Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and costs. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events, historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may be different from these estimates and assumptions.

Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UGI and its controlled subsidiary companies which, except for the Partnership, are majority owned. We report the general public’s interests in the Partnership and other parties’ interests in consolidated but less than 100% owned subsidiaries as noncontrolling interests. We eliminate all significant intercompany accounts and transactions when we consolidate. Investments in business entities in which we do not have control, but have significant influence over operating or financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and our proportionate share of income or loss is recorded in loss from equity investees on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Undistributed net earnings of our equity investees included in consolidated retained earnings were not material at September 30, 2011. Investments in business entities that are not publicly traded and in which we hold less than 20% of voting rights are accounted for using the cost method. Such investments are recorded in other assets and totaled $72.4 and $68.8 at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

On January 29, 2009, Flaga purchased for cash consideration the 50% equity interest in Zentraleuropa LPG Holdings GmbH (“ZLH”) it did not already own from its joint-venture partner, Progas GmbH & Co. KG. As a result, the operations of ZLH are consolidated with those of the Company beginning in January 2009.

Effects of Regulation

Effects of Regulation

UGI Utilities accounts for the financial effects of regulation in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB’s”) guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 980 related to regulated entities whose rates are designed to recover the costs of providing service. In accordance with this guidance, incurred costs and estimated future expenditures that would otherwise be charged to expense are capitalized and recorded as regulatory assets when it is probable that the incurred costs or estimated future expenditures will be recovered in rates in the future. Similarly, we recognize regulatory liabilities when it is probable that regulators will require customer refunds through future rates or when revenue is collected from customers for expenditures that have not yet been incurred. Generally, regulatory assets are amortized into expense and regulatory liabilities are amortized into income over the period authorized by the regulator.

For additional information regarding the effects of rate regulation on our utility operations, see Note 8.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

We apply fair value measurements to certain assets and liabilities, principally our commodity, foreign currency and interest rate derivative instruments. Fair value in GAAP is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is based upon assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and risks inherent in valuation techniques and inputs to valuations. This includes not only the credit standing of counterparties and credit enhancements but also the impact of our own nonperformance risk on our liabilities. Fair value measurements require that we assume that the transaction occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability (the market for which the reporting entity would be able to maximize the amount received or minimize the amount paid). We evaluate the need for credit adjustments to our derivative instrument fair values in accordance with the requirements noted above. Such adjustments were not material to the fair values of our derivative instruments.

We use the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels:

• Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. Instruments categorized in Level 1 consist of our exchange-traded commodity futures and option contracts and non exchange-traded commodity futures and non exchange-traded electricity forward contracts whose underlying is identical to an exchange-traded contract.

• Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means. Instruments categorized in Level 2 include non-exchange traded derivatives such as over the counter commodity price swap and option contracts, interest rate swaps and interest rate protection agreements, foreign currency forward contracts, financial transmission rights (“FTRs”) and non exchange-traded electricity forward contracts that do not qualify for Level 1.

• Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability including situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. We did not have any derivative financial instruments categorized as Level 3 at September 30, 2011 or 2010.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs to measure fair value might fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability. See Note 16 for additional information on fair value measurements.

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.” The amendments in ASU 2011-04 result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The new guidance applies to all reporting entities that are required or permitted to measure or disclose the fair value of an asset, liability or an instrument classified in shareholders’ equity. Among other things, the new guidance requires quantitative information about unobservable inputs, valuation processes and sensitivity analysis associated with fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The new guidance is effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2012 and is required to be applied prospectively. We do not expect it will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments

We account for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with guidance provided by the FASB which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.

A substantial portion of our derivative financial instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges or net investment hedges. In addition, gains and losses on certain derivative financial instruments used by Gas Utility and Electric Utility are included in regulatory assets or liabilities in accordance with FASB guidance regarding accounting for rate-regulated entities. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) or noncontrolling interests, to the extent effective at offsetting changes in the hedged item, until earnings are affected by the hedged item. We discontinue cash flow hedge accounting if the occurrence of the forecasted transaction is determined to be no longer probable. Gains and losses on net investment hedges which relate to our foreign operations are included in AOCI until such foreign net investment is sold or liquidated. Certain of our derivative financial instruments, although generally effective as economic hedges, do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair values of these derivative instruments are reflected in net income. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments, other than net investment hedges, are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash flows from net investment hedges are included in cash flows from investing activities.

For a more detailed description of the derivative instruments we use, our accounting for derivatives, our objectives for using them and related supplemental information required by GAAP, see Note 17.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Balance sheets of international subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Income statements and equity investee results are translated into U.S. dollars using an average exchange rate for each reporting period. Where the local currency is the functional currency, translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from the sale of LPG are recognized principally upon delivery. Midstream & Marketing records revenues when energy products are delivered or services are provided to customers. Revenues from the sale of appliances and equipment are recognized at the later of sale or installation. Revenues from repair or maintenance services are recognized upon completion of services.

UGI Utilities’ regulated revenues are recognized as natural gas and electricity are delivered and include estimated amounts for distribution service and commodities rendered but not billed at the end of each month. We reflect the impact of Gas Utility and Electric Utility rate increases or decreases at the time they become effective.

We present revenue-related taxes collected from customers and remitted to taxing authorities, principally sales and use taxes, on a net basis. Electric Utility gross receipts taxes are included in total revenues in accordance with regulatory practice.

LPG Delivery Expenses

LPG Delivery Expenses

Expenses associated with the delivery of LPG to customers of the Partnership and our International Propane operations (including vehicle expenses, expenses of delivery personnel, vehicle repair and maintenance and general liability expenses) are classified as operating and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Depreciation expense associated with the Partnership and International Propane delivery vehicles is classified in depreciation on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

AmeriGas Partners and the Operating Partnership are not directly subject to federal income taxes. Instead, their taxable income or loss is allocated to the individual partners. We record income taxes on (1) our share of the Partnership’s current taxable income or loss and (2) the differences between the book and tax basis of our investment in the Partnership. The Operating Partnership have subsidiaries which operate in corporate form and are directly subject to federal and state income taxes. Legislation in certain states allows for taxation of partnership income and the accompanying financial statements reflect state income taxes resulting from such legislation.

Gas Utility and Electric Utility record deferred income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income resulting from the use of accelerated tax depreciation methods based upon amounts recognized for ratemaking purposes. They also record a deferred income tax liability for tax benefits, principally the result of accelerated tax depreciation for state income tax purposes, that are flowed through to ratepayers when temporary differences originate and record a regulatory income tax asset for the probable increase in future revenues that will result when the temporary differences reverse.

We are amortizing deferred investment tax credits related to UGI Utilities’ plant additions over the service lives of the related property. UGI Utilities reduces its deferred income tax liability for the future tax benefits that will occur when investment tax credits, which are not taxable, are amortized. We also reduce the regulatory income tax asset for the probable reduction in future revenues that will result when such deferred investment tax credits amortize. Investment tax credits associated with Midstream & Marketing’s qualifying solar energy property under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 are reflected in income tax expense when such property is placed in service.

We record interest on tax deficiencies and income tax penalties in income taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, interest expense (income) of $0.2, $(0.2) and $(0.4), respectively, was recognized in income taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to UGI Corporation stockholders reflect the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the effects of dilutive stock options and common stock awards. In the following table, we present shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009:

(Thousands of shares)	2011(a)		2010		2009(a)
Average common shares outstanding for basic computation		111,674		109,588		108,523
Incremental shares issuable for stock options and common stock awards		1,270		923		816
Average common shares outstanding for diluted computation		112,944		110,511		109,339

(a) For Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2009, there were approximately 3,700 shares and 2,800 shares, respectively, associated with outstanding stock option awards that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect was antidilutive.

Comprehensive Income/Presentation of Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income comprises net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) principally results from gains and losses on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges, actuarial gains and losses on postretirement benefit plans and foreign currency translation adjustments. Other comprehensive income in Fiscal 2010 also includes the reclassification of $83.3 of actuarial losses associated with a UGI Utilities’ pension plan to regulatory assets and deferred income taxes as a result of an August 2010 PUC order regarding regulatory treatment of such pension plan’s funded status (see Note 8).

The components of AOCI at September 30, 2011 and 2010 follow:

							Foreign
				Derivative			Currency
	Postretirement			Instruments Net			Translation
	Benefit Plans			Losses			Adjustments		Total
Balance, September 30, 2011	$	(12.1	)	$	(47.6	)	$	42.0	$	(17.7	)
Balance, September 30, 2010	$	(12.8	)	$	(54.1	)	$	56.8	$	(10.1	)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased are classified as cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents those cash balances in our commodity futures and option brokerage accounts which are restricted from withdrawal.

Inventories

Inventories

Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We determine cost using an average cost method for natural gas, propane and other LPG; specific identification for appliances; and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for all other inventories.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Related Depreciation

Property, Plant and Equipment and Related Depreciation

We record property, plant and equipment at original cost. The amounts assigned to property, plant and equipment of acquired businesses are based upon estimated fair value at date of acquisition.

We record depreciation expense on non-utility plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over estimated economic useful lives ranging from 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements; 7 to 40 years for storage and customer tanks and cylinders; 25 to 35 years for electricity generation facilities; and 2 to 12 years for vehicles, equipment and office furniture and fixtures. Costs to install Partnership and Antargaz-owned tanks, net of amounts billed to customers, are capitalized and amortized over the estimated period of benefit not exceeding ten years.

We record depreciation expense for Utilities’ plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated average remaining lives of the various classes of its depreciable property. Depreciation expense as a percentage of the related average depreciable base for Gas Utility was 2.3% in Fiscal 2011, 2.5% in Fiscal 2010 and 2.4% in Fiscal 2009. Depreciation expense as a percentage of the related average depreciable base for Electric Utility was 2.6% in Fiscal 2011, 2.6% in Fiscal 2010 and 2.9% in Fiscal 2009. When Utilities retire depreciable utility plant and equipment, we charge the original cost to accumulated depreciation for financial accounting purposes.

We include in property, plant and equipment costs associated with computer software we develop or obtain for use in our businesses. We amortize computer software costs on a straight-line basis over expected periods of benefit not exceeding fifteen years once the installed software is ready for its intended use.

No depreciation expense is included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In accordance with GAAP relating to goodwill and other intangibles, we amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives unless we determine their lives to be indefinite. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to tests for impairment at least annually. We perform impairment tests more frequently than annually if events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite lives might be impaired. When performing our impairment tests, we use quoted market prices or, in the absence of quoted market prices, discounted estimates of future cash flows. No provisions for goodwill or other intangible asset impairments were recorded during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 or Fiscal 2009.

No amortization expense is included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For further information, see Note 11.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate recoverability based upon undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by such assets. No material provisions for impairments were recorded during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 or Fiscal 2009.

Refundable Tank and Cylinder Deposits

Refundable Tank and Cylinder Deposits

Included in “Other noncurrent liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets are customer paid deposits on Antargaz owned tanks and cylinders of $204.4 and $211.8 at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Deposits are refundable to customers when the tanks or cylinders are returned in accordance with contract terms.

Environmental Matters

Environmental Matters

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations intended to mitigate or remove the effect of past operations and improve or maintain the quality of the environment. These laws and regulations require the removal or remedy of the effect on the environment of the disposal or release of certain specified hazardous substances at current or former operating sites.

Environmental reserves are accrued when assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can reasonably be estimated. Amounts recorded as environmental liabilities on the balance sheets represent our best estimate of costs expected to be incurred or, if no best estimate can be made, the minimum liability associated with a range of expected environmental investigation and remediation costs. Our estimated liability for environmental contamination is reduced to reflect anticipated participation of other responsible parties but is not reduced for possible recovery from insurance carriers. In those instances for which the amount and timing of cash payments associated with environmental investigation and cleanup are reliably determinable, we discount such liabilities to reflect the time value of money. We intend to pursue recovery of incurred costs through all appropriate means, including regulatory relief. UGI Gas is permitted to amortize as removal costs site-specific environmental investigation and remediation costs, net of related third-party payments, associated with Pennsylvania sites. UGI Gas is currently permitted to include in rates, through future base rate proceedings, a five-year average of such prudently incurred remediation costs, and CPG Gas and PNG Gas are currently getting regulatory recovery of estimated environmental investigation and remediation costs associated with Pennsylvania sites. For further information, see Note 15.

Employee Retirement Plans

Employee Retirement Plans

We use a market-related value of plan assets and an expected long-term rate of return to determine the expected return on assets of our pension and other postretirement plans. The market-related value of plan assets, other than equity investments, is based upon fair values. The market-related value of equity investments is calculated by rolling forward the prior-year’s market-related value with contributions, disbursements and the expected return on plan assets. One third of the difference between the expected and the actual value is then added to or subtracted from the expected value to determine the new market-related value (see Note 7).

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation

All of our equity-based compensation, principally comprising UGI stock options, grants of UGI stock-based equity instruments and grants of AmeriGas Partners equity instruments (together with UGI stock-based equity instruments, “Units”), is measured at fair value on the grant date, date of modification or end of the period, as applicable. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Depending upon the settlement terms of the awards, all or a portion of the fair value of equity-based awards may be presented as a liability or as equity in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Equity-based compensation costs associated with the portion of Unit awards classified as equity are measured based upon their estimated fair value on the date of grant or modification. Equity-based compensation costs associated with the portion of Unit awards classified as liabilities are measured based upon their estimated fair value at the grant date and remeasured as of the end of each period.

We have calculated a tax windfall pool using the shortcut method. We record deferred tax assets for awards that we expect will result in deductions on our income tax returns, based on the amount of compensation cost recognized and the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which we will receive a deduction. Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax benefit received on the income tax return are recorded in Common Stock (if the tax benefit exceeds the deferred tax asset) or in the Consolidated Statements of Income (if the deferred tax asset exceeds the tax benefit and no tax windfall pool exists from previous awards).

For additional information on our equity-based compensation plans and related disclosures, see Note 13.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of Financial Assets. Effective October 1, 2010, the Company adopted new guidance regarding accounting for transfers of financial assets. Among other things, the new guidance eliminates the concept of Qualified Special Purpose Entities (“QSPEs”). It also amends previous derecognition guidance. The adoption of the new accounting guidance changed the Company’s accounting prospectively for sales of undivided interests in accounts receivable to the commercial paper conduit of a major bank under the Energy Services Receivables Facility. Effective October 1, 2010, trade receivables sold to the commercial paper conduit remain on the Company’s balance sheet and the Company reflects a liability equal to the amount advanced by the commercial paper conduit. Prior to October 1, 2010, trade accounts receivable sold to the commercial paper conduit were removed from the balance sheet. Also effective October 1, 2010, the Company records interest expense on amounts owed to the commercial paper conduit. Prior to October 1, 2010, losses on sales of accounts receivable to the commercial paper conduit were reflected in other income, net. Additionally, effective October 1, 2010 borrowings and repayments associated with the Energy Services Receivables Facility are reflected in cash flows from financing activities. Previously, such transactions were reflected in cash flows from operating activities. For further information, see Note 18.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations. Effective October 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance on accounting for business combinations. The new guidance applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses. The new guidance establishes, among other things, principles and requirements for how the acquirer (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in a business combination or gain from a bargain purchase; and (3) determines what information with respect to a business combination should be disclosed. The new guidance applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after October 1, 2009. Among the more significant changes in accounting for acquisitions are (1) transaction costs are generally expensed (rather than being included as costs of the acquisition); (2) contingencies, including contingent consideration, are generally recorded at fair value with subsequent adjustments recognized in operations (rather than as adjustments to the purchase price); and (3) decreases in valuation allowances on acquired deferred tax assets are recognized in operations (rather than as decreases in goodwill). The new guidance did not have a material impact on our Fiscal 2010 financial statements.

Goodwill Impairment

Goodwill Impairment. In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test in GAAP. The more-likely-than-not threshold is deemed as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Previous guidance required an entity to test goodwill for impairment at least annually by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the second step of the test must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Under the new guidance, an entity is not required to calculate fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The new guidance does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirements to test goodwill annually for impairment. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. We will adopt the new guidance in Fiscal 2012.