BUSINESS SEGMENT AND OTHER OPERATIONS DATA - NET FINANCIAL EARNINGS (LOSS) RECONCILIATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net financial earnings	$ 40,383	$ 51,267
Less:
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related transactions	28,302	(1,135)
Tax effect	(9,757)	413
Effects of economic hedging related to natural gas inventory	(17,939)	3,813
Tax effect	6,204	(1,385)
Net income to NFE tax adjustment	(1,356)	(721)
NET INCOME	$ 34,929	$ 50,282