Star (SGU) 10-Q 3 May 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	SGU
Entity Registrant Name	STAR GAS PARTNERS LP
Entity Central Index Key	1,002,590
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,887,832

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 52,895	$ 139,188
Receivables, net of allowance of $6,137 and $4,419, respectively		188,594	78,650
Inventories		45,516	45,894
Fair asset value of derivative instruments			3,987
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		26,951	27,139
Total current assets		313,956	294,858
Property and equipment, net		75,010	70,410
Goodwill		213,881	212,760
Intangibles, net		93,752	97,656
Deferred tax assets, net			5,353
Restricted cash		250
Investments	[1]	11,552
Deferred charges and other assets, net		9,946	11,074
Total assets		718,347	692,111
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		30,627	25,690
Fair liability value of derivative instruments		1,754	2,285
Current maturities of long-term debt		10,000	16,200
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		138,509	103,855
Unearned service contract revenue		58,929	56,971
Customer credit balances		31,646	84,921
Total current liabilities		271,465	289,922
Long-term debt		70,567	75,441
Deferred tax liabilities, net		2,200
Other long-term liabilities		25,728	25,255
Partners' capital
Common unitholders		368,955	322,771
General partner		(440)	(516)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes		(20,128)	(20,762)
Total partners' capital		348,387	301,493
Total liabilities and partners' capital		$ 718,347	$ 692,111
[1]	See Note 2 - Investments

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Receivables, allowance	$ 6,137	$ 4,419

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Sales:
Product		$ 475,485	$ 404,340	$ 791,776	$ 657,290
Installations and services		56,567	57,685	124,394	123,790
Total sales		532,052	462,025	916,170	781,080
Cost and expenses:
Cost of product		288,941	219,864	488,534	369,966
Cost of installations and services		58,426	58,858	124,913	121,770
(Increase) decrease in fair value of derivative instruments		12,442	(14,324)	3,891	(8,788)
Delivery and branch expenses		92,214	90,509	173,347	154,703
Depreciation and amortization expenses		6,726	6,725	13,287	13,491
General and administrative expenses		5,556	5,088	11,909	11,508
Finance charge income		(1,285)	(1,014)	(1,980)	(1,535)
Operating income		69,032	96,319	102,269	119,965
Interest expense, net		(1,712)	(1,891)	(3,499)	(3,750)
Amortization of debt issuance costs		(324)	(315)	(636)	(627)
Income before income taxes		66,996	94,113	98,134	115,588
Income tax expense		27,292	38,904	40,155	48,321
Net income		39,704	55,209	57,979	67,267
General Partner's interest in net income		233	313	338	381
Limited Partners' interest in net income		$ 39,471	$ 54,896	$ 57,641	$ 66,886
Basic and diluted income per Limited Partner Unit	[1]	$ 0.59	$ 0.79	$ 0.87	$ 0.98
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding:
Basic and Diluted		55,888	57,242	55,888	57,262
[1]	See Note 13 Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income		$ 39,704	$ 55,209	$ 57,979	$ 67,267
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on pension plan obligation	[1]	532	648	1,066	1,296
Tax effect of unrealized gain on pension plan		(216)	(268)	(432)	(535)
Total other comprehensive income		316	380	634	761
Total comprehensive income		$ 40,020	$ 55,589	$ 58,613	$ 68,028
[1]	This item is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL - 6 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total		General Partner	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 301,493		$ (516)	$ 322,771	$ (20,762)
Beginning Balance, unit at Sep. 30, 2016			326	55,888
Net income	57,979		$ 338	$ 57,641
Unrealized gain on pension plan obligation	1,066	[1]			1,066
Tax effect of unrealized gain on pension plan	(432)				(432)
Distributions	(11,719)		(262)	(11,457)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 348,387		$ (440)	$ 368,955	$ (20,128)
Ending Balance, Unit at Mar. 31, 2017			326	55,888
[1]	This item is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net income		$ 57,979	$ 67,267
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(Increase) decrease in fair value of derivative instruments		3,891	(8,788)
Depreciation and amortization		13,923	14,118
Provision (recovery) for losses on accounts receivable		1,525	(448)
Change in deferred taxes		7,121	8,295
Change in weather hedge contract receivable			(12,500)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in receivables		(111,631)	(37,778)
Decrease in inventories		642	10,243
(Increase) decrease in other assets		796	(1,889)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable		6,797	(1,274)
Decrease in customer credit balances		(53,873)	(15,217)
Increase in other current and long-term liabilities		36,954	52,206
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(35,876)	74,235
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(7,786)	(5,482)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets		132	254
Purchase of investments	[1]	(11,474)
Acquisitions		(7,651)	(7,615)
Net cash used in investing activities		(26,779)	(12,843)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Term loan repayment		(11,200)	(2,500)
Distributions		(11,719)	(11,102)
Unit repurchases			(707)
Customer retainage payments		(409)	(680)
Payments of debt issue costs		(60)	(297)
Net cash used in financing activities		(23,388)	(15,286)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(86,043)	46,106
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period		139,188	100,508
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period		$ 53,145	$ 146,614
[1]	See Note 2 - Investments

Partnership Organization

Partnership Organization	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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. 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. These products 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. Including our propane locations, we serve customers in the more northern and eastern states within the Northeast, Central and Southeast U.S. regions. The Partnership is organized as follows: • The Partnership is a master limited partnership, which as of March 31, 2017, had outstanding 55.9 million Common Units (NYSE: “SGU”), representing 99.4% limited partner interest in Star Gas Partners, and 0.3 million general partner units, representing 0.6% 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., a Minnesota corporation (“SA”) that owns 100% of Petro Holdings, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Petro”) and 100% of Woodbury Insurance Co., Inc., a Connecticut corporation and a captive insurance company formed in July 2016 to insure large deductibles for certain insurance policies carried by 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 primarily a Northeast, Central and Southeast region retail distributor of home heating oil and propane that as of March 31, 2017, served approximately 441,000 full-service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers. Petro also sold diesel fuel, gasoline and home heating oil to approximately 74,000 customers on a delivery only basis. We installed, maintained, and repaired heating and air conditioning equipment and to a lesser extent provided these services outside our customer base including 14,400 service contracts for natural gas and other heating systems. In addition, we provided home security and plumbing to approximately 28,500 customers. • Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“PH&P”) is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Partnership. PH&P is the borrower and the Partnership is the guarantor of the third amended and restated credit agreement’s $100 million five-year senior secured term loan and the $300 million ($450 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) revolving credit facility, both due July 30, 2020. (See Note 9—Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings).

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of financial condition and results for the interim periods. Due to the seasonal nature of the Partnership’s business, the results of operations and cash flows for the six month period ended March 31, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These interim financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 S-X 10-K Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the unrealized gain (loss) amortization on the Partnership’s pension plan obligation for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans and the corresponding tax effect. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash At March 31, 2017, the $53.1 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is composed of $52.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $0.3 million of restricted cash. Restricted cash represents deposits held by our captive insurance company that are required by state insurance regulations to remain in the captive insurance company as cash. Investments The investments are held by our captive insurance company in an irrevocable trust as collateral for workers’ compensation and automobile liability claims incurred and expected to be incurred in fiscal 2017. The collateral is required by a third party insurance carrier that insures per claim amounts above a set deductible. Due to the expected timing of claim payments, the nature of the collateral agreement with the carrier, and our captive insurance company’s source of other operating cash, the collateral is not expected to be used to pay obligations within the next twelve months. Investments are currently comprised of $11.3 million of Level 1 debt securities and $0.3 million of mutual funds measured at net asset value. 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 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-45-15 99-2). For fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018, the Partnership has weather hedge contracts with Swiss Re under which the Partnership is entitled to receive a payment of $35,000 per heating degree-day 815-45-15, New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (“the NETTI Fund”) Liability As of March 31, 2017, we had $0.2 million and $17.4 million balances included in the captions accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheet representing the remaining balance of the NETTI Fund withdrawal liability. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Partnership for long-term financing of a similar maturity, the fair value of the NETTI Fund withdrawal liability as of March 31, 2017 was $21.7 million. We utilized Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques to determine the fair value of this liability. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, 835-30): In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, No. 2015-16 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, beginning-of-period end-of-period No. 2016-18 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, 2014-09. 2014-09 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, No. 2015-11 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, right-of-use No. 2016-02 right-of-use right-of-use In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, No. 2016-13 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, zero-coupon ASU 2016-15 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, ASU 2017-01 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, ASU 2017-04

Common Unit Repurchase and Reti

Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement	3) Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement In July 2012, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to 3.0 million of the Partnership’s Common Units (“Plan III”). In July 2013, the Board authorized 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 third amended and restated credit agreement dated July 30, 2015, in order to repurchase Common Units we must maintain Availability (as defined in the amended and restated credit agreement) of $45 million, 15.0% of the facility size of $300 million (assuming the non-seasonal The following table shows repurchases under Plan III. (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Period Total Number of Average Price Maximum Number Plan III - Number of units authorized 4,894 Private transaction - Number of units authorized 2,450 7,344 Plan III - Fiscal years 2012 to 2016 total ( c) 5,137 $ 5.78 2,207 Plan III - First quarter fiscal year 2017 total — $ — 2,207 Plan III - Second quarter fiscal year 2017 total — $ — 2,207 (a) Units were repurchased as part of a publicly announced program, except as noted in a private transaction. (b) Amounts include repurchase costs. (c) Includes 2.45 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclos

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements	4) Derivatives and Hedging—Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements FASB ASC 815-10-05 As of March 31, 2017, to hedge a substantial majority of the purchase price associated with heating oil gallons anticipated to be sold to its price-protected customers, the Partnership held the following derivative instruments that settle in future months to match anticipated sales: 8.0 million gallons of swap contracts, 2.1 million gallons of call options, 5.1 million gallons of put options, and 52.1 million net gallons of synthetic call options. To hedge the inter-month differentials for its price-protected customers, its physical inventory on hand and inventory in transit, the Partnership, as of March 31, 2017, had 0.3 million gallons of long swap contracts, 33.6 million gallons of long future contracts, and 47.6 million gallons of short future contracts that settle in future months. In addition to the previously described hedging instruments, the Partnership as of March 31, 2017, had 1.0 million gallons of spread contracts (simultaneous long and short positions) to lock-in As of March 31, 2016, to hedge a substantial majority of the purchase price associated with heating oil gallons anticipated to be sold to its price-protected customers, the Partnership held the following derivative instruments that settle in future months to match anticipated sales: 5.4 million gallons of swap contracts, 3.4 million gallons of call options, 3.5 million gallons of put options, and 58.7 million net gallons of synthetic call options. To hedge the inter-month differentials for its price-protected customers, its physical inventory on hand and inventory in transit, the Partnership, as of March 31, 2016, had 0.7 million gallons of long swap contracts, 34.0 million gallons of long future contracts, and 53.1 million gallons of short future contracts that settle in future months. In addition to the previously described hedging instruments, to lock-in The Partnership’s derivative instruments are with the following counterparties: Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, Cargill, Inc., Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Key Bank, N.A., Munich Re Trading LLC, Regions Financial Corporation, Societe Generale, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The Partnership assesses counterparty credit risk and considers it to be low. We maintain master netting arrangements that allow for the non-conditional FASB ASC 820-10 non-trading The Partnership had no assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition. The Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are listed on the following table. (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: Derivatives Not Designated Quoted Prices in Significant Other Under FASB ASC 815-10 Balance Sheet Location Total Level 1 Level 2 Asset Derivatives at March 31, 2017 Commodity contracts Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments $ 5,877 $ — $ 5,877 Commodity contracts Long-term derivative assets included in the deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances 765 — 765 Commodity contract assets at March 31, 2017 $ 6,642 $ — $ 6,642 Liability Derivatives at March 31, 2017 Commodity contracts Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments $ (7,631 ) $ — $ (7,631 ) Commodity contracts Cash collateral — — — Commodity contracts Long-term derivative liabilities included in the deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances (801 ) — (801 ) Commodity contract liabilities at March 31, 2017 $ (8,432 ) $ — $ (8,432 ) Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2016 Commodity contracts Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments $ 11,692 $ — $ 11,692 Commodity contracts Long-term derivative assets included in the other long-term liabilities balance 1,369 481 888 Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2016 $ 13,061 $ 481 $ 12,580 Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2016 Commodity contracts Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments $ (9,990 ) $ (1,603 ) $ (8,387 ) Commodity contracts Cash collateral — — — Commodity contracts Long-term derivative liabilities included in the other long-term liabilities balance (565 ) (484 ) (81 ) Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2016 $ (10,555 ) $ (2,087 ) $ (8,468 ) 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 Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities) Gross Gross Net Assets Financial Cash Net Amount Fair asset value of derivative instruments $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Long-term derivative assets included in deferred charges and other assets, net 160 (132 ) 28 — — 28 Fair liability value of derivative instruments 5,877 (7,631 ) (1,754 ) — — (1,754 ) Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net 605 (669 ) (64 ) (64 ) Total at March 31, 2017 $ 6,642 $ (8,432 ) $ (1,790 ) $ — $ — $ (1,790 ) Fair asset value of derivative instruments $ 7,716 $ (3,729 ) $ 3,987 $ — $ — $ 3,987 Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net 888 (81 ) 807 — — 807 Fair liability value of derivative instruments 3,976 (6,261 ) (2,285 ) — — (2,285 ) Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net 481 (484 ) (3 ) — — (3 ) Total at September 30, 2016 $ 13,061 $ (10,555 ) $ 2,506 $ — $ — $ 2,506 The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Under 815-10 Location of (Gain) or Loss Three Months Three Months Six Months Six Months Ended Commodity contracts Cost of product (a) $ (400 ) $ 12,234 $ 2,981 $ 8,801 Commodity contracts Cost of installations and service (a) $ (432 ) $ 550 $ (526 ) $ 776 Commodity contracts Delivery and branch expenses (a) $ (332 ) $ 565 $ (449 ) $ 879 Commodity contracts (Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments (b) $ 12,442 $ (14,324 ) $ 3,891 $ (8,788 ) (a) Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire. (b) Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventories	5) Inventories The Partnership’s product inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market computed on the weighted average cost method. All other inventories, representing parts and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market using the FIFO method. The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Product $ 24,582 $ 25,419 Parts and equipment 20,934 20,475 Total inventory $ 45,516 $ 45,894

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property and Equipment	6) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets using the straight-line method (in thousands): March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Property and equipment $ 193,118 $ 184,079 Less: accumulated depreciation 118,108 113,669 Property and equipment, net $ 75,010 $ 70,410

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations	7) Business Combinations Through the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Partnership acquired two heating oil dealers, a propane dealer and a plumbing service provider for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9.2 million; $7.7 million in cash and $1.5 million of deferred liability (including $0.6 million of contingent consideration). The gross purchase price was allocated $3.9 million to intangible assets, $1.1 million to goodwill, $4.3 million to fixed assets and $(0.1) million to working capital. The acquired companies’ operating results are included in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements starting on their respective acquisition dates, and are not material to the Partnership’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Goodwill and Intangibles, net

Goodwill and Intangibles, net	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangibles, net	8) Goodwill and Intangibles, net Goodwill A summary of changes in the Partnership’s goodwill is as follows (in thousands): Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 212,760 Fiscal year 2017 business combinations 1,121 Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 213,881 Intangibles, net The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Gross Gross Carrying Accum. Carrying Accum. Amount Amortization Net Amount Amortization Net Customer lists $ 329,681 $ 257,469 $ 72,212 $ 327,388 $ 250,427 $ 76,961 Trade names and other intangibles 28,725 7,185 21,540 27,134 6,439 20,695 Total $ 358,406 $ 264,654 $ 93,752 $ 354,522 $ 256,866 $ 97,656 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $7.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $7.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2016.

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facilit

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings	9) Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings The Partnership’s debt is as follows March 31, September 30, (in thousands): 2017 2016 Carrying Carrying Amount Fair Value (a) Amount Fair Value (a) Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings $ — $ — $ — $ — Senior Secured Term Loan (b) 80,567 81,300 91,641 92,500 Total debt $ 80,567 $ 81,300 $ 91,641 $ 92,500 Total short-term portion of debt $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 16,200 $ 16,200 Total long-term portion of debt $ 70,567 $ 71,300 $ 75,441 $ 76,300 (a) The face amount of the Partnership’s variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value. (b) Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.7 million as of March 31, 2017, and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2016. On July 30, 2015, the Partnership entered into a third amended and restated asset-based credit agreement with a bank syndicate comprised of thirteen participants, which enables the Partnership to borrow up to $300 million ($450 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) on a revolving credit facility for working capital purposes (subject to certain borrowing base limitations and coverage ratios), provides for a $100 million five-year senior secured term loan (the “Term Loan”), allows for the issuance of up to $100 million in letters of credit, and has a maturity date of July 30, 2020. The Partnership can increase the revolving credit 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 (as defined in the credit agreement), which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Obligations under the third 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 amounts outstanding under the third amended and restated revolving credit facility become due and payable on the facility termination date of July 30, 2020. The Term Loan is repayable in quarterly payments of $2.5 million, plus an annual payment equal to 25% of the annual Excess Cash Flow as defined in the agreement (an amount not to exceed $15 million annually), less certain voluntary prepayments made during the year, with final payment at maturity. The interest rate on the third amended and restated revolving credit facility and the Term Loan is based on a margin over LIBOR or a base rate. At March 31, 2017, the effective interest rate on the Term Loan was approximately 3.92%. The Commitment Fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility is 0.30% from December through April, and 0.20% from May through November. The third amended and restated credit agreement requires the Partnership to meet certain financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of not less than 1.1 as long as the Term Loan is outstanding or revolving credit facility availability is less than 12.5% of the facility size. In addition, as long as the Term Loan is outstanding, a senior secured leverage ratio at any time cannot be more than 3.0 as calculated during the quarters ending June or September, and at any time no more than 4.5 as calculated during the quarters ending December or March. 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 certain inter-company dividends or distributions, make investments, grant liens, sell assets, make acquisitions and engage in certain other activities. At March 31, 2017, $81.3 million of the Term Loan was outstanding, no amount was outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $3.3 million of hedge positions were secured under the credit agreement, and $48.4 million of letters of credit were issued and outstanding. At September 30, 2016, $92.5 million of the Term Loan was outstanding, no amount was outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $0.3 million of hedge positions were secured under the credit agreement, and $50.6 million of letters of credit were issued and outstanding. At March 31, 2017, availability was $235.6 million, and the Partnership was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and the senior secured leverage ratio. At September 30, 2016, availability was $163.4 million, and the Partnership was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and the senior secured leverage ratio.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Taxes	10) Income Taxes Since Star Gas Partners is organized as a master limited partnership, it is not subject to tax at its entity level for Federal and state income tax purposes. However, Star Gas Partners’ income is derived from its corporate subsidiaries, and these entities do incur Federal and state income taxes relating to their respective corporate subsidiaries, which are reflected in these financial statements. For the corporate subsidiaries of Star Gas Partners, a consolidated Federal income tax return is filed. Income and losses of Star Gas Partners are allocated directly to the individual partners. Even though Star Gas Partners will generate non-qualifying The accompanying financial statements are reported on a fiscal year; however, Star Gas Partners and its corporate subsidiaries file Federal and state income tax returns on a calendar year. The current and deferred income tax expenses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, are as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income before income taxes $ 66,996 $ 94,113 $ 98,134 $ 115,588 Current tax expense $ 24,112 $ 31,218 $ 33,034 $ 40,027 Deferred tax expense 3,180 7,686 7,121 8,294 Total tax expense $ 27,292 $ 38,904 $ 40,155 $ 48,321 As of January 1, 2017, Star Acquisitions, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership, had an estimated Federal net operating loss carry forward (“NOLs”) of approximately $1.6 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. At March 31, 2017, we did not have unrecognized income tax benefits. 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 we have four years that are subject to examination. In the state tax jurisdictions of New Jersey we have five tax years that are subject to examination. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, based on our assessment of many factors including past experience and interpretation of tax law, we believe that our provision for income taxes reflect the most probable outcome. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgments about future events.

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	11) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Six Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes, net $ 3,862 $ 2,507 Interest $ 4,224 $ 3,310 Non-cash Increase in interest expense—amortization of deferred charges on senior secured term loan $ 137 $ 144

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies	12) Commitments and Contingencies On February 18, 2016, a civil action was filed in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey, entitled M. Norman Donnenfeld v. Petro Home Services, Petro Holdings Inc. and Petro, Inc., 2:16-cv-00882 JMV-JBC, Instead of filing an amended complaint, on April 18, 2017, Plaintiff commenced a new putative class action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled M. Norman Donnenfeld v. Petro, Inc. 2:17-cv-02310-JFB-SIL. The Partnership’s operations are subject to the operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing and transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers hazardous liquids such as home heating oil and propane. In the ordinary course of business, the Partnership is a defendant in various legal proceedings and litigation. The Partnership records a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. We do not believe these matters, when considered 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. 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 current and potential future claims, legal proceedings and litigation, including the above mentioned action, as certain types of claims may be excluded from our insurance coverage. If we incur substantial liability and the damages are not covered by insurance, or are in excess of policy limits, or if we incur liability at a time when we are not able to obtain liability insurance, then our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Earnings Per Limited Partner Un

Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit	13) Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit Income per limited partner unit is computed in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10-05 03-06), year-to-date The following presents the net income allocation and per unit data using this method for the periods presented: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner: March 31, March 31, (in thousands, except per unit data) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income $ 39,704 $ 55,209 $ 57,979 $ 67,267 Less General Partner’s interest in net income 233 313 338 381 Net income available to limited partners 39,471 54,896 57,641 66,886 Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 6,607 9,617 9,115 10,960 Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 $ 32,864 $ 45,279 $ 48,526 $ 55,926 Per unit data: Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners $ 0.71 $ 0.96 $ 1.03 $ 1.17 Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 0.12 0.17 0.16 0.19 Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 $ 0.59 $ 0.79 $ 0.87 $ 0.98 Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding 55,888 57,242 55,888 57,262

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events	14) Subsequent Events Quarterly Distribution Declared In April 2017, we declared a quarterly distribution of $0.11 per unit, or $0.44 per unit on an annualized basis, on all Common Units with respect to the second quarter of fiscal 2017, payable on May 8, 2017, to holders of record on April 28, 2017. 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, $6.1 million will be paid to the Common Unit holders, $0.2 million to the General Partner unit holders (including $0.1 million of incentive distribution as provided in our Partnership Agreement) and $0.1 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.

Summary of Significant Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Star Gas Partners and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of financial condition and results for the interim periods. Due to the seasonal nature of the Partnership’s business, the results of operations and cash flows for the six month period ended March 31, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These interim financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 S-X 10-K
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the unrealized gain (loss) amortization on the Partnership’s pension plan obligation for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans and the corresponding tax effect.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash At March 31, 2017, the $53.1 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows is composed of $52.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $0.3 million of restricted cash. Restricted cash represents deposits held by our captive insurance company that are required by state insurance regulations to remain in the captive insurance company as cash.
Investments	Investments The investments are held by our captive insurance company in an irrevocable trust as collateral for workers’ compensation and automobile liability claims incurred and expected to be incurred in fiscal 2017. The collateral is required by a third party insurance carrier that insures per claim amounts above a set deductible. Due to the expected timing of claim payments, the nature of the collateral agreement with the carrier, and our captive insurance company’s source of other operating cash, the collateral is not expected to be used to pay obligations within the next twelve months. Investments are currently comprised of $11.3 million of Level 1 debt securities and $0.3 million of mutual funds measured at net asset value.
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 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-45-15 99-2). For fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018, the Partnership has weather hedge contracts with Swiss Re under which the Partnership is entitled to receive a payment of $35,000 per heating degree-day 815-45-15,
New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund ("the NETTI Fund") Liability	New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (“the NETTI Fund”) Liability As of March 31, 2017, we had $0.2 million and $17.4 million balances included in the captions accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our condensed consolidated balance sheet representing the remaining balance of the NETTI Fund withdrawal liability. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Partnership for long-term financing of a similar maturity, the fair value of the NETTI Fund withdrawal liability as of March 31, 2017 was $21.7 million. We utilized Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques to determine the fair value of this liability.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, 835-30): In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, No. 2015-16 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, beginning-of-period end-of-period No. 2016-18
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, 2014-09. 2014-09 In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, No. 2015-11 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, right-of-use No. 2016-02 right-of-use right-of-use In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, No. 2016-13 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, zero-coupon ASU 2016-15 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, ASU 2017-01 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, ASU 2017-04

Common Unit Repurchase and Re23

Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Partnership's Repurchase Activities	The following table shows repurchases under Plan III. (in thousands, except per unit amounts) Period Total Number of Average Price Maximum Number Plan III - Number of units authorized 4,894 Private transaction - Number of units authorized 2,450 7,344 Plan III - Fiscal years 2012 to 2016 total ( c) 5,137 $ 5.78 2,207 Plan III - First quarter fiscal year 2017 total — $ — 2,207 Plan III - Second quarter fiscal year 2017 total — $ — 2,207 (a) Units were repurchased as part of a publicly announced program, except as noted in a private transaction. (b) Amounts include repurchase costs. (c) Includes 2.45 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

Derivatives and Hedging-Discl24

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Partnership's Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are listed on the following table. (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: Derivatives Not Designated Quoted Prices in Significant Other Under FASB ASC 815-10 Balance Sheet Location Total Level 1 Level 2 Asset Derivatives at March 31, 2017 Commodity contracts Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments $ 5,877 $ — $ 5,877 Commodity contracts Long-term derivative assets included in the deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances 765 — 765 Commodity contract assets at March 31, 2017 $ 6,642 $ — $ 6,642 Liability Derivatives at March 31, 2017 Commodity contracts Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments $ (7,631 ) $ — $ (7,631 ) Commodity contracts Cash collateral — — — Commodity contracts Long-term derivative liabilities included in the deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances (801 ) — (801 ) Commodity contract liabilities at March 31, 2017 $ (8,432 ) $ — $ (8,432 ) Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2016 Commodity contracts Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments $ 11,692 $ — $ 11,692 Commodity contracts Long-term derivative assets included in the other long-term liabilities balance 1,369 481 888 Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2016 $ 13,061 $ 481 $ 12,580 Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2016 Commodity contracts Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments $ (9,990 ) $ (1,603 ) $ (8,387 ) Commodity contracts Cash collateral — — — Commodity contracts Long-term derivative liabilities included in the other long-term liabilities balance (565 ) (484 ) (81 ) Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2016 $ (10,555 ) $ (2,087 ) $ (8,468 )
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 Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities) Gross Gross Net Assets Financial Cash Net Amount Fair asset value of derivative instruments $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Long-term derivative assets included in deferred charges and other assets, net 160 (132 ) 28 — — 28 Fair liability value of derivative instruments 5,877 (7,631 ) (1,754 ) — — (1,754 ) Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net 605 (669 ) (64 ) (64 ) Total at March 31, 2017 $ 6,642 $ (8,432 ) $ (1,790 ) $ — $ — $ (1,790 ) Fair asset value of derivative instruments $ 7,716 $ (3,729 ) $ 3,987 $ — $ — $ 3,987 Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net 888 (81 ) 807 — — 807 Fair liability value of derivative instruments 3,976 (6,261 ) (2,285 ) — — (2,285 ) Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net 481 (484 ) (3 ) — — (3 ) Total at September 30, 2016 $ 13,061 $ (10,555 ) $ 2,506 $ — $ — $ 2,506
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 Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities) Gross Gross Net Assets Financial Cash Net Amount Fair asset value of derivative instruments $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Long-term derivative assets included in deferred charges and other assets, net 160 (132 ) 28 — — 28 Fair liability value of derivative instruments 5,877 (7,631 ) (1,754 ) — — (1,754 ) Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net 605 (669 ) (64 ) (64 ) Total at March 31, 2017 $ 6,642 $ (8,432 ) $ (1,790 ) $ — $ — $ (1,790 ) Fair asset value of derivative instruments $ 7,716 $ (3,729 ) $ 3,987 $ — $ — $ 3,987 Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net 888 (81 ) 807 — — 807 Fair liability value of derivative instruments 3,976 (6,261 ) (2,285 ) — — (2,285 ) Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net 481 (484 ) (3 ) — — (3 ) Total at September 30, 2016 $ 13,061 $ (10,555 ) $ 2,506 $ — $ — $ 2,506
Partnership's Effect on Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Under 815-10 Location of (Gain) or Loss Three Months Three Months Six Months Six Months Ended Commodity contracts Cost of product (a) $ (400 ) $ 12,234 $ 2,981 $ 8,801 Commodity contracts Cost of installations and service (a) $ (432 ) $ 550 $ (526 ) $ 776 Commodity contracts Delivery and branch expenses (a) $ (332 ) $ 565 $ (449 ) $ 879 Commodity contracts (Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments (b) $ 12,442 $ (14,324 ) $ 3,891 $ (8,788 ) (a) Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire. (b) Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Components of Inventory	The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Product $ 24,582 $ 25,419 Parts and equipment 20,934 20,475 Total inventory $ 45,516 $ 45,894

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets using the straight-line method (in thousands): March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Property and equipment $ 193,118 $ 184,079 Less: accumulated depreciation 118,108 113,669 Property and equipment, net $ 75,010 $ 70,410

Goodwill and Intangibles, net (

Goodwill and Intangibles, net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Summary of Changes in the Partnership's Goodwill	A summary of changes in the Partnership’s goodwill is as follows (in thousands): Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 212,760 Fiscal year 2017 business combinations 1,121 Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 213,881
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Gross Gross Carrying Accum. Carrying Accum. Amount Amortization Net Amount Amortization Net Customer lists $ 329,681 $ 257,469 $ 72,212 $ 327,388 $ 250,427 $ 76,961 Trade names and other intangibles 28,725 7,185 21,540 27,134 6,439 20,695 Total $ 358,406 $ 264,654 $ 93,752 $ 354,522 $ 256,866 $ 97,656

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facil28

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Partnership's Debt	The Partnership’s debt is as follows March 31, September 30, (in thousands): 2017 2016 Carrying Carrying Amount Fair Value (a) Amount Fair Value (a) Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings $ — $ — $ — $ — Senior Secured Term Loan (b) 80,567 81,300 91,641 92,500 Total debt $ 80,567 $ 81,300 $ 91,641 $ 92,500 Total short-term portion of debt $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 16,200 $ 16,200 Total long-term portion of debt $ 70,567 $ 71,300 $ 75,441 $ 76,300 (a) The face amount of the Partnership’s variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value. (b) Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.7 million as of March 31, 2017, and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2016.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Current and Deferred Income Tax Expenses	The current and deferred income tax expenses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, are as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income before income taxes $ 66,996 $ 94,113 $ 98,134 $ 115,588 Current tax expense $ 24,112 $ 31,218 $ 33,034 $ 40,027 Deferred tax expense 3,180 7,686 7,121 8,294 Total tax expense $ 27,292 $ 38,904 $ 40,155 $ 48,321

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca30

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	Six Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes, net $ 3,862 $ 2,507 Interest $ 4,224 $ 3,310 Non-cash Increase in interest expense—amortization of deferred charges on senior secured term loan $ 137 $ 144

Earnings Per Limited Partner 31

Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data	The following presents the net income allocation and per unit data using this method for the periods presented: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner: March 31, March 31, (in thousands, except per unit data) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income $ 39,704 $ 55,209 $ 57,979 $ 67,267 Less General Partner’s interest in net income 233 313 338 381 Net income available to limited partners 39,471 54,896 57,641 66,886 Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 6,607 9,617 9,115 10,960 Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 $ 32,864 $ 45,279 $ 48,526 $ 55,926 Per unit data: Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners $ 0.71 $ 0.96 $ 1.03 $ 1.17 Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 0.12 0.17 0.16 0.19 Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 $ 0.59 $ 0.79 $ 0.87 $ 0.98 Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding 55,888 57,242 55,888 57,262

Partnership Organization - Addi

Partnership Organization - Additional Information (Detail) shares in Thousands	Jul. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CustomerContractshares	Sep. 30, 2016shares
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Percentage of limited partner interest		99.40%
Percentage of general partner interest		0.60%
Common Stock
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Number of outstanding units | shares		55,888	55,888
Third Amendment
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility | $	$ 300,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility | $	$ 450,000,000
Due date of debt	Jul. 30, 2020
Third Amendment | Term Loan
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Outstanding senior notes | $	$ 100,000,000
Senior secured term loan maturity period	5 years
Star Acquisitions, Inc
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest of partnership		100.00%
Petro Holdings, Inc
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest of Star Acquisitions Inc.		100.00%
Number of full-service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers served | Customer		441,000
Number of customers to whom only home heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel were sold on a delivery only basis | Customer		74,000
Number of customers to whom ancillary services were provided | Customer		28,500
Number of service contracts for natural gas and other heating systems | Contract		14,400
Woodbury Insurance Co., Inc.
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest of Star Acquisitions Inc.		100.00%
Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc.
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest of partnership		100.00%
General Partner
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Number of outstanding units | shares		326	326

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		$ 53,145,000	$ 139,188,000	$ 146,614,000	$ 100,508,000
Cash and cash equivalents		52,895,000	139,188,000
Restricted cash		300,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		138,509,000	103,855,000
Other long-term liabilities		25,728,000	25,255,000
Deferred charges and other assets, net		9,946,000	11,074,000
Long-term debt		$ 70,567,000	75,441,000
Operating lease expiration year		2,032
Undiscounted future minimum lease payments through 2032		$ 118,900,000
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		200,000
Other long-term liabilities		17,400,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Multiemployer plan discounted withdrawal liability		21,700,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investments, debt securities		11,300,000
Investments, mutual funds		300,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred charges and other assets, net			11,100,000
Long-term debt			75,400,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 | Scenario, Previously Reported
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred charges and other assets, net			11,900,000
Long-term debt			$ 76,300,000
Subsidiaries of Swiss Re
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Weather hedge contracts, 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
Subsidiaries of Swiss Re | Delivery and branch expenses
Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Credit on weather hedge contract	$ 12,500,000	$ 0

Common Unit Repurchase and Re34

Common Unit Repurchase and Retirement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	Jul. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase		7,344
Third Amendment
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Availability required to repurchase common units	$ 45,000,000
Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis	15.00%
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 300,000,000
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio for distributions to unit holders or to repurchase common units	115.00%
Initial Common Units Authorized Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase				3,000
Additional Common Units Authorized Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase			1,900

Partnership's Repurchase Activi

Partnership's Repurchase Activities (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands		60 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase				7,344
Plan III Common Units Repurchase Program
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase				4,894
Total Number of Units Purchased	[1],[2]	5,137
Average Price Paid per Unit	[1],[3]	$ 5.78
Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased		2,207	[1]	2,207	2,207
Private Transaction
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Partnership's common units authorized for repurchase				2,450
Total Number of Units Purchased		2,450
[1]	Includes 2.45 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]	Amounts include repurchase costs.

Partnership's Repurchase Acti36

Partnership's Repurchase Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	60 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016shares
Private Transaction
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Total Number of Units Purchased	2,450

Derivatives and Hedging-Discl37

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) gal in Millions, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)gal	Mar. 31, 2016gal	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Hedging positions secured under credit facility | $	$ 3.3		$ 0.3
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Aggregated cash posted as collateral in normal course of business | $	$ 1
Call Option
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	2.1	3.4
Put Option
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	5.1	3.5
Synthetic calls | Call Option
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	52.1	58.7
Inventory
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	8	5.4
Swap Contracts | Long
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	0.3	0.7
Future Contracts | Long
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	33.6	34
Future Contracts | Short
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	47.6	53.1
Spread Contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	1	2.1
Hedge its Internal Fuel Usage and Other Related Activities Swap Contracts Bought
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume	1.4	4.6

Partnership's 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 ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	$ 6,642	$ 13,061
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(8,432)	(10,555)
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	5,877	11,692
Other long-term liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts		1,369
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts		(565)
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	(7,631)	(9,990)
Deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	765
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(801)
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		481
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts		(2,087)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Other long-term liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts		481
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts		(484)
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		(1,603)
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	6,642	12,580
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(8,432)	(8,468)
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	5,877	11,692
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | Other long-term liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts		888
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts		(81)
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	(7,631)	$ (8,387)
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | Deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	765
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	$ (801)

Offsetting of Financial Assets

Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position		$ 3,987
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	$ (1,754)	(2,285)
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized	6,642	13,061
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(8,432)	(10,555)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	(1,790)	2,506
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	(1,790)	2,506
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	5,877	3,976
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(7,631)	(6,261)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	(1,754)	(2,285)
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	(1,754)	(2,285)
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement | Other long-term liabilities
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized	605	481
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(669)	(484)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	(64)	(3)
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	(64)	(3)
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		7,716
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		(3,729)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position		3,987
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount		3,987
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement | Deferred charges and other assets, net
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized	160	888
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(132)	(81)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	28	807
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	$ 28	$ 807

Effect of Derivative Instrument

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Unrealized, commodity contracts		$ 12,442	$ (14,324)	$ 3,891	$ (8,788)
Open Position
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Unrealized, commodity contracts	[1]	12,442	(14,324)	3,891	(8,788)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of product | Closed Positions
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	[2]	(400)	12,234	2,981	8,801
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of installations and service | Closed Positions
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	[2]	(432)	550	(526)	776
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Delivery and branch expenses | Closed Positions
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts	[2]	$ (332)	$ 565	$ (449)	$ 879
[1]	Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.
[2]	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

Components of Inventory (Detail

Components of Inventory (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory [Line Items]
Product	$ 24,582	$ 25,419
Parts and equipment	20,934	20,475
Total inventory	$ 45,516	$ 45,894

Component of Property and Equip

Component of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 193,118	$ 184,079
Less: accumulated depreciation	118,108	113,669
Property and equipment, net	$ 75,010	$ 70,410

Business Combinations - Additio

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)PartnershipUnit	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 213,881	$ 212,760
Number of heating oil dealer acquired | PartnershipUnit	2
Heating Oil Dealer, Propane Dealer and Plumbing Service Provider
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase prices partnership acquired	$ 9,200
Cash paid	7,700
Deferred liability	1,500
Contingent consideration	600
Aggregate purchase price allocation, intangible assets	3,900
Goodwill	1,100
Aggregate purchase price allocation, fixed assets	4,300
Gross purchase price reduced by working capital credits	$ (100)

Summary of Changes in the Partn

Summary of Changes in the Partnership's Goodwill (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance on beginning	$ 212,760
Fiscal year business combinations	1,121
Balance on ending	$ 213,881

Intangible Assets Subject to Am

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 358,406	$ 354,522
Accum. Amortization	264,654	256,866
Net	93,752	97,656
Customer Lists
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	329,681	327,388
Accum. Amortization	257,469	250,427
Net	72,212	76,961
Trade Names And Other Intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	28,725	27,134
Accum. Amortization	7,185	6,439
Net	$ 21,540	$ 20,695

Goodwill and Intangibles, net -

Goodwill and Intangibles, net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 7.8	$ 7.6

Partnership's Debt (Detail)

Partnership's Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, carrying Amount		$ 80,567	$ 91,641
Current maturities of long-term debt, carrying Amount		10,000	16,200
Long-term portion of debt, Carrying Amount		70,567	75,441
Long-term debt, fair value	[1]	81,300	92,500
Current maturities of long-term debt, fair value	[1]	10,000	16,200
Long-term portion of debt, fair value	[1]	71,300	76,300
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, carrying Amount	[2]	80,567	91,641
Long-term debt, fair value	[1],[2]	$ 81,300	$ 92,500
[1]	The face amount of the Partnership's variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value.
[2]	Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.7 million as of March 31, 2017, and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2016.

Partnership's Debt (Parenthetic

Partnership's Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 0.7	$ 0.9

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facil49

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		Jul. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Hedging positions secured under credit facility			$ 3,300,000	$ 300,000
Letters of credit issued and outstanding			48,400,000	50,600,000
Long-term debt, fair value	[1]		81,300,000	92,500,000
Availability in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio			$ 235,600,000	163,400,000
Third Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility		$ 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
Revolving credit facility expiry		Jul. 30, 2020
Additional revolving credit		$ 100,000,000
Facility size that can be increased without consulting bank group		$ 100,000,000
Term loan annual payment percentage		25.00%
Debt instrument, effective interest rate			3.92%
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio		110.00%
Availability percentage to maximum facility size		12.50%
Third Amendment | Quarterly
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan periodic payment		$ 2,500,000
Third Amendment | Annually | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan periodic payment		$ 15,000,000
Third Amendment | December through April
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility		0.30%
Third Amendment | May through November
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility		0.20%
Third Amendment | Quarters ending June or September | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured leverage ratio		300.00%
Third Amendment | Quarters ending December or March | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured leverage ratio		450.00%
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	[1],[2]		$ 81,300,000	92,500,000
Term Loan | Third Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding senior notes		$ 100,000,000
Senior secured term loan maturity period		5 years
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility outstanding			$ 0	$ 0
[1]	The face amount of the Partnership's variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value.
[2]	Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.7 million as of March 31, 2017, and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2016.

Current and Deferred Income Tax

Current and Deferred Income Tax Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities
Income before income taxes	$ 66,996	$ 94,113	$ 98,134	$ 115,588
Current tax expense	24,112	31,218	33,034	40,027
Deferred tax expense	3,180	7,686	7,121	8,294
Total tax expense	$ 27,292	$ 38,904	$ 40,155	$ 48,321

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	$ 1,600,000
Unrecognized income tax benefits		$ 0
Federal
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination		4 years
New York
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination		4 years
Connecticut
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination		4 years
Pennsylvania
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination		4 years
New Jersey
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination		5 years
Minimum
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Annual limitation of federal NOLs	$ 1,000,000
Expiration date of net operating loss carryforward	Dec. 31, 2018
Maximum
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Annual limitation of federal NOLs	$ 2,200,000
Expiration date of net operating loss carryforward	Dec. 31, 2024

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca52

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net	$ 3,862	$ 2,507
Interest	4,224	3,310
Non-cash operating activities:
Increase in interest expense-amortization of deferred charges on senior secured term loan	$ 137	$ 144

Net Income Allocation and Per U

Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:
Net income		$ 39,704	$ 55,209	$ 57,979	$ 67,267
Less General Partner's interest in net income		233	313	338	381
Net income available to limited partners		39,471	54,896	57,641	66,886
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		6,607	9,617	9,115	10,960
Limited Partner's interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		$ 32,864	$ 45,279	$ 48,526	$ 55,926
Per unit data:
Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners		$ 0.71	$ 0.96	$ 1.03	$ 1.17
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60		0.12	0.17	0.16	0.19
Limited Partner's interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	[1]	$ 0.59	$ 0.79	$ 0.87	$ 0.98
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding		55,888	57,242	55,888	57,262
[1]	See Note 13 Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit.

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - Subsequent Event - Dividend Declared $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Distribution declared | $ / shares	$ 0.11
Partners capital projected distribution amount on annualized basis | $ / shares	0.44
Minimum dividend distribution per unit | $ / shares	$ 0.0675
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	$ 6.1
Amount to paid to the General Partner	0.2
Incentive distribution to the General Partner	0.1
Incentive distributions to management	$ 0.1
Dividend payable date	May 8, 2017
Dividend record date	Apr. 28, 2017