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Selected Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Sep. 24, 2011 | Sep. 25, 2010 | Sep. 26, 2009
Selected Balance Sheet Information [Abstract] |  |  |
Propane and refined fuels | $ 64,601 | $ 59,836 |
Appliances and related parts | 1,306 | 1,211 |
Total inventory | 65,907 | 61,047 |
Term of purchase contracts (in years) | 1Y |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 745,416 | 740,875 |
Less: accumulated depreciation | 407,291 | 390,455 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 338,125 | 350,420 |
Depreciation expense | 32,368 | 28,411 | 28,123
Adjustment to accelerate depreciation expense | 2,883 | 1,800 |
Land and improvements [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 27,904 | 28,250 |
Buildings and improvements [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 82,639 | 80,072 |
Transportation equipment [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 19,067 | 22,959 |
Storage facilities [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 79,525 | 78,176 |
Tanks and cylinders [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 485,859 | 481,423 |
Computer systems [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 47,718 | 44,705 |
Construction in progress [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 2,704 | $ 5,290 |

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