CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 24, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 59,788	$ 23,232
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:
Depreciation and amortization	28,359	7,785
Other, net	(1,812)	1,712
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(61,403)	(40,581)
Inventories	(4,711)	(21,575)
Other current and noncurrent assets	7,275	2,696
Accounts payable	19,595	17,236
Accrued employment and benefit costs	8,070	(10,348)
Customer deposits and advances	(15,978)	(6,978)
Accrued insurance	5,053	(450)
Other current and noncurrent liabilities	17,301	1,948
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	61,537	(25,323)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(6,761)	(5,405)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	2,758	691
Adjustment to purchase price for Inergy Propane	5,850	0
Net cash (used in) investing activities	1,847	(4,714)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Partnership distributions	(48,605)	(30,226)
Net cash (used in) financing activities	(48,605)	(30,226)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,779	(60,263)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	134,317	149,553
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 149,096	$ 89,290

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).