Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 24, 2011	Sep. 25, 2010
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	5
Number of reportable segments	3
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 1,063,458	$ 1,190,552	$ 1,136,694
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	42,901	143,228	153,368
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Loss on debt extinguishment	2,249	0	9,473
Interest expense, net	38,633	27,378	27,397
Provision for income taxes	137	884	1,182
Net income	1,882	114,966	115,316
Total depreciation and amortization	45,790	35,628	30,834
Total assets	2,884,448	956,459
Propane [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	843,648	929,492	885,459
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	143,789	203,567	230,717
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	33,585	19,525	17,505
Total assets	2,529,021	706,008
Fuel oil and refined fuels [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	114,288	139,572	135,059
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	887	11,140	11,589
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	3,655	4,139	3,277
Total assets	101,108	44,973
Natural gas and electricity [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	67,419	84,721	77,587
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	6,991	11,667	11,629
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	464	897	970
Total assets	14,777	18,675
All other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	38,103	36,767	38,589
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	(17,233)	(13,750)	(17,995)
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	339	111	261
Total assets	7,232	3,719
Corporate [Member]
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	(91,533)	(69,396)	(82,572)
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	7,747	10,956	8,821
Total assets	$ 232,310	$ 183,084