Price Risk Management Assets And Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 years	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Swap maturity term (years)	10
Deposits with counterparties	$ 102,028,000		$ 66,231,000
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives		(17,900,000)
ETP [Member]
Expected gains (losses) related to derivatives to be reclassified into earnings over next year related to amounts currently reported an AOCI	19,900,000
Deposits with counterparties	62,043,000
Regency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	(1,100,000)
Amortization Period Of Deferred Gain Loss On Discontinuation Of Cash Flow Hedge	2
Expected gains (losses) related to derivatives to be reclassified into earnings over next year related to amounts currently reported an AOCI	(1,500,000)
Southern Union [Member]
Expected gains (losses) related to derivatives to be reclassified into earnings over next year related to amounts currently reported an AOCI	1,100,000
Southern Union [Member]
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	21,400,000
Commodity Derivatives [Member]
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives and related hedged inventory	$ 86,200,000	$ (8,900,000)