Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventories
Natural gas and NGLs, excluding propane	$ 174,296	$ 168,378
Propane	59,213	76,341
Appliances, parts and fittings and other	110,059	117,339
Total inventories	$ 343,568	$ 362,058

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of natural gas in storage, which is a mixture of gases (liquefied or otherwise), used for fuel and manufacturing purposes, which is ready for sale.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of liquid hydrocarbon components recovered from natural gas.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

+ Details

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- Definition

Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

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- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of products used directly or indirectly in the manufacturing or production process, which may or may not become part of the final product. May also include items used in the storage, presentation or transportation of physical goods.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 3

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