating oil on a delivery only basis. All of these product and services are offered through our home heating oil and propane locations. The Partnership has one reportable segment for accounting purposes. We are the nation’s largest retail distributor of home heating oil, based upon sales volume, operating throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
	The Partnership is organized as follows:
		•	The Partnership is a master limited partnership, which at September 30, 2014, had outstanding 57.4 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 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 owns 100% of Star Acquisitions, Inc. (“SA”), a Minnesota corporation that owns 100% of Petro Holdings, Inc. (“Petro”). SA and its subsidiaries are subject to Federal and state corporate income taxes. The Partnership’s operations are conducted through Petro and its subsidiaries. Petro is a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region retail distributor of home heating oil and propane that at September 30, 2014, served approximately 444,000 full-service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers. Petro also sold diesel fuel, gasoline and home heating oil to approximately 68,000 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 22,000 customers.
		•	Star Gas Finance Company (“SGFC”) is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Partnership. SGFC serves as the co-issuer, jointly and severally with the Partnership, of its $125 million principal amount of 8.875% Senior Notes outstanding at September 30, 2014, due 2017. SGFC and the Partnership are dependent on distributions, including inter-company interest payments from its subsidiaries, to service the debt issued by SGFC and the Partnership. The distributions from these subsidiaries are not guaranteed and are subject to certain loan restrictions. SGFC 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	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Correction of Immaterial Errors
	As reported in our June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q, during fiscal year 2014 we recorded adjustments that reduce net income by $2.2 million ($3.7 million, excluding the related income tax benefit) to correct certain errors related to periods from 2002 through September 30, 2013. The errors include understatements of expenses for state sales and petroleum taxes and the related interest and penalties, and overstatements of installations and services sales. The errors were the result of certain control deficiencies that we identified during the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
	These errors did not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material misstatement of our previously issued consolidated financial statements for any period through September 30, 2013. The correction of these errors in fiscal year 2014 had no material effect on our results for the full year ending September 30, 2014.
	Interest expense, net
	The components of interest expense, net are:
	(in thousands)	September 30,
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	(16,904	)	$	(14,474	)	$	(14,110	)
	Interest income		50			41			50
	Interest expense, net	$	(16,854	)	$	(14,433	)	$	(14,060	)
	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income 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.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	Sales of petroleum products are recognized at the time of delivery to the customer and sales of heating and air conditioning equipment are recognized at the time of installation. Revenue from repairs, maintenance and other services are recognized upon completion of the service. Payments received from customers for equipment service contracts are deferred and amortized into income over the terms of the respective service contracts, on a straight-line basis, which generally do not exceed one year. To the extent that the Partnership anticipates that future costs for fulfilling its contractual obligations under its service maintenance contracts will exceed the amount of deferred revenue currently attributable to these contracts, the Partnership recognizes a loss in current period earnings equal to the amount that anticipated future costs exceed related deferred revenues.
	Cost of Product
	Cost of product includes the cost of heating oil, diesel, propane, kerosene, heavy oil, gasoline, throughput costs, barging costs, option costs, and realized gains/losses on closed derivative positions for product sales.
	Cost of Installations and Services
	Cost of installations and services includes equipment and material costs, wages and benefits for equipment technicians, dispatchers and other support personnel, subcontractor expenses, commissions and vehicle related costs.
	Delivery and Branch Expenses
	Delivery and branch expenses include wages and benefits and department related costs for drivers, dispatchers, garage mechanics, customer service, sales and marketing, compliance, credit and branch accounting, information technology, insurance, weather hedge contract costs and recoveries, and operational support.
	General and Administrative Expenses
	General and administrative expenses include wages and benefits and department related costs for human resources, finance and partnership accounting, administrative support and supply.
	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivables from customers are recorded at the invoiced amounts. Finance charges may be applied to trade receivables that are more than 30 days past due, and are recorded as finance charge income.
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Partnership’s best estimate of the amount of trade receivables that may not be collectible. The allowance is determined at an aggregate level by grouping accounts based on certain account criteria and its receivable aging. The allowance is based on both quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical loss experience, historical collection patterns, overdue status, aging trends, and current economic conditions. The Partnership has an established process to periodically review current and past due trade receivable balances to determine the adequacy of the allowance. No single statistic or measurement determines the adequacy of the allowance. The total allowance reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in its trade receivables at the balance sheet date. Different assumptions or changes in economic conditions could result in material changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Allocation of Net Income
	Net income for partners’ capital and statement of operations is allocated to the general partner and the limited partners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages, after giving effect to cash distributions paid to the general partner in excess of its ownership interest, if any.
	Net Income per Limited Partner Unit
	Income per limited partner unit is computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“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.
	Cash, Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable, Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, and Accounts Payable
	The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, revolving credit facility borrowings, and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
	Cash Equivalents
	The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents.
	Inventories
	Liquid product inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the weighted average cost method of accounting. All other inventories, representing parts and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market using the FIFO method.
	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.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets include goodwill, customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete.
	Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets in the acquisition of a company. In accordance with FASB ASC 350-10-05 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are annually tested for impairment. Also in accordance with this standard, intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. The Partnership performs its annual impairment review during its fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill might be impaired.
	Customer lists are the names and addresses of an acquired company’s customers. Based on historical retention experience, these lists are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven to ten years.
	Trade names are the names of acquired companies. Based on the economic benefit expected and historical retention experience of customers, trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven to twenty years.
	Covenants not to compete are agreements with the owners of acquired companies and are amortized over the respective lives of the covenants on a straight-line basis, which are generally five years.
	Business Combinations
	The Partnership uses the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Partnership to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date, and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the amounts recognized for a business combination may be adjusted). Each acquired company’s operating results are included in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements starting on the date of acquisition. The purchase price is equivalent to the fair value of consideration transferred. Tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The separately identifiable intangible assets generally are comprised of customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Costs that are incurred to complete the business combination such as legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration transferred, and are charged to general and administrative expense as they are incurred. For any given acquisition, certain contingent consideration may be identified. Estimates of the fair value of liability or asset classified contingent consideration are included under the acquisition method as part of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed. At each reporting date, these estimates are remeasured to fair value, with changes recognized in earnings.
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets
	The Partnership reviews intangible assets and other long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-05-4 Property Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets subsection, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Partnership determines whether the carrying values of such assets are recoverable over their remaining estimated lives through undiscounted future cash flow analysis. If such a review should indicate that the carrying amount of the assets is not recoverable, the Partnership will reduce the carrying amount of such assets to fair value.
	Deferred Charges
	Deferred charges represent the costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments and are amortized over the lives of the related debt instruments.
	Advertising and Direct Mail Expenses
	Advertising and direct mail costs are expensed as they are incurred. Advertising and direct mail expenses were $12.5 million, $10.5 million, and $9.6 million, in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively and are recorded in delivery and branch expenses.
	Customer Credit Balances
	Customer credit balances represent payments received in advance from customers pursuant to a balanced payment plan (whereby customers pay on a fixed monthly basis) and the payments made have exceeded the charges for liquid product and other services.
	Environmental Costs
	Costs associated with managing hazardous substances and pollution are expensed on a current basis. Accruals are made for costs associated with the remediation of environmental pollution when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
	Insurance Reserves
	The Partnership uses a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle liability and property. Reserves are established and periodically evaluated, based upon expectations as to what our ultimate liability may be for outstanding claims using developmental factors based upon historical claim experience, including frequency, severity, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions, supplemented with support from qualified actuaries.
Income Taxes
The Partnership is a master limited partnership and is not subject to tax at the entity level for Federal and State income tax purposes. Rather, income and losses of the Partnership are allocated directly to the individual partners (the Partnership’s corporate subsidiaries are subject to tax at the entity level for federal and state income tax purposes). While the Partnership will generate non-qualifying Master Limited Partnership revenue through its corporate subsidiaries, distributions from the corporate subsidiaries to the Partnership are generally included in the determination of qualified Master Limited Partnership income. All or a portion of the distributions received by the Partnership from the corporate subsidiaries could be a dividend or capital gain to the partners.
The accompanying financial statements are reported on a fiscal year, however, the Partnership and its Corporate subsidiaries file Federal and State income tax returns on a calendar year.
As most of the Partnership’s income is derived from its corporate subsidiaries, these financial statements reflect significant Federal and State income taxes. For corporate subsidiaries of the Partnership, 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.
Sales, Use and Value Added Taxes
Taxes are assessed by various governmental authorities on many different types of transactions. Sales reported for product, installations and services excludes taxes.
Derivatives and Hedging
FASB ASC 815-10-05 Derivatives and Hedging, requires that derivative instruments be recorded at fair value and included in the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities. The Partnership has elected not to designate its derivative instruments as hedging instruments under this guidance, and the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in our statement of operations.
Weather Hedge Contract
To partially mitigate the adverse effect of warm weather on cash flows, the Partnership has used weather hedge contracts for a number of years. Weather hedge contracts are recorded in accordance with the intrinsic value method defined by FASB ASC 815-45-15 Derivatives and Hedging, Weather Derivatives (EITF 99-2). The premium paid is included in the caption prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying balance sheets and amortized over the life of the contract, with the intrinsic value method applied at each interim period.
For fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 the Partnership has a weather hedge contract with subsidiaries of Swiss Re under which we are entitled to receive a payment of $35,000 per heating degree-day shortfall, when the total number of heating degree-days in the hedge period is less than approximately 92.5% of the ten year average, the Payment Threshold. The hedge covers the period from November 1, through March 31, taken as a whole, for each respective fiscal year, and has a maximum payout of $12.5 million for each respective fiscal year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) when it becomes effective. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, with early adoption prohibited. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Quarterly_Distribution_of_Avai

Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash	'
	3) Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash
	The Partnership agreement provides that beginning October 1, 2008, minimum quarterly distributions on the common units will start accruing at the rate of $0.0675 per quarter ($0.27 on an annual basis) in accordance with the Partnership agreement. There were no distributions of available cash by us before February 2009. Thereafter, in general, the Partnership intends to distribute to its partners on a quarterly basis, all of its available cash, if any, in the manner described below. “Available cash” generally means, for any of its fiscal quarters, all cash on hand at the end of that quarter, less the amount of cash reserves that are necessary or appropriate in the reasonable discretion of the general partners to:
		•	provide for the proper conduct of the Partnership’s business including acquisitions and debt payments;
		•	comply with applicable law, any of its debt instruments or other agreements; or
		•	provide funds for distributions to the common unitholders during the next four quarters, in some circumstances.
	Available cash will generally be distributed as follows:
		•	first, 100% to the common units, pro rata, until the Partnership distributes to each common unit the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675;
		•	second, 100% to the common units, pro rata, until the Partnership distributes to each common unit any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for prior quarters;
		•	third, 100% to the general partner units, pro rata, until the Partnership distributes to each general partner unit the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675;
		•	fourth, 90% to the common units, pro rata, and 10% to the general partner units, pro rata (subject to the Management Incentive Plan), until the Partnership distributes to each common unit the first target distribution of $0.1125; and
		•	thereafter, 80% to the common units, pro rata, and 20% to the general partner units, pro rata.
	The Partnership is obligated to meet certain financial covenants under the amended and restated revolving credit facility. The Partnership must maintain excess availability of at least 15.0% of the revolving commitment then in effect and a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15 in order to make any distributions to unitholders.
	For fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, cash distributions declared per common unit were $0.34, $0.32, and $0.31, respectively.
	For fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, of incentive distributions were paid to the general partner, exclusive of amounts paid subject to the Management Incentive Plan.

Common_Unit_Repurchase_Plans_a

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement	'
	4) Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement
	In July 2012, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the general partner of the Partnership authorized the repurchase of up to 3.0 million of the Partnership’s Common Units (“Plan III”). In July 2013, the Board authorized the repurchase of an additional 1.9 million Common Units under Plan III. 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 dated January 14, 2014, in order to repurchase Common Units 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 measured as of the date of repurchase. The Partnership was in compliance with this covenant (or the equivalent covenant under the credit agreement then in effect) for all unit repurchases made during the twelve months ended September 30, 2014.
	The following table shows repurchases under Plan III.
	(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
	Period		Total Number		Average Price		Maximum Number
			of Units		Paid per Unit (b)		of Units that May
			Purchased (a)				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 - First quarter fiscal year 2014 total (d)			250	$	5.2		2,488
	Plan III - Second quarter fiscal year 2014 total			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - Third quarter fiscal year 2014 total			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - July 2014			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - August 2014			9	$	5.76		2,479
	Plan III - September 2014			54	$	5.78		2,425
	Plan III - Fourth quarter fiscal year 2014 total			63	$	5.77		2,425
	Plan III - Fiscal year 2014 total			313	$	5.32		2,425
	(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)	First quarter fiscal year 2014 common unit repurchases were acquired in a private transaction.

Derivatives_and_HedgingDisclos

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements	'
	5) Derivatives and Hedging—Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements
	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.
	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 September 30, 2014, the Partnership had bought 13.9 million gallons of swap contracts with a notional value of $39.9 million and a fair value of $(2.9) million, 3.1 million gallons of call options with a notional value of $10.8 million and a fair value of $0.01 million, 8.5 million gallons of put options with a notional value of $19.3 million and a fair value of $0.1 million and 83.8 million net gallons of synthetic calls with a notional value of $252.3 million and a fair value of $(28.8) million, 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 September 30, 2014, had sold 18.7 million gallons of future contracts with a notional value of $52.0 million and a fair value of $2.3 million. In addition to the previously described hedging instruments, to lock-in the differential between high sulfur home heating oil and ultra low sulfur diesel, the Partnership as of September 30, 2014, had bought corresponding long and short 12.4 million net gallons of swap contracts with an average notional value of $36.2 million and a net fair value of $(0.2) million. To hedge a majority of its internal fuel usage for fiscal 2014, the Partnership as of September 30, 2014, had bought 4.3 million gallons of future swap contracts with a notional value of $12.0 million and a fair value of $(0.9) million.
	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 September 30, 2013, the Partnership held 2.4 million gallons of physical inventory and had bought 6.0 million gallons of swap contracts with a notional value of $18.0 million and a fair value of $(0.2) million, 2.9 million gallons of call options with a notional value of $10.6 million and a fair value of $0.02 million, 5.0 million gallons of put options with a notional value of $11.8 million and a fair value of $0.04 million and 81.2 million net gallons of synthetic calls with a notional value of $252.8 million and a fair value of $(15.9) million, 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 September 30, 2013, had bought 17.4 million gallons of future contracts with a notional value of $51.9 million and a fair value of $(0.6) million, had sold 26.4 million gallons of future contracts with a notional value of $78.9 million and a fair value of $1.2 million and had sold 8.5 million gallons of future swap contracts with a notional value of $24.9 million and a fair value of $(0.3) million. In addition to the previously described hedging instruments, to lock-in the differential between high sulfur home heating oil and ultra low sulfur diesel, the Partnership as of September 30, 2013, had bought corresponding long and short 28.2 million net gallons of swap contracts with a notional value of $83.8 million and a fair value of $0.7 million and bought 6.0 million gallons of spread contracts (simultaneous long and short positions) with a notional value of $(0.5) million and a fair value of $0.1 million. To hedge a majority of its internal fuel usage for fiscal 2013, the Partnership as of September 30, 2013, had bought 3.2 million gallons of future swap contracts with a notional value of $9.0 million and a fair value of $0.05 million.
	The Partnership’s derivative instruments are with the following counterparties: Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, Cargill, Inc., 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 maintains master netting arrangements with counterparties to help manage the risks, and record derivative positions on a net basis. The Partnership considers counterparty credit risk to be low. At September 30, 2014, the aggregate cash posted as collateral in the normal course of business at counterparties was $2.5 million. Positions with counterparties who are also parties to our revolving credit facility are collateralized under that facility. As of September 30, 2014, $14.9 million of hedge positions were secured under the credit facility.
	FASB ASC 815-10-05 Derivatives and Hedging, established accounting and reporting standards requiring that derivative instruments be recorded at fair value and included in the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities, along with qualitative disclosures regarding the derivative activity. To the extent derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are effective and the standard’s documentation requirements have been met, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income until the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings. The Partnership has elected not to designate its derivative instruments as hedging instruments under this standard and the change in fair value of the derivative instruments 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 hedged, realized gains and losses are recorded in cost of product, cost of installations and services, or delivery and branch expenses.
	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 Partnership had no Level 3 derivative instruments. 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		Balance Sheet Location		Total				Quoted Prices in				Significant Other
	Designated as Hedging								Active  Markets for				Observable Inputs
	Instruments								Identical Assets				Level 2
	Under FASB ASC 815-10								Level 1
	Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2014
	Commodity contracts		Fair asset and fair liability value		$	26,263			$	2,328			$	23,935
			of derivative instruments
	Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2014				$	26,263			$	2,328			$	23,935
	Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2014
	Commodity contracts		Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	(36,279	)		$	—			$	(36,279	)
	Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2014				$	(36,279	)		$	—			$	(36,279	)
	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)		Gross				Gross				Net Assets				Financial		Cash		Net Amount
	and Derivative Assets (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		$	2,342			$	—			$	2,342			$	—	$	—	$	2,342
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			23,921				(36,279	)			(12,358	)			—		—		(12,358	)
	Total at September 30, 2014		$	26,263			$	(36,279	)		$	(10,016	)		$	—	$	—	$	(10,016	)
	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
					Years Ended September 30,
	Derivatives Not		Location of (Gain) or		2014				2013				2012
	Designated as Hedging		Loss Recognized in
	Instruments Under		Income on Derivative
	FASB ASC 815-10
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product (a)		$	11,781			$	17,769			$	18,636
	Commodity contracts		Cost of installations and service (a)		$	(202	)		$	(440	)		$	(284	)
	Commodity contracts		Delivery and branch expenses (a)		$	(104	)		$	(286	)		$	(82	)
	Commodity contracts		(Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments		$	6,566			$	6,775			$	(8,549	)
	(a)	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventories	'
	6) 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):
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Product	$	39,802	$	50,197
	Parts and equipment		19,438		17,953
	Total inventory	$	59,240	$	68,150
	Product inventories were comprised of 14.3 million gallons and 17.1 million gallons on September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The Partnership has market price based product supply contracts for approximately 285.7 million gallons of home heating oil and propane, and 24.8 million gallons of diesel and gasoline, which it expects to fully utilize to meet its requirements over the next twelve months.
	During fiscal 2014, Global Companies LLC and NIC Holding Corp. provided approximately 17% and 11%, respectively, of our petroleum product purchases. No other single supplier provided more than 10% of our product supply during fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2013, Global Companies LLC and JPMorgan Ventures Energy Corporation provided approximately 19% and 11% respectively, of our petroleum product purchases.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property and Equipment	'
	7) Property and Equipment
	The components of property and equipment and their estimated useful lives were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Land and land improvements	$	16,884	$	13,958
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		30,877		27,571
	Fleet and other equipment		54,685		46,260
	Tanks and equipment		26,204		21,445
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		41,657		61,228
	Total		170,307		170,462
	Less accumulated depreciation		102,888		119,139
	Property and equipment, net	$	67,419	$	51,323
	Depreciation expense was $10.1 million, $8.1 million, and $8.1 million, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations	'
	8) Business Combinations
	During fiscal 2014, including the acquisition of Griffith Energy Services, Inc. (“Griffith”) discussed in more detail below, the Partnership acquired three heating oil dealers for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $98.5 million. The gross purchase price of all three heating oil dealers were allocated $53.7 million to intangible assets, $17.6 million to fixed assets and $27.2 million to working capital. Each acquired company’s operating results are included in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements starting on its acquisition date. Customer lists, other intangibles and trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven to twenty years.
	During fiscal 2013, the Partnership acquired two heating oil dealers for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.4 million. The gross purchase price was allocated $1.3 million to intangible assets, $0.2 million to fixed assets and reduced by $0.1 million for working capital credits.
	During fiscal 2012, the Partnership acquired seven heating oil and propane dealers for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $39.2 million. The gross purchase price was allocated $32.4 million to intangible assets, $8.0 million to fixed assets and reduced by $1.2 million for working capital credits.
	On March 4, 2014 (the “Acquisition Date”), the Partnership completed the acquisition of Griffith of Columbia, Maryland, from Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation. The Partnership purchased 100% of the stock of Griffith for $97.7 million, consisting of $69.9 million paid for the long term assets and $27.8 million paid for working capital (net of $4.2 million of cash acquired). There was no long-term debt assumed in the acquisition. The business reason for this acquisition is that Griffith, being a 100-year-old brand that is broadly recognized as a premier fuel and service provider in its territories, is an excellent strategic fit for the Partnership. The Griffith acquisition adds scale to the Partnership and leverages our existing fixed cost base, providing access to approximately 50,000 residential and commercial accounts across the Mid-Atlantic region.
	The following table summarizes the final fair values and purchase price allocation at the acquisition date, of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the Griffith acquisition as of the Acquisition Date.
	(in thousands)	As of Acquisition Date
	Trade accounts receivable (a)	$	49,010
	Inventories		5,143
	Other current assets		2,984
	Property and equipment		17,263
	Customer lists, trade names and other intangibles		44,400
	Other long term assets		1,778
	Current liabilities		(31,096	)
	Total net identifiable assets acquired	$	89,482
	Total consideration	$	97,650
	Less: Total net identifiable assets acquired		89,482
	Goodwill	$	8,168
	(a) The gross contractual receivable amount is $50.7 million, and the best estimate at the Acquisition Date of the contractual cash flows not expected to be collected is $1.7 million.
	The total costs of $0.8 million related to this acquisition ($1.0 million for all three heating oil dealers acquired in fiscal 2014) are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations under general and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended September 30, 2014.
	All of the $8.2 million of goodwill relating to the Griffith acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	Included in our consolidated statement of operations from the Acquisition Date through September 30, 2014, are Griffith’s sales and net (loss) before income taxes of $139.1 million and $(3.0) million, respectively.
	The following table provides unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the Griffith acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2012, the beginning of fiscal year 2013. The unaudited pro forma results were prepared using Griffith’s current and prior year financial information, reflecting certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as the elimination of directly attributable acquisition expenses and changes to depreciation and amortization expenses. These pro forma adjustments do not include any potential synergies related to combining the businesses. Accordingly, such pro forma operating results were prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition been made as of October 1, 2012 or of results that may occur in the future.
		September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Total sales	$	2,132,430		$	2,040,271
	Net income	$	40,903		$	31,557

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	9) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Under FASB ASC 350-10-05 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill impairment if any, needs to be determined if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If goodwill of a reporting unit is determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the excess of the net book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Partnership has selected August 31 of each year to perform its annual impairment review, whereby the total enterprise value as indicated by the Income Approach and Market Approach (consisting of the Market Comparable and Market Transaction Approach) is compared to the Partnership’s book value of net assets and reconciled to the Partnership’s market capitalization.
	The Partnership performed its annual goodwill impairment valuation in each of the periods ending August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and it was determined based on each year’s analysis that there was no goodwill impairment.
	The preparation of this analysis was based upon management’s estimates and assumptions, and future impairment calculations would be affected by actual results that are materially different from projected amounts. To provide for a sensitivity of the discount rates and transaction multiples used, ranges of high and low values are employed in the analysis, with the low values examined to ensure that a reasonably likely change in an assumption would not cause the Partnership to reach a different conclusion.
	A summary of changes in the Partnership’s goodwill during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	201,103
	Fiscal year 2013 business combination		27
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		201,130
	Fiscal year 2014 business combinations		8,201
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	209,331
	Intangibles, net
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014						2013
		Gross		Accum.		Net		Gross		Accum.		Net
		Carrying		Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Customer lists	$	304,699	$	224,215	$	80,484	$	267,580	$	213,773	$	53,807
	Trade names and other intangibles		24,070		3,771		20,299		20,431		7,448		12,983
	Total	$	328,769	$	227,986	$	100,783	$	288,011	$	221,221	$	66,790
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $11.5 million, $9.2 million, and $8.2 million, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Total estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization, for the year ended September 30, 2015 and the four succeeding fiscal years ended September 30, is as follows (in thousands):
		Amount
	2015	$	13,229
	2016	$	13,058
	2017	$	12,538
	2018	$	11,699
	2019	$	11,464

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	10) Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
	The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Accrued wages and benefits	$	23,926	$	18,932
	Accrued insurance and environmental costs		64,357		58,470
	Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities		14,651		9,740
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	102,934	$	87,142

LongTerm_Debt_and_Bank_Facilit

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings	'
	11) Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings
	The Partnership’s debt is as follows (in thousands):
			September 30,
			2014				2013
			Carrying		Fair Value (a)		Carrying		Fair Value (a)
			Amount				Amount
	8.875% Senior Notes (b)		$	124,572	$	130,313	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings (c)			—		—		—		—
	Total debt		$	124,572	$	130,313	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Total long-term portion of debt		$	124,572	$	130,313	$	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.
	(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 $0.4 million at September 30, 2014. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing particular 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)	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 then existing revolving credit facility.
		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.
		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).
		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 and 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. 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.
	At September 30, 2014, no amount was outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $14.9 million of hedge positions were secured, and $52.8 million of letters of credit were issued. At September 30, 2013, no amount was outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $10.5 million of hedge positions were secured, and $44.7 million of letters of credit were issued.
	At September 30, 2014, availability was $149.6 million, the restricted net assets totaled approximately $389 million and the Partnership was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio. Restricted net assets are assets in the Partnership’s subsidiaries the distribution or transfer of which to Star Gas Partners, L.P. are subject to limitations under its revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2013, availability was $164.3 million, the restricted net assets totaled approximately $375 million and the Partnership was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio.
	As of September 30, 2014, the maturities including working capital borrowings during fiscal years ending September 30, are set forth in the following table (in thousands):
	2015		$	—
	2016		$	—
	2017		$	—
	2018		$	125,000
	2019		$	—
	Thereafter		$	—

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	12) Employee Benefit Plans
	Defined Contribution Plans
	The Partnership has several 401(k) and other defined contribution plans that cover eligible non-union and union employees, and makes employer contributions to these plans, subject to IRS limitations. These plans provide for each participant to contribute from 0% to 60% of compensation, subject to IRS limitations. The Partnership’s aggregate contributions to the 401(k) plans during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, were $5.2 million, $4.9 million, and $4.5 million, respectively. The Partnership’s aggregate contribution to the other defined contribution plans was $0.5 million in each fiscal year 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Management Incentive Compensation Plan
	The Partnership has a Management Incentive Compensation Plan. The long-term compensation structure is intended to align the employee’s performance with the long-term performance of our unitholders. Under the Plan, certain named employees who participate shall be entitled to receive a pro rata share of an amount in cash equal to:
		•		50% of the distributions (“Incentive Distributions”) of Available Cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675 per unit otherwise distributable to Kestrel Heat pursuant to the Partnership Agreement on account of its general partner units; and
		•		50% of the cash proceeds (the “Gains Interest”) which Kestrel Heat shall receive from the sale of its general partner units (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), less expenses and applicable taxes.
	The pro rata share payable to each participant under the Plan is based on the number of participation points as described under “Fiscal 2014 Compensation Decisions—Management Incentive Compensation Plan.” The amount paid in Incentive Distributions is governed by the Partnership Agreement and the calculation of Available Cash.
	To fund the benefits under the Plan, Kestrel Heat has agreed to forego receipt of the amount of Incentive Distributions that are payable to plan participants. For accounting purposes, amounts payable to management under this Plan will be treated as compensation and will reduce net income. Kestrel Heat has also agreed to contribute to the Partnership, as a contribution to capital, an amount equal to the Gains Interest payable to participants in the Plan by the Partnership. The Partnership is not required to reimburse Kestrel Heat for amounts payable pursuant to the Plan.
	The Plan is administered by the Partnership’s Chief Financial Officer under the direction of the Board or by such other officer as the Board may from time to time direct. In general, no payments will be made under the Plan if the Partnership is not distributing cash under the Incentive Distributions described above.
	Effective as of July 19, 2012, the Board of Directors adopted certain amendments (the “Plan Amendments”) to the Plan. Under the Plan Amendments, the number and identity of the Plan participants and their participation interests in the Plan have been frozen at the current levels. In addition, under the Plan Amendments, the plan benefits (to the extent vested) may be transferred upon the death of a participant to his or her heirs. A participant’s vested percentage of his or her plan benefits will be 100% during the time a participant is an employee or consultant of the Partnership. Following the termination of such positions, a participant’s vested percentage shall be equal to 20% for each full or partial year of employment or consultation with the Partnership starting with the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (33 1/3% in the case of the Partnership’s chief executive officer at that time).
	The Partnership distributed to management and the general partner Incentive Distributions of approximately $447,000 during fiscal 2014, $330,000 during fiscal 2013, and $277,000 during fiscal 2012. Included in these amounts for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, were distributions under the management incentive compensation plan of $223,000, $165,000 and $138,000, respectively, of which named executive officers received approximately $100,000 during fiscal 2014, $119,000 during fiscal 2013, and $99,000 during fiscal 2012. With regard to the Gains Interest, Kestrel Heat has not given any indication that it will sell its general partner units within the next twelve months. Thus the Plan’s value attributable to the Gains Interest currently cannot be determined.
	Multiemployer Pension Plans
	We contribute to various multiemployer union administered pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that provide for such plans for covered union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in that assets contributed are pooled and may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the remaining participating employers may be required to bear the unfunded obligations of the plan. If we choose to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay a withdrawal liability in part based on the underfunded status of the plan.
	The following table outlines our participation and contributions to multiemployer pension plans for the periods ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The EIN/Pension Plan Number column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status for 2014 and 2013 relates to the plans’ two most recent fiscal year-ends, based on information received from the plans as reported on their Form 5500 Schedule MB. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded. The FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented. Certain plans have been aggregated in the All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans line of the following table, as our participation in each of these individual plans is not significant.
	For the Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund, Local 553 Pension Fund and Local 463 Pension Fund, we provided more than 5 percent of the total plan contributions from all employers for 2014, 2013 and 2012, as disclosed in the respective plan’s Form 5500. The collective bargaining agreements of these plans require contributions based on the hours worked and there are no minimum contributions required.
					Pension Protection Act			FIP / RP Status	Partnership Contributions
					Zone Status				(in thousands)
	Pension Fund		EIN		2014	2013		Pending /	2014			2013			2012			Surcharge		Expiration Date of
			/ Pension Plan					Implemented										Imposed		Collective-
			Number																	Bargaining
																				Agreement
	New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund		04-6372430		Red	Red		Yes /	$	2,868		$	2,709		$	2,532		No			3/31/17
			/ 001					Implemented
	Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund		13-6123973		Green	Green		N/A		855			820			771		No			12/31/14
			/ 001
	Local 553 Pension Fund		13-6637826		Green	Green		N/A		2,649			2,729			2,152		No			1/15/17
			/ 001
	Local 463 Pension Fund		11-1800729		Green	Green		N/A		156			146			155		No			2/28/17
			/ 001
	All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans									1,846			1,614			1,627
								Total	$	8,374		$	8,018		$	7,237
								Contributions
	Defined Benefit Plans
	The Partnership accounts for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans (“the Plan”) in accordance with FASB ASC 715-10-05 Compensation-Retirement Benefits. The Partnership has no post-retirement benefit plans.
	Effective September 30, 2014, the Partnership adopted the Society of Actuaries 2014 Mortality Tables Report and Mortality Improvement Scale, which updated the mortality assumptions that private defined benefit retirement plans in the United States use in the actuarial valuations that determine a plan sponsor’s pension obligations. The updated mortality data reflects increasing life expectancies in the United States, and affected plans generally expect the value of the actuarial obligations to increase, depending on the specific demographic characteristics of the plan participants and the types of benefits.
	The following table provides the net periodic benefit cost for the period, a reconciliation of the changes in the Plan assets, projected benefit obligations, and the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income at the dates indicated using a measurement date of September 30 (in thousands):
	Debit / (Credit)		Net Periodic			Cash			Fair			Projected			Other			Gross Pension
			Pension						Value of			Benefit			Comprehensive			Related
			Cost in						Pension			Obligation			(Income) / Loss			Accumulated
			Income						Plan									Other
			Statement						Assets									Comprehensive
																		Income
	Fiscal Year 2012
	Beginning balance								$	52,434		$	(67,878	)				$	33,041
	Interest cost			2,858									(2,858	)
	Actual return on plan assets			(8,727	)					8,727
	Employer contributions						(3,365	)		3,365
	Benefit payments									(4,223	)		4,223
	Investment and other expenses			(374	)								374
	Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets			5,075												(5,075	)
	Anticipated expenses			262									(262	)
	Actuarial loss												(6,650	)		6,650
	Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss			2,751												(2,751	)
	Annual cost/change		$	1,845		$	(3,365	)		7,869			(5,173	)	$	(1,176	)		(1,176	)
	Ending balance								$	60,303		$	(73,051	)				$	31,865
	Funded status at the end of the year											$	(12,748	)
	Fiscal Year 2013
	Interest cost			2,477									(2,477	)
	Actual return on plan assets			(332	)					332
	Employer contributions						(3,476	)		3,476
	Benefit payments									(4,083	)		4,083
	Investment and other expenses			(285	)								285
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets			(3,475	)											3,475
Anticipated expenses			302									(302	)
Actuarial gain												7,157			(7,157	)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss			2,655												(2,655	)
Annual cost/change		$	1,342		$	(3,476	)		(275	)		8,746		$	(6,337	)		(6,337	)
Ending balance								$	60,028		$	(64,305	)				$	25,528
Funded status at the end of the year											$	(4,277	)
Fiscal Year 2014
Interest cost			2,761									(2,761	)
Actual return on plan assets			(7,614	)					7,614
Employer contributions						(2,014	)		2,014
Benefit payments									(4,277	)		4,277
Investment and other expenses			(262	)								262
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets			4,472												(4,472	)
Anticipated expenses			300									(300	)
Actuarial loss												(7,655	)		7,655
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss			2,113												(2,113	)
Annual cost/change		$	1,770		$	(2,014	)		5,351			(6,177	)	$	1,070			1,070
Ending balance								$	65,379		$	(70,482	)				$	26,598
Funded status at the end of the year											$	(5,103	)
At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the amounts included on the balance sheet in other long-term liabilities were $5.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively.
The $26.6 million net actuarial loss balance at September 30, 2014 for the two frozen defined benefit pension plans in accumulated other comprehensive income will be recognized and amortized into net periodic pension costs as an actuarial loss in future years. The estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year is $2.2 million.
		September 30,
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Measurement of the Partnership’s Benefit Obligation		2014			2013			2012
Discount rate at year end date			4.05	%		4.45	%		3.5	%
Expected return on plan assets for the year ended			5.75	%		7	%		7.75	%
Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A
The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets determined using fair value.
The Partnership’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is updated at least annually, taking into consideration our asset allocation, historical returns on the types of assets held, and the current economic environment. The Partnership revised its return on plan assets assumption to 5.5% per annum effective fiscal year 2015.
The discount rate used to determine net periodic pension expense for fiscal year 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 4.45%, 3.50%, and 4.35% respectively. The discount rate used by the Partnership in determining pension expense and pension obligations reflects the yield of high quality (AA or better rating by a recognized rating agency) corporate bonds whose cash flows are expected to match the timing and amounts of projected future benefit payments.
The Plan’s objectives are to have the ability to pay benefit and expense obligations when due, to maintain the funded ratio of the Plan, to maximize return within reasonable and prudent levels of risk in order to minimize contributions and charges to the profit and loss statement, and to control costs of administering the Plan and managing the investments of the Plan. The target asset allocation of the Plan (currently 80% domestic fixed income, 15% domestic equities and 5% international equities) is based on a long-term perspective, and as the Plan gets closer to being fully funded, the allocations have been adjusted to lower volatility from equity holdings.
The Partnership had no Level 2 or Level 3 pension plan assets during the three years ended September 30, 2014. The fair values and percentage of the Partnership’s pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands):
					Concentration
Asset Category at September 30, 2014		Level 1			Percentage
Corporate and U.S. government bond fund (1)		$	52,204			79	%
U.S. large-cap equity (1)			9,774			15	%
International equity (1)			3,093			5	%
Cash			308			1	%
Total		$	65,379			100	%
-1	Represent investments in Vanguard funds that seek to replicate the asset category description.
While the Partnership is not obligated to make a minimum required contribution in fiscal year 2015, it is expected that a $1.7 million pension contribution may be made.
Expected benefit payments over each of the next five years will total approximately $4.4 million per year. Expected benefit payments for the five years thereafter will aggregate approximately $21.3 million.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes	'
	13) Income Taxes
	Income tax expense is comprised of the following for the indicated periods (in thousands):
		Years Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	19,747		$	14,486		$	2,168
	State		4,909			3,759			1,495
	Deferred		659			1,676			12,913
		$	25,315		$	19,921		$	16,576
	The provision for income taxes differs from income taxes computed at the Federal statutory rate as a result of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	61,399		$	49,827		$	42,565
	Provision for income taxes:
	Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	21,490		$	17,440		$	14,898
	Impact of Partnership loss not subject to federal income taxes		628			97			697
	State taxes net of federal benefit		3,310			3,192			2,801
	Permanent differences		57			37			28
	Change in valuation allowance		—			(658	)		(14	)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefit		(113	)		55			(1,669	)
	Other		(57	)		(242	)		(165	)
		$	25,315		$	19,921		$	16,576
	The components of the net deferred taxes for the years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 using current tax rates are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	5,490		$	6,760
	Vacation accrual		2,970			2,580
	Pension accrual		2,964			2,672
	Allowance for bad debts		3,661			3,158
	Fair value of derivative instruments		5,000			2,314
	Insurance accrual		22,823			21,073
	Inventory capitalization		865			941
	Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward		261			261
	Other, net		2,060			1,906
	Total deferred tax assets	$	46,094		$	41,665
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	2,383		$	2,225
	Inventory costing method		256			—
	Intangibles		30,495			26,285
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	33,134		$	28,510
	Net deferred taxes	$	12,960		$	13,155
	Based upon a review of a number of factors and all available evidence, including recent historical operating performance, the expectation of sustainable earnings, and the confidence that sufficient positive taxable income would continue in all tax jurisdictions for the foreseeable future, the Partnership concludes for the years ended September 30, 2014, and September 30, 2013, that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be fully realized, and as such has not recorded a valuation allowance.
	As of January 1, 2014, Star Acquisitions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership, had a 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 September 30, 2014, 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.
	Tax Uncertainties (in thousands)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	784
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		—
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		116
	Reduction for tax positions of prior years		—
	Reductions due to lapse in statue of limitations/settlements		—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	900
	We believe that the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits will not materially change during the next 12 months ending September 30, 2015. Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties 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.

Lease_Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Lease Commitments	'
	14) Lease Commitments
	The Partnership has entered into certain operating leases for office space, trucks and other equipment. The future minimum rental commitments at September 30, 2014 under operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable term of one year or more are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	15,765
	2016		13,543
	2017		10,232
	2018		6,665
	2019		5,855
	Thereafter		9,238
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	61,298
	Rent expense for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $15.9 million, $14.7 million, and $14.2 million, respectively.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
	15) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
		Years Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Income taxes, net	$	25,518	$	16,137	$	6,175
	Interest	$	16,968	$	14,376	$	14,487
	Non-cash financing activities:
	Increase in interest expense—amortization of debt discount on 8.875% Senior Note	$	112	$	103	$	94

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	16) Commitments and Contingencies
	At any given time the Partnership is a defendant in various legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Partnership records a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. The Partnership maintains insurance policies with insurers 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. 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_Per_Limited_Partner_U

Earnings Per Limited Partner Units	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Limited Partner Units	'
	17) Earnings Per Limited Partner Units
	The following table presents the net income allocation and per unit data in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 Earnings per Share, Master Limited Partnerships (EITF 03-06):
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:		Years Ended September 30,
	(in thousands, except per unit data)		2014		2013		2012
	Net income		$	36,084	$	29,906	$	25,989
	Less General Partners’ interest in net income			203		159		136
	Net income available to limited partners			35,881		29,747		25,853
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *			3,195		2,010		1,142
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		$	32,686	$	27,737	$	24,711
	Per unit data:
	Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners		$	0.62	$	0.5	$	0.42
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *			0.05		0.03		0.02
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		$	0.57	$	0.47	$	0.4
	Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding			57,476		59,409		61,931
	*	In any accounting period where the Partnership’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Partnership is required as per FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the period were distributed, based on the terms of the Partnership agreement, 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.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	'
	18) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
			Three Months Ended
	(in thousands - except per unit data)		Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,			Total
			2013		2014		2014			2014
	Sales		$	520,610	$	892,241	$	326,511		$	222,362		$	1,961,724
	Gross profit for product, installation and service			108,590		199,645		60,682			37,507			406,424
	Operating income (loss)			36,887		93,953		(10,797	)		(40,188	)		79,855
	Income (loss) before income taxes			32,843		89,289		(16,618	)		(44,115	)		61,399
	Net income (loss)			19,288		52,216		(9,592	)		(25,828	)		36,084
	Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)			19,179		51,922		(9,538	)		(25,682	)		35,881
	Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
	Basic and diluted (a)		$	0.29	$	0.75	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.45	)	$	0.57
			Three Months Ended
	(in thousands - except per unit data)		Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,			Total
			2012		2013		2013			2013
	Sales		$	516,525	$	785,139	$	262,524		$	177,608		$	1,741,796
	Gross profit for product, installation and service			102,691		162,011		54,907			33,519			353,128
	Operating income (loss)			18,577		75,229		(8,001	)		(19,800	)		66,005
	Income (loss) before income taxes			14,669		70,796		(11,952	)		(23,686	)		49,827
	Net income (loss)			9,752		41,679		(7,588	)		(13,937	)		29,906
	Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)			9,699		41,454		(7,547	)		(13,859	)		29,747
	Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
	Basic and diluted (a)		$	0.15	$	0.58	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.24	)	$	0.47
	(a)	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events	'
	19) Subsequent Events
	Quarterly Distribution Declared
	In October 2014, we declared a quarterly distribution of $0.0875 per unit, or $0.35 per unit on an annualized basis, on all Common Units with respect to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, payable on November 14, 2014, to holders of record on November 10, 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 Common Unit holders and 10% to the General Partner unit holders (until certain distribution levels are met), subject to the management incentive compensation plan. As a result, $5.0 million will be paid to the Common Unit holders, $0.1 million to the General Partner unit holders (including $0.06 million of incentive distribution as provided in our Partnership Agreement) and $0.06 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.
	Common Units Repurchased and Retired
	In accordance with the Plan III common unit repurchase program, during the first two months of fiscal 2015 the Partnership repurchased and retired 122 thousand Common Units at an average price paid of $5.64 per unit.

Condensed_Financial_Informatio

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	'
	Schedule I
	STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. (PARENT COMPANY)
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
			September 30,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013
	Balance Sheets
	ASSETS
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	324		$	324
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			203			206
	Total current assets			527			530
	Investment in subsidiaries (a)			399,414			384,783
	Deferred charges and other assets, net			2,003			2,523
	Total Assets		$	401,944		$	387,836
	LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
	Current liabilities
	Accrued expenses		$	4,127		$	4,095
	Total current liabilities			4,127			4,095
	Long-term debt (b)			124,572			124,460
	Partners’ capital			273,245			259,281
	Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital		$	401,944		$	387,836
	(a)	Investments in Star Acquisitions, Inc. and subsidiaries are recorded in accordance with the equity method of accounting.
	(b)	Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during each of the next five fiscal years ending September 30, are as follows: 2015—$0; 2016—$0; 2017—$0; 2018—$125,000; 2019—$0; thereafter —$0. The $125,000 principal amount of 8.875% Senior Notes mature in December 2017.
	Schedule I
	STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. (PARENT COMPANY)
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
			Years Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Statements of Operations
	Revenues		$	—		$	—		$	—
	General and administrative expenses			1,420			31			2,019
	Operating loss			(1,420	)		(31	)		(2,019	)
	Net interest expense			(11,206	)		(11,197	)		(11,188	)
	Amortization of debt issuance costs			(520	)		(474	)		(330	)
	Net loss before equity income			(13,146	)		(11,702	)		(13,537	)
	Equity income of Star Petro Inc. and subs			49,230			41,608			39,526
	Net income		$	36,084		$	29,906		$	25,989
	Schedule I
	STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. (PARENT COMPANY)
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
			Years Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Statements of Cash Flows
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Net cash provided by operating activities (a)		$	21,513		$	34,537		$	39,196
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			—			—			—
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
	Distributions			(19,850	)		(19,313	)		(19,525	)
	Unit repurchase			(1,663	)		(15,217	)		(19,648	)
	Net cash used in financing activities			(21,513	)		(34,530	)		(39,173	)
	Net increase in cash			—			7			23
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			324			317			294
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	324		$	324		$	317
	(a) Includes distributions from subsidiaries		$	21,513		$	34,530		$	39,173

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Schedule II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Years Ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(in thousands)
	Year		Description	Balance  at		Charged		Other			Balance at
				Beginning		to Costs  &		Changes			End of  Year
				of Year		Expenses		Add (Deduct)
	2014		Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7,928	$	7,514	$	(6,222	) (a)	$	9,220
	2013		Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	6,886	$	6,481	$	(5,439	) (a)	$	7,928
	2012		Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	9,530	$	6,017	$	(8,661	) (a)	$	6,886
	(a)	Bad debts written off (net of recoveries).

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Star Gas Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Correction of Errors	'
	Correction of Immaterial Errors
	As reported in our June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q, during fiscal year 2014 we recorded adjustments that reduce net income by $2.2 million ($3.7 million, excluding the related income tax benefit) to correct certain errors related to periods from 2002 through September 30, 2013. The errors include understatements of expenses for state sales and petroleum taxes and the related interest and penalties, and overstatements of installations and services sales. The errors were the result of certain control deficiencies that we identified during the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
	These errors did not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material misstatement of our previously issued consolidated financial statements for any period through September 30, 2013. The correction of these errors in fiscal year 2014 had no material effect on our results for the full year ending September 30, 2014.
Interest expense, net	'
	Interest expense, net
	The components of interest expense, net are:
	(in thousands)	September 30,
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	(16,904	)	$	(14,474	)	$	(14,110	)
	Interest income		50			41			50
	Interest expense, net	$	(16,854	)	$	(14,433	)	$	(14,060	)
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income 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.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Sales of petroleum products are recognized at the time of delivery to the customer and sales of heating and air conditioning equipment are recognized at the time of installation. Revenue from repairs, maintenance and other services are recognized upon completion of the service. Payments received from customers for equipment service contracts are deferred and amortized into income over the terms of the respective service contracts, on a straight-line basis, which generally do not exceed one year. To the extent that the Partnership anticipates that future costs for fulfilling its contractual obligations under its service maintenance contracts will exceed the amount of deferred revenue currently attributable to these contracts, the Partnership recognizes a loss in current period earnings equal to the amount that anticipated future costs exceed related deferred revenues.
Cost of Product	'
	Cost of Product
	Cost of product includes the cost of heating oil, diesel, propane, kerosene, heavy oil, gasoline, throughput costs, barging costs, option costs, and realized gains/losses on closed derivative positions for product sales.
Cost of Installations and Service	'
	Cost of Installations and Services
	Cost of installations and services includes equipment and material costs, wages and benefits for equipment technicians, dispatchers and other support personnel, subcontractor expenses, commissions and vehicle related costs.
Delivery and Branch Expenses	'
	Delivery and Branch Expenses
	Delivery and branch expenses include wages and benefits and department related costs for drivers, dispatchers, garage mechanics, customer service, sales and marketing, compliance, credit and branch accounting, information technology, insurance, weather hedge contract costs and recoveries, and operational support.
General and Administrative Expenses	'
	General and Administrative Expenses
	General and administrative expenses include wages and benefits and department related costs for human resources, finance and partnership accounting, administrative support and supply.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivables from customers are recorded at the invoiced amounts. Finance charges may be applied to trade receivables that are more than 30 days past due, and are recorded as finance charge income.
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Partnership’s best estimate of the amount of trade receivables that may not be collectible. The allowance is determined at an aggregate level by grouping accounts based on certain account criteria and its receivable aging. The allowance is based on both quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical loss experience, historical collection patterns, overdue status, aging trends, and current economic conditions. The Partnership has an established process to periodically review current and past due trade receivable balances to determine the adequacy of the allowance. No single statistic or measurement determines the adequacy of the allowance. The total allowance reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in its trade receivables at the balance sheet date. Different assumptions or changes in economic conditions could result in material changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Allocation of Net Income	'
	Allocation of Net Income
	Net income for partners’ capital and statement of operations is allocated to the general partner and the limited partners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages, after giving effect to cash distributions paid to the general partner in excess of its ownership interest, if any.
Net Income per Limited Partner Unit	'
	Net Income per Limited Partner Unit
	Income per limited partner unit is computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“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.
Cash, Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable, Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, and Accounts Payable	'
	Cash, Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable, Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, and Accounts Payable
	The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, revolving credit facility borrowings, and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Liquid product inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the weighted average cost method of accounting. All other inventories, representing parts and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market using the FIFO method.
Property and Equipment	'
	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.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets include goodwill, customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete.
	Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets in the acquisition of a company. In accordance with FASB ASC 350-10-05 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are annually tested for impairment. Also in accordance with this standard, intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. The Partnership performs its annual impairment review during its fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill might be impaired.
	Customer lists are the names and addresses of an acquired company’s customers. Based on historical retention experience, these lists are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven to ten years.
	Trade names are the names of acquired companies. Based on the economic benefit expected and historical retention experience of customers, trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven to twenty years.
	Covenants not to compete are agreements with the owners of acquired companies and are amortized over the respective lives of the covenants on a straight-line basis, which are generally five years.
Business Combinations	'
	Business Combinations
	The Partnership uses the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Partnership to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date, and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the amounts recognized for a business combination may be adjusted). Each acquired company’s operating results are included in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements starting on the date of acquisition. The purchase price is equivalent to the fair value of consideration transferred. Tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The separately identifiable intangible assets generally are comprised of customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Costs that are incurred to complete the business combination such as legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration transferred, and are charged to general and administrative expense as they are incurred. For any given acquisition, certain contingent consideration may be identified. Estimates of the fair value of liability or asset classified contingent consideration are included under the acquisition method as part of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed. At each reporting date, these estimates are remeasured to fair value, with changes recognized in earnings.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets
	The Partnership reviews intangible assets and other long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-05-4 Property Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets subsection, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Partnership determines whether the carrying values of such assets are recoverable over their remaining estimated lives through undiscounted future cash flow analysis. If such a review should indicate that the carrying amount of the assets is not recoverable, the Partnership will reduce the carrying amount of such assets to fair value.
Deferred Charges	'
	Deferred Charges
	Deferred charges represent the costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments and are amortized over the lives of the related debt instruments.
Advertising and Direct Mail Expenses	'
	Advertising and Direct Mail Expenses
	Advertising and direct mail costs are expensed as they are incurred. Advertising and direct mail expenses were $12.5 million, $10.5 million, and $9.6 million, in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively and are recorded in delivery and branch expenses.
Customer Credit Balances	'
	Customer Credit Balances
	Customer credit balances represent payments received in advance from customers pursuant to a balanced payment plan (whereby customers pay on a fixed monthly basis) and the payments made have exceeded the charges for liquid product and other services.
Environmental Costs	'
	Environmental Costs
	Costs associated with managing hazardous substances and pollution are expensed on a current basis. Accruals are made for costs associated with the remediation of environmental pollution when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Insurance Reserves	'
	Insurance Reserves
	The Partnership uses a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle liability and property. Reserves are established and periodically evaluated, based upon expectations as to what our ultimate liability may be for outstanding claims using developmental factors based upon historical claim experience, including frequency, severity, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions, supplemented with support from qualified actuaries.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Partnership is a master limited partnership and is not subject to tax at the entity level for Federal and State income tax purposes. Rather, income and losses of the Partnership are allocated directly to the individual partners (the Partnership’s corporate subsidiaries are subject to tax at the entity level for federal and state income tax purposes). While the Partnership will generate non-qualifying Master Limited Partnership revenue through its corporate subsidiaries, distributions from the corporate subsidiaries to the Partnership are generally included in the determination of qualified Master Limited Partnership income. All or a portion of the distributions received by the Partnership from the corporate subsidiaries could be a dividend or capital gain to the partners.
	The accompanying financial statements are reported on a fiscal year, however, the Partnership and its Corporate subsidiaries file Federal and State income tax returns on a calendar year.
	As most of the Partnership’s income is derived from its corporate subsidiaries, these financial statements reflect significant Federal and State income taxes. For corporate subsidiaries of the Partnership, 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.
Sales, Use and Value Added Taxes	'
	Sales, Use and Value Added Taxes
	Taxes are assessed by various governmental authorities on many different types of transactions. Sales reported for product, installations and services excludes taxes.
Derivatives and Hedging	'
	Derivatives and Hedging
	FASB ASC 815-10-05 Derivatives and Hedging, requires that derivative instruments be recorded at fair value and included in the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities. The Partnership has elected not to designate its derivative instruments as hedging instruments under this guidance, and the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in our statement of operations.
Weather Hedge Contract	'
	Weather Hedge Contract
	To partially mitigate the adverse effect of warm weather on cash flows, the Partnership has used weather hedge contracts for a number of years. Weather hedge contracts are recorded in accordance with the intrinsic value method defined by FASB ASC 815-45-15 Derivatives and Hedging, Weather Derivatives (EITF 99-2). The premium paid is included in the caption prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying balance sheets and amortized over the life of the contract, with the intrinsic value method applied at each interim period.
	For fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 the Partnership has a weather hedge contract with subsidiaries of Swiss Re under which we are entitled to receive a payment of $35,000 per heating degree-day shortfall, when the total number of heating degree-days in the hedge period is less than approximately 92.5% of the ten year average, the Payment Threshold. The hedge covers the period from November 1, through March 31, taken as a whole, for each respective fiscal year, and has a maximum payout of $12.5 million for each respective fiscal year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) when it becomes effective. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, with early adoption prohibited. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Components of Interest Expense, Net	'
	The components of interest expense, net are:
	(in thousands)	September 30,
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	(16,904	)	$	(14,474	)	$	(14,110	)
	Interest income		50			41			50
	Interest expense, net	$	(16,854	)	$	(14,433	)	$	(14,060	)

Common_Unit_Repurchase_Plans_a1

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Partnership's Repurchase Activities	'
	The following table shows repurchases under Plan III.
	(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
	Period		Total Number		Average Price		Maximum Number
			of Units		Paid per Unit (b)		of Units that May
			Purchased (a)				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 - First quarter fiscal year 2014 total (d)			250	$	5.2		2,488
	Plan III - Second quarter fiscal year 2014 total			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - Third quarter fiscal year 2014 total			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - July 2014			—	$	—		2,488
	Plan III - August 2014			9	$	5.76		2,479
	Plan III - September 2014			54	$	5.78		2,425
	Plan III - Fourth quarter fiscal year 2014 total			63	$	5.77		2,425
	Plan III - Fiscal year 2014 total			313	$	5.32		2,425
	(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)	First quarter fiscal year 2014 common unit repurchases were acquired in a private transaction.

Derivatives_and_HedgingDisclos1

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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		Balance Sheet Location		Total				Quoted Prices in				Significant Other
	Designated as Hedging								Active  Markets for				Observable Inputs
	Instruments								Identical Assets				Level 2
	Under FASB ASC 815-10								Level 1
	Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2014
	Commodity contracts		Fair asset and fair liability value		$	26,263			$	2,328			$	23,935
			of derivative instruments
	Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2014				$	26,263			$	2,328			$	23,935
	Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2014
	Commodity contracts		Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments		$	(36,279	)		$	—			$	(36,279	)
	Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2014				$	(36,279	)		$	—			$	(36,279	)
	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
					Years Ended September 30,
	Derivatives Not		Location of (Gain) or		2014				2013				2012
	Designated as Hedging		Loss Recognized in
	Instruments Under		Income on Derivative
	FASB ASC 815-10
	Commodity contracts		Cost of product (a)		$	11,781			$	17,769			$	18,636
	Commodity contracts		Cost of installations and service (a)		$	(202	)		$	(440	)		$	(284	)
	Commodity contracts		Delivery and branch expenses (a)		$	(104	)		$	(286	)		$	(82	)
	Commodity contracts		(Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments		$	6,566			$	6,775			$	(8,549	)
	(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)		Gross				Gross				Net Assets				Financial		Cash		Net Amount
	and Derivative Assets (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		$	2,342			$	—			$	2,342			$	—	$	—	$	2,342
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			23,921				(36,279	)			(12,358	)			—		—		(12,358	)
	Total at September 30, 2014		$	26,263			$	(36,279	)		$	(10,016	)		$	—	$	—	$	(10,016	)
	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)		Gross				Gross				Net Assets				Financial		Cash		Net Amount
	and Derivative Assets (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		$	2,342			$	—			$	2,342			$	—	$	—	$	2,342
	Fair liability value of derivative instruments			23,921				(36,279	)			(12,358	)			—		—		(12,358	)
	Total at September 30, 2014		$	26,263			$	(36,279	)		$	(10,016	)		$	—	$	—	$	(10,016	)
	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)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Components of Inventory	'
	The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Product	$	39,802	$	50,197
	Parts and equipment		19,438		17,953
	Total inventory	$	59,240	$	68,150

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property and Equipment	'
	The components of property and equipment and their estimated useful lives were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Land and land improvements	$	16,884	$	13,958
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		30,877		27,571
	Fleet and other equipment		54,685		46,260
	Tanks and equipment		26,204		21,445
	Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		41,657		61,228
	Total		170,307		170,462
	Less accumulated depreciation		102,888		119,139
	Property and equipment, net	$	67,419	$	51,323

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Final Fair Values and Purchase Price Allocation at Acquisition Date of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the final fair values and purchase price allocation at the acquisition date, of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the Griffith acquisition as of the Acquisition Date.
	(in thousands)	As of Acquisition Date
	Trade accounts receivable (a)	$	49,010
	Inventories		5,143
	Other current assets		2,984
	Property and equipment		17,263
	Customer lists, trade names and other intangibles		44,400
	Other long term assets		1,778
	Current liabilities		(31,096	)
	Total net identifiable assets acquired	$	89,482
	Total consideration	$	97,650
	Less: Total net identifiable assets acquired		89,482
	Goodwill	$	8,168
	(a) The gross contractual receivable amount is $50.7 million, and the best estimate at the Acquisition Date of the contractual cash flows not expected to be collected is $1.7 million.
Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations	'
	The following table provides unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the Griffith acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2012, the beginning of fiscal year 2013. The unaudited pro forma results were prepared using Griffith’s current and prior year financial information, reflecting certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as the elimination of directly attributable acquisition expenses and changes to depreciation and amortization expenses. These pro forma adjustments do not include any potential synergies related to combining the businesses. Accordingly, such pro forma operating results were prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition been made as of October 1, 2012 or of results that may occur in the future.
		September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Total sales	$	2,132,430		$	2,040,271
	Net income	$	40,903		$	31,557

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Changes in the Partnership's Goodwill	'
	A summary of changes in the Partnership’s goodwill during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	201,103
	Fiscal year 2013 business combination		27
	Balance as of September 30, 2013		201,130
	Fiscal year 2014 business combinations		8,201
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	209,331
Components of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014						2013
		Gross		Accum.		Net		Gross		Accum.		Net
		Carrying		Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Customer lists	$	304,699	$	224,215	$	80,484	$	267,580	$	213,773	$	53,807
	Trade names and other intangibles		24,070		3,771		20,299		20,431		7,448		12,983
	Total	$	328,769	$	227,986	$	100,783	$	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 year ended September 30, 2015 and the four succeeding fiscal years ended September 30, is as follows (in thousands):
		Amount
	2015	$	13,229
	2016	$	13,058
	2017	$	12,538
	2018	$	11,699
	2019	$	11,464

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Components of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Accrued wages and benefits	$	23,926	$	18,932
	Accrued insurance and environmental costs		64,357		58,470
	Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities		14,651		9,740
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	102,934	$	87,142

LongTerm_Debt_and_Bank_Facilit1

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Partnership's Debt	'
	The Partnership’s debt is as follows (in thousands):
			September 30,
			2014				2013
			Carrying		Fair Value (a)		Carrying		Fair Value (a)
			Amount				Amount
	8.875% Senior Notes (b)		$	124,572	$	130,313	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings (c)			—		—		—		—
	Total debt		$	124,572	$	130,313	$	124,460	$	130,000
	Total long-term portion of debt		$	124,572	$	130,313	$	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.
	(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 $0.4 million at September 30, 2014. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing particular 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)	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 then existing revolving credit facility.
Maturities Including Working Capital Borrowings	'
	As of September 30, 2014, the maturities including working capital borrowings during fiscal years ending September 30, are set forth in the following table (in thousands):
	2015		$	—
	2016		$	—
	2017		$	—
	2018		$	125,000
	2019		$	—
	Thereafter		$	—

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Participation and Contributions to Multiemployer Pension Plans	'
					Pension Protection Act			FIP / RP Status	Partnership Contributions
					Zone Status				(in thousands)
	Pension Fund		EIN		2014	2013		Pending /	2014			2013			2012			Surcharge		Expiration Date of
			/ Pension Plan					Implemented										Imposed		Collective-
			Number																	Bargaining
																				Agreement
	New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund		04-6372430		Red	Red		Yes /	$	2,868		$	2,709		$	2,532		No			3/31/17
			/ 001					Implemented
	Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund		13-6123973		Green	Green		N/A		855			820			771		No			12/31/14
			/ 001
	Local 553 Pension Fund		13-6637826		Green	Green		N/A		2,649			2,729			2,152		No			1/15/17
			/ 001
	Local 463 Pension Fund		11-1800729		Green	Green		N/A		156			146			155		No			2/28/17
			/ 001
	All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans									1,846			1,614			1,627
								Total	$	8,374		$	8,018		$	7,237
								Contributions
Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Period Reconciliation of Changes in Plan Assets Projected Benefit Obligations and Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table provides the net periodic benefit cost for the period, a reconciliation of the changes in the Plan assets, projected benefit obligations, and the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income at the dates indicated using a measurement date of September 30 (in thousands):
	Debit / (Credit)		Net Periodic			Cash			Fair			Projected			Other			Gross Pension
			Pension						Value of			Benefit			Comprehensive			Related
			Cost in						Pension			Obligation			(Income) / Loss			Accumulated
			Income						Plan									Other
			Statement						Assets									Comprehensive
																		Income
	Fiscal Year 2012
	Beginning balance								$	52,434		$	(67,878	)				$	33,041
	Interest cost			2,858									(2,858	)
	Actual return on plan assets			(8,727	)					8,727
	Employer contributions						(3,365	)		3,365
	Benefit payments									(4,223	)		4,223
	Investment and other expenses			(374	)								374
	Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets			5,075												(5,075	)
	Anticipated expenses			262									(262	)
	Actuarial loss												(6,650	)		6,650
	Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss			2,751												(2,751	)
	Annual cost/change		$	1,845		$	(3,365	)		7,869			(5,173	)	$	(1,176	)		(1,176	)
	Ending balance								$	60,303		$	(73,051	)				$	31,865
	Funded status at the end of the year											$	(12,748	)
	Fiscal Year 2013
	Interest cost			2,477									(2,477	)
	Actual return on plan assets			(332	)					332
	Employer contributions						(3,476	)		3,476
	Benefit payments									(4,083	)		4,083
	Investment and other expenses			(285	)								285
	Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets			(3,475	)											3,475
	Anticipated expenses			302									(302	)
	Actuarial gain												7,157			(7,157	)
	Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss			2,655												(2,655	)
	Annual cost/change		$	1,342		$	(3,476	)		(275	)		8,746		$	(6,337	)		(6,337	)
	Ending balance								$	60,028		$	(64,305	)				$	25,528
	Funded status at the end of the year											$	(4,277	)
	Fiscal Year 2014
	Interest cost			2,761									(2,761	)
	Actual return on plan assets			(7,614	)					7,614
	Employer contributions						(2,014	)		2,014
	Benefit payments									(4,277	)		4,277
	Investment and other expenses			(262	)								262
	Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets			4,472												(4,472	)
	Anticipated expenses			300									(300	)
	Actuarial loss												(7,655	)		7,655
	Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss			2,113												(2,113	)
	Annual cost/change		$	1,770		$	(2,014	)		5,351			(6,177	)	$	1,070			1,070
	Ending balance								$	65,379		$	(70,482	)				$	26,598
	Funded status at the end of the year											$	(5,103	)
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Measurement of Partnership's Benefit Obligation	'
			September 30,
	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Measurement of the Partnership’s Benefit Obligation		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate at year end date			4.05	%		4.45	%		3.5	%
	Expected return on plan assets for the year ended			5.75	%		7	%		7.75	%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A
Fair Values and Percentage of Partnership's Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	'
	The fair values and percentage of the Partnership’s pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands):
						Concentration
	Asset Category at September 30, 2014		Level 1			Percentage
	Corporate and U.S. government bond fund (1)		$	52,204			79	%
	U.S. large-cap equity (1)			9,774			15	%
	International equity (1)			3,093			5	%
	Cash			308			1	%
	Total		$	65,379			100	%
	-1	Represent investments in Vanguard funds that seek to replicate the asset category description.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Components of Income Tax Expense	'
	Income tax expense is comprised of the following for the indicated periods (in thousands):
		Years Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	19,747		$	14,486		$	2,168
	State		4,909			3,759			1,495
	Deferred		659			1,676			12,913
		$	25,315		$	19,921		$	16,576
Provision for Income Taxes Differs from Income Taxes	'
	The provision for income taxes differs from income taxes computed at the Federal statutory rate as a result of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	61,399		$	49,827		$	42,565
	Provision for income taxes:
	Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	21,490		$	17,440		$	14,898
	Impact of Partnership loss not subject to federal income taxes		628			97			697
	State taxes net of federal benefit		3,310			3,192			2,801
	Permanent differences		57			37			28
	Change in valuation allowance		—			(658	)		(14	)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefit		(113	)		55			(1,669	)
	Other		(57	)		(242	)		(165	)
		$	25,315		$	19,921		$	16,576
Components of Net Deferred Taxes	'
	The components of the net deferred taxes for the years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 using current tax rates are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	5,490		$	6,760
	Vacation accrual		2,970			2,580
	Pension accrual		2,964			2,672
	Allowance for bad debts		3,661			3,158
	Fair value of derivative instruments		5,000			2,314
	Insurance accrual		22,823			21,073
	Inventory capitalization		865			941
	Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward		261			261
	Other, net		2,060			1,906
	Total deferred tax assets	$	46,094		$	41,665
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	2,383		$	2,225
	Inventory costing method		256			—
	Intangibles		30,495			26,285
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	33,134		$	28,510
	Net deferred taxes	$	12,960		$	13,155
Tax Benefits Recorded as a Benefit to Effective Tax Rate	'
	Tax Uncertainties (in thousands)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	784
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		—
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		116
	Reduction for tax positions of prior years		—
	Reductions due to lapse in statue of limitations/settlements		—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	900

Lease_Commitments_Tables

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Future Minimum Rental Commitments	'
	The future minimum rental commitments at September 30, 2014 under operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable term of one year or more are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	15,765
	2016		13,543
	2017		10,232
	2018		6,665
	2019		5,855
	Thereafter		9,238
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	61,298

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
		Years Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Income taxes, net	$	25,518	$	16,137	$	6,175
	Interest	$	16,968	$	14,376	$	14,487
	Non-cash financing activities:
	Increase in interest expense—amortization of debt discount on 8.875% Senior Note	$	112	$	103	$	94

Earnings_Per_Limited_Partner_U1

Earnings Per Limited Partner Units (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data	'
	The following table presents the net income allocation and per unit data in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 Earnings per Share, Master Limited Partnerships (EITF 03-06):
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:		Years Ended September 30,
	(in thousands, except per unit data)		2014		2013		2012
	Net income		$	36,084	$	29,906	$	25,989
	Less General Partners’ interest in net income			203		159		136
	Net income available to limited partners			35,881		29,747		25,853
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *			3,195		2,010		1,142
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		$	32,686	$	27,737	$	24,711
	Per unit data:
	Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners		$	0.62	$	0.5	$	0.42
	Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *			0.05		0.03		0.02
	Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		$	0.57	$	0.47	$	0.4
	Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding			57,476		59,409		61,931
	*	In any accounting period where the Partnership’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Partnership is required as per FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the period were distributed, based on the terms of the Partnership agreement, 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.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	'
			Three Months Ended
	(in thousands - except per unit data)		Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,			Total
			2013		2014		2014			2014
	Sales		$	520,610	$	892,241	$	326,511		$	222,362		$	1,961,724
	Gross profit for product, installation and service			108,590		199,645		60,682			37,507			406,424
	Operating income (loss)			36,887		93,953		(10,797	)		(40,188	)		79,855
	Income (loss) before income taxes			32,843		89,289		(16,618	)		(44,115	)		61,399
	Net income (loss)			19,288		52,216		(9,592	)		(25,828	)		36,084
	Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)			19,179		51,922		(9,538	)		(25,682	)		35,881
	Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
	Basic and diluted (a)		$	0.29	$	0.75	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.45	)	$	0.57
			Three Months Ended
	(in thousands - except per unit data)		Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,			Total
			2012		2013		2013			2013
	Sales		$	516,525	$	785,139	$	262,524		$	177,608		$	1,741,796
	Gross profit for product, installation and service			102,691		162,011		54,907			33,519			353,128
	Operating income (loss)			18,577		75,229		(8,001	)		(19,800	)		66,005
	Income (loss) before income taxes			14,669		70,796		(11,952	)		(23,686	)		49,827
	Net income (loss)			9,752		41,679		(7,588	)		(13,937	)		29,906
	Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)			9,699		41,454		(7,547	)		(13,859	)		29,747
	Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
	Basic and diluted (a)		$	0.15	$	0.58	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.24	)	$	0.47
	(a)	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.

Partnership_Organization_Addit

Partnership Organization - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

8.875% Senior Notes

8.875% Senior Notes

8.875% Senior Notes

Star Acquisitions, Inc

Petro Holdings, Inc

Star Gas Finance Company

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

General Partner

General Partner

General Partner

General Partner

Customer

Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of outstanding units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

57,405

57,718

61,002

64,970

326

326

326

326

Percentage of limited partner interest

99.44%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of general partner interest

0.56%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest of partnership

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest of Star Acquisitions Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of full-service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers served

'

'

'

'

'

'

444,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of customers to whom only home heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel were sold on a delivery only basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of customers to whom ancillary services were provided

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding senior notes

$124,572

[1]

$124,460

[1]

$125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest on senior notes

'

'

8.88%

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 $0.4 million at September 30, 2014. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing particular 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 $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising and direct mail expenses	$12,500,000	$10,500,000	$9,600,000
Subsidiaries of Swiss Re	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weather hedge contract, payment entitled to be received per heating degree-day shortfall	35,000	'	'
Percentage in heating degree days less than ten year average that is covered	92.50%	'	'
Derivative maximum payout	12,500,000	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash equivalents, highly liquid investments maturity	'3 months	'	'
Customer Lists | Maximum	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, amortization period	'10 years	'	'
Customer Lists | Minimum	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, amortization period	'7 years	'	'
Trade Names | Maximum	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, amortization period	'20 years	'	'
Trade Names | Minimum	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, amortization period	'7 years	'	'
Noncompete Agreements	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, amortization period	'5 years	'	'
Immaterial Error Correction	'	'	'
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other taxes, related interest and penalties, and installation and service revenue overstatement, net of tax	2,200,000	'	'
Other taxes, related interest and penalties, and installation and service revenue overstatement	$3,700,000	'	'

Components_of_Interest_Expense

Components of Interest Expense, Net (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest Income Expense Net [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest expense	($16,904)	($14,474)	($14,110)
Interest income	50	41	50
Interest expense, net	($16,854)	($14,433)	($14,060)

Quarterly_Distribution_of_Avai1

Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]	'	'	'
Minimum distribution of available cash per unit	$0.07	'	'
Common units distribution amount on annualized basis	$0.27	'	'
First tier, percentage of cash distribution to common units minimum quarterly distribution	100.00%	'	'
Second tier, percentage of available cash distribution to common units for any arrearages	100.00%	'	'
Third tier, percentage of available cash distribution to general partner unit holder until minimum quarterly distribution is met	100.00%	'	'
Fourth tier, percentage of distributions to common unit holders until first target distribution is met	90.00%	'	'
Fourth tier, percentage of distributions to general partner unit holder until first target distribution is met	10.00%	'	'
First target distribution	$0.11	'	'
Thereafter, percentage of distributions to common unit holders after first target distribution is met	80.00%	'	'
Thereafter, percentage of distributions to general partner unit holders after first target distribution is met	20.00%	'	'
Percentage of excess availability of revolving commitment that must be maintained	15.00%	'	'
Fixed charge coverage ratio that must be maintained to make distributions	115.00%	'	'
Annual cash distributions declared per common unit	$0.34	$0.32	$0.31
General partner incentive distributions exclusive of amounts paid subject to management incentive plan	$0.20	$0.20	$0.10

Common_Unit_Repurchase_Plans_a2

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 14, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 14, 2014	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified		Second Amendment	Second Amendment	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	6,044	'	'	'	3,000	1,900
Availability required to repurchase common units	'	$45	$45	'	'	'
Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis	'	15.00%	15.00%	'	'	'
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	'	'	$300	$300	'	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio for distributions to unit holders or to repurchase common units	'	115.00%	115.00%	'	'	'

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

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Capital Unit [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase

6,044

'

6,044

'

6,044

'

'

'

'

'

Private Transaction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Unit [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase

1,150

[1]

'

1,150

[1]

'

1,150

[1]

1,150

'

'

'

'

Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Unit [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase

4,894

'

4,894

'

4,894

'

'

'

'

'

Total Number of Units Purchased

54

[2]

9

[2]

63

[2]

250

[2],[3]

313

[2]

3,284

[1],[2]

22

[2]

'

'

'

Average Price Paid per Unit

$5.78

[4]

$5.76

[4]

$5.77

[4]

$5.20

[3],[4]

$5.32

[4]

$4.63

[1],[4]

$4.26

[4]

'

'

'

Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased

2,425

2,479

2,425

2,488

[3]

2,425

2,738

[1]

6,022

2,488

2,488

2,488

[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]

First quarter fiscal year 2014 common unit repurchases were acquired in a private transaction.

[4]

Amounts include repurchase costs.

Partnerships_Repurchase_Activi1

Partnership's Repurchase Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Unit [Line Items]	'		'
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase	6,044		'
Private Transaction	'		'
Capital Unit [Line Items]	'		'
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase	1,150	[1]	1,150
[1]	Fiscal year 2013 common unit repurchases include 1.15 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

Derivatives_and_HedgingDisclos2

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	gal	gal
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregated cash posted as collateral in normal course of business	$2,500,000	'
Hedging positions and payable amounts secured under credit facility	14,900,000	10,500,000
Call Option	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	3,100,000	2,900,000
Notional Value	10,800,000	10,600,000
Fair Value	10,000	20,000
Put Option	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	8,500,000	5,000,000
Notional Value	19,300,000	11,800,000
Fair Value	100,000	40,000
Inventory	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	13,900,000	2,400,000
Swap Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	'	6,000,000
Notional Value	39,900,000	18,000,000
Fair Value	-2,900,000	-200,000
Synthetic calls	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	83,800,000	81,200,000
Notional Value	252,300,000	252,800,000
Fair Value	-28,800,000	-15,900,000
Futures Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	'	17,400,000
Notional Value	'	51,900,000
Fair Value	'	-600,000
Futures Contracts Sold	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	'	26,400,000
Notional Value	'	78,900,000
Fair Value	'	1,200,000
Swap Contracts Sold	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	18,700,000	8,500,000
Notional Value	52,000,000	24,900,000
Fair Value	2,300,000	-300,000
Corresponding Long And Short Swap Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	12,400,000	28,200,000
Notional Value	36,200,000	83,800,000
Fair Value	-200,000	700,000
Hedge a Majority of its Internal Fuel Usage Swap Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	4,300,000	3,200,000
Notional Value	12,000,000	9,000,000
Fair Value	-900,000	50,000
Spread Contracts Bought	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative activity volume	'	6,000,000
Notional Value	'	-500,000
Fair Value	'	$100,000

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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	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	$26,263	$14,467
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	-36,279	-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	26,263	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	-36,279	-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	2,328	1,175
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	'	-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	2,328	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	'	-519
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	23,935	13,292
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	-36,279	-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	23,935	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	($36,279)	($17,301)

Offsetting_of_Financial_Assets

Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	$2,342	$646
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	-12,358	-3,999
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement	'	'
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets Recognized	26,263	14,467
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-36,279	-17,820
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	-10,016	-3,353
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	-10,016	-3,353
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement | 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	23,921	7,213
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-36,279	-11,212
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	-12,358	-3,999
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	-12,358	-3,999
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement | 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	2,342	7,254
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	'	-6,608
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	2,342	646
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	$2,342	$646

Effect_of_Derivative_Instrumen

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Unrealized, commodity contracts	$6,566		$6,775		($8,549)
Open Position	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Unrealized, commodity contracts	6,566		6,775		-8,549
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of product | Closed Positions	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	11,781	[1]	17,769	[1]	18,636	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of installations and service | Closed Positions	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	-202	[1]	-440	[1]	-284	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Delivery and branch expenses | Closed Positions	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	($104)	[1]	($286)	[1]	($82)	[1]
[1]	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

Components_of_Inventory_Detail

Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Product	$39,802	$50,197
Parts and equipment	19,438	17,953
Total inventory	$59,240	$68,150

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	gal	gal
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Heating oil and other fuel inventories	14,300,000	17,100,000
Maximum product supply by other supplier	10.00%	10.00%
Home heating oil and Propane	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Market price based product supply contracts for next twelve months	285,700,000	'
Diesel and gasoline	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Market price based product supply contracts for next twelve months	24,800,000	'
Global Companies LLC	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Product purchases	17.00%	19.00%
J P Morgan Ventures Energy Corp	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Product purchases	'	11.00%
Nic Holding Corp	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Product purchases	11.00%	'

Component_of_Property_and_Equi

Component of Property and Equipment and their Estimated Useful Lives (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	$170,307	$170,462
Less accumulated depreciation	102,888	119,139
Property and equipment, net	67,419	51,323
Land and land improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	16,884	13,958
Buildings and leasehold improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	30,877	27,571
Fleet and other equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	54,685	46,260
Tanks and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	26,204	21,445
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment	$41,657	$61,228

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$10.10	$8.10	$8.10

Business_Combinations_Addition

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014
	PartnershipUnit	PartnershipUnit	PartnershipUnit	Minimum	Maximum	Griffith Energy Services, Inc.	Griffith Energy Services, Inc.	Griffith Energy Services, Inc.
						Customer
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of heating oil dealer acquired	3	2	7	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate purchase price partnership acquired	$98,500,000	$1,400,000	$39,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Gross purchase price allocation, intangible assets	53,700,000	1,300,000	32,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Gross purchase price allocation, fixed assets	17,600,000	200,000	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	17,263,000
Gross purchase price reduced by working capital credits	27,200,000	100,000	1,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Customer lists, other intangibles and trade names amortization period	'	'	'	'7 years	'20 years	'	'	'
Name of acquired entity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Griffith Energy Services, Inc.	'
Percentage of voting equity interests acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%
Total Cash paid to acquire business	98,463,000	1,376,000	39,217,000	'	'	97,700,000	'	'
Cash paid to acquire business	'	'	'	'	'	69,900,000	'	'
Working capital acquired, net of cash	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,800,000
Cash acquired	4,151,000	0	0	'	'	4,200,000	'	'
Number of customers acquired from Griffith	'	'	'	'	'	50,000	'	'
Total costs related to the acquisition	1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	800,000	'
Goodwill	209,331,000	201,130,000	201,103,000	'	'	'	8,200,000	8,168,000
Sales of acquired entity since acquisition date	'	'	'	'	'	'	139,100,000	'
Net (loss) of acquired entity since acquisition date	'	'	'	'	'	'	($3,000,000)	'

Summary_of_Final_Fair_Values_a

Summary of Final Fair Values and Purchase Price Allocation at Acquisition Date of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 04, 2014		Mar. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				Griffith Energy Services, Inc.	Griffith Energy Services, Inc.		Griffith Energy Services, Inc.
							Customer lists, trade names and other intangibles
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Trade accounts receivable	'	'	'	'	$49,010	[1]	'
Inventories	'	'	'	'	5,143		'
Other current assets	'	'	'	'	2,984		'
Property and equipment	17,600	200	8,000	'	17,263		'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'		44,400
Other long term assets	'	'	'	'	1,778		'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'	-31,096		'
Total net identifiable assets acquired	'	'	'	'	89,482		'
Total consideration	'	'	'	'	97,650		'
Less: Total net identifiable assets acquired	'	'	'	'	89,482		'
Goodwill	$209,331	$201,130	$201,103	$8,200	$8,168		'
[1]	The gross contractual receivable amount is $50.7 million, and the best estimate at the Acquisition Date of the contractual cash flows not expected to be collected is $1.7 million.

Summary_of_Final_Fair_Values_a1

Summary of Final Fair Values and Purchase Price Allocation at Acquisition Date of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Griffith Energy Services, Inc., USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Griffith Energy Services, Inc.	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Gross contractual receivable amount	$50.70
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected	$1.70

Unaudited_Pro_Forma_Results_of

Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'
Total sales	$2,132,430	$2,040,271
Net income	$40,903	$31,557

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule Of Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment	$0	$0	$0	'	'	'
Amortization expense for intangible assets	'	'	'	$11,500,000	$9,200,000	$8,200,000

Summary_of_Changes_in_the_Part

Summary of Changes in the Partnership's Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Balance on beginning	$201,130	$201,103
Fiscal year business combinations	8,201	27
Balance on ending	$209,331	$201,130

Intangible_Assets_Subject_to_A

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$328,769	$288,011
Accum. Amortization	227,986	221,221
Net	100,783	66,790
Customer Lists	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	304,699	267,580
Accum. Amortization	224,215	213,773
Net	80,484	53,807
Trade Names And Other Intangibles	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	24,070	20,431
Accum. Amortization	3,771	7,448
Net	$20,299	$12,983

Estimated_Annual_Amortization_

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2015	$13,229
2016	13,058
2017	12,538
2018	11,699
2019	$11,464

Components_of_Accrued_Expenses

Components of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued wages and benefits	$23,926	$18,932
Accrued insurance and environmental costs	64,357	58,470
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities	14,651	9,740
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$102,934	$87,142

Partnerships_Debt_Detail

Partnership's Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
8.875% Senior Notes, Carrying Amount	$124,572	[1]	$124,460	[1]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, Carrying Amount	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total debt, Carrying Amount	124,572		124,460
Total long-term portion of debt, Carrying Amount	124,572		124,460
8.875% Senior Notes, Fair Value	130,313	[1],[3]	130,000	[1],[3]
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, Fair Value	0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]
Total debt, Fair Value	130,313	[3]	130,000	[3]
Total long-term portion of debt, Fair Value	$130,313	[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 $0.4 million at September 30, 2014. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing particular 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]	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 then existing revolving credit facility.
[3]	The Partnership's fair value estimates of long-term debt are made at a specific point in time, based on Level 2 inputs.

Partnerships_Debt_Parenthetica

Partnership's Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (8.875% Senior Notes, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
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	$0.40
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

LongTerm_Debt_and_Bank_Facilit2

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 14, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 14, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
			Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Second Amendment	Second Amendment	Second Amendment	8.875% Senior Notes	8.875% Senior Notes
									Second Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	'	'	'	'	'	$300,000,000	$300,000,000	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility	'	'	'	'	'	450,000,000	'	'	'
Issuance of line of credit for working capital purposes	'	'	'	'	'	100,000,000	'	'	'
Alternate revolving credit facility expiry	'	'	'	'	'	14-Jan-19	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility expiry	'	'	'	'	'	1-Jun-17	'	'	'
Additional revolving credit	'	'	'	'	'	100,000,000	'	'	'
Facility size that can be increased without consulting bank group	'	'	'	'	'	100,000,000	'	'	'
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.	'	'	'
Amount required to repaid, prepaid or defeased	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,000,000
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	'	'	'	'	'	150,000,000	'	'	'
Maximum availability, condition two	'	'	'	'	'	150,000,000	'	'	'
Minimum availability, condition two	'	'	'	'	'	75,000,000	'	'	'
Maximum availability, condition three	'	'	'	'	'	75,000,000	'	'	'
Commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility	'	'	'	'	'	0.30%	'	'	'
Availability percentage to maximum facility size	'	'	'	'	'	12.50%	'	'	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	'	'	'	'	'	110.00%	'	'	'
Availability required to make acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	40,000,000	'	'	'
Availability required to pay distributions	'	'	'	'	45,000,000	45,000,000	'	'	'
Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis	'	'	'	'	15.00%	15.00%	'	'	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio for distributions to unit holders or to repurchase common units	'	'	'	'	115.00%	115.00%	'	'	'
Interest accrued by public notes for each year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8.88%	8.88%
Hedging positions and payable amounts secured under credit facility	14,900,000	10,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit issued	52,800,000	44,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility outstanding	'	'	0	0	'	'	'	'	'
Availability in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio	149,600,000	164,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total restricted net assets	$389,000,000	$375,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Maturities_Including_Working_C

Maturities Including Working Capital Borrowings (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'
2015	$0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	125,000
2019	0
Thereafter	$0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2

Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3

Minimum

Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit

Domestic Fixed Income

International Equities

Domestic Equities

Management

Management And General Partner

Management And General Partner

Management And General Partner

Management Incentive Compensation Plan

Management Incentive Compensation Plan

Management Incentive Compensation Plan

Management Incentive Compensation Plan Executive Officer

Management Incentive Compensation Plan Executive Officer

Management Incentive Compensation Plan Executive Officer

Employee and Consultant

Termination of employment or consultation

Chief executive officer

Program

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participant Contribution

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum participant contribution

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partnership aggregate contributions to defined contribution plans

$5,200,000

$4,900,000

$4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000

$500,000

$500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incentive distribution percentage of available cash in excess of minimum quarterly distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum quarterly distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.0675

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gains interest cash proceeds percentage from the sale of general partner units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participant's vested percentage of plan benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

20.00%

33.33%

Partnership incentive distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

447,000

330,000

277,000

223,000

165,000

138,000

100,000

119,000

99,000

'

'

'

Maximum funded for red zone

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum funded for yellow zone

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum funded for green zone

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partnership contributions in excess of 5% of the plan's total contributions in percentage

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of frozen defined benefit pension plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined benefit plan funded status included in other long-term liabilities

5,100,000

4,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net actuarial loss balance in accumulated other comprehensive income to be amortized

26,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rate pension plan assets expect to earn

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate to determine periodic pension expense

4.45%

3.50%

4.35%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pension asset allocation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

5.00%

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets

'

'

'

0

0

'

65,379,000

60,028,000

60,303,000

52,434,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected Pension Contribution Next Year

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected benefit payments in years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected benefit payments over the next 5 years

4,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate expected benefit payment for five years thereafter

$21,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participation_and_Contribution

Participation and Contributions to Multi Employer Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Partnership Contributions	$8,374	$8,018	$7,237
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN / Pension Plan Number	'04-6372430 / 001	'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Red	'Red	'
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	'Implemented	'	'
Partnership Contributions	2,868	2,709	2,532
Surcharge Imposed	'No	'	'
Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN / Pension Plan Number	'13-6123973 / 001	'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green	'Green	'
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	'NA	'	'
Partnership Contributions	855	820	771
Surcharge Imposed	'No	'	'
Local 553 Pension Fund	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN / Pension Plan Number	'13-6637826 / 001	'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green	'Green	'
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	'NA	'	'
Partnership Contributions	2,649	2,729	2,152
Surcharge Imposed	'No	'	'
Local 463 Pension Fund	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
EIN / Pension Plan Number	'11-1800729 / 001	'	'
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	'Green	'Green	'
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	'NA	'	'
Partnership Contributions	156	146	155
Surcharge Imposed	'No	'	'
All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans	'	'	'
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Partnership Contributions	$1,846	$1,614	$1,627

Net_Periodic_Benefit_Cost_for_

Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Period Reconciliation of Changes in Plan Assets Projected Benefit Obligations and Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	$60,028,000	$60,303,000	$52,434,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Interest cost	2,761,000	2,477,000	2,858,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Actual return on plan assets	-7,614,000	-332,000	-8,727,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Investment and other expenses	-262,000	-285,000	-374,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets	4,472,000	-3,475,000	5,075,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Anticipated expenses	300,000	302,000	262,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss	2,113,000	2,655,000	2,751,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Annual cost/change	1,770,000	1,342,000	1,845,000
Cash, Employer contributions/ Annual cost/change	-2,014,000	-3,476,000	-3,365,000
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Actual return on plan assets	7,614,000	332,000	8,727,000
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Employer contributions	2,014,000	3,476,000	3,365,000
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Benefit payments	-4,277,000	-4,083,000	-4,223,000
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Annual cost/change	5,351,000	-275,000	7,869,000
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Ending Balance	65,379,000	60,028,000	60,303,000
Projected Benefit Obligation, Beginning balance	-64,305,000	-73,051,000	-67,878,000
Projected Benefit Obligation, Interest cost	-2,761,000	-2,477,000	-2,858,000
Projected Benefit Obligation, Benefit payments	4,277,000	4,083,000	4,223,000
Projected Benefit Obligation, Investment and other expenses	262,000	285,000	374,000
Projected Benefit Obligation , Anticipated expenses	-300,000	-302,000	-262,000
Projected Benefit Obligation, Actuarial gain (loss)	-7,655,000	7,157,000	-6,650,000
Projected Benefit Obligation , Annual cost/change	-6,177,000	8,746,000	-5,173,000
Projected Benefit Obligation, Ending balance	-70,482,000	-64,305,000	-73,051,000
Funded status at the end of the year	-5,103,000	-4,277,000	-12,748,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets	-4,472,000	3,475,000	-5,075,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Actuarial gain (loss)	7,655,000	-7,157,000	6,650,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss	-2,113,000	-2,655,000	-2,751,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Annual cost/change	1,070,000	-6,337,000	-1,176,000
Gross Pension Related Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Beginning Balance	25,528,000	31,865,000	33,041,000
Gross Pension Related Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Annual cost/change	1,070,000	-6,337,000	-1,176,000
Gross Pension Related Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Ending Balance	$26,598,000	$25,528,000	$31,865,000

WeightedAverage_Assumptions_Us

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Measurement of Partnership's Benefit Obligation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate at year end date	4.05%	4.45%	3.50%
Expected return on plan assets for the year ended	5.75%	7.00%	7.75%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Fair_Values_and_Percentage_of_

Fair Values and Percentage of Partnership's Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets	100.00%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets	65,379,000
Corporate and U.S. government bond fund	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets	79.00%	[1]
Corporate and U.S. government bond fund | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets	52,204,000	[1]
U.S. large-cap equity	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets	15.00%	[1]
U.S. large-cap equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets	9,774,000	[1]
International equity	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets	5.00%	[1]
International equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets	3,093,000	[1]
Cash	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets	1.00%
Cash | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets	308,000
[1]	Represent investments in Vanguard funds that seek to replicate the asset category description.

Income_Tax_Expense_Detail

Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$19,747	$14,486	$2,168
State	4,909	3,759	1,495
Deferred	659	1,676	12,913
Income tax expense	$25,315	$19,921	$16,576

Income_Taxes_Computed_at_Feder

Income Taxes Computed at Federal Statutory Rate (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations before taxes	($44,115)	($16,618)	$89,289	$32,843	($23,686)	($11,952)	$70,796	$14,669	$61,399	$49,827	$42,565
Provision for income taxes:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax at Federal statutory rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,490	17,440	14,898
Impact of Partnership loss not subject to federal income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	628	97	697
State taxes net of federal benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,310	3,192	2,801
Permanent differences	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	57	37	28
Change in valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-658	-14
Change in unrecognized tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-113	55	-1,669
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-57	-242	-165
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25,315	$19,921	$16,576

Components_of_Net_Deferred_Tax

Components of Net Deferred Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$5,490	$6,760
Vacation accrual	2,970	2,580
Pension accrual	2,964	2,672
Allowance for bad debts	3,661	3,158
Fair value of derivative instruments	5,000	2,314
Insurance accrual	22,823	21,073
Inventory capitalization	865	941
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward	261	261
Other, net	2,060	1,906
Total deferred tax assets	46,094	41,665
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Property and equipment	2,383	2,225
Inventory costing method	256	'
Intangibles	30,495	26,285
Total deferred tax liabilities	33,134	28,510
Net deferred taxes	$12,960	$13,155

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 01, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 01, 2014

Jan. 01, 2014

Jan. 01, 2014

Jan. 01, 2014

Federal

New York

Connecticut

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance

$0

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating loss carryforward

'

8,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual limitation of federal NOLs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

2,200,000

Expiration date of net operating loss carryforward

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Dec-18

'

31-Dec-24

'

Unrecognized income tax benefit, if recognized, would benefit the effective tax rate

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized income tax benefit related accrued interest and penalties

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of years for examination

'

'

'

'Four

'Four

'Four

'Four

'Five

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized_Tax_Benefits_Deta

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Tax benefits recorded as a benefit to the effective tax rate	'
Beginning Balance	$784
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	0
Additions for tax positions of prior years	116
Reduction for tax positions of prior years	0
Reductions due to lapse in statue of limitations/settlements	0
Ending Balance	$900

Future_Minimum_Rental_Commitme

Future Minimum Rental Commitments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of minimum future rent payment receivable	'
2015	$15,765
2016	13,543
2017	10,232
2018	6,665
2019	5,855
Thereafter	9,238
Total future minimum lease payments	$61,298

Lease_Commitments_Additional_I

Lease Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rent expense for the fiscal years	$15.90	$14.70	$14.20

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'
Income taxes, net	$25,518	$16,137	$6,175
Interest	16,968	14,376	14,487
Non-cash financing activities:	'	'	'
Increase in interest expense-amortization of debt discount on 8.875% Senior Note	$112	$103	$94

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas3

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (8.875% Senior Notes)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
8.875% Senior Notes	'	'	'
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'	'
Interest on senior notes	8.88%	8.88%	8.88%

Net_Income_Allocation_and_Per_

Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

($25,828)

($9,592)

$52,216

$19,288

($13,937)

($7,588)

$41,679

$9,752

$36,084

$29,906

$25,989

Less General Partners' interest in net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

203

159

136

Net income available to limited partners

-25,682

-9,538

51,922

19,179

-13,859

-7,547

41,454

9,699

35,881

29,747

25,853

Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,195

[1]

2,010

[1]

1,142

[1]

Limited Partner's interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$32,686

$27,737

$24,711

Per unit data:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.62

0.5

0.42

Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.05

[1]

0.03

[1]

0.02

[1]

Limited Partner's interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

($0.45)

[2]

($0.17)

[2]

$0.75

[2]

$0.29

[2]

($0.24)

[2]

($0.13)

[2]

$0.58

[2]

$0.15

[2]

$0.57

[2],[3]

$0.47

[2],[3]

$0.40

[3]

Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

57,476

59,409

61,931

[1]

In any accounting period where the Partnership's aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Partnership is required as per FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the period were distributed, based on the terms of the Partnership agreement, 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.

[2]

The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.

[3]

See Note 17 Earnings Per Limited Partner Units.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'
Sales	$222,362		$326,511		$892,241		$520,610		$177,608		$262,524		$785,139		$516,525		$1,961,724		$1,741,796		$1,497,588
Gross profit for product, installation and service	37,507		60,682		199,645		108,590		33,519		54,907		162,011		102,691		406,424		353,128		'
Operating income (loss)	-40,188		-10,797		93,953		36,887		-19,800		-8,001		75,229		18,577		79,855		66,005		58,259
Income (loss) before income taxes	-44,115		-16,618		89,289		32,843		-23,686		-11,952		70,796		14,669		61,399		49,827		42,565
Net income (loss)	-25,828		-9,592		52,216		19,288		-13,937		-7,588		41,679		9,752		36,084		29,906		25,989
Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)	($25,682)		($9,538)		$51,922		$19,179		($13,859)		($7,547)		$41,454		$9,699		$35,881		$29,747		$25,853
Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'
Basic and diluted	($0.45)	[1]	($0.17)	[1]	$0.75	[1]	$0.29	[1]	($0.24)	[1]	($0.13)	[1]	$0.58	[1]	$0.15	[1]	$0.57	[1],[2]	$0.47	[1],[2]	$0.40	[2]
[1]	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.
[2]	See Note 17 Earnings Per Limited Partner Units.

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014
	Dividend Declared	Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Distribution declared	$0.09	'
Partners capital projected distribution amount on annualized basis	$0.35	'
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	$5	'
Amount to paid to the General Partner	0.1	'
Incentive distribution to the General Partner	0.06	'
Incentive distributions to management	$0.06	'
Dividend payable date	14-Nov-14	'
Dividend record date	10-Nov-14	'
Number of shares repurchased and retired	'	122
Average price paid to common units	'	$5.64

Condensed_Financial_Informatio1

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$48,999		$85,057		$108,091	$86,789
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	23,943		23,456		'	'
Total current assets	296,465		305,880		'	'
Deferred charges and other assets, net	11,109		7,381		'	'
Total assets	685,107		632,504		'	'
Current liabilities	'		'		'	'
Accrued expenses	102,934		87,142		'	'
Total current liabilities	253,432		220,626		'	'
Long-term debt	124,572	[1]	124,460	[1]	'	'
Partners' capital	273,245		259,281		260,145	272,633
Total liabilities and partners' capital	685,107		632,504		'	'
STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P.	'		'		'	'
Current assets	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	324		324		317	294
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	203		206		'	'
Total current assets	527		530		'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	399,414	[2]	384,783	[2]	'	'
Deferred charges and other assets, net	2,003		2,523		'	'
Total assets	401,944		387,836		'	'
Current liabilities	'		'		'	'
Accrued expenses	4,127		4,095		'	'
Total current liabilities	4,127		4,095		'	'
Long-term debt	124,572	[3]	124,460	[3]	'	'
Partners' capital	273,245		259,281		'	'
Total liabilities and partners' capital	$401,944		$387,836		'	'
[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 $0.4 million at September 30, 2014. Under the terms of the indenture, these notes permit restricted payments after passing particular 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]	Investments in Star Acquisitions, Inc. and subsidiaries are recorded in accordance with the equity method of accounting.
[3]	Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during each of the next five fiscal years ending September 30, are as follows: 2015-$0; 2016-$0; 2017-$0; 2018-$125,000; 2019-$0; thereafter -$0. The $125,000 principal amount of 8.875% Senior Notes mature in December 2017.

Condensed_Financial_Informatio2

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
8.875% Senior Notes	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Maturity of public notes due	1-Dec-17
STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P.	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during 2014	0
Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during 2015	0
Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during 2016	0
Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during 2017	0
Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during 2018	125,000
Scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt during thereafter	0
STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. | 8.875% Senior Notes	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Senior notes	125,000
Maturity of public notes due	1-Dec-17

Condensed_Financial_Informatio3

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$222,362	$326,511	$892,241	$520,610	$177,608	$262,524	$785,139	$516,525	$1,961,724	$1,741,796	$1,497,588
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,592	-18,356	-18,689
Operating income	-40,188	-10,797	93,953	36,887	-19,800	-8,001	75,229	18,577	79,855	66,005	58,259
Net interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-16,854	-14,433	-14,060
Amortization of debt issuance costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,602	-1,745	-1,634
Net loss before equity income	-44,115	-16,618	89,289	32,843	-23,686	-11,952	70,796	14,669	61,399	49,827	42,565
Net income	-25,828	-9,592	52,216	19,288	-13,937	-7,588	41,679	9,752	36,084	29,906	25,989
STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,420	31	2,019
Operating income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,420	-31	-2,019
Net interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11,206	-11,197	-11,188
Amortization of debt issuance costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-520	-474	-330
Net loss before equity income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,146	-11,702	-13,537
Equity income of Star Petro Inc. and subs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,230	41,608	39,526
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$36,084	$29,906	$25,989

Condensed_Financial_Informatio4

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:	'		'		'
Distributions	($19,850)		($19,313)		($19,525)
Unit repurchase	-1,663		-15,217		-19,648
Net increase (decrease) in cash	-36,058		-23,034		21,302
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	85,057		108,091		86,789
Cash and equivalents at end of period	48,999		85,057		108,091
STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P.	'		'		'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	'		'		'
Net cash provided by operating activities	21,513	[1]	34,537	[1]	39,196	[1]
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:	'		'		'
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0		0		0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:	'		'		'
Distributions	-19,850		-19,313		-19,525
Unit repurchase	-1,663		-15,217		-19,648
Net cash used in financing activities	-21,513		-34,530		-39,173
Net increase (decrease) in cash	'		7		23
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	324		317		294
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$324		$324		$317
[1]	Includes distributions from subsidiaries $ 21,513 $ 34,530 $ 39,173

Condensed_Financial_Informatio5

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (Detail) (STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P., USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P.	'	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Includes distributions from subsidiaries	$21,513	$34,530	$39,173

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'		'		'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$7,928		$6,886		$9,530
Charged to Costs & Expenses	7,514		6,481		6,017
Other Changes Add (Deduct)	-6,222	[1]	-5,439	[1]	-8,661	[1]
Balance at End of Year	$9,220		$7,928		$6,886
[1]	Bad debts written off (net of recoveries).