NATIONAL FUEL GAS CO, 10-Q filed on 5/4/2018
Quarterly Report
v3.8.0.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Apr. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Entity Registrant Name NATIONAL FUEL GAS CO  
Entity Central Index Key 0000070145  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --09-30  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   85,927,173
Trading Symbol nfg  
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Statements Of Income And Earnings Reinvested In The Business (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
INCOME        
Operating Revenues $ 540,905 $ 522,075 $ 960,561 $ 944,576
Operating Expenses:        
Purchased Gas 176,608 147,971 270,642 218,214
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 22,802 22,542 43,650 42,921
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 61,155 56,999 116,985 113,194
Total Operating Expenses 384,203 352,118 661,863 602,479
Operating Income 156,702 169,957 298,698 342,097
Other Income (Expense):        
Interest Income 1,025 391 3,275 1,991
Other Income 770 1,744 2,492 3,356
Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt (27,148) (28,913) (55,235) (58,016)
Other Interest Expense (1,233) (924) (1,736) (1,834)
Income Before Income Taxes 130,116 142,255 247,494 287,594
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 38,269 52,971 (43,007) 109,403
Net Income Available for Common Stock 91,847 89,284 290,501 178,191
EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS        
Balance at Beginning of Period 1,014,733 762,641 851,669 676,361
Beginning Retained Earnings Unappropriated And Current Period Net Income 1,106,580 851,925 1,142,170 854,552
Dividends on Common Stock (35,641) (34,577) (71,231) (69,120)
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Stock-Based Compensation 0 0 0 31,916
Balance at March 31 $ 1,070,939 $ 817,348 $ 1,070,939 $ 817,348
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic:        
Net Income Available for Common Stock (in dollars per share) $ 1.07 $ 1.05 $ 3.39 $ 2.09
Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted:        
Net Income Available for Common Stock (in dollars per share) $ 1.06 $ 1.04 $ 3.37 $ 2.07
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:        
Used in Basic Calculation (shares) 85,809,233 85,334,887 85,718,779 85,261,575
Used in Diluted Calculation (shares) 86,323,636 86,006,614 86,318,892 85,897,282
Dividends Per Common Share:        
Dividends Declared (in dollars per share) $ 0.415 $ 0.405 $ 0.830 $ 0.810
Utility and Energy Marketing [Member]        
INCOME        
Operating Revenues $ 339,422 $ 308,889 $ 565,147 $ 516,669
Operating Expenses:        
Operation and Maintenance 61,410 63,907 112,780 114,329
Exploration and Production and Other [Member]        
INCOME        
Operating Revenues 147,868 159,997 288,318 321,691
Operating Expenses:        
Operation and Maintenance 39,586 37,593 75,127 68,055
Pipeline and Storage and Gathering [Member]        
INCOME        
Operating Revenues 53,615 53,189 107,096 106,216
Operating Expenses:        
Operation and Maintenance $ 22,642 $ 23,106 $ 42,679 $ 45,766
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
Net Income Available for Common Stock $ 91,847 $ 89,284 $ 290,501 $ 178,191
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax:        
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale Arising During the Period (678) 1,726 (722) 843
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period (12,582) 44,097 (18,081) (8,404)
Reclassification Adjustment for Realized (Gains) Losses on Securities Available for Sale in Net Income 0 0 (430) (741)
Reclassification Adjustment for Realized (Gains) Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income 3,199 (10,472) (9,349) (41,189)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax (10,061) 35,351 (28,582) (49,491)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Related to Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale Arising During the Period (252) 645 (317) 300
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Related to Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period (3,519) 18,352 (5,824) (3,699)
Reclassification Adjustment for Income Tax Benefit (Expense) on Realized Losses (Gains) from Securities Available for Sale in Net Income 0 0 (158) (272)
Reclassification Adjustment for Income Tax Benefit (Expense) on Realized Losses (Gains) from Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income 551 (4,414) (4,646) (17,369)
Income Taxes – Net (3,220) 14,583 (10,945) (21,040)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (6,841) 20,768 (17,637) (28,451)
Comprehensive Income $ 85,006 $ 110,052 $ 272,864 $ 149,740
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
ASSETS    
Property, Plant and Equipment $ 10,126,931 $ 9,945,560
Less - Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 5,344,134 5,271,486
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total 4,782,797 4,674,074
Current Assets    
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments 227,994 555,530
Hedging Collateral Deposits [1] 3,657 1,741
Receivables – Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $28,592 and $22,526, Respectively 198,922 112,383
Unbilled Revenue 60,059 22,883
Gas Stored Underground 6,842 35,689
Materials and Supplies - at average cost 34,769 33,926
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs 426 4,623
Other Current Assets 60,324 51,505
Total Current Assets 592,993 818,280
Other Assets    
Recoverable Future Taxes 115,514 181,363
Unamortized Debt Expense 7,861 1,159
Other Regulatory Assets 171,902 174,433
Deferred Charges 36,835 30,047
Other Investments 123,039 125,265
Goodwill 5,476 5,476
Prepaid Post-Retirement Benefit Costs 59,586 56,370
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments 18,144 36,111
Other 426 742
Total Other Assets 538,783 610,966
Total Assets 5,914,573 6,103,320
Capitalization:    
Common Stock, $1 Par Value Authorized - 200,000,000 Shares; Issued and Outstanding - 85,881,897 Shares and 85,543,125 Shares, Respectively 85,882 85,543
Paid in Capital 810,126 796,646
Earnings Reinvested in the Business 1,070,939 851,669
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (47,760) (30,123)
Total Comprehensive Shareholders’ Equity 1,919,187 1,703,735
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion and Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs 2,085,012 2,083,681
Total Capitalization 4,004,199 3,787,416
Current and Accrued Liabilities    
Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper 0 0
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 0 300,000
Accounts Payable 127,585 126,443
Amounts Payable to Customers 12,083 0
Dividends Payable 35,641 35,500
Interest Payable on Long-Term Debt 26,435 35,031
Customer Advances 154 15,701
Customer Security Deposits 18,973 20,372
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 147,549 111,889
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments 11,475 1,103
Total Current and Accrued Liabilities 379,895 646,039
Deferred Credits    
Deferred Income Taxes 482,682 891,287
Taxes Refundable to Customers 365,091 95,739
Cost of Removal Regulatory Liability 207,711 204,630
Other Regulatory Liabilities 124,868 113,716
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Liabilities 133,852 149,079
Asset Retirement Obligations 106,481 106,395
Other Deferred Credits 109,794 109,019
Total Deferred Credits 1,530,479 1,669,865
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6) 0 0
Total Capitalization and Liabilities $ 5,914,573 $ 6,103,320
[1] Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Receivables, Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts $ 28,592 $ 22,526
Common Stock, Par Value $ 1 $ 1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 200,000,000 200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued 85,881,897 85,543,125
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 85,881,897 85,543,125
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
Net Income Available for Common Stock $ 290,501 $ 178,191
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:    
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 116,985 113,194
Deferred Income Taxes (62,459) 63,781
Stock-Based Compensation 7,862 5,632
Other 8,052 7,713
Change in:    
Hedging Collateral Deposits (1,916) (287)
Receivables and Unbilled Revenue (123,954) (92,155)
Gas Stored Underground and Materials and Supplies 28,004 24,476
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs 4,197 (2,241)
Other Current Assets (8,819) 7,769
Accounts Payable 10,838 13,997
Amounts Payable to Customers 12,083 (71)
Customer Advances (15,547) (14,462)
Customer Security Deposits (1,399) 1,493
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 37,646 44,690
Other Assets (9,541) (32)
Other Liabilities (5,767) 202
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 286,766 351,890
INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
Capital Expenditures (261,720) (208,231)
Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties 17,310 26,554
Other 5,355 (3,225)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (239,055) (184,902)
Financing Activities    
Reduction of Long-Term Debt (307,047) 0
Dividends Paid on Common Stock (71,091) (69,017)
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 2,891 3,230
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (375,247) (65,787)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Temporary Cash Investments (327,536) 101,201
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at October 1 555,530 129,972
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at March 31 227,994 231,173
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information, Non-Cash Investing Activities:    
Non-Cash Capital Expenditures $ 51,939 $ 36,932
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation.  The Company consolidates all entities in which it has a controlling financial interest.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. The Company uses proportionate consolidation when accounting for drilling arrangements related to oil and gas producing properties accounted for under the full cost method of accounting.
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Earnings for Interim Periods.  The Company, in its opinion, has included all adjustments (which consist of only normally recurring adjustments, unless otherwise disclosed in this Form 10-Q) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the reported periods. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included herein, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 that are included in the Company's 2017 Form 10-K.  The consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2018 will be audited by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm after the end of the fiscal year.
 
The earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2018 should not be taken as a prediction of earnings for the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.  Most of the business of the Utility and Energy Marketing segments is seasonal in nature and is influenced by weather conditions.  Due to the seasonal nature of the heating business in the Utility and Energy Marketing segments, earnings during the winter months normally represent a substantial part of the earnings that those segments are expected to achieve for the entire fiscal year.  The Company’s business segments are discussed more fully in Note 7 – Business Segment Information.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of generally three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Hedging Collateral Deposits.  This is an account title for cash held in margin accounts funded by the Company to serve as collateral for hedging positions.  In accordance with its accounting policy, the Company does not offset hedging collateral deposits paid or received against related derivative financial instruments liability or asset balances.
 
Gas Stored Underground.  In the Utility segment, gas stored underground is carried at lower of cost or net realizable value, on a LIFO method.  Gas stored underground normally declines during the first and second quarters of the year and is replenished during the third and fourth quarters.  In the Utility segment, the current cost of replacing gas withdrawn from storage is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and a reserve for gas replacement is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Other Accruals and Current Liabilities.”  Such reserve, which amounted to $34.3 million at March 31, 2018, is reduced to zero by September 30 of each year as the inventory is replenished.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment.  In the Company’s Exploration and Production segment, oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development costs are capitalized under the full cost method of accounting. Under this methodology, all costs associated with property acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized, including internal costs directly identified with acquisition, exploration and development activities. The internal costs that are capitalized do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead, or similar activities. The Company does not recognize any gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of oil and gas properties unless the gain or loss would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas attributable to a cost center.
 
Capitalized costs include costs related to unproved properties, which are excluded from amortization until proved reserves are found or it is determined that the unproved properties are impaired.  Such costs amounted to $67.6 million and $80.9 million at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.  All costs related to unproved properties are reviewed quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. The amount of any impairment is transferred to the pool of capitalized costs being amortized.
 
Capitalized costs are subject to the SEC full cost ceiling test. The ceiling test, which is performed each quarter, determines a limit, or ceiling, on the amount of property acquisition, exploration and development costs that can be capitalized. The ceiling under this test represents (a) the present value of estimated future net cash flows, excluding future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the balance sheet, using a discount factor of 10%, which is computed by applying prices of oil and gas (as adjusted for hedging) to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of the date of the latest balance sheet, less estimated future expenditures, plus (b) the cost of unevaluated properties not being depleted, less (c) income tax effects related to the differences between the book and tax basis of the properties. The natural gas and oil prices used to calculate the full cost ceiling are based on an unweighted arithmetic average of the first day of the month oil and gas prices for each month within the twelve-month period prior to the end of the reporting period. If capitalized costs, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization and related deferred income taxes, exceed the ceiling at the end of any quarter, a permanent impairment is required to be charged to earnings in that quarter.  At March 31, 2018, the ceiling exceeded the book value of the oil and gas properties by approximately $502.8 million. In adjusting estimated future cash flows for hedging under the ceiling test at March 31, 2018, estimated future net cash flows were increased by $7.5 million.

On December 1, 2015, Seneca and IOG - CRV Marcellus, LLC (IOG), an affiliate of IOG Capital, LP, and funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, executed a joint development agreement that allows IOG to participate in the development of certain oil and gas interests owned by Seneca in Elk, McKean and Cameron Counties, Pennsylvania. On June 13, 2016, Seneca and IOG executed an extension of the joint development agreement. Under the terms of the extended agreement, Seneca and IOG will jointly participate in a program to develop up to 75 Marcellus wells, with Seneca serving as program operator. IOG will hold an 80% working interest in all of the joint development wells. In total, IOG is expected to fund approximately $305 million for its 80% working interest in the 75 joint development wells. Of this amount, IOG has funded $301.5 million as of March 31, 2018, which includes $181.2 million of cash ($137.3 million in fiscal 2016, $26.6 million in fiscal 2017 and $17.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2018) shown as Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2017 and for the six months ended March 31, 2018, respectively. Such proceeds from sale represent funding received from IOG for costs previously incurred by Seneca to develop a portion of the 75 joint development wells. As the fee-owner of the property’s mineral rights, Seneca currently retains a 7.5% royalty interest and the remaining 20% working interest (26% net revenue interest) in 56 of the joint development wells. In the remaining 19 wells, Seneca retains a 20% working and net revenue interest. Seneca’s working interest under the agreement will increase to 85% after IOG achieves a 15% internal rate of return.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.  The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and changes for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net of related tax effect, are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits) (in thousands): 
 
Gains and Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments
Gains and Losses on Securities Available for Sale
Funded Status of the Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
$
10,256

$
7,311

$
(58,486
)
$
(40,919
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(9,063
)
(426
)

(9,489
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
2,648



2,648

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
3,841

$
6,885

$
(58,486
)
$
(47,760
)
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 1, 2017
$
20,801

$
7,562

$
(58,486
)
$
(30,123
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(12,257
)
(405
)

(12,662
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(4,703
)
(272
)

(4,975
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
$
3,841

$
6,885

$
(58,486
)
$
(47,760
)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2017
$
16,570

$
5,047

$
(76,476
)
$
(54,859
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
25,745

1,081


26,826

Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(6,058
)


(6,058
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
36,257

$
6,128

$
(76,476
)
$
(34,091
)
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 1, 2016
$
64,782

$
6,054

$
(76,476
)
$
(5,640
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(4,705
)
543


(4,162
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(23,820
)
(469
)

(24,289
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
36,257

$
6,128

$
(76,476
)
$
(34,091
)
 
 
 
 
 

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.  The details about the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to the income statement) (in thousands):
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
2017
2018
2017
 
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Financial Instrument Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
     Commodity Contracts

($3,467
)

$12,109


$9,375


$43,429

Operating Revenues
     Commodity Contracts
750

(1,498
)
947

(1,958
)
Purchased Gas
     Foreign Currency Contracts
(482
)
(139
)
(973
)
(282
)
Operation and Maintenance Expense
Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale


430

741

Other Income
 
(3,199
)
10,472

9,779

41,930

Total Before Income Tax
 
551

(4,414
)
(4,804
)
(17,641
)
Income Tax Expense
 

($2,648
)

$6,058


$4,975


$24,289

Net of Tax

Other Current Assets.  The components of the Company’s Other Current Assets are as follows (in thousands):
                            
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Prepayments
$
6,208

 
$
10,927

Prepaid Property and Other Taxes
22,482

 
13,974

Federal Income Taxes Receivable
17,282

 

State Income Taxes Receivable
2,371

 
9,689

Fair Values of Firm Commitments
1,608

 
1,031

Regulatory Assets
10,373

 
15,884

 
$
60,324

 
$
51,505


 
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities.  The components of the Company’s Other Accruals and Current Liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
                            
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Accrued Capital Expenditures
$
26,800

 
$
37,382

Regulatory Liabilities
41,409

 
34,059

Reserve for Gas Replacement
34,332

 

Federal Income Taxes Payable

 
1,775

2017 Tax Reform Act Regulatory Refund
11,336

 

Other
33,672

 
38,673

 
$
147,549

 
$
111,889


 
Earnings Per Common Share.  Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.  For purposes of determining earnings per common share, the potentially dilutive securities the Company had outstanding were stock options, SARs, restricted stock units and performance shares.  For the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018, the diluted weighted average shares outstanding shown on the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects the potential dilution as a result of these securities as determined using the Treasury Stock Method.  Stock options, SARs, restricted stock units and performance shares that are antidilutive are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. There were 685,338 securities and 316,159 securities excluded as being antidilutive for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018, respectively. There were 157,554 securities and 158,211 securities excluded as being antidilutive for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2017, respectively.
 
Stock-Based Compensation.  The Company granted 208,588 performance shares during the six months ended March 31, 2018. The weighted average fair value of such performance shares was $50.95 per share for the six months ended March 31, 2018. Performance shares are an award constituting units denominated in common stock of the Company, the number of which may be adjusted over a performance cycle based upon the extent to which performance goals have been satisfied.  Earned performance shares may be distributed in the form of shares of common stock of the Company, an equivalent value in cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by the Company. The performance shares do not entitle the participant to receive dividends during the vesting period.
 
Half of the performance shares granted during the six months ended March 31, 2018 must meet a performance goal related to relative return on capital over the performance cycle of October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2020.  The performance goal over the performance cycle is the Company’s total return on capital relative to the total return on capital of other companies in a group selected by the Compensation Committee (“Report Group”).  Total return on capital for a given company means the average of the Report Group companies’ returns on capital for each twelve month period corresponding to each of the Company’s fiscal years during the performance cycle, based on data reported for the Report Group companies in the Bloomberg database.  The number of these performance shares that will vest and be paid will depend upon the Company’s performance relative to the Report Group and not upon the absolute level of return achieved by the Company.  The fair value of these performance shares is calculated by multiplying the expected number of shares that will be issued by the average market price of Company common stock on the date of grant reduced by the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.  The fair value is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting term of the award.  The other half of the performance shares granted during the six months ended March 31, 2018 must meet a performance goal related to relative total shareholder return over the performance cycle of October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2020.  The performance goal over the performance cycle is the Company’s three-year total shareholder return relative to the three-year total shareholder return of the other companies in the Report Group.  Three-year shareholder return for a given company will be based on the data reported for that company (with the starting and ending stock prices over the performance cycle calculated as the average closing stock price for the prior calendar month and with dividends reinvested in that company’s securities at each ex-dividend date) in the Bloomberg database.  The number of these total shareholder return performance shares ("TSR performance shares") that will vest and be paid will depend upon the Company’s performance relative to the Report Group and not upon the absolute level of return achieved by the Company.  The fair value price at the date of grant for the TSR performance shares is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique, which includes a reduction in value for the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.  This price is multiplied by the number of TSR performance shares awarded, the result of which is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting term of the award.
 
The Company granted 89,672 non-performance based restricted stock units during the six months ended March 31, 2018.  The weighted average fair value of such non-performance based restricted stock units was $51.23 per share for the six months ended March 31, 2018.  Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of common stock of the Company (or the equivalent value in cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by the Company) at the end of a specified time period. These non-performance based restricted stock units do not entitle the participant to receive dividends during the vesting period. The accounting for non-performance based restricted stock units is the same as the accounting for restricted share awards, except that the fair value at the date of grant of the restricted stock units must be reduced by the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.
 
New Authoritative Accounting and Financial Reporting Guidance. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding revenue recognition. The authoritative guidance provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability. The revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The original effective date of this authoritative guidance was as of the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2018. However, the FASB has delayed the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year, and the guidance will now be effective as of the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019. Working towards this implementation date, the Company is currently evaluating the guidance and the various issues identified by industry based revenue recognition task forces. The Company does not believe that its revenue recognition policies will change materially, although the Company is still assessing the impact. The Company will need to enhance its financial statement disclosures to comply with the new authoritative guidance.
In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by all leases, regardless of whether they are considered to be capital leases or operating leases. The FASB’s previous authoritative guidance required organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by capital leases while excluding operating leases from balance sheet recognition. The new authoritative guidance will be effective as of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate early adoption and is currently evaluating the provisions of the revised guidance.
In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance simplifying several aspects of the accounting for stock-based compensation. The Company adopted this guidance effective as of October 1, 2016, recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment that increased retained earnings by $31.9 million. The cumulative effect represents the tax benefit of previously unrecognized tax deductions in excess of stock compensation recorded for financial reporting purposes. On a prospective basis, the tax effect of all future differences between stock compensation recorded for financial reporting purposes and actual tax deductions for stock compensation will be recognized upon vesting or settlement as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. From a statement of cash flows perspective, the tax benefits relating to differences between stock compensation recorded for financial reporting purposes and actual tax deductions for stock compensation are now included in cash provided by operating activities instead of cash provided by financing activities. The changes to the statement of cash flows were applied prospectively at the time of adoption.
In March 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requires segregation of the service cost component from the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost for financial reporting purposes. The service cost component is to be presented on the income statement in the same line items as other compensation costs included within Operating Expenses and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost are to be presented on the income statement below the subtotal labeled Operating Income (Loss). Under this guidance, the service cost component shall be the only component eligible to be capitalized as part of the cost of inventory or property, plant and equipment. The new guidance will be effective as of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate early adoption and is currently evaluating the interaction of this authoritative guidance with the various regulatory provisions concerning pension and postretirement benefit costs in the Company’s Utility and Pipeline and Storage segments.
In February 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that allows an entity to elect a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform Act and requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The new guidance will be effective as of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company anticipates early adoption and is currently awaiting regulatory approval of the reclassification to retained earnings from the FERC for the Company’s Pipeline and Storage segment.
v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
 
The FASB authoritative guidance regarding fair value measurements establishes a fair-value hierarchy and prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques that measure fair value. Those inputs are prioritized into three levels. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly at the measurement date. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
 
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company's financial assets and liabilities (as applicable) that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value presentation for over the counter swaps combines gas and oil swaps because a significant number of the counterparties enter into both gas and oil swap agreements with the Company.  
Recurring Fair Value Measures
At fair value as of March 31, 2018
(Thousands of Dollars)   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 
Total(1)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds
$
196,448

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
196,448

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
727

 

 

 
(727
)
 

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
32,770

 

 
(14,837
)
 
17,933

Foreign Currency Contracts

 
608

 

 
(397
)
 
211

Other Investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balanced Equity Mutual Fund
36,910

 

 

 

 
36,910

Fixed Income Mutual Fund
44,192

 

 

 

 
44,192

Common Stock – Financial Services Industry
2,885

 

 

 

 
2,885

Hedging Collateral Deposits
3,657

 

 

 

 
3,657

Total                                           
$
284,819

 
$
33,378

 
$

 
$
(15,961
)
 
$
302,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
$
1,479

 
$

 
$

 
$
(727
)
 
$
752

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
24,911

 

 
(14,837
)
 
10,074

Foreign Currency Contracts

 
1,046

 

 
(397
)
 
649

Total
$
1,479

 
$
25,957

 
$

 
$
(15,961
)
 
$
11,475

Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)
$
283,340

 
$
7,421

 
$

 
$

 
$
290,761

 
Recurring Fair Value Measures
At fair value as of September 30, 2017
(Thousands of Dollars)   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 
Total(1)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds
$
527,978

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
527,978

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
1,483

 

 

 
(963
)
 
520

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
38,977

 

 
(4,206
)
 
34,771

Foreign Currency Contracts

 
1,227

 

 
(407
)
 
820

Other Investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balanced Equity Mutual Fund
37,033

 

 

 

 
37,033

Fixed Income Mutual Fund
45,727

 

 

 

 
45,727

Common Stock – Financial Services Industry
3,150

 

 

 

 
3,150

Hedging Collateral Deposits
1,741

 

 

 

 
1,741

Total                                           
$
617,112

 
$
40,204

 
$

 
$
(5,576
)
 
$
651,740

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
$
963

 
$

 
$

 
$
(963
)
 
$

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
5,309

 

 
(4,206
)
 
1,103

     Foreign Currency Contracts

 
407

 

 
(407
)
 

Total
$
963

 
$
5,716

 
$

 
$
(5,576
)
 
$
1,103

Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)
$
616,149

 
$
34,488

 
$

 
$

 
$
650,637


(1) 
Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
At March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the derivative financial instruments reported in Level 1 consist of natural gas NYMEX and ICE futures contracts used in the Company’s Energy Marketing segment. Hedging collateral deposits were $3.7 million at March 31, 2018 and $1.7 million at September 30, 2017, which were associated with these futures contracts and have been reported in Level 1 as well. The derivative financial instruments reported in Level 2 at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 consist of natural gas price swap agreements used in the Company’s Exploration and Production and Energy Marketing segments, crude oil price swap agreements used in the Company’s Exploration and Production segment and foreign currency contracts used in the Company's Exploration and Production segment. The derivative financial instruments reported in Level 2 at March 31, 2018 also include basis hedge swap agreements used in the Company's Energy Marketing segment. The fair value of the Level 2 price swap agreements is based on an internal, discounted cash flow model that uses observable inputs (i.e. LIBOR based discount rates and basis differential information, if applicable, at active natural gas and crude oil trading markets). The fair value of the Level 2 foreign currency contracts is determined using the market approach based on observable market transactions of forward Canadian currency rates. 
 
The accounting rules for fair value measurements and disclosures require consideration of the impact of nonperformance risk (including credit risk) from a market participant perspective in the measurement of the fair value of assets and liabilities.  At March 31, 2018, the Company determined that nonperformance risk would have no material impact on its financial position or results of operation.  To assess nonperformance risk, the Company considered information such as any applicable collateral posted, master netting arrangements, and applied a market-based method by using the counterparty's (assuming the derivative is in a gain position) or the Company’s (assuming the derivative is in a loss position) credit default swaps rates.
 
For the quarters and six months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, there were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value and classified as Level 3. For the quarters and six months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, no transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 occurred.
v3.8.0.1
Financial Instruments
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]  
Financial Instruments
Financial Instruments
 
Long-Term Debt.  The fair market value of the Company’s debt, as presented in the table below, was determined using a discounted cash flow model, which incorporates the Company’s credit ratings and current market conditions in determining the yield, and subsequently, the fair market value of the debt.  Based on these criteria, the fair market value of long-term debt, including current portion, was as follows (in thousands): 
 
March 31, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Long-Term Debt
$
2,085,012

 
$
2,169,067

 
$
2,383,681

 
$
2,523,639


 
The fair value amounts are not intended to reflect principal amounts that the Company will ultimately be required to pay. Carrying amounts for other financial instruments recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value. The fair value of long-term debt was calculated using observable inputs (U.S. Treasuries/LIBOR for the risk free component and company specific credit spread information – generally obtained from recent trade activity in the debt).  As such, the Company considers the debt to be Level 2.
 
Any temporary cash investments, notes payable to banks and commercial paper are stated at cost. Temporary cash investments are considered Level 1, while notes payable to banks and commercial paper are considered to be Level 2.  Given the short-term nature of the notes payable to banks and commercial paper, the Company believes cost is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Other Investments. The components of the Company's Other Investments are as follows (in thousands):
 
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance Contracts
$
39,052

 
$
39,355

Equity Mutual Fund
36,910

 
37,033

Fixed Income Mutual Fund
44,192

 
45,727

Marketable Equity Securities
2,885

 
3,150

 
$
123,039

 
$
125,265


 
Investments in life insurance contracts are stated at their cash surrender values or net present value. Investments in an equity mutual fund, a fixed income mutual fund and the stock of an insurance company (marketable equity securities) are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices. The gross unrealized gain on the equity mutual fund was $9.4 million at March 31, 2018 and $9.9 million at September 30, 2017. A sale of shares in the equity mutual fund during the six months ended March 31, 2018 resulted in $1.5 million of cash proceeds and a realized gain of $0.4 million. The gross unrealized loss on the fixed income mutual fund was $0.5 million at March 31, 2018 and was less than $0.1 million at September 30, 2017. A sale of shares in the fixed income mutual fund during the six months ended March 31, 2018 resulted in $1.5 million of cash proceeds and a realized loss of less than $0.1 million. The gross unrealized gain on the marketable equity securities was $1.9 million at March 31, 2018 and $2.2 million at September 30, 2017. The insurance contracts and marketable equity and fixed income securities are primarily informal funding mechanisms for various benefit obligations the Company has to certain employees.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments.  The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage commodity price risk in the Exploration and Production segment as well as the Energy Marketing segment. The Company enters into futures contracts and over-the-counter swap agreements for natural gas and crude oil to manage the price risk associated with forecasted sales of gas and oil. In addition, the Company also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage the risk of currency fluctuations associated with transportation costs denominated in Canadian currency in the Exploration and Production segment. These instruments are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company also enters into futures contracts and swaps, which are accounted for as cash flow hedges, to manage the price risk associated with forecasted gas purchases. The Company enters into futures contracts and swaps to mitigate risk associated with fixed price sales commitments, fixed price purchase commitments, and the decline in value of natural gas held in storage. These instruments are accounted for as fair value hedges. The duration of the Company’s combined cash flow and fair value commodity hedges does not typically exceed 5 years while the foreign currency forward contracts do not exceed 8 years. The Exploration and Production segment holds the majority of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.

The Company has presented its net derivative assets and liabilities as “Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments” on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017.  Substantially all of the derivative financial instruments reported on those line items relate to commodity contracts and a small portion relates to foreign currency forward contracts.
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. 

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had the following commodity derivative contracts (swaps and futures contracts) outstanding:
Commodity
Units

 
Natural Gas
106.6

 Bcf (short positions)
Natural Gas
1.7

 Bcf (long positions)
Crude Oil
4,284,000

 Bbls (short positions)
    
As of March 31, 2018, the Company was hedging a total of $91.1 million of forecasted transportation costs denominated in Canadian dollars with foreign currency forward contracts (long positions).
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $8.1 million ($3.8 million after tax) of net hedging gains included in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance. It is expected that $4.1 million ($1.6 million after tax) of unrealized losses will be reclassified into the Consolidated Statement of Income within the next 12 months as the underlying hedged transaction are recorded in earnings. It is expected that $12.2 million ($5.4 million after tax) of unrealized gains will be reclassified into the Consolidated Statement of Income after 12 months as the underlying hedged transaction are recorded in earnings.
The Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Statement of Financial Performance for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Thousands of Dollars)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
Commodity Contracts
$
(10,514
)
$
42,484

Operating Revenue
$
(3,467
)
$
12,109

Operating Revenue
$
335

$

Commodity Contracts
(344
)
1,044

Purchased Gas
750

(1,498
)
Not Applicable


Foreign Currency Contracts
(1,724
)
569

Operation and Maintenance Expense
(482
)
(139
)
Not Applicable


Total
$
(12,582
)
$
44,097

 
$
(3,199
)
$
10,472

 
$
335

$

The Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Statement of Financial Performance for the
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Thousands of Dollars)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) for the Six Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) for the Six Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
Commodity Contracts
$
(16,463
)
$
(7,960
)
Operating Revenue
$
9,375

$
43,429

Operating Revenue
$
(98
)
$
(100
)
Commodity Contracts
613

(492
)
Purchased Gas
947

(1,958
)
Not Applicable


Foreign Currency Contracts
(2,231
)
48

Operation and Maintenance Expense
(973
)
(282
)
Not Applicable


Total
$
(18,081
)
$
(8,404
)
 
$
9,349

$
41,189

 
$
(98
)
$
(100
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fair Value Hedges
 
The Company utilizes fair value hedges to mitigate risk associated with fixed price sales commitments, fixed price purchase commitments, and the decline in the value of certain natural gas held in storage. With respect to fixed price sales commitments, the Company enters into long positions to mitigate the risk of price increases for natural gas supplies that could occur after the Company enters into fixed price sales agreements with its customers. With respect to fixed price purchase commitments, the Company enters into short positions to mitigate the risk of price decreases that could occur after the Company locks into fixed price purchase deals with its suppliers. With respect to storage hedges, the Company enters into short positions to mitigate the risk of price decreases that could result in a lower of cost or net realizable value writedown of the value of natural gas in storage that is recorded in the Company’s financial statements. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s Energy Marketing segment had fair value hedges covering approximately 21.7 Bcf (21.1 Bcf of fixed price sales commitments and 0.6 Bcf of commitments related to the withdrawal of storage gas). For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk completely offset each other in current earnings, as shown below.

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships
Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative and Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Thousands)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on the Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Thousands)
Commodity Contracts
Operating Revenues
$
(838
)
$
838

Commodity Contracts
Purchased Gas
$
(196
)
$
196

 
 
$
(1,034
)
$
1,034

 
Credit Risk
 
The Company may be exposed to credit risk on any of the derivative financial instruments that are in a gain position. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that the Company would incur as a result of nonperformance by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. To mitigate such credit risk, management performs a credit check, and then on a quarterly basis monitors counterparty credit exposure. The majority of the Company’s counterparties are financial institutions and energy traders. The Company has over-the-counter swap positions and applicable foreign currency forward contracts with seventeen counterparties of which eight are in a net gain position. On average, the Company had $2.3 million of credit exposure per counterparty in a gain position at March 31, 2018. The maximum credit exposure per counterparty in a gain position at March 31, 2018 was $8.6 million. As of March 31, 2018, no collateral was received from the counterparties by the Company. The Company's gain position on such derivative financial instruments had not exceeded the established thresholds at which the counterparties would be required to post collateral, nor had the counterparties' credit ratings declined to levels at which the counterparties were required to post collateral.
 
As of March 31, 2018, fourteen of the seventeen counterparties to the Company’s outstanding derivative instrument contracts (specifically the over-the-counter swaps and applicable foreign currency forward contracts) had a common credit-risk related contingency feature. In the event the Company’s credit rating increases or falls below a certain threshold (applicable debt ratings), the available credit extended to the Company would either increase or decrease. A decline in the Company’s credit rating, in and of itself, would not cause the Company to be required to increase the level of its hedging collateral deposits (in the form of cash deposits, letters of credit or treasury debt instruments). If the Company’s outstanding derivative instrument contracts were in a liability position (or if the liability were larger) and/or the Company’s credit rating declined, then additional hedging collateral deposits may be required.  At March 31, 2018, the fair market value of the derivative financial instrument assets with a credit-risk related contingency feature was $16.8 million according to the Company’s internal model (discussed in Note 2 — Fair Value Measurements).  At March 31, 2018, the fair market value of the derivative financial instrument liabilities with a credit-risk related contingency feature was $8.5 million according to the Company's internal model (discussed in Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements). For its over-the-counter swap agreements and foreign currency forward contracts, no hedging collateral deposits were required to be posted by the Company at March 31, 2018.    
 
For its exchange traded futures contracts, the Company was required to post $3.7 million in hedging collateral deposits as of March 31, 2018. As these are exchange traded futures contracts, there are no specific credit-risk related contingency features. The Company posts or receives hedging collateral based on open positions and margin requirements it has with its counterparties.
 
The Company’s requirement to post hedging collateral deposits and the Company's right to receive hedging collateral deposits is based on the fair value determined by the Company’s counterparties, which may differ from the Company’s assessment of fair value. Hedging collateral deposits may also include closed derivative positions in which the broker has not cleared the cash from the account to offset the derivative liability. The Company records liabilities related to closed derivative positions in Other Accruals and Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These liabilities are relieved when the broker clears the cash from the hedging collateral deposit account. This is discussed in Note 1 under Hedging Collateral Deposits.
v3.8.0.1
Income Taxes
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 was 29.4% and 37.2%, respectively. The difference is primarily a result of the lower statutory rate of 24.5% under the 2017 Tax Reform Act (as discussed below). The effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 was negative 17.4% and 38.0%, respectively. The difference is a result of the impact of the one-time remeasurement of the deferred income tax liability and a lower statutory rate of 24.5% under the 2017 Tax Reform Act.
On December 22, 2017, federal tax legislation referred to as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (the 2017 Tax Reform Act) was enacted. The 2017 Tax Reform Act significantly changes the taxation of business entities and includes a reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to a blended 24.5% for fiscal 2018 and 21% for fiscal 2019 and beyond. The changes had a material impact on the financial statements in the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018. The Company’s deferred income taxes were remeasured based upon the new tax rates. For the non-rate regulated activities through the six months ended March 31, 2018, the change in deferred income taxes of $107.0 million was recorded as a reduction to income tax expense. For the Company's rate regulated activities, the reduction in deferred income taxes of $336.7 million was recorded as a decrease to Recoverable Future Taxes of $65.7 million and an increase to Taxes Refundable to Customers of $271.0 million. The 2017 Tax Reform Act includes provisions that stipulate how these excess deferred taxes are to be passed back to customers for certain accelerated tax depreciation benefits. Potential refunds of other deferred income taxes will be determined by the federal and state regulatory agencies. The Company is currently reviewing guidance issued by regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions in which it operates. For further discussion, refer to Note 9 - Regulatory Matters.
The 2017 Tax Reform Act also repealed the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) and provides that the Company’s existing AMT credit carryovers are refundable beginning in fiscal 2019. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $89.6 million of AMT credit carryovers that are expected to be utilized or refunded between fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2022. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded a $4.0 million estimate of the potential sequestration of the refunds of the AMT credits.
The SEC issued guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (SAB 118) which provides for up to a one year period (the measurement period) in which to complete the required analysis and income tax accounting for the 2017 Tax Reform Act. The Company has determined a reasonable estimate for the measurement of the changes in deferred income taxes (noted above), which have been reflected as provisional amounts in the March 31, 2018 financial statements. The final determination of the impact of the income tax effects of these items will require additional analysis and further interpretation of the 2017 Tax Reform Act from yet to be issued U.S. Treasury regulations, state income tax guidance, federal/state regulatory guidance, technical corrections and the filing of the Company's fiscal 2017 federal consolidated tax return. The Company expects to finalize the analysis within SAB 118’s one-year measurement period.
v3.8.0.1
Capitalization
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Capitalization, Long-term Debt and Equity [Abstract]  
Capitalization
Capitalization
 
Common Stock.  During the six months ended March 31, 2018, the Company issued 64,085 original issue shares of common stock as a result of SARs exercises, 68,534 original issue shares of common stock for restricted stock units that vested and 79,079 original issue shares of common stock for performance shares that vested.  In addition, the Company issued 109,535 original issue shares of common stock for the Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan and 55,280 original issue shares of common stock for the Company’s 401(k) plans.  The Company also issued 13,833 original issue shares of common stock to the non-employee directors of the Company who receive compensation under the Company’s 2009 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, as partial consideration for the directors’ services during the six months ended March 31, 2018.  Holders of stock-based compensation awards will often tender shares of common stock to the Company for payment of applicable withholding taxes.  During the six months ended March 31, 2018, 51,574 shares of common stock were tendered to the Company for such purposes.  The Company considers all shares tendered as cancelled shares restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares, in accordance with New Jersey law.
 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt.    None of the Company's long-term debt at March 31, 2018 will mature within the following twelve-month period. Current Portion of Long-Term Debt at September 30, 2017 consisted of $300.0 million of 6.50% notes scheduled to mature in April 2018. The Company redeemed these notes on October 18, 2017 for $307.0 million, plus accrued interest. The call premium was recorded to Unamortized Debt Expense on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in October 2017.
v3.8.0.1
Commitments And Contingencies
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments And Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Environmental Matters.  The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  The Company has established procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures and to comply with regulatory requirements.  It is the Company’s policy to accrue estimated environmental clean-up costs (investigation and remediation) when such amounts can reasonably be estimated and it is probable that the Company will be required to incur such costs. 
    
At March 31, 2018, the Company has estimated its remaining clean-up costs related to former manufactured gas plant sites will be approximately $7.1 million, which includes a $4.2 million estimated minimum liability to remediate a former manufactured gas plant site located in New York.  In March 2018, the NYDEC issued a Record of Decision for this New York site and the minimum liability reflects the remedy selected in the Record of Decision. The Company's liability for such clean-up costs has been recorded in Other Deferred Credits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2018. The Company expects to recover its environmental clean-up costs through rate recovery over a period of approximately 4 years and is currently not aware of any material additional exposure to environmental liabilities.  However, changes in environmental laws and regulations, new information or other factors could have an adverse financial impact on the Company.
    
Northern Access 2016 Project. On February 3, 2017, Supply Corporation and Empire received FERC approval of the Northern Access 2016 project described herein. On April 7, 2017, the NYDEC issued a Notice of Denial of the federal Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and other state stream and wetland permits for the New York portion of the project (the Water Quality Certification for the Pennsylvania portion of the project was received on January 27, 2017). On April 21, 2017, Supply Corporation and Empire filed a Petition for Review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit of the NYDEC's Notice of Denial with respect to National Fuel's application for the Water Quality Certification, and on May 11, 2017, the Company commenced legal action in New York State Supreme Court challenging the NYDEC's actions with regard to various state permits. The Company also has pending with FERC a proceeding asserting, among other things, that the NYDEC exceeded the reasonable and statutory time frames to take action under the Clean Water Act and, therefore, waived its opportunity to approve or deny the Water Quality Certification. In light of these pending legal actions, the Company has not yet determined a target in-service date. As a result of the decision of the NYDEC, Supply Corporation and Empire evaluated the capitalized project costs for impairment as of March 31, 2018 and determined that an impairment charge was not required. The evaluation considered probability weighted scenarios of undiscounted future net cash flows, including a scenario assuming successful resolution with the NYDEC and construction of the pipeline, as well as a scenario where the project does not proceed. Further developments or indicators of an unfavorable resolution could result in the impairment of a significant portion of the project costs, which totaled $75.1 million at March 31, 2018. The project costs are included within Property, Plant and Equipment and Deferred Charges on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
Other.  The Company is involved in other litigation and regulatory matters arising in the normal course of business.  These other matters may include, for example, negligence claims and tax, regulatory or other governmental audits, inspections, investigations and other proceedings.  These matters may involve state and federal taxes, safety, compliance with regulations, rate base, cost of service and purchased gas cost issues, among other things.  While these other matters arising in the normal course of business could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows in the period in which they are resolved, an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if any, cannot be made at this time.
v3.8.0.1
Business Segment Information
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Business Segment Information
Business Segment Information    
 
The Company reports financial results for five segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, Utility and Energy Marketing.  The division of the Company’s operations into reportable segments is based upon a combination of factors including differences in products and services, regulatory environment and geographic factors.
 
The data presented in the tables below reflect financial information for the segments and reconciliations to consolidated amounts.  As stated in the 2017 Form 10-K, the Company evaluates segment performance based on income before discontinued operations, extraordinary items and cumulative effects of changes in accounting (when applicable).  When these items are not applicable, the Company evaluates performance based on net income.  There have not been any changes in the basis of segmentation nor in the basis of measuring segment profit or loss from those used in the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K.  A listing of segment assets at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017 is shown in the tables below.  
Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$146,411
$53,714
$(99)
$283,778
$55,644
$539,448
$1,232
$225
$540,905
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$23,044
$27,832
$5,700
$(51)
$56,525
$—
$(56,525)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$26,537
$22,724
$11,770
$33,360
$578
$94,969
$207
$(3,329)
$91,847

 


 





Six Months Ended March 31, 2018 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$285,552
$107,025
$71
$470,867
$94,280
$957,795
$2,328
$438
$960,561
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$45,028
$51,497
$7,882
$76
$104,483
$—
$(104,483)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$133,235
$61,186
$57,169
$54,353
$1,624
$307,567
$(511)
$(16,555)
$290,501
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Thousands)
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Segment Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At March 31, 2018
$1,540,251
$1,764,554
$517,335
$1,963,421
$61,166
$5,846,727
$77,252
$(9,406)
$5,914,573
At September 30, 2017
$1,407,152
$1,929,788
$580,051
$2,013,123
$60,937
$5,991,051
$76,861
$35,408
$6,103,320

Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$159,553
$53,163
$26
$257,949
$50,940
$521,631
$218
$226
$522,075
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$22,592
$27,936
$6,096
$16
$56,640
$—
$(56,640)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$33,769
$19,256
$10,285
$25,581
$905
$89,796
$(221)
$(291)
$89,284
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$320,485
$106,164
$52
$428,919
$87,750
$943,370
$772
$434
$944,576
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$44,746
$55,776
$7,922
$35
$108,479
$—
$(108,479)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$68,849
$38,624
$21,266
$46,755
$2,687
$178,181
$(400)
$410
$178,191
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
v3.8.0.1
Retirement Plan And Other Post-Retirement Benefits
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Retirement Plan and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Retirement Plan and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (in thousands):
 
 
Retirement Plan
 
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
2017
 
2018
2017





 




Service Cost
$
2,480

$
2,992

 
$
458

$
612

Interest Cost
8,252

9,596

 
3,700

4,752

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(15,429
)
(14,929
)
 
(7,871
)
(7,865
)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
235

264

 
(107
)
(107
)
Amortization of Losses
9,301

10,672

 
2,639

4,604

Net Amortization and Deferral for Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) (1)
6,492

6,234

 
6,250

3,790






 




Net Periodic Benefit Cost
$
11,331

$
14,829

 
$
5,069

$
5,786

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement Plan
 
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Six Months Ended March 31,
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
$
4,960

$
5,984

 
$
915

$
1,224

Interest Cost
16,503

19,192

 
7,400

9,504

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(30,857
)
(29,859
)
 
(15,741
)
(15,729
)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
469

529

 
(214
)
(214
)
Amortization of Losses
18,602

21,343

 
5,279

9,207

Net Amortization and Deferral for Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) (1)
8,214

6,770

 
9,858

5,102

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
$
17,891

$
23,959

 
$
7,497

$
9,094

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
The Company’s policy is to record retirement plan and other post-retirement benefit costs in the Utility segment on a volumetric basis to reflect the fact that the Utility segment experiences higher throughput of natural gas in the winter months and lower throughput of natural gas in the summer months.
 
Employer Contributions.    During the six months ended March 31, 2018, the Company contributed $27.6 million to its tax-qualified, noncontributory defined-benefit retirement plan (Retirement Plan) and $2.1 million to its VEBA trusts for its other post-retirement benefits.  In the remainder of 2018, the Company may contribute up to $5.0 million to the Retirement Plan. In the remainder of 2018, the Company expects its contributions to the VEBA trusts to be in the range of $0.5 million to $1.0 million.
v3.8.0.1
Regulatory Matters
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Other Disclosures [Abstract]  
Regulatory Matters
Regulatory Matters

New York Jurisdiction
    
Distribution Corporation's current delivery rates in its New York jurisdiction were approved by the NYPSC in an order issued on April 20, 2017 with rates becoming effective May 1, 2017. On July 28, 2017, Distribution Corporation filed an appeal with New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, seeking review of the Order. The appeal contends that portions of the Order should be invalidated because they fail to meet the applicable legal standard for agency decisions. On December 11, 2017, the appeal was transferred to the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department. The Company cannot predict the outcome of the appeal at this time.
On December 29, 2017, the NYPSC issued an order instituting a proceeding to study the potential effects of the enactment of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on the tax expenses and liabilities of New York utilities, and the “regulatory treatment of any windfalls resulting from same in order to preserve the benefits for ratepayers.” In its order, the NYPSC stated that the effect of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on utilities’ taxation is likely to be material and complex and that the proceeding was needed to begin the process of addressing the impact on the State’s utilities and ratepayers. The order also declares that utilities are “put on notice that it is the [NYPSC]’s intent to ensure that net benefits accruing from the Tax Act are preserved for ratepayers, either through deferral accounting or another method, from the first day the Tax Act is put into effect. Utilities acting contrary to this intent do so at their own risk.” Pursuant to the order, a technical conference was held with the utilities in February 2018, and on March 29, 2018, the New York Department of Public Service Staff (Staff) issued a proposal for accounting and ratemaking treatment of the tax changes. Interested parties have been invited to comment on the Staff proposal, including whether and how to incorporate into utility rates any modifications necessary to reflect changes in federal tax law affecting utilities. Refer to Note 4 - Income Taxes for further discussion of the 2017 Tax Reform Act.
Pennsylvania Jurisdiction

Distribution Corporation’s Pennsylvania jurisdiction delivery rates are being charged to customers in accordance with a rate settlement approved by the PaPUC. The rate settlement does not specify any requirement to file a future rate case.

By Secretarial Letter issued February 12, 2018, the PaPUC initiated a proceeding to determine the effects of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on the tax liabilities of PaPUC-regulated public utilities for 2018 and future years and the feasibility of reflecting such impacts on the rates charged to utility ratepayers. In connection with such letter, the PaPUC issued certain data requests to utilities regarding the 2017 Tax Reform Act, and Distribution Corporation filed responses in March 2018. On March 15, 2018, the PaPUC issued a Temporary Rates Order making Distribution Corporation’s rates (along with the rates of other Pennsylvania public utilities not presently in a general rate increase proceeding) temporary for a period of six months, which may be extended by the PaPUC for an additional six months. The order states that due to the decrease in federal tax rates associated with the 2017 Tax Reform Act, it appears that existing utility rates may be excessive and, therefore, no longer just and reasonable. The order states that the PaPUC is making rates temporary to maximize its authority to establish any negative surcharge, refund or other rate adjustment deemed to be necessary, just and reasonable to account for the tax rate reductions associated with the 2017 Tax Reform Act, and is consistent with the approach that the PaPUC took following federal tax reform in 1986. The order further states that the PaPUC anticipates that after further review and analysis of the responses to data requests, financial information and public comments, it will direct utilities to file appropriate tariffs to account for the tax reductions associated with the 2017 Tax Reform Act that became effective January 1, 2018. Refer to Note 4 - Income Taxes for further discussion of the 2017 Tax Reform Act.
FERC Jurisdiction
Supply Corporation currently has no active rate case on file. Supply Corporation's current rate settlement requires a rate case filing no later than December 31, 2019.
Empire currently has no active rate case on file. Empire’s current rate settlement requires a rate case filing no later than July 1, 2021.
On March 15, 2018, the FERC issued three documents regarding its plans to undertake review of the 2017 Tax Reform Act and its impact on pipelines: a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which proposes to require pipelines to file a new form isolating the tax impact to each pipeline and also to make an election regarding the action the pipelines will take to address the lower tax rates, one of which is filing a Section 4 rate proceeding; a Policy Statement regarding the treatment of taxes by MLP entities; and a Notice of Inquiry regarding treatment of accumulated deferred income taxes and other tax issues associated with the 2017 Tax Reform Act. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings at this time. Refer to Note 4 - Income Taxes for further discussion of the 2017 Tax Reform Act.
v3.8.0.1
Subsequent Event
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event

The Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell its oil and gas properties in the Sespe Field area of Ventura County, California in October 2017 for $43 million.  The Company completed the sale on May 1, 2018, effective as of October 1, 2017, receiving net proceeds of $38.3 million.  For the period of October 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018, the Company retained all production revenue less production expenses, resulting in lower proceeds from sale at the closing date. The divestiture of the Company’s oil and gas properties in the Sespe Field reflects continuing efforts to focus West Coast development activities in the San Joaquin basin, particularly at the Midway Sunset field in Kern County, California. Under the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas properties, the sale proceeds were accounted for as a reduction of capitalized costs.  Since the disposition did not significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas attributable to the cost center, the Company did not record any gain or loss from this sale.
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles Of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation.  The Company consolidates all entities in which it has a controlling financial interest.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. The Company uses proportionate consolidation when accounting for drilling arrangements related to oil and gas producing properties accounted for under the full cost method of accounting.
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings For Interim Periods
Earnings for Interim Periods.  The Company, in its opinion, has included all adjustments (which consist of only normally recurring adjustments, unless otherwise disclosed in this Form 10-Q) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the reported periods. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included herein, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 that are included in the Company's 2017 Form 10-K.  The consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2018 will be audited by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm after the end of the fiscal year.
 
The earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2018 should not be taken as a prediction of earnings for the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.  Most of the business of the Utility and Energy Marketing segments is seasonal in nature and is influenced by weather conditions.  Due to the seasonal nature of the heating business in the Utility and Energy Marketing segments, earnings during the winter months normally represent a substantial part of the earnings that those segments are expected to achieve for the entire fiscal year.  The Company’s business segments are discussed more fully in Note 7 – Business Segment Information.
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of generally three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Hedging Collateral Deposits
Hedging Collateral Deposits.  This is an account title for cash held in margin accounts funded by the Company to serve as collateral for hedging positions.  In accordance with its accounting policy, the Company does not offset hedging collateral deposits paid or received against related derivative financial instruments liability or asset balances.
Gas Stored Underground
Gas Stored Underground.  In the Utility segment, gas stored underground is carried at lower of cost or net realizable value, on a LIFO method.  Gas stored underground normally declines during the first and second quarters of the year and is replenished during the third and fourth quarters.  In the Utility segment, the current cost of replacing gas withdrawn from storage is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and a reserve for gas replacement is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption “Other Accruals and Current Liabilities.”  Such reserve, which amounted to $34.3 million at March 31, 2018, is reduced to zero by September 30 of each year as the inventory is replenished.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment.  In the Company’s Exploration and Production segment, oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development costs are capitalized under the full cost method of accounting. Under this methodology, all costs associated with property acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized, including internal costs directly identified with acquisition, exploration and development activities. The internal costs that are capitalized do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead, or similar activities. The Company does not recognize any gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of oil and gas properties unless the gain or loss would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and gas attributable to a cost center.
 
Capitalized costs include costs related to unproved properties, which are excluded from amortization until proved reserves are found or it is determined that the unproved properties are impaired.  Such costs amounted to $67.6 million and $80.9 million at March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.  All costs related to unproved properties are reviewed quarterly to determine if impairment has occurred. The amount of any impairment is transferred to the pool of capitalized costs being amortized.
 
Capitalized costs are subject to the SEC full cost ceiling test. The ceiling test, which is performed each quarter, determines a limit, or ceiling, on the amount of property acquisition, exploration and development costs that can be capitalized. The ceiling under this test represents (a) the present value of estimated future net cash flows, excluding future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the balance sheet, using a discount factor of 10%, which is computed by applying prices of oil and gas (as adjusted for hedging) to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of the date of the latest balance sheet, less estimated future expenditures, plus (b) the cost of unevaluated properties not being depleted, less (c) income tax effects related to the differences between the book and tax basis of the properties. The natural gas and oil prices used to calculate the full cost ceiling are based on an unweighted arithmetic average of the first day of the month oil and gas prices for each month within the twelve-month period prior to the end of the reporting period. If capitalized costs, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization and related deferred income taxes, exceed the ceiling at the end of any quarter, a permanent impairment is required to be charged to earnings in that quarter.  At March 31, 2018, the ceiling exceeded the book value of the oil and gas properties by approximately $502.8 million. In adjusting estimated future cash flows for hedging under the ceiling test at March 31, 2018, estimated future net cash flows were increased by $7.5 million.

On December 1, 2015, Seneca and IOG - CRV Marcellus, LLC (IOG), an affiliate of IOG Capital, LP, and funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, executed a joint development agreement that allows IOG to participate in the development of certain oil and gas interests owned by Seneca in Elk, McKean and Cameron Counties, Pennsylvania. On June 13, 2016, Seneca and IOG executed an extension of the joint development agreement. Under the terms of the extended agreement, Seneca and IOG will jointly participate in a program to develop up to 75 Marcellus wells, with Seneca serving as program operator. IOG will hold an 80% working interest in all of the joint development wells. In total, IOG is expected to fund approximately $305 million for its 80% working interest in the 75 joint development wells. Of this amount, IOG has funded $301.5 million as of March 31, 2018, which includes $181.2 million of cash ($137.3 million in fiscal 2016, $26.6 million in fiscal 2017 and $17.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2018) shown as Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2017 and for the six months ended March 31, 2018, respectively. Such proceeds from sale represent funding received from IOG for costs previously incurred by Seneca to develop a portion of the 75 joint development wells. As the fee-owner of the property’s mineral rights, Seneca currently retains a 7.5% royalty interest and the remaining 20% working interest (26% net revenue interest) in 56 of the joint development wells. In the remaining 19 wells, Seneca retains a 20% working and net revenue interest. Seneca’s working interest under the agreement will increase to 85% after IOG achieves a 15% internal rate of return.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.  The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and changes for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net of related tax effect, are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits) (in thousands): 
 
Gains and Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments
Gains and Losses on Securities Available for Sale
Funded Status of the Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
$
10,256

$
7,311

$
(58,486
)
$
(40,919
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(9,063
)
(426
)

(9,489
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
2,648



2,648

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
3,841

$
6,885

$
(58,486
)
$
(47,760
)
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 1, 2017
$
20,801

$
7,562

$
(58,486
)
$
(30,123
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(12,257
)
(405
)

(12,662
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(4,703
)
(272
)

(4,975
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
$
3,841

$
6,885

$
(58,486
)
$
(47,760
)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2017
$
16,570

$
5,047

$
(76,476
)
$
(54,859
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
25,745

1,081


26,826

Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(6,058
)


(6,058
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
36,257

$
6,128

$
(76,476
)
$
(34,091
)
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 1, 2016
$
64,782

$
6,054

$
(76,476
)
$
(5,640
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(4,705
)
543


(4,162
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(23,820
)
(469
)

(24,289
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
36,257

$
6,128

$
(76,476
)
$
(34,091
)
 
 
 
 
 

Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.  The details about the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to the income statement) (in thousands):
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
2017
2018
2017
 
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Financial Instrument Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
     Commodity Contracts

($3,467
)

$12,109


$9,375


$43,429

Operating Revenues
     Commodity Contracts
750

(1,498
)
947

(1,958
)
Purchased Gas
     Foreign Currency Contracts
(482
)
(139
)
(973
)
(282
)
Operation and Maintenance Expense
Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale


430

741

Other Income
 
(3,199
)
10,472

9,779

41,930

Total Before Income Tax
 
551

(4,414
)
(4,804
)
(17,641
)
Income Tax Expense
 

($2,648
)

$6,058


$4,975


$24,289

Net of Tax

Other Current Assets

Other Current Assets.  The components of the Company’s Other Current Assets are as follows (in thousands):
                            
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Prepayments
$
6,208

 
$
10,927

Prepaid Property and Other Taxes
22,482

 
13,974

Federal Income Taxes Receivable
17,282

 

State Income Taxes Receivable
2,371

 
9,689

Fair Values of Firm Commitments
1,608

 
1,031

Regulatory Assets
10,373

 
15,884

 
$
60,324

 
$
51,505

Other Accruals And Current Liabilities
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities.  The components of the Company’s Other Accruals and Current Liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
                            
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Accrued Capital Expenditures
$
26,800

 
$
37,382

Regulatory Liabilities
41,409

 
34,059

Reserve for Gas Replacement
34,332

 

Federal Income Taxes Payable

 
1,775

2017 Tax Reform Act Regulatory Refund
11,336

 

Other
33,672

 
38,673

 
$
147,549

 
$
111,889

Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings Per Common Share.  Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.  For purposes of determining earnings per common share, the potentially dilutive securities the Company had outstanding were stock options, SARs, restricted stock units and performance shares.  For the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018, the diluted weighted average shares outstanding shown on the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects the potential dilution as a result of these securities as determined using the Treasury Stock Method.  Stock options, SARs, restricted stock units and performance shares that are antidilutive are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. There were 685,338 securities and 316,159 securities excluded as being antidilutive for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018, respectively. There were 157,554 securities and 158,211 securities excluded as being antidilutive for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2017, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation.  The Company granted 208,588 performance shares during the six months ended March 31, 2018. The weighted average fair value of such performance shares was $50.95 per share for the six months ended March 31, 2018. Performance shares are an award constituting units denominated in common stock of the Company, the number of which may be adjusted over a performance cycle based upon the extent to which performance goals have been satisfied.  Earned performance shares may be distributed in the form of shares of common stock of the Company, an equivalent value in cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by the Company. The performance shares do not entitle the participant to receive dividends during the vesting period.
 
Half of the performance shares granted during the six months ended March 31, 2018 must meet a performance goal related to relative return on capital over the performance cycle of October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2020.  The performance goal over the performance cycle is the Company’s total return on capital relative to the total return on capital of other companies in a group selected by the Compensation Committee (“Report Group”).  Total return on capital for a given company means the average of the Report Group companies’ returns on capital for each twelve month period corresponding to each of the Company’s fiscal years during the performance cycle, based on data reported for the Report Group companies in the Bloomberg database.  The number of these performance shares that will vest and be paid will depend upon the Company’s performance relative to the Report Group and not upon the absolute level of return achieved by the Company.  The fair value of these performance shares is calculated by multiplying the expected number of shares that will be issued by the average market price of Company common stock on the date of grant reduced by the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.  The fair value is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting term of the award.  The other half of the performance shares granted during the six months ended March 31, 2018 must meet a performance goal related to relative total shareholder return over the performance cycle of October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2020.  The performance goal over the performance cycle is the Company’s three-year total shareholder return relative to the three-year total shareholder return of the other companies in the Report Group.  Three-year shareholder return for a given company will be based on the data reported for that company (with the starting and ending stock prices over the performance cycle calculated as the average closing stock price for the prior calendar month and with dividends reinvested in that company’s securities at each ex-dividend date) in the Bloomberg database.  The number of these total shareholder return performance shares ("TSR performance shares") that will vest and be paid will depend upon the Company’s performance relative to the Report Group and not upon the absolute level of return achieved by the Company.  The fair value price at the date of grant for the TSR performance shares is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique, which includes a reduction in value for the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.  This price is multiplied by the number of TSR performance shares awarded, the result of which is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting term of the award.
 
The Company granted 89,672 non-performance based restricted stock units during the six months ended March 31, 2018.  The weighted average fair value of such non-performance based restricted stock units was $51.23 per share for the six months ended March 31, 2018.  Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of common stock of the Company (or the equivalent value in cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock of the Company, as determined by the Company) at the end of a specified time period. These non-performance based restricted stock units do not entitle the participant to receive dividends during the vesting period. The accounting for non-performance based restricted stock units is the same as the accounting for restricted share awards, except that the fair value at the date of grant of the restricted stock units must be reduced by the present value of forgone dividends over the vesting term of the award.
 
New Authoritative Accounting And Financial Reporting Guidance
New Authoritative Accounting and Financial Reporting Guidance. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding revenue recognition. The authoritative guidance provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability. The revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The original effective date of this authoritative guidance was as of the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2018. However, the FASB has delayed the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year, and the guidance will now be effective as of the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019. Working towards this implementation date, the Company is currently evaluating the guidance and the various issues identified by industry based revenue recognition task forces. The Company does not believe that its revenue recognition policies will change materially, although the Company is still assessing the impact. The Company will need to enhance its financial statement disclosures to comply with the new authoritative guidance.
In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by all leases, regardless of whether they are considered to be capital leases or operating leases. The FASB’s previous authoritative guidance required organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by capital leases while excluding operating leases from balance sheet recognition. The new authoritative guidance will be effective as of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate early adoption and is currently evaluating the provisions of the revised guidance.
In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance simplifying several aspects of the accounting for stock-based compensation. The Company adopted this guidance effective as of October 1, 2016, recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment that increased retained earnings by $31.9 million. The cumulative effect represents the tax benefit of previously unrecognized tax deductions in excess of stock compensation recorded for financial reporting purposes. On a prospective basis, the tax effect of all future differences between stock compensation recorded for financial reporting purposes and actual tax deductions for stock compensation will be recognized upon vesting or settlement as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. From a statement of cash flows perspective, the tax benefits relating to differences between stock compensation recorded for financial reporting purposes and actual tax deductions for stock compensation are now included in cash provided by operating activities instead of cash provided by financing activities. The changes to the statement of cash flows were applied prospectively at the time of adoption.
In March 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requires segregation of the service cost component from the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost for financial reporting purposes. The service cost component is to be presented on the income statement in the same line items as other compensation costs included within Operating Expenses and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost are to be presented on the income statement below the subtotal labeled Operating Income (Loss). Under this guidance, the service cost component shall be the only component eligible to be capitalized as part of the cost of inventory or property, plant and equipment. The new guidance will be effective as of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate early adoption and is currently evaluating the interaction of this authoritative guidance with the various regulatory provisions concerning pension and postretirement benefit costs in the Company’s Utility and Pipeline and Storage segments.
In February 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that allows an entity to elect a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform Act and requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The new guidance will be effective as of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company anticipates early adoption and is currently awaiting regulatory approval of the reclassification to retained earnings from the FERC for the Company’s Pipeline and Storage segment.
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and changes for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, net of related tax effect, are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits) (in thousands): 
 
Gains and Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments
Gains and Losses on Securities Available for Sale
Funded Status of the Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
$
10,256

$
7,311

$
(58,486
)
$
(40,919
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(9,063
)
(426
)

(9,489
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
2,648



2,648

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
3,841

$
6,885

$
(58,486
)
$
(47,760
)
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 1, 2017
$
20,801

$
7,562

$
(58,486
)
$
(30,123
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(12,257
)
(405
)

(12,662
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(4,703
)
(272
)

(4,975
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
$
3,841

$
6,885

$
(58,486
)
$
(47,760
)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2017
$
16,570

$
5,047

$
(76,476
)
$
(54,859
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
25,745

1,081


26,826

Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(6,058
)


(6,058
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
36,257

$
6,128

$
(76,476
)
$
(34,091
)
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 1, 2016
$
64,782

$
6,054

$
(76,476
)
$
(5,640
)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications
(4,705
)
543


(4,162
)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(23,820
)
(469
)

(24,289
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
36,257

$
6,128

$
(76,476
)
$
(34,091
)
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule Of Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The details about the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (amounts in parentheses indicate debits to the income statement) (in thousands):
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
2017
2018
2017
 
Gains (Losses) on Derivative Financial Instrument Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
     Commodity Contracts

($3,467
)

$12,109


$9,375


$43,429

Operating Revenues
     Commodity Contracts
750

(1,498
)
947

(1,958
)
Purchased Gas
     Foreign Currency Contracts
(482
)
(139
)
(973
)
(282
)
Operation and Maintenance Expense
Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale


430

741

Other Income
 
(3,199
)
10,472

9,779

41,930

Total Before Income Tax
 
551

(4,414
)
(4,804
)
(17,641
)
Income Tax Expense
 

($2,648
)

$6,058


$4,975


$24,289

Net of Tax

Schedule Of Other Current Assets
The components of the Company’s Other Current Assets are as follows (in thousands):
                            
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Prepayments
$
6,208

 
$
10,927

Prepaid Property and Other Taxes
22,482

 
13,974

Federal Income Taxes Receivable
17,282

 

State Income Taxes Receivable
2,371

 
9,689

Fair Values of Firm Commitments
1,608

 
1,031

Regulatory Assets
10,373

 
15,884

 
$
60,324

 
$
51,505

Schedule Of Other Accruals And Current Liabilities
The components of the Company’s Other Accruals and Current Liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
                            
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Accrued Capital Expenditures
$
26,800

 
$
37,382

Regulatory Liabilities
41,409

 
34,059

Reserve for Gas Replacement
34,332

 

Federal Income Taxes Payable

 
1,775

2017 Tax Reform Act Regulatory Refund
11,336

 

Other
33,672

 
38,673

 
$
147,549

 
$
111,889

v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company's financial assets and liabilities (as applicable) that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value presentation for over the counter swaps combines gas and oil swaps because a significant number of the counterparties enter into both gas and oil swap agreements with the Company.  
Recurring Fair Value Measures
At fair value as of March 31, 2018
(Thousands of Dollars)   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 
Total(1)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds
$
196,448

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
196,448

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
727

 

 

 
(727
)
 

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
32,770

 

 
(14,837
)
 
17,933

Foreign Currency Contracts

 
608

 

 
(397
)
 
211

Other Investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balanced Equity Mutual Fund
36,910

 

 

 

 
36,910

Fixed Income Mutual Fund
44,192

 

 

 

 
44,192

Common Stock – Financial Services Industry
2,885

 

 

 

 
2,885

Hedging Collateral Deposits
3,657

 

 

 

 
3,657

Total                                           
$
284,819

 
$
33,378

 
$

 
$
(15,961
)
 
$
302,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
$
1,479

 
$

 
$

 
$
(727
)
 
$
752

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
24,911

 

 
(14,837
)
 
10,074

Foreign Currency Contracts

 
1,046

 

 
(397
)
 
649

Total
$
1,479

 
$
25,957

 
$

 
$
(15,961
)
 
$
11,475

Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)
$
283,340

 
$
7,421

 
$

 
$

 
$
290,761

 
Recurring Fair Value Measures
At fair value as of September 30, 2017
(Thousands of Dollars)   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 
Total(1)
Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash Equivalents – Money Market Mutual Funds
$
527,978

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
527,978

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
1,483

 

 

 
(963
)
 
520

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
38,977

 

 
(4,206
)
 
34,771

Foreign Currency Contracts

 
1,227

 

 
(407
)
 
820

Other Investments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balanced Equity Mutual Fund
37,033

 

 

 

 
37,033

Fixed Income Mutual Fund
45,727

 

 

 

 
45,727

Common Stock – Financial Services Industry
3,150

 

 

 

 
3,150

Hedging Collateral Deposits
1,741

 

 

 

 
1,741

Total                                           
$
617,112

 
$
40,204

 
$

 
$
(5,576
)
 
$
651,740

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative Financial Instruments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commodity Futures Contracts – Gas
$
963

 
$

 
$

 
$
(963
)
 
$

Over the Counter Swaps – Gas and Oil

 
5,309

 

 
(4,206
)
 
1,103

     Foreign Currency Contracts

 
407

 

 
(407
)
 

Total
$
963

 
$
5,716

 
$

 
$
(5,576
)
 
$
1,103

Total Net Assets/(Liabilities)
$
616,149

 
$
34,488

 
$

 
$

 
$
650,637


(1) 
Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
v3.8.0.1
Financial Instruments (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt
Based on these criteria, the fair market value of long-term debt, including current portion, was as follows (in thousands): 
 
March 31, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Long-Term Debt
$
2,085,012

 
$
2,169,067

 
$
2,383,681

 
$
2,523,639

Schedule Of Other Investments
The components of the Company's Other Investments are as follows (in thousands):
 
At March 31, 2018
 
At September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
Life Insurance Contracts
$
39,052

 
$
39,355

Equity Mutual Fund
36,910

 
37,033

Fixed Income Mutual Fund
44,192

 
45,727

Marketable Equity Securities
2,885

 
3,150

 
$
123,039

 
$
125,265

Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments Designated And Qualifying As Cash Flow Hedges On The Statement Of Financial Performance
The Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Statement of Financial Performance for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Thousands of Dollars)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
Commodity Contracts
$
(10,514
)
$
42,484

Operating Revenue
$
(3,467
)
$
12,109

Operating Revenue
$
335

$

Commodity Contracts
(344
)
1,044

Purchased Gas
750

(1,498
)
Not Applicable


Foreign Currency Contracts
(1,724
)
569

Operation and Maintenance Expense
(482
)
(139
)
Not Applicable


Total
$
(12,582
)
$
44,097

 
$
(3,199
)
$
10,472

 
$
335

$

The Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Statement of Financial Performance for the
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Thousands of Dollars)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) for the Six Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion)
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) for the Six Months Ended March 31,
Location of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
Commodity Contracts
$
(16,463
)
$
(7,960
)
Operating Revenue
$
9,375

$
43,429

Operating Revenue
$
(98
)
$
(100
)
Commodity Contracts
613

(492
)
Purchased Gas
947

(1,958
)
Not Applicable


Foreign Currency Contracts
(2,231
)
48

Operation and Maintenance Expense
(973
)
(282
)
Not Applicable


Total
$
(18,081
)
$
(8,404
)
 
$
9,349

$
41,189

 
$
(98
)
$
(100
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule Of Derivatives And Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk completely offset each other in current earnings, as shown below.

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships
Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative and Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Thousands)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on the Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
(In Thousands)
Commodity Contracts
Operating Revenues
$
(838
)
$
838

Commodity Contracts
Purchased Gas
$
(196
)
$
196

 
 
$
(1,034
)
$
1,034

 
v3.8.0.1
Business Segment Information (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Financial Segment Information By Segment
Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$146,411
$53,714
$(99)
$283,778
$55,644
$539,448
$1,232
$225
$540,905
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$23,044
$27,832
$5,700
$(51)
$56,525
$—
$(56,525)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$26,537
$22,724
$11,770
$33,360
$578
$94,969
$207
$(3,329)
$91,847

 


 





Six Months Ended March 31, 2018 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$285,552
$107,025
$71
$470,867
$94,280
$957,795
$2,328
$438
$960,561
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$45,028
$51,497
$7,882
$76
$104,483
$—
$(104,483)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$133,235
$61,186
$57,169
$54,353
$1,624
$307,567
$(511)
$(16,555)
$290,501
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Thousands)
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Segment Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At March 31, 2018
$1,540,251
$1,764,554
$517,335
$1,963,421
$61,166
$5,846,727
$77,252
$(9,406)
$5,914,573
At September 30, 2017
$1,407,152
$1,929,788
$580,051
$2,013,123
$60,937
$5,991,051
$76,861
$35,408
$6,103,320

Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$159,553
$53,163
$26
$257,949
$50,940
$521,631
$218
$226
$522,075
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$22,592
$27,936
$6,096
$16
$56,640
$—
$(56,640)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$33,769
$19,256
$10,285
$25,581
$905
$89,796
$(221)
$(291)
$89,284
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exploration and Production
Pipeline and Storage
Gathering
Utility
Energy Marketing
Total Reportable Segments
All Other
Corporate and Intersegment Eliminations
Total Consolidated
Revenue from External Customers
$320,485
$106,164
$52
$428,919
$87,750
$943,370
$772
$434
$944,576
Intersegment Revenues
$—
$44,746
$55,776
$7,922
$35
$108,479
$—
$(108,479)
$—
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss)
$68,849
$38,624
$21,266
$46,755
$2,687
$178,181
$(400)
$410
$178,191
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
v3.8.0.1
Retirement Plan And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (in thousands):
 
 
Retirement Plan
 
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
2017
 
2018
2017





 




Service Cost
$
2,480

$
2,992

 
$
458

$
612

Interest Cost
8,252

9,596

 
3,700

4,752

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(15,429
)
(14,929
)
 
(7,871
)
(7,865
)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
235

264

 
(107
)
(107
)
Amortization of Losses
9,301

10,672

 
2,639

4,604

Net Amortization and Deferral for Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) (1)
6,492

6,234

 
6,250

3,790






 




Net Periodic Benefit Cost
$
11,331

$
14,829

 
$
5,069

$
5,786

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement Plan
 
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Six Months Ended March 31,
2018
2017
 
2018
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
$
4,960

$
5,984

 
$
915

$
1,224

Interest Cost
16,503

19,192

 
7,400

9,504

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(30,857
)
(29,859
)
 
(15,741
)
(15,729
)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
469

529

 
(214
)
(214
)
Amortization of Losses
18,602

21,343

 
5,279

9,207

Net Amortization and Deferral for Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) (1)
8,214

6,770

 
9,858

5,102

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
$
17,891

$
23,959

 
$
7,497

$
9,094

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
The Company’s policy is to record retirement plan and other post-retirement benefit costs in the Utility segment on a volumetric basis to reflect the fact that the Utility segment experiences higher throughput of natural gas in the winter months and lower throughput of natural gas in the summer months.
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
May 01, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2016
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 13, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Cumulative Effect of Adoption of Authoritative Guidance for Stock-Based Compensation   $ 31,900   $ 31,900          
Gas stored underground   $ (6,842)   (6,842)   $ (35,689)      
Capitalized costs of unproved properties excluded from amortization       $ 67,600   80,900      
Full cost ceiling test discount factor   10.00%   10.00%          
Amount Full Cost Ceiling Exceeds Book Value Of Oil And Gas Properties   $ 502,800   $ 502,800          
Increase estimated future net cash flows   $ 7,500              
Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties       $ 17,310 $ 26,554        
Antidilutive securities   685,338 157,554 316,159 158,211        
Seneca [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Cumulative Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties   $ 181,200   $ 181,200          
Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties       17,300   26,600 $ 137,300    
IOG-CRV Marcellus, LLC [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Partner Working Interest In Joint Wells                 80.00%
Internal Rate of Return                 15.00%
Reserve For Gas Replacement [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Gas stored underground   34,332   $ 34,332   $ 0      
Non-performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Share based compensation other than options grants in period       89,672          
Granted in fiscal year, weighted average grant date fair value       $ 51.23          
Performance Shares [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Share based compensation other than options grants in period       208,588          
Granted in fiscal year, weighted average grant date fair value       $ 50.95          
Subsequent Event [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties $ 38,300                
Subsequent Event [Member] | Reserve For Gas Replacement [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Gas stored underground               $ 0  
26 Percent Net Revenue Interest [Member] | Seneca [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Wells to be Developed                 56
After Internal Rate of Return Achieved [Member] | Seneca [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Partner Working Interest In Joint Wells                 85.00%
Extended Agreement [Member] | Seneca [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Partner Working and Net Revenue Interest                 20.00%
Royalty Interest                 7.50%
Partner Working Interest In Joint Wells                 20.00%
Partner Net Revenue Interest in Joint Wells                 26.00%
Extended Agreement [Member] | IOG-CRV Marcellus, LLC [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Wells to be Developed                 75
Partner Amount Funded to Develop Joint Wells   $ 301,500   $ 301,500          
Partner Commitment to Develop Joint Wells                 $ 305,000
20 Percent Net Revenue Interest [Member] | Seneca [Member]                  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                  
Wells to be Developed                 19
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]        
Balance at Beginning of Period $ (40,919) $ (54,859) $ (30,123) $ (5,640)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications (9,489) 26,826 (12,662) (4,162)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2,648 (6,058) (4,975) (24,289)
Balance at End of Period (47,760) (34,091) (47,760) (34,091)
Gains And Losses On Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]        
Balance at Beginning of Period 10,256 16,570 20,801 64,782
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications (9,063) 25,745 (12,257) (4,705)
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 2,648 (6,058) (4,703) (23,820)
Balance at End of Period 3,841 36,257 3,841 36,257
Gains And Losses On Securities Available For Sale [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]        
Balance at Beginning of Period 7,311 5,047 7,562 6,054
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications (426) 1,081 (405) 543
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 0 0 (272) (469)
Balance at End of Period 6,885 6,128 6,885 6,128
Funded Status Of The Pension And Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Member]        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]        
Balance at Beginning of Period (58,486) (76,476) (58,486) (76,476)
Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses Before Reclassifications 0 0 0 0
Amounts Reclassified From Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 0 0 0 0
Balance at End of Period $ (58,486) $ (76,476) $ (58,486) $ (76,476)
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]        
Operating Revenues $ 540,905 $ 522,075 $ 960,561 $ 944,576
Purchased Gas 176,608 147,971 270,642 218,214
Other Income 770 1,744 2,492 3,356
Income Before Income Taxes 130,116 142,255 247,494 287,594
Income Tax Expense (38,269) (52,971) 43,007 (109,403)
Net Income Available for Common Stock 91,847 89,284 290,501 178,191
Amount Of Gain Or (Loss) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]        
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]        
Income Before Income Taxes (3,199) 10,472 9,779 41,930
Income Tax Expense 551 (4,414) (4,804) (17,641)
Net Income Available for Common Stock (2,648) 6,058 4,975 24,289
Amount Of Gain Or (Loss) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Gains And Losses On Securities Available For Sale [Member]        
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]        
Other Income 0 0 430 741
Amount Of Gain Or (Loss) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Commodity Contracts [Member] | Gains And Losses On Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]        
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]        
Operating Revenues (3,467) 12,109 9,375 43,429
Purchased Gas 750 (1,498) 947 (1,958)
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Amount Of Gain Or (Loss) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Gains And Losses On Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]        
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]        
Operation and Maintenance $ (482) $ (139) $ (973) $ (282)
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Components Of Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Prepayments $ 6,208 $ 10,927
Prepaid Property and Other Taxes 22,482 13,974
Fair Values of Firm Commitments 1,608 1,031
Regulatory Assets 10,373 15,884
Other Current Assets 60,324 51,505
Federal [Member]    
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Income Taxes Receivable 17,282 0
State [Member]    
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Income Taxes Receivable $ 2,371 $ 9,689
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Other Accruals And Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 41,409 $ 34,059
Reserve for Gas Replacement (6,842) (35,689)
Other 33,672 38,673
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 147,549 111,889
Accrued Capital Expenditures [Member]    
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Other 26,800 37,382
Reserve For Gas Replacement [Member]    
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Reserve for Gas Replacement 34,332 0
Federal [Member]    
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Income Taxes Payable 0 1,775
2017 Tax Reform Act Regulatory Refund [Member]    
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]    
Other $ 11,336 $ 0
v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Hedging collateral deposits [1] $ 3,657 $ 1,741
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Hedging collateral deposits 3,657 1,741
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Futures [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Hedging collateral deposits $ 3,700 $ 1,700
[1] Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Recurring Fair Value Measures Of Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Cash Equivalents - Money Market Mutual Funds [1] $ 196,448 $ 527,978
Hedging Collateral Deposits [1] 3,657 1,741
Total Assets [1] 302,236 651,740
Total Liabilities [1] 11,475 1,103
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities) [1] 290,761 650,637
Commodity Futures Contracts - Gas [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset [1] 0 520
Derivative Liability [1] 752 0
Over The Counter Swaps - Gas And Oil [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset [1] 17,933 34,771
Derivative Liability [1] 10,074 1,103
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset [1] 211 820
Derivative Liability [1] 649 0
Balanced Equity Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments [1] 36,910 37,033
Fixed Income Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments [1] 44,192 45,727
Common Stock - Financial Services Industry [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments [1] 2,885 3,150
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Cash Equivalents - Money Market Mutual Funds 196,448 527,978
Hedging Collateral Deposits 3,657 1,741
Total Assets 284,819 617,112
Total Liabilities 1,479 963
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities) 283,340 616,149
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Futures Contracts - Gas [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 727 1,483
Derivative Liability 1,479 963
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Over The Counter Swaps - Gas And Oil [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 0 0
Derivative Liability 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 0 0
Derivative Liability 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Balanced Equity Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 36,910 37,033
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 44,192 45,727
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Common Stock - Financial Services Industry [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 2,885 3,150
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Cash Equivalents - Money Market Mutual Funds 0 0
Hedging Collateral Deposits 0 0
Total Assets 33,378 40,204
Total Liabilities 25,957 5,716
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities) 7,421 34,488
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Futures Contracts - Gas [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 0 0
Derivative Liability 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Over The Counter Swaps - Gas And Oil [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 32,770 38,977
Derivative Liability 24,911 5,309
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 608 1,227
Derivative Liability 1,046 407
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Balanced Equity Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Income Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Common Stock - Financial Services Industry [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Cash Equivalents - Money Market Mutual Funds 0 0
Hedging Collateral Deposits 0 0
Total Assets 0 0
Total Liabilities 0 0
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities) 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Futures Contracts - Gas [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 0 0
Derivative Liability 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Over The Counter Swaps - Gas And Oil [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 0 0
Derivative Liability 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset 0 0
Derivative Liability 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Balanced Equity Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Income Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Common Stock - Financial Services Industry [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments 0 0
Netting Adjustments [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Cash Equivalents - Money Market Mutual Funds [1] 0 0
Hedging Collateral Deposits [1] 0 0
Total Assets [1] (15,961) (5,576)
Total Liabilities [1] (15,961) (5,576)
Total Net Assets/(Liabilities) [1] 0 0
Netting Adjustments [Member] | Commodity Futures Contracts - Gas [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset [1] (727) (963)
Derivative Liability [1] (727) (963)
Netting Adjustments [Member] | Over The Counter Swaps - Gas And Oil [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset [1] (14,837) (4,206)
Derivative Liability [1] (14,837) (4,206)
Netting Adjustments [Member] | Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative Asset [1] (397) (407)
Derivative Liability [1] (397) (407)
Netting Adjustments [Member] | Balanced Equity Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments [1] 0 0
Netting Adjustments [Member] | Fixed Income Mutual Fund [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments [1] 0 0
Netting Adjustments [Member] | Common Stock - Financial Services Industry [Member]    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]    
Other Investments [1] $ 0 $ 0
[1] Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
v3.8.0.1
Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
counterparty
bbl
MMcf
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net hedging gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ 8,100  
After tax net hedging gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 3,800  
Pre-Tax Net Hedging Gains (Losses) Reclassified Within Twelve Months (4,100)  
After Tax Net Hedging Gains (Losses) Reclassified Within Twelve Months (1,600)  
Pre-Tax Net Hedging Gains (Losses) Reclassified After Twelve Months 12,200  
After Tax Net Hedging Gains (Losses) Reclassified After Twelve Months 5,400  
Fair market value of derivative asset with a credit-risk related contingency 16,800  
Fair market value of derivative liability with a credit-risk related contingency 8,500  
Hedging collateral deposits [1] $ 3,657 $ 1,741
Over the Counter Swaps and Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Number of counterparties in which the company holds over-the-counter swap positions | counterparty 17  
Number of counterparties in net gain position | counterparty 8  
Credit risk exposure per counterparty $ 2,300  
Maximum credit risk exposure per counterparty 8,600  
Collateral Received by the Company 0  
Hedging collateral deposits $ 0  
Withdrawal of Storage Gas Mmcf [Member] | Energy Marketing [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Nonmonetary notional amount of price risk fair value hedge derivatives, natural gas | MMcf 600  
Fair Value Hedges MMCf [Member] | Energy Marketing [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Nonmonetary notional amount of price risk fair value hedge derivatives, natural gas | MMcf 21,700  
Fixed Price Sales Commitments MMCf [Member] | Energy Marketing [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Nonmonetary notional amount of price risk fair value hedge derivatives, natural gas | MMcf 21,100  
Natural Gas MMCf [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges Short Position [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Nonmonetary notional amount of price risk cash flow hedge derivatives, natural gas | MMcf 106,600  
Natural Gas MMCf [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges Long Position [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Nonmonetary notional amount of price risk cash flow hedge derivatives, natural gas | MMcf 1,700  
Crude Oil Bbls [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges Short Position [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Nonmonetary notional amount of price risk cash flow hedge derivatives, crude oil | bbl 4,284,000  
Exchange Traded Futures Contracts [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Hedging collateral deposits $ 3,700  
Equity Mutual Fund [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gross unrealized gain 9,400 9,900
Sale proceeds 1,500  
Gross realized gain 400  
Fixed Income Mutual Fund [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gross unrealized loss 500 100
Sale proceeds 1,500  
Gross realized loss 100  
Insurance Company Stock [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Gross unrealized gain 1,900 $ 2,200
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Derivative, Notional Amount $ 91,100  
Credit Risk Related Contingency Feature [Member] | Over the Counter Swaps and Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Number of counterparties with a common credit-risk related contingency | counterparty 14  
[1] Netting Adjustments represent the impact of legally-enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to net gain and loss positions held with the same counterparties. The net asset or net liability for each counterparty is recorded as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet.
v3.8.0.1
Financial Instruments (Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]    
Carrying Amount $ 2,085,012 $ 2,383,681
Fair Value $ 2,169,067 $ 2,523,639
v3.8.0.1
Financial Investments (Other Investments) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance $ 39,052 $ 39,355
Other Investments 123,039 125,265
Equity Mutual Fund [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Fair value 36,910 37,033
Fixed Income Mutual Fund [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Fair value 44,192 45,727
Insurance Company Stock [Member]    
Investment Holdings [Line Items]    
Fair value $ 2,885 $ 3,150
v3.8.0.1
Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Derivative Financial Instruments Designated And Qualifying As Cash Flow Hedges On The Statement Of Financial Performance) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) $ (12,582) $ 44,097 $ (18,081) $ (8,404)
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) (3,199) 10,472 9,349 41,189
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) 335 0 (98) (100)
Foreign Currency Contracts [Member] | Operation and Maintenance Expense [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) (1,724) 569 (2,231) 48
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) (482) (139) (973) (282)
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) 0 0 0 0
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Operating Revenues [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) (10,514) 42,484 (16,463) (7,960)
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) (3,467) 12,109 9,375 43,429
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) 335 0 (98) (100)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Purchased Gas [Member]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]        
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Effective Portion) (344) 1,044 613 (492)
Amount of Derivative Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet into the Consolidated Statement of Income (Effective Portion) 750 (1,498) 947 (1,958)
Derivative Gain or (Loss) Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.8.0.1
Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Derivatives And Hedged Items In Fair Value Hedging Relationships) (Details)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]  
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income $ (1,034)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on the Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income 1,034
Operating Revenues [Member]  
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]  
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (838)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on the Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income 838
Purchased Gas [Member]  
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]  
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on Derivative Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income (196)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) on the Hedged Item Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income $ 196
v3.8.0.1
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]            
Effective Tax Rate   29.40% 37.20% (17.40%) 38.00%  
Federal Statutory Rate   24.50%   24.50% 35.00% 35.00%
Reduction to Income Tax Expense Due to Remeasurement of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities   $ 4.0   $ 107.0    
Reduction In Deferred Taxes for Rate Regulated Activities Due to Remeasurement of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities       336.7    
Decrease to Recoverable Future Taxes Due to Change in Corporate Tax Rate       65.7    
Increase in Taxes Refundable to Customers Due to Change in Corporate Tax Rate       271.0    
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit [Member]            
Income Taxes [Line Items]            
Tax Credit Carryforwards   $ 89.6   $ 89.6    
Subsequent Event [Member]            
Income Taxes [Line Items]            
Federal Statutory Rate 21.00%          
v3.8.0.1
Capitalization (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Common stock shares issued due to SARs exercises 64,085  
Issue shares of common stock for the Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan 109,535  
Issue shares of common stock for the 401(k) plans 55,280  
Shares tendered 51,574  
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt $ 0 $ 300,000
Debt Instrument Redeemed $ 307,000  
Restricted Stock Units [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Common stock issued 68,534  
Performance Shares [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Common stock issued 79,079  
Board Of Directors [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Common stock issued 13,833  
6.50% Notes Due April 2018 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt   $ 300,000
Long-term debt, interest rate   6.50%
v3.8.0.1
Commitments And Contingencies (Details)
$ in Millions
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Site Contingency [Line Items]  
Estimated minimum liability for environmental remediation $ 7.1
Rate recovery period 4 years
Project Costs $ 75.1
Former Manufactured Gas Plant Site New York [Member]  
Site Contingency [Line Items]  
Estimated minimum liability for environmental remediation $ 4.2
v3.8.0.1
Business Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of reportable segments 5
v3.8.0.1
Business Segment Information (Financial Segment Information By Segment) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) $ 91,847 $ 89,284 $ 290,501 $ 178,191  
Segment Assets 5,914,573   5,914,573   $ 6,103,320
Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 540,905 522,075 960,561 944,576  
Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 0 0 0 0  
Exploration And Production [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) 26,537 33,769 133,235 68,849  
Segment Assets 1,540,251   1,540,251   1,407,152
Exploration And Production [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 146,411 159,553 285,552 320,485  
Exploration And Production [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 0 0 0 0  
Pipeline And Storage [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) 22,724 19,256 61,186 38,624  
Segment Assets 1,764,554   1,764,554   1,929,788
Pipeline And Storage [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 53,714 53,163 107,025 106,164  
Pipeline And Storage [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 23,044 22,592 45,028 44,746  
Gathering [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) 11,770 10,285 57,169 21,266  
Segment Assets 517,335   517,335   580,051
Gathering [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue (99) 26 71 52  
Gathering [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 27,832 27,936 51,497 55,776  
Utility [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) 33,360 25,581 54,353 46,755  
Segment Assets 1,963,421   1,963,421   2,013,123
Utility [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 283,778 257,949 470,867 428,919  
Utility [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 5,700 6,096 7,882 7,922  
Energy Marketing [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) 578 905 1,624 2,687  
Segment Assets 61,166   61,166   60,937
Energy Marketing [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 55,644 50,940 94,280 87,750  
Energy Marketing [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue (51) 16 76 35  
Total Reportable Segments [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) 94,969 89,796 307,567 178,181  
Segment Assets 5,846,727   5,846,727   5,991,051
Total Reportable Segments [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 539,448 521,631 957,795 943,370  
Total Reportable Segments [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 56,525 56,640 104,483 108,479  
All Other [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) 207 (221) (511) (400)  
Segment Assets 77,252   77,252   76,861
All Other [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 1,232 218 2,328 772  
All Other [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 0 0 0 0  
Corporate And Intersegment Eliminations [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Segment Profit: Net Income (Loss) (3,329) (291) (16,555) 410  
Segment Assets (9,406)   (9,406)   $ 35,408
Corporate And Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Revenue from External Customers [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue 225 226 438 434  
Corporate And Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Revenues [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Revenue $ (56,525) $ (56,640) $ (104,483) $ (108,479)  
v3.8.0.1
Retirement Plan And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Retirement Plan [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Company's contributions $ 27.6
VEBA Trusts [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Company's contributions 2.1
Minimum [Member] | VEBA Trusts [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Estimated future contributions in remainder of fiscal year 0.5
Maximum [Member] | Retirement Plan [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Estimated future contributions in remainder of fiscal year 5.0
Maximum [Member] | VEBA Trusts [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Estimated future contributions in remainder of fiscal year $ 1.0
v3.8.0.1
Retirement Plan And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Retirement Plan [Member]        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Service Cost $ 2,480 $ 2,992 $ 4,960 $ 5,984
Interest Cost 8,252 9,596 16,503 19,192
Expected Return on Plan Assets (15,429) (14,929) (30,857) (29,859)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) 235 264 469 529
Amortization of Losses 9,301 10,672 18,602 21,343
Net Amortization and Deferral For Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) [1] 6,492 6,234 8,214 6,770
Net Periodic Benefit Cost 11,331 14,829 17,891 23,959
Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Member]        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Service Cost 458 612 915 1,224
Interest Cost 3,700 4,752 7,400 9,504
Expected Return on Plan Assets (7,871) (7,865) (15,741) (15,729)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) (107) (107) (214) (214)
Amortization of Losses 2,639 4,604 5,279 9,207
Net Amortization and Deferral For Regulatory Purposes (Including Volumetric Adjustments) [1] 6,250 3,790 9,858 5,102
Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 5,069 $ 5,786 $ 7,497 $ 9,094
[1] The Company’s policy is to record retirement plan and other post-retirement benefit costs in the Utility segment on a volumetric basis to reflect the fact that the Utility segment experiences higher throughput of natural gas in the winter months and lower throughput of natural gas in the summer months.
v3.8.0.1
Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
May 01, 2018
Oct. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Oil and Gas Producing Properties Purchase and Sale Agreement Price   $ 43,000    
Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties     $ 17,310 $ 26,554
Subsequent Event [Member]        
Subsequent Event [Line Items]        
Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties $ 38,300