Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 24, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010	Sep. 24, 2011
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	5
Number of reportable segments	3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 299,886	$ 328,307
Operating income	30,290	50,341
Depreciation and amortization	7,785	8,180
Total assets	952,130		956,459
Reconciliation to net income:
Interest expense, net	6,838	6,846
Provision for income taxes	220	366
Net income	23,232	43,129
All Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	10,498	11,536
Operating income	(2,597)	(2,563)
Depreciation and amortization	33	7
Total assets	3,892		3,719
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(15,781)	(17,201)
Depreciation and amortization	2,073	2,603
Total assets	123,229		183,084
Propane [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	240,356	259,401
Operating income	43,498	65,138
Depreciation and amortization	4,913	4,693
Total assets	749,922		706,008
Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	30,981	38,402
Operating income	2,466	1,722
Depreciation and amortization	542	654
Total assets	52,398		44,973
Natural Gas and Electricity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	18,051	18,968
Operating income	2,704	3,245
Depreciation and amortization	224	223
Total assets	$ 22,689		$ 18,675