Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$ (53,393)	$ 136,860	$ (23,183)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:
Depreciation	21,857	23,037	14,279
Deferred Income Taxes	(5,496)	75,970	(16,032)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Net Income (Loss)	(8,855)	1,506	7,448
Cash (Paid) Received on Change in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	19,335	(1,922)	(5,108)
Gain on Contribution of Assets to Joint Venture	(3,598)
Equity (Earnings) Loss in Unconsolidated Investees	499	(4,435)	(2,481)
Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated Investees	7,123
Income from Discontinued Operations			(644)
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	2,173	1,992	2,502
Reduction of Fair Value of Guarantee	(700)
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock-Based Compensation	379	39	141
Savannah Event Related Impairment Charges:
Inventory destroyed or damaged			1,639
Property Plant and Equipment			405
Insurance Recoveries Recognized		(278,473)	(30,404)
Advances from Insurance Carriers			60,000
Other	408	254	(174)
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable	949	(20,492)	(6,137)
Income Tax Receivable			12,704
Inventories	42,786	(1,100)	(13,966)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	3,221	(2,710)	(5,789)
Accounts Payable, Raw Sugar	(58,212)	38,888	12,767
Accounts Payable, Other Trade	(8,980)	5,891	(2,423)
Other Liabilities	(14,960)	(7,242)	(4,829)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations	(55,464)	(31,937)	715
Net Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations			1,015
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(55,464)	(31,937)	1,730
Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures	(24,803)	(72,337)	(160,762)
Advances from Insurance Carriers		51,000	134,000
Proceeds from Sale of Marketable Securities			7,754
Proceeds from Sales of Assets			538
Other	(369)	(266)	(7)
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities	(25,172)	(21,603)	(18,477)
Financing Activities:
Borrowing (Repayments) under Revolving Credit Line, Net	59,843	(38,000)	60,000
Cash Dividends	(1,054)	(1,050)	(2,319)
Stock Option and Warrant Proceeds			79
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock-Based Compensation	(379)	(39)	(141)
Other	(390)	(205)	(11)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	58,020	(39,294)	57,608
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(22,616)	(92,834)	40,861
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	22,750	115,584	74,723
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	134	22,750	115,584
Supplemental Non-Cash Items:
Tax Effect of Deferred Gains and Losses		2,992	19,330
Purchase of Property, Plant and Equipment on Account	$ 1,008	$ 6,797	$ 28,718