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Receivables, net of allowance of $8,378 and $8,002, respectively

$ 4,899

$ 14,531

120,245

132,668

Inventories

64,788

56,377

Fair asset value of derivative instruments

17,710

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

36,898

35,451

Total current assets

226,830

256,737

Property and equipment, net

98,239

87,618

Goodwill

244,574

228,436

Intangibles, net

107,688

98,444

Restricted cash

250

Captive insurance collateral

^[1]

58,490

45,419

Deferred charges and other assets, net

16,635

13,067

Total assets

752,706

729,971

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

33,973

35,796

Revolving credit facility borrowings

24,000

1,500

Fair liability value of derivative instruments

8,262

Current maturities of long-term debt

9,000

7,500

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

120,839

116,436

Unearned service contract revenue

61,213

60,700

Customer credit balances

68,270

61,256

Total current liabilities

325,557

283,188

Long-term debt

^[2],[3]

120,447

91,780

Deferred tax liabilities, net

20,116

21,206

Other long-term liabilities

25,746

24,012

Partners’ capital

Common unitholders

279,709

329,129

General partner

(1,968)

(1,303)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

(16,901)

(18,041)

Total partners’ capital

260,840

309,785

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

$ 752,706

$ 729,971

[1]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Captive Insurance Collateral.
[2]	On December 4, 2019, the Company refinanced its five-year term loan and the revolving credit facility with the execution of the fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement. (See Note 21—Subsequent Events). As of September 30, 2019, the Company has classified $37.5 million of its revolving credit facility borrowings as long term debt and repaid it on December 4, 2019 using proceeds provided by the fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement
[3]	See Note 21 – Subsequent Events.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance	$ 8,378	$ 8,002

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Sales:

$ 1,753,872

$ 1,677,837

$ 1,323,555

(Increase) decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments

^[1]

25,113

(11,408)

(2,193)

Depreciation and amortization expenses

369,033

357,580

306,534

32,901

31,575

27,882

General and administrative expenses

28,414

24,227

24,998

Finance charge income

(5,105)

(4,700)

(4,054)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

37,350

66,068

55,332

Interest expense, net

(11,164)

(8,716)

(6,775)

(1,032)

(1,288)

(1,281)

Other income, net

^[2]

7,043

Income before income taxes

25,154

63,107

47,276

7,517

7,602

20,376

General Partner’s interest in net income

17,637

55,505

26,900

314

156

Basic and diluted income per Limited Partner Unit :

$ 17,542

$ 55,191

$ 26,744

^[3]

$ 0.35

^[4]

$ 0.89

^[4]

$ 0.46

Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding:

Basic and Diluted

50,814

54,764

55,888

Product

Sales:

Installations and services

$ 1,466,045

$ 1,404,370

$ 1,065,076

Sales:

287,827

273,467

258,479

Cost of product

Cost of installations and services

Cost and expenses

998,559

957,843

675,386

Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Cost and expenses

$ 267,607

$ 256,652

$ 239,670

[1]	Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.
[2]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Income, Net.
[3]	See Note 19 - Earnings Per Limited Partner Units.
[4]	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Unrealized gain on pension plan obligation

$ 17,637

$ 55,505

$ 26,900

Other comprehensive income:

^[1]

1,170

2,075

3,356

Tax effect of unrealized gain on pension plan obligation

(320)

(625)

(1,359)

Unrealized gain (loss) on captive insurance collateral

2,231

(1,204)

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on captive insurance collateral

(473)

254

Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge

(1,993)

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge

525

(10)

Total other comprehensive income

1,140

529

1,997

Total comprehensive income

$ 18,777

$ 56,034

$ 28,897

[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 14 - Employee Benefit Plans.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

Total

General Partner

Common Stock

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2016

$ 301,493

$ (516)

$ 322,771

$ (20,762)

Beginning Balance, unit at Sep. 30, 2016

326

55,888

Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation

26,900

$ 156

$ 26,744

^[1]

3,356

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation

(1,359)

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017

^[2]

(24,322)

(569)

(23,753)

306,068

$ (929)

$ 325,762

(18,765)

Ending Balance, Unit at Sep. 30, 2017

326

55,888

Reclassification of stranded tax effects resulting from tax reform

$ (195)

195

Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation

55,505

$ 314

55,191

^[1]

2,075

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation

(625)

Unrealized gain (loss) on captive insurance collateral

(1,204)

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on captive insurance collateral

254

Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge

(10)

Retirement of units, shares

^[2]

(25,603)

(688)

(24,915)

Retirement of units

^[3]

(26,714)

$ (26,714)

^[3]

(2,800)

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018

309,785

$ (1,303)

$ 329,129

(18,041)

Ending Balance, Unit at Sep. 30, 2018

326

53,088

Impact of adoption of ASU No. 2014-09

9,224

$ 60

$ 9,164

Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation

17,637

17,542

^[1]

1,170

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan obligation

(320)

Unrealized gain (loss) on captive insurance collateral

2,231

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on captive insurance collateral

(473)

Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge

(1,993)

Tax effect of unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge

525

Retirement of units, shares

^[2]

(25,593)

(820)

(24,773)

Retirement of units

^[3]

(51,353)

$ (51,353)

^[3]

(5,403)

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019

$ 260,840

$ (1,968)

$ 279,709

$ (16,901)

Ending Balance, Unit at Sep. 30, 2019

326

47,685

[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 14 - Employee Benefit Plans.
[2]	See Note 4 - Quarterly Distributions of Available Cash.
[3]	See Note 5 - Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

$ 17,637

$ 55,505

$ 26,900

(Increase) decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments

^[1]

25,113

(11,408)

(2,193)

Depreciation and amortization

33,933

32,863

29,163

Provision (recovery) for losses on accounts receivable

9,541

6,283

1,639

Change in deferred taxes

(5,126)

14,685

10,134

Gain on sale of security business

^[2]

(7,043)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of amounts related to acquisitions:

Decrease (increase) in receivables

10,137

(37,149)

(19,844)

(Increase) decrease in inventories

(6,306)

4,177

(10,598)

Decrease (increase) in other assets

10,146

(11,924)

(140)

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable

(2,918)

9,703

2,169

Increase (decrease) in customer credit balances

3,615

(6,563)

(23,085)

Increase in other current and long-term liabilities

1,610

8,331

6,913

Net cash provided by operating activities

97,382

57,460

21,058

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:

Capital expenditures

(11,301)

(13,590)

(12,164)

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

1,097

503

734

Proceeds from sale of security business

^[2]

6,824

Purchase of investments

^[3]

(11,058)

(35,242)

(11,647)

Acquisitions

(60,904)

(23,747)

(43,304)

Net cash used in investing activities

(82,166)

(65,252)

(66,381)

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

Revolving credit facility borrowings

139,331

161,604

Revolving credit facility repayments

(79,331)

(160,104)

Proceeds from term loan

100,000

Loan repayments

(7,500)

(76,300)

(16,200)

Customer retainage payments

(25,593)

(25,603)

(24,322)

Unit repurchases

(51,353)

(26,714)

(357)

(918)

(575)

Payments of debt issuance costs

(45)

(2,100)

(60)

Net cash used in financing activities

(24,848)

(30,135)

(41,157)

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(9,632)

(37,927)

(86,480)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

14,781

52,708

139,188

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$ 5,149

$ 14,781

$ 52,708

[1]	Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.
[2]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other income, net.
[3]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Captive Insurance Collateral.

Organization

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization

1) Organization

Star Group, L.P. (“Star” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a full service provider specializing in the sale of home heating and air conditioning products and services to residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers. The Company has one reportable segment for accounting purposes. We also sell diesel, gasoline and home heating oil on a delivery only basis, and in certain of our marketing areas, we provide plumbing services primarily to our home heating oil and propane customer base. We believe we are the nation’s largest retail distributor of home heating oil based upon sales volume. Including our propane locations, we serve customers in the more northern and eastern states within the Northeast, Central and Southeast U.S. regions.

The Company is organized as follows:

•

Star is a limited partnership, which at September 30, 2019, had outstanding 47.7 million Common Units (NYSE: “SGU”), representing a 99.3% limited partner interest in Star, and 0.3 million general partner units, representing a 0.7% general partner interest in Star. Our general partner is Kestrel Heat, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Kestrel Heat” or the “general partner”). The Board of Directors of Kestrel Heat (the “Board”) is appointed by its sole member, Kestrel Energy Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Kestrel”).

•

Star owns 100% of Star Acquisitions, Inc. (“SA”), a Minnesota corporation, that owns 100% of Petro Holdings, Inc. (“Petro”). SA and its subsidiaries are subject to Federal and state corporate income taxes. Star’s operations are conducted through Petro and its subsidiaries. Petro is primarily a Northeast, Central and Southeast U.S. region retail distributor of home heating oil and propane that at September 30, 2019 served approximately 453,000 full service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers and 56,000 customers on a delivery only basis. We also sell gasoline and diesel fuel to approximately 27,000 customers. We install, maintain, and repair heating and air conditioning equipment and to a lesser extent provide these services outside our heating oil and propane customer base including approximately 17,000 service contracts for natural gas and other heating systems.

•

Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc. (“PH&P”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Star. PH&P is the borrower and Star is the guarantor of the fourth amended and restated credit agreement’s $100 million five-year senior secured term loan and the $300 million ($450 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) revolving credit facility, both due July 2, 2023. (See Note 13—Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings). In December 2019, the Company refinanced its five-year term loan and the revolving credit facility with the execution of the fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement. (See Note 13—Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings and Note 21—Subsequent Events).

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Star Group, L.P. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of Net income and Other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income consists of the unrealized gain amortization on the Company’s pension plan obligation for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans, unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge and the corresponding tax effects.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Refer to Note 3 – Revenue Recognition for revenue recognition accounting policies. Sales of petroleum products are recognized at the time of delivery to the customer and sales of heating and air conditioning equipment are recognized upon completion of installation. Revenue from repairs, maintenance and other services are recognized upon completion of the service. Payments received from customers for equipment service contracts are deferred and amortized into income over the terms of the respective service contracts, on a straight-line basis, which generally do not exceed one year. To the extent that the Company anticipates that future costs for fulfilling its contractual obligations under its service maintenance contracts will exceed the amount of deferred revenue currently attributable to these contracts, the Company recognizes a loss in current period earnings equal to the amount that anticipated future costs exceed related deferred revenues.

Cost of Product

Cost of product includes the cost of home heating oil, diesel, propane, kerosene, gasoline, throughput costs, barging costs, option costs, and realized gains/losses on closed derivative positions for product sales.

Cost of Installations and Services

Cost of installations and services includes equipment and material costs, wages and benefits for equipment technicians, dispatchers and other support personnel, subcontractor expenses, commissions and vehicle related costs.

Delivery and Branch Expenses

Delivery and branch expenses include wages and benefits and department related costs for drivers, dispatchers, garage mechanics, customer service, sales and marketing, compliance, credit and branch accounting, information technology, vehicle and property rental costs, insurance, weather hedge contract costs and recoveries, and operational management and support.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include property costs, wages and benefits and department related costs for human resources, finance and corporate accounting, internal audit, administrative support and supply.

Allocation of Net Income

Net income for partners’ capital and statement of operations is allocated to the general partner and the limited partners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages, after giving effect to cash distributions paid to the general partner in excess of its ownership interest, if any.

Net Income per Limited Partner Unit

Income per limited partner unit is computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260-10-05 Earnings Per Share, Master Limited Partnerships (EITF 03-06), by dividing the limited partners’ interest in net income by the weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding. The pro forma nature of the allocation required by this standard provides that in any accounting period where the Company’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Company is required to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the periods were distributed, regardless of whether those earnings would actually be distributed during a particular period from an economic or practical perspective. This allocation does not impact the Company’s overall net income or other financial results. However, for periods in which the Company’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distributions for such period, it will have the impact of reducing the earnings per limited partner unit, as the calculation according to this standard results in a theoretical increased allocation of undistributed earnings to the general partner. In accounting periods where aggregate net income does not exceed aggregate distributions for such period, this standard does not have any impact on the Company’s net income per limited partner unit calculation. A separate and independent calculation for each quarter and year-to-date period is performed, in which the Company’s contractual participation rights are taken into account.

Cash Equivalents, Receivables, Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, and Accounts Payable

The carrying amount of cash equivalents, receivables, revolving credit facility borrowings, and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. At September 30, 2019, the $5.1 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows is comprised of $4.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $0.3 million of restricted cash. At September 30, 2018, the $14.8 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows is comprised of $14.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $0.3 million of restricted cash. Restricted cash represents deposits held by our captive insurance company that are required by state insurance regulations to remain in the captive insurance company as cash.

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivables from customers are recorded at the invoiced amounts. Finance charges may be applied to trade receivables that are more than 30 days past due, and are recorded as finance charge income.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s estimate of the amount of trade receivables that may not be collectible. The allowance is determined at an aggregate level by grouping accounts based on certain account criteria and its receivable aging. The allowance is based on both quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical loss experience, historical collection patterns, overdue status, aging trends, and current economic conditions. The Company has an established process to periodically review current and past due trade receivable balances to determine the adequacy of the allowance. No single statistic or measurement determines the adequacy of the allowance. The total allowance reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in its trade receivables at the balance sheet date. Different assumptions or changes in economic conditions could result in material changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventories

Liquid product inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value computed on the weighted average cost method. All other inventories, representing parts and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the FIFO method.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets using the straight-line method over three to thirty years.

Captive Insurance Collateral

The captive insurance collateral is held by our captive insurance company in an irrevocable trust as collateral for certain workers’ compensation and automobile liability claims incurred and expected to be incurred from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2019. The collateral is required by a third party insurance carrier that insures per claim amounts above a set deductible. Due to the expected timing of claim payments, the nature of the collateral agreement with the carrier, and our captive insurance company’s source of other operating cash, the collateral is not expected to be used to pay obligations within the next twelve months.

At September 30, 2019, captive insurance collateral is comprised of $58.0 million of Level 1 debt securities measured at fair value and $0.5 million of mutual funds measured at net asset value. At September 30, 2018, the balance was comprised of $44.8 million of Level 1 debt securities measured at fair value and $0.6 million of mutual funds measured at net asset value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income taxes, are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), except for losses from impairments which are determined to be other-than-temporary. Realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in the determination of net income and are included in Interest expense, net, at which time the average cost basis of these securities are adjusted to fair value.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets include goodwill, customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete.

Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets in the acquisition of a company. In accordance with FASB ASC 350-10-05 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are annually tested for impairment. Also in accordance with this standard, intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. The Company performs its annual impairment review during its fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill might be impaired.

Customer lists are the names and addresses of an acquired company’s customers. Based on historical retention experience, these lists are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven to ten years.

Trade names are the names of acquired companies. Based on the economic benefit expected and historical retention experience of customers, trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over three to twenty years.

Business Combinations

We use the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires us to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date, and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the amounts recognized for a business combination may be adjusted). Each acquired company’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements starting on the date of acquisition. The purchase price is equivalent to the fair value of consideration transferred. Tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The separately identifiable intangible assets generally are comprised of customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Costs that are incurred to complete the business combination such as legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration transferred, and are charged to general and administrative expense as they are incurred. For any given acquisition, certain contingent consideration may be identified. Estimates of the fair value of liability or asset classified contingent consideration are included under the acquisition method as part of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed. At each reporting date, these estimates are remeasured to fair value, with changes recognized in earnings.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company reviews intangible assets and other long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-05-4 Property Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets subsection, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company determines whether the carrying values of such assets are recoverable over their remaining estimated lives through undiscounted future cash flow analysis. If such a review should indicate that the carrying amount of the assets is not recoverable, the Company will reduce the carrying amount of such assets to fair value.

Finance Charge Income

Finance charge income represents late customer payment charges and financing income from extended payment plans associated with installations.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net represents the $7.0 million gain on the sale of the Company’s security customer account base, which occurred in fiscal 2018. The gain is comprised of $6.8 million of cash proceeds and $0.4 million from the recognition of unamortized deferred service liabilities, partially offset by $0.2 million of other expenses.

Deferred Charges

Deferred charges represent the costs associated with the issuance of the term loan and revolving credit facility and are amortized over the life of the facility.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as they are incurred. Advertising expenses were $14.3 million, $15.1 million, and $15.1 million, in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively and are recorded in delivery and branch expenses.

Customer Credit Balances

Customer credit balances represent payments received in advance from customers pursuant to a balanced payment plan (whereby customers pay on a fixed monthly basis) and the payments made have exceeded the charges for liquid product and other services.

Environmental Costs

Costs associated with managing hazardous substances and pollution are expensed on a current basis. Accruals are made for costs associated with the remediation of environmental pollution when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

Insurance Reserves

The Company uses a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle liability, medical liability and property. Reserves are established and periodically evaluated, based upon expectations as to what our ultimate liability may be for outstanding claims using developmental factors based upon historical claim experience, including frequency, severity, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions, supplemented with support from qualified actuaries. Liabilities are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

Income Taxes

At a special meeting held October 25, 2017, unitholders voted in favor of proposals to have the Company be treated as a corporation effective November 1, 2017, instead of a partnership, for federal income tax purposes (commonly referred to as a “check-the-box” election) along with amendments to our Partnership Agreement to effect such changes in income tax classification. For corporate subsidiaries of the Company, a consolidated Federal income tax return is filed.

The accompanying financial statements are reported on a fiscal year, however, the Company and its Corporate subsidiaries file Federal and State income tax returns on a calendar year.

As most of the Company’s income is derived from its corporate subsidiaries, these financial statements reflect significant Federal and State income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence including historical tax losses, it is more likely than not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Sales, Use and Value Added Taxes

Taxes are assessed by various governmental authorities on many different types of transactions. Sales reported for product, installations and services exclude taxes.

Derivatives and Hedging

FASB ASC 815-10-05 Derivatives and Hedging, requires that derivative instruments be recorded at fair value and included in the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities. The Company has elected not to designate its commodity derivative instruments as hedging instruments under this guidance, and the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in our statement of operations. The Company has designated its interest rate swap agreements as hedging derivatives, and the changes in fair value are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Weather Hedge Contract

To partially mitigate the effect of weather on cash flows, the Company has used weather hedge contracts for a number of years. Weather hedge contracts are recorded in accordance with the intrinsic value method defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-45-15 Derivatives and Hedging, Weather Derivatives (EITF 99-2). The premium paid is included in the caption prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying balance sheets and amortized over the life of the contract, with the intrinsic value method applied at each interim period.

As of September 30, 2019 the Company has weather hedge contracts for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Under these contracts, we are entitled to receive a payment if the total number of degree days within the hedge period is less than the prior ten year average. The “Payment Thresholds,” or strikes, are set at various levels. In addition, we will be obligated to make a payment capped at $5.0 million if degree days exceed the prior ten year average. The hedge period runs from November 1 through March 31, taken as a whole, for each respective fiscal year. For fiscal 2020 and 2021 the maximum that the Company can receive annually is $12.5 million and the maximum that the Company would be obligated to pay annually is $5.0 million. In fiscal years 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded a charge of $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively, under weather hedge contracts that increased delivery and branch expenses. The amounts were paid in April 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The FASB has also issued several updates to ASU No. 2014-09. The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09 effective October 1, 2018 by using the modified retrospective method and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU No. 2014-09 as an adjustment to the opening balance of Partners’ Capital at October 1, 2018. The historical periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition. We have applied the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 retrospectively to all contracts and have elected not to account for significant financing components if the period between revenue recognition and when the customer pays for product, service, or equipment installation will be one year or less. See further detail on the impact of the adoption on our consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 at Note 3 – Revenue Recognition.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The update addresses the issues of debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-15 effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-01 effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-01 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. The update requires all leases with a term greater than twelve months to be recognized on the balance sheet by calculating the discounted present value of such leases and accounting for them through a right-of-use asset and an offsetting lease liability, and the disclosure of key information pertaining to leasing arrangements. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is continuing to evaluate the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 could have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and plans to adopt using the modified retrospective transition approach for leases that exist in the period of adoption and recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU No. 2016-02 as an adjustment to the opening balance of Partners’ Capital at October 1, 2019. As of the date of adoption, the Company expects to elect the package of practical expedients that permit the Company to forego reassessing the Company’s prior conclusions about (i) lease identification, (ii) lease classification, and (iii) initial direct costs. The Company also plans to elect a practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the lease components. The new guidance will materially change how we account for operating leases for office space, trucks and other equipment. Upon adoption, we expect to recognize discounted right-of-use assets and lease liabilities between $100 million and $120 million. We do not expect a material adjustment to the opening balance of Partners’ Capital at October 1, 2019. These assets and liabilities will be amortized as the respective leases amortize.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. The update broadens the information that an entity should consider in developing expected credit loss estimates, eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold, and allows for the immediate recognition of the full amount of expected credit losses. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but has not yet determined the timing of adoption.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 230): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The update simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, but not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not determined the timing of adoption, but does not expect ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General: Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing and adding certain disclosures for these plans. The new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2018-14 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but has not determined the timing of adoption.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract, which will align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2018-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but has not determined the timing of adoption.

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

3) Revenue Recognition

Effective October 1, 2018 we adopted the requirements of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The adoption was not material to the financial statements presented. In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, our Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheet were impacted due to: i) the deferment of commissions provided to Company employees that were previously expensed as incurred, ii) the deferment of certain upfront credits provided to customers upon entering into a new annual product or service contract as contra-revenue that were previously expensed as incurred and recorded as delivery and branch expense, and iii) the allocation of transaction price of the combination of certain contracts that were previously accounted for as separate contracts that impacts the classification of revenue and timing of revenue recognition. The impact of adoption on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Operations, as of and for the year ended September 30, 2019 was as follows (in thousands):

	For the Year Ended September 30, 2019
Statement of Operations	As Reported		Balances without Adoption of ASC 606		Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Sales:
Product	$	1,466,045	$	1,477,488	$	(11,443	)
Installations and services		287,827		281,249		6,578
Total Sales		1,753,872		1,758,737		(4,865	)
Cost and Expenses:
Delivery and branch expenses		369,033		372,290		(3,257	)
Operating income (loss)		37,350		38,958		(1,608	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		25,154		26,762		(1,608	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		7,517		7,998		(481	)
Net income (loss)	$	17,637	$	18,764	$	(1,127	)
General Partner's interest in net income (loss)		95		101		(6	)
Limited Partner's interest in net income (loss)	$	17,542	$	18,663	$	(1,121	)

Basic and diluted income (loss) per Limited Partner Unit	$	0.35	$	0.37	$	(0.02	)

	September 30, 2019
Balance Sheet	As Reported			Balances without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	36,898		$	31,442		$	5,456
Deferred charges and other assets, net	$	16,635		$	10,707		$	5,928
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	120,839		$	120,818		$	21
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$	20,116		$	16,850		$	3,266
Partners' capital
Common unitholders	$	279,709		$	271,666		$	8,043
General partner	$	(1,968	)	$	(2,022	)	$	54

The following disaggregates our revenue by major sources for the year ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018:

	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Petroleum Products:
Home heating oil and propane	$	1,099,874	$	1,084,827	$	854,067
Motor fuel and other petroleum products		366,172		319,543		211,009
Total petroleum products		1,466,045		1,404,370		1,065,076
Installations and Services:
Equipment installations		101,709		98,064		94,961
Equipment maintenance service contracts		120,138		111,361		105,565
Billable call services		65,980		64,042		57,953
Total installations and services		287,827		273,467		258,479
Total Sales	$	1,753,872	$	1,677,837	$	1,323,555

Performance Obligations

Petroleum product revenues consist of home heating oil and propane as well as diesel fuel and gasoline. Revenues from petroleum products are recognized at the time of delivery to the customer when control is passed from the Company to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring control of the petroleum products. Approximately 95% of our full service residential and commercial home heating oil customers automatically receive deliveries based on prevailing weather conditions. We offer several pricing alternatives to our residential home heating oil customers, including a variable price (market based) option and a price-protected option, the latter of which either sets the maximum price or a fixed price that a customer will pay.

Equipment maintenance service contracts primarily cover heating, air conditioning, and natural gas equipment. We generally do not sell equipment maintenance service contracts to heating oil customers that do not take delivery of product from us. The service contract period of our equipment maintenance service contracts is generally one year or less. Revenues from equipment maintenance service contracts are recognized into income over the terms of the respective service contracts, on a straight-line basis. Our obligation to perform service is consistent through the duration of the contracts, and the straight-line basis of recognition is a faithful depiction of the transfer of our services. To the extent that the Company anticipates that future costs for fulfilling its contractual obligations under its equipment service contracts will exceed the amount of deferred revenue currently attributable to these contracts, the Company recognizes a loss in current period earnings equal to the amount that anticipated future costs exceed related deferred revenues.

Revenue from billable call services (repairs, maintenance and other services including plumbing) and equipment installations (heating, air conditioning, and natural gas equipment) are recognized at the time that the work is performed.

Our standard payment terms are generally 30 days. Sales reported for product, installations and services exclude taxes assessed by various governmental authorities.

Contract Costs

We have elected to recognize incremental costs of obtaining a contract, other than new residential product and equipment maintenance service contracts, as an expense when incurred when the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. We recognize an asset for incremental commission expenses paid to sales personnel in conjunction with obtaining new residential customer product and equipment maintenance service contracts. We defer these costs only when we have determined the commissions are, in fact, incremental and would not have been incurred absent the customer contract. Costs to obtain a contract are amortized and recorded ratably as delivery and branch expenses over the period representing the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate. Costs to obtain new residential product and equipment maintenance service contracts are amortized as expense over the estimated customer relationship period of approximately five years. Deferred contract costs are classified as current or non-current within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Deferred charges and other assets, net,” respectively. At September 30, 2019 the amount of deferred contract costs included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Deferred charges and other assets, net” was $3.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2019 we recognized expense of $4.0 million associated with the amortization of deferred contract costs within delivery and branch expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We recognize an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of a deferred cost exceeds the remaining amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the petroleum products and services related to the cost, less the expected costs related directly to providing those petroleum products and services that have not yet been recognized as expenses. There have been no impairment charges recognized for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019.

Significant Judgments – Allocation of Transaction Price to Separate Performance Obligations

Our contracts with customers often include distinct performance obligations to transfer products and perform equipment maintenance services to a customer that are accounted for separately. Judgment is required to determine the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation for the purpose of allocating the transaction price to separate performance obligations. We determine the stand-alone selling price using information that may include market conditions and other observable inputs and typically have more than one stand-alone selling price for petroleum products and equipment maintenance services due to the stratification of those products and services by geography and customer characteristics.

Contract Liability Balances

The Company has contract liabilities for advanced payments received from customers for future oil deliveries (primarily amounts received from customers on “smart pay” budget payment plans in advance of oil deliveries) and obligations to service customers with equipment maintenance service contracts. Approximately 34% of our residential customers take advantage of our “smart pay” budget payment plan under which their estimated annual oil and propane deliveries and service contract billings are paid for in a series of equal monthly installments. Our “smart pay” budget payment plans are annual and generally begin outside of the heating season. We generally have received advanced amounts from customers on “smart pay” budget payment plans prior to the heating season, which are reduced as oil deliveries are made. For customers that are not on “smart pay” budget payment plans, we generally receive the full contract amount for equipment service contracts with customers at the outset of the contracts. Contract liabilities are recognized straight-line over the service contract period, generally one-year or less. As of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 the Company had contract liabilities of $127.0 million and $118.6 million, respectively. During the year ended September 30, 2019 the Company recognized $111.0 million of revenue that was included in the September 30, 2018 contract liability balance.

Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash

4) Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash

The Company agreement provides that beginning October 1, 2008, the minimum quarterly distributions on the common units will start accruing at the rate of $0.0675 per quarter ($0.27 on an annual basis) in accordance with the Partnership Agreement. In general, the Company intends to distribute to its partners on a quarterly basis, all of its available cash, if any, in the manner described below. “Available cash” generally means, for any of its fiscal quarters, all cash on hand at the end of that quarter, less the amount of cash reserves that are necessary or appropriate in the reasonable discretion of the general partners to:

•

provide for the proper conduct of the Company’s business including acquisitions and debt payments;

•

comply with applicable law, any of its debt instruments or other agreements; or

•

provide funds for distributions to the common unitholders during the next four quarters, in some circumstances.

Available cash will generally be distributed as follows:

•

first, 100% to the common units, pro rata, until the Company distributes to each common unit the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675;

•

second, 100% to the common units, pro rata, until the Company distributes to each common unit any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for prior quarters;

•

third, 100% to the general partner units, pro rata, until the Company distributes to each general partner unit the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675;

•

fourth, 90% to the common units, pro rata, and 10% to the general partner units, pro rata (subject to the Management Incentive Plan), until the Company distributes to each common unit the first target distribution of $0.1125; and

•

thereafter, 80% to the common units, pro rata, and 20% to the general partner units, pro rata.

The Company is obligated to meet certain financial covenants under the fourth amended and restated credit agreement. The Company must maintain excess availability of at least 15.0% of the revolving commitment then in effect and a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15 in order to make any distributions to unitholders. The obligation is unchanged under the fifth amended and restated credit agreement. (See Note 13—Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings and Note 21—Subsequent Events)

For fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, cash distributions declared per common unit were $0.485, $0.455, and $0.425, respectively.

For fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, $0.7 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million, respectively, of incentive distributions were paid to the general partner, exclusive of amounts paid subject to the Management Incentive Plan.

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement

5) Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement

In July 2012, the Board adopted a plan to repurchase certain of the Company’s Common Units (the “Repurchase Plan”). Through August 2019, the Company had repurchased approximately 9.5 million Common Units under the Repurchase Plan. In August 2019, the Board authorized an increase of the number of Common Units that remained available for the Company to repurchase from 1.3 million to a total of 2.3 million, of which, 1.0 million were available for repurchase in open market transactions and 1.3 million were available for repurchase in privately-negotiated transactions. The Company repurchased approximately 5.4 million Common Units in fiscal year 2019, and 1.0 million total Common Units remain available for repurchase at the end of the fiscal year 2019. There is no guarantee of the exact number of units that will be purchased under the program and the Company may discontinue purchases at any time. The program does not have a time limit. The Board may also approve additional purchases of units from time to time in private transactions. The Company’s repurchase activities take into account SEC safe harbor rules and guidance for issuer repurchases. All of the Common Units purchased in the repurchase program will be retired.

Under the Credit Agreement dated July 2, 2018, in order to repurchase Common Units we must maintain Availability (as defined in the amended and restated credit agreement) of $45 million, 15.0% of the facility size of $300 million (assuming the non-seasonal aggregate commitment is outstanding) on a historical pro forma and forward-looking basis, and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 measured as of the date of repurchase. This restriction is unchanged in the fifth amended and restated credit agreement effective December 4, 2019. (See Note 13—Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings and Note 21—Subsequent Events). The following table shows repurchases under the Repurchase Plan.

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Period	Total Number of Units Purchased		Average Price Paid per Unit (a)		Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased
Fiscal year 2012 to 2018 total		7,937	$	7.11		5,493		5,359
First quarter fiscal year 2019 total		599	$	9.57		599		4,760
Second quarter fiscal year 2019 total		2,187	$	9.44		2,187		2,573	(b)
Third quarter fiscal year 2019 total		885	$	9.68		885		1,688
July 2019		147	$	9.76		147		1,541
August 2019		223	$	9.67		223		2,318	(c)
September 2019		1,362	$	9.41		1,362		956	(d)
Fourth quarter fiscal year 2019 total		1,732	$	9.47		1,732		956
Fiscal year 2019 total		5,403	$	9.50		5,403		956
October 2019		223	$	9.44		223		733
November 2019		261	$	9.39		261		472	(e)

(a)	Amounts include repurchase costs.

(b)	Second quarter of fiscal year 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

(c)	In August 2019, the Board authorized an increase in the number of Common Units available for repurchase from 1.3 million to 2.3 million.

(d)	September 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

(e)	Of the total available for repurchase, approximately 0.4 million are available for repurchase in open market transactions and 0.1 million are available for repurchase in privately-negotiated transactions.

Captive Insurance Collateral

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Captive Insurance Collateral

6) Captive Insurance Collateral

The Company considers all of its captive insurance collateral to be available-for-sale investments. Investments at September 30, 2019 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Loss)			Fair Value
Cash and Receivables	$	509	$	—	$	—		$	509
U.S. Government Sponsored Agencies		29,055		198		(3	)		29,250
Corporate Debt Securities		23,831		773		—			24,604
Foreign Bonds and Notes		4,066		61		—			4,127
Total	$	57,461	$	1,032	$	(3	)	$	58,490

Investments at September 30, 2018 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Loss)			Fair Value
Cash and Receivables	$	350	$	—	$	—		$	350
U.S. Government Sponsored Agencies		10,735		—		(192	)		10,543
Corporate Debt Securities		30,427		—		(928	)		29,499
Foreign Bonds and Notes		5,111		—		(84	)		5,027
Total	$	46,623	$	—	$	(1,204	)	$	45,419

Maturities of investments were as follows at September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Net Carrying Amount
Due within one year	$	9,958
Due after one year through five years		35,114
Due after five years through ten years		13,418
Total	$	58,490

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements

7) Derivatives and Hedging—Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses derivative instruments such as futures, options and swap agreements in order to mitigate exposure to market risk associated with the purchase of home heating oil for price-protected customers, physical inventory on hand, inventory in transit, priced purchase commitments and internal fuel usage. FASB ASC 815-10-05 Derivatives and Hedging, established accounting and reporting standards requiring that derivative instruments be recorded at fair value and included in the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities, along with qualitative disclosures regarding the derivative activity. The Company has elected not to designate its commodity derivative instruments as hedging derivatives, but rather as economic hedges whose change in fair value is recognized in its statement of operations in the line item (Increase) decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments. Depending on the risk being economically hedged, realized gains and losses are recorded in cost of product, cost of installations and services, or delivery and branch expenses.

As of September 30, 2019, to hedge a substantial majority of the purchase price associated with heating oil gallons anticipated to be sold to its price-protected customers, the Company held the following derivative instruments that settle in future months to match anticipated sales: 15.5 million gallons of swap contracts with a notional value of $29.7 million and a fair value of $(1.0) million, 6.1 million gallons of call options with a notional value of $15.6 million and a fair value of $0.1 million, 5.9 million gallons of put options with a notional value of $7.7 million and a fair value of $28 thousand, and 81.0 million net gallons of synthetic call options with an average notional value of $165.4 million and a fair value of $(7.2) million. To hedge the inter-month differentials for its price-protected customers, its physical inventory on hand and inventory in transit, the Company, as of September 30, 2019, had 1.3 million gallons of purchased swap contracts with a notional value of $2.4 million and a fair value of $(0.1) million, 45.2 million gallons of purchased future contracts that settle daily with a notional value of $83.2 million and a fair value of $(0.9) million, and 67.5 million gallons of sold future contracts that settle daily with a notional value of $124.9 million and a fair value of $0.2 million. To hedge its internal fuel usage and other related activities for fiscal 2020, the Company, as of September 30, 2019, had 4.2 million gallons of swap contracts with a notional value of $7.4 million and a fair value of $(0.3) million that settle in future months.

As of September 30, 2018, to hedge a substantial majority of the purchase price associated with heating oil gallons anticipated to be sold to its price-protected customers, the Company held the following derivative instruments that settle in future months to match anticipated sales: 11.7 million gallons of swap contracts with a notional value of $24.6 million and a fair value of $2.9 million, 3.2 million gallons of call options with a notional value of $8.2 million and a fair value of $0.2 million, 5.6 million gallons of put options with a notional value of $8.5 million and a fair value of $2 thousand, and 85.4 million net gallons of synthetic call options with an average notional value of $182.9 million and a fair value of $14.0 million. To hedge the inter-month differentials for its price-protected customers, its physical inventory on hand and inventory in transit, the Company, as of September 30, 2018, had 1.2 million gallons of purchased swap contracts with a notional value of $2.6 million and a fair value of $0.2 million, 53.1 million gallons of purchased future contracts that settle daily with a notional value $114.3 million and a fair value of $9.7 million and 68.9 million gallons of sold future contracts that settle daily with a notional value of $148.8 million and a fair value of $(12.6) million. To hedge its internal fuel usage and other related activities for fiscal 2019, the Company, as of September 30, 2018, had 6.5 million gallons of swap contracts with a notional value of $13.7 million and a fair value of $1.0 million that settle in future months and 0.5 million net gallons of synthetic call options with a notional value of $1.0 million and a fair value of $0.1 million.

In August 2018, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to mitigate exposure to market risk associated with variable rate interest on the $50.0 million, or 50%, of our long term debt. The Company has designated its interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedging derivatives. To the extent these derivative instruments are effective and the standard’s documentation requirements have been met, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income until the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings. As of September 30, 2019, the notional value of the swap contracts was $42.5 million and the fair value of the swap contracts was $(2.0) million. As of September 30, 2018, the fair value of the swap contracts was $39 thousand. We utilized Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques to determine the fair value of the swap contracts.

The Company’s derivative instruments are with the following counterparties: Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, Cargill, Inc., Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Key Bank, N.A., Regions Financial Corporation, Toronto-Dominion Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The Company assesses counterparty credit risk and considers it to be low. We maintain master netting arrangements that allow for the non-conditional offsetting of amounts receivable and payable with counterparties to help manage our risks and record derivative positions on a net basis. The Company generally does not receive cash collateral from its counterparties and does not restrict the use of cash collateral it maintains at counterparties. At September 30, 2019, the aggregate cash posted as collateral in the normal course of business at counterparties was $3.5 million. Positions with counterparties who are also parties to our credit agreement are collateralized under that facility. As of September 30, 2019, $7.7 million hedge positions and payable amounts were secured under the credit facility.

FASB ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classified the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The Company’s Level 1 derivative assets and liabilities represent the fair value of commodity contracts used in its hedging activities that are identical and traded in active markets. The Company’s Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities represent the fair value of commodity and interest rate contracts used in its hedging activities that are valued using either directly or indirectly observable inputs, whose nature, risk and class are similar. No significant transfers of assets or liabilities have been made into and out of the Level 1 or Level 2 tiers. All derivative instruments were non-trading positions and were either a Level 1 or Level 2 instrument. The Company had no Level 3 derivative instruments. The fair market value of our Level 1 and Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities are calculated by our counter-parties and are independently validated by the Company. The Company’s calculations are, for Level 1 derivative assets and liabilities, based on the published New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) market prices for the commodity contracts open at the end of the period. For Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities the calculations performed by the Company are based on a combination of the NYMEX published market prices and other inputs, including such factors as present value, volatility and duration.

The Company had no assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are listed on the following table.

(In thousands)					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments					Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs
Under FASB ASC 815-10	Balance Sheet Location	Total			Level 1		Level 2
Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2019
Commodity contracts	Fair liability value of derivative instruments	$	13,824		$	—	$	13,824
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative assets included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance		1,466			—		1,466
Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2019		$	15,290		$	—	$	15,290
Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2019
Commodity contracts	Fair liability value of derivative instruments	$	(22,086	)	$	—	$	(22,086	)
Commodity contracts	Cash collateral		—			—		—
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative liabilities included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance and other long term liabilities, net		(1,719	)		—		(1,719	)
Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2019		$	(23,805	)	$	—	$	(23,805	)
Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2018
Commodity contracts	Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	17,710		$	—	$	17,710
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative assets included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance		906			—		906
Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2018		$	18,616		$	—	$	18,616
Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2018
Commodity contracts	Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	—		$	—	$	—
Commodity contracts	Cash collateral		—			—		—
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative liabilities included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance		(103	)		—		(103	)
Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2018		$	(103	)	$	—	$	(103	)

The Company’s derivative assets (liabilities) offset by counterparty and subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement are listed on the following table.

(In thousands)									Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	Gross Assets Recognized		Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position			Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—
Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net		16		(16	)		—			—		—		—
Fair liability value of derivative instruments		13,824		(22,086	)		(8,262	)		—		—		(8,262	)
Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net		1,450		(1,703	)		(253	)		—		—		(253	)
Total at September 30, 2019	$	15,290	$	(23,805	)	$	(8,515	)	$	—	$	—	$	(8,515	)
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	17,710	$	-		$	17,710		$	—	$	—	$	17,710
Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net		906		(103	)		803			—		—		803
Fair liability value of derivative instruments		—		—			—			—		—		—
Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net		—		—			—			—		—		—
Total at September 30, 2018	$	18,616	$	(103	)	$	18,513		$	—	$	—	$	18,513

(In thousands)
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
		Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized
		Years Ended September 30,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Under FASB ASC 815-10	Location of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative	2019		2018			2017
Commodity contracts	Cost of product (a)	$	9,266	$	10,379		$	6,386
Commodity contracts	Cost of installations and service (a)	$	836	$	(726	)	$	(526	)
Commodity contracts	Delivery and branch expenses (a)	$	596	$	(1,403	)	$	(422	)
Commodity contracts	(Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments (b)	$	25,113	$	(11,408	)	$	(2,193	)

(a)	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

(b)	Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

8) Inventories

The Company’s product inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value computed on the weighted average cost method. All other inventories, representing parts and equipment are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the FIFO method. The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019		2018
Product	$	43,536	$	34,618
Parts and equipment		21,252		21,759
Total inventory	$	64,788	$	56,377

Product inventories were comprised of 22.8 million gallons and 16.3 million gallons on September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. The Company has market price based product supply contracts for approximately 271.6 million gallons of home heating oil and propane, and 44.4 million gallons of diesel and gasoline, which it expects to fully utilize to meet its requirements over the next twelve months.

No single supplier provided more than 10% of our product supply during fiscal 2019 and 2018.

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

9) Property and Equipment

The components of property and equipment were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019		2018
Land and land improvements	$	20,872	$	19,230
Buildings and leasehold improvements		37,443		34,557
Fleet and other equipment		73,440		66,734
Tanks and equipment		50,353		45,860
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		48,582		44,200
Total		230,690		210,581
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		132,451		122,963
Property and equipment, net	$	98,239	$	87,618

Depreciation and amortization expense was $13.5 million, $12.0 million, and $11.1 million, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

Business Combinations

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combinations

10) Business Combinations

During fiscal 2019, the Company acquired one of its subcontractors, a liquid product dealer and the assets of a propane dealer for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $60.9 million. As of September 30, 2019 the intangibles and goodwill have been provisionally determined. The Company will record any material adjustments to the initial estimates based on new information obtained that would have existed as of the date of the acquisition. Any adjustment that arises from information obtained that did not exist as of the date of the acquisition will be recorded in the period the adjustment arises. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values and purchase price allocations in aggregate of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the fiscal 2019 acquisitions as of the respective acquisition dates.

(in thousands)	As of Acquisition Date
Receivables	$	6,887
Inventories		2,105
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		89
Property and equipment, net		13,676
Intangibles		28,599
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(366	)
Unearned service contract revenue		(2,800	)
Customer credit balances		(3,399	)
Other long-term liabilities		(25	)
Total net identifiable assets acquired	$	44,766

Total consideration	$	60,904
Less: Total net identifiable assets acquired		44,766
Goodwill	$	16,138

The total acquisition expenses of $1.2 million related to these acquisitions are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations under “General and administrative expenses” for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019. The goodwill was primarily attributable to increased synergies that were expected to be achieved from the integration of the acquired businesses into our operations. All of the $16.1 million of goodwill relating to the acquisitions is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The acquired companies’ operating results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements starting on the respective acquisition dates. Customer lists, other intangibles and trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over ten to twenty years.

Included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations from the respective acquisition dates through September 30, 2019, are sales and net loss before income taxes of $25.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

The following table provides unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the fiscal 2019 acquisitions had occurred on October 1, 2017, the beginning of fiscal year 2018. The unaudited pro forma results were prepared using current and prior year financial information, reflecting certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as the elimination of directly attributable acquisition expenses and changes to depreciation and amortization expenses. These pro forma adjustments do not include any potential synergies related to combining the businesses. Accordingly, such pro forma operating results were prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made as of October 1, 2017 or of results that may occur in the future.

	For the Twelve Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019		2018
Total sales	$	1,821,522	$	1,765,165
Net income	$	22,486	$	57,112

During fiscal 2018, the Company acquired five heating oil dealers and one motor fuel dealer for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25.2 million; $23.7 million in cash and $1.5 million of deferred liabilities. The gross purchase price was allocated $15.3 million to intangible assets, $7.5 million to fixed assets and $2.4 million to working capital. The acquired companies’ operating results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements starting on their respective acquisition date, and are not material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

During fiscal 2017, the Company acquired four heating oil dealers, two propane dealers and a plumbing service provider for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $44.8 million; $43.3 million in cash and $1.5 million of deferred liabilities (including $0.6 million of contingent consideration). The gross purchase price was allocated $37.5 million to intangible assets, $10.2 million to fixed assets and reduced by $2.9 million in working capital credits. The acquired companies’ operating results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements starting on their respective acquisition date, and are not material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

11) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company performs a qualitative, and when necessary quantitative, impairment test on its goodwill annually on August 31^st. This qualitative assessment includes reviewing factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events. Under FASB ASC 350-10-05 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill impairment if any, needs to be determined if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If goodwill of a reporting unit is determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the excess of the net book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill.

The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment valuation in each of the periods ending August 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, and it was determined based on each year’s analysis that there was no goodwill impairment.

A summary of changes in the Company’s goodwill during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of September 30, 2017	$	225,915
Fiscal year 2018 business combinations		2,521
Balance as of September 30, 2018		228,436
Fiscal year 2019 business combinations		16,138
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	244,574

Intangibles, net

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019						2018
	Gross						Gross
	Carrying		Accum.				Carrying		Accum.
	Amount		Amortization		Net		Amount		Amortization		Net
Customer lists	$	382,373	$	297,221	$	85,152	$	358,776	$	279,990	$	78,786
Trade names and other intangibles		37,739		15,203		22,536		32,739		13,081		19,658
Total	$	420,112	$	312,424	$	107,688	$	391,515	$	293,071	$	98,444

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $19.4 million, $19.6 million, and $16.7 million, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Total estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization, for the year ended September 30, 2020 and the four succeeding fiscal years ended September 30, is as follows (in thousands):

	Amount
2020	$	19,451
2021	$	16,944
2022	$	14,885
2023	$	13,272
2024	$	10,919

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

12) Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019		2018
Accrued wages and benefits	$	26,747	$	25,712
Accrued insurance		81,443		77,890
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities		12,649		12,834
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	120,839	$	116,436

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings

13) Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings

The Company's debt is as follows	September 30,
(in thousands):	2019				2018
	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value (a)		Amount		Fair Value
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings	$	61,500	$	61,500	$	1,500	$	1,500
Senior Secured Term Loan (b)		91,947		92,500		99,280		100,000
Total debt	$	153,447	$	154,000	$	100,780	$	101,500
Total short-term portion of debt (c)	$	33,000	$	33,000	$	9,000	$	9,000
Total long-term portion of debt (c)	$	120,447	$	121,000	$	91,780	$	92,500

(a)

The face amount of the Company’s variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value.

(b)

Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.6 million as of September 30, 2019 and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2018.

(c)

On December 4, 2019, the Company refinanced its five-year term loan and the revolving credit facility with the execution of the fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement. (See Note 21—Subsequent Events). As of September 30, 2019, the Company has classified $37.5 million of its revolving credit facility borrowings as long term debt and repaid it on December 4, 2019 using proceeds provided by the fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement

On July 2, 2018, the Company refinanced its five-year term loan and the revolving credit facility with the execution of the fourth credit agreement with a bank syndicate comprised of eleven participants, which enables the Company to borrow up to $300 million ($450 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) on a revolving credit facility for working capital purposes (subject to certain borrowing base limitations and coverage ratios), provides for a $100 million five-year senior secured term loan (“Term Loan”), allows for the issuance of up to $25 million in letters of credit, and has a maturity date of July 2, 2023. The new credit agreement, executed on December 4, 2019, increased the Term Loan to $130 million and extended the maturity date to December 4, 2024.

The Company can increase the revolving credit facility size by $200 million without the consent of the bank group. However, the bank group is not obligated to fund the $200 million increase. If the bank group elects not to fund the increase, the Company can add additional lenders to the group, with the consent of the Agent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Obligations under the fourth and fifth amended and restated credit facilities are guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiaries and are secured by liens on substantially all of the Company’s assets including accounts receivable, inventory, general intangibles, real property, fixtures and equipment.

All amounts outstanding under the fourth amended and restated revolving credit facility become due and payable on the facility termination date of July 2, 2023 (extended to December 4, 2024 under the new credit agreement). The Term Loan is repayable in quarterly payments of $2.5 million (increased to $3.25 million under the new credit agreement beginning March 31, 2020) plus an annual payment equal to 25% of the annual Excess Cash Flow as defined in the agreement (an amount not to exceed $15 million annually), less certain voluntary prepayments made during the year, with final payment at maturity. The Company does not expect to make additional term loan repayments due to Excess Cash Flow for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

The interest rate on the revolving credit facility and the term loan is based on a margin over LIBOR or a base rate. At September 30, 2019, the effective interest rate on the term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings was approximately 5.9% and 4.6%, respectively. At September 30, 2018, the effective interest rate on the term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings was approximately 5.2% and 3.8%, respectively.

The Commitment Fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility is 0.30% from December through April, and 0.20% from May through November.

The fourth and fifth credit agreements require the Company to meet certain financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of not less than 1.1 as long as the Term Loan is outstanding or revolving credit facility availability is less than 12.5% of the facility size. In addition, as long as the Term Loan is outstanding, a senior secured leverage ratio cannot be more than 3.0 as calculated as of the quarters ending June or September, and no more than 4.5 as calculated as of the quarters ending December or March.

Certain restrictions are also imposed by the fourth and fifth credit agreements, including restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, to pay distributions to unitholders, to pay certain inter-company dividends or distributions, make investments, grant liens, sell assets, make acquisitions and engage in certain other activities.

At September 30, 2019, $92.5 million of the term loan was outstanding, $61.5 million was outstanding under the fourth amended and restated revolving credit facility, $7.7 million hedge positions were secured under the fourth credit agreement, and $4.6 million of letters of credit were issued and outstanding. At September 30, 2018, $100.0 million of the term loan was outstanding, $1.5 million amount was outstanding under the respective revolving credit facility, no hedge positions were secured under the fourth credit agreement and $7.1 million of letters of credit were issued and outstanding.

At September 30, 2019, availability was $126.1 million, the Company was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and the senior secured leverage ratio, and the restricted net assets totaled approximately $250.9 million. Restricted net assets are assets in the Company’s subsidiaries, the distribution or transfer of which to Star Group, L.P. are subject to limitations under its fourth and fifth credit agreements. At September 30, 2018, availability was $189.0 million, the Company was in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio and the senior secured leverage ratio, and the restricted net assets totaled approximately $299.8 million.

As of September 30, 2019, the maturities (including working capital borrowings and expected repayments due to Excess Cash Flow) during fiscal years ending September 30, considering the terms of our fifth amended and restated credit agreement, are set forth in the following table (in thousands):

2020	$	9,000
2021	$	13,000
2022	$	13,000
2023	$	13,000
2024	$	13,000
Thereafter	$	93,000

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

14) Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has several 401(k) and other defined contribution plans that cover eligible non-union and union employees, and makes employer contributions to these plans, subject to IRS limitations. These plans provide for each participant to contribute from 0% to 60% of compensation, subject to IRS limitations. The Company’s aggregate contributions to the 401(k) plans during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, were $7.6 million, $6.7 million, and $6.3 million, respectively. The Company’s aggregate contribution to the other defined contribution plans for fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, were $0.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million respectively.

Management Incentive Compensation Plan

The Company has a Management Incentive Compensation Plan (“the Plan”). The long-term compensation structure is intended to align the employee’s performance with the long-term performance of our unitholders. Under the Plan, certain named employees who participate shall be entitled to receive a pro rata share of an amount in cash equal to:

•

50% of the distributions (“Incentive Distributions”) of Available Cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675 per unit otherwise distributable to Kestrel Heat pursuant to the Company Agreement on account of its general partner units; and

•

50% of the cash proceeds (the “Gains Interest”) which Kestrel Heat shall receive from the sale of its general partner units (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), less expenses and applicable taxes.

The pro rata share payable to each participant under the Plan is based on the number of participation points as described under “Fiscal 2019 Compensation Decisions—Management Incentive Compensation Plan.” The amount paid in Incentive Distributions is governed by the Partnership Agreement and the calculation of Available Cash.

To fund the benefits under the Plan, Kestrel Heat has agreed to forego receipt of the amount of Incentive Distributions that are payable to plan participants. For accounting purposes, amounts payable to management under this Plan will be treated as compensation and will reduce net income. Kestrel Heat has also agreed to contribute to the Company, as a contribution to capital, an amount equal to the Gains Interest payable to participants in the Plan by the Company. The Company is not required to reimburse Kestrel Heat for amounts payable pursuant to the Plan.

The Plan is administered by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer under the direction of the Board or by such other officer as the Board may from time to time direct. In general, no payments will be made under the Plan if the Company is not distributing cash under the Incentive Distributions described above.

In fiscal 2012, the Board of Directors adopted certain amendments (the “Plan Amendments”) to the Plan. Under the Plan Amendments, the number and identity of the Plan participants and their participation interests in the Plan have been frozen at the current levels. In addition, under the Plan Amendments, the plan benefits (to the extent vested) may be transferred upon the death of a participant to his or her heirs. A participant’s vested percentage of his or her plan benefits will be 100% during the time a participant is an employee or consultant of the Company. Following the termination of such positions, a participant’s vested percentage is equal to 20% for each full or partial year of employment or consultation with the Company starting with the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (33 1/3% in the case of the Company’s chief executive officer at that time).

The Company distributed to management and the general partner Incentive Distributions of approximately $1,464,000 during fiscal 2019, $1,199,000 during fiscal 2018, and $963,000 during fiscal 2017. Included in these amounts for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, were distributions under the management incentive compensation plan of $732,000, $600,000, and $481,000, respectively, of which named executive officers received approximately $397,430 during fiscal 2019, $267,082 during fiscal 2018, and $214,378 during fiscal 2017. With regard to the Gains Interest, Kestrel Heat has not given any indication that it will sell its general partner units within the next twelve months. Thus the Plan’s value attributable to the Gains Interest currently cannot be determined.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

At September 30, 2019, approximately 43% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements and approximately 23% of our employees are in collective bargaining agreements that are up for renewal within the next fiscal year. We contribute to various multiemployer union administered pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that provide for such plans for covered union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in that assets contributed are pooled and may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the remaining participating employers may be required to bear the unfunded obligations of the plan. If we choose to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay a withdrawal liability in part based on the underfunded status of the plan.

The following table outlines our participation and contributions to multiemployer pension plans for the periods ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017. The EIN/Pension Plan Number column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status for 2019 and 2018 relates to the plans’ two most recent fiscal year-ends, based on information received from the plans as reported on their Form 5500 Schedule MB. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded and are designated as critical or critical and declining, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded and are designated as endangered, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded. The FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented. Certain plans have been aggregated in the All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans line of the following table, as our participation in each of these individual plans is not significant.

For the Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund, Local 553 Pension Fund and Local 463 Pension Fund, we provided more than 5 percent of the total plan contributions from all employers for 2019, 2018 and 2017, as disclosed in the respective plan’s Form 5500. The collective bargaining agreements of these plans require contributions based on the hours worked and there are no minimum contributions required.

		Pension Protection Act Zone Status		FIP / RP Status	Partnership Contributions (in thousands)
Pension Fund	EIN / Pension Plan Number	2019	2018	Pending / Implemented	2019		2018		2017		Surcharge Imposed	Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreements
New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund	04-6372430 / 001	Red	Red	Yes / Implemented	$	2,468	$	2,455	$	2,621	No	3/31/20 to 4/30/23
Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund	13-6123973 / 001	Green	Green	N/A		1,039		846		924	No	12/31/19 to 1/31/24
Local 553 Pension Fund	13-6637826 / 001	Green	Green	N/A		3,114		2,888		2,780	No	12/15/19 to 1/15/20
Local 463 Pension Fund	11-1800729 / 001	Green	Green	N/A		144		145		150	No	2/28/20 to 6/30/22
All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans						2,833		2,807		2,465
				Total Contributions	$	9,598	$	9,141	$	8,940

Agreement with the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund

In fiscal 2015, the Teamsters ratified an agreement among certain subsidiaries of the Company and the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (“the NETTI Fund”), a multiemployer pension plan in which such subsidiaries participate, providing for the Company’s participating subsidiaries to withdraw from the NETTI Fund’s original employer pool and enter the NETTI Fund’s new employer pool. The withdrawal from the original employer pool triggered an undiscounted withdrawal obligation of $48.0 million that is to be paid in equal monthly installments over 30 years, or $1.6 million per year.

The NETTI Fund includes over two hundred of our current employees and has been classified as carrying “red zone” status, meaning that the value of NETTI Fund’s assets are less than 65% of the actuarial value of the NETTI Fund’s benefit obligations.

As of September 30, 2019, we had $0.2 million and $16.9 million balances included in the captions accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet representing the remaining balance of the NETTI withdrawal liability. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for long-term financing of a similar maturity, the fair value of the NETTI withdrawal liability as of September 30, 2019 was $21.1 million. We utilized Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques to determine the fair value of this liability.

Our status in the newly-established pool of the NETTI Fund is accounted for as participation in a new multiemployer pension plan, and therefore we recognize expense based on the contractually-required contribution for each period, and we recognize a liability for any contributions due and unpaid at the end of a reporting period.

Defined Benefit Plans

The Company accounts for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans (“the Plan”) in accordance with FASB ASC 715-10-05 Compensation-Retirement Benefits. The Company has no post-retirement benefit plans.

Effective September 30, 2019, the Company adopted the Society of Actuaries 2019 Mortality Tables Report and Improvement Scale, which updated the mortality assumptions that private defined benefit retirement plans in the United States use in the actuarial valuations that determine a plan sponsor’s pension obligations. The updated mortality data reflects decreased mortality improvement than assumed in the Society of Actuaries 2018 Mortality Table Report and Improvement Scale, and affected plans generally expect the value of the actuarial obligations to decrease, depending on the specific demographic characteristics of the plan participants and the types of benefits.

The following table provides the net periodic benefit cost for the period, a reconciliation of the changes in the Plan assets, projected benefit obligations, and the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income at the dates indicated using a measurement date of September 30 (in thousands):

																Gross Pension
	Net Periodic						Fair									Related
	Pension						Value of									Accumulated
	Cost in						Pension			Projected			Other			Other
	Income						Plan			Benefit			Comprehensive			Comprehensive
Debit / (Credit)	Statement			Cash			Assets			Obligation			(Income) / Loss			Income
Fiscal Year 2017
Beginning balance							$	68,276		$	(70,679	)				$	21,704
Interest cost		2,251									(2,251	)
Actual return on plan assets		(1,473	)					1,473
Employer contributions					(505	)		505
Benefit payments								(4,578	)		4,578
Investment and other expenses		(455	)								455
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets		(1,232	)											1,232
Anticipated expenses		341									(341	)
Actuarial loss											2,457			(2,457	)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		2,131												(2,131	)
Annual cost/change	$	1,563		$	(505	)		(2,600	)		4,898		$	(3,356	)		(3,356	)
Ending balance							$	65,676		$	(65,781	)				$	18,348
Funded status at the end of the year										$	(105	)
Fiscal Year 2018
Interest cost		2,279									(2,279	)
Actual return on plan assets		942						(942	)
Employer contributions					(1,653	)		1,653
Benefit payments								(4,463	)		4,463
Investment and other expenses		(394	)								394
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets		(3,705	)											3,705
Anticipated expenses		328									(328	)
Actuarial loss											3,989			(3,989	)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		1,791												(1,791	)
Annual cost/change	$	1,241		$	(1,653	)		(3,752	)		6,239		$	(2,075	)		(2,075	)
Ending balance							$	61,924		$	(59,542	)				$	16,273
Funded status at the end of the year										$	2,382
Fiscal Year 2019
Interest cost		2,366									(2,366	)
Actual return on plan assets		(9,380	)					9,380
Employer contributions
Benefit payments								(4,466	)		4,466
Investment and other expenses		(483	)								483
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets		7,086												(7,086	)
Anticipated expenses		310									(310	)
Actuarial loss											(7,738	)		7,738
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		1,821												(1,821	)
Annual cost/change	$	1,720		$	—			4,914			(5,465	)	$	(1,169	)		(1,169	)
Ending balance							$	66,838		$	(65,007	)				$	15,104
Funded status at the end of the year										$	1,831

At September 30, 2019 the amounts included on the balance sheet in deferred charges and other assets were $1.8 million, and at September 30, 2018 the amounts included on the balance sheet in deferred charges and other assets were $2.4 million.

The $15.1 million net actuarial loss balance at September 30, 2019 for the two frozen defined benefit pension plans in accumulated other comprehensive income will be recognized and amortized into net periodic pension costs as an actuarial loss in future years. The estimated amount that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year is $1.8 million.

	September 30,
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Measurement of the Partnership’s Benefit Obligation	2019	2018	2017
Discount rate at year end date	3.00%	4.15%	3.60%
Expected return on plan assets for the year ended	4.67%	4.86%	4.80%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A	N/A	N/A

The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets determined using fair value.

The Company’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is updated at least annually, taking into consideration our asset allocation, historical returns on the types of assets held, and the current economic environment. For fiscal year 2020, the Company’s assumption for return on plan assets will be 4.4% per annum.

The discount rate used to determine net periodic pension expense for fiscal year 2019, 2018, and 2017 was 3.00%, 4.15%, and 3.60%, respectively. The discount rate used by the Company in determining pension expense and pension obligations reflects the yield of high quality (AA or better rating by a recognized rating agency) corporate bonds whose cash flows are expected to match the timing and amounts of projected future benefit payments.

The Plan’s objectives are to have the ability to pay benefit and expense obligations when due, to maintain the funded ratio of the Plan, to maximize return within reasonable and prudent levels of risk in order to minimize contributions and charges to the profit and loss statement, and to control costs of administering the Plan and managing the investments of the Plan. The target asset allocation of the Plan (currently 90% domestic fixed income, 7% domestic equities and 2% international equities and 1% cash and cash equivalents) is based on a long-term perspective, and as the Plan gets closer to being fully funded, the allocations have been adjusted to lower volatility from equity holdings.

The Company had no Level 2 or Level 3 pension plan assets during the two years ended September 30, 2019. The fair values and percentage of the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019			2018
			Concentration			Concentration
Asset Category	Level 1		Percentage	Level 1		Percentage
Corporate and U.S. government bond fund (1)	$	60,720	90%	$	55,908	90%
U.S. large-cap equity (1)		4,632	7%		4,566	7%
International equity (1)		1,119	2%		1,129	2%
Cash		367	1%		321	1%
Total	$	66,838	100%	$	61,924	100%

(1)	Represent investments in Vanguard funds that seek to replicate the asset category description.

The Company is not obligated to make a minimum required contribution in fiscal year 2020, and currently does not expect to make an optional pension contribution.

Expected benefit payments over each of the next five years will total approximately $4.4 million per year. Expected benefit payments for the five years thereafter will aggregate approximately $18.9 million.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

15) Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was enacted into law. The Tax Reform Act is a complicated piece of legislation that, among other provisions, contains several key provisions which impact the Company, especially the reduction of the Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. In addition, between September 28, 2017 and December 31, 2022, the Tax Reform Act allows for the full depreciation, in the year acquired, for certain fixed assets purchased in that year (also known as 100% bonus depreciation). The re-measurement of the deferred tax assets and liabilities for the enacted Tax Reform Act resulted in an $11.1 million discrete tax benefit recorded as of September 30, 2018.

Income tax expense is comprised of the following for the indicated periods (in thousands):

	Years Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
Current:
Federal	$	7,921		$	(6,067	)	$	7,578
State		4,722			(1,016	)		2,664
Deferred
Federal		(3,168	)		11,052			8,775
State		(1,958	)		3,633			1,359
	$	7,517		$	7,602		$	20,376

The provision for income taxes differs from income taxes computed at the Federal statutory rate as a result of the following (in thousands):

	Years Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2017
Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	25,154	$	63,107		$	47,276
Provision for income taxes:
Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	5,282	$	17,266		$	16,546
Effect of the tax reform on deferred taxes		—		(11,101	)		—
Impact of Partnership loss not subject to federal income taxes		—		53			741
State taxes net of federal benefit		1,626		1,864			3,170
Permanent differences		345		99			89
Change in valuation allowance net of effect of the tax reform		23		107			115
Other		241		(686	)		(285	)
	$	7,517	$	7,602		$	20,376

The Tax at Federal statutory rate is determined based on income from continuing operations before tax and the enacted Federal statutory rate. For fiscal 2017, and first quarter of fiscal 2018 the Federal statutory rate was 35%. For the remainder of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2019 the Federal statutory rate was 21%. In fiscal 2018, income from continuing operations before tax was $28.7 million in the first quarter, and $34.4 million for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The components of the net deferred taxes for the years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 using current tax rates are as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	6,292		$	6,647
Vacation accrual		2,774			2,658
Pension accrual		4,504			4,425
Allowance for bad debts		2,235			2,226
Insurance accrual		2,419			2,425
Inventory capitalization		247			350
Fair value of derivative instruments		2,794			—
Other, net		—			1,382
Total deferred tax assets		21,265			20,113
Valuation allowance		(4,003	)		(3,980	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	17,262		$	16,133
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	13,485		$	9,783
Fair value of derivative instruments		—			4,673
Intangibles		21,883			22,883
Other, net		2,010			—
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	37,378		$	37,339
Net deferred taxes	$	(20,116	)	$	(21,206	)

In order to fully realize the net deferred tax assets, the Company’s corporate subsidiaries will need to generate future taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence including historical tax losses, it is more likely than not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 was less than $0.1 million. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 was an increase of $0.8 million. Based upon a review of a number of factors and all available evidence, including recent historical operating performance, the expectation of sustainable earnings, and the confidence that sufficient positive taxable income will continue in all tax jurisdictions for the foreseeable future, management concludes for the year ended September 30, 2019, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the full benefit of its deferred tax assets, net of existing valuation allowance at September 30, 2019.

As of January 1, 2019, the Company had State tax effected net operating loss carry forwards (“NOLs”) of approximately $2.5 million after consideration of valuation allowances. The State NOLs, which will expire between 2023 and 2037, are generally available to offset any future taxable income in certain states

FASB ASC 740-10-05-6 Income Taxes, Uncertain Tax Position, provides financial statement accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes and tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. At September 30, 2019, we did not have unrecognized income tax benefits.

Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. We file U.S. Federal income tax returns and various state and local returns. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved. For our Federal income tax returns we have four tax years subject to examination. In our major state tax jurisdictions of New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania we have four years that are subject to examination. In the state tax jurisdiction of New Jersey we have five tax years that are subject to examination. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, based on our assessment of many factors including past experience and interpretation of tax law, we believe that our provision for income taxes reflect the most probable outcome. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgments about future events.

Lease Commitments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Lease Commitments

16) Lease Commitments

The Company has entered into certain operating leases for office space, trucks and other equipment. The future minimum rental commitments at September 30, 2019 under operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable term of one year or more are as follows (in thousands):

2020	$	24,082
2021		20,875
2022		16,687
2023		13,344
2024		11,114
Thereafter		43,506
Total future minimum lease payments	$	129,608

Rent expense for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017, was $26.2 million, $23.3 million, and $21.4 million, respectively.

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

17) Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net	$	5,133	$	2,569	$	4,434
Interest	$	12,601	$	8,925	$	7,814

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

18) Commitments and Contingencies

On April 18, 2017, a civil action was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled M. Norman Donnenfeld v. Petro, Inc., Civil Action Number 2:17-cv-2310-JFB-SIL, against Petro, Inc. By amended complaint filed on August 15, 2017, the Plaintiff alleges he did not receive expected contractual benefits under his protected price plan contract when oil prices fell and asserts various claims for relief including breach of contract, violation of the New York General Business Law and fraudulent inducement. The Plaintiff also seeks to have a class certified of similarly situated Petro customers who entered into protected price plan contracts and were denied the same contractual benefits. No class has yet been certified in this action. The Plaintiff seeks compensatory, punitive and other damages in unspecified amounts. On September 15, 2017, Petro filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint as time-barred and for failure to state a cause of action. On September 12, 2018, the district court granted in part and denied in part Petro's motion to dismiss. The district court dismissed the Plaintiff's claims for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing and fraudulent inducement, but declined to dismiss the Plaintiff's remaining claims. The district court granted the Plaintiff leave to amend to attempt to replead his fraudulent inducement claim. On October 10, 2018, the Plaintiff filed a second amended complaint. The second amended complaint attempts to replead a fraudulent inducement claim and is otherwise substantially similar or identical to the prior complaint. On November 13, 2018, Petro moved to dismiss the fraudulent inducement and unjust enrichment claims in the second amended complaint. On January 31, 2019, the court granted the motion and dismissed the fraudulent inducement and unjust enrichment claims with prejudice. On February 22, 2019, counsel for Petro and the Plaintiff participated in a mediation which, after arms-length negotiations, resulted in a memorandum of understanding to settle the litigation, subject to the completion of confirmatory discovery, negotiation of a final settlement agreement and court approval. In an order dated March 27, 2019, the district court stayed all discovery deadlines in light of the pending settlement. On May 6, 2019, the Plaintiff filed an Unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement which remains pending before the court. On October 4, 2019, upon consent of all parties, Judge Roslynn R. Mauskopf assigned the action to Magistrate Judge Steve I. Locke for final disposition. On December 4, 2019, the court granted preliminary approval of the class action settlement. The anticipated settlement is not an admission of liability or breach to any customers by Petro and the Company continues to believe the allegations lack merit. If the settlement is not approved or finalized for any reason, the Company will continue to vigorously defend the action; in that case, we cannot assess the potential outcome or materiality of this matter. At this time we cannot assess the potential outcome or materiality of this matter.

The Company’s operations are subject to the operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing and transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers hazardous liquids such as home heating oil and propane. In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a defendant in various legal proceedings and litigation. The Company records a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. We do not believe these matters, when considered individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

The Company maintains insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverages and deductibles we believe are reasonable and prudent. However, the Company cannot assure that this insurance will be adequate to protect it from all material expenses related to current and potential future claims, legal proceedings and litigation, including the above mentioned action, as certain types of claims may be excluded from our insurance coverage. If we incur substantial liability and the damages are not covered by insurance, or are in excess of policy limits, or if we incur liability at a time when we are not able to obtain liability insurance, then our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Earnings per Limited Partner Units

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Limited Partner Units

19) Earnings per Limited Partner Units

The following table presents the net income allocation and per unit data in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 Earnings per Share, Master Limited Partnerships (EITF 03-06):

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per unit data)	2019		2018		2017
Net income	$	17,637	$	55,505	$	26,900
Less General Partners’ interest in net income		95		314		156
Net income available to limited partners		17,542		55,191		26,744
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *		—		6,340		914
Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	17,542	$	48,851	$	25,830
Per unit data:
Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners	$	0.35	$	1.01	$	0.48
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *		—		0.12		0.02
Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	0.35	$	0.89	$	0.46
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding		50,814		54,764		55,888

In any accounting period where the Company’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Company is required as per FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the period were distributed, based on the terms of the Partnership agreement, regardless of whether those earnings would actually be distributed during a particular period from an economic or practical perspective. This allocation does not impact the Company’s overall net income or other financial results.

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

20) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,
(in thousands - except per unit data)	2018		2019		2019			2019			Total
Sales	$	535,027	$	699,582	$	283,376		$	235,887		$	1,753,872
Gross profit for product, installation and service		154,484		218,549		66,191			48,482			487,706
Operating income (loss)		6,063		105,002		(29,933	)		(43,782	)		37,350
Income (loss) before income taxes		3,288		101,564		(33,153	)		(46,545	)		25,154
Net income (loss)		2,315		72,325		(23,098	)		(33,905	)		17,637
Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)		2,300		71,871		(22,948	)		(33,681	)		17,542
Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
Basic and diluted (a)	$	0.04	$	1.15	$	(0.46	)		(0.69	)	$	0.35

	Three Months Ended
	Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,
(in thousands - except per unit data)	2017		2018		2018			2018			Total
Sales	$	436,834	$	684,031	$	327,354		$	229,618		$	1,677,837
Gross profit for product, installation and service		124,499		216,079		79,377			43,387			463,342
Operating income (loss)		31,066		85,473		(8,817	)		(41,654	)		66,068
Income (loss) before income taxes		28,670		82,783		(11,421	)		(36,925	)		63,107
Net income (loss)		30,182		54,778		(8,005	)		(21,450	)		55,505
Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)		30,007		54,459		(7,956	)		(21,319	)		55,191
Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
Basic and diluted (a)	$	0.45	$	0.81	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.40	)	$	0.89

(a)	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.

Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

21) Subsequent Events

Acquisition

In October 2019, the Company purchased for cash the customer list and the assets of a motor fuel dealer for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.5 million.

Quarterly Distribution Declared

In October 2019, we declared a quarterly distribution of $0.1250 per unit, or $0.50 per unit on an annualized basis, on all Common Units with respect to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, paid on November 5, 2019, to holders of record on October 28, 2019. The amount of distributions in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.0675, were distributed in accordance with our Partnership Agreement, subject to management incentive compensation plan. As a result, $5.9 million was paid to the Common Unit holders, $0.2 million to the General Partner unit holders (including $0.2 million of incentive distribution as provided in our Partnership Agreement) and $0.2 million to management pursuant to the management incentive compensation plan which provides for certain members of management to receive incentive distributions that would otherwise be payable to the General Partner.

Fifth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

On December 4, 2019, the Company entered into a fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement with a bank syndicate of eleven participants that enables us to borrow up to $300 million ($450 million during the heating season of December through April of each year) on a revolving line of credit for working capital purposes (subject to certain borrowing base limitations and coverage ratios), provides for a $130 million five-year senior secured term loan, allows for the issuance of up to $25 million in letters of credit, and extends the maturity date of the previous agreement to December 4, 2024. Proceeds from the new term loan were used to repay the outstanding balance of the existing term loan ($90.0 million) and $40.0 million of the revolving credit facility borrowings.

Consistent with the fourth amended and restated revolving credit facility, under the Company’s fifth amended and restated credit agreement, in order to repurchase Common Units we must maintain Availability of $45 million, 15.0% of the facility size of $300 million (assuming the non-seasonal aggregate commitment is outstanding) on a historical pro forma and forward-looking basis, and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 measured as of the date of repurchase.

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

Schedule I

STAR GROUP, L.P. (PARENT COMPANY)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

	September 30,
(in thousands)	2019		2018
Balance Sheets
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	50	$	54
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		232		217
Total current assets		282		271
Investment in subsidiaries (a)		260,601		309,541
Total Assets	$	260,883	$	309,812
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
Current liabilities
Accrued expenses	$	43	$	27
Total current liabilities		43		27
Partners’ capital		260,840		309,785
Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital	$	260,883	$	309,812

(a)	Investments in Star Acquisitions, Inc. and subsidiaries are recorded in accordance with the equity method of accounting.

Schedule I

STAR GROUP, L.P. (PARENT COMPANY)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Statements of Operations
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—
General and administrative expenses		1,377			1,647			2,116
Operating loss		(1,377	)		(1,647	)		(2,116	)
Net loss before equity income		(1,377	)		(1,647	)		(2,116	)
Equity income of Star Acquisitions Inc. and subs		19,014			57,152			29,016
Net income	$	17,637		$	55,505		$	26,900

Schedule I

STAR GROUP, L.P. (PARENT COMPANY)

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Statements of Cash Flows
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities (a)	$	76,942		$	52,317		$	24,052
Cash flows provided by investing activities:
Net cash provided by investing activities		—			—			—
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Distributions		(25,593	)		(25,603	)		(24,322	)
Unit repurchase		(51,353	)		(26,714	)		—
Net cash used in financing activities		(76,946	)		(52,317	)		(24,322	)
Net decrease in cash		(4	)		—			(270	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		54			54			324
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	50		$	54		$	54

(a) Includes distributions from subsidiaries	$	76,942		$	52,317		$	24,052

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

STAR GROUP, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Schedule II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018, 2017

(in thousands)

Year	Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs & Expenses		Other Changes Add (Deduct)				Balance at End of Year
2019	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	8,002	$	9,541	$	(9,165	)	(a)	$	8,378
2018	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	5,540	$	6,283	$	(3,821	)	(a)	$	8,002
2017	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,419	$	1,639	$	(518	)	(a)	$	5,540

(a)	Bad debts written off (net of recoveries).

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Star Group, L.P. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is comprised of Net income and Other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income consists of the unrealized gain amortization on the Company’s pension plan obligation for its two frozen defined benefit pension plans, unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge and the corresponding tax effects.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Refer to Note 3 – Revenue Recognition for revenue recognition accounting policies. Sales of petroleum products are recognized at the time of delivery to the customer and sales of heating and air conditioning equipment are recognized upon completion of installation. Revenue from repairs, maintenance and other services are recognized upon completion of the service. Payments received from customers for equipment service contracts are deferred and amortized into income over the terms of the respective service contracts, on a straight-line basis, which generally do not exceed one year. To the extent that the Company anticipates that future costs for fulfilling its contractual obligations under its service maintenance contracts will exceed the amount of deferred revenue currently attributable to these contracts, the Company recognizes a loss in current period earnings equal to the amount that anticipated future costs exceed related deferred revenues.
Cost of Product	Cost of Product Cost of product includes the cost of home heating oil, diesel, propane, kerosene, gasoline, throughput costs, barging costs, option costs, and realized gains/losses on closed derivative positions for product sales.
Cost of Installations and Services	Cost of Installations and Services Cost of installations and services includes equipment and material costs, wages and benefits for equipment technicians, dispatchers and other support personnel, subcontractor expenses, commissions and vehicle related costs.
Delivery and Branch Expenses	Delivery and Branch Expenses Delivery and branch expenses include wages and benefits and department related costs for drivers, dispatchers, garage mechanics, customer service, sales and marketing, compliance, credit and branch accounting, information technology, vehicle and property rental costs, insurance, weather hedge contract costs and recoveries, and operational management and support.
General and Administrative Expenses	General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses include property costs, wages and benefits and department related costs for human resources, finance and corporate accounting, internal audit, administrative support and supply.
Allocation of Net Income	Allocation of Net Income Net income for partners’ capital and statement of operations is allocated to the general partner and the limited partners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages, after giving effect to cash distributions paid to the general partner in excess of its ownership interest, if any.
Net Income per Limited Partner Unit	Net Income per Limited Partner Unit Income per limited partner unit is computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260-10-05 Earnings Per Share, Master Limited Partnerships (EITF 03-06), by dividing the limited partners’ interest in net income by the weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding. The pro forma nature of the allocation required by this standard provides that in any accounting period where the Company’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Company is required to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the periods were distributed, regardless of whether those earnings would actually be distributed during a particular period from an economic or practical perspective. This allocation does not impact the Company’s overall net income or other financial results. However, for periods in which the Company’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distributions for such period, it will have the impact of reducing the earnings per limited partner unit, as the calculation according to this standard results in a theoretical increased allocation of undistributed earnings to the general partner. In accounting periods where aggregate net income does not exceed aggregate distributions for such period, this standard does not have any impact on the Company’s net income per limited partner unit calculation. A separate and independent calculation for each quarter and year-to-date period is performed, in which the Company’s contractual participation rights are taken into account.
Cash Equivalents, Receivables, Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, and Accounts Payable	Cash Equivalents, Receivables, Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings, and Accounts Payable The carrying amount of cash equivalents, receivables, revolving credit facility borrowings, and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. At September 30, 2019, the $5.1 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows is comprised of $4.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $0.3 million of restricted cash. At September 30, 2018, the $14.8 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows is comprised of $14.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $0.3 million of restricted cash. Restricted cash represents deposits held by our captive insurance company that are required by state insurance regulations to remain in the captive insurance company as cash.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivables from customers are recorded at the invoiced amounts. Finance charges may be applied to trade receivables that are more than 30 days past due, and are recorded as finance charge income. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s estimate of the amount of trade receivables that may not be collectible. The allowance is determined at an aggregate level by grouping accounts based on certain account criteria and its receivable aging. The allowance is based on both quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical loss experience, historical collection patterns, overdue status, aging trends, and current economic conditions. The Company has an established process to periodically review current and past due trade receivable balances to determine the adequacy of the allowance. No single statistic or measurement determines the adequacy of the allowance. The total allowance reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in its trade receivables at the balance sheet date. Different assumptions or changes in economic conditions could result in material changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories	Inventories Liquid product inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value computed on the weighted average cost method. All other inventories, representing parts and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the FIFO method.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets using the straight-line method over three to thirty years.
Captive Insurance Collateral	Captive Insurance Collateral The captive insurance collateral is held by our captive insurance company in an irrevocable trust as collateral for certain workers’ compensation and automobile liability claims incurred and expected to be incurred from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2019. The collateral is required by a third party insurance carrier that insures per claim amounts above a set deductible. Due to the expected timing of claim payments, the nature of the collateral agreement with the carrier, and our captive insurance company’s source of other operating cash, the collateral is not expected to be used to pay obligations within the next twelve months. At September 30, 2019, captive insurance collateral is comprised of $58.0 million of Level 1 debt securities measured at fair value and $0.5 million of mutual funds measured at net asset value. At September 30, 2018, the balance was comprised of $44.8 million of Level 1 debt securities measured at fair value and $0.6 million of mutual funds measured at net asset value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income taxes, are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), except for losses from impairments which are determined to be other-than-temporary. Realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in the determination of net income and are included in Interest expense, net, at which time the average cost basis of these securities are adjusted to fair value.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and intangible assets include goodwill, customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete. Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets in the acquisition of a company. In accordance with FASB ASC 350-10-05 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are annually tested for impairment. Also in accordance with this standard, intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. The Company performs its annual impairment review during its fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill might be impaired. Customer lists are the names and addresses of an acquired company’s customers. Based on historical retention experience, these lists are amortized on a straight-line basis over seven to ten years. Trade names are the names of acquired companies. Based on the economic benefit expected and historical retention experience of customers, trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over three to twenty years.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations We use the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires us to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date, and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the amounts recognized for a business combination may be adjusted). Each acquired company’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements starting on the date of acquisition. The purchase price is equivalent to the fair value of consideration transferred. Tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The separately identifiable intangible assets generally are comprised of customer lists, trade names and covenants not to compete. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs that are incurred to complete the business combination such as legal and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration transferred, and are charged to general and administrative expense as they are incurred. For any given acquisition, certain contingent consideration may be identified. Estimates of the fair value of liability or asset classified contingent consideration are included under the acquisition method as part of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed. At each reporting date, these estimates are remeasured to fair value, with changes recognized in earnings.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews intangible assets and other long-lived assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-05-4 Property Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets subsection, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The Company determines whether the carrying values of such assets are recoverable over their remaining estimated lives through undiscounted future cash flow analysis. If such a review should indicate that the carrying amount of the assets is not recoverable, the Company will reduce the carrying amount of such assets to fair value.
Finance Charge Income	Finance Charge Income Finance charge income represents late customer payment charges and financing income from extended payment plans associated with installations.
Other Income, Net	Other Income, Net Other income, net represents the $7.0 million gain on the sale of the Company’s security customer account base, which occurred in fiscal 2018. The gain is comprised of $6.8 million of cash proceeds and $0.4 million from the recognition of unamortized deferred service liabilities, partially offset by $0.2 million of other expenses.
Deferred Charges	Deferred Charges Deferred charges represent the costs associated with the issuance of the term loan and revolving credit facility and are amortized over the life of the facility.
Advertising	Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as they are incurred. Advertising expenses were $14.3 million, $15.1 million, and $15.1 million, in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively and are recorded in delivery and branch expenses.
Customer Credit Balances	Customer Credit Balances Customer credit balances represent payments received in advance from customers pursuant to a balanced payment plan (whereby customers pay on a fixed monthly basis) and the payments made have exceeded the charges for liquid product and other services.
Environmental Costs	Environmental Costs Costs associated with managing hazardous substances and pollution are expensed on a current basis. Accruals are made for costs associated with the remediation of environmental pollution when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
Insurance Reserves	Insurance Reserves The Company uses a combination of insurance, self-insured retention and self-insurance for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle liability, medical liability and property. Reserves are established and periodically evaluated, based upon expectations as to what our ultimate liability may be for outstanding claims using developmental factors based upon historical claim experience, including frequency, severity, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions, supplemented with support from qualified actuaries. Liabilities are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes At a special meeting held October 25, 2017, unitholders voted in favor of proposals to have the Company be treated as a corporation effective November 1, 2017, instead of a partnership, for federal income tax purposes (commonly referred to as a “check-the-box” election) along with amendments to our Partnership Agreement to effect such changes in income tax classification. For corporate subsidiaries of the Company, a consolidated Federal income tax return is filed. The accompanying financial statements are reported on a fiscal year, however, the Company and its Corporate subsidiaries file Federal and State income tax returns on a calendar year. As most of the Company’s income is derived from its corporate subsidiaries, these financial statements reflect significant Federal and State income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence including historical tax losses, it is more likely than not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Sales, Use and Value Added Taxes	Sales, Use and Value Added Taxes Taxes are assessed by various governmental authorities on many different types of transactions. Sales reported for product, installations and services exclude taxes.
Derivatives and Hedging	Derivatives and Hedging FASB ASC 815-10-05 Derivatives and Hedging, requires that derivative instruments be recorded at fair value and included in the consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities. The Company has elected not to designate its commodity derivative instruments as hedging instruments under this guidance, and the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in our statement of operations. The Company has designated its interest rate swap agreements as hedging derivatives, and the changes in fair value are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Weather Hedge Contract	Weather Hedge Contract To partially mitigate the effect of weather on cash flows, the Company has used weather hedge contracts for a number of years. Weather hedge contracts are recorded in accordance with the intrinsic value method defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-45-15 Derivatives and Hedging, Weather Derivatives (EITF 99-2). The premium paid is included in the caption prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying balance sheets and amortized over the life of the contract, with the intrinsic value method applied at each interim period. As of September 30, 2019 the Company has weather hedge contracts for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Under these contracts, we are entitled to receive a payment if the total number of degree days within the hedge period is less than the prior ten year average. The “Payment Thresholds,” or strikes, are set at various levels. In addition, we will be obligated to make a payment capped at $5.0 million if degree days exceed the prior ten year average. The hedge period runs from November 1 through March 31, taken as a whole, for each respective fiscal year. For fiscal 2020 and 2021 the maximum that the Company can receive annually is $12.5 million and the maximum that the Company would be obligated to pay annually is $5.0 million. In fiscal years 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded a charge of $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively, under weather hedge contracts that increased delivery and branch expenses. The amounts were paid in April 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The FASB has also issued several updates to ASU No. 2014-09. The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09 effective October 1, 2018 by using the modified retrospective method and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU No. 2014-09 as an adjustment to the opening balance of Partners’ Capital at October 1, 2018. The historical periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition. We have applied the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 retrospectively to all contracts and have elected not to account for significant financing components if the period between revenue recognition and when the customer pays for product, service, or equipment installation will be one year or less. See further detail on the impact of the adoption on our consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 at Note 3 – Revenue Recognition. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The update addresses the issues of debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-15 effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-01 effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-01 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. The update requires all leases with a term greater than twelve months to be recognized on the balance sheet by calculating the discounted present value of such leases and accounting for them through a right-of-use asset and an offsetting lease liability, and the disclosure of key information pertaining to leasing arrangements. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is continuing to evaluate the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 could have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and plans to adopt using the modified retrospective transition approach for leases that exist in the period of adoption and recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU No. 2016-02 as an adjustment to the opening balance of Partners’ Capital at October 1, 2019. As of the date of adoption, the Company expects to elect the package of practical expedients that permit the Company to forego reassessing the Company’s prior conclusions about (i) lease identification, (ii) lease classification, and (iii) initial direct costs. The Company also plans to elect a practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the lease components. The new guidance will materially change how we account for operating leases for office space, trucks and other equipment. Upon adoption, we expect to recognize discounted right-of-use assets and lease liabilities between $100 million and $120 million. We do not expect a material adjustment to the opening balance of Partners’ Capital at October 1, 2019. These assets and liabilities will be amortized as the respective leases amortize. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. The update broadens the information that an entity should consider in developing expected credit loss estimates, eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold, and allows for the immediate recognition of the full amount of expected credit losses. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but has not yet determined the timing of adoption. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 230): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The update simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, but not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. This new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not determined the timing of adoption, but does not expect ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General: Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing and adding certain disclosures for these plans. The new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2018-14 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but has not determined the timing of adoption. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract, which will align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for our annual reporting period beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2018-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, but has not determined the timing of adoption.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Summary of Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Sources

The following disaggregates our revenue by major sources for the year ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018:

	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Petroleum Products:
Home heating oil and propane	$	1,099,874	$	1,084,827	$	854,067
Motor fuel and other petroleum products		366,172		319,543		211,009
Total petroleum products		1,466,045		1,404,370		1,065,076
Installations and Services:
Equipment installations		101,709		98,064		94,961
Equipment maintenance service contracts		120,138		111,361		105,565
Billable call services		65,980		64,042		57,953
Total installations and services		287,827		273,467		258,479
Total Sales	$	1,753,872	$	1,677,837	$	1,323,555

ASU 2014-09

Summary of Impact of Adoption on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations

	For the Year Ended September 30, 2019
Statement of Operations	As Reported		Balances without Adoption of ASC 606		Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Sales:
Product	$	1,466,045	$	1,477,488	$	(11,443	)
Installations and services		287,827		281,249		6,578
Total Sales		1,753,872		1,758,737		(4,865	)
Cost and Expenses:
Delivery and branch expenses		369,033		372,290		(3,257	)
Operating income (loss)		37,350		38,958		(1,608	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		25,154		26,762		(1,608	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		7,517		7,998		(481	)
Net income (loss)	$	17,637	$	18,764	$	(1,127	)
General Partner's interest in net income (loss)		95		101		(6	)
Limited Partner's interest in net income (loss)	$	17,542	$	18,663	$	(1,121	)

Basic and diluted income (loss) per Limited Partner Unit	$	0.35	$	0.37	$	(0.02	)

	September 30, 2019
Balance Sheet	As Reported			Balances without Adoption of ASC 606			Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	36,898		$	31,442		$	5,456
Deferred charges and other assets, net	$	16,635		$	10,707		$	5,928
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	120,839		$	120,818		$	21
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$	20,116		$	16,850		$	3,266
Partners' capital
Common unitholders	$	279,709		$	271,666		$	8,043
General partner	$	(1,968	)	$	(2,022	)	$	54

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Company's Repurchase Activities

The following table shows repurchases under the Repurchase Plan.

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Period	Total Number of Units Purchased		Average Price Paid per Unit (a)		Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased
Fiscal year 2012 to 2018 total		7,937	$	7.11		5,493		5,359
First quarter fiscal year 2019 total		599	$	9.57		599		4,760
Second quarter fiscal year 2019 total		2,187	$	9.44		2,187		2,573	(b)
Third quarter fiscal year 2019 total		885	$	9.68		885		1,688
July 2019		147	$	9.76		147		1,541
August 2019		223	$	9.67		223		2,318	(c)
September 2019		1,362	$	9.41		1,362		956	(d)
Fourth quarter fiscal year 2019 total		1,732	$	9.47		1,732		956
Fiscal year 2019 total		5,403	$	9.50		5,403		956
October 2019		223	$	9.44		223		733
November 2019		261	$	9.39		261		472	(e)

(a)	Amounts include repurchase costs.

(b)	Second quarter of fiscal year 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

(c)	In August 2019, the Board authorized an increase in the number of Common Units available for repurchase from 1.3 million to 2.3 million.

(d)	September 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

(e)	Of the total available for repurchase, approximately 0.4 million are available for repurchase in open market transactions and 0.1 million are available for repurchase in privately-negotiated transactions.

Captive Insurance Collateral (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of Captive Insurance Collateral to be Available-for-sale Investments

The Company considers all of its captive insurance collateral to be available-for-sale investments. Investments at September 30, 2019 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Loss)			Fair Value
Cash and Receivables	$	509	$	—	$	—		$	509
U.S. Government Sponsored Agencies		29,055		198		(3	)		29,250
Corporate Debt Securities		23,831		773		—			24,604
Foreign Bonds and Notes		4,066		61		—			4,127
Total	$	57,461	$	1,032	$	(3	)	$	58,490

Investments at September 30, 2018 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Loss)			Fair Value
Cash and Receivables	$	350	$	—	$	—		$	350
U.S. Government Sponsored Agencies		10,735		—		(192	)		10,543
Corporate Debt Securities		30,427		—		(928	)		29,499
Foreign Bonds and Notes		5,111		—		(84	)		5,027
Total	$	46,623	$	—	$	(1,204	)	$	45,419

Schedule of Maturities of Investments

Maturities of investments were as follows at September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Net Carrying Amount
Due within one year	$	9,958
Due after one year through five years		35,114
Due after five years through ten years		13,418
Total	$	58,490

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Company's Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

(In thousands)					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments					Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs
Under FASB ASC 815-10	Balance Sheet Location	Total			Level 1		Level 2
Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2019
Commodity contracts	Fair liability value of derivative instruments	$	13,824		$	—	$	13,824
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative assets included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance		1,466			—		1,466
Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2019		$	15,290		$	—	$	15,290
Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2019
Commodity contracts	Fair liability value of derivative instruments	$	(22,086	)	$	—	$	(22,086	)
Commodity contracts	Cash collateral		—			—		—
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative liabilities included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance and other long term liabilities, net		(1,719	)		—		(1,719	)
Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2019		$	(23,805	)	$	—	$	(23,805	)
Asset Derivatives at September 30, 2018
Commodity contracts	Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	17,710		$	—	$	17,710
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative assets included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance		906			—		906
Commodity contract assets at September 30, 2018		$	18,616		$	—	$	18,616
Liability Derivatives at September 30, 2018
Commodity contracts	Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	—		$	—	$	—
Commodity contracts	Cash collateral		—			—		—
Commodity contracts	Long-term derivative liabilities included in the deferred charges and other assets, net balance		(103	)		—		(103	)
Commodity contract liabilities at September 30, 2018		$	(103	)	$	—	$	(103	)

Company's Derivatives Assets (Liabilities) Offset by Counterparty

The Company’s derivative assets (liabilities) offset by counterparty and subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement are listed on the following table.

(In thousands)									Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	Gross Assets Recognized		Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position			Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—
Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net		16		(16	)		—			—		—		—
Fair liability value of derivative instruments		13,824		(22,086	)		(8,262	)		—		—		(8,262	)
Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net		1,450		(1,703	)		(253	)		—		—		(253	)
Total at September 30, 2019	$	15,290	$	(23,805	)	$	(8,515	)	$	—	$	—	$	(8,515	)
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	17,710	$	-		$	17,710		$	—	$	—	$	17,710
Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net		906		(103	)		803			—		—		803
Fair liability value of derivative instruments		—		—			—			—		—		—
Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net		—		—			—			—		—		—
Total at September 30, 2018	$	18,616	$	(103	)	$	18,513		$	—	$	—	$	18,513

Company's Derivatives Assets (Liabilities) Offset by Counterparty

The Company’s derivative assets (liabilities) offset by counterparty and subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement are listed on the following table.

(In thousands)									Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities)	Gross Assets Recognized		Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position			Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—
Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net		16		(16	)		—			—		—		—
Fair liability value of derivative instruments		13,824		(22,086	)		(8,262	)		—		—		(8,262	)
Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net		1,450		(1,703	)		(253	)		—		—		(253	)
Total at September 30, 2019	$	15,290	$	(23,805	)	$	(8,515	)	$	—	$	—	$	(8,515	)
Fair asset value of derivative instruments	$	17,710	$	-		$	17,710		$	—	$	—	$	17,710
Long-term derivative assets included in other long-term assets, net		906		(103	)		803			—		—		803
Fair liability value of derivative instruments		—		—			—			—		—		—
Long-term derivative liabilities included in other long-term liabilities, net		—		—			—			—		—		—
Total at September 30, 2018	$	18,616	$	(103	)	$	18,513		$	—	$	—	$	18,513

Company's Effect on Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

(In thousands)
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
		Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized
		Years Ended September 30,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Under FASB ASC 815-10	Location of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative	2019		2018			2017
Commodity contracts	Cost of product (a)	$	9,266	$	10,379		$	6,386
Commodity contracts	Cost of installations and service (a)	$	836	$	(726	)	$	(526	)
Commodity contracts	Delivery and branch expenses (a)	$	596	$	(1,403	)	$	(422	)
Commodity contracts	(Increase) / decrease in the fair value of derivative instruments (b)	$	25,113	$	(11,408	)	$	(2,193	)

(a)	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

(b)	Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Inventory

The components of inventory were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019		2018
Product	$	43,536	$	34,618
Parts and equipment		21,252		21,759
Total inventory	$	64,788	$	56,377

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Component of Property and Equipment

The components of property and equipment were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019		2018
Land and land improvements	$	20,872	$	19,230
Buildings and leasehold improvements		37,443		34,557
Fleet and other equipment		73,440		66,734
Tanks and equipment		50,353		45,860
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment		48,582		44,200
Total		230,690		210,581
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		132,451		122,963
Property and equipment, net	$	98,239	$	87,618

Business Combinations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Summary of Preliminary Fair Values and Purchase Price Allocations in Aggregate of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values and purchase price allocations in aggregate of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the fiscal 2019 acquisitions as of the respective acquisition dates.

(in thousands)	As of Acquisition Date
Receivables	$	6,887
Inventories		2,105
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		89
Property and equipment, net		13,676
Intangibles		28,599
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(366	)
Unearned service contract revenue		(2,800	)
Customer credit balances		(3,399	)
Other long-term liabilities		(25	)
Total net identifiable assets acquired	$	44,766

Total consideration	$	60,904
Less: Total net identifiable assets acquired		44,766
Goodwill	$	16,138

Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations

	For the Twelve Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019		2018
Total sales	$	1,821,522	$	1,765,165
Net income	$	22,486	$	57,112

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in the Company's Goodwill

A summary of changes in the Company’s goodwill during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of September 30, 2017	$	225,915
Fiscal year 2018 business combinations		2,521
Balance as of September 30, 2018		228,436
Fiscal year 2019 business combinations		16,138
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	244,574

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019						2018
	Gross						Gross
	Carrying		Accum.				Carrying		Accum.
	Amount		Amortization		Net		Amount		Amortization		Net
Customer lists	$	382,373	$	297,221	$	85,152	$	358,776	$	279,990	$	78,786
Trade names and other intangibles		37,739		15,203		22,536		32,739		13,081		19,658
Total	$	420,112	$	312,424	$	107,688	$	391,515	$	293,071	$	98,444

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Total estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization, for the year ended September 30, 2020 and the four succeeding fiscal years ended September 30, is as follows (in thousands):

	Amount
2020	$	19,451
2021	$	16,944
2022	$	14,885
2023	$	13,272
2024	$	10,919

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Components of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019		2018
Accrued wages and benefits	$	26,747	$	25,712
Accrued insurance		81,443		77,890
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities		12,649		12,834
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	120,839	$	116,436

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Company's Debt

The Company's debt is as follows	September 30,
(in thousands):	2019				2018
	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value (a)		Amount		Fair Value
Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings	$	61,500	$	61,500	$	1,500	$	1,500
Senior Secured Term Loan (b)		91,947		92,500		99,280		100,000
Total debt	$	153,447	$	154,000	$	100,780	$	101,500
Total short-term portion of debt (c)	$	33,000	$	33,000	$	9,000	$	9,000
Total long-term portion of debt (c)	$	120,447	$	121,000	$	91,780	$	92,500

(a)

The face amount of the Company’s variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value.

(b)

Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.6 million as of September 30, 2019 and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2018.

(c)

Maturities Including Working Capital Borrowings and Expected Repayments Due to Excess Cash Flow

2020	$	9,000
2021	$	13,000
2022	$	13,000
2023	$	13,000
2024	$	13,000
Thereafter	$	93,000

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Participation and Contributions to Multiemployer Pension Plans

		Pension Protection Act Zone Status		FIP / RP Status	Partnership Contributions (in thousands)
Pension Fund	EIN / Pension Plan Number	2019	2018	Pending / Implemented	2019		2018		2017		Surcharge Imposed	Expiration Date of Collective- Bargaining Agreements
New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund	04-6372430 / 001	Red	Red	Yes / Implemented	$	2,468	$	2,455	$	2,621	No	3/31/20 to 4/30/23
Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund	13-6123973 / 001	Green	Green	N/A		1,039		846		924	No	12/31/19 to 1/31/24
Local 553 Pension Fund	13-6637826 / 001	Green	Green	N/A		3,114		2,888		2,780	No	12/15/19 to 1/15/20
Local 463 Pension Fund	11-1800729 / 001	Green	Green	N/A		144		145		150	No	2/28/20 to 6/30/22
All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans						2,833		2,807		2,465
				Total Contributions	$	9,598	$	9,141	$	8,940

Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Period Reconciliation of Changes in Plan Assets Projected Benefit Obligations and Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

																Gross Pension
	Net Periodic						Fair									Related
	Pension						Value of									Accumulated
	Cost in						Pension			Projected			Other			Other
	Income						Plan			Benefit			Comprehensive			Comprehensive
Debit / (Credit)	Statement			Cash			Assets			Obligation			(Income) / Loss			Income
Fiscal Year 2017
Beginning balance							$	68,276		$	(70,679	)				$	21,704
Interest cost		2,251									(2,251	)
Actual return on plan assets		(1,473	)					1,473
Employer contributions					(505	)		505
Benefit payments								(4,578	)		4,578
Investment and other expenses		(455	)								455
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets		(1,232	)											1,232
Anticipated expenses		341									(341	)
Actuarial loss											2,457			(2,457	)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		2,131												(2,131	)
Annual cost/change	$	1,563		$	(505	)		(2,600	)		4,898		$	(3,356	)		(3,356	)
Ending balance							$	65,676		$	(65,781	)				$	18,348
Funded status at the end of the year										$	(105	)
Fiscal Year 2018
Interest cost		2,279									(2,279	)
Actual return on plan assets		942						(942	)
Employer contributions					(1,653	)		1,653
Benefit payments								(4,463	)		4,463
Investment and other expenses		(394	)								394
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets		(3,705	)											3,705
Anticipated expenses		328									(328	)
Actuarial loss											3,989			(3,989	)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		1,791												(1,791	)
Annual cost/change	$	1,241		$	(1,653	)		(3,752	)		6,239		$	(2,075	)		(2,075	)
Ending balance							$	61,924		$	(59,542	)				$	16,273
Funded status at the end of the year										$	2,382
Fiscal Year 2019
Interest cost		2,366									(2,366	)
Actual return on plan assets		(9,380	)					9,380
Employer contributions
Benefit payments								(4,466	)		4,466
Investment and other expenses		(483	)								483
Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets		7,086												(7,086	)
Anticipated expenses		310									(310	)
Actuarial loss											(7,738	)		7,738
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		1,821												(1,821	)
Annual cost/change	$	1,720		$	—			4,914			(5,465	)	$	(1,169	)		(1,169	)
Ending balance							$	66,838		$	(65,007	)				$	15,104
Funded status at the end of the year										$	1,831

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Measurement of Partnership's Benefit Obligation

	September 30,
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Measurement of the Partnership’s Benefit Obligation	2019	2018	2017
Discount rate at year end date	3.00%	4.15%	3.60%
Expected return on plan assets for the year ended	4.67%	4.86%	4.80%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A	N/A	N/A

Fair Values and Percentage of Company's Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category

The fair values and percentage of the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category are as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019			2018
			Concentration			Concentration
Asset Category	Level 1		Percentage	Level 1		Percentage
Corporate and U.S. government bond fund (1)	$	60,720	90%	$	55,908	90%
U.S. large-cap equity (1)		4,632	7%		4,566	7%
International equity (1)		1,119	2%		1,129	2%
Cash		367	1%		321	1%
Total	$	66,838	100%	$	61,924	100%

(1)	Represent investments in Vanguard funds that seek to replicate the asset category description.

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense is comprised of the following for the indicated periods (in thousands):

	Years Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
Current:
Federal	$	7,921		$	(6,067	)	$	7,578
State		4,722			(1,016	)		2,664
Deferred
Federal		(3,168	)		11,052			8,775
State		(1,958	)		3,633			1,359
	$	7,517		$	7,602		$	20,376

Provision for Income Taxes Differs from Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes differs from income taxes computed at the Federal statutory rate as a result of the following (in thousands):

	Years Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2017
Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	25,154	$	63,107		$	47,276
Provision for income taxes:
Tax at Federal statutory rate	$	5,282	$	17,266		$	16,546
Effect of the tax reform on deferred taxes		—		(11,101	)		—
Impact of Partnership loss not subject to federal income taxes		—		53			741
State taxes net of federal benefit		1,626		1,864			3,170
Permanent differences		345		99			89
Change in valuation allowance net of effect of the tax reform		23		107			115
Other		241		(686	)		(285	)
	$	7,517	$	7,602		$	20,376

Components of Net Deferred Taxes

The components of the net deferred taxes for the years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 using current tax rates are as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2019			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	6,292		$	6,647
Vacation accrual		2,774			2,658
Pension accrual		4,504			4,425
Allowance for bad debts		2,235			2,226
Insurance accrual		2,419			2,425
Inventory capitalization		247			350
Fair value of derivative instruments		2,794			—
Other, net		—			1,382
Total deferred tax assets		21,265			20,113
Valuation allowance		(4,003	)		(3,980	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	17,262		$	16,133
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	13,485		$	9,783
Fair value of derivative instruments		—			4,673
Intangibles		21,883			22,883
Other, net		2,010			—
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	37,378		$	37,339
Net deferred taxes	$	(20,116	)	$	(21,206	)

Lease Commitments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Future Minimum Rental Commitments

The future minimum rental commitments at September 30, 2019 under operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable term of one year or more are as follows (in thousands):

2020	$	24,082
2021		20,875
2022		16,687
2023		13,344
2024		11,114
Thereafter		43,506
Total future minimum lease payments	$	129,608

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net	$	5,133	$	2,569	$	4,434
Interest	$	12,601	$	8,925	$	7,814

Earnings per Limited Partner Units (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data

The following table presents the net income allocation and per unit data in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 Earnings per Share, Master Limited Partnerships (EITF 03-06):

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:	Years Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per unit data)	2019		2018		2017
Net income	$	17,637	$	55,505	$	26,900
Less General Partners’ interest in net income		95		314		156
Net income available to limited partners		17,542		55,191		26,744
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *		—		6,340		914
Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	17,542	$	48,851	$	25,830
Per unit data:
Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners	$	0.35	$	1.01	$	0.48
Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 *		—		0.12		0.02
Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60	$	0.35	$	0.89	$	0.46
Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding		50,814		54,764		55,888

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

	Three Months Ended
	Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,
(in thousands - except per unit data)	2018		2019		2019			2019			Total
Sales	$	535,027	$	699,582	$	283,376		$	235,887		$	1,753,872
Gross profit for product, installation and service		154,484		218,549		66,191			48,482			487,706
Operating income (loss)		6,063		105,002		(29,933	)		(43,782	)		37,350
Income (loss) before income taxes		3,288		101,564		(33,153	)		(46,545	)		25,154
Net income (loss)		2,315		72,325		(23,098	)		(33,905	)		17,637
Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)		2,300		71,871		(22,948	)		(33,681	)		17,542
Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
Basic and diluted (a)	$	0.04	$	1.15	$	(0.46	)		(0.69	)	$	0.35

	Three Months Ended
	Dec. 31,		Mar. 31,		Jun. 30,			Sep. 30,
(in thousands - except per unit data)	2017		2018		2018			2018			Total
Sales	$	436,834	$	684,031	$	327,354		$	229,618		$	1,677,837
Gross profit for product, installation and service		124,499		216,079		79,377			43,387			463,342
Operating income (loss)		31,066		85,473		(8,817	)		(41,654	)		66,068
Income (loss) before income taxes		28,670		82,783		(11,421	)		(36,925	)		63,107
Net income (loss)		30,182		54,778		(8,005	)		(21,450	)		55,505
Limited Partner interest in net income (loss)		30,007		54,459		(7,956	)		(21,319	)		55,191
Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:
Basic and diluted (a)	$	0.45	$	0.81	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.40	)	$	0.89

(a)	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.

Organization - Additional Information (Detail) shares in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 Segment Customer Contract shares	Sep. 30, 2018 shares	Sep. 30, 2017 shares	Sep. 30, 2016 shares
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| Segment		1
Fourth Amendment
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility \| $	$ 300,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility \| $	$ 450,000,000
Due date of debt	Jul. 02, 2023
Fourth Amendment \| Term Loan
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Outstanding term loan \| $	$ 100,000,000
Senior secured term loan maturity period	5 years
Petro Holdings, Inc
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest of Star Acquisitions Inc.		100.00%
Number of residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers served \| Customer		453,000
Number of customers to whom only home heating oil, gasoline and diesel were sells on a delivery only basis \| Customer		56,000
Number of service contracts heating oil and propane for natural gas and other heating systems \| Contract		17,000
Number of customers to whom sell gasoline and diesel fuel \| Customer		27,000
Star Group L.P.
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Percentage of limited partner interest		99.30%
Percentage of general partner interest		0.70%
Star Acquisitions, Inc
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest of partnership		100.00%
Common Stock
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Number of outstanding units \| shares		47,685	53,088	55,888	55,888
General Partner
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Number of outstanding units \| shares		326	326	326	326

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Sep. 30, 2020

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Oct. 01, 2019

Sep. 30, 2016

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

$ 5,149,000

$ 14,781,000

$ 52,708,000

$ 139,188,000

Captive insurance collateral, debt securities

4,899,000

14,531,000

Restricted cash

250,000

^[1]

58,490,000

45,419,000

Other income, net

^[2]

7,043,000

Gain on sale of security customer account, cash portion

^[3]

6,824,000

Recognition of unamortized deferred service liabilities

400,000

Other expenses

200,000

Advertising expenses

14,300,000

15,100,000

$ 15,100,000

Additional payment obligated to pay if degree days exceed ten year average

$ 5,000,000

ASU 2014-09

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Revenue, practical expedient, financing component [true false]

true

Scenario Forecast

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Derivative maximum payout

$ 5,000,000

Financial Products Corporation | Delivery and branch expenses

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Charge on weather hedge contract

$ 2,100,000

1,900,000

Captive Insurance Collateral | Level 1

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Captive insurance collateral, debt securities

58,000,000

44,800,000

Captive Insurance Collateral | Mutual Funds

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Captive insurance collateral, net asset value

$ 500,000

$ 600,000

Maximum

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Cash equivalents, highly liquid investments maturity

3 months

Property and equipment, estimated useful lives

30 years

Maximum | Subsequent Event

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Right-of-use assets

$ 120,000,000

Lease liabilities

120,000,000

Maximum | Scenario Forecast

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Derivative maximum receivable

$ 12,500,000

Maximum | Customer Lists

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

10 years

Maximum | Trade Names

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

20 years

Minimum

Property and equipment, estimated useful lives

3 years

Minimum | Subsequent Event

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Right-of-use assets

100,000,000

Lease liabilities

$ 100,000,000

Minimum | Customer Lists

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Schedule Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

7 years

Minimum | Trade Names

3 years

[1]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Captive Insurance Collateral.
[2]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Income, Net.
[3]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other income, net.

Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Impact of Adoption on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Sales:

$ 235,887

$ 283,376

$ 699,582

$ 535,027

$ 229,618

$ 327,354

$ 684,031

$ 436,834

$ 1,753,872

$ 1,677,837

$ 1,323,555

369,033

357,580

306,534

(43,782)

(29,933)

105,002

6,063

(41,654)

(8,817)

85,473

31,066

37,350

66,068

55,332

(46,545)

(33,153)

101,564

3,288

(36,925)

(11,421)

82,783

28,670

$ 34,400

25,154

63,107

47,276

7,517

7,602

20,376

General Partner's interest in net income (loss)

(33,905)

(23,098)

72,325

2,315

(21,450)

(8,005)

54,778

30,182

17,637

55,505

26,900

314

156

Basic and diluted income (loss) per Limited Partner Unit

$ (33,681)

$ (22,948)

$ 71,871

$ 2,300

$ (21,319)

$ (7,956)

$ 54,459

$ 30,007

$ 17,542

$ 55,191

$ 26,744

$ (0.69)

^[1]

$ (0.46)

^[1]

$ 1.15

^[1]

$ 0.04

^[1]

$ (0.40)

^[1]

$ (0.15)

^[1]

$ 0.81

^[1]

$ 0.45

^[1]

$ 0.35

^[1],[2]

$ 0.89

^[1],[2]

$ 0.46

^[2]

Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 | ASU 2014-09

Sales:

$ 1,758,737

372,290

38,958

26,762

7,998

General Partner's interest in net income (loss)

18,764

101

Basic and diluted income (loss) per Limited Partner Unit

$ 18,663

$ 0.37

Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) | ASU 2014-09

Sales:

$ (4,865)

(3,257)

(1,608)

(1,608)

(481)

General Partner's interest in net income (loss)

(1,127)

(6)

Basic and diluted income (loss) per Limited Partner Unit

$ (1,121)

$ (0.02)

Product

Sales:

Product | Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 | ASU 2014-09

$ 1,466,045

$ 1,404,370

$ 1,065,076

Sales:

Product | Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) | ASU 2014-09

1,477,488

Sales:

Installations and services

(11,443)

Sales:

Installations and services | Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 | ASU 2014-09

287,827

$ 273,467

$ 258,479

Sales:

Installations and services | Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) | ASU 2014-09

281,249

Sales:

$ 6,578

[1]	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.
[2]	See Note 19 - Earnings Per Limited Partner Units.

Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Impact of Adoption on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 36,898	$ 35,451
Deferred charges and other assets, net	16,635	13,067
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	120,839	116,436
Deferred tax liabilities, net	20,116	21,206
Partners’ capital
Common unitholders	279,709	329,129
General partner	(1,968)	$ (1,303)
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 \| ASU 2014-09
ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	31,442
Deferred charges and other assets, net	10,707
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	120,818
Deferred tax liabilities, net	16,850
Partners’ capital
Common unitholders	271,666
General partner	(2,022)
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower) \| ASU 2014-09
ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,456
Deferred charges and other assets, net	5,928
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	21
Deferred tax liabilities, net	3,266
Partners’ capital
Common unitholders	8,043
General partner	$ 54

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Sources (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales	$ 235,887	$ 283,376	$ 699,582	$ 535,027	$ 229,618	$ 327,354	$ 684,031	$ 436,834	$ 1,753,872	$ 1,677,837	$ 1,323,555
Home heating oil and propane
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales									1,099,874	1,084,827	854,067
Motor fuel and other petroleum products
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales									366,172	319,543	211,009
Petroleum products
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales									1,466,045	1,404,370	1,065,076
Equipment installations
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales									101,709	98,064	94,961
Equipment maintenance service contracts
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales									120,138	111,361	105,565
Billable call services
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales									65,980	64,042	57,953
Installations and services
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total sales									$ 287,827	$ 273,467	$ 258,479

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Revenue, practical expedient, incremental cost of obtaining contract [true false]	true
Contract costs, amortization period	5 years
Contract costs, impairment loss	$ 0
Contract liabilities	127,000,000	$ 118,600,000
Contract with customer liability, revenue recognized	111,000,000
Prepaid Expense and Other Current Assets
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Deferred contract costs,current	3,400,000
Deferred Charges and Other Assets, Net
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Deferred contract costs,non current	5,900,000
Delivery and Branch Expenses
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred contract costs	$ 4,000,000
Maximum
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Contract liabilities recognition service contract period	1 year
Equipment Maintenance Service Contracts \| Maximum
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Revenue from service contracts period of recognition	1 year
Residential and Commercial Home Heating Oil Customers
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Percentage of customers receiving deliveries based on prevailing weather conditions	95.00%
Residential Customers
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Customer payment terms	30 days
Percentage of customers take advantage of smart pay budget payment plan	34.00%

Quarterly Distribution of Available Cash - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum distribution of available cash per unit	$ 0.0675
Common units distribution amount on annualized basis	$ 0.27
First tier, percentage of cash distribution to common units minimum quarterly distribution	100.00%
Second tier, percentage of available cash distribution to common units for any arrearages	100.00%
Third tier, percentage of available cash distribution to general partner unit holder until minimum quarterly distribution is met	100.00%
Fourth tier, percentage of distributions to common unit holders until first target distribution is met	90.00%
Fourth tier, percentage of distributions to general partner unit holder until first target distribution is met	10.00%
First target distribution	$ 0.1125
Thereafter, percentage of distributions to common unit holders after first target distribution is met	80.00%
Thereafter, percentage of distributions to general partner unit holders after first target distribution is met	20.00%
Percentage of excess availability of revolving commitment that must be maintained	15.00%
Fixed charge coverage ratio that must be maintained to make distributions	1.15
Annual cash distributions declared per common unit	$ 0.485	$ 0.455	$ 0.425
General partner incentive distributions exclusive of amounts paid subject to management incentive plan	$ 0.7	$ 0.6	$ 0.5

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

72 Months Ended

85 Months Ended

Jul. 02, 2018

Sep. 30, 2019

Aug. 31, 2019

Jul. 31, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Jul. 31, 2019

2,300

1,300

Fourth Amendment

Availability required to repurchase common units

$ 45,000,000

Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis

15.00%

Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility

$ 300,000,000

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio for distributions to unit holders or to repurchase common units

115.00%

Repurchase Plan

Company's common units repurchased and retired

1,362

223

147

1,732

885

2,187

599

5,403

7,937

9,500

Total Common Units remain available for repurchase

2,300

1,300

956

^[1]

2,318

^[2]

1,541

956

^[1]

1,688

2,573

^[3]

4,760

956

^[1]

5,359

1,541

Common Stock Available for Repurchase Under Open Market Transactions

Common Stock Available for Repurchase Under Privately Negotiated Transactions

1,000

1,300

[1]	September 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.
[2]	In August 2019, the Board authorized an increase in the number of Common Units available for repurchase from 1.3 million to 2.3 million.
[3]	Second quarter of fiscal year 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement - Company's Repurchase Activities (Detail) - $ / shares
shares in Thousands

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

72 Months Ended

85 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2019

Oct. 31, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Aug. 31, 2019

Jul. 31, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Jul. 31, 2019

Repurchase Plan

Average Price Paid per Unit

1,362

223

147

1,732

885

2,187

599

5,403

7,937

9,500

^[1]

$ 9.41

$ 9.67

$ 9.76

$ 9.47

$ 9.68

$ 9.44

$ 9.57

$ 9.50

$ 7.11

Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased

956

^[2]

2,318

^[3]

1,541

956

^[2]

1,688

2,573

^[4]

4,760

956

^[2]

5,359

1,541

Repurchase Plan | Subsequent Event

Average Price Paid per Unit

261

223

^[1]

$ 9.39

$ 9.44

Maximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased

472

^[5]

733

Publicly Announced Plans or Programs As Part of Repurchase Plan

Publicly Announced Plans or Programs As Part of Repurchase Plan | Subsequent Event

1,362

223

147

1,732

885

2,187

599

5,403

5,493

Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]

261

223

[1]	Amounts include repurchase costs.
[2]	September 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.
[3]	In August 2019, the Board authorized an increase in the number of Common Units available for repurchase from 1.3 million to 2.3 million.
[4]	Second quarter of fiscal year 2019 common units repurchased include 1.2 million common units acquired in a private transaction.
[5]	Of the total available for repurchase, approximately 0.4 million are available for repurchase in open market transactions and 0.1 million are available for repurchase in privately-negotiated transactions.

Common Unit Repurchase Plans and Retirement - Company's Repurchase Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Nov. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Company's common units authorized for repurchase				2.3	1.3
Private Transaction
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Company's common units repurchased	1.2	1.2
Repurchase Plan
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Company's common units authorized for repurchase				2.3	1.3
Common Stock Available for Repurchase Under Open Market Transactions
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Company's common units authorized for repurchase				1.0
Common Stock Available for Repurchase Under Open Market Transactions \| Subsequent Event
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Company's common units authorized for repurchase			0.4
Common Stock Available for Repurchase Under Privately Negotiated Transactions
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Company's common units authorized for repurchase				1.3
Common Stock Available for Repurchase Under Privately Negotiated Transactions \| Subsequent Event
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Company's common units authorized for repurchase			0.1

Captive Insurance Collateral - Schedule of Captive Insurance Collateral to be Available-for-sale Investments (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

$ 57,461

$ 46,623

1,032

(3)

(1,204)

Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]

^[1]

58,490

45,419

Cash and Receivables

509

350

U.S. Government Sponsored Agencies

509

350

Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]

29,055

10,735

198

(3)

(192)

Corporate Debt Securities

29,250

10,543

Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]

23,831

30,427

773

(928)

Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]

24,604

29,499

Foreign Bonds and Notes

4,066

5,111

(84)

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

$ 4,127

$ 5,027

[1]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Captive Insurance Collateral.

Captive Insurance Collateral - Schedule of Maturities of Investments (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Due within one year

$ 9,958

Due after one year through five years

35,114

Due after five years through ten years

13,418

Total

^[1]

$ 58,490

$ 45,419

[1]	See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Captive Insurance Collateral.

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) gal in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) gal	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) gal	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Hedging positions and payable amounts secured under credit facility	$ 7,700,000	$ 0
Interest rate swap
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Value	42,500,000		$ 50,000,000
Fair Value	(2,000,000)	$ 39,000
Percentage of market risk exposure of long term debt			50.00%
Prepaid expense and other current assets
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Aggregated cash posted as collateral in normal course of business	$ 3,500,000
Call Option
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	6.1	3.2
Notional Value	$ 15,600,000	$ 8,200,000
Fair Value	$ 100,000	$ 200,000
Call Option \| Synthetic calls
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	81.0	85.4
Notional Value	$ 165,400,000	$ 182,900,000
Fair Value	$ (7,200,000)	$ 14,000,000
Put Option
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	5.9	5.6
Notional Value	$ 7,700,000	$ 8,500,000
Fair Value	$ 28,000	$ 2,000
Swap Contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	15.5	11.7
Notional Value	$ 29,700,000	$ 24,600,000
Fair Value	$ (1,000,000)	$ 2,900,000
Swap Contracts \| Long
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	1.3	1.2
Notional Value	$ 2,400,000	$ 2,600,000
Fair Value	$ (100,000)	$ 200,000
Future Contracts \| Long
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	45.2	53.1
Notional Value	$ 83,200,000	$ 114,300,000
Fair Value	$ (900,000)	$ 9,700,000
Future Contracts \| Short
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	67.5	68.9
Notional Value	$ 124,900,000	$ 148,800,000
Fair Value	$ 200,000	$ (12,600,000)
Hedge its Internal Fuel Usage and Other Related Activities Swap Contracts Bought
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal	4.2	6.5
Notional Value	$ 7,400,000	$ 13,700,000
Fair Value	$ (300,000)	$ 1,000,000
Hedge its Internal Fuel Usage and Other Related Activities Swap Contracts Bought \| Call Option \| Synthetic calls
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative activity volume \| gal		0.5
Notional Value		$ 1,000,000
Fair Value		$ 100,000

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements - Company's Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 - Commodity Contract - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	$ 15,290	$ 18,616
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(23,805)	(103)
Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	13,824	17,710
Deferred charges and other assets, net balance
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	1,466	906
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts		(103)
Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(22,086)
Deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(1,719)
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	15,290	18,616
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(23,805)	(103)
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 \| Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	13,824	17,710
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 \| Deferred charges and other assets, net balance
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, commodity contracts	1,466	906
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts		$ (103)
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 \| Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	(22,086)
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 \| Deferred charges and other assets, net and other long-term liabilities balances
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, commodity contracts	$ (1,719)

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements - Offsetting of Financial Assets (Liabilities) and Derivative Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position		$ 17,710
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	$ (8,262)
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized	15,290	18,616
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(23,805)	(103)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	(8,515)	18,513
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Financial Instruments		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Cash Collateral Received		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Net Amount	(8,515)	18,513
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement \| Fair asset and fair liability value of derivative instruments
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized		17,710
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position		17,710
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Financial Instruments		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Cash Collateral Received		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Net Amount		17,710
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement \| Other long-term assets, net
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized	16	906
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(16)	(103)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position		803
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Financial Instruments		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Cash Collateral Received		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Net Amount		803
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement \| Fair liability and fair asset value of derivative instruments
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized	13,824
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(22,086)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	(8,262)
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Financial Instruments		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Cash Collateral Received		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Net Amount	(8,262)
Subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement \| Other long-term liabilities
Fair Values Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Including Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Gross Assets Recognized	1,450
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Statement of Financial Position	(1,703)
Net Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	(253)
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Financial Instruments		0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Cash Collateral Received		$ 0
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position, Net Amount	$ (253)

Derivatives and Hedging-Disclosures and Fair Value Measurements - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Amount of (Gain) or Loss Unrealized, commodity contracts

^[1]

$ 25,113

$ (11,408)

$ (2,193)

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of product

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts

^[2]

9,266

10,379

6,386

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Cost of installations and service

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts

^[2]

836

(726)

(526)

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10 | Commodity Contract | Delivery and branch expenses

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized, commodity contracts

^[2]

$ 596

$ (1,403)

$ (422)

[1]	Represents the change in value of unrealized open positions and expired options.
[2]	Represents realized closed positions and includes the cost of options as they expire.

Inventories - Components of Inventory (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Product	$ 43,536	$ 34,618
Parts and equipment	21,252	21,759
Total inventory	$ 64,788	$ 56,377

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) - gal gal in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory [Line Items]
Heating oil and other fuel inventories	22.8	16.3
Maximum product supply by other supplier	10.00%	10.00%
Home heating oil and propane
Inventory [Line Items]
Market based product supply contracts for next twelve months	271.6
Diesel and gasoline
Inventory [Line Items]
Market based product supply contracts for next twelve months	44.4

Component of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 230,690	$ 210,581
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	132,451	122,963
Property and equipment, net	98,239	87,618
Land and land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	20,872	19,230
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	37,443	34,557
Fleet and other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	73,440	66,734
Tanks and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	50,353	45,860
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 48,582	$ 44,200

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 13.5	$ 12.0	$ 11.1

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) PartnershipUnit	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) PartnershipUnit	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) PartnershipUnit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired \| PartnershipUnit											6	7
Goodwill	$ 244,574				$ 228,436				$ 228,436	$ 244,574	$ 228,436	$ 225,915
Total sales	235,887	$ 283,376	$ 699,582	$ 535,027	229,618	$ 327,354	$ 684,031	$ 436,834		1,753,872	1,677,837	1,323,555
Net earnings before income taxes	(46,545)	$ (33,153)	$ 101,564	$ 3,288	(36,925)	$ (11,421)	$ 82,783	$ 28,670	34,400	$ 25,154	63,107	47,276
Liquid Product Dealers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired \| PartnershipUnit										3
Acquired Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price partnership acquired										$ 60,904
Goodwill	16,138									16,138
Total sales										25,200
Net earnings before income taxes										1,700
Aggregate purchase price allocation, fixed assets	$ 13,676									$ 13,676
Acquired Business \| Customer Lists, Other Intangibles and Trade Names \| Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets, amortization period										10 years
Acquired Business \| Customer Lists, Other Intangibles and Trade Names \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets, amortization period										20 years
Acquired Business \| General and Administrative Expenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total acquisition expenses										$ 1,200
Heating Oil Dealer and Motor Fuel Dealer
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price partnership acquired											25,200
Cash paid											23,700
Deferred liabilities											1,500
Aggregate purchase price allocation, intangible assets					15,300				15,300		15,300
Aggregate purchase price allocation, fixed assets					7,500				7,500		7,500
Gross purchase price increased (reduced) by working capital credits					$ 2,400				$ 2,400		$ 2,400
Heating Oil Dealer, Propane Dealer and Plumbing Service Provider
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price partnership acquired												44,800
Cash paid												43,300
Deferred liabilities												1,500
Aggregate purchase price allocation, intangible assets												37,500
Aggregate purchase price allocation, fixed assets												10,200
Gross purchase price increased (reduced) by working capital credits												(2,900)
Contingent consideration												$ 600

Business Combinations - Summary of Preliminary Fair Values and Purchase Price Allocations in Aggregate of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 244,574	$ 228,436	$ 225,915
Acquired Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Receivables	6,887
Inventories	2,105
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	89
Property and equipment, net	13,676
Intangibles	28,599
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(366)
Unearned service contract revenue	(2,800)
Customer credit balances	(3,399)
Other long-term liabilities	(25)
Total net identifiable assets acquired	44,766
Total consideration	60,904
Less: Total net identifiable assets acquired	44,766
Goodwill	$ 16,138

Business Combinations - Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations (Detail) - Acquired Business - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total sales	$ 1,821,522	$ 1,765,165
Net income	$ 22,486	$ 57,112

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)				12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization expense for intangible assets				$ 19,400,000	$ 19,600,000	$ 16,700,000

Summary of Changes in the Company's Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance on beginning	$ 228,436	$ 225,915
Fiscal year business combinations	16,138	2,521
Balance on ending	$ 244,574	$ 228,436

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 420,112	$ 391,515
Accum. Amortization	312,424	293,071
Net	107,688	98,444
Customer Lists
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	382,373	358,776
Accum. Amortization	297,221	279,990
Net	85,152	78,786
Trade Names And Other Intangibles
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	37,739	32,739
Accum. Amortization	15,203	13,081
Net	$ 22,536	$ 19,658

Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2020	$ 19,451
2021	16,944
2022	14,885
2023	13,272
2024	$ 10,919

Components of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued wages and benefits	$ 26,747	$ 25,712
Accrued insurance	81,443	77,890
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities	12,649	12,834
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 120,839	$ 116,436

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings - Company's Debt (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Long-term debt, carrying Amount

$ 153,447

$ 100,780

Current maturities of long-term debt, carrying Amount

^[1]

33,000

9,000

Long-term debt

^[1],[2]

120,447

91,780

Current maturities of long-term debt, fair value

154,000

^[3]

101,500

^[1]

33,000

^[3]

9,000

Long-term portion of debt, fair value

^[1]

121,000

^[3]

92,500

Revolving Credit Facility

Credit facility borrowings, carrying Amount

61,500

1,500

Credit facility borrowings, fair value

61,500

^[3]

1,500

Term Loan

Long-term debt, carrying Amount

^[4]

91,947

99,280

^[4]

$ 92,500

^[3]

$ 100,000

[1]	On December 4, 2019, the Company refinanced its five-year term loan and the revolving credit facility with the execution of the fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement. (See Note 21—Subsequent Events). As of September 30, 2019, the Company has classified $37.5 million of its revolving credit facility borrowings as long term debt and repaid it on December 4, 2019 using proceeds provided by the fifth amended and restated revolving credit facility agreement
[2]	See Note 21 – Subsequent Events.
[3]	The face amount of the Company’s variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value.
[4]	Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.6 million as of September 30, 2019 and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2018.

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings - Company's Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 04, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 0.6	$ 0.7
Term Loan \| Fifth Amendment \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured term loan maturity period	5 years
Revolving Credit Facility \| Fifth Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility borrowings		$ 37.5

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt and Bank Facility Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)

Dec. 04, 2019

Jul. 02, 2018

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Hedging positions and payable amounts secured under credit facility

$ 7,700,000

$ 0

Letters of credit issued and outstanding

4,600,000

7,100,000

Revolving credit facility outstanding

154,000,000

^[1]

101,500,000

24,000,000

1,500,000

Availability in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio

126,100,000

189,000,000

Total restricted net assets

$ 250,900,000

$ 299,800,000

Fourth Amendment

Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility

$ 300,000,000

Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility

450,000,000

Issuance of line of credit for working capital purposes

$ 25,000,000

Senior secured term loan maturity date

Jul. 02, 2023

Additional revolving credit

$ 200,000,000

Facility size that can be increased without consulting bank group

$ 200,000,000

Term loan annual payment percentage

25.00%

Commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility from December through April

0.30%

Commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility from May through November

0.20%

Fourth Amendment | Quarterly

Term loan periodic payment

$ 2,500,000

Fourth Amendment | Maximum | Annually

Term loan periodic payment

$ 15,000,000

Fifth Amendment | Subsequent Event

Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility

$ 300,000,000

Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility

450,000,000

Issuance of line of credit for working capital purposes

$ 25,000,000

Senior secured term loan maturity date

Dec. 04, 2024

Term loan periodic payment increased

$ 3,250,000

Fourth and Fifth Amendment

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio

110.00%

Availability percentage to maximum facility size

12.50%

Fourth and Fifth Amendment | Maximum

Senior secured leverage ratio during quarters ending June or September

300.00%

Senior secured leverage ratio during quarters ending December or March

450.00%

Term Loan

Debt instrument, effective interest rate

5.90%

5.20%

Term Loan | Fourth Amendment

^[2]

$ 92,500,000

^[1]

$ 100,000,000

Senior secured term loan maturity period

Outstanding term loan

$ 100,000,000

5 years

Term Loan | Fifth Amendment | Subsequent Event

$ 92,500,000

$ 100,000,000

Senior secured term loan maturity period

Outstanding term loan

$ 130,000,000

5 years

Revolving Credit Facility

Debt instrument, effective interest rate

4.60%

3.80%

Revolving Credit Facility | Fourth Amendment

Revolving credit facility outstanding

$ 61,500,000

$ 1,500,000

[1]	The face amount of the Company’s variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value.
[2]	Carrying amounts are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.6 million as of September 30, 2019 and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2018.

Maturities Including Working Capital Borrowings and Expected Repayments Due to Excess Cash Flow (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 9,000
2021	13,000
2022	13,000
2023	13,000
2024	13,000
Thereafter	$ 93,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Employee	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) Program $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum participant contribution			60.00%
Partnership aggregate contributions to defined contribution plans			$ 7,600,000	$ 6,700,000	$ 6,300,000
Multiemployer pension plans, coverage of bargaining agreement, percentage			43.00%
Maximum funded for red zone			65.00%
Maximum funded for yellow zone			80.00%
Minimum funded for green zone			80.00%
Partnership contributions in excess of 5% of the plan's total contributions in percentage			5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			$ 120,839,000	$ 116,436,000
Other long-term liabilities			25,746,000	24,012,000
Defined benefit plan funded status included in deferred charges and other assets			1,800,000	$ 2,400,000
Net actuarial loss balance in accumulated other comprehensive income to be amortized			15,100,000
Amount to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income			$ 1,800,000
Discount rate to determine periodic pension expense			3.00%	4.15%	3.60%
Expected optional pension contribution			$ 0
Expected benefit payments for year one			4,400,000
Expected benefit payments for year two			4,400,000
Expected benefit payments for year three			4,400,000
Expected benefit payments for year four			4,400,000
Expected benefit payments for year five			4,400,000
Aggregate expected benefit payment for five years thereafter			$ 18,900,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pension asset allocation			1.00%
Scenario Forecast
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Rate pension plan assets expect to earn		4.40%
Renewal within Next Fiscal Year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Multiemployer pension plans, coverage of bargaining agreement, percentage			23.00%
Management
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incentive distribution percentage of available cash in excess of minimum quarterly distribution			50.00%
Gains interest cash proceeds percentage from the sale of general partner units			50.00%
Employee and Consultant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Participant's vested percentage of plan benefits			100.00%
Termination of employment or consultation
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Participant's vested percentage of plan benefits			20.00%
Chief executive officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Participant's vested percentage of plan benefits			33.333%
Management And General Partner
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Partnership incentive distribution			$ 1,464,000	$ 1,199,000	$ 963,000
Management Incentive Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Partnership incentive distribution			732,000	600,000	481,000
Management Incentive Compensation Plan Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Partnership incentive distribution			$ 397,430	267,082	214,378
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Participant Contribution			0.00%
Minimum \| Management
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Quarterly distribution \| $ / shares			$ 0.0675
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Partnership aggregate contributions to defined contribution plans			$ 600,000	$ 600,000	$ 700,000
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum funded for red zone	65.00%
Multiemployer plan undiscounted withdrawal obligation	$ 48,000,000					$ 48,000,000
Expected benefit payments in years						30 years
Multiemployer plan annual liability annual payment amount	$ 1,600,000					$ 1,600,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			200,000
Other long-term liabilities			16,900,000
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund \| Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Multiemployer plan discounted withdrawal liability			$ 21,100,000
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees \| Employee	200					200
Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of frozen defined benefit pension plans \| Program			2
Domestic Fixed Income
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pension asset allocation			90.00%
Domestic Equities
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pension asset allocation			7.00%
International equity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pension asset allocation			2.00%

Participation and Contributions to Multi Employer Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Partnership Contributions	$ 9,598	$ 9,141	$ 8,940
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
EIN	046372430
Pension Plan Number	001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	Red	Red
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	Implemented
Partnership Contributions	$ 2,468	$ 2,455	2,621
Surcharge Imposed	No
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, Start Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, End Date	Apr. 30, 2023
Westchester Teamsters Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
EIN	136123973
Pension Plan Number	001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	Green	Green
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	NA
Partnership Contributions	$ 1,039	$ 846	924
Surcharge Imposed	No
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, Start Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, End Date	Jan. 31, 2024
Local 553 Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
EIN	136637826
Pension Plan Number	001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	Green	Green
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	NA
Partnership Contributions	$ 3,114	$ 2,888	2,780
Surcharge Imposed	No
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, Start Date	Dec. 15, 2019
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, End Date	Jan. 15, 2020
Local 463 Pension Fund
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
EIN	111800729
Pension Plan Number	001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status	Green	Green
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented	NA
Partnership Contributions	$ 144	$ 145	150
Surcharge Imposed	No
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, Start Date	Feb. 28, 2020
Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreements, End Date	Jun. 30, 2022
All Other Multiemployer Pension Plans
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Partnership Contributions	$ 2,833	$ 2,807	$ 2,465

Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Period Reconciliation of Changes in Plan Assets Projected Benefit Obligations and Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Interest cost	$ 2,366	$ 2,279	$ 2,251
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Actual return on plan assets	(9,380)	942	(1,473)
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Investment and other expenses	(483)	(394)	(455)
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets	7,086	(3,705)	(1,232)
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Anticipated expenses	310	328	341
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss	1,821	1,791	2,131
Net Periodic Pension Cost in Income Statement, Annual cost/change	1,720	1,241	1,563
Cash
Cash, Employer contributions/ Annual cost/change		(1,653)	(505)
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Beginning Balance	61,924	65,676	68,276
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Actual return on plan assets	9,380	(942)	1,473
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Employer contributions		1,653	505
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Benefit payments	(4,466)	(4,463)	(4,578)
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Annual cost/change	4,914	(3,752)	(2,600)
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets, Ending Balance	66,838	61,924	65,676
Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected Benefit Obligation, Beginning balance	(59,542)	(65,781)	(70,679)
Projected Benefit Obligation, Interest cost	(2,366)	(2,279)	(2,251)
Projected Benefit Obligation, Benefit payments	4,466	4,463	4,578
Projected Benefit Obligation, Investment and other expenses	483	394	455
Projected Benefit Obligation , Anticipated expenses	(310)	(328)	(341)
Projected Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Loss	(7,738)	3,989	2,457
Projected Benefit Obligation, Annual cost/change	(5,465)	6,239	4,898
Projected Benefit Obligation, Ending balance	(65,007)	(59,542)	(65,781)
Funded status at the end of the year	1,831	2,382	(105)
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Difference between actual and expected return on plan assets	(7,086)	3,705	1,232
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Actuarial gain (loss)	7,738	(3,989)	(2,457)
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss	(1,821)	(1,791)	(2,131)
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Annual cost/change	(1,169)	(2,075)	(3,356)
Gross Pension Related Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Gross Pension Related Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Beginning Balance	16,273	18,348	21,704
Other Comprehensive (Income) / Loss, Annual cost/change	(1,169)	(2,075)	(3,356)
Gross Pension Related Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Ending Balance	$ 15,104	$ 16,273	$ 18,348

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Measurement of Partnership's Benefit Obligation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in the Measurement of the Partnership’s Benefit Obligation
Discount rate at year end date	3.00%	4.15%	3.60%
Expected return on plan assets for the year ended	4.67%	4.86%	4.80%

Fair Values and Percentage of Company's Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets

100.00%

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1

Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets

$ 66,838

$ 61,924

Corporate and U.S. government bond fund

Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets

^[1]

90.00%

Corporate and U.S. government bond fund | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1

Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets

^[1]

$ 60,720

$ 55,908

U.S. large-cap equity

Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets

^[1]

7.00%

U.S. large-cap equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1

Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets

^[1]

$ 4,632

$ 4,566

International equity

Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets

^[1]

2.00%

International equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1

Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets

^[1]

$ 1,119

$ 1,129

Cash

Percentage of the Partnership's pension plan assets

1.00%

Cash | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1

Fair values of the Partnership's pension plan assets

$ 367

$ 321

[1]	Represent investments in Vanguard funds that seek to replicate the asset category description.

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, percentage of depreciation for certain fixed assets acquired											100.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, change in tax rate, discrete tax benefit												$ 11,101,000
Federal statutory tax rate									35.00%	21.00%	21.00%		35.00%
Income from continuing operations before taxes		$ (46,545,000)	$ (33,153,000)	$ 101,564,000	$ 3,288,000	$ (36,925,000)	$ (11,421,000)	$ 82,783,000	$ 28,670,000	$ 34,400,000	$ 25,154,000	63,107,000	$ 47,276,000
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net change in valuation allowance												800,000
Unrecognized income tax benefits						$ 0				$ 0		$ 0
Maximum
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net change in valuation allowance											$ 100,000
Federal
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination											4 years
Federal \| Tax Year 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate									35.00%
Federal \| Tax Year 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate											21.00%
State
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 2,500,000
State \| Maximum
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expiration date of net operating loss carryforward	Dec. 31, 2037
State \| Minimum
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expiration date of net operating loss carryforward	Dec. 31, 2023
New York
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination											4 years
Connecticut
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination											4 years
Pennsylvania
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination											4 years
New Jersey
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of years for examination											5 years

Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Current:
Federal	$ 7,921	$ (6,067)	$ 7,578
State	4,722	(1,016)	2,664
Deferred
Federal	(3,168)	11,052	8,775
State	(1,958)	3,633	1,359
Income tax expense	$ 7,517	$ 7,602	$ 20,376

Income Taxes Computed at Federal Statutory Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations before taxes	$ (46,545)	$ (33,153)	$ 101,564	$ 3,288	$ (36,925)	$ (11,421)	$ 82,783	$ 28,670	$ 34,400	$ 25,154	$ 63,107	$ 47,276
Provision for income taxes:
Tax at Federal statutory rate										5,282	17,266	16,546
Effect of the tax reform on deferred taxes											(11,101)
Impact of Partnership loss not subject to federal income taxes											53	741
State taxes net of federal benefit										1,626	1,864	3,170
Permanent differences										345	99	89
Change in valuation allowance net of effect of the tax reform										23	107	115
Other										241	(686)	(285)
Income tax expense										$ 7,517	$ 7,602	$ 20,376

Components of Net Deferred Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 6,292	$ 6,647
Vacation accrual	2,774	2,658
Pension accrual	4,504	4,425
Allowance for bad debts	2,235	2,226
Insurance accrual	2,419	2,425
Inventory capitalization	247	350
Fair value of derivative instruments	2,794
Other, net		1,382
Total deferred tax assets	21,265	20,113
Valuation allowance	(4,003)	(3,980)
Net deferred tax assets	17,262	16,133
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	13,485	9,783
Fair value of derivative instruments		4,673
Intangibles	21,883	22,883
Other, net	2,010
Total deferred tax liabilities	37,378	37,339
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (20,116)	$ (21,206)

Future Minimum Rental Commitments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Schedule of minimum future rent payment receivable
2020	$ 24,082
2021	20,875
2022	16,687
2023	13,344
2024	11,114
Thereafter	43,506
Total future minimum lease payments	$ 129,608

Lease Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Rent expense for the fiscal years	$ 26.2	$ 23.3	$ 21.4

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net	$ 5,133	$ 2,569	$ 4,434
Interest	$ 12,601	$ 8,925	$ 7,814

Earnings per Limited Partner Units - Net Income Allocation and Per Unit Data (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Limited Partner:

Less General Partners’ interest in net income

$ (33,905)

$ (23,098)

$ 72,325

$ 2,315

$ (21,450)

$ (8,005)

$ 54,778

$ 30,182

$ 17,637

$ 55,505

$ 26,900

314

156

Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

$ (33,681)

$ (22,948)

$ 71,871

$ 2,300

$ (21,319)

$ (7,956)

$ 54,459

$ 30,007

17,542

55,191

26,744

^[1]

6,340

914

Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

$ 17,542

$ 48,851

$ 25,830

Per unit data:

Basic and diluted net income available to limited partners

$ 0.35

$ 1.01

$ 0.48

Less dilutive impact of theoretical distribution of earnings under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

^[1]

0.12

0.02

Limited Partner’s interest in net income under FASB ASC 260-10-45-60

$ (0.69)

^[2]

$ (0.46)

^[2]

$ 1.15

^[2]

$ 0.04

^[2]

$ (0.40)

^[2]

$ (0.15)

^[2]

$ 0.81

^[2]

$ 0.45

^[2]

$ 0.35

^[2],[3]

$ 0.89

^[2],[3]

$ 0.46

^[3]

Weighted average number of Limited Partner units outstanding

50,814

54,764

55,888

[1]	In any accounting period where the Company’s aggregate net income exceeds its aggregate distribution for such period, the Company is required as per FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to present net income per limited partner unit as if all of the earnings for the period were distributed, based on the terms of the Partnership agreement, regardless of whether those earnings would actually be distributed during a particular period from an economic or practical perspective. This allocation does not impact the Company’s overall net income or other financial results.
[2]	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.
[3]	See Note 19 - Earnings Per Limited Partner Units.

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Sales

$ 235,887

$ 283,376

$ 699,582

$ 535,027

$ 229,618

$ 327,354

$ 684,031

$ 436,834

$ 1,753,872

$ 1,677,837

$ 1,323,555

Gross profit for product, installation and service

48,482

66,191

218,549

154,484

43,387

79,377

216,079

124,499

487,706

463,342

(43,782)

(29,933)

105,002

6,063

(41,654)

(8,817)

85,473

31,066

37,350

66,068

55,332

(46,545)

(33,153)

101,564

3,288

(36,925)

(11,421)

82,783

28,670

$ 34,400

25,154

63,107

47,276

(33,905)

(23,098)

72,325

2,315

(21,450)

(8,005)

54,778

30,182

17,637

55,505

26,900

Net income (loss) per Limited Partner unit:

$ (33,681)

$ (22,948)

$ 71,871

$ 2,300

$ (21,319)

$ (7,956)

$ 54,459

$ 30,007

$ 17,542

$ 55,191

$ 26,744

Basic and diluted income per Limited Partner Unit :

$ (0.69)

^[1]

$ (0.46)

^[1]

$ 1.15

^[1]

$ 0.04

^[1]

$ (0.40)

^[1]

$ (0.15)

^[1]

$ 0.81

^[1]

$ 0.45

^[1]

$ 0.35

^[1],[2]

$ 0.89

^[1],[2]

$ 0.46

^[2]

[1]	The sum of the quarters do not add-up to the total due to the weighting of Limited Partner Units outstanding, rounding or the theoretical effects of FASB ASC 260-10-45-60 to Master Limited Partners earnings per unit.
[2]	See Note 19 - Earnings Per Limited Partner Units.

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 04, 2019	Oct. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayment of borrowings			$ 79,331,000	$ 160,104,000
Subsequent Event \| Fifth Amendment
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Non Seasonal maximum borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 300,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity (heating season December to April) under revolving credit facility	450,000,000
Issuance of line of credit for working capital purposes	$ 25,000,000
Senior secured term loan maturity date	Dec. 04, 2024
Availability required to repurchase common units	$ 45,000,000
Percentage of the maximum facility size on a historical proforma and forward-looking basis	15.00%
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio for distributions to unit holders or to repurchase common units	115.00%
Subsequent Event \| Fifth Amendment \| Term Loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Outstanding term loan	$ 130,000,000
Senior secured term loan maturity period	5 years
Repayment of borrowings	$ 90,000,000
Subsequent Event \| Fifth Amendment \| Revolving Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayment of borrowings	$ 40,000,000
Subsequent Event \| Dividend Declared
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Distribution declared		$ 0.1250
Partners capital projected distribution amount on annualized basis		0.50
Minimum dividend distribution per unit		$ 0.0675
Amount to paid to common unit holders		$ 5,900,000
Amount to paid to the General Partner		200,000
Incentive distribution to the General Partner		200,000
Incentive distributions to management		$ 200,000
Dividend paid date		Nov. 05, 2019
Dividend record date		Oct. 28, 2019
Subsequent Event \| Motor Fuel Dealer
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price		$ 500,000

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Sep. 30, 2016

Current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$ 4,899

$ 14,531

36,898

35,451

Total current assets

226,830

256,737

Total assets

752,706

729,971

Current liabilities

Accrued expenses

120,839

116,436

Total current liabilities

325,557

283,188

Partners’ capital

260,840

309,785

$ 306,068

$ 301,493

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

752,706

729,971

STAR GROUP, L.P.

Current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$ 54

$ 324

232

217

Total current assets

282

271

Investment in subsidiaries

^[1]

260,601

309,541

Total assets

260,883

309,812

Current liabilities

Accrued expenses

Total current liabilities

Partners’ capital

260,840

309,785

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

$ 260,883

$ 309,812

[1]	Investments in Star Acquisitions, Inc. and subsidiaries are recorded in accordance with the equity method of accounting.

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 235,887	$ 283,376	$ 699,582	$ 535,027	$ 229,618	$ 327,354	$ 684,031	$ 436,834		$ 1,753,872	$ 1,677,837	$ 1,323,555
General and administrative expenses										28,414	24,227	24,998
Operating income (loss)	(43,782)	(29,933)	105,002	6,063	(41,654)	(8,817)	85,473	31,066		37,350	66,068	55,332
Income before income taxes	(46,545)	(33,153)	101,564	3,288	(36,925)	(11,421)	82,783	28,670	$ 34,400	25,154	63,107	47,276
Net income (loss)	$ (33,905)	$ (23,098)	$ 72,325	$ 2,315	$ (21,450)	$ (8,005)	$ 54,778	$ 30,182		17,637	55,505	26,900
STAR GROUP, L.P.
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues										0	0	0
General and administrative expenses										1,377	1,647	2,116
Operating income (loss)										(1,377)	(1,647)	(2,116)
Income before income taxes										(1,377)	(1,647)	(2,116)
Equity income of Star Acquisitions Inc. and subs										19,014	57,152	29,016
Net income (loss)										$ 17,637	$ 55,505	$ 26,900

Cash flows provided by operating activities:

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Sep. 30, 2017

Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 97,382

$ 57,460

$ 21,058

Cash flows provided by investing activities:

Net cash provided by investing activities

(82,166)

(65,252)

(66,381)

Cash flows used in financing activities:

Net cash used in financing activities

(25,593)

(25,603)

(24,322)

Unit repurchase

(51,353)

(26,714)

(24,848)

(30,135)

(41,157)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

14,531

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

4,899

14,531

STAR GROUP, L.P.

Cash flows provided by operating activities:

Net cash provided by operating activities

^[1]

76,942

52,317

24,052

Cash flows provided by investing activities:

Net cash provided by investing activities

Cash flows used in financing activities: