Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Carrying Values of Goodwill Assigned to Partnership's Operating Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015		Sep. 26, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,108,601		$ 1,093,891
Accumulated adjustments	(6,462)		(6,462)
Goodwill, net	1,102,139		1,087,429
Goodwill acquired during fiscal 2016	14,710	[1]	0
Propane [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,089,801		1,075,091
Accumulated adjustments	0		0
Goodwill, net	1,089,801		1,075,091
Goodwill acquired during fiscal 2016	14,710	[1]	0
Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	10,900		10,900
Accumulated adjustments	(6,462)		(6,462)
Goodwill, net	4,438		4,438
Natural Gas and Electricity [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	7,900		7,900
Accumulated adjustments	0		0
Goodwill, net	$ 7,900		$ 7,900

[1] Increases reflect the Propane USA acquisition (Note 3)