Atmos Energy (ATO) 10-Q 5 Aug 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Atmos Energy Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	731,802
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		101,369,699
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment	$ 9,017,043	$ 8,447,700
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,804,955	1,721,794
Net property, plant and equipment	7,212,088	6,725,906
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	43,153	42,258
Accounts receivable, net	301,743	343,400
Gas stored underground	213,151	278,917
Other current assets	58,602	111,265
Total current assets	616,649	775,840
Goodwill	742,029	742,029
Deferred charges and other assets	313,723	350,929
Total assets	8,884,489	8,594,704
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, no par value (stated at $.005 per share)	507	502
Additional paid-in capital	2,207,102	2,180,151
Retained earnings	1,092,887	917,972
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(62,241)	(12,393)
Shareholders' equity	3,238,255	3,086,232
Long-term debt	2,455,303	2,455,986
Total capitalization	5,693,558	5,542,218
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	227,256	308,086
Other current liabilities	437,344	405,869
Short-term debt	251,977	196,695
Total current liabilities	916,577	910,650
Deferred income taxes	1,429,090	1,286,616
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	432,153	445,387
Pension and postretirement liabilities	318,140	340,963
Deferred credits and other liabilities	94,971	68,870
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	$ 8,884,489	$ 8,594,704

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share	$ 0	$ 0
Common Stock, Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.005	$ 0.005
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	101,336,818	100,388,092
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	101,336,818	100,388,092

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	$ 686,401	$ 943,170	$ 3,485,234	$ 4,151,882
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	304,728	583,637	2,159,538	2,907,115
Gross profit	381,673	359,533	1,325,696	1,244,767
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	132,447	125,559	384,489	365,991
Depreciation and amortization	68,444	63,955	204,059	185,731
Taxes, other than income	63,175	63,414	181,606	165,640
Total operating expenses	264,066	252,928	770,154	717,362
Operating income	117,607	106,605	555,542	527,405
Miscellaneous income (expense)	634	(374)	(2,634)	(4,022)
Interest charges	27,955	31,840	85,166	95,556
Income (loss) before income taxes	90,286	74,391	467,742	427,827
Income tax expense (benefit)	34,005	28,670	176,182	161,723
Net income (loss)	$ 56,281	$ 45,721	$ 291,560	$ 266,104
Basic net income (loss) per share	$ 0.55	$ 0.45	$ 2.86	$ 2.76
Diluted net income (loss) per share	0.55	0.45	2.86	2.76
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.39	$ 0.37	$ 1.17	$ 1.11
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	102,000	101,162	101,776	96,392
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	102,000	101,163	101,776	96,394
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	$ 416,794	$ 517,707	$ 2,394,179	$ 2,652,532
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	149,775	260,042	1,397,113	1,710,508
Gross profit	267,019	257,665	997,066	942,024
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	98,552	92,994	288,962	289,433
Depreciation and amortization	55,491	52,542	165,730	152,113
Taxes, other than income	56,176	57,596	162,759	155,286
Total operating expenses	210,219	203,132	617,451	596,832
Operating income	56,800	54,533	379,615	345,192
Miscellaneous income (expense)	1,045	678	(1,221)	304
Interest charges	19,961	23,649	60,914	69,802
Income (loss) before income taxes	37,884	31,562	317,480	275,694
Income tax expense (benefit)	15,420	13,033	121,776	105,665
Net income (loss)	22,464	18,529	195,704	170,029
Regulated Pipeline Segment [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	97,008	87,189	272,305	232,145
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	0	0	0	0
Gross profit	97,008	87,189	272,305	232,145
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	26,572	23,570	74,029	57,465
Depreciation and amortization	11,816	10,281	34,945	30,223
Taxes, other than income	6,193	5,054	16,296	8,485
Total operating expenses	44,581	38,905	125,270	96,173
Operating income	52,427	48,284	147,035	135,972
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(211)	(489)	(842)	(2,751)
Interest charges	8,299	9,162	25,014	27,274
Income (loss) before income taxes	43,917	38,633	121,179	105,947
Income tax expense (benefit)	15,349	13,695	42,894	37,454
Net income (loss)	28,568	24,938	78,285	68,493
Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	278,769	465,485	1,179,379	1,660,131
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	260,990	450,672	1,122,655	1,589,163
Gross profit	17,779	14,813	56,724	70,968
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	7,456	9,129	21,897	19,463
Depreciation and amortization	1,137	1,132	3,384	3,395
Taxes, other than income	806	764	2,551	1,869
Total operating expenses	9,399	11,025	27,832	24,727
Operating income	8,380	3,788	28,892	46,241
Miscellaneous income (expense)	345	1,018	897	1,785
Interest charges	240	610	706	1,840
Income (loss) before income taxes	8,485	4,196	29,083	46,186
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,236	1,942	11,512	18,604
Net income (loss)	5,249	2,254	17,571	27,582
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	(106,170)	(127,211)	(360,629)	(392,926)
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	(106,037)	(127,077)	(360,230)	(392,556)
Gross profit	(133)	(134)	(399)	(370)
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	(133)	(134)	(399)	(370)
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Taxes, other than income	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	(133)	(134)	(399)	(370)
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(545)	(1,581)	(1,468)	(3,360)
Interest charges	(545)	(1,581)	(1,468)	(3,360)
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 56,281	$ 45,721	$ 291,560	$ 266,104
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(191)	377	(296)	2,519
Amortization and unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate agreements, net of tax	54,475	(23,440)	(29,981)	(36,545)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity cash flow hedges, net of tax	11,563	(2,471)	(19,571)	6,448
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	65,847	(25,534)	(49,848)	(27,578)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 122,128	$ 20,187	$ 241,712	$ 238,526

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (PARENTHETICALS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Abstract
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax	$ (41)	$ 216	$ (170)	$ 1,518
Amortization and unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate agreements, tax	31,314	(13,472)	(17,232)	(21,005)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity cash flow hedging transactions, tax	$ 7,393	$ (1,580)	$ (12,698)	$ 4,122

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 291,560	$ 266,104
Depreciation and amortization:
Charged to depreciation and amortization	204,059	185,731
Charged to other accounts	853	669
Other
Deferred income taxes	164,627	150,457
Other	18,146	21,587
Net Assets Liabilities From Risk Management Activities	(13,136)	3,158
Net change in operating assets and liabilities	51,473	2,504
Net cash provided by operating activities	717,582	630,210
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(667,483)	(552,600)
Other, net	(1,119)	(620)
Net cash used in investing activities	(668,602)	(553,220)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net decrease in short-term debt	48,830	(366,602)
Net proceeds from equity offering	0	390,205
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	493,538	0
Settlement of interest rate agreements	13,364	0
Repayments of long-term debt	(500,000)	0
Cash dividends paid	(116,645)	(108,806)
Repurchase of equity awards	(7,985)	(8,717)
Issuance of common stock	20,813	2,152
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(48,085)	(91,768)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	895	(14,778)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	42,258	66,199
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 43,153	$ 51,421

Nature of Business

Nature of Business	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business Atmos Energy Corporation (“Atmos Energy” or the “Company”) and our subsidiaries are engaged primarily in the regulated natural gas distribution and pipeline businesses as well as other nonregulated natural gas businesses. Historically, our regulated businesses have generated over 90 percent of our consolidated net income. Through our regulated distribution business, we deliver natural gas through sales and transportation arrangements to approximately three million residential, commercial, public authority and industrial customers through our six regulated distribution divisions, which at June 30, 2015 , covered service areas located in eight states. In addition, we transport natural gas for others through our distribution system. Our regulated businesses also include our regulated pipeline and storage operations, which include the transportation of natural gas to our North Texas distribution system and the management of our underground storage facilities. Our regulated businesses are subject to federal and state regulation and/or regulation by local authorities in each of the states in which our regulated distribution divisions operate. Our nonregulated businesses operate primarily in the Midwest and Southeast through various wholly-owned subsidiaries of Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc. (AEH). AEH is wholly owned by the Company and based in Houston, Texas. Through AEH, we provide natural gas management and transportation services to municipalities, natural gas distribution companies, including certain divisions of Atmos Energy, and third parties.

Unaudited Financial Information

Unaudited Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unaudited Financial Information	Unaudited Financial Information These consolidated interim-period financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States on the same basis as those used for the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . In the opinion of management, all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation have been made to the unaudited consolidated interim-period financial statements. These consolidated interim-period financial statements are condensed as permitted by the instructions to Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Atmos Energy Corporation included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the nine -month period ended June 30, 2015 are not indicative of our results of operations for the full 2015 fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2015 . No events have occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date that would require recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Significant accounting policies Our accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment. Based on the assessment performed, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. On July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to approve a deferral of the effective date of the new standard by one year. With the one year extension, the new standard is currently scheduled to become effective for us beginning on October 1, 2018 and can be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard may have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The new standard will be effective for us beginning on October 1, 2016, and will be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard may have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for fees paid in connection with arrangements with cloud-based software providers. Under the new guidance, unless a software arrangement includes specific elements enabling customers to possess and operate software on platforms other than that offered by the cloud-based provider, the cost of such arrangements is to be accounted for as an operating expense in the period incurred. The new guidance is effective for us beginning October 1, 2016 and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively with early adoption permitted. We anticipate the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. There were no other significant changes to our accounting policies during the nine months ended June 30, 2015 that will become applicable to the Company in future periods. Regulatory assets and liabilities Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require cost-based, rate-regulated entities that meet certain criteria to reflect the authorized recovery of costs due to regulatory decisions in their financial statements. As a result, certain costs are permitted to be capitalized rather than expensed because they can be recovered through rates. We record certain costs as regulatory assets when future recovery through customer rates is considered probable. Regulatory liabilities are recorded when it is probable that revenues will be reduced for amounts that will be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. Substantially all of our regulatory assets are recorded as a component of deferred charges and other assets and substantially all of our regulatory liabilities are recorded as a component of deferred credits and other liabilities. Deferred gas costs are recorded either in other current assets or liabilities and the regulatory cost of removal obligation is reported separately. Significant regulatory assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 included the following: June 30, September 30, (In thousands) Regulatory assets: Pension and postretirement benefit costs (1) $ 149,202 $ 162,777 Merger and integration costs, net 4,327 4,730 Deferred gas costs 1,494 20,069 Rate case costs 1,354 3,757 Infrastructure Mechanisms (2) 24,228 26,948 APT annual adjustment mechanism — 8,479 Recoverable loss on reacquired debt 16,959 18,877 Other 4,944 4,672 $ 202,508 $ 250,309 Regulatory liabilities: Deferred gas costs $ 81,134 $ 35,063 Deferred franchise fees 747 5,268 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 486,672 490,448 Other 12,810 14,980 $ 581,363 $ 545,759 (1) Includes $15.8 million and $18.8 million of pension and postretirement expense deferred pursuant to regulatory authorization. (2) Infrastructure mechanisms in Texas and Louisiana allow for the deferral of all expenses associated with capital expenditures incurred pursuant to these rules, including the recording of interest expense, until the next rate proceeding (rate case or annual rate filing), at which time investment and costs would be recoverable through base rates. Currently authorized rates do not include a return on certain of our merger and integration costs; however, we recover the amortization of these costs. Merger and integration costs, net, are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging up to 20 years.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We operate the Company through the following three segments: • The regulated distribution segment , which includes our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations, • The regulated pipeline segment , which includes the regulated pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline — Texas Division and • The nonregulated segment , which is comprised of our nonregulated natural gas management, nonregulated natural gas transmission, storage and other services. Our determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which we manage sales of various products and services to customers in differing regulatory environments. Although our regulated distribution segment operations are geographically dispersed, they are reported as a single segment as each regulated distribution division has similar economic characteristics. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . We evaluate performance based on net income or loss of the respective operating units. Income statements for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 by segment are presented in the following tables: Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Distribution Regulated Pipeline Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 415,160 $ 25,859 $ 245,382 $ — $ 686,401 Intersegment revenues 1,634 71,149 33,387 (106,170 ) — 416,794 97,008 278,769 (106,170 ) 686,401 Purchased gas cost 149,775 — 260,990 (106,037 ) 304,728 Gross profit 267,019 97,008 17,779 (133 ) 381,673 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 98,552 26,572 7,456 (133 ) 132,447 Depreciation and amortization 55,491 11,816 1,137 — 68,444 Taxes, other than income 56,176 6,193 806 — 63,175 Total operating expenses 210,219 44,581 9,399 (133 ) 264,066 Operating income 56,800 52,427 8,380 — 117,607 Miscellaneous income (expense) 1,045 (211 ) 345 (545 ) 634 Interest charges 19,961 8,299 240 (545 ) 27,955 Income before income taxes 37,884 43,917 8,485 — 90,286 Income tax expense 15,420 15,349 3,236 — 34,005 Net income $ 22,464 $ 28,568 $ 5,249 $ — $ 56,281 Capital expenditures $ 170,134 $ 55,914 $ (209 ) $ — $ 225,839 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 516,644 $ 24,990 $ 401,536 $ — $ 943,170 Intersegment revenues 1,063 62,199 63,949 (127,211 ) — 517,707 87,189 465,485 (127,211 ) 943,170 Purchased gas cost 260,042 — 450,672 (127,077 ) 583,637 Gross profit 257,665 87,189 14,813 (134 ) 359,533 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 92,994 23,570 9,129 (134 ) 125,559 Depreciation and amortization 52,542 10,281 1,132 — 63,955 Taxes, other than income 57,596 5,054 764 — 63,414 Total operating expenses 203,132 38,905 11,025 (134 ) 252,928 Operating income 54,533 48,284 3,788 — 106,605 Miscellaneous income (expense) 678 (489 ) 1,018 (1,581 ) (374 ) Interest charges 23,649 9,162 610 (1,581 ) 31,840 Income before income taxes 31,562 38,633 4,196 — 74,391 Income tax expense 13,033 13,695 1,942 — 28,670 Net income $ 18,529 $ 24,938 $ 2,254 $ — $ 45,721 Capital expenditures $ 146,860 $ 45,658 $ 1,073 $ — $ 193,591 Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 2,389,037 $ 70,887 $ 1,025,310 $ — $ 3,485,234 Intersegment revenues 5,142 201,418 154,069 (360,629 ) — 2,394,179 272,305 1,179,379 (360,629 ) 3,485,234 Purchased gas cost 1,397,113 — 1,122,655 (360,230 ) 2,159,538 Gross profit 997,066 272,305 56,724 (399 ) 1,325,696 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 288,962 74,029 21,897 (399 ) 384,489 Depreciation and amortization 165,730 34,945 3,384 — 204,059 Taxes, other than income 162,759 16,296 2,551 — 181,606 Total operating expenses 617,451 125,270 27,832 (399 ) 770,154 Operating income 379,615 147,035 28,892 — 555,542 Miscellaneous income (expense) (1,221 ) (842 ) 897 (1,468 ) (2,634 ) Interest charges 60,914 25,014 706 (1,468 ) 85,166 Income before income taxes 317,480 121,179 29,083 — 467,742 Income tax expense 121,776 42,894 11,512 — 176,182 Net income $ 195,704 $ 78,285 $ 17,571 $ — $ 291,560 Capital expenditures $ 482,371 $ 185,028 $ 84 $ — $ 667,483 Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 2,648,505 $ 67,162 $ 1,436,215 $ — $ 4,151,882 Intersegment revenues 4,027 164,983 223,916 (392,926 ) — 2,652,532 232,145 1,660,131 (392,926 ) 4,151,882 Purchased gas cost 1,710,508 — 1,589,163 (392,556 ) 2,907,115 Gross profit 942,024 232,145 70,968 (370 ) 1,244,767 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 289,433 57,465 19,463 (370 ) 365,991 Depreciation and amortization 152,113 30,223 3,395 — 185,731 Taxes, other than income 155,286 8,485 1,869 — 165,640 Total operating expenses 596,832 96,173 24,727 (370 ) 717,362 Operating income 345,192 135,972 46,241 — 527,405 Miscellaneous income (expense) 304 (2,751 ) 1,785 (3,360 ) (4,022 ) Interest charges 69,802 27,274 1,840 (3,360 ) 95,556 Income before income taxes 275,694 105,947 46,186 — 427,827 Income tax expense 105,665 37,454 18,604 — 161,723 Net income $ 170,029 $ 68,493 $ 27,582 $ — $ 266,104 Capital expenditures $ 413,921 $ 137,579 $ 1,100 $ — $ 552,600 Balance sheet information at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 by segment is presented in the following tables: June 30, 2015 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,543,386 $ 1,613,182 $ 55,520 $ — $ 7,212,088 Investment in subsidiaries 1,028,457 — (2,096 ) (1,026,361 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 35,288 — 7,865 — 43,153 Assets from risk management activities 780 — 10,806 — 11,586 Other current assets 375,213 20,100 497,871 (331,274 ) 561,910 Intercompany receivables 820,587 — — (820,587 ) — Total current assets 1,231,868 20,100 516,542 (1,151,861 ) 616,649 Goodwill 574,816 132,502 34,711 — 742,029 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 1,109 — — — 1,109 Deferred charges and other assets 291,740 15,305 5,569 — 312,614 $ 8,671,376 $ 1,781,089 $ 610,246 $ (2,178,222 ) $ 8,884,489 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,238,255 $ 560,898 $ 467,559 $ (1,028,457 ) $ 3,238,255 Long-term debt 2,455,303 — — — 2,455,303 Total capitalization 5,693,558 560,898 467,559 (1,028,457 ) 5,693,558 Current liabilities Short-term debt 570,977 — — (319,000 ) 251,977 Liabilities from risk management activities 4,916 — — — 4,916 Other current liabilities 551,102 17,850 100,910 (10,178 ) 659,684 Intercompany payables — 786,493 34,094 (820,587 ) — Total current liabilities 1,126,995 804,343 135,004 (1,149,765 ) 916,577 Deferred income taxes 1,014,432 415,687 (1,029 ) — 1,429,090 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 47,224 — — — 47,224 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 432,153 — — — 432,153 Pension and postretirement liabilities 318,140 — — — 318,140 Deferred credits and other liabilities 38,874 161 8,712 — 47,747 $ 8,671,376 $ 1,781,089 $ 610,246 $ (2,178,222 ) $ 8,884,489 September 30, 2014 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,202,761 $ 1,464,572 $ 58,573 $ — $ 6,725,906 Investment in subsidiaries 952,171 — (2,096 ) (950,075 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 33,303 — 8,955 — 42,258 Assets from risk management activities 23,102 — 22,725 — 45,827 Other current assets 490,408 14,009 526,161 (342,823 ) 687,755 Intercompany receivables 790,442 — — (790,442 ) — Total current assets 1,337,255 14,009 557,841 (1,133,265 ) 775,840 Goodwill 574,816 132,502 34,711 — 742,029 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 13,038 — — — 13,038 Deferred charges and other assets 309,965 21,826 6,100 — 337,891 $ 8,390,006 $ 1,632,909 $ 655,129 $ (2,083,340 ) $ 8,594,704 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,086,232 $ 482,612 $ 469,559 $ (952,171 ) $ 3,086,232 Long-term debt 2,455,986 — — — 2,455,986 Total capitalization 5,542,218 482,612 469,559 (952,171 ) 5,542,218 Current liabilities Short-term debt 522,695 — — (326,000 ) 196,695 Liabilities from risk management activities 1,730 — — — 1,730 Other current liabilities 559,765 24,790 142,397 (14,727 ) 712,225 Intercompany payables — 763,635 26,807 (790,442 ) — Total current liabilities 1,084,190 788,425 169,204 (1,131,169 ) 910,650 Deferred income taxes 913,260 361,688 11,668 — 1,286,616 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 20,126 — — — 20,126 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 445,387 — — — 445,387 Pension and postretirement liabilities 340,963 — — — 340,963 Deferred credits and other liabilities 43,862 184 4,698 — 48,744 $ 8,390,006 $ 1,632,909 $ 655,129 $ (2,083,340 ) $ 8,594,704

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share We use the two-class method of computing earnings per share because we have participating securities in the form of non-vested restricted stock units with a nonforfeitable right to dividend equivalents, for which vesting is predicated solely on the passage of time. The calculation of earnings per share using the two-class method excludes income attributable to these participating securities from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Basic Earnings Per Share Net income $ 56,281 $ 45,721 $ 291,560 $ 266,104 Less: Income allocated to participating securities 111 106 596 667 Income available to common shareholders $ 56,170 $ 45,615 $ 290,964 $ 265,437 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 102,000 101,162 101,776 96,392 Net income per share - Basic $ 0.55 $ 0.45 $ 2.86 $ 2.76 Diluted Earnings Per Share Net income available to common shareholders $ 56,170 $ 45,615 290,964 265,437 Effect of dilutive stock options and other shares — — — — Net income available to common shareholders $ 56,170 $ 45,615 290,964 265,437 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 102,000 101,162 101,776 96,392 Additional dilutive stock options and other shares — 1 — 2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 102,000 101,163 101,776 96,394 Net income per share - Diluted $ 0.55 $ 0.45 $ 2.86 $ 2.76 There were no out-of-the-money stock options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2014 as their exercise price was less than the average market price of the common stock during those periods. As of June 30, 2015 there were no outstanding options. 2014 Equity Offering On February 18, 2014, we completed the public offering of 9,200,000 shares of our common stock, including the underwriters’ exercise of their overallotment option of 1,200,000 shares under our existing shelf registration statement. The offering was priced at $44.00 and generated net proceeds of $390.2 million , which were used to repay short-term debt outstanding under our commercial paper program, fund infrastructure spending primarily to enhance the safety and reliability of our system and for general corporate purposes. 2011 Share Repurchase Program We did not repurchase any shares during the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 under our 2011 share repurchase program, which is scheduled to end on September 30, 2016.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The nature and terms of our debt instruments and credit facilities are described in detail in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . Except as noted below, there were no material changes in the terms of our debt instruments during the nine months ended June 30, 2015 . Long-term debt Long-term debt at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 consisted of the following: June 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 (In thousands) Unsecured 4.95% Senior Notes, due October 2014 $ — $ 500,000 Unsecured 6.35% Senior Notes, due 2017 250,000 250,000 Unsecured 8.50% Senior Notes, due 2019 450,000 450,000 Unsecured 5.95% Senior Notes, due 2034 200,000 200,000 Unsecured 5.50% Senior Notes, due 2041 400,000 400,000 Unsecured 4.15% Senior Notes, due 2043 500,000 500,000 Unsecured 4.125% Senior Notes, due 2044 500,000 — Medium-term note Series A, 1995-1, 6.67%, due 2025 10,000 10,000 Unsecured 6.75% Debentures, due 2028 150,000 150,000 Total long-term debt 2,460,000 2,460,000 Less: Original issue discount on unsecured senior notes and debentures 4,697 4,014 $ 2,455,303 $ 2,455,986 On October 15, 2014 , we issued $500 million of 4.125% 30-year unsecured senior notes, which replaced, on a long-term basis, our $500 million unsecured 4.95% senior notes. The effective rate of these notes is 4.086% , after giving effect to the offering costs and the settlement of the associated forward starting interest rate swaps. The net proceeds of approximately $494 million were used to repay our $500 million 4.95% senior unsecured notes at maturity on October 15, 2014 . Short-term debt Our short-term debt is utilized to fund ongoing working capital needs, such as our seasonal requirements for gas supply, general corporate liquidity and capital expenditures. Our short-term borrowing requirements are affected primarily by the seasonal nature of the natural gas business. Changes in the price of natural gas and the amount of natural gas we need to supply our customers’ needs could significantly affect our borrowing requirements. Our short-term borrowings typically reach their highest levels in the winter months. We currently finance our short-term borrowing requirements through a combination of a $1.25 billion commercial paper program, four committed revolving credit facilities and one uncommitted revolving credit facility with third-party lenders. These facilities provide approximately $1.3 billion of working capital funding. At June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 a total of $252.0 million and $196.7 million was outstanding under our commercial paper program. Regulated Operations We fund our regulated operations as needed, primarily through our commercial paper program and three committed revolving credit facilities with third-party lenders that provide approximately $1.3 billion of working capital funding, including a five-year $1.25 billion unsecured facility with an accordion feature, which, if utilized would increase the borrowing capacity to $1.5 billion , a $25 million unsecured facility and a $10 million unsecured revolving credit facility, which is used primarily to issue letters of credit. Due to outstanding letters of credit, the total amount available to us under our $10 million revolving credit facility was $4.2 million at June 30, 2015 . In addition to these third-party facilities, our regulated operations have a $500 million intercompany revolving credit facility with AEH, which bears interest at the lower of (i) the Eurodollar rate under the five-year revolving credit facility or (ii) the lowest rate outstanding under the commercial paper program. Applicable state regulatory commissions have approved our use of this facility through December 31, 2015. Nonregulated Operations Atmos Energy Marketing, LLC (AEM), which is wholly owned by AEH, has one uncommitted $25 million 364-day bilateral credit facility and one committed $15 million 364-day bilateral credit facility that expire in December 2015. These facilities are used primarily to issue letters of credit. Due to outstanding letters of credit, the total amount available to us under these bilateral credit facilities was $36.0 million at June 30, 2015 . AEH has a $500 million intercompany demand credit facility with AEC. This facility bears interest at a rate equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus 3.00 percent . Applicable state regulatory commissions have approved our use of this facility through December 31, 2015. Shelf Registration We filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 28, 2013 that originally permitted us to issue a total of $1.75 billion in common stock and/or debt securities. At June 30, 2015 , $845 million of securities remain available for issuance under the shelf registration statement until March 28, 2016. Debt Covenants The availability of funds under our regulated credit facilities is subject to conditions specified in the respective credit agreements, all of which we currently satisfy. These conditions include our compliance with financial covenants and the continued accuracy of representations and warranties contained in these agreements. We are required by the financial covenants in each of these facilities to maintain, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of total debt to total capitalization of no greater than 70 percent . At June 30, 2015 , our total-debt-to-total-capitalization ratio, as defined in the agreements, was 47 percent . In addition, both the interest margin and the fee that we pay on unused amounts under certain of these facilities are subject to adjustment depending upon our credit ratings. In addition to these financial covenants, our credit facilities and public indentures contain usual and customary covenants for our business, including covenants substantially limiting liens, substantial asset sales and mergers. Additionally, our public debt indentures relating to our senior notes and debentures, as well as certain of our revolving credit agreements, each contain a default provision that is triggered if outstanding indebtedness arising out of any other credit agreements in amounts ranging from in excess of $15 million to in excess of $100 million becomes due by acceleration or is not paid at maturity. We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants as of June 30, 2015 . If we were unable to comply with our debt covenants, we would likely be required to repay our outstanding balances on demand, provide additional collateral or take other corrective actions.

Interim Pension and Other Postr

Interim Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Interim Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	Interim Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Information The components of our net periodic pension cost for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the following table. Most of these costs are recoverable through our gas distribution rates; however, a portion of these costs is capitalized into our gas distribution rate base. The remaining costs are recorded as a component of operation and maintenance expense. On October 2, 2013, due to the retirement of one of our executive officers, we recognized a settlement loss of $4.5 million associated with our Supplemental Executive Benefits Plan (SEBP). In association with his retirement, on October 2, 2013, we made a $16.8 million benefit payment from the SEBP. Three Months Ended June 30 Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic pension cost: Service cost $ 5,051 $ 4,738 $ 3,895 $ 4,196 Interest cost 6,698 6,824 3,596 3,987 Expected return on assets (6,435 ) (5,901 ) (1,608 ) (1,291 ) Amortization of transition obligation — — 69 69 Amortization of prior service credit (48 ) (34 ) (411 ) (363 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 3,916 3,931 — 158 Net periodic pension cost $ 9,182 $ 9,558 $ 5,541 $ 6,756 Nine Months Ended June 30 Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic pension cost: Service cost $ 15,153 $ 14,214 $ 11,687 $ 12,588 Interest cost 20,095 20,472 10,789 11,963 Expected return on assets (19,308 ) (17,702 ) (4,824 ) (3,875 ) Amortization of transition obligation — — 205 205 Amortization of prior service credit (144 ) (102 ) (1,233 ) (1,088 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 11,749 11,793 — 474 Settlement loss — 4,539 — — Net periodic pension cost $ 27,545 $ 33,214 $ 16,624 $ 20,267 The assumptions used to develop our net periodic pension cost for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.43 % 4.95 % 4.43 % 4.95 % Rate of compensation increase 3.50 % 3.50 % N/A N/A Expected return on plan assets 7.25 % 7.25 % 4.60 % 4.60 % The discount rate used to compute the present value of a plan’s liabilities generally is based on rates of high-grade corporate bonds with maturities similar to the average period over which the benefits will be paid. Generally, our funding policy has been to contribute annually an amount in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In accordance with the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA), we determined the funded status of our plans as of January 1, 2015. Based on that determination, we are not required to make a minimum contribution to our defined benefit plans during fiscal 2015. However, we made a voluntary contribution of $38.0 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. We contributed $15.0 million to our other post-retirement benefit plans during the nine months ended June 30, 2015 . We expect to contribute a total of approximately $20 million to these plans during all of fiscal 2015 . In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries released its final report on mortality tables and the mortality improvement scale to reflect increasing life expectancies in the United States. We anticipate utilizing the new mortality data in our next actuarial calculation date on September 30, 2015. We are currently evaluating the impact the updated data will have on the valuation of our defined benefit and other post-retirement benefits plans. It is expected the use of this new data will increase the total amount of liabilities reported on our balance sheet in future periods by less than five percent.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Litigation and Environmental Matters With respect to the specific litigation and environmental-related matters or claims that were disclosed in Note 10 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 , there were no material changes in the status of such litigation and environmental-related matters or claims during the nine months ended June 30, 2015 . We are a party to various litigation and environmental-related matters or claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of our business. While the results of such litigation and response actions to such environmental-related matters or claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we continue to believe the final outcome of such litigation and matters or claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Purchase Commitments Our regulated distribution divisions, except for our Mid-Tex Division, maintain supply contracts with several vendors that generally cover a period of up to one year. Commitments for estimated base gas volumes are established under these contracts on a monthly basis at contractually negotiated prices. Commitments for incremental daily purchases are made as necessary during the month in accordance with the terms of the individual contract. Our Mid-Tex Division also maintains a limited number of long-term supply contracts to ensure a reliable source of gas for our customers in its service area which obligate it to purchase specified volumes at prices indexed to natural gas distribution hubs. At June 30, 2015 , we were committed to purchase 36.6 Bcf within one year and 35.2 Bcf within two years under indexed contracts. Purchases under these contracts totaled $21.2 million and $27.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and $93.2 million , and $81.9 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . AEH has commitments to purchase physical quantities of natural gas under contracts indexed to the forward NYMEX strip or fixed price contracts. At June 30, 2015 , AEH was committed to purchase 99.1 Bcf within one year, 22.6 Bcf within one to three years and 0.2 Bcf after three years under indexed contracts. AEH is committed to purchase 4.1 Bcf within one year under fixed price contracts with prices ranging from $2.62 to $3.23 per Mcf. Purchases under these contracts totaled $203.3 million and $383.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and $925.4 million and $1,354.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . Our nonregulated segment maintains long-term contracts related to storage and transportation. The estimated contractual demand fees for contracted storage and transportation under these contracts are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. There were no material changes to the estimated storage and transportation fees for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 . Regulatory Matters Various regulatory agencies, including the SEC and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, continue to adopt regulations implementing many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. We continue to enact new procedures and modify existing business practices and contractual arrangements to comply with such regulations. Additional rulemakings are pending which we believe will result in new reporting and disclosure obligations. The costs associated with hedging certain risks inherent in our business may be further increased when these expected additional regulations are adopted. As of June 30, 2015 , a rate case was in progress in our Colorado service area, an annual rate filing mechanism was in progress in Louisiana and an infrastructure program was in progress in Virginia. These regulatory proceedings are discussed in further detail below in Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Recent Ratemaking Developments .

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments We currently use financial instruments in our regulated distribution and nonregulated segments to mitigate commodity price risk and interest rate risk. The objectives and strategies for using financial instruments, which have been tailored to our regulated distribution and nonregulated segments, and the related accounting for these financial instruments are fully described in Notes 2 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . During the nine months ended June 30, 2015 there were no changes in our objectives, strategies and accounting for using financial instruments. Our financial instruments do not contain any credit-risk-related or other contingent features that could cause payments to be accelerated when our financial instruments are in net liability positions. The following summarizes those objectives and strategies. Regulated Commodity Risk Management Activities Our purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms essentially insulate our regulated distribution segment from commodity price risk; however, our customers are exposed to the effects of volatile natural gas prices. We manage this exposure through a combination of physical storage, fixed-price forward contracts and financial instruments, primarily over-the-counter swap and option contracts, in an effort to minimize the impact of natural gas price volatility on our customers during the winter heating season. We typically seek to hedge between 25 and 50 percent of anticipated heating season gas purchases using financial instruments. For the 2014-2015 heating season (generally October through March), in the jurisdictions where we are permitted to utilize financial instruments, we hedged approximately 37 percent , or 28.2 Bcf of the winter flowing gas requirements. We have not designated these financial instruments as hedges for accounting purposes. Nonregulated Commodity Risk Management Activities Our nonregulated segment is exposed to risks associated with changes in the market price of natural gas through the purchase, sale and delivery of natural gas to its customers at competitive prices. We manage our exposure to such risks through a combination of physical storage and financial instruments, including futures, over-the-counter and exchange-traded options and swap contracts with counterparties. Specifically, these operations use financial instruments in the following ways: • Gas delivery and related services - Certain financial instruments, designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated purchases and sales at index prices, are used to mitigate the commodity price risk associated with deliveries under fixed-priced forward contracts to either deliver gas to customers or purchase gas from suppliers. These financial instruments have maturity dates ranging from one to 52 months . • Transportation and storage services - Our nonregulated operations use storage swaps and futures to capture additional storage arbitrage opportunities that arise subsequent to the execution of the original fair value hedge associated with our physical natural gas inventory, basis swaps to insulate and protect the economic value of our fixed price and storage books and various over-the-counter and exchange-traded options. These financial instruments have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes. • Aggregating and purchasing gas supply - Certain financial instruments, designated as fair value hedges, are used to hedge our natural gas inventory used in asset optimization activities. Interest Rate Risk Management Activities We periodically manage interest rate risk by entering into financial instruments to effectively fix the Treasury yield component of the interest cost associated with anticipated financings. As of June 30, 2015 , we had forward starting interest rate swaps to effectively fix the Treasury yield component associated with the anticipated issuance of $250 million and $450 million unsecured senior notes in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2019, at 3.37% and 3.78% , which we designated as cash flow hedges at the time the swaps were executed. As of June 30, 2015 , we had $18.7 million of net realized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) associated with the settlement of financial instruments used to fix the Treasury yield component of the interest cost of financing various issuances of long-term debt and senior notes, which will be recognized as a component of interest expense over the life of the associated notes from the date of settlement. The remaining amortization periods for these settled amounts extend through fiscal 2045. Quantitative Disclosures Related to Financial Instruments The following tables present detailed information concerning the impact of financial instruments on our condensed consolidated balance sheet and income statements. As of June 30, 2015 , our financial instruments were comprised of both long and short commodity positions. A long position is a contract to purchase the commodity, while a short position is a contract to sell the commodity. As of June 30, 2015 , we had net long/(short) commodity contracts outstanding in the following quantities: Contract Type Hedge Designation Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Quantity (MMcf) Commodity contracts Fair Value — (25,020 ) Cash Flow — 55,158 Not designated 14,609 65,577 14,609 95,715 Financial Instruments on the Balance Sheet The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our financial instruments by operating segment as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 . The gross amounts of recognized assets and liabilities are netted within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the extent that we have netting arrangements with the counterparties. Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In thousands) June 30, 2015 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities $ — $ — $ 8,465 $ (31,422 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities — — 476 (7,591 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 570 (47,224 ) — — Total 570 (47,224 ) 8,941 (39,013 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 780 (4,916 ) 86,265 (78,374 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 539 — 9,000 (7,336 ) Total 1,319 (4,916 ) 95,265 (85,710 ) Gross Financial Instruments 1,889 (52,140 ) 104,206 (124,723 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting — — (104,206 ) 104,206 Net Financial Instruments 1,889 (52,140 ) — (20,517 ) Cash collateral — — 10,806 20,517 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 1,889 $ (52,140 ) $ 10,806 $ — Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In thousands) September 30, 2014 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities $ — $ — $ 8,912 $ (7,082 ) Interest rate contracts Other current assets / 21,869 — — — Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities — — 757 (2,459 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 12,608 (19,835 ) — — Total 34,477 (19,835 ) 9,669 (9,541 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 1,233 (1,730 ) 43,677 (47,729 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 430 (291 ) 15,677 (14,786 ) Total 1,663 (2,021 ) 59,354 (62,515 ) Gross Financial Instruments 36,140 (21,856 ) 69,023 (72,056 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting — — (69,023 ) 69,023 Net Financial Instruments 36,140 (21,856 ) — (3,033 ) Cash collateral — — 22,725 3,033 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 36,140 $ (21,856 ) $ 22,725 $ — Impact of Financial Instruments on the Income Statement Hedge ineffectiveness for our nonregulated segment is recorded as a component of purchased gas cost and primarily results from differences in the location and timing of the derivative instrument and the hedged item. Hedge ineffectiveness could materially affect our results of operations for the reported period. For the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 we recognized a gain (loss) arising from fair value and cash flow hedge ineffectiveness of $3.6 million and $(0.1) million . For the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 we recognized a gain (loss) arising from fair value and cash flow hedge ineffectiveness of $(0.9) million and $1.3 million . Additional information regarding ineffectiveness recognized in the income statement is included in the tables below. Fair Value Hedges The impact of our nonregulated commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges and the related hedged item on our condensed consolidated income statement for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is presented below. Three Months Ended 2015 2014 (In thousands) Commodity contracts $ (1,715 ) $ 1,991 Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item 5,350 (2,258 ) Total (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost $ 3,635 $ (267 ) The (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost is comprised of the following: Basis ineffectiveness $ 599 $ 817 Timing ineffectiveness 3,036 (1,084 ) $ 3,635 $ (267 ) Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 (In thousands) Commodity contracts $ 5,754 $ (2,983 ) Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item (6,291 ) 4,071 Total (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost $ (537 ) $ 1,088 The (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost is comprised of the following: Basis ineffectiveness $ 908 $ (382 ) Timing ineffectiveness (1,445 ) 1,470 $ (537 ) $ 1,088 Basis ineffectiveness arises from natural gas market price differences between the locations of the hedged inventory and the delivery location specified in the hedge instruments. Timing ineffectiveness arises due to changes in the difference between the spot price and the futures price, as well as the difference between the timing of the settlement of the futures and the valuation of the underlying physical commodity. As the commodity contract nears the settlement date, spot-to-forward price differences should converge, which should reduce or eliminate the impact of this ineffectiveness on purchased gas cost. To the extent that the Company’s natural gas inventory does not qualify as a hedged item in a fair-value hedge, or has not been designated as such, the natural gas inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cash Flow Hedges The impact of cash flow hedges on our condensed consolidated income statements for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is presented below. Note that this presentation does not reflect the financial impact arising from the hedged physical transaction. Therefore, this presentation is not indicative of the economic gross profit we realized when the underlying physical and financial transactions were settled. Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Loss reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ (16,488 ) $ (16,488 ) Gain arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — 11 11 Total impact on purchased gas cost — (16,477 ) (16,477 ) Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (137 ) — (137 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (137 ) $ (16,477 ) $ (16,614 ) Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Gain reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ 4,209 $ 4,209 Gain arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — 179 179 Total impact on purchased gas cost — 4,388 4,388 Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (1,057 ) — (1,057 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (1,057 ) $ 4,388 $ 3,331 Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Loss reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ (29,222 ) $ (29,222 ) Loss arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — (316 ) (316 ) Total impact on purchased gas cost — (29,538 ) (29,538 ) Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (717 ) — (717 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (717 ) $ (29,538 ) $ (30,255 ) Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Gain reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ 8,783 $ 8,783 Gain arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — 203 203 Total impact on purchased gas cost — 8,986 8,986 Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (3,172 ) — (3,172 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (3,172 ) $ 8,986 $ 5,814 The following table summarizes the gains and losses arising from hedging transactions that were recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . The amounts included in the table below exclude gains and losses arising from ineffectiveness because those amounts are immediately recognized in the income statement as incurred. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Increase (decrease) in fair value: Interest rate agreements $ 54,388 $ (24,111 ) $ (30,436 ) $ (38,559 ) Forward commodity contracts 1,505 96 (37,397 ) 11,805 Recognition of (gains) losses in earnings due to settlements: Interest rate agreements 87 671 455 2,014 Forward commodity contracts 10,058 (2,567 ) 17,826 (5,357 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) from hedging, net of tax (1) $ 66,038 $ (25,911 ) $ (49,552 ) $ (30,097 ) (1) Utilizing an income tax rate ranging from 37 percent to 39 percent based on the effective rates in each taxing jurisdiction. Deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI associated with our interest rate agreements are recognized in earnings as they are amortized over the terms of the underlying debt instruments, while deferred gains (losses) associated with commodity contracts are recognized in earnings upon settlement. The following amounts, net of deferred taxes, represent the expected recognition in earnings of the deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI associated with our financial instruments, based upon the fair values of these financial instruments as of June 30, 2015 . However, the table below does not include the expected recognition in earnings of our outstanding interest rate agreements as those instruments have not yet settled. Interest Rate Agreements Commodity Contracts Total (In thousands) Next twelve months $ (347 ) $ (16,952 ) $ (17,299 ) Thereafter (18,390 ) (4,293 ) (22,683 ) Total (1) $ (18,737 ) $ (21,245 ) $ (39,982 ) (1) Utilizing an income tax rate ranging from 37 percent to 39 percent based on the effective rates in each taxing jurisdiction. Financial Instruments Not Designated as Hedges The impact of financial instruments that have not been designated as hedges on our condensed consolidated income statements for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was an (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost of $3.7 million and $(0.6) million . For the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , purchased gas cost (increased) decreased by $13.2 million and $(10.7) million . Note that this presentation does not reflect the expected gains or losses arising from the underlying physical transactions associated with these financial instruments. Therefore, this presentation is not indicative of the economic gross profit we realized when the underlying physical and financial transactions were settled. As discussed above, financial instruments used in our regulated distribution segment are not designated as hedges. However, there is no earnings impact on our regulated distribution segment as a result of the use of these financial instruments because the gains and losses arising from the use of these financial instruments are recognized in the consolidated statement of income as a component of purchased gas cost when the related costs are recovered through our rates and recognized in revenue. Accordingly, the impact of these financial instruments is excluded from this presentation.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income We record deferred gains (losses) in AOCI related to available-for-sale securities, interest rate agreement cash flow hedges and commodity contract cash flow hedges. Deferred gains (losses) for our available-for-sale securities and commodity contract cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings upon settlement, while deferred gains (losses) related to our interest rate agreement cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings as they are amortized. The following tables provide the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of the related tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income. Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2014 $ 7,662 $ (18,381 ) $ (1,674 ) $ (12,393 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 30 (30,436 ) (37,397 ) (67,803 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (326 ) 455 17,826 17,955 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (296 ) (29,981 ) (19,571 ) (49,848 ) June 30, 2015 $ 7,366 $ (48,362 ) $ (21,245 ) $ (62,241 ) Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2013 $ 5,448 $ 37,906 $ (4,476 ) $ 38,878 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3,212 (38,559 ) 11,805 (23,542 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (693 ) 2,014 (5,357 ) (4,036 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,519 (36,545 ) 6,448 (27,578 ) June 30, 2014 $ 7,967 $ 1,361 $ 1,972 $ 11,300 The following tables detail reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . Amounts in parentheses below indicate decreases to net income in the statement of income. Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 508 Operation and maintenance expense 508 Total before tax (186 ) Tax expense $ 322 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (137 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts (16,488 ) Purchased gas cost (16,625 ) Total before tax 6,480 Tax benefit $ (10,145 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications $ (9,823 ) Net of tax Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 733 Operation and maintenance expense 733 Total before tax (267 ) Tax expense $ 466 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (1,057 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts 4,209 Purchased gas cost 3,152 Total before tax (1,256 ) Tax expense $ 1,896 Net of tax Total reclassifications $ 2,362 Net of tax Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 514 Operation and maintenance expense 514 Total before tax (188 ) Tax expense $ 326 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (717 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts (29,222 ) Purchased gas cost (29,939 ) Total before tax 11,658 Tax benefit $ (18,281 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications $ (17,955 ) Net of tax Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 1,091 Operation and maintenance expense 1,091 Total before tax (398 ) Tax expense $ 693 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (3,172 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts 8,783 Purchased gas cost 5,611 Total before tax (2,268 ) Tax expense $ 3,343 Net of tax Total reclassifications $ 4,036 Net of tax

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements We report certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We record cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable at carrying value, which substantially approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. For other financial assets and liabilities, we primarily use quoted market prices and other observable market pricing information to minimize the use of unobservable pricing inputs in our measurements when determining fair value. The methods used to determine fair value for our assets and liabilities are fully described in Note 2 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . During the nine months ended June 30, 2015 , there were no changes in these methods. Fair value measurements also apply to the valuation of our pension and postretirement plan assets. Current accounting guidance requires employers to annually disclose information about fair value measurements of the assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The fair value of these assets is presented in Note 6 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 . Quantitative Disclosures Financial Instruments The classification of our fair value measurements requires judgment regarding the degree to which market data is observable or corroborated by observable market data. Authoritative accounting literature establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value based on observable and unobservable data. The hierarchy categorizes the inputs into three levels, with the highest priority given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1), with the lowest priority given to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The following tables summarize, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 . Assets and liabilities are categorized in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) (1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting and Cash Collateral (2) June 30, 2015 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 1,889 $ — $ — $ 1,889 Nonregulated segment — 104,206 — (93,400 ) 10,806 Total financial instruments — 106,095 — (93,400 ) 12,695 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 65,717 — — — 65,717 Available-for-sale securities Money market funds — 1,217 — — 1,217 Registered investment companies 44,854 — — — 44,854 Bonds — 33,418 — — 33,418 Total available-for-sale securities 44,854 34,635 — — 79,489 Total assets $ 110,571 $ 140,730 $ — $ (93,400 ) $ 157,901 Liabilities: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 52,140 $ — $ — $ 52,140 Nonregulated segment — 124,723 — (124,723 ) — Total liabilities $ — $ 176,863 $ — $ (124,723 ) $ 52,140 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) (1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting and Cash Collateral (3) September 30, 2014 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 36,140 $ — $ — $ 36,140 Nonregulated segment 25 68,998 — (46,298 ) 22,725 Total financial instruments 25 105,138 — (46,298 ) 58,865 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 40,492 — — — 40,492 Available-for-sale securities Money market funds — 2,185 — — 2,185 Registered investment companies 44,014 — — — 44,014 Bonds — 33,414 — — 33,414 Total available-for-sale securities 44,014 35,599 — — 79,613 Total assets $ 84,531 $ 140,737 $ — $ (46,298 ) $ 178,970 Liabilities: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 21,856 $ — $ — $ 21,856 Nonregulated segment 12 72,044 — (72,056 ) — Total liabilities $ 12 $ 93,900 $ — $ (72,056 ) $ 21,856 (1) Our Level 2 measurements consist of over-the-counter options and swaps which are valued using a market-based approach in which observable market prices are adjusted for criteria specific to each instrument, such as the strike price, notional amount or basis differences, municipal and corporate bonds which are valued based on the most recent available quoted market prices and money market funds which are valued at cost. (2) This column reflects adjustments to our gross financial instrument assets and liabilities to reflect netting permitted under our master netting agreements and the relevant authoritative accounting literature. In addition, as of June 30, 2015 , we had $31.3 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $20.5 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements and the remaining $10.8 million is classified as current risk management assets. (3) This column reflects adjustments to our gross financial instrument assets and liabilities to reflect netting permitted under our master netting agreements and the relevant authoritative accounting literature. In addition, as of September 30, 2014 , we had $25.8 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $3.1 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements and the remaining $22.7 million is classified as current risk management assets. Available-for-sale securities are comprised of the following: Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Fair Value (In thousands) As of June 30, 2015 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 28,023 $ 10,010 $ (163 ) $ 37,870 Foreign equity mutual funds 5,279 1,705 — 6,984 Bonds 33,364 78 (24 ) 33,418 Money market funds 1,217 — — 1,217 $ 67,883 $ 11,793 $ (187 ) $ 79,489 As of September 30, 2014 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 26,633 $ 10,136 $ — $ 36,769 Foreign equity mutual funds 5,382 1,863 — 7,245 Bonds 33,266 161 (13 ) 33,414 Money market funds 2,185 — — 2,185 $ 67,466 $ 12,160 $ (13 ) $ 79,613 At June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 , our available-for-sale securities included $46.1 million and $46.2 million related to assets held in separate rabbi trusts for our supplemental executive benefit plans. At June 30, 2015 , we maintained investments in bonds that have contractual maturity dates ranging from July 2015 through September 2020. These securities are reported at market value with unrealized gains and losses shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We regularly evaluate the performance of these investments on a fund by fund basis for impairment, taking into consideration the fund’s purpose, volatility and current returns. If a determination is made that a decline in fair value is other than temporary, the related fund is written down to its estimated fair value and the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in the income statement. Other Fair Value Measures Our debt is recorded at carrying value. The fair value of our debt is determined using third party market value quotations, which are considered Level 1 fair value measurements for debt instruments with a recent, observable trade or Level 2 fair value measurements for debt instruments where fair value is determined using the most recent available quoted market price. The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of our debt as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 : June 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 (In thousands) Carrying Amount $ 2,460,000 $ 2,460,000 Fair Value $ 2,659,908 $ 2,769,541

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Information regarding our concentration of credit risk is disclosed in Note 15 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . During the nine months ended June 30, 2015 , there were no material changes in our concentration of credit risk.

Accounting Policies (Policy)

Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Regulatory assets and liabilities	Regulatory assets and liabilities Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require cost-based, rate-regulated entities that meet certain criteria to reflect the authorized recovery of costs due to regulatory decisions in their financial statements. As a result, certain costs are permitted to be capitalized rather than expensed because they can be recovered through rates. We record certain costs as regulatory assets when future recovery through customer rates is considered probable. Regulatory liabilities are recorded when it is probable that revenues will be reduced for amounts that will be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. Substantially all of our regulatory assets are recorded as a component of deferred charges and other assets and substantially all of our regulatory liabilities are recorded as a component of deferred credits and other liabilities. Deferred gas costs are recorded either in other current assets or liabilities and the regulatory cost of removal obligation is reported separately.
Segment Reporting	Segment Information We operate the Company through the following three segments: • The regulated distribution segment , which includes our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations, • The regulated pipeline segment , which includes the regulated pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline — Texas Division and • The nonregulated segment , which is comprised of our nonregulated natural gas management, nonregulated natural gas transmission, storage and other services. Our determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which we manage sales of various products and services to customers in differing regulatory environments. Although our regulated distribution segment operations are geographically dispersed, they are reported as a single segment as each regulated distribution division has similar economic characteristics. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . We evaluate performance based on net income or loss of the respective operating units.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share We use the two-class method of computing earnings per share because we have participating securities in the form of non-vested restricted stock units with a nonforfeitable right to dividend equivalents, for which vesting is predicated solely on the passage of time. The calculation of earnings per share using the two-class method excludes income attributable to these participating securities from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements We report certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We record cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable at carrying value, which substantially approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. For other financial assets and liabilities, we primarily use quoted market prices and other observable market pricing information to minimize the use of unobservable pricing inputs in our measurements when determining fair value. The methods used to determine fair value for our assets and liabilities are fully described in Note 2 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 . During the nine months ended June 30, 2015 , there were no changes in these methods.

Unaudited Financial Informati20

Unaudited Financial Information (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities Table [Abstract]
Regulatory assets and liabilities table	Significant regulatory assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 included the following: June 30, September 30, (In thousands) Regulatory assets: Pension and postretirement benefit costs (1) $ 149,202 $ 162,777 Merger and integration costs, net 4,327 4,730 Deferred gas costs 1,494 20,069 Rate case costs 1,354 3,757 Infrastructure Mechanisms (2) 24,228 26,948 APT annual adjustment mechanism — 8,479 Recoverable loss on reacquired debt 16,959 18,877 Other 4,944 4,672 $ 202,508 $ 250,309 Regulatory liabilities: Deferred gas costs $ 81,134 $ 35,063 Deferred franchise fees 747 5,268 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 486,672 490,448 Other 12,810 14,980 $ 581,363 $ 545,759 (1) Includes $15.8 million and $18.8 million of pension and postretirement expense deferred pursuant to regulatory authorization. (2) Infrastructure mechanisms in Texas and Louisiana allow for the deferral of all expenses associated with capital expenditures incurred pursuant to these rules, including the recording of interest expense, until the next rate proceeding (rate case or annual rate filing), at which time investment and costs would be recoverable through base rates.

Segment Information (Table)

Segment Information (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Income statements for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 by segment are presented in the following tables: Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Distribution Regulated Pipeline Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 415,160 $ 25,859 $ 245,382 $ — $ 686,401 Intersegment revenues 1,634 71,149 33,387 (106,170 ) — 416,794 97,008 278,769 (106,170 ) 686,401 Purchased gas cost 149,775 — 260,990 (106,037 ) 304,728 Gross profit 267,019 97,008 17,779 (133 ) 381,673 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 98,552 26,572 7,456 (133 ) 132,447 Depreciation and amortization 55,491 11,816 1,137 — 68,444 Taxes, other than income 56,176 6,193 806 — 63,175 Total operating expenses 210,219 44,581 9,399 (133 ) 264,066 Operating income 56,800 52,427 8,380 — 117,607 Miscellaneous income (expense) 1,045 (211 ) 345 (545 ) 634 Interest charges 19,961 8,299 240 (545 ) 27,955 Income before income taxes 37,884 43,917 8,485 — 90,286 Income tax expense 15,420 15,349 3,236 — 34,005 Net income $ 22,464 $ 28,568 $ 5,249 $ — $ 56,281 Capital expenditures $ 170,134 $ 55,914 $ (209 ) $ — $ 225,839 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 516,644 $ 24,990 $ 401,536 $ — $ 943,170 Intersegment revenues 1,063 62,199 63,949 (127,211 ) — 517,707 87,189 465,485 (127,211 ) 943,170 Purchased gas cost 260,042 — 450,672 (127,077 ) 583,637 Gross profit 257,665 87,189 14,813 (134 ) 359,533 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 92,994 23,570 9,129 (134 ) 125,559 Depreciation and amortization 52,542 10,281 1,132 — 63,955 Taxes, other than income 57,596 5,054 764 — 63,414 Total operating expenses 203,132 38,905 11,025 (134 ) 252,928 Operating income 54,533 48,284 3,788 — 106,605 Miscellaneous income (expense) 678 (489 ) 1,018 (1,581 ) (374 ) Interest charges 23,649 9,162 610 (1,581 ) 31,840 Income before income taxes 31,562 38,633 4,196 — 74,391 Income tax expense 13,033 13,695 1,942 — 28,670 Net income $ 18,529 $ 24,938 $ 2,254 $ — $ 45,721 Capital expenditures $ 146,860 $ 45,658 $ 1,073 $ — $ 193,591 Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 2,389,037 $ 70,887 $ 1,025,310 $ — $ 3,485,234 Intersegment revenues 5,142 201,418 154,069 (360,629 ) — 2,394,179 272,305 1,179,379 (360,629 ) 3,485,234 Purchased gas cost 1,397,113 — 1,122,655 (360,230 ) 2,159,538 Gross profit 997,066 272,305 56,724 (399 ) 1,325,696 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 288,962 74,029 21,897 (399 ) 384,489 Depreciation and amortization 165,730 34,945 3,384 — 204,059 Taxes, other than income 162,759 16,296 2,551 — 181,606 Total operating expenses 617,451 125,270 27,832 (399 ) 770,154 Operating income 379,615 147,035 28,892 — 555,542 Miscellaneous income (expense) (1,221 ) (842 ) 897 (1,468 ) (2,634 ) Interest charges 60,914 25,014 706 (1,468 ) 85,166 Income before income taxes 317,480 121,179 29,083 — 467,742 Income tax expense 121,776 42,894 11,512 — 176,182 Net income $ 195,704 $ 78,285 $ 17,571 $ — $ 291,560 Capital expenditures $ 482,371 $ 185,028 $ 84 $ — $ 667,483 Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 2,648,505 $ 67,162 $ 1,436,215 $ — $ 4,151,882 Intersegment revenues 4,027 164,983 223,916 (392,926 ) — 2,652,532 232,145 1,660,131 (392,926 ) 4,151,882 Purchased gas cost 1,710,508 — 1,589,163 (392,556 ) 2,907,115 Gross profit 942,024 232,145 70,968 (370 ) 1,244,767 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 289,433 57,465 19,463 (370 ) 365,991 Depreciation and amortization 152,113 30,223 3,395 — 185,731 Taxes, other than income 155,286 8,485 1,869 — 165,640 Total operating expenses 596,832 96,173 24,727 (370 ) 717,362 Operating income 345,192 135,972 46,241 — 527,405 Miscellaneous income (expense) 304 (2,751 ) 1,785 (3,360 ) (4,022 ) Interest charges 69,802 27,274 1,840 (3,360 ) 95,556 Income before income taxes 275,694 105,947 46,186 — 427,827 Income tax expense 105,665 37,454 18,604 — 161,723 Net income $ 170,029 $ 68,493 $ 27,582 $ — $ 266,104 Capital expenditures $ 413,921 $ 137,579 $ 1,100 $ — $ 552,600 Balance sheet information at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 by segment is presented in the following tables: June 30, 2015 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,543,386 $ 1,613,182 $ 55,520 $ — $ 7,212,088 Investment in subsidiaries 1,028,457 — (2,096 ) (1,026,361 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 35,288 — 7,865 — 43,153 Assets from risk management activities 780 — 10,806 — 11,586 Other current assets 375,213 20,100 497,871 (331,274 ) 561,910 Intercompany receivables 820,587 — — (820,587 ) — Total current assets 1,231,868 20,100 516,542 (1,151,861 ) 616,649 Goodwill 574,816 132,502 34,711 — 742,029 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 1,109 — — — 1,109 Deferred charges and other assets 291,740 15,305 5,569 — 312,614 $ 8,671,376 $ 1,781,089 $ 610,246 $ (2,178,222 ) $ 8,884,489 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,238,255 $ 560,898 $ 467,559 $ (1,028,457 ) $ 3,238,255 Long-term debt 2,455,303 — — — 2,455,303 Total capitalization 5,693,558 560,898 467,559 (1,028,457 ) 5,693,558 Current liabilities Short-term debt 570,977 — — (319,000 ) 251,977 Liabilities from risk management activities 4,916 — — — 4,916 Other current liabilities 551,102 17,850 100,910 (10,178 ) 659,684 Intercompany payables — 786,493 34,094 (820,587 ) — Total current liabilities 1,126,995 804,343 135,004 (1,149,765 ) 916,577 Deferred income taxes 1,014,432 415,687 (1,029 ) — 1,429,090 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 47,224 — — — 47,224 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 432,153 — — — 432,153 Pension and postretirement liabilities 318,140 — — — 318,140 Deferred credits and other liabilities 38,874 161 8,712 — 47,747 $ 8,671,376 $ 1,781,089 $ 610,246 $ (2,178,222 ) $ 8,884,489 September 30, 2014 Regulated Regulated Nonregulated Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 5,202,761 $ 1,464,572 $ 58,573 $ — $ 6,725,906 Investment in subsidiaries 952,171 — (2,096 ) (950,075 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 33,303 — 8,955 — 42,258 Assets from risk management activities 23,102 — 22,725 — 45,827 Other current assets 490,408 14,009 526,161 (342,823 ) 687,755 Intercompany receivables 790,442 — — (790,442 ) — Total current assets 1,337,255 14,009 557,841 (1,133,265 ) 775,840 Goodwill 574,816 132,502 34,711 — 742,029 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 13,038 — — — 13,038 Deferred charges and other assets 309,965 21,826 6,100 — 337,891 $ 8,390,006 $ 1,632,909 $ 655,129 $ (2,083,340 ) $ 8,594,704 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,086,232 $ 482,612 $ 469,559 $ (952,171 ) $ 3,086,232 Long-term debt 2,455,986 — — — 2,455,986 Total capitalization 5,542,218 482,612 469,559 (952,171 ) 5,542,218 Current liabilities Short-term debt 522,695 — — (326,000 ) 196,695 Liabilities from risk management activities 1,730 — — — 1,730 Other current liabilities 559,765 24,790 142,397 (14,727 ) 712,225 Intercompany payables — 763,635 26,807 (790,442 ) — Total current liabilities 1,084,190 788,425 169,204 (1,131,169 ) 910,650 Deferred income taxes 913,260 361,688 11,668 — 1,286,616 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 20,126 — — — 20,126 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 445,387 — — — 445,387 Pension and postretirement liabilities 340,963 — — — 340,963 Deferred credits and other liabilities 43,862 184 4,698 — 48,744 $ 8,390,006 $ 1,632,909 $ 655,129 $ (2,083,340 ) $ 8,594,704

Earnings Per Share (Table)

Earnings Per Share (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share table	Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Basic Earnings Per Share Net income $ 56,281 $ 45,721 $ 291,560 $ 266,104 Less: Income allocated to participating securities 111 106 596 667 Income available to common shareholders $ 56,170 $ 45,615 $ 290,964 $ 265,437 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 102,000 101,162 101,776 96,392 Net income per share - Basic $ 0.55 $ 0.45 $ 2.86 $ 2.76 Diluted Earnings Per Share Net income available to common shareholders $ 56,170 $ 45,615 290,964 265,437 Effect of dilutive stock options and other shares — — — — Net income available to common shareholders $ 56,170 $ 45,615 290,964 265,437 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 102,000 101,162 101,776 96,392 Additional dilutive stock options and other shares — 1 — 2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 102,000 101,163 101,776 96,394 Net income per share - Diluted $ 0.55 $ 0.45 $ 2.86 $ 2.76

Debt (Table)

Debt (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Debt	Long-term debt at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 consisted of the following: June 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 (In thousands) Unsecured 4.95% Senior Notes, due October 2014 $ — $ 500,000 Unsecured 6.35% Senior Notes, due 2017 250,000 250,000 Unsecured 8.50% Senior Notes, due 2019 450,000 450,000 Unsecured 5.95% Senior Notes, due 2034 200,000 200,000 Unsecured 5.50% Senior Notes, due 2041 400,000 400,000 Unsecured 4.15% Senior Notes, due 2043 500,000 500,000 Unsecured 4.125% Senior Notes, due 2044 500,000 — Medium-term note Series A, 1995-1, 6.67%, due 2025 10,000 10,000 Unsecured 6.75% Debentures, due 2028 150,000 150,000 Total long-term debt 2,460,000 2,460,000 Less: Original issue discount on unsecured senior notes and debentures 4,697 4,014 $ 2,455,303 $ 2,455,986

Interim Pension and Other Pos24

Interim Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of net periodic pension cost table	The components of our net periodic pension cost for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the following table. Most of these costs are recoverable through our gas distribution rates; however, a portion of these costs is capitalized into our gas distribution rate base. The remaining costs are recorded as a component of operation and maintenance expense. On October 2, 2013, due to the retirement of one of our executive officers, we recognized a settlement loss of $4.5 million associated with our Supplemental Executive Benefits Plan (SEBP). In association with his retirement, on October 2, 2013, we made a $16.8 million benefit payment from the SEBP. Three Months Ended June 30 Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic pension cost: Service cost $ 5,051 $ 4,738 $ 3,895 $ 4,196 Interest cost 6,698 6,824 3,596 3,987 Expected return on assets (6,435 ) (5,901 ) (1,608 ) (1,291 ) Amortization of transition obligation — — 69 69 Amortization of prior service credit (48 ) (34 ) (411 ) (363 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 3,916 3,931 — 158 Net periodic pension cost $ 9,182 $ 9,558 $ 5,541 $ 6,756 Nine Months Ended June 30 Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Components of net periodic pension cost: Service cost $ 15,153 $ 14,214 $ 11,687 $ 12,588 Interest cost 20,095 20,472 10,789 11,963 Expected return on assets (19,308 ) (17,702 ) (4,824 ) (3,875 ) Amortization of transition obligation — — 205 205 Amortization of prior service credit (144 ) (102 ) (1,233 ) (1,088 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 11,749 11,793 — 474 Settlement loss — 4,539 — — Net periodic pension cost $ 27,545 $ 33,214 $ 16,624 $ 20,267
Schedule of assumptions used table text block	The assumptions used to develop our net periodic pension cost for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.43 % 4.95 % 4.43 % 4.95 % Rate of compensation increase 3.50 % 3.50 % N/A N/A Expected return on plan assets 7.25 % 7.25 % 4.60 % 4.60 %

Financial Instruments (Table)

Financial Instruments (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Oustanding commodity contracts volumes table	As of June 30, 2015 , we had net long/(short) commodity contracts outstanding in the following quantities: Contract Type Hedge Designation Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Quantity (MMcf) Commodity contracts Fair Value — (25,020 ) Cash Flow — 55,158 Not designated 14,609 65,577 14,609 95,715
Financial instruments on the balance sheet	Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In thousands) September 30, 2014 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities $ — $ — $ 8,912 $ (7,082 ) Interest rate contracts Other current assets / 21,869 — — — Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities — — 757 (2,459 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 12,608 (19,835 ) — — Total 34,477 (19,835 ) 9,669 (9,541 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 1,233 (1,730 ) 43,677 (47,729 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 430 (291 ) 15,677 (14,786 ) Total 1,663 (2,021 ) 59,354 (62,515 ) Gross Financial Instruments 36,140 (21,856 ) 69,023 (72,056 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting — — (69,023 ) 69,023 Net Financial Instruments 36,140 (21,856 ) — (3,033 ) Cash collateral — — 22,725 3,033 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 36,140 $ (21,856 ) $ 22,725 $ — The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our financial instruments by operating segment as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 . The gross amounts of recognized assets and liabilities are netted within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the extent that we have netting arrangements with the counterparties. Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In thousands) June 30, 2015 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities $ — $ — $ 8,465 $ (31,422 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities — — 476 (7,591 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 570 (47,224 ) — — Total 570 (47,224 ) 8,941 (39,013 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 780 (4,916 ) 86,265 (78,374 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 539 — 9,000 (7,336 ) Total 1,319 (4,916 ) 95,265 (85,710 ) Gross Financial Instruments 1,889 (52,140 ) 104,206 (124,723 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting — — (104,206 ) 104,206 Net Financial Instruments 1,889 (52,140 ) — (20,517 ) Cash collateral — — 10,806 20,517 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 1,889 $ (52,140 ) $ 10,806 $ —
Fair value hedges table	The impact of our nonregulated commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges and the related hedged item on our condensed consolidated income statement for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is presented below. Three Months Ended 2015 2014 (In thousands) Commodity contracts $ (1,715 ) $ 1,991 Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item 5,350 (2,258 ) Total (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost $ 3,635 $ (267 ) The (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost is comprised of the following: Basis ineffectiveness $ 599 $ 817 Timing ineffectiveness 3,036 (1,084 ) $ 3,635 $ (267 ) Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 (In thousands) Commodity contracts $ 5,754 $ (2,983 ) Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item (6,291 ) 4,071 Total (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost $ (537 ) $ 1,088 The (increase) decrease in purchased gas cost is comprised of the following: Basis ineffectiveness $ 908 $ (382 ) Timing ineffectiveness (1,445 ) 1,470 $ (537 ) $ 1,088
Cash flow hedges	The impact of cash flow hedges on our condensed consolidated income statements for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is presented below. Note that this presentation does not reflect the financial impact arising from the hedged physical transaction. Therefore, this presentation is not indicative of the economic gross profit we realized when the underlying physical and financial transactions were settled. Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Loss reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ (16,488 ) $ (16,488 ) Gain arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — 11 11 Total impact on purchased gas cost — (16,477 ) (16,477 ) Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (137 ) — (137 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (137 ) $ (16,477 ) $ (16,614 ) Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Gain reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ 4,209 $ 4,209 Gain arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — 179 179 Total impact on purchased gas cost — 4,388 4,388 Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (1,057 ) — (1,057 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (1,057 ) $ 4,388 $ 3,331 Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Loss reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ (29,222 ) $ (29,222 ) Loss arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — (316 ) (316 ) Total impact on purchased gas cost — (29,538 ) (29,538 ) Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (717 ) — (717 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (717 ) $ (29,538 ) $ (30,255 ) Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014 Regulated Distribution Nonregulated Consolidated (In thousands) Gain reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ — $ 8,783 $ 8,783 Gain arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts — 203 203 Total impact on purchased gas cost — 8,986 8,986 Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (3,172 ) — (3,172 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ (3,172 ) $ 8,986 $ 5,814
Other comprehensive income from hedging table	The following table summarizes the gains and losses arising from hedging transactions that were recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . The amounts included in the table below exclude gains and losses arising from ineffectiveness because those amounts are immediately recognized in the income statement as incurred. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Increase (decrease) in fair value: Interest rate agreements $ 54,388 $ (24,111 ) $ (30,436 ) $ (38,559 ) Forward commodity contracts 1,505 96 (37,397 ) 11,805 Recognition of (gains) losses in earnings due to settlements: Interest rate agreements 87 671 455 2,014 Forward commodity contracts 10,058 (2,567 ) 17,826 (5,357 ) Total other comprehensive income (loss) from hedging, net of tax (1) $ 66,038 $ (25,911 ) $ (49,552 ) $ (30,097 ) (1) Utilizing an income tax rate ranging from 37 percent to 39 percent based on the effective rates in each taxing jurisdiction.
Expected recognition in earnings of deferred gains/(losses) in AOCI table	The following amounts, net of deferred taxes, represent the expected recognition in earnings of the deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI associated with our financial instruments, based upon the fair values of these financial instruments as of June 30, 2015 . However, the table below does not include the expected recognition in earnings of our outstanding interest rate agreements as those instruments have not yet settled. Interest Rate Agreements Commodity Contracts Total (In thousands) Next twelve months $ (347 ) $ (16,952 ) $ (17,299 ) Thereafter (18,390 ) (4,293 ) (22,683 ) Total (1) $ (18,737 ) $ (21,245 ) $ (39,982 ) (1) Utilizing an income tax rate ranging from 37 percent to 39 percent based on the effective rates in each taxing jurisdiction.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi26

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following tables provide the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of the related tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income. Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2014 $ 7,662 $ (18,381 ) $ (1,674 ) $ (12,393 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 30 (30,436 ) (37,397 ) (67,803 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (326 ) 455 17,826 17,955 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (296 ) (29,981 ) (19,571 ) (49,848 ) June 30, 2015 $ 7,366 $ (48,362 ) $ (21,245 ) $ (62,241 ) Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2013 $ 5,448 $ 37,906 $ (4,476 ) $ 38,878 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3,212 (38,559 ) 11,805 (23,542 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (693 ) 2,014 (5,357 ) (4,036 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,519 (36,545 ) 6,448 (27,578 ) June 30, 2014 $ 7,967 $ 1,361 $ 1,972 $ 11,300
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables detail reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . Amounts in parentheses below indicate decreases to net income in the statement of income. Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 508 Operation and maintenance expense 508 Total before tax (186 ) Tax expense $ 322 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (137 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts (16,488 ) Purchased gas cost (16,625 ) Total before tax 6,480 Tax benefit $ (10,145 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications $ (9,823 ) Net of tax Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 733 Operation and maintenance expense 733 Total before tax (267 ) Tax expense $ 466 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (1,057 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts 4,209 Purchased gas cost 3,152 Total before tax (1,256 ) Tax expense $ 1,896 Net of tax Total reclassifications $ 2,362 Net of tax Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 514 Operation and maintenance expense 514 Total before tax (188 ) Tax expense $ 326 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (717 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts (29,222 ) Purchased gas cost (29,939 ) Total before tax 11,658 Tax benefit $ (18,281 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications $ (17,955 ) Net of tax Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Available-for-sale securities $ 1,091 Operation and maintenance expense 1,091 Total before tax (398 ) Tax expense $ 693 Net of tax Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (3,172 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts 8,783 Purchased gas cost 5,611 Total before tax (2,268 ) Tax expense $ 3,343 Net of tax Total reclassifications $ 4,036 Net of tax

Fair Value Measurements (Table)

Fair Value Measurements (Table)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements table	The following tables summarize, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 . Assets and liabilities are categorized in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) (1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting and Cash Collateral (2) June 30, 2015 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 1,889 $ — $ — $ 1,889 Nonregulated segment — 104,206 — (93,400 ) 10,806 Total financial instruments — 106,095 — (93,400 ) 12,695 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 65,717 — — — 65,717 Available-for-sale securities Money market funds — 1,217 — — 1,217 Registered investment companies 44,854 — — — 44,854 Bonds — 33,418 — — 33,418 Total available-for-sale securities 44,854 34,635 — — 79,489 Total assets $ 110,571 $ 140,730 $ — $ (93,400 ) $ 157,901 Liabilities: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 52,140 $ — $ — $ 52,140 Nonregulated segment — 124,723 — (124,723 ) — Total liabilities $ — $ 176,863 $ — $ (124,723 ) $ 52,140 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) (1) Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Netting and Cash Collateral (3) September 30, 2014 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 36,140 $ — $ — $ 36,140 Nonregulated segment 25 68,998 — (46,298 ) 22,725 Total financial instruments 25 105,138 — (46,298 ) 58,865 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 40,492 — — — 40,492 Available-for-sale securities Money market funds — 2,185 — — 2,185 Registered investment companies 44,014 — — — 44,014 Bonds — 33,414 — — 33,414 Total available-for-sale securities 44,014 35,599 — — 79,613 Total assets $ 84,531 $ 140,737 $ — $ (46,298 ) $ 178,970 Liabilities: Financial instruments Regulated distribution segment $ — $ 21,856 $ — $ — $ 21,856 Nonregulated segment 12 72,044 — (72,056 ) — Total liabilities $ 12 $ 93,900 $ — $ (72,056 ) $ 21,856 (1) Our Level 2 measurements consist of over-the-counter options and swaps which are valued using a market-based approach in which observable market prices are adjusted for criteria specific to each instrument, such as the strike price, notional amount or basis differences, municipal and corporate bonds which are valued based on the most recent available quoted market prices and money market funds which are valued at cost. (2) This column reflects adjustments to our gross financial instrument assets and liabilities to reflect netting permitted under our master netting agreements and the relevant authoritative accounting literature. In addition, as of June 30, 2015 , we had $31.3 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $20.5 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements and the remaining $10.8 million is classified as current risk management assets. (3) This column reflects adjustments to our gross financial instrument assets and liabilities to reflect netting permitted under our master netting agreements and the relevant authoritative accounting literature. In addition, as of September 30, 2014 , we had $25.8 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $3.1 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements and the remaining $22.7 million is classified as current risk management assets.
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Available-for-sale securities are comprised of the following: Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Fair Value (In thousands) As of June 30, 2015 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 28,023 $ 10,010 $ (163 ) $ 37,870 Foreign equity mutual funds 5,279 1,705 — 6,984 Bonds 33,364 78 (24 ) 33,418 Money market funds 1,217 — — 1,217 $ 67,883 $ 11,793 $ (187 ) $ 79,489 As of September 30, 2014 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 26,633 $ 10,136 $ — $ 36,769 Foreign equity mutual funds 5,382 1,863 — 7,245 Bonds 33,266 161 (13 ) 33,414 Money market funds 2,185 — — 2,185 $ 67,466 $ 12,160 $ (13 ) $ 79,613
Other fair value measurements table	The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of our debt as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 : June 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 (In thousands) Carrying Amount $ 2,460,000 $ 2,460,000 Fair Value $ 2,659,908 $ 2,769,541

Nature of Business (Details)

Nature of Business (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 customers in Millions	statecustomersregulated_gas_distributions_divisions
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Customers, Regulated Distribution | customers	3
Number of Divisions, Regulated Distribution	6
Number of States in which Entity Operates | state	8

Unaudited Interim Financial Inf

Unaudited Interim Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets		$ 202,508	$ 250,309
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities		581,363	545,759
Deferred Gas Costs [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities		81,134	35,063
Deferred Franchise Fees [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities		747	5,268
Regulatory Cost of Removal [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities		486,672	490,448
Other [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities		12,810	14,980
Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	[1]	149,202	162,777
Regulatory asset - future recoverable pension costs		15,800	18,800
Merger And Integration Costs Net [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets		$ 4,327	4,730
Regulatory noncurrent asset, amortization period		P20Y
Deferred Gas Costs [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets		$ 1,494	20,069
Rate Case Costs [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets		1,354	3,757
Infrastructure Mechanisms [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	[2]	24,228	26,948
APT Annual Adjustment Mechanism [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets		0	8,479
Recoverable Loss On Reacquired Debt [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets		16,959	18,877
Other [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets		$ 4,944	$ 4,672
[1]	Includes $15.8 million and $18.8 million of pension and postretirement expense deferred pursuant to regulatory authorization.
[2]	Infrastructure mechanisms in Texas and Louisiana allow for the deferral of all expenses associated with capital expenditures incurred pursuant to these rules, including the recording of interest expense, until the next rate proceeding (rate case or annual rate filing), at which time investment and costs would be recoverable through base rates

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)segment	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment			3
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	$ 686,401	$ 943,170	$ 3,485,234	$ 4,151,882
Purchased gas cost	304,728	583,637	2,159,538	2,907,115
Gross profit	381,673	359,533	1,325,696	1,244,767
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	132,447	125,559	384,489	365,991
Depreciation and amortization	68,444	63,955	204,059	185,731
Taxes, other than income	63,175	63,414	181,606	165,640
Total operating expenses	264,066	252,928	770,154	717,362
Operating income	117,607	106,605	555,542	527,405
Miscellaneous income (expense)	634	(374)	(2,634)	(4,022)
Interest charges	27,955	31,840	85,166	95,556
Income (loss) before income taxes	90,286	74,391	467,742	427,827
Income tax expense (benefit)	34,005	28,670	176,182	161,723
Net income (loss)	56,281	45,721	291,560	266,104
Capital expenditures	225,839	193,591	667,483	552,600
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	7,212,088		7,212,088		$ 6,725,906
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0		0
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	43,153	51,421	43,153	51,421	42,258	$ 66,199
Assets from risk management activities	11,586		11,586		45,827
Other current assets	561,910		561,910		687,755
Intercompany receivables	0		0		0
Total current assets	616,649		616,649		775,840
Goodwill	742,029		742,029		742,029
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	1,109		1,109		13,038
Deferred charges and other assets	312,614		312,614		337,891
Total Assets	8,884,489		8,884,489		8,594,704
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	3,238,255		3,238,255		3,086,232
Long-term debt	2,455,303		2,455,303		2,455,986
Total capitalization	5,693,558		5,693,558		5,542,218
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	251,977		251,977		196,695
Liabilities from risk management activities	4,916		4,916		1,730
Other current liabilities	659,684		659,684		712,225
Intercompany payables	0		0		0
Total current liabilities	916,577		916,577		910,650
Deferred income taxes	1,429,090		1,429,090		1,286,616
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	47,224		47,224		20,126
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	432,153		432,153		445,387
Pension and postretirement liabilities	318,140		318,140		340,963
Deferred credits and other liabilities	47,747		47,747		48,744
Total Equity and Liabilities	8,884,489		8,884,489		8,594,704
Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	686,401	943,170	3,485,234	4,151,882
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	416,794	517,707	2,394,179	2,652,532
Purchased gas cost	149,775	260,042	1,397,113	1,710,508
Gross profit	267,019	257,665	997,066	942,024
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	98,552	92,994	288,962	289,433
Depreciation and amortization	55,491	52,542	165,730	152,113
Taxes, other than income	56,176	57,596	162,759	155,286
Total operating expenses	210,219	203,132	617,451	596,832
Operating income	56,800	54,533	379,615	345,192
Miscellaneous income (expense)	1,045	678	(1,221)	304
Interest charges	19,961	23,649	60,914	69,802
Income (loss) before income taxes	37,884	31,562	317,480	275,694
Income tax expense (benefit)	15,420	13,033	121,776	105,665
Net income (loss)	22,464	18,529	195,704	170,029
Capital expenditures	170,134	146,860	482,371	413,921
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	5,543,386		5,543,386		5,202,761
Investment in subsidiaries	1,028,457		1,028,457		952,171
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	35,288		35,288		33,303
Assets from risk management activities	780		780		23,102
Other current assets	375,213		375,213		490,408
Intercompany receivables	820,587		820,587		790,442
Total current assets	1,231,868		1,231,868		1,337,255
Goodwill	574,816		574,816		574,816
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	1,109		1,109		13,038
Deferred charges and other assets	291,740		291,740		309,965
Total Assets	8,671,376		8,671,376		8,390,006
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	3,238,255		3,238,255		3,086,232
Long-term debt	2,455,303		2,455,303		2,455,986
Total capitalization	5,693,558		5,693,558		5,542,218
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	570,977		570,977		522,695
Liabilities from risk management activities	4,916		4,916		1,730
Other current liabilities	551,102		551,102		559,765
Intercompany payables	0		0		0
Total current liabilities	1,126,995		1,126,995		1,084,190
Deferred income taxes	1,014,432		1,014,432		913,260
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	47,224		47,224		20,126
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	432,153		432,153		445,387
Pension and postretirement liabilities	318,140		318,140		340,963
Deferred credits and other liabilities	38,874		38,874		43,862
Total Equity and Liabilities	8,671,376		8,671,376		8,390,006
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	415,160	516,644	2,389,037	2,648,505
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	1,634	1,063	5,142	4,027
Regulated Pipeline Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	97,008	87,189	272,305	232,145
Purchased gas cost	0	0	0	0
Gross profit	97,008	87,189	272,305	232,145
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	26,572	23,570	74,029	57,465
Depreciation and amortization	11,816	10,281	34,945	30,223
Taxes, other than income	6,193	5,054	16,296	8,485
Total operating expenses	44,581	38,905	125,270	96,173
Operating income	52,427	48,284	147,035	135,972
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(211)	(489)	(842)	(2,751)
Interest charges	8,299	9,162	25,014	27,274
Income (loss) before income taxes	43,917	38,633	121,179	105,947
Income tax expense (benefit)	15,349	13,695	42,894	37,454
Net income (loss)	28,568	24,938	78,285	68,493
Capital expenditures	55,914	45,658	185,028	137,579
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	1,613,182		1,613,182		1,464,572
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0		0
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		0
Assets from risk management activities	0		0		0
Other current assets	20,100		20,100		14,009
Intercompany receivables	0		0		0
Total current assets	20,100		20,100		14,009
Goodwill	132,502		132,502		132,502
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	0		0		0
Deferred charges and other assets	15,305		15,305		21,826
Total Assets	1,781,089		1,781,089		1,632,909
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	560,898		560,898		482,612
Long-term debt	0		0		0
Total capitalization	560,898		560,898		482,612
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0		0		0
Liabilities from risk management activities	0		0		0
Other current liabilities	17,850		17,850		24,790
Intercompany payables	786,493		786,493		763,635
Total current liabilities	804,343		804,343		788,425
Deferred income taxes	415,687		415,687		361,688
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	0		0		0
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	0		0		0
Pension and postretirement liabilities	0		0		0
Deferred credits and other liabilities	161		161		184
Total Equity and Liabilities	1,781,089		1,781,089		1,632,909
Regulated Pipeline Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	25,859	24,990	70,887	67,162
Regulated Pipeline Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	71,149	62,199	201,418	164,983
Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	278,769	465,485	1,179,379	1,660,131
Purchased gas cost	260,990	450,672	1,122,655	1,589,163
Gross profit	17,779	14,813	56,724	70,968
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	7,456	9,129	21,897	19,463
Depreciation and amortization	1,137	1,132	3,384	3,395
Taxes, other than income	806	764	2,551	1,869
Total operating expenses	9,399	11,025	27,832	24,727
Operating income	8,380	3,788	28,892	46,241
Miscellaneous income (expense)	345	1,018	897	1,785
Interest charges	240	610	706	1,840
Income (loss) before income taxes	8,485	4,196	29,083	46,186
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,236	1,942	11,512	18,604
Net income (loss)	5,249	2,254	17,571	27,582
Capital expenditures	(209)	1,073	84	1,100
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	55,520		55,520		58,573
Investment in subsidiaries	(2,096)		(2,096)		(2,096)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	7,865		7,865		8,955
Assets from risk management activities	10,806		10,806		22,725
Other current assets	497,871		497,871		526,161
Intercompany receivables	0		0		0
Total current assets	516,542		516,542		557,841
Goodwill	34,711		34,711		34,711
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	0		0		0
Deferred charges and other assets	5,569		5,569		6,100
Total Assets	610,246		610,246		655,129
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	467,559		467,559		469,559
Long-term debt	0		0		0
Total capitalization	467,559		467,559		469,559
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	0		0		0
Liabilities from risk management activities	0		0		0
Other current liabilities	100,910		100,910		142,397
Intercompany payables	34,094		34,094		26,807
Total current liabilities	135,004		135,004		169,204
Deferred income taxes	(1,029)		(1,029)		11,668
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	0		0		0
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	0		0		0
Pension and postretirement liabilities	0		0		0
Deferred credits and other liabilities	8,712		8,712		4,698
Total Equity and Liabilities	610,246		610,246		655,129
Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	245,382	401,536	1,025,310	1,436,215
Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	33,387	63,949	154,069	223,916
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	(106,170)	(127,211)	(360,629)	(392,926)
Purchased gas cost	(106,037)	(127,077)	(360,230)	(392,556)
Gross profit	(133)	(134)	(399)	(370)
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	(133)	(134)	(399)	(370)
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Taxes, other than income	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	(133)	(134)	(399)	(370)
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(545)	(1,581)	(1,468)	(3,360)
Interest charges	(545)	(1,581)	(1,468)	(3,360)
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0	0	0
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	0		0		0
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,026,361)		(1,026,361)		(950,075)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		0
Assets from risk management activities	0		0		0
Other current assets	(331,274)		(331,274)		(342,823)
Intercompany receivables	(820,587)		(820,587)		(790,442)
Total current assets	(1,151,861)		(1,151,861)		(1,133,265)
Goodwill	0		0		0
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	0		0		0
Deferred charges and other assets	0		0		0
Total Assets	(2,178,222)		(2,178,222)		(2,083,340)
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	(1,028,457)		(1,028,457)		(952,171)
Long-term debt	0		0		0
Total capitalization	(1,028,457)		(1,028,457)		(952,171)
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	(319,000)		(319,000)		(326,000)
Liabilities from risk management activities	0		0		0
Other current liabilities	(10,178)		(10,178)		(14,727)
Intercompany payables	(820,587)		(820,587)		(790,442)
Total current liabilities	(1,149,765)		(1,149,765)		(1,131,169)
Deferred income taxes	0		0		0
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	0		0		0
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	0		0		0
Pension and postretirement liabilities	0		0		0
Deferred credits and other liabilities	0		0		0
Total Equity and Liabilities	(2,178,222)		(2,178,222)		$ (2,083,340)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	$ (106,170)	$ (127,211)	$ (360,629)	$ (392,926)

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 18, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 56,281	$ 45,721	$ 291,560	$ 266,104
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	9,200,000
Shares Issued At Overallotment Option	1,200,000
Share Price	$ 44
Net proceeds from equity offering	$ 390,200			0	390,205
Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic		111	106	596	667
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders		$ 56,170	$ 45,615	$ 290,964	$ 265,437
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		102,000,000	101,162,000	101,776,000	96,392,000
Net income per share - Basic		$ 0.55	$ 0.45	$ 2.86	$ 2.76
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders		$ 56,170	$ 45,615	$ 290,964	$ 265,437
Effect of dilutive stock options and other shares		0	0	0	0
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders		$ 56,170	$ 45,615	$ 290,964	$ 265,437
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		102,000,000	101,162,000	101,776,000	96,392,000
Additional dilutive stock options and other shares		0	1,000	0	2,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		102,000,000	101,163,000	101,776,000	96,394,000
Net income per share - Diluted		$ 0.55	$ 0.45	$ 2.86	$ 2.76
Earnings Per Share Diluted Other Disclosures Abstract
Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)			0		0
Share Repurchase Program - Shares Purchased				0	0
Summary of Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number		0		0

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 15, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net Proceeds From Issuance Of Debt	$ 494,000,000
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 2,460,000,000	$ 2,460,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		4,697,000	4,014,000
Long-term debt		2,455,303,000	2,455,986,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 500,000,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Interest Terms	4.95%
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 1,300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		3.00%
Long Term Debt Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Commercial Paper		$ 252,000,000	196,700,000
Debt and Equity Securities Authorized for Issuance		1,750,000,000
Debt And Equity Securities Available For Issuance		$ 845,000,000
Required by Covenant [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of Total Debt to Total Capital		70.00%
Actual [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of Total Debt to Total Capital		47.00%
Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 1,300,000,000
Unregulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		36,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Required by Covenant [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Excess of Debt		15,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Required by Covenant [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Excess of Debt		100,000,000
Five Year Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity with Accordion Feature		1,500,000,000
Five Year Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		1,250,000,000
Five Year Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		1,250,000,000
$15 Million Revolving Credit Note [Member] | Unsecured Revolving Credit Note [Member] | Unregulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		15,000,000
$25 Million Bank Loan Agreement [Member] | Unsecured Loan Agreement [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		25,000,000
$10 Million Revolving Credit Note [Member] | Unsecured Revolving Credit Note [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		10,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		4,200,000
Uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility and Promissory Note (AEH to AEC) [Member] | Uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		500,000,000
Uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility and Promissory Note (AEC to AEH) [Member] | Uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Unregulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		3.00%
$25 Million Uncommitted Facility [Member] | Uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Unregulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 25,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 0	$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.95%	4.95%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Oct. 15, 2014	Oct. 15, 2014
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.35%	6.35%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jun. 15, 2017	Jun. 15, 2017
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 450,000,000	$ 450,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.50%	8.50%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Mar. 15, 2019	Mar. 15, 2019
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 200,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.95%	5.95%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Oct. 15, 2034	Oct. 15, 2034
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.50%	5.50%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jun. 15, 2041	Jun. 15, 2041
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.15%	4.15%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jan. 15, 2043	Jan. 15, 2043
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.125%	4.125%	0.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Oct. 15, 2044	Oct. 15, 2044
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.086%
Medium Term Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 10,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.67%	6.67%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Dec. 15, 2025	Dec. 15, 2025
Unsecured Debentures Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.75%	6.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jul. 15, 2028	Jul. 15, 2028

Interim Pension and Other Pos33

Interim Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 02, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Service Cost		$ 5,051	$ 4,738	$ 15,153	$ 14,214
Interest Cost		6,698	6,824	20,095	20,472
Expected return on assets		(6,435)	(5,901)	(19,308)	(17,702)
Amortization of transition (asset)/obligation		0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost		(48)	(34)	(144)	(102)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss		3,916	3,931	11,749	11,793
Settlement loss	$ 4,500			0	4,539
Net periodic pension cost		$ 9,182	$ 9,558	$ 27,545	$ 33,214
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Abstract
Discount Rate		4.43%	4.95%	4.43%	4.95%
Rate of compensation increase		3.50%	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Expected return on plan assets		7.25%	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%
Current Year Benefit Plan Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions Actual		$ 38,000
Benefit Payment	$ 16,800
Other Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Service Cost		3,895	$ 4,196	$ 11,687	$ 12,588
Interest Cost		3,596	3,987	10,789	11,963
Expected return on assets		(1,608)	(1,291)	(4,824)	(3,875)
Amortization of transition (asset)/obligation		69	69	205	205
Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost		(411)	(363)	(1,233)	(1,088)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss		0	158	0	474
Settlement loss				0	0
Net periodic pension cost		$ 5,541	$ 6,756	$ 16,624	$ 20,267
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Abstract
Discount Rate		4.43%	4.95%	4.43%	4.95%
Expected return on plan assets		4.60%	4.60%	4.60%	4.60%
Current Year Benefit Plan Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions Actual				$ 15,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Contributions in Current Fiscal Year				$ 20,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / MMcfMMcf	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / MMcfMMcf	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Mid-Tex Division [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Significant Purchase Commitment Amount | $	$ 21.2	$ 27.8	$ 93.2	$ 81.9
Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Significant Purchase Commitment Amount | $	$ 203.3	$ 383.2	$ 925.4	$ 1,354.5
Inventories Under Indexed Contracts [Member] | Mid-Tex Division [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long Term Purchase Commitment Minimum Quantity Required Within One Year	36,600		36,600
Long Term Purchase Commitment Minimum Quantity Required One To Three Years	35,200		35,200
Inventories Under Indexed Contracts [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long Term Purchase Commitment Minimum Quantity Required Within One Year	99,100		99,100
Long Term Purchase Commitment Minimum Quantity Required One To Three Years	22,600		22,600
Long Term Purchase Commitment Minimum Quantity Required After Three Years	200		200
Inventories Under Fixed Price Contracts [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long Term Purchase Commitment Minimum Quantity Required Within One Year	4,100		4,100
Inventories Under Fixed Price Contracts [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment Amount Minimum | $ / MMcf	2.62		2.62
Purchase Commitment Amount Maximum | $ / MMcf	3.23		3.23

Financial Instruments Descripti

Financial Instruments Descriptions (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)MMcf	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
General Discussion Of Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Minimum Hedge Percentage Of Anticipated Heating Season Gas			25.00%
Maximum Hedge Percentage Of Anticipated Heating Season Gas			50.00%
Hedge Percentage Of Actual Heating Season Gas			37.00%
Hedge Volume Of Actual Heating Season Gas | MMcf			28,200
Minimum Length Of Time Hedged In Cash Flow Hedge	1 month
Maximum Length Of Time Hedged In Cash Flow Hedge	52 months
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Interest Rate Agreements, Realized Gain (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (18.7)		$ (18.7)
Gain (Loss) On Hedge Ineffectiveness	3.6	$ (0.1)	$ (0.9)	$ 1.3
Regulated Segments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate			37.00%
Nonregulated Segment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate			39.00%
Gain (Loss) On Derivative Instruments Not Designated Hedges Net Pretax	3.7	$ (0.6)	$ 13.2	$ (10.7)
Interest Rate Hedges, Senior Notes 2017 Issuance [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	250		250
Anticipated Debt Issuance, Amount	$ 250		$ 250
Derivative, Average Forward Interest Rate	3.37%		3.37%
Interest Rate Hedges, Senior Notes 2019 Issuance [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	$ 450		$ 450
Anticipated Debt Issuance, Amount	$ 450		$ 450
Derivative, Average Forward Interest Rate	3.78%		3.78%

Financial Instruments Commodity

Financial Instruments Commodity Contract Volume (Details)	Jun. 30, 2015MMcf
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	14,609
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Nondesignated [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	14,609
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	0
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	0
Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	95,715
Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Nondesignated [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	65,577
Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	(25,020)
Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	55,158

Financial Instruments Balance S

Financial Instruments Balance Sheet Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	$ 10,800	$ 22,700
Derivative Asset	12,695	58,865
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	20,500	3,100
Derivative Liability	(52,140)	(21,856)
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,889	36,140
Derivative Asset, Contract Netting	0	0
Derivative Asset, Net of Contract Netting	1,889	36,140
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0	0
Derivative Asset	1,889	36,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(52,140)	(21,856)
Derivative Liability, Contract Netting	0	0
Derivative Liability, Net of Contract Netting	(52,140)	(21,856)
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative Liability	(52,140)	(21,856)
Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	104,206	69,023
Derivative Asset, Contract Netting	(104,206)	(69,023)
Derivative Asset, Net of Contract Netting	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	10,806	22,725
Derivative Asset	10,806	22,725
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(124,723)	(72,056)
Derivative Liability, Contract Netting	104,206	69,023
Derivative Liability, Net of Contract Netting	(20,517)	(3,033)
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	20,517	3,033
Derivative Liability	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	570	34,477
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(47,224)	(19,835)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		21,869
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	570	12,608
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(47,224)	(19,835)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	8,941	9,669
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(39,013)	(9,541)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	8,465	8,912
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	476	757
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(31,422)	(7,082)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(7,591)	(2,459)
Nondesignated [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	1,319	1,663
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(4,916)	(2,021)
Nondesignated [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	780	1,233
Nondesignated [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	539	430
Nondesignated [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(4,916)	(1,730)
Nondesignated [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	(291)
Nondesignated [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	95,265	59,354
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(85,710)	(62,515)
Nondesignated [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	86,265	43,677
Nondesignated [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	9,000	15,677
Nondesignated [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(78,374)	(47,729)
Nondesignated [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ (7,336)	$ (14,786)

Financial Instruments Fair Valu

Financial Instruments Fair Value Hedges and Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Commodity contracts	$ (1,715)	$ 1,991	$ 5,754	$ (2,983)
Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item	5,350	(2,258)	(6,291)	4,071
Total (increase) decrease to purchased gas cost	3,635	(267)	(537)	1,088
Basis ineffectiveness	599	817	908	(382)
Timing ineffectiveness	3,036	(1,084)	(1,445)	1,470
Cash Flow Hedge [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into purchased gas cost for effective portion of commodity contracts	(16,488)	4,209	(29,222)	8,783
Gain (loss) arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts	11	179	(316)	203
Total impact on purchased gas cost	(16,477)	4,388	(29,538)	8,986
Loss on settled Treasury Lock agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense	(137)	(1,057)	(717)	(3,172)
Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges	(16,614)	3,331	(30,255)	5,814
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Cash Flow Hedge [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into purchased gas cost for effective portion of commodity contracts	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts	0	0	0	0
Total impact on purchased gas cost	0	0	0	0
Loss on settled Treasury Lock agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense	(137)	(1,057)	(717)	(3,172)
Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges	(137)	(1,057)	(717)	(3,172)
Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Cash Flow Hedge [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into purchased gas cost for effective portion of commodity contracts	(16,488)	4,209	(29,222)	8,783
Gain (loss) arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts	11	179	(316)	203
Total impact on purchased gas cost	(16,477)	4,388	(29,538)	8,986
Loss on settled Treasury Lock agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense	0	0	0	0
Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges	$ (16,477)	$ 4,388	$ (29,538)	$ 8,986

Financial Instruments Other Com

Financial Instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Interest rate agreements fair value		$ 54,388	$ (24,111)	$ (30,436)	$ (38,559)
Forward commodity contracts fair value		1,505	96	(37,397)	11,805
Interest rate agreements		87	671	455	2,014
Forward commodity contracts		10,058	(2,567)	17,826	(5,357)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) from hedging, net of tax	[1]	$ 66,038	$ (25,911)	(49,552)	$ (30,097)
Expected Earnings [Line Items]
Interest Rate Agreement Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings	[2]			(18,737)
Commodity Contract Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings	[2]			(21,245)
Total Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings				(39,982)
Next Twelve Months [Member]
Expected Earnings [Line Items]
Interest Rate Agreement Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings				(347)
Commodity Contract Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings				(16,952)
Total Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings				(17,299)
Thereafter [Member]
Expected Earnings [Line Items]
Interest Rate Agreement Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings				(18,390)
Commodity Contract Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings				(4,293)
Total Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings				$ (22,683)
[1]	Utilizing an income tax rate ranging from 37 percent to 39 percent based on the effective rates in each taxing jurisdiction.
[2]	Utilizing an income tax rate ranging from 37 percent to 39 percent based on the effective rates in each taxing jurisdiction.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi40

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	$ (12,393)	$ 38,878
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(67,803)	(23,542)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	17,955	(4,036)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(49,848)	(27,578)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	(62,241)	11,300
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	7,662	5,448
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	30	3,212
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(326)	(693)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(296)	2,519
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	7,366	7,967
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Interest Rate Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	(18,381)	37,906
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(30,436)	(38,559)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	455	2,014
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(29,981)	(36,545)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	(48,362)	1,361
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	(1,674)	(4,476)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(37,397)	11,805
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	17,826	(5,357)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,571)	6,448
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	$ (21,245)	$ 1,972

Accumulated Other Comprehensi41

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Operation and maintenance	$ (132,447)	$ (125,559)	$ (384,489)	$ (365,991)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	90,286	74,391	467,742	427,827
Income Tax Expense	(34,005)	(28,670)	(176,182)	(161,723)
Interest charges	(27,955)	(31,840)	(85,166)	(95,556)
Purchased gas cost	(304,728)	(583,637)	(2,159,538)	(2,907,115)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(9,823)	2,362	(17,955)	4,036
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Operation and maintenance	508	733	514	1,091
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	508	733	514	1,091
Income Tax Expense	(186)	(267)	(188)	(398)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	322	466	326	693
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Interest Rate Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest charges	(137)	(1,057)	(717)	(3,172)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Purchased gas cost	(16,488)	4,209	(29,222)	8,783
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	(16,625)	3,152	(29,939)	5,611
Income Tax Expense	6,480	(1,256)	11,658	(2,268)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (10,145)	$ 1,896	$ (18,281)	$ 3,343

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	$ (93,400)	$ (46,298)
Derivative Asset	12,695	58,865
Hedged portion of gas stored underground	65,717	40,492
Available-for-sale Securities	79,489	79,613
Total assets	157,901	178,970
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	(124,723)	(72,056)
Derivative Liability	52,140	21,856
Additional Fair Value Elements [Abstract]
Derivative, Cash Collateral	31,300	25,800
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Classified Current Risk Management Asset	10,800	22,700
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Offset Current Risk Management Liabilities	20,500	3,100
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	2,460,000	2,460,000
Debt Instrument Fair Value	2,659,908	2,769,541
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,217	2,185
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	44,854	44,014
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	33,418	33,414
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative Asset	1,889	36,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative Liability	52,140	21,856
Additional Fair Value Elements [Abstract]
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Classified Current Risk Management Asset	0	0
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Offset Current Risk Management Liabilities	0	0
Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	(93,400)	(46,298)
Derivative Asset	10,806	22,725
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	(124,723)	(72,056)
Derivative Liability	0	0
Additional Fair Value Elements [Abstract]
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Classified Current Risk Management Asset	10,806	22,725
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Offset Current Risk Management Liabilities	20,517	3,033
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	25
Hedged portion of gas stored underground	65,717	40,492
Available-for-sale Securities	44,854	44,014
Total assets	110,571	84,531
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	12
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	44,854	44,014
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	25
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	12
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	106,095	105,138
Hedged portion of gas stored underground	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	34,635	35,599
Total assets	140,730	140,737
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	176,863	93,900
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,217	2,185
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	33,418	33,414
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	1,889	36,140
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	52,140	21,856
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	104,206	68,998
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	124,723	72,044
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Hedged portion of gas stored underground	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] | Nonregulated Segment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements Availab

Fair Value Measurements Available-For-Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 67,883	$ 67,466
Gross Unrealized Gain	11,793	12,160
Gross Unrealized Loss	(187)	(13)
Fair value	79,489	79,613
Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Supplemental Executive Benefit Plans	46,100	46,200
Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	28,023	26,633
Gross Unrealized Gain	10,010	10,136
Gross Unrealized Loss	(163)	0
Fair value	37,870	36,769
Equity Funds Foreign [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	5,279	5,382
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,705	1,863
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair value	6,984	7,245
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	33,364	33,266
Gross Unrealized Gain	78	161
Gross Unrealized Loss	(24)	(13)
Fair value	33,418	33,414
Money Market Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	1,217	2,185
Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair value	$ 1,217	$ 2,185