BUSINESS SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATIONS DATA - NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS (LOSS) RECONCILIATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net financial earnings	$ 10,972	$ 2,477	$ 140,144	$ 156,729
Less:
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions	55,875	1,188	57,910	(19,010)
Tax effect	(20,282)	(294)	(21,021)	7,132
Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory	(11,380)	16,464	(8,621)	(15,751)
Tax effect	4,130	(5,937)	3,129	5,908
Net income to NFE tax adjustment	(8)	(1,484)	2,475	1,687
NET (LOSS) INCOME	$ (17,363)	$ (7,460)	$ 106,272	$ 176,763