Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 24, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	5
Number of reportable segments	3
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 490,703	$ 299,886
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	84,476	30,290
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Interest expense, net	24,556	6,838
Provision for income taxes	132	220
Net income	59,788	23,232
Total depreciation and amortization	28,359	7,785
Total assets	2,928,931		2,884,448
Propane [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	392,785	240,356
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	106,308	43,498
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	22,522	4,913
Total assets	2,562,509		2,529,021
Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	62,146	30,981
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	699	2,466
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	1,591	542
Total assets	109,040		101,108
Natural Gas and Electricity [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	18,389	18,051
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	2,566	2,704
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	78	224
Total assets	17,757		14,777
All Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenues	17,383	10,498
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	(4,849)	(2,597)
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	63	33
Total assets	5,514		7,232
Corporate [Member]
Operating income [Abstract]
Total operating income	(20,248)	(15,781)
Reconciliation to net income [Abstract]
Total depreciation and amortization	4,105	2,073
Total assets	$ 234,111		$ 232,310