Atmos Energy (ATO) 10-Q 7 Feb 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 03, 2017
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	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		105,175,480

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment	$ 10,492,625,000	$ 10,142,506,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,939,663,000	1,873,900,000
Net property, plant and equipment	8,552,962,000	8,268,606,000
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	44,624,000	47,534,000
Accounts receivable, net	458,813,000	215,880,000
Gas stored underground	163,763,000	179,070,000
Current assets held for sale	235,482,000	151,117,000
Other current assets	76,750,000	88,085,000
Total current assets	979,432,000	681,686,000
Goodwill	729,673,000	726,962,000
Noncurrent assets held for sale	0	28,616,000
Deferred charges and other assets	317,088,000	305,019,000
Total assets	10,579,155,000	10,010,889,000
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, no par value (stated at $.005 per share)	526,000	520,000
Additional paid-in capital	2,451,277,000	2,388,027,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(92,654,000)	(188,022,000)
Retained earnings	1,339,826,000	1,262,534,000
Shareholders' equity	3,698,975,000	3,463,059,000
Long-term debt	2,314,199,000	2,188,779,000
Total capitalization	6,013,174,000	5,651,838,000
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	268,647,000	196,485,000
Current liabilities held for sale	109,298,000	72,900,000
Other current liabilities	381,123,000	439,085,000
Short-term debt	940,747,000	829,811,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	250,000,000	250,000,000
Total current liabilities	1,949,815,000	1,788,281,000
Deferred income taxes	1,725,433,000	1,603,056,000
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	430,407,000	424,281,000
Pension and postretirement liabilities	301,715,000	297,743,000
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale	0	316,000
Deferred credits and other liabilities	158,611,000	245,374,000
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	$ 10,579,155,000	$ 10,010,889,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, No Par Value	$ 0.005	$ 0.005
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	105,109,905	103,930,560
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	105,109,905	103,930,560

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	$ 780,168	$ 674,753
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	311,305	240,326
Gross profit	468,863	434,427
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	124,938	119,828
Depreciation and amortization	76,958	70,656
Taxes, other than income	57,049	51,214
Total operating expenses	258,945	241,698
Operating income	209,918	192,729
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(994)	(879)
Interest charges	31,030	29,537
Income (loss) before income taxes	177,894	162,313
Income tax expense (benefit)	63,856	60,767
Income from continuing operations	114,038	101,546
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	10,994	1,315
Net income (loss)	$ 125,032	$ 102,861
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share	$ 1.08	$ 0.99
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share	0.11	0.01
Basic and diluted net income per share	1.19	1
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.45	$ 0.42
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	105,284	102,713
Distribution Segment [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	$ 754,656	$ 649,443
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	395,346	313,991
Gross profit	359,310	335,452
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	92,714	92,189
Depreciation and amortization	61,157	57,614
Taxes, other than income	50,546	45,558
Total operating expenses	204,417	195,361
Operating income	154,893	140,091
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(633)	(477)
Interest charges	21,118	20,390
Income (loss) before income taxes	133,142	119,224
Income tax expense (benefit)	47,778	45,288
Income from continuing operations	85,364	73,936
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Net income (loss)	85,364	73,936
Pipeline and Storage Segment [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	109,952	98,416
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	355	(559)
Gross profit	109,597	98,975
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	32,268	27,639
Depreciation and amortization	15,801	13,042
Taxes, other than income	6,503	5,656
Total operating expenses	54,572	46,337
Operating income	55,025	52,638
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(361)	(402)
Interest charges	9,912	9,147
Income (loss) before income taxes	44,752	43,089
Income tax expense (benefit)	16,078	15,479
Income from continuing operations	28,674	27,610
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Net income (loss)	28,674	27,610
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	0	0
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	0	0
Gross profit	0	0
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Taxes, other than income	0	0
Total operating expenses	0	0
Operating income	0	0
Miscellaneous income (expense)	0	0
Interest charges	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Income from continuing operations	0	0
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	10,994	1,315
Net income (loss)	10,994	1,315
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating revenues
Operating revenues	(84,440)	(73,106)
Purchased gas cost
Purchased gas cost	(84,396)	(73,106)
Gross profit	(44)	0
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	(44)	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Taxes, other than income	0	0
Total operating expenses	(44)	0
Operating income	0	0
Miscellaneous income (expense)	0	0
Interest charges	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Income from continuing operations	0	0
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Net income (loss)	$ 0	$ 0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (PARENTHETICALS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	$ 6,841	$ 885

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 125,032	$ 102,861
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(828)	(768)
Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedges [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	96,196	7,136
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	95,368	6,368
Total comprehensive income (loss)	220,400	109,229
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedges [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	91,214	4,783
Commodity Contract [Member]
Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedges [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	$ 4,982	$ 2,353

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (PARENTHETICALS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Abstract
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax	$ (476)	$ (442)
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Cash Flow Hedges [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	52,429	2,749
Commodity Contract [Member]
Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Cash Flow Hedges [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	$ 3,183	$ 1,505

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$ 125,032	$ 102,861
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Charged to depreciation and amortization	77,143	71,239
Deferred income taxes	67,241	59,299
Discontinued cash flow hedging for natural gas marketing commodity contracts	(10,579)	0
Other	4,842	3,471
Net Assets Liabilities From Risk Management Activities	3,969	(7,495)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities	(150,685)	(159,234)
Net cash provided by operating activities	116,963	70,141
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(297,962)	(290,412)
Acquisition	(85,714)	0
Available-for-sale securities activities, net	(10,263)	(2,263)
Other, net	1,802	2,382
Net cash used in investing activities	(392,137)	(290,293)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net increase in short-term debt	110,936	305,309
Net proceeds from equity offering	49,400	0
Issuance of common stock through stock purchase and employee retirement plans	8,998	8,729
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount	125,000	0
Interest rate agreements cash collateral	25,670	0
Cash dividends paid	(47,740)	(43,636)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	272,264	270,402
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(2,910)	50,250
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	47,534	28,653
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 44,624	$ 78,903

Nature of Business

Nature of Business	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business Atmos Energy Corporation (“Atmos Energy” or the “Company”) is engaged primarily in the regulated natural gas distribution and pipeline business. Our regulated businesses are subject to federal and state regulation and/or regulation by local authorities in each of the states our regulated divisions and subsidiaries operate. Our distribution business delivers natural gas through sales and transportation arrangements to approximately three million residential, commercial, public authority and industrial customers through our six natural gas distribution divisions, which at December 31, 2016 , covered service areas located in eight states. In addition, we transport natural gas for others through our distribution system. Our pipeline and storage business includes the transportation of natural gas to our North Texas and Louisiana distribution systems and the management of our underground storage facilities used to support our North Texas distribution business. Through December 31, 2016, Atmos Energy was also engaged in certain nonregulated businesses. As more fully described in Note 6 , effective January 1, 2017, we sold all of the equity interests of Atmos Energy Marketing, LLC (AEM) to CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc., a subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy Inc. As a result of the sale, Atmos Energy has fully exited the nonregulated gas marketing business. Additionally, as further described in Note 3 , we modified our reporting segments as a result of the sale.

Unaudited Financial Information

Unaudited Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 . 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, 2016 . Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the three -month period ended December 31, 2016 are not indicative of our results of operations for the full 2017 fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2017 . Except for the completion of the sale of AEM on January 3, 2017, as discussed in Note 6 , 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, 2016 . As discussed in Note 3 , due to the realignment of our reportable segments, prior periods' segment information has been recast in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Additionally, as discussed in Note 6 , due to the sale of AEM, prior period amounts have been presented as discontinued operations. The segment realignment and the presentation of discontinued operations do not impact our reported net income, financial position and cash flows. 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, an entity 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 may need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. The new guidance will become effective for us 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. As of December 31, 2016, we substantially completed the evaluation of our sources of revenue and are currently assessing the effect that the new guidance will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The conclusion of our assessment is contingent, in part, upon the completion of deliberations currently in progress by our industry, notably in connection with efforts to produce an accounting guide intended to be developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In association with this undertaking, the AICPA formed a number of industry task forces, including a Power & Utilities (P&U) Task Force. Industry representatives and organizations, the largest auditing firms, the AICPA’s Revenue Recognition Working Group and its Financial Reporting Executive Committee have undertaken, and continue to undertake, consideration of several items relevant to our industry as further discussed below. Where applicable or necessary, the FASB’s Transition Resource Group (TRG) is also participating. Currently, the industry is working to address several items including 1) the evaluation of collectability from customers if a utility has regulatory mechanisms to help assure recovery of uncollected accounts from ratepayers; 2) the accounting for funds received from third parties to partially or fully reimburse the cost of construction of an asset and 3) the accounting for alternative revenue programs, such as performance-based ratemaking. Existing alternative revenue program guidance, though excluded by the FASB in updating specific guidance associated with revenue from contracts with customers, was relocated without substantial modification to accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities. It will require separate presentation of such revenues (subject to the above-noted deliberations) in the statement of income, effective at the same time as updated guidance associated with revenue from contracts with customers becomes effective. Currently, a timeline for the resolution of these deliberations has not been established. Additionally, we are actively working with our peers in the rate-regulated natural gas industry to conclude on the accounting treatment for several other issues that are not expected to be addressed by the P&U Task Force. Given the uncertainty with respect to the conclusions that might arise from these deliberations, we are currently unable to determine the effect the new guidance will have on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, business processes or the transition method we will utilize to adopt the new guidance. In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance removing the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The guidance was effective for us on October 1, 2016 to be applied retrospectively. We measure certain pension plan assets using the net asset value per share practical expedient which are disclosed on an annual basis in our Form 10-K. The adoption of the new standard will have no impact on our results of operations, consolidated balance sheets or cash flows. In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance related to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The amendments modify the accounting and presentation for certain financial liabilities and equity investments not consolidated or reported using the equity method. The guidance is effective for us beginning October 1, 2018; limited early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance. In February 2016, the FASB issued a comprehensive new leasing standard that will require lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on its balance sheet. The new standard will be effective for us beginning on October 1, 2019; early adoption is permitted. The new leasing standard requires modified retrospective transition, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which will require credit losses on most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments to be measured using an expected credit loss model. Under this model, entities will estimate credit losses over the entire contractual term of the instrument from the date of initial recognition of that instrument. In contrast, current U.S. GAAP is based on an incurred loss model that delays recognition of credit losses until it is probable the loss has been incurred. The new guidance also introduces a new impairment recognition model for available-for-sale securities that will require credit losses for available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance account. The new standard will be effective for us beginning on October 1, 2021; early adoption is permitted beginning on October 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance. In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The new standard will be effective for our fiscal 2021 goodwill impairment test; however, early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of the new standard will have no impact on our results of operations, consolidated balance sheets or cash flows. 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 December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 included the following: December 31, September 30, (In thousands) Regulatory assets: Pension and postretirement benefit costs (1) $ 128,947 $ 132,348 Infrastructure mechanisms (2) 49,098 42,719 Deferred gas costs 18,345 45,184 Recoverable loss on reacquired debt 13,122 13,761 Deferred pipeline record collection costs 8,125 7,336 APT annual adjustment mechanism 5,194 7,171 Rate case costs 1,460 1,539 Other 13,030 13,565 $ 237,321 $ 263,623 Regulatory liabilities: Regulatory cost of removal obligations $ 479,667 $ 476,891 Deferred gas costs 17,416 20,180 Asset retirement obligations 13,404 13,404 Other 6,920 4,250 $ 517,407 $ 514,725 (1) Includes $12.1 million and $12.4 million of pension and postretirement expense deferred pursuant to regulatory authorization. (2) Infrastructure mechanisms in Texas and Louisiana allow for the deferral of all eligible expenses associated with capital expenditures incurred pursuant to these rules, including the recording of interest on deferred expenses 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

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information Through November 30, 2016, our consolidated operations were managed and reviewed through three segments: • The regulated distribution segment , which included our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations. • The regulated pipeline segment , which included the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Energy Pipeline-Texas division and, • The nonregulated segment , which included our nonregulated natural gas management, nonregulated natural gas transmission, storage and other services. As a result of the announced sale of Atmos Energy Marketing, we revised the information used by the chief operating decision maker to manage the Company, effective December 1, 2016. Accordingly, we will manage and review our consolidated operations through the following three reportable segments: • The distribution segment is primarily comprised of our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states and storage assets located in Kentucky and Tennessee, which are used to support our natural gas distribution operations in those states. These storage assets were formerly included in our nonregulated segment. • The pipeline and storage segment is comprised primarily of the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana which were formerly included in our nonregulated segment. • The natural gas marketing segment is comprised of our discontinued natural gas marketing business. Our determination of reportable segments considers how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources between our strategic operating units under which we manage sales of various products and services through our distribution, pipeline and storage and natural gas marketing businesses. Although our distribution segment operations are geographically dispersed, they are aggregated and reported as a single segment as each natural gas distribution division has similar economic characteristics. In addition, the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana have similar economic characteristics and have been aggregated and reported as a single segment. 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, 2016 . We evaluate performance based on net income or loss of the respective operating segments. We allocate interest and pension expense to the pipeline and storage segment; however, there is no debt or pension liability recorded on the pipeline and storage segment balance sheet. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated; however, we have not eliminated intercompany profits when such amounts are probable of recovery under the affiliates’ rate regulation process. Prior periods' segment information has been recast as required by applicable accounting guidance. The segment realignment does not impact our reported consolidated revenues or net income. Income statements for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 by segment are presented in the following tables: Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 754,266 $ 25,902 $ — $ — $ 780,168 Intersegment revenues 390 84,050 — (84,440 ) — 754,656 109,952 — (84,440 ) 780,168 Purchased gas cost 395,346 355 — (84,396 ) 311,305 Gross profit 359,310 109,597 — (44 ) 468,863 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 92,714 32,268 — (44 ) 124,938 Depreciation and amortization 61,157 15,801 — — 76,958 Taxes, other than income 50,546 6,503 — — 57,049 Total operating expenses 204,417 54,572 — (44 ) 258,945 Operating income 154,893 55,025 — — 209,918 Miscellaneous expense (633 ) (361 ) — — (994 ) Interest charges 21,118 9,912 — — 31,030 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 133,142 44,752 — — 177,894 Income tax expense 47,778 16,078 — — 63,856 Income from continuing operations 85,364 28,674 — — 114,038 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 10,994 — 10,994 Net income $ 85,364 $ 28,674 $ 10,994 $ — $ 125,032 Capital expenditures $ 222,484 $ 75,478 $ — $ — $ 297,962 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 649,113 $ 25,640 $ — $ — $ 674,753 Intersegment revenues 330 72,776 — (73,106 ) — 649,443 98,416 — (73,106 ) 674,753 Purchased gas cost 313,991 (559 ) — (73,106 ) 240,326 Gross profit 335,452 98,975 — — 434,427 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 92,189 27,639 — — 119,828 Depreciation and amortization 57,614 13,042 — — 70,656 Taxes, other than income 45,558 5,656 — — 51,214 Total operating expenses 195,361 46,337 — — 241,698 Operating income 140,091 52,638 — — 192,729 Miscellaneous expense (477 ) (402 ) — — (879 ) Interest charges 20,390 9,147 — — 29,537 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 119,224 43,089 — — 162,313 Income tax expense 45,288 15,479 — — 60,767 Income from continuing operations 73,936 27,610 — — 101,546 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 1,315 — 1,315 Net income $ 73,936 $ 27,610 $ 1,315 $ — $ 102,861 Capital expenditures $ 165,407 $ 124,981 $ 24 $ — $ 290,412 Balance sheet information at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 by segment is presented in the following tables: December 31, 2016 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 6,362,710 $ 2,190,252 $ — $ — $ 8,552,962 Investment in subsidiaries 834,469 — — (834,469 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 43,733 — 891 — 44,624 Assets from risk management activities 8,057 — — — 8,057 Current assets of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 253,950 (18,468 ) 235,482 Other current assets 666,474 46,009 (6,824 ) (14,390 ) 691,269 Intercompany receivables 1,052,199 — — (1,052,199 ) — Total current assets 1,770,463 46,009 248,017 (1,085,057 ) 979,432 Goodwill 586,661 143,012 — — 729,673 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 1,282 — — — 1,282 Deferred charges and other assets 289,224 26,582 — — 315,806 $ 9,844,809 $ 2,405,855 $ 248,017 $ (1,919,526 ) $ 10,579,155 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,698,975 $ 731,631 $ 102,838 $ (834,469 ) $ 3,698,975 Long-term debt 2,314,199 — — — 2,314,199 Total capitalization 6,013,174 731,631 102,838 (834,469 ) 6,013,174 Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt 250,000 — — — 250,000 Short-term debt 940,747 — — — 940,747 Liabilities from risk management activities 25,060 — — — 25,060 Current liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 120,566 (11,268 ) 109,298 Other current liabilities 602,247 43,028 1,025 (21,590 ) 624,710 Intercompany payables — 1,048,091 4,108 (1,052,199 ) — Total current liabilities 1,818,054 1,091,119 125,699 (1,085,057 ) 1,949,815 Deferred income taxes 1,156,716 560,401 8,316 — 1,725,433 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 97,921 — — — 97,921 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 407,767 22,640 — — 430,407 Pension and postretirement liabilities 301,715 — — — 301,715 Deferred credits and other liabilities 49,462 64 11,164 — 60,690 $ 9,844,809 $ 2,405,855 $ 248,017 $ (1,919,526 ) $ 10,579,155 September 30, 2016 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 6,208,465 $ 2,060,141 $ — $ — $ 8,268,606 Investment in subsidiaries 768,415 — — (768,415 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 22,117 — 25,417 — 47,534 Assets from risk management activities 3,029 — — — 3,029 Current assets of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 162,508 (11,391 ) 151,117 Other current assets 486,934 39,078 5 (46,011 ) 480,006 Intercompany receivables 971,665 — — (971,665 ) — Total current assets 1,483,745 39,078 187,930 (1,029,067 ) 681,686 Goodwill 583,950 143,012 — — 726,962 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 1,822 — — — 1,822 Noncurrent assets of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 28,785 (169 ) 28,616 Deferred charges and other assets 275,418 27,779 — — 303,197 $ 9,321,815 $ 2,270,010 $ 216,715 $ (1,797,651 ) $ 10,010,889 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,463,059 $ 701,818 $ 66,597 $ (768,415 ) $ 3,463,059 Long-term debt 2,188,779 — — — 2,188,779 Total capitalization 5,651,838 701,818 66,597 (768,415 ) 5,651,838 Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt 250,000 — — — 250,000 Short-term debt 829,811 — 35,000 (35,000 ) 829,811 Liabilities from risk management activities 56,771 1,967 — (1,967 ) 56,771 Current liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale — — 81,908 (9,008 ) 72,900 Other current liabilities 549,019 37,944 3,263 (11,427 ) 578,799 Intercompany payables — 957,526 14,139 (971,665 ) — Total current liabilities 1,685,601 997,437 134,310 (1,029,067 ) 1,788,281 Deferred income taxes 1,055,348 543,390 4,318 — 1,603,056 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 184,048 169 — (169 ) 184,048 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 397,162 27,119 — — 424,281 Pension and postretirement liabilities 297,743 — — — 297,743 Noncurrent liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 316 — 316 Deferred credits and other liabilities 50,075 77 11,174 — 61,326 $ 9,321,815 $ 2,270,010 $ 216,715 $ (1,797,651 ) $ 10,010,889

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share from continuing operations Income from continuing operations $ 114,038 $ 101,546 Less: Income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities 153 170 Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders $ 113,885 $ 101,376 Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 105,284 102,713 Income from continuing operations per share — Basic and Diluted $ 1.08 $ 0.99 Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations $ 10,994 $ 1,315 Less: Income from discontinued operations allocated to participating securities 14 1 Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders $ 10,980 $ 1,314 Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 105,284 102,713 Income from discontinued operations per share — Basic and Diluted $ 0.11 $ 0.01 Net income per share — Basic and Diluted $ 1.19 $ 1.00

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 . Except as noted below, there were no material changes in the terms of our debt instruments during the three months ended December 31, 2016 . Long-term debt at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In thousands) Unsecured 6.35% Senior Notes, due June 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 500,000 500,000 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 Floating-rate term loan, due 2019 125,000 — Total long-term debt 2,585,000 2,460,000 Less: Original issue discount on unsecured senior notes and debentures 4,184 4,270 Debt issuance cost 16,617 16,951 Current maturities 250,000 250,000 $ 2,314,199 $ 2,188,779 On September 22, 2016, we entered into a three year, $200 million multi-draw floating-rate term loan agreement with a syndicate of three lenders. Borrowings under the term loan may be made in increments of $1.0 million or higher, may be repaid at any time during the loan period and will bear interest at a rate dependent upon our credit ratings at the time of such borrowing and based, at our election, on a base rate or LIBOR for the applicable interest period. The term loan will be used to refinance existing indebtedness and for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2016 , there was $125.0 million outstanding under the term loan. We utilize short-term debt 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 $1.5 billion commercial paper program, four committed revolving credit facilities and one uncommitted revolving credit facility with third-party lenders that provide approximately $1.6 billion of total working capital funding. The primary source of our funding is our commercial paper program, which is supported by a five-year unsecured $1.5 billion credit facility that expires September 25, 2021. The facility bears interest at a base rate or at a LIBOR-based rate for the applicable interest period, plus a spread ranging from zero percent to 1.25 percent , based on the Company’s credit ratings. Additionally, the facility contains a $250 million accordion feature, which provides the opportunity to increase the total committed loan to $1.75 billion . This facility was amended in October 2016 to increase the total availability from $1.25 billion . At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 a total of $940.7 million and $829.8 million was outstanding under our commercial paper program. Additionally, we have a $25 million unsecured facility and a $10 million unsecured revolving credit facility, which is used primarily to issue letters of credit. At December 31, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under either of these facilities; however, outstanding letters of credit reduced the total amount available to us under our $10 million revolving facility to $4.1 million . The availability of funds under these 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 December 31, 2016 , our total-debt-to-total-capitalization ratio, as defined in the agreements, was 50 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. These credit facilities and our 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 December 31, 2016 . 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. As of December 31, 2016, AEM had one uncommitted $25 million 364-day bilateral credit facility that was scheduled to expire on July 31, 2017 and one committed $15 million 364-day bilateral credit facility that was scheduled to expire on September 30, 2017. In connection with the sale of AEM discussed in Note 6 , both facilities were terminated on January 3, 2017. There were no amounts outstanding under these facilities as of December 31, 2016.

Divestitures and Acquisitions

Divestitures and Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Divestitures and Acquisitions [Abstract]
Divestitures and Acquisitions [Text Block]	Divestitures and Acquisitions Divestiture of Atmos Energy Marketing (AEM) On October 29, 2016, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) with CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc., a subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CES) to sell all of the equity interests of AEM. The transaction closed on January 3, 2017, with an effective date of January 1, 2017 . CES paid a cash purchase price of $38.3 million plus estimated working capital of $103.2 million for total cash consideration of $141.5 million . Of this amount, $7.0 million was placed into escrow and will be paid to the Company within 24 months, net of any indemnification claims agreed upon between the two companies. We expect to recognize a net gain of $0.03 per diluted share on the sale and complete the working capital true–up during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The operating results of our natural gas marketing reportable segment have been reported on the condensed consolidated statements of income as income from discontinued operations, net of income tax. Accordingly, expenses related to allocable general corporate overhead and interest expense are not included in these results. The decision to report this segment as a discontinued operation was predicated, in part, on the following qualitative and quantitative factors: 1) the disposal results in the company becoming a fully regulated entity; 2) the fact that an entire reportable segment will be disposed and 3) the fact the disposed segment represented in excess of 30 percent of consolidated revenues over the last five fiscal years. The tables below set forth selected financial and operational information related to assets, liabilities and operating results related to discontinued operations. Additionally, assets and liabilities related to our natural gas marketing operations are classified as “held for sale” in other current assets and liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and in other current assets, deferred charges and other assets, other current liabilities and deferred credits and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2016 . Prior period revenues and expenses associated with these assets have been reclassified into discontinued operations. This reclassification had no impact on previously reported consolidated net income. The following table presents statement of income data related to discontinued operations. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Operating revenues $ 303,474 $ 259,258 Purchased gas cost 277,554 249,789 Gross profit 25,920 9,469 Operating expenses 7,874 5,993 Operating income 18,046 3,476 Other nonoperating expense (211 ) (1,276 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 17,835 2,200 Income tax expense 6,841 885 Net income from discontinued operations $ 10,994 $ 1,315 The following table presents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities of our natural gas marketing's operations to total assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Net property, plant and equipment $ 11,599 $ 11,905 Accounts receivable 139,741 93,551 Gas stored underground 77,559 54,246 Other current assets 9,447 14,711 Goodwill (2) 13,734 16,445 Deferred charges and other assets 1,870 435 Total assets of the disposal group classified as held for sale in the statement of financial position (1) 253,950 191,293 Cash 891 25,417 Other assets (6,824 ) 5 Total assets of disposal group in the statement of financial position $ 248,017 $ 216,715 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 113,368 $ 72,268 Other current liabilities 6,876 9,640 Deferred credits and other 322 316 Total liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale in the statement of financial position (1) 120,566 82,224 Intercompany note payable — 35,000 Tax liabilities 19,469 15,471 Intercompany payables 4,108 14,139 Other liabilities 1,036 3,179 Total liabilities of disposal group in the statement of financial position $ 145,179 $ 150,013 (1) Amounts in the comparative period are classified as current and long term in the statement of financial position. (2) The period-over-period change in natural gas marketing goodwill is the result of the reallocation of goodwill between the retained portion and held-for-sale portion of the former Atmos Energy Marketing reporting unit, based on relative fair value. The following table presents statement of cash flow data related to discontinued operations. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Depreciation and amortization $ 185 $ 583 Capital expenditures $ — $ 24 Noncash gain in commodity contract cash flow hedges $ 18,744 $ 3,858 Acquisition of EnLink Pipeline On December 20, 2016 , we executed a purchase and sale agreement to acquire the general partnership and limited partnership interests in EnLink North Texas Pipeline, LP (EnLink Pipeline) from EnLink Energy GP, LLC and EnLink Midstream Operating, LP for an all–cash price of $85 million , plus estimated working capital. After considering estimated working capital, the total proceeds paid were $85.7 million . The final purchase is subject to adjustment after the estimated working capital is finalized during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. EnLink Pipeline's primary asset is a 140–mile natural gas pipeline located on the north side of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. As of December 31, 2016, the $85 million purchase price was preliminarily allocated, based on fair value using observable market inputs, to the net book value of the acquired pipeline. The final purchase price allocation is subject to adjustment pending the completion of analysis of the fair value of certain contracts included in the acquisition. We expect to complete this evaluation during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity Shelf Registration and At-the-Market Equity Sales Program On March 28, 2016, we filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that originally permitted us to issue, from time to time, up to $2.5 billion in common stock and/or debt securities. We also filed a prospectus supplement under the registration statement relating to an at-the-market (ATM) equity distribution program under which we may issue and sell, shares of our common stock, up to an aggregate offering price of $200 million . During the first fiscal quarter of 2017, we sold 690,812 shares of common stock under our existing ATM program for $50.0 million and received net proceeds of $49.4 million . At December 31, 2016 , approximately $2.4 billion of securities remain available for issuance under the shelf registration statement and approximately $50 million of equity remained available for issuance under the ATM program. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) We record deferred gains (losses) in AOCI related to available-for-sale securities, interest rate 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 (loss). Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2016 $ 4,484 $ (187,524 ) $ (4,982 ) $ (188,022 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (828 ) 91,127 9,847 100,146 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 87 (4,865 ) (4,778 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (828 ) 91,214 4,982 95,368 December 31, 2016 $ 3,656 $ (96,310 ) $ — $ (92,654 ) Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2015 $ 4,949 $ (88,842 ) $ (25,437 ) $ (109,330 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (768 ) 4,696 (11,656 ) (7,728 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 87 14,009 14,096 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (768 ) 4,783 2,353 6,368 December 31, 2015 $ 4,181 $ (84,059 ) $ (23,084 ) $ (102,962 ) The following tables detail reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Amounts in parentheses below indicate decreases to net income in the statement of income. Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (137 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts 7,976 Purchased gas cost (1) 7,839 Total before tax (3,061 ) Tax expense Total reclassifications $ 4,778 Net of tax Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (137 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts (22,965 ) Purchased gas cost (1) (23,102 ) Total before tax 9,006 Tax benefit Total reclassifications $ (14,096 ) Net of tax (1) Amounts are presented as part of income from discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Interim Pension and Other Postr

Interim Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 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. Three Months Ended December 31 Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic pension cost: Service cost $ 5,216 $ 4,698 $ 3,109 $ 2,706 Interest cost 6,297 7,095 2,670 3,106 Expected return on assets (6,994 ) (6,881 ) (1,796 ) (1,566 ) Amortization of transition obligation — — — 21 Amortization of prior service credit (58 ) (57 ) (411 ) (411 ) Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 4,249 3,320 (707 ) (542 ) Net periodic pension cost $ 8,710 $ 8,175 $ 2,865 $ 3,314 The assumptions used to develop our net periodic pension cost for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Discount rate 3.73% 4.55% 3.73% 4.55% Rate of compensation increase 3.50% 3.50% N/A N/A Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 4.45% 4.45% 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 plan as of January 1, 2016. Based on that determination, we were not required to make a minimum contribution to our defined benefit plan during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. We contributed $3.0 million to our other post-retirement benefit plans during the three months ended December 31, 2016 . We expect to contribute a total of between $10 million and $20 million to these plans during fiscal 2017 .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 11 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 , there were no material changes in the status of such litigation and environmental-related matters or claims during the three months ended December 31, 2016 . 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 natural gas 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. These purchase commitment contracts are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 . There were no material changes to the purchase commitments for the three months ended December 31, 2016 . 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 December 31, 2016 , formula rate mechanisms were in progress in our Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and West Texas service areas, infrastructure mechanisms were in progress in our Mississippi, Colorado and Kansas service areas and an ad valorem tax rider filing was in progress in our Kansas service area. These regulatory proceedings are discussed in further detail below in Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Recent Ratemaking Developments .

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments We currently use financial instruments to mitigate commodity price risk and interest rate risk. The objectives and strategies for using financial instruments and the related accounting for these financial instruments are fully described in Notes 2 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 . During the three months ended December 31, 2016 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 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 2016 - 2017 heating season (generally October through March), in the jurisdictions where we are permitted to utilize financial instruments, we anticipate hedging approximately 27 percent , or 16.2 Bcf of the winter flowing gas requirements. We have not designated these financial instruments as hedges for accounting purposes. Natural Gas Marketing Commodity Risk Management Activities Our natural gas marketing segment was 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. Through December 31, 2016, we managed 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. These financial instruments have maturity dates ranging from one to 60 months . Effective January 1, 2017, as a result of the sale of AEM, these activities will be discontinued. Due to the anticipated sale of AEM, we determined that the cash flows associated with our natural gas marketing commodity cash flow hedges were no longer probable of occurring; therefore, we discontinued hedge accounting as of December 31, 2016. As a result, we reclassified the gain in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with the commodity contracts into earnings as a reduction of purchased gas costs and recognized a pre-tax gain of $10.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016, which is included in discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statement of income. 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 December 31, 2016 , 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 December 31, 2016 , we had $18.2 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 December 31, 2016 , 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 December 31, 2016 , we had net long/(short) commodity contracts outstanding in the following quantities: Contract Type Hedge Designation Quantity (MMcf) Commodity contracts Fair Value (22,403 ) Not designated 109,012 86,609 Financial Instruments on the Balance Sheet The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . 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. Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current liabilities $ — $ (19,740 ) Interest rate contracts Other current liabilities — (25,060 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred credits and other liabilities — (97,921 ) Total — (142,721 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 89,309 (71,433 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 19,714 (16,591 ) Total 109,023 (88,024 ) Gross Financial Instruments 109,023 (230,745 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting (97,841 ) 97,841 Net Financial Instruments 11,182 (132,904 ) Cash collateral 3,788 9,909 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 14,970 $ (122,995 ) Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities (In thousands) September 30, 2016 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities $ 6,612 $ (21,903 ) Interest rate contracts Other current assets / — (68,481 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 2,178 (3,779 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities — (198,008 ) Total 8,790 (292,171 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 21,186 (18,812 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 14,165 (12,701 ) Total 35,351 (31,513 ) Gross Financial Instruments 44,141 (323,684 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting (39,290 ) 39,290 Net Financial Instruments 4,851 (284,394 ) Cash collateral 6,775 43,575 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 11,626 $ (240,819 ) Impact of Financial Instruments on the Income Statement Hedge ineffectiveness for our natural gas marketing segment is recorded as a component of purchased gas cost, which is included in discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of income, 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we recognized gains arising from fair value and cash flow hedge ineffectiveness of $3.4 million and $7.9 million . Additional information regarding ineffectiveness recognized in the income statement is included in the tables below. Fair Value Hedges The impact of our natural gas marketing segment commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges and the related hedged item on our condensed consolidated income statement for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented below. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Commodity contracts $ (9,567 ) $ 5,744 Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item 12,858 2,161 Total decrease in purchased gas cost $ 3,291 $ 7,905 The decrease in purchased gas cost is comprised of the following: Basis ineffectiveness $ (597 ) $ 1,289 Timing ineffectiveness 3,888 6,616 $ 3,291 $ 7,905 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 our interest rate and natural gas marketing segment cash flow hedges on our condensed consolidated income statements for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented below. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Loss reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ (2,612 ) $ (22,965 ) Gain (loss) arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts 111 (43 ) Gain on discontinuance of cash flow hedging of natural gas marketing commodity contracts reclassified from AOCI 10,579 — Total impact on purchased gas cost 8,078 (23,008 ) Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (137 ) (137 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ 7,941 $ (23,145 ) 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 months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . 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 2016 2015 (In thousands) Increase (decrease) in fair value: Interest rate agreements $ 91,127 $ 4,696 Forward commodity contracts 9,847 (11,656 ) Recognition of (gains) losses in earnings due to settlements: Interest rate agreements 87 87 Forward commodity contracts (4,865 ) 14,009 Total other comprehensive income from hedging, net of tax (1) $ 96,196 $ 7,136 (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 natural gas marketing segment commodity contracts are recognized in earnings upon settlement. The following amounts, net of deferred taxes, represent the expected recognition in earnings of the deferred losses recorded in AOCI associated with our financial instruments, based upon the fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 . 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 (In thousands) Next twelve months $ (523 ) Thereafter (17,694 ) Total (1) $ (18,217 ) (1) Utilizing an income tax rate of 37 percent . Financial Instruments Not Designated as Hedges The impact of natural gas marketing segment financial instruments that have not been designated as hedges on our condensed consolidated income statements for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was a decrease (increase) in purchased gas cost of $6.8 million and $(2.2) million , which is included in discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of income. As discussed above, financial instruments used in our distribution segment are not designated as hedges. However, there is no earnings impact on our 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.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 . During the three months ended December 31, 2016 , 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 7 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016 . 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 December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . 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) December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments $ — $ 109,023 $ — $ (94,053 ) $ 14,970 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 76,735 — — — 76,735 Available-for-sale securities Registered investment companies 38,836 — — — 38,836 Bond mutual funds 10,378 — — — 10,378 Bonds — 31,303 — — 31,303 Money market funds — 1,613 — — 1,613 Total available-for-sale securities 49,214 32,916 — — 82,130 Total assets $ 125,949 $ 141,939 $ — $ (94,053 ) $ 173,835 Liabilities: Financial instruments $ — $ 230,745 $ — $ (107,750 ) $ 122,995 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, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments $ — $ 44,141 $ — $ (32,515 ) $ 11,626 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 52,578 — — — 52,578 Available-for-sale securities Registered investment companies 38,677 — — — 38,677 Bonds — 31,394 — — 31,394 Money market funds — 2,630 — — 2,630 Total available-for-sale securities 38,677 34,024 — — 72,701 Total assets $ 91,255 $ 78,165 $ — $ (32,515 ) $ 136,905 Liabilities: Financial instruments $ — $ 323,684 $ — $ (82,865 ) $ 240,819 (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. As of December 31, 2016 , we had $13.7 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $9.9 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements with the remaining $3.8 million 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. As of September 30, 2016 , we had $50.4 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $43.6 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements with the remaining $6.8 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 December 31, 2016 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 27,792 $ 5,853 $ (903 ) $ 32,742 Foreign equity mutual funds 5,102 992 — 6,094 Bond mutual funds 10,428 — (50 ) 10,378 Bonds 31,380 19 (96 ) 31,303 Money market funds 1,613 — — 1,613 $ 76,315 $ 6,864 $ (1,049 ) $ 82,130 As of September 30, 2016 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 26,692 $ 6,419 $ (590 ) $ 32,521 Foreign equity mutual funds 4,954 1,202 — 6,156 Bonds 31,296 108 (10 ) 31,394 Money market funds 2,630 — — 2,630 $ 65,572 $ 7,729 $ (600 ) $ 72,701 At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , our available-for-sale securities included $40.4 million and $41.3 million related to assets held in separate rabbi trusts for our supplemental executive benefit plans. At December 31, 2016 , we maintained investments in bonds that have contractual maturity dates ranging from January 2017 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 December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In thousands) Carrying Amount $ 2,585,000 $ 2,460,000 Fair Value $ 2,788,228 $ 2,844,990

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Information regarding our concentration of credit risk is disclosed in Note 16 to the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 . During the three months ended December 31, 2016 , there were no material changes in our concentration of credit risk.

Accounting Policies (Policy)

Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 Through November 30, 2016, our consolidated operations were managed and reviewed through three segments: • The regulated distribution segment , which included our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations. • The regulated pipeline segment , which included the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Energy Pipeline-Texas division and, • The nonregulated segment , which included our nonregulated natural gas management, nonregulated natural gas transmission, storage and other services. As a result of the announced sale of Atmos Energy Marketing, we revised the information used by the chief operating decision maker to manage the Company, effective December 1, 2016. Accordingly, we will manage and review our consolidated operations through the following three reportable segments: • The distribution segment is primarily comprised of our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states and storage assets located in Kentucky and Tennessee, which are used to support our natural gas distribution operations in those states. These storage assets were formerly included in our nonregulated segment. • The pipeline and storage segment is comprised primarily of the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana which were formerly included in our nonregulated segment. • The natural gas marketing segment is comprised of our discontinued natural gas marketing business. Our determination of reportable segments considers how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources between our strategic operating units under which we manage sales of various products and services through our distribution, pipeline and storage and natural gas marketing businesses. Although our distribution segment operations are geographically dispersed, they are aggregated and reported as a single segment as each natural gas distribution division has similar economic characteristics. In addition, the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana have similar economic characteristics and have been aggregated and reported as a single segment. 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, 2016 . We evaluate performance based on net income or loss of the respective operating segments. We allocate interest and pension expense to the pipeline and storage segment; however, there is no debt or pension liability recorded on the pipeline and storage segment balance sheet. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated; however, we have not eliminated intercompany profits when such amounts are probable of recovery under the affiliates’ rate regulation process.
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, 2016 . During the three months ended December 31, 2016 , there were no changes in these methods.

Unaudited Financial Informati22

Unaudited Financial Information (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities Table [Abstract]
Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Significant regulatory assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 included the following: December 31, September 30, (In thousands) Regulatory assets: Pension and postretirement benefit costs (1) $ 128,947 $ 132,348 Infrastructure mechanisms (2) 49,098 42,719 Deferred gas costs 18,345 45,184 Recoverable loss on reacquired debt 13,122 13,761 Deferred pipeline record collection costs 8,125 7,336 APT annual adjustment mechanism 5,194 7,171 Rate case costs 1,460 1,539 Other 13,030 13,565 $ 237,321 $ 263,623 Regulatory liabilities: Regulatory cost of removal obligations $ 479,667 $ 476,891 Deferred gas costs 17,416 20,180 Asset retirement obligations 13,404 13,404 Other 6,920 4,250 $ 517,407 $ 514,725 (1) Includes $12.1 million and $12.4 million of pension and postretirement expense deferred pursuant to regulatory authorization. (2) Infrastructure mechanisms in Texas and Louisiana allow for the deferral of all eligible expenses associated with capital expenditures incurred pursuant to these rules, including the recording of interest on deferred expenses 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)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Income statements for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 by segment are presented in the following tables: Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 754,266 $ 25,902 $ — $ — $ 780,168 Intersegment revenues 390 84,050 — (84,440 ) — 754,656 109,952 — (84,440 ) 780,168 Purchased gas cost 395,346 355 — (84,396 ) 311,305 Gross profit 359,310 109,597 — (44 ) 468,863 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 92,714 32,268 — (44 ) 124,938 Depreciation and amortization 61,157 15,801 — — 76,958 Taxes, other than income 50,546 6,503 — — 57,049 Total operating expenses 204,417 54,572 — (44 ) 258,945 Operating income 154,893 55,025 — — 209,918 Miscellaneous expense (633 ) (361 ) — — (994 ) Interest charges 21,118 9,912 — — 31,030 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 133,142 44,752 — — 177,894 Income tax expense 47,778 16,078 — — 63,856 Income from continuing operations 85,364 28,674 — — 114,038 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 10,994 — 10,994 Net income $ 85,364 $ 28,674 $ 10,994 $ — $ 125,032 Capital expenditures $ 222,484 $ 75,478 $ — $ — $ 297,962 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) Operating revenues from external parties $ 649,113 $ 25,640 $ — $ — $ 674,753 Intersegment revenues 330 72,776 — (73,106 ) — 649,443 98,416 — (73,106 ) 674,753 Purchased gas cost 313,991 (559 ) — (73,106 ) 240,326 Gross profit 335,452 98,975 — — 434,427 Operating expenses Operation and maintenance 92,189 27,639 — — 119,828 Depreciation and amortization 57,614 13,042 — — 70,656 Taxes, other than income 45,558 5,656 — — 51,214 Total operating expenses 195,361 46,337 — — 241,698 Operating income 140,091 52,638 — — 192,729 Miscellaneous expense (477 ) (402 ) — — (879 ) Interest charges 20,390 9,147 — — 29,537 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 119,224 43,089 — — 162,313 Income tax expense 45,288 15,479 — — 60,767 Income from continuing operations 73,936 27,610 — — 101,546 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — — 1,315 — 1,315 Net income $ 73,936 $ 27,610 $ 1,315 $ — $ 102,861 Capital expenditures $ 165,407 $ 124,981 $ 24 $ — $ 290,412 Balance sheet information at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 by segment is presented in the following tables: December 31, 2016 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 6,362,710 $ 2,190,252 $ — $ — $ 8,552,962 Investment in subsidiaries 834,469 — — (834,469 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 43,733 — 891 — 44,624 Assets from risk management activities 8,057 — — — 8,057 Current assets of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 253,950 (18,468 ) 235,482 Other current assets 666,474 46,009 (6,824 ) (14,390 ) 691,269 Intercompany receivables 1,052,199 — — (1,052,199 ) — Total current assets 1,770,463 46,009 248,017 (1,085,057 ) 979,432 Goodwill 586,661 143,012 — — 729,673 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 1,282 — — — 1,282 Deferred charges and other assets 289,224 26,582 — — 315,806 $ 9,844,809 $ 2,405,855 $ 248,017 $ (1,919,526 ) $ 10,579,155 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,698,975 $ 731,631 $ 102,838 $ (834,469 ) $ 3,698,975 Long-term debt 2,314,199 — — — 2,314,199 Total capitalization 6,013,174 731,631 102,838 (834,469 ) 6,013,174 Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt 250,000 — — — 250,000 Short-term debt 940,747 — — — 940,747 Liabilities from risk management activities 25,060 — — — 25,060 Current liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 120,566 (11,268 ) 109,298 Other current liabilities 602,247 43,028 1,025 (21,590 ) 624,710 Intercompany payables — 1,048,091 4,108 (1,052,199 ) — Total current liabilities 1,818,054 1,091,119 125,699 (1,085,057 ) 1,949,815 Deferred income taxes 1,156,716 560,401 8,316 — 1,725,433 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 97,921 — — — 97,921 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 407,767 22,640 — — 430,407 Pension and postretirement liabilities 301,715 — — — 301,715 Deferred credits and other liabilities 49,462 64 11,164 — 60,690 $ 9,844,809 $ 2,405,855 $ 248,017 $ (1,919,526 ) $ 10,579,155 September 30, 2016 Distribution Pipeline and Storage Natural Gas Marketing Eliminations Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Property, plant and equipment, net $ 6,208,465 $ 2,060,141 $ — $ — $ 8,268,606 Investment in subsidiaries 768,415 — — (768,415 ) — Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 22,117 — 25,417 — 47,534 Assets from risk management activities 3,029 — — — 3,029 Current assets of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 162,508 (11,391 ) 151,117 Other current assets 486,934 39,078 5 (46,011 ) 480,006 Intercompany receivables 971,665 — — (971,665 ) — Total current assets 1,483,745 39,078 187,930 (1,029,067 ) 681,686 Goodwill 583,950 143,012 — — 726,962 Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 1,822 — — — 1,822 Noncurrent assets of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 28,785 (169 ) 28,616 Deferred charges and other assets 275,418 27,779 — — 303,197 $ 9,321,815 $ 2,270,010 $ 216,715 $ (1,797,651 ) $ 10,010,889 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity $ 3,463,059 $ 701,818 $ 66,597 $ (768,415 ) $ 3,463,059 Long-term debt 2,188,779 — — — 2,188,779 Total capitalization 5,651,838 701,818 66,597 (768,415 ) 5,651,838 Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt 250,000 — — — 250,000 Short-term debt 829,811 — 35,000 (35,000 ) 829,811 Liabilities from risk management activities 56,771 1,967 — (1,967 ) 56,771 Current liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale — — 81,908 (9,008 ) 72,900 Other current liabilities 549,019 37,944 3,263 (11,427 ) 578,799 Intercompany payables — 957,526 14,139 (971,665 ) — Total current liabilities 1,685,601 997,437 134,310 (1,029,067 ) 1,788,281 Deferred income taxes 1,055,348 543,390 4,318 — 1,603,056 Noncurrent liabilities from risk management activities 184,048 169 — (169 ) 184,048 Regulatory cost of removal obligation 397,162 27,119 — — 424,281 Pension and postretirement liabilities 297,743 — — — 297,743 Noncurrent liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale — — 316 — 316 Deferred credits and other liabilities 50,075 77 11,174 — 61,326 $ 9,321,815 $ 2,270,010 $ 216,715 $ (1,797,651 ) $ 10,010,889

Earnings Per Share (Table)

Earnings Per Share (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share table	Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are calculated as follows: Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share from continuing operations Income from continuing operations $ 114,038 $ 101,546 Less: Income from continuing operations allocated to participating securities 153 170 Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders $ 113,885 $ 101,376 Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 105,284 102,713 Income from continuing operations per share — Basic and Diluted $ 1.08 $ 0.99 Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations $ 10,994 $ 1,315 Less: Income from discontinued operations allocated to participating securities 14 1 Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders $ 10,980 $ 1,314 Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 105,284 102,713 Income from discontinued operations per share — Basic and Diluted $ 0.11 $ 0.01 Net income per share — Basic and Diluted $ 1.19 $ 1.00

Debt (Table)

Debt (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Debt	Long-term debt at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In thousands) Unsecured 6.35% Senior Notes, due June 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 500,000 500,000 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 Floating-rate term loan, due 2019 125,000 — Total long-term debt 2,585,000 2,460,000 Less: Original issue discount on unsecured senior notes and debentures 4,184 4,270 Debt issuance cost 16,617 16,951 Current maturities 250,000 250,000 $ 2,314,199 $ 2,188,779

Divestitures and Acquisitions (

Divestitures and Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Divestitures and Acquisitions [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The following table presents statement of income data related to discontinued operations. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Operating revenues $ 303,474 $ 259,258 Purchased gas cost 277,554 249,789 Gross profit 25,920 9,469 Operating expenses 7,874 5,993 Operating income 18,046 3,476 Other nonoperating expense (211 ) (1,276 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 17,835 2,200 Income tax expense 6,841 885 Net income from discontinued operations $ 10,994 $ 1,315 The following table presents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities of our natural gas marketing's operations to total assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Net property, plant and equipment $ 11,599 $ 11,905 Accounts receivable 139,741 93,551 Gas stored underground 77,559 54,246 Other current assets 9,447 14,711 Goodwill (2) 13,734 16,445 Deferred charges and other assets 1,870 435 Total assets of the disposal group classified as held for sale in the statement of financial position (1) 253,950 191,293 Cash 891 25,417 Other assets (6,824 ) 5 Total assets of disposal group in the statement of financial position $ 248,017 $ 216,715 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 113,368 $ 72,268 Other current liabilities 6,876 9,640 Deferred credits and other 322 316 Total liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale in the statement of financial position (1) 120,566 82,224 Intercompany note payable — 35,000 Tax liabilities 19,469 15,471 Intercompany payables 4,108 14,139 Other liabilities 1,036 3,179 Total liabilities of disposal group in the statement of financial position $ 145,179 $ 150,013 (1) Amounts in the comparative period are classified as current and long term in the statement of financial position. (2) The period-over-period change in natural gas marketing goodwill is the result of the reallocation of goodwill between the retained portion and held-for-sale portion of the former Atmos Energy Marketing reporting unit, based on relative fair value. The following table presents statement of cash flow data related to discontinued operations. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Depreciation and amortization $ 185 $ 583 Capital expenditures $ — $ 24 Noncash gain in commodity contract cash flow hedges $ 18,744 $ 3,858

Shareholders' Equity (Table)

Shareholders' Equity (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 (loss). Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2016 $ 4,484 $ (187,524 ) $ (4,982 ) $ (188,022 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (828 ) 91,127 9,847 100,146 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 87 (4,865 ) (4,778 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (828 ) 91,214 4,982 95,368 December 31, 2016 $ 3,656 $ (96,310 ) $ — $ (92,654 ) Available- for-Sale Securities Interest Rate Agreement Cash Flow Hedges Commodity Contracts Cash Flow Hedges Total (In thousands) September 30, 2015 $ 4,949 $ (88,842 ) $ (25,437 ) $ (109,330 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (768 ) 4,696 (11,656 ) (7,728 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 87 14,009 14,096 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (768 ) 4,783 2,353 6,368 December 31, 2015 $ 4,181 $ (84,059 ) $ (23,084 ) $ (102,962 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables detail reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Amounts in parentheses below indicate decreases to net income in the statement of income. Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (137 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts 7,976 Purchased gas cost (1) 7,839 Total before tax (3,061 ) Tax expense Total reclassifications $ 4,778 Net of tax Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (In thousands) Cash flow hedges Interest rate agreements $ (137 ) Interest charges Commodity contracts (22,965 ) Purchased gas cost (1) (23,102 ) Total before tax 9,006 Tax benefit Total reclassifications $ (14,096 ) Net of tax (1) Amounts are presented as part of income from discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Interim Pension and Other Pos28

Interim Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 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. Three Months Ended December 31 Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 (In thousands) Components of net periodic pension cost: Service cost $ 5,216 $ 4,698 $ 3,109 $ 2,706 Interest cost 6,297 7,095 2,670 3,106 Expected return on assets (6,994 ) (6,881 ) (1,796 ) (1,566 ) Amortization of transition obligation — — — 21 Amortization of prior service credit (58 ) (57 ) (411 ) (411 ) Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 4,249 3,320 (707 ) (542 ) Net periodic pension cost $ 8,710 $ 8,175 $ 2,865 $ 3,314
Schedule of assumptions used table text block	The assumptions used to develop our net periodic pension cost for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Discount rate 3.73% 4.55% 3.73% 4.55% Rate of compensation increase 3.50% 3.50% N/A N/A Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 4.45% 4.45%

Financial Instruments (Table)

Financial Instruments (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Oustanding commodity contracts volumes table	As of December 31, 2016 , we had net long/(short) commodity contracts outstanding in the following quantities: Contract Type Hedge Designation Quantity (MMcf) Commodity contracts Fair Value (22,403 ) Not designated 109,012 86,609
Financial instruments on the balance sheet	Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities (In thousands) September 30, 2016 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities $ 6,612 $ (21,903 ) Interest rate contracts Other current assets / — (68,481 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 2,178 (3,779 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities — (198,008 ) Total 8,790 (292,171 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 21,186 (18,812 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 14,165 (12,701 ) Total 35,351 (31,513 ) Gross Financial Instruments 44,141 (323,684 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting (39,290 ) 39,290 Net Financial Instruments 4,851 (284,394 ) Cash collateral 6,775 43,575 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 11,626 $ (240,819 ) The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . 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. Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current liabilities $ — $ (19,740 ) Interest rate contracts Other current liabilities — (25,060 ) Interest rate contracts Deferred credits and other liabilities — (97,921 ) Total — (142,721 ) Not Designated As Hedges: Commodity contracts Other current assets / Other current liabilities 89,309 (71,433 ) Commodity contracts Deferred charges and other assets / Deferred credits and other liabilities 19,714 (16,591 ) Total 109,023 (88,024 ) Gross Financial Instruments 109,023 (230,745 ) Gross Amounts Offset on Consolidated Balance Sheet: Contract netting (97,841 ) 97,841 Net Financial Instruments 11,182 (132,904 ) Cash collateral 3,788 9,909 Net Assets/Liabilities from Risk Management Activities $ 14,970 $ (122,995 )
Fair value hedges table	The impact of our natural gas marketing segment commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges and the related hedged item on our condensed consolidated income statement for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented below. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Commodity contracts $ (9,567 ) $ 5,744 Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item 12,858 2,161 Total decrease in purchased gas cost $ 3,291 $ 7,905 The decrease in purchased gas cost is comprised of the following: Basis ineffectiveness $ (597 ) $ 1,289 Timing ineffectiveness 3,888 6,616 $ 3,291 $ 7,905
Cash flow hedges	The impact of our interest rate and natural gas marketing segment cash flow hedges on our condensed consolidated income statements for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented below. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Loss reclassified from AOCI for effective portion of commodity contracts $ (2,612 ) $ (22,965 ) Gain (loss) arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts 111 (43 ) Gain on discontinuance of cash flow hedging of natural gas marketing commodity contracts reclassified from AOCI 10,579 — Total impact on purchased gas cost 8,078 (23,008 ) Net loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense (137 ) (137 ) Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges $ 7,941 $ (23,145 )
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 months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . 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 2016 2015 (In thousands) Increase (decrease) in fair value: Interest rate agreements $ 91,127 $ 4,696 Forward commodity contracts 9,847 (11,656 ) Recognition of (gains) losses in earnings due to settlements: Interest rate agreements 87 87 Forward commodity contracts (4,865 ) 14,009 Total other comprehensive income from hedging, net of tax (1) $ 96,196 $ 7,136 (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 losses recorded in AOCI associated with our financial instruments, based upon the fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 . 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 (In thousands) Next twelve months $ (523 ) Thereafter (17,694 ) Total (1) $ (18,217 ) (1) Utilizing an income tax rate of 37 percent

Fair Value Measurements (Table)

Fair Value Measurements (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . 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) December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments $ — $ 109,023 $ — $ (94,053 ) $ 14,970 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 76,735 — — — 76,735 Available-for-sale securities Registered investment companies 38,836 — — — 38,836 Bond mutual funds 10,378 — — — 10,378 Bonds — 31,303 — — 31,303 Money market funds — 1,613 — — 1,613 Total available-for-sale securities 49,214 32,916 — — 82,130 Total assets $ 125,949 $ 141,939 $ — $ (94,053 ) $ 173,835 Liabilities: Financial instruments $ — $ 230,745 $ — $ (107,750 ) $ 122,995 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, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Financial instruments $ — $ 44,141 $ — $ (32,515 ) $ 11,626 Hedged portion of gas stored underground 52,578 — — — 52,578 Available-for-sale securities Registered investment companies 38,677 — — — 38,677 Bonds — 31,394 — — 31,394 Money market funds — 2,630 — — 2,630 Total available-for-sale securities 38,677 34,024 — — 72,701 Total assets $ 91,255 $ 78,165 $ — $ (32,515 ) $ 136,905 Liabilities: Financial instruments $ — $ 323,684 $ — $ (82,865 ) $ 240,819 (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. As of December 31, 2016 , we had $13.7 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $9.9 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements with the remaining $3.8 million 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. As of September 30, 2016 , we had $50.4 million of cash held in margin accounts to collateralize certain financial instruments. Of this amount, $43.6 million was used to offset current and noncurrent risk management liabilities under master netting arrangements with the remaining $6.8 million is classified as current risk management assets.
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation Table	Available-for-sale securities are comprised of the following: Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized Loss Fair Value (In thousands) As of December 31, 2016 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 27,792 $ 5,853 $ (903 ) $ 32,742 Foreign equity mutual funds 5,102 992 — 6,094 Bond mutual funds 10,428 — (50 ) 10,378 Bonds 31,380 19 (96 ) 31,303 Money market funds 1,613 — — 1,613 $ 76,315 $ 6,864 $ (1,049 ) $ 82,130 As of September 30, 2016 Domestic equity mutual funds $ 26,692 $ 6,419 $ (590 ) $ 32,521 Foreign equity mutual funds 4,954 1,202 — 6,156 Bonds 31,296 108 (10 ) 31,394 Money market funds 2,630 — — 2,630 $ 65,572 $ 7,729 $ (600 ) $ 72,701
Other fair value measurements table	The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of our debt as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 : December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In thousands) Carrying Amount $ 2,585,000 $ 2,460,000 Fair Value $ 2,788,228 $ 2,844,990

Nature of Business (Details)

Nature of Business (Details) customers in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016statecustomersregulated_gas_distributions_divisions
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Customers, Regulated Distribution | customers	3
Number of Divisions, Regulated Distribution | regulated_gas_distributions_divisions	6
Number of States in which Entity Operates | state	8

Unaudited Interim Financial Inf

Unaudited Interim Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	$ 237,321	$ 263,623
Regulatory asset - future recoverable pension costs	12,100	12,400
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities	517,407	514,725
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Long-term debt	2,314,199	2,188,779
Deferred charges and other assets	317,088	305,019
Regulatory Cost of Removal [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities	479,667	476,891
Deferred Gas Costs [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities	17,416	20,180
Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities	13,404	13,404
Other [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory liabilities	6,920	4,250
Pension And Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	128,947	132,348
Infrastructure Mechanisms [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	49,098	42,719
Deferred Gas Costs [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	18,345	45,184
Recoverable Loss On Reacquired Debt [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	13,122	13,761
Deferred Project Costs [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	8,125	7,336
APT Annual Adjustment Mechanism [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	5,194	7,171
Rate Case Costs [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	1,460	1,539
Other [Member]
Regulatory Asset [Line Items]
Regulatory assets	$ 13,030	$ 13,565

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment	3
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	$ 780,168,000	$ 674,753,000
Purchased gas cost	311,305,000	240,326,000
Gross profit	468,863,000	434,427,000
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	124,938,000	119,828,000
Depreciation and amortization	76,958,000	70,656,000
Taxes, other than income	57,049,000	51,214,000
Total operating expenses	258,945,000	241,698,000
Operating income	209,918,000	192,729,000
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(994,000)	(879,000)
Interest charges	31,030,000	29,537,000
Income (loss) before income taxes	177,894,000	162,313,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	63,856,000	60,767,000
Income from continuing operations	114,038,000	101,546,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	10,994,000	1,315,000
Net income (loss)	125,032,000	102,861,000
Capital expenditures	297,962,000	290,412,000
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	8,552,962,000		$ 8,268,606,000
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	44,624,000	78,903,000	47,534,000	$ 28,653,000
Assets from risk management activities	8,057,000		3,029,000
Current assets held for sale	235,482,000		151,117,000
Other current assets	691,269,000		480,006,000
Intercompany receivables	0		0
Total current assets	979,432,000		681,686,000
Goodwill	729,673,000		726,962,000
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	1,282,000		1,822,000
Noncurrent assets held for sale	0		28,616,000
Deferred charges and other assets	315,806,000		303,197,000
Total assets	10,579,155,000		10,010,889,000
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	3,698,975,000		3,463,059,000
Long-term debt	2,314,199,000		2,188,779,000
Total capitalization	6,013,174,000		5,651,838,000
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	250,000,000		250,000,000
Short-term debt	940,747,000		829,811,000
Liabilities from risk management activities	25,060,000		56,771,000
Current liabilities held for sale	109,298,000		72,900,000
Other current liabilities	624,710,000		578,799,000
Intercompany payables	0		0
Total current liabilities	1,949,815,000		1,788,281,000
Deferred income taxes	1,725,433,000		1,603,056,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	97,921,000		184,048,000
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	430,407,000		424,281,000
Pension and postretirement liabilities	301,715,000		297,743,000
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale	0		316,000
Deferred credits and other liabilities	60,690,000		61,326,000
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	10,579,155,000		10,010,889,000
Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	780,168,000	674,753,000
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0
Distribution Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	754,656,000	649,443,000
Purchased gas cost	395,346,000	313,991,000
Gross profit	359,310,000	335,452,000
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	92,714,000	92,189,000
Depreciation and amortization	61,157,000	57,614,000
Taxes, other than income	50,546,000	45,558,000
Total operating expenses	204,417,000	195,361,000
Operating income	154,893,000	140,091,000
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(633,000)	(477,000)
Interest charges	21,118,000	20,390,000
Income (loss) before income taxes	133,142,000	119,224,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	47,778,000	45,288,000
Income from continuing operations	85,364,000	73,936,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Net income (loss)	85,364,000	73,936,000
Capital expenditures	222,484,000	165,407,000
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	6,362,710,000		6,208,465,000
Investment in subsidiaries	834,469,000		768,415,000
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	43,733,000		22,117,000
Assets from risk management activities	8,057,000		3,029,000
Current assets held for sale	0		0
Other current assets	666,474,000		486,934,000
Intercompany receivables	1,052,199,000		971,665,000
Total current assets	1,770,463,000		1,483,745,000
Goodwill	586,661,000		583,950,000
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	1,282,000		1,822,000
Noncurrent assets held for sale			0
Deferred charges and other assets	289,224,000		275,418,000
Total assets	9,844,809,000		9,321,815,000
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	3,698,975,000		3,463,059,000
Long-term debt	2,314,199,000		2,188,779,000
Total capitalization	6,013,174,000		5,651,838,000
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	250,000,000		250,000,000
Short-term debt	940,747,000		829,811,000
Liabilities from risk management activities	25,060,000		56,771,000
Current liabilities held for sale	0		0
Other current liabilities	602,247,000		549,019,000
Intercompany payables	0		0
Total current liabilities	1,818,054,000		1,685,601,000
Deferred income taxes	1,156,716,000		1,055,348,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	97,921,000		184,048,000
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	407,767,000		397,162,000
Pension and postretirement liabilities	301,715,000		297,743,000
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale			0
Deferred credits and other liabilities	49,462,000		50,075,000
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	9,844,809,000		9,321,815,000
Distribution Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	754,266,000	649,113,000
Distribution Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	390,000	330,000
Pipeline and Storage Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	109,952,000	98,416,000
Purchased gas cost	355,000	(559,000)
Gross profit	109,597,000	98,975,000
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	32,268,000	27,639,000
Depreciation and amortization	15,801,000	13,042,000
Taxes, other than income	6,503,000	5,656,000
Total operating expenses	54,572,000	46,337,000
Operating income	55,025,000	52,638,000
Miscellaneous income (expense)	(361,000)	(402,000)
Interest charges	9,912,000	9,147,000
Income (loss) before income taxes	44,752,000	43,089,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	16,078,000	15,479,000
Income from continuing operations	28,674,000	27,610,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Net income (loss)	28,674,000	27,610,000
Capital expenditures	75,478,000	124,981,000
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	2,190,252,000		2,060,141,000
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Assets from risk management activities	0		0
Current assets held for sale	0		0
Other current assets	46,009,000		39,078,000
Intercompany receivables	0		0
Total current assets	46,009,000		39,078,000
Goodwill	143,012,000		143,012,000
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	0		0
Noncurrent assets held for sale			0
Deferred charges and other assets	26,582,000		27,779,000
Total assets	2,405,855,000		2,270,010,000
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	731,631,000		701,818,000
Long-term debt	0		0
Total capitalization	731,631,000		701,818,000
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0
Short-term debt	0		0
Liabilities from risk management activities	0		1,967,000
Current liabilities held for sale	0		0
Other current liabilities	43,028,000		37,944,000
Intercompany payables	1,048,091,000		957,526,000
Total current liabilities	1,091,119,000		997,437,000
Deferred income taxes	560,401,000		543,390,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	0		169,000
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	22,640,000		27,119,000
Pension and postretirement liabilities	0		0
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale			0
Deferred credits and other liabilities	64,000		77,000
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	2,405,855,000		2,270,010,000
Pipeline and Storage Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	25,902,000	25,640,000
Pipeline and Storage Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	84,050,000	72,776,000
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	0	0
Purchased gas cost	0	0
Gross profit	0	0
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Taxes, other than income	0	0
Total operating expenses	0	0
Operating income	0	0
Miscellaneous income (expense)	0	0
Interest charges	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Income from continuing operations	0	0
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	10,994,000	1,315,000
Net income (loss)	10,994,000	1,315,000
Capital expenditures	0	24,000
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	0		0
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	891,000		25,417,000
Assets from risk management activities	0		0
Current assets held for sale	253,950,000		162,508,000
Other current assets	(6,824,000)		5,000
Intercompany receivables	0		0
Total current assets	248,017,000		187,930,000
Goodwill	0		0
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	0		0
Noncurrent assets held for sale			28,785,000
Deferred charges and other assets	0		0
Total assets	248,017,000		216,715,000
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	102,838,000		66,597,000
Long-term debt	0		0
Total capitalization	102,838,000		66,597,000
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0
Short-term debt	0		35,000,000
Liabilities from risk management activities	0		0
Current liabilities held for sale	120,566,000		81,908,000
Other current liabilities	1,025,000		3,263,000
Intercompany payables	4,108,000		14,139,000
Total current liabilities	125,699,000		134,310,000
Deferred income taxes	8,316,000		4,318,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	0		0
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	0		0
Pension and postretirement liabilities	0		0
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale			316,000
Deferred credits and other liabilities	11,164,000		11,174,000
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	248,017,000		216,715,000
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Total operating revenues	(84,440,000)	(73,106,000)
Purchased gas cost	(84,396,000)	(73,106,000)
Gross profit	(44,000)	0
Operating expenses
Operation and maintenance	(44,000)	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Taxes, other than income	0	0
Total operating expenses	(44,000)	0
Operating income	0	0
Miscellaneous income (expense)	0	0
Interest charges	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0
Income from continuing operations	0	0
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0
Net income (loss)	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0
ASSETS
Net property, plant and equipment	0		0
Investment in subsidiaries	(834,469,000)		(768,415,000)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Assets from risk management activities	0		0
Current assets held for sale	(18,468,000)		(11,391,000)
Other current assets	(14,390,000)		(46,011,000)
Intercompany receivables	(1,052,199,000)		(971,665,000)
Total current assets	(1,085,057,000)		(1,029,067,000)
Goodwill	0		0
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities	0		0
Noncurrent assets held for sale			(169,000)
Deferred charges and other assets	0		0
Total assets	(1,919,526,000)		(1,797,651,000)
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity	(834,469,000)		(768,415,000)
Long-term debt	0		0
Total capitalization	(834,469,000)		(768,415,000)
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0
Short-term debt	0		(35,000,000)
Liabilities from risk management activities	0		(1,967,000)
Current liabilities held for sale	(11,268,000)		(9,008,000)
Other current liabilities	(21,590,000)		(11,427,000)
Intercompany payables	(1,052,199,000)		(971,665,000)
Total current liabilities	(1,085,057,000)		(1,029,067,000)
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	0		(169,000)
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	0		0
Pension and postretirement liabilities	0		0
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale			0
Deferred credits and other liabilities	0		0
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	(1,919,526,000)		$ (1,797,651,000)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]
Revenues	$ (84,440,000)	$ (73,106,000)

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 114,038	$ 101,546
Income allocated to participating securities	153	170
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$ 113,885	$ 101,376
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share	$ 1.08	$ 0.99
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 10,994	$ 1,315
Undistributed Earnings From Discontinued Operations Allocated To Participating Securities	14	1
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	$ 10,980	$ 1,314
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share	$ 0.11	$ 0.01
Basic and diluted net income per share	$ 1.19	$ 1
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	105,284	102,713

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	$ 2,585,000,000	$ 2,460,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	4,184,000	4,270,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	250,000,000	250,000,000
Long-term debt	2,314,199,000	2,188,779,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	16,617,000	16,951,000
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,600,000,000
Long Term Debt Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Term Loan Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	200,000,000
Term Loan Agreement, Incremental Borrowings	1,000,000
Term Loan Agreement, Amount Outstanding	125,000,000
Commercial Paper	$ 940,700,000	829,800,000
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	50.00%
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] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,500,000,000	1,250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature	250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity with Accordion Feature	$ 1,750,000,000
Five Year Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
Five Year Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Regulated Operation [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
$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
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	0
$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
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	0
$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	4,100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	0
$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
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	0
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
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.125%	4.125%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 15, 2044	Oct. 15, 2044
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
Multi-Draw Term Loan Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	$ 125,000,000	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jun. 24, 2019

Divestitures and Acquisitions36

Divestitures and Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net income from discontinued operations			$ 10,994	$ 1,315
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash Purchase Price		$ 38,300
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Estimated Working Capital		103,200
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Placed in Escrow		$ 7,000
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Description of Acquired Entity			On December 20, 2016 , we executed a purchase and sale agreement to acquire the general partnership and limited partnership interests in EnLink North Texas Pipeline, LP (EnLink Pipeline) from EnLink Energy GP, LLC and EnLink Midstream Operating, LP for an all–cash price of $85 million , plus estimated working capital. After considering estimated working capital, the total proceeds paid were $85.7 million . The final purchase is subject to adjustment after the estimated working capital is finalized during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. EnLink Pipeline's primary asset is a 140–mile natural gas pipeline located on the north side of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. As of December 31, 2016, the $85 million purchase price was preliminarily allocated, based on fair value using observable market inputs, to the net book value of the acquired pipeline. The final purchase price allocation is subject to adjustment pending the completion of analysis of the fair value of certain contracts included in the acquisition. We expect to complete this evaluation during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Date		Jan. 1, 2017
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration		$ 141,500
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share		$ 0.03
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member] | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Operating revenues			$ 303,474	259,258
Purchased gas cost			277,554	249,789
Gross profit			25,920	9,469
Operating expenses			7,874	5,993
Operating income			18,046	3,476
Other nonoperating expense			(211)	(1,276)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes			17,835	2,200
Income tax expense			6,841	885
Net income from discontinued operations			10,994	1,315
Assets [Abstract]
Total assets of the disposal group			248,017		$ 216,715
Liabilities [Abstract]
Total liabilities of the disposal group			145,179		150,013
Discontinued Operation, Alternative Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization, Discontinued Operations			185	583
Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations			0	24
Noncash Change in Commodity Contract Cash Flow Hedges			18,744	$ 3,858
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member] | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale [Member] | Disposal Group Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Net property, plant and equipment			11,599		11,905
Accounts receivable			139,741		93,551
Gas stored underground			77,559		54,246
Other current assets			9,447		14,711
Goodwill	[1]		13,734		16,445
Deferred charges and other assets			1,870		435
Total assets of the disposal group	[2]		253,950		191,293
Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			113,368		72,268
Other current liabilities			6,876		9,640
Deferred credits and other			322		316
Total liabilities of the disposal group	[2]		120,566		82,224
Natural Gas Marketing Segment [Member] | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale [Member] | Disposal Group Assets and Liabilities Not Held for Sale [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash			891		25,417
Other assets			(6,824)		5
Liabilities [Abstract]
Intercompany note payable			0		35,000
Tax liabilities			19,469		15,471
Intercompany payables			4,108		14,139
Other liabilities			$ 1,036		$ 3,179
Enlink North Texas Pipeline, LP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement			Dec. 20, 2016
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross			$ 85,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred			$ 85,700
[1]	The period-over-period change in natural gas marketing goodwill is the result of the reallocation of goodwill between the retained portion and held-for-sale portion of the former Atmos Energy Marketing reporting unit, based on relative fair value.
[2]	Amounts in the comparative period are classified as current and long term in the statement of financial position.

Shareholders' Equity Components

Shareholders' Equity Components (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance	$ 3,463,059,000
Shareholders' equity, ending balance	3,698,975,000
Shareholders' Equity Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Debt and Equity Securities Authorized for Issuance	2,500,000,000
Debt And Equity Securities Available For Issuance	2,400,000,000
ATM Equity Distribution Offering Price, Maximum Amount	$ 200,000,000
ATM Equity Distribution, Shares Issued	690,812
ATM Equity Distribution, Net Proceeds	$ 49,400,000
ATM Equity Distribution, Gross Proceeds	50,000,000
ATM Equity Distribution, equity remaining	50,000,000
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance	4,484,000	$ 4,949,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(828,000)	(768,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(828,000)	(768,000)
Shareholders' equity, ending balance	3,656,000	4,181,000
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance	(187,524,000)	(88,842,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	91,127,000	4,696,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	87,000	87,000
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	91,214,000	4,783,000
Shareholders' equity, ending balance	(96,310,000)	(84,059,000)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance	(4,982,000)	(25,437,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	9,847,000	(11,656,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(4,865,000)	14,009,000
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	4,982,000	2,353,000
Shareholders' equity, ending balance	0	(23,084,000)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance	(188,022,000)	(109,330,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	100,146,000	(7,728,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(4,778,000)	14,096,000
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	95,368,000	6,368,000
Shareholders' equity, ending balance	$ (92,654,000)	$ (102,962,000)

Shareholders' Equity AOCI Affec

Shareholders' Equity AOCI Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Operation and maintenance		$ (124,938)	$ (119,828)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest		177,894	162,313
Income Tax Expense		(63,856)	(60,767)
Interest charges		(31,030)	(29,537)
Purchased gas cost		(311,305)	(240,326)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [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		7,839	(23,102)
Income Tax Expense		(3,061)	9,006
Income (loss) from continuing operations		4,778	(14,096)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Purchased gas cost	[1]	7,976	(22,965)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest charges		$ (137)	$ (137)
[1]	Amounts are presented as part of income from discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Interim Pension and Other Pos39

Interim Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Service Cost	$ 5,216	$ 4,698
Interest Cost	6,297	7,095
Expected return on assets	(6,994)	(6,881)
Amortization of transition (asset)/obligation	0	0
Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost	(58)	(57)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	4,249	3,320
Net periodic pension cost	$ 8,710	$ 8,175
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Abstract
Discount Rate	3.73%	4.55%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%	7.00%
Other Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic pension cost [Abstract]
Service Cost	$ 3,109	$ 2,706
Interest Cost	2,670	3,106
Expected return on assets	(1,796)	(1,566)
Amortization of transition (asset)/obligation	0	21
Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost	(411)	(411)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	(707)	(542)
Net periodic pension cost	$ 2,865	$ 3,314
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Abstract
Discount Rate	3.73%	4.55%
Expected return on plan assets	4.45%	4.45%
Current Year Benefit Plan Contributions [Abstract]
Contributions Actual	$ 3,000
Other Benefits [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Current Year Benefit Plan Contributions [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	10,000
Other Benefits [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Current Year Benefit Plan Contributions [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	$ 20,000

Financial Instruments Descripti

Financial Instruments Descriptions (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)MMcf	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
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 Anticipated Heating Season Gas	27.00%
Hedge Volume Of Anticipated Heating Season Gas | MMcf	16,200
Minimum Length Of Time Hedged In Cash Flow Hedge	1 month
Maximum Length Of Time Hedged In Cash Flow Hedge	60 months
Gain on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge	$ 10.6
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Interest Rate Agreements, Realized Gain (Loss), Net of Tax	(18.2)
Gain (Loss) On Hedge Ineffectiveness	$ 3.4	$ 7.9
Regulated Segments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	37.00%	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	$ 6.8	$ (2.2)
Interest Rate Hedges, Senior Notes 2017 Issuance [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	$ 250
Anticipated Debt Issuance, Amount			$ 250
Derivative, Average Forward Interest Rate	3.37%
Interest Rate Hedges, Senior Notes 2019 Issuance [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	$ 450
Anticipated Debt Issuance, Amount			$ 450
Derivative, Average Forward Interest Rate	3.78%

Financial Instruments Commodity

Financial Instruments Commodity Contract Volume (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016MMcf
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	86,609
Nondesignated [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	109,012
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Commodity Contract Outstanding Volumes [Line Items]
Investment Contract Volume	(22,403)

Financial Instruments Balance S

Financial Instruments Balance Sheet Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$ 109,023	$ 44,141
Derivative Asset, Contract Netting	(97,841)	(39,290)
Derivative Asset, Net of Contract Netting	11,182	4,851
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	3,788	6,775
Derivative Asset	14,970	11,626
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(230,745)	(323,684)
Derivative Liability, Contract Netting	(97,841)	(39,290)
Derivative Liability, Net of Contract Netting	(132,904)	(284,394)
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	(9,909)	(43,575)
Derivative Liability	(122,995)	(240,819)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	8,790
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(142,721)	(292,171)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	6,612
Designated As Hedging Instrument [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] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		2,178
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(25,060)	(68,481)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(19,740)	(21,903)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(97,921)	(198,008)
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		(3,779)
Nondesignated [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	109,023	35,351
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(88,024)	(31,513)
Nondesignated [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	89,309	21,186
Nondesignated [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	19,714	14,165
Nondesignated [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(71,433)	(18,812)
Nondesignated [Member] | Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ (16,591)	$ (12,701)

Financial Instruments Fair Valu

Financial Instruments Fair Value Hedges and Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Commodity contracts	$ (9,567)	$ 5,744
Fair value adjustment for natural gas inventory designated as the hedged item	12,858	2,161
Total (increase) decrease to purchased gas cost	3,291	7,905
Basis ineffectiveness	(597)	1,289
Timing ineffectiveness	3,888	6,616
Summary of Cash Flow Hedge Activity [Abstract]
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into purchased gas cost for effective portion of commodity contracts	(2,612)	(22,965)
Gain (loss) arising from ineffective portion of commodity contracts	111	(43)
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge	10,579	0
Total impact on purchased gas cost	8,078	(23,008)
Loss on settled Treasury Lock agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest expense	(137)	(137)
Total Impact from Cash Flow Hedges	$ 7,941	$ (23,145)

Financial Instruments Other Com

Financial Instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Interest rate agreements fair value	$ 91,127	$ 4,696
Forward commodity contracts fair value	9,847	(11,656)
Interest rate agreements	87	87
Forward commodity contracts	(4,865)	14,009
Total other comprehensive income (loss) from hedging, net of tax	96,196	$ 7,136
Expected Earnings [Line Items]
Interest Rate Agreement Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings	(18,217)
Next Twelve Months [Member]
Expected Earnings [Line Items]
Interest Rate Agreement Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings	(523)
Thereafter [Member]
Expected Earnings [Line Items]
Interest Rate Agreement Gain (Loss) Reclassified To Earnings	$ (17,694)

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
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	$ (94,053,000)	$ (32,515,000)
Derivative Asset	14,970,000	11,626,000
Hedged portion of gas stored underground	76,735,000	52,578,000
Available-for-sale Securities	82,130,000	72,701,000
Total assets	173,835,000	136,905,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	(107,750,000)	(82,865,000)
Derivative Liability	122,995,000	240,819,000
Derivative, Cash Collateral	13,700,000	50,400,000
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Classified Current Risk Management Asset	3,788,000	6,775,000
Cash Held In Margin Accounts Offset Current Risk Management Liabilities	9,909,000	43,575,000
Additional Fair Value Elements [Abstract]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	2,585,000,000	2,460,000,000
Debt Instrument Fair Value	2,788,228,000	2,844,990,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	38,836,000	38,677,000
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	10,378,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	31,303,000	31,394,000
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,613,000	2,630,000
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	0
Hedged portion of gas stored underground	76,735,000	52,578,000
Available-for-sale Securities	49,214,000	38,677,000
Total assets	125,949,000	91,255,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	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	38,836,000	38,677,000
Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	10,378,000
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] | 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 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	109,023,000	44,141,000
Hedged portion of gas stored underground	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	32,916,000	34,024,000
Total assets	141,939,000	78,165,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	230,745,000	323,684,000
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] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	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	31,303,000	31,394,000
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	1,613,000	2,630,000
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] | 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] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	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] | 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 Measurements Availab

Fair Value Measurements Available-For-Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	$ 76,315	$ 65,572
Gross Unrealized Gain	6,864	7,729
Gross Unrealized Loss	(1,049)	(600)
Fair value	82,130	72,701
Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Supplemental Executive Benefit Plans	40,400	41,300
Equity Funds Domestic [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	27,792	26,692
Gross Unrealized Gain	5,853	6,419
Gross Unrealized Loss	(903)	(590)
Fair value	32,742	32,521
Equity Funds Foreign [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	5,102	4,954
Gross Unrealized Gain	992	1,202
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair value	6,094	6,156
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	10,428
Gross Unrealized Gain	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	(50)
Fair value	10,378
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	31,380	31,296
Gross Unrealized Gain	19	108
Gross Unrealized Loss	(96)	(10)
Fair value	31,303	31,394
Money Market Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost	1,613	2,630
Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Fair value	$ 1,613	$ 2,630