RGC Resources (RGCO) 10-K 11 Dec 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'RGC RESOURCES INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001069533	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	4,710,729	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$83,901,204

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,846,224	$8,909,871
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $68,539 in 2013 and $65,219 in 2012	3,729,106	3,617,925
Notes receivable	0	1,142,770
Materials and supplies	760,781	613,548
Gas in storage	10,316,240	9,466,095
Prepaid income taxes	836,966	2,072,687
Deferred income taxes	2,852,073	2,371,609
Under-recovery of gas costs	0	687,194
Other	866,646	1,365,615
Total current assets	22,208,036	30,247,314
UTILITY PROPERTY:	'	'
In service	144,388,721	135,912,571
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-48,653,487	-46,563,520
In service, net	95,735,234	89,349,051
Construction work in progress	2,001,315	1,481,041
Utility plant, net	97,736,549	90,830,092
OTHER ASSETS:	'	'
Regulatory assets	4,474,111	8,542,048
Other	108,005	136,884
Total other assets	4,582,116	8,678,932
TOTAL ASSETS	124,526,701	129,756,338
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Note payable	15,000,000	15,000,000
Dividends payable	847,736	817,462
Accounts payable	5,723,107	4,756,460
Customer credit balances	1,277,515	2,382,089
Customer deposits	1,476,451	1,567,501
Accrued expenses	2,118,182	2,102,165
Over-recovery of gas costs	1,027,303	0
Fair value of marked-to-market transactions	1,986,695	2,916,718
Total current liabilities	29,456,989	29,542,395
LONG-TERM DEBT	13,000,000	13,000,000
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES:	'	'
Asset retirement obligations	4,525,355	4,251,295
Regulatory cost of retirement obligations	8,180,173	7,828,157
Benefit plan liabilities	5,582,073	12,541,251
Deferred income taxes	14,276,596	11,898,178
Deferred investment tax credits	3,093	12,132
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	32,567,290	36,531,013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)	'	'
Stockholders’ Equity:	'	'
Common Stock, $5 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,709,326 and 4,670,567 shares in 2013 and 2012, respectively	23,546,630	23,352,835
Preferred stock, no par; authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding in 2013 and 2012	0	0
Capital in excess of par value	8,003,787	7,375,666
Retained earnings	20,103,239	23,904,514
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,151,234	-3,950,085
Total stockholders’ equity	49,502,422	50,682,930
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$124,526,701	$129,756,338

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for uncollectibles	$68,539	$65,219
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$5	$5
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	4,709,326	4,670,567
Common stock, share outstanding	4,709,326	4,670,567
Preferred stock, no par value (in usd per share)	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, share outstanding	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'
Gas utilities	$62,024,174	$57,657,940	$69,483,620
Other	1,181,492	1,141,747	1,315,251
Total operating revenues	63,205,666	58,799,687	70,798,871
COST OF SALES:	'	'	'
Gas utilities	34,916,062	31,278,173	42,815,799
Other	686,713	588,417	713,506
Total cost of sales	35,602,775	31,866,590	43,529,305
GROSS MARGIN	27,602,891	26,933,097	27,269,566
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'
Operations and maintenance	12,853,599	12,547,693	12,661,981
General taxes	1,480,746	1,366,680	1,290,735
Depreciation and amortization	4,473,491	4,232,189	4,003,804
Total other operating expenses	18,807,836	18,146,562	17,956,520
OPERATING INCOME	8,795,055	8,786,535	9,313,046
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net	-60,117	-19,956	20,250
INTEREST EXPENSE	1,828,099	1,830,885	1,832,712
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	6,906,839	6,935,694	7,500,584
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	2,644,787	2,638,949	2,847,111
NET INCOME	$4,262,052	$4,296,745	$4,653,473
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.91	$0.92	$1.01
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.91	$0.92	$1.01
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	4,698,727	4,647,439	4,592,713
Diluted (in shares)	4,698,766	4,650,949	4,600,792

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$4,262,052	$4,296,745	$4,653,473
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'	'	'
Interest rate SWAPs	576,985	245,343	139,199
Defined benefit plans	1,221,866	-162,090	-305,714
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX	1,798,851	83,253	-166,515
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$6,060,903	$4,379,998	$4,486,958

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	$46,309,747	$11,372,160	$17,462,670	$21,341,740	($3,866,823)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	4,653,473	'	'	4,653,473	'
Other comprehensive income	-166,515	'	'	'	-166,515
Stock option grants	0	'	'	'	'
Tax benefits from stock option exercise	40,746	0	40,746	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-3,129,902	'	'	-3,129,902	'
Stock split	0	11,560,575	-11,560,575	'	'
Issuance costs - stock split	-34,205	0	-34,205	'	'
Issuance of common stock	1,112,434	190,675	921,759	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	48,785,778	23,123,410	6,830,395	22,865,311	-4,033,338
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	4,296,745	'	'	4,296,745	'
Other comprehensive income	83,253	'	'	'	83,253
Stock option grants	0	'	'	'	'
Tax benefits from stock option exercise	34,818	0	34,818	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-3,257,542	'	'	-3,257,542	'
Issuance of common stock	739,878	229,425	510,453	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	50,682,930	23,352,835	7,375,666	23,904,514	-3,950,085
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	4,262,052	'	'	4,262,052	'
Other comprehensive income	1,798,851	'	'	'	1,798,851
Stock option grants	84,840	0	84,840	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-8,063,327	'	'	-8,063,327	'
Issuance of common stock	737,076	193,795	543,281	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$49,502,422	$23,546,630	$8,003,787	$20,103,239	($2,151,234)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in usd per share)	$1.72	$0.70	$0.68
Issuance of stock, shares	38,759	45,885	75,818

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$4,262,052	$4,296,745	$4,653,473
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,656,716	4,387,016	4,164,320
Cost of retirement of utility plant, net	-502,587	-436,120	-302,340
Stock option grants	84,840	0	0
Deferred taxes and investment tax credits	786,990	2,410,468	2,720,657
Other noncash items, net	39,186	35,865	-42,938
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable and customer deposits, net	-374,682	-51,234	-189,410
Inventories and gas in storage	-997,378	3,394,448	899,295
Over/under recovery of gas costs	1,714,497	-1,042,670	-2,309,284
Other assets	1,106,590	-418,598	882,148
Accounts payable, customer credit balances and accrued expenses, net	-739,154	-792,879	207,423
Total adjustments	5,775,018	7,486,296	6,029,871
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,037,070	11,783,041	10,683,344
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Expenditures for utility property	-9,977,433	-8,683,658	-7,589,386
Proceeds from disposal of utility property	29,923	32,943	284
Net cash used in investing activities	-9,947,510	-8,650,715	-7,589,102
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds on collection of notes	1,142,770	277,770	87,000
Borrowings under line-of-credit	4,354,402	0	0
Repayments under line-of-credit	-4,354,402	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of stock	737,076	774,696	1,118,975
Cash dividends paid	-8,033,053	-3,226,350	-3,094,418
Net cash used in financing activities	-6,153,207	-2,173,884	-1,888,443
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-6,063,647	958,442	1,205,799
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	8,909,871	7,951,429	6,745,630
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	2,846,224	8,909,871	7,951,429
Cash paid (refunded) during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	1,803,528	1,783,918	1,799,459
Income taxes	622,076	525,000	-705,000
Non-cash transactions:	'	'	'
Note received for reimbursement of expenses	'	'	$381,540

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Principles of Consolidation—RGC Resources, Inc. is an energy services company engaged in the sale and distribution of natural gas. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGC Resources, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Resources” or the “Company”); Roanoke Gas Company (“Roanoke Gas”); Diversified Energy Company; and RGC Ventures of Virginia, Inc., operating as Application Resources and The Utility Consultants. Roanoke Gas is a natural gas utility, which distributes and sells natural gas to approximately 58,200 residential, commercial and industrial customers within its service areas in Roanoke, Virginia and the surrounding localities. The Company’s business is seasonal in nature and weather dependent as a majority of natural gas sales are for space heating during the winter season. Roanoke Gas is regulated by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“SCC” or “Virginia Commission”). Application Resources provides information system services to software providers in the utility industry. The Utility Consultants provides regulatory consulting services to other utilities. Diversified Energy Company is currently inactive.
	The Company follows accounting and reporting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
	Resources has only one reportable segment as defined under FASB ASC No. 280 – Segment Reporting. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Rate Regulated Basis of Accounting—The Company’s regulated operations follow the accounting and reporting requirements of FASB ASC No. 980, Regulated Operations. The economic effects of regulation can result in a regulated company deferring costs that have been or are expected to be recovered from customers in a period different from the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by an unregulated enterprise. When this situation occurs, costs are deferred as assets in the consolidated balance sheet (regulatory assets) and recorded as expenses when such amounts are reflected in rates. Additionally, regulators can impose liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts previously collected from customers and for current collection in rates of costs that are expected to be incurred in the future (regulatory liabilities). In the event the provisions of FASB ASC No. 980 no longer apply to any or all regulatory assets or liabilities, the Company would write off such amounts and include them in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in the period for which FASB ASC No. 980 no longer applied.
	Regulatory assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			September 30
			2013			2012
		Regulatory Assets:
		Current Assets:
		Under-recovery of gas costs	$	—		$	687,194
		Other:
		Accrued pension and postretirement medical	184,063			706,470
		Utility Property:
		In service:
		Other	11,945			11,945
		Other Assets:
		Regulatory assets:
		Premium on early retirement of debt	65,817			96,193
		Accrued pension and postretirement medical	4,267,211			8,433,855
		Other	141,083			12,000
		Total regulatory assets	$	4,670,119		$	9,947,657
		Regulatory Liabilities:
		Current Liabilities:
		Over-recovery of gas costs	$	1,027,303		$	—
		Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
		Asset retirement obligations	4,525,355			4,251,295
		Regulatory cost of retirement obligations	8,180,173			7,828,157
		Total regulatory liabilities	$	13,732,831		$	12,079,452
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had regulatory assets in the amount of $4,591,357 on which the Company did not earn a return during the recovery period. These assets primarily pertain to the net funded position of the Company’s benefit plans related to its regulated operations. As such, the amortization period is not specifically defined.
	Utility Plant and Depreciation—Utility plant is stated at original cost. The cost of additions to utility plant includes direct charges and overhead. The cost of depreciable property retired is charged to accumulated depreciation. The cost of asset removals, less salvage, is charged to “regulatory cost of retirement obligations” or “asset retirement obligations” as explained under Asset Retirement Obligations below. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals and betterments of property are charged to operations and maintenance.
	Provisions for depreciation are computed principally at composite straight-line rates as determined by depreciation studies required to be performed on the regulated utility assets of Roanoke Gas Company every five years. The Company completed its most recent depreciation study in July 2009. The composite weighted-average depreciation rate under the current depreciation study was 3.35%, 3.34% and 3.34% for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The composite rates are comprised of two components, one based on average service life and one based on cost of retirement. As a result, the Company accrues the estimated cost of retirement of long-lived assets through depreciation expense. Retirement costs are not a legal obligation but rather the result of cost-based regulation and are accounted for under the provisions of FASB ASC No. 980. Such amounts are classified as a regulatory liability.
	The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These reviews have not identified any impairments which would have a material effect on the results of operations or financial condition.
	Asset Retirement Obligations—FASB ASC No. 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation when there exists a legal obligation for the retirement of the asset. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost, thereby increasing the carrying amount of the underlying asset. In subsequent periods, the liability is accreted, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The Company has recorded asset retirement obligations for its future legal obligations related to purging and capping its distribution mains and services upon retirement, although the timing of such retirements is uncertain.
	The Company’s composite depreciation rates include a component to provide for the cost of retirement of assets. As a result, the Company accrues the estimated cost of retirement of its utility plant through depreciation expense and creates a corresponding regulatory liability. The costs of retirement considered in the development of the depreciation component include those costs associated with the legal liability. Therefore, the asset retirement obligation is reclassified from the regulatory cost of retirement obligation. If the legal obligations were to exceed the regulatory liability provided for in the depreciation rates, the Company would establish a regulatory asset for such difference with the anticipation of future recovery through rates charged to customers. In both 2013 and 2012, the Company increased its asset retirement obligation to reflect changes in the estimated cash flows for asset retirements.
	The following is a summary of the asset retirement obligation:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012
		Beginning balance	$	4,251,295		$	3,863,933
		Liabilities incurred	75,312			63,965
		Liabilities settled	(194,602		)	(213,581		)
		Accretion	249,293			221,048
		Revisions to estimated cash flows	144,057			315,930
		Ending balance	$	4,525,355		$	4,251,295
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments—From time to time, the Company will have balances on deposit at banks in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company has not experienced any losses on these accounts and does not consider these amounts to be at credit risk. As of September 30, 2013, the Company did not have any bank deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limits. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Customer Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Accounts receivable include amounts billed to customers for natural gas sales and related services and gas sales occurring subsequent to normal billing cycles but before the end of the period. The Company provides an estimate for losses on these receivables by utilizing historical information, current account balances, account aging and current economic conditions. Customer accounts are charged off annually when deemed uncollectible or when turned over to a collection agency for action.
	A reconciliation of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Beginning balance	$	65,219		$	66,058		$	65,275
		Provision for doubtful accounts	85,033			11,588			67,317
		Recoveries of accounts written off	122,432			134,331			190,995
		Accounts written off	(204,145		)	(146,758		)	(257,529		)
		Ending balance	$	68,539		$	65,219		$	66,058
	Financing Receivables—Financing receivables represent a contractual right to receive money either on demand or on fixed or determinable dates and are recognized as assets on the entity’s balance sheet. The Company has two primary types of financing receivables: trade accounts receivable, resulting from the sale of natural gas and other services to its customers, and notes receivable. Trade accounts receivable are short-term in nature and a provision for uncollectible balances is included in the financial statements. The Company’s notes receivable represented the balance on a five-year note with a fifteen year amortization for partial payment on the sale of the Bluefield, Virginia natural gas distribution assets to ANGD, LLC in October 2007 and a 24-month note from a customer related to the payment for relocating a portion of a natural gas distribution main. Both notes were paid in full during 2013.
	Inventories—Inventories, consisting of natural gas in storage and materials and supplies, are recorded at average cost. Injections into storage are priced at the purchase cost at the time of injection and withdrawals from storage are priced at the weighted average price in storage. Materials and supplies are removed from inventory at average cost.
	Unbilled Revenues—The Company bills its natural gas customers on a monthly cycle basis; however, the billing cycle period for most customers does not coincide with the accounting periods used for financial reporting. As the Company recognizes revenue when gas is delivered, an accrual is made to estimate revenues for natural gas delivered to customers but not billed during the accounting period. The amounts of unbilled revenue receivable included in accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2013 and 2012 were $1,056,253 and $951,301, respectively.
	Income Taxes—Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is provided if it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company and its subsidiaries file state and federal consolidated income tax returns.
	Debt Expenses—Debt issuance expenses are amortized over the lives of the debt instruments.
	Over/Under-Recovery of Natural Gas Costs—Pursuant to the provisions of the Company’s Purchased Gas Adjustment (“PGA”) clause, the SCC provides the Company with a method of passing along to its customers increases or decreases in natural gas costs incurred by its regulated operations, including gains and losses on natural gas derivative hedging instruments. On a quarterly basis, the Company files a PGA rate adjustment request with the SCC to adjust the gas cost component of its rates up or down depending on projected price and activity. Once administrative approval is received, the Company adjusts the gas cost component of its rates to reflect the approved amount. As actual costs will differ from the projections used in establishing the PGA rate, the Company may either over-recover or under-recover its actual gas costs during the period. Any difference between actual costs incurred and costs recovered through the application of the PGA is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability. At the end of the deferral period, the balance of the net deferred charge or credit is amortized over an ensuing 12-month period as amounts are reflected in customer billings.
	Fair Value—Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company determines fair value based on the following fair value hierarchy which prioritizes each input to the valuation methods into one of the following three broad levels:
	•	Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
•	Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in Level 1 that are either for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability where there is little, if any, market activity which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). All fair value disclosures are categorized within one of the three categories in the hierarchy. See fair value disclosures below and in Notes 6 and 10.
Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent 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.
Excise and Sales Taxes—Certain excise and sales taxes imposed by the state and local governments in the Company’s service territory are collected by the Company from its customers. These taxes are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are not included as revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Earnings Per Share—Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period and the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares, respectively. Dilutive potential common shares are calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, which assumes that proceeds from the exercise of all options are used to repurchase common stock at market value. The amount of shares remaining after the proceeds are exhausted represents the potentially dilutive effect of the securities. A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below:
		Years Ended September 30
		2013			2012			2011
	Net Income	$	4,262,052		$	4,296,745		$	4,653,473
	Weighted-average common shares	4,698,727			4,647,439			4,592,713
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Options to purchase common stock	39			3,510			8,079
	Diluted average common shares	4,698,766			4,650,949			4,600,792
	Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
	Basic	$	0.91		$	0.92		$	1.01
	Diluted	$	0.91		$	0.92		$	1.01
Business and Credit Concentrations—The primary business of the Company is the distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers in its service territories.
No regulated sales to individual customers accounted for more than 5% of total revenue in any period or amounted to more than 5% of total accounts receivable.
Roanoke Gas currently holds the only franchises and/or certificates of public convenience and necessity to distribute natural gas in its service area. These franchises are effective through January 1, 2016. Certificates of public convenience and necessity in Virginia are exclusive and are intended for perpetual duration.
Roanoke Gas is served directly by two primary pipelines. These two pipelines provide 100% of the natural gas supplied to the Company’s customers. Depending upon weather conditions and the level of customer demand, failure of one or both of these transmission pipelines could have a major adverse impact on the Company.
Derivative and Hedging Activities—FASB ASC No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the Company’s balance sheet and measurement of those instruments at fair value.
The Company’s hedging and derivatives policy allows management to enter into derivatives for the purpose of managing commodity and financial market risks of its business operations. The Company’s hedging and derivatives policy specifically prohibits the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The key market risks that RGC Resources, Inc. hedges against include the price of natural gas and the cost of borrowed funds.
The Company periodically enters into collars, swaps and caps for the purpose of hedging the price of natural gas in order to provide price stability during the winter months. The fair value of these instruments is recorded in the balance sheet with the offsetting entry to either under-recovery of gas costs or over-recovery of gas costs. Net income and other comprehensive income are not affected by the change in market value as any cost incurred or benefit received from these instruments is recoverable or refunded through the PGA as the SCC allows for full recovery of prudent costs associated with natural gas purchases. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments for the purchase of natural gas.
The Company also has two interest rate swaps associated with its variable rate notes. The first swap relates to a $15,000,000 note issued in November 2005. This swap essentially converts the floating rate note based upon LIBOR into fixed rate debt with a 5.74% effective interest rate. The second swap relates to the $5,000,000 variable rate note issued in October 2008. This swap converts the variable rate note based on LIBOR into a fixed rate debt with a 5.79% effective interest rate. Both swaps qualify as cash flow hedges with changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income.
No derivative instruments were deemed to be ineffective for any period presented.
The table below reflects the fair values of the derivative instruments and their corresponding classification in the consolidated balance sheets under the current liabilities caption of “Fair value of marked-to-market transactions” as of September 30, 2013 and 2012:
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		September 30
		2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,986,695		$	2,916,718
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	1,986,695		$	2,916,718
See Note 10 for additional information on fair value.
Based on the interest rate environment as of September 30, 2013, approximately $935,000 of the fair value of the interest rate hedges will be reclassified from other comprehensive loss into interest expense on the income statement over the next 12 months. Changes in LIBOR rates during that period could significantly change the estimated amount to be reclassified to income as well as the fair value of the interest rate hedges.
Stock Split—On July 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of RGC Resources, Inc. declared a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a 100% share dividend upon the issued and outstanding common stock. The stock dividend was payable on September 1, 2011 to shareholders of record on August 15, 2011. As the par value of the common stock remained at $5 per share, the Company reclassified $11,560,575 from “Capital in excess of par value” to “Common Stock” associated with the issuance of 2,312,115 shares.
Other Comprehensive Income(Loss)—A summary of other comprehensive income is provided below:
		Before Tax			Tax			Net-of Tax
		Amount			(Expense)			Amount
					or Benefit
	Year Ended September 30, 2013:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Unrealized losses	$	(20,479	)	$	7,774		$	(12,705	)
	Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	950,501			(360,811		)	589,690
	Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	930,022			(353,037		)	576,985
	Defined benefit plans:
	Net gain arising during period	1,714,890			(651,659		)	1,063,231
	Amortization of actuarial losses	219,890			(83,558		)	136,332
	Amortization of transition obligation	35,972			(13,669		)	22,303
	Net defined benefit plans	1,970,752			(748,886		)	1,221,866
	Other comprehensive income	$	2,900,774		$	(1,101,923	)	$	1,798,851
	Year Ended September 30, 2012:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Unrealized losses	$	(543,826	)	$	206,437		$	(337,389	)
	Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	939,285			(356,553		)	582,732
	Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	395,459			(150,116		)	245,343
	Defined benefit plans:
	Net loss arising during period	(508,666		)	193,294			(315,372		)
	Amortization of actuarial losses	200,136			(76,052		)	124,084
	Amortization of transition obligation	47,093			(17,895		)	29,198
	Net defined benefit plans	(261,437		)	99,347			(162,090		)
	Other comprehensive income	$	134,022		$	(50,769	)	$	83,253
	Year Ended September 30, 2011:
	Interest rate swaps:
	Unrealized losses	$	(723,525	)	$	274,652		$	(448,873	)
	Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	947,894			(359,822		)	588,072
	Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	224,369			(85,170		)	139,199
	Defined benefit plans:
	Net loss arising during period	(689,785		)	262,119			(427,666		)
	Amortization of actuarial losses	149,604			(56,850		)	92,754
	Amortization of transition obligation	47,093			(17,895		)	29,198
	Net defined benefit plans	(493,088		)	187,374			(305,714		)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(268,719	)	$	102,204		$	(166,515	)
The amortization of actuarial losses and transition obligation is included as components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs and is included in operations and maintenance expense.
Composition of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Interest Rate			Defined Benefit			Accumulated
		Swaps			Plans			Other
								Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	Balance October 1, 2010	$	(2,194,073	)	$	(1,672,750	)	$	(3,866,823	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	139,199			(305,714		)	(166,515		)
	Balance September 30, 2011	(2,054,874		)	(1,978,464		)	(4,033,338		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	245,343			(162,090		)	83,253
	Balance September 30, 2012	(1,809,531		)	(2,140,554		)	(3,950,085		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	576,985			1,221,866			1,798,851
	Balance September 30, 2013	$	(1,232,546	)	$	(918,688	)	$	(2,151,234	)
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC No. 220 – Comprehensive Income that defines the presentation of Comprehensive Income in the financial statements. According to the guidance, an entity may present a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate statements – a statement of income and a statement of other comprehensive income that immediately follows the statement of income. In either presentation, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statement the components of other comprehensive income including the reclassification adjustment for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income. In December 2011, the FASB issued additional guidance under FASB ASC No. 220 that deferred the effective date of earlier guidance with regard to the presentation of reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. All other provisions of the original guidance remain in effect. The new requirements have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income presented in the Company’s financial statements. Additional information is provided in the Other Comprehensive Income section above.
In February 2013, the FASB issued additional guidance regarding the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Under the new provisions, an entity must present the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated comprehensive income. The disclosures required under this guidance are provided above.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In December 2011, the FASB issued disclosure guidance under FASB ASC No. 210 – Balance Sheet that requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements that enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Management is currently evaluating the requirements of this guidance but does not anticipate these changes to have a material impact on its financial position. The new requirements are effective on a retrospective basis for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standard–setting bodies are not currently applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Regulatory_Matters

Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Matters	'
	REGULATORY MATTERS
	The SCC exercises regulatory authority over the natural gas operations of Roanoke Gas Company. Such regulation encompasses terms, conditions and rates to be charged to customers for natural gas service, safety standards, service extension, accounting and depreciation.
	On November 1, 2012 the Company placed into effect new base rates, subject to refund, that provided for approximately $1,840,000 in additional non-gas revenues. On April 16, 2013, the SCC issued a final order granting the Company a rate award in the amount of $649,639 in additional non-gas revenues while maintaining a 9.75% authorized return on equity. During May 2013, the Company completed its refund for the difference between the rates placed into effect November 1 and the final rates approved in the Commission order.
	On August 16, 2013, the Company filed an application for a modification to the SAVE (Steps to Advance Virginia’s Energy) Plan and Rider. The original SAVE Plan and Rider were approved by the SCC through an order issued on August 29, 2012. The original SAVE plan was designed to facilitate the accelerated replacement of aging natural gas infrastructure assets by providing a mechanism for the Company to recover the related depreciation and expenses and return on rate base of the additional capital investment without the filing of a formal application for an increase in non-gas base rates. Under the original filing, the SAVE Plan primarily covered replacement of the Company's bare steel and cast iron natural gas distribution pipe. Under the modification, the Company is seeking to include two unique projects; the replacement of the boil off compressor at the Company's liquified natural gas (LNG) plant and modifications to the natural gas transfer station located in Gala, VA in the 2014 SAVE Plan year. These replacements will enhance the safety and reliability of the Company’s gas distribution system.
	On September 13, 2013, the Company filed a request for an expedited increase in rates with the SCC. The request was for an increase of approximately $1,664,000 in annual non-gas revenues. As provided for under this expedited rate request, the Company will be able to place the increased rates into effect for service rendered on or after November 1, 2013, subject to refund pending a final order by the SCC. The public hearing on the request for this rate increase is scheduled for March 25, 2014, with a final order expected after that date.

ShortTerm_Debt

Short-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Short-term Debt [Abstract]	'
Short-Term Debt	'
	SHORT-TERM DEBT
	The Company has available an unsecured line-of-credit with a bank which will expire March 31, 2014. The Company anticipates being able to extend or replace this line-of-credit upon expiration. The Company’s available unsecured line-of-credit varies during the year to accommodate its seasonal borrowing demands. Available limits under this agreement for the remaining term are as follows:
		Effective	Available
			Line-of-Credit
		September 30, 2013	$	5,000,000
		November 23, 2013	7,000,000
		January 25, 2014	5,000,000
		March 1, 2014	1,000,000
	A summary of the line-of-credit follows:
			September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Line-of-credit at year-end	$	5,000,000		$	3,000,000		$	3,000,000
		Outstanding balance at year-end	—			—			—
		Highest month-end balance outstanding	1,414,955			—			—
		Average daily balance	80,593			—			—
		Average rate of interest during year on outstanding balances	1.21		%	—		%	—		%
		Interest rate at year-end	1.18		%	1.22		%	1.24		%
		Interest rate on unused line-of-credit	0.15		%	0.15		%	0.15		%
	On March 31, 2013, the Company executed an unsecured term note in the amount of $15,000,000. This note continues to extend the maturity date of the original promissory note dated November 28, 2005. The term note, which has a maturity date of March 31, 2014, retains all other terms and conditions provided for in the original promissory note including an interest rate of 30-day LIBOR plus 69 basis point spread. The Company also has an interest rate swap related to the $15,000,000 note. This swap was executed in November 2005 in connection with the original promissory note with a maturity date of November 30, 2015. This swap essentially converts the variable rate note into fixed rate debt with a 5.74% interest rate. The Company anticipates being able to extend the maturity date of the $15,000,000 note on an annual basis at terms comparable to the note currently in place until such time the note co-terminates with the corresponding interest rate swap.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consists of the following:
			September 30
			2013		2012
		Unsecured note payable, with variable interest rate based on three month LIBOR (0.25% at September 30, 2013) plus 125 basis point spread, with provision for retirement on December 1, 2015	$	5,000,000	$	5,000,000
		Unsecured senior note payable, at 7.66%, with provision for retirement of $1,600,000 each year beginning December 1, 2014 through December 1, 2018	8,000,000		8,000,000
		Total long-term debt	13,000,000		13,000,000
		Less current maturities	—		—
		Total long-term debt	$	13,000,000	$	13,000,000
	The above debt obligations contain various provisions, including a minimum interest charge coverage ratio, limitations on debt as a percentage of total capitalization and a provision restricting the payment of dividends, primarily based on the earnings of the Company and dividends previously paid. The Company was in compliance with these provisions at September 30, 2013 and 2012. At September 30, 2013, approximately $11,103,000 of retained earnings was available for dividends.
	The $5,000,000 variable rate note also has an interest rate swap that converts the note into a fixed rate debt with a 5.79% effective interest rate. The interest rate swap matures on December 1, 2015.
	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt for the next five years ending after September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Year Ending September 30	Maturities
	2014	$	—
	2015	1,600,000
	2016	6,600,000
	2017	1,600,000
	2018	1,600,000
	Thereafter	1,600,000
	Total	$	13,000,000

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The details of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Current income taxes:
		Federal	$	1,404,450		$	(38,608	)	$	(178,190	)
		State	453,347			232,270			263,898
		Total current income taxes	1,857,797			193,662			85,708
		Deferred income taxes:
		Federal	829,080			2,269,921			2,586,877
		State	(33,051		)	184,405			189,224
		Total deferred income taxes	796,029			2,454,326			2,776,101
		Amortization of investment tax credits	(9,039		)	(9,039		)	(14,698		)
		Total income tax expense	$	2,644,787		$	2,638,949		$	2,847,111
	Income tax expense for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 34% to earnings before income taxes due to the following:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Income before income taxes	$	6,906,839		$	6,935,694		$	7,500,584
		Income tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate	$	2,348,325		$	2,358,136		$	2,550,199
		State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	277,395			275,005			299,061
		Amortization of investment tax credits	(9,039		)	(9,039		)	(14,698		)
		Other, net	28,106			14,847			12,549
		Total income tax expense	$	2,644,787		$	2,638,949		$	2,847,111
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
			September 30
			2013			2012
		Deferred tax assets:
		Allowance for uncollectibles	$	26,017		$	24,757
		Accrued pension and postretirement medical benefits	1,997,001			2,698,204
		Accrued vacation	229,669			232,516
		Over-recovery of gas costs	389,965			—
		Costs of gas held in storage	1,055,768			1,181,336
		Accrued gas costs	8,999			—
		Deferred compensation	493,088			510,288
		Interest rate swap	754,149			1,107,186
		Other	214,172			279,981
		Total gross deferred tax assets	5,168,828			6,034,268
		Deferred tax liabilities:
		Utility plant	16,593,351			14,925,657
		Under-recovery of gas costs	—			260,859
		Accrued gas costs	—			374,321
		Total gross deferred tax liabilities	16,593,351			15,560,837
		Net deferred tax liability	$	11,424,523		$	9,526,569
	FASB ASC No. 740 - Income Taxes provides for the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recognized in the financial statements. The Company has evaluated its tax positions and accordingly has not identified any significant uncertain tax positions. The Company’s policy is to classify interest associated with uncertain tax positions as interest expense in the financial statements. Penalties are classified under other expense.
	The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and state income tax returns in Virginia and West Virginia. The federal returns and the state returns for both Virginia and West Virginia for the tax years ended prior to September 30, 2010 are no longer subject to examination.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The Company sponsors both a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan and a postretirement benefit plan (“Plans”). The defined benefit pension plan covers substantially all employees and benefits fully vest after 5 years of credited service. Benefits paid to retirees are based on age at retirement, years of service and average compensation. The postretirement benefit plan provides certain healthcare, supplemental retirement and life insurance benefits to retired employees who meet specific age and service requirements. Employees hired prior to January 1, 2000 are eligible to participate in the postretirement benefit plan. Employees must have a minimum of 10 years of service and retire after attaining the age of 55 in order to vest in the postretirement plan. Retiree contributions to the plan are based on the number of years of service to the Company as determined under the defined benefit plan.
	Employers who sponsor defined benefit plans must recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. For pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, and for other postretirement plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated benefit obligation. The Company established a regulatory asset for the portion of the obligation expected to be recovered in rates in future periods. The regulatory asset is adjusted for the amortization of the transition obligation and recognition of actuarial gains and losses. The portion of the obligation attributable to the unregulated operations of the holding company is recognized in other comprehensive income.
	The following tables set forth the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, the funded status of the benefit plans, amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements and the assumptions used.
			Pension Plan								Postretirement Plan
			2013				2012				2013			2012
		Accumulated benefit obligation	$	17,909,824			$	18,993,062			$	13,028,628		$	13,707,308
		Change in benefit obligation:
		Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	23,570,451			$	19,167,918			$	13,707,309		$	12,185,319
		Service cost	634,892				521,701				213,131			195,777
		Interest cost	946,247				953,197				531,845			592,359
		Actuarial (gain) loss	(3,105,394		)		3,445,737				(939,539		)	1,128,635
		Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(577,427		)		(518,102		)		(484,118		)	(394,781		)
		Benefit obligation at end of year	$	21,468,769			$	23,570,451			$	13,028,628		$	13,707,309
		Change in fair value of plan assets:
		Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	16,063,381			$	12,992,723			$	8,673,128		$	7,033,605
		Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes	2,215,308				2,488,760				1,075,052			1,184,304
		Employer contributions	1,100,000				1,100,000				850,000			850,000
		Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(577,427		)		(518,102		)		(484,118		)	(394,781		)
		Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	18,801,262			$	16,063,381			$	10,114,062		$	8,673,128
		Funded status	$	(2,667,507	)		$	(7,507,070	)		$	(2,914,566	)	$	(5,034,181	)
		Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:
		Noncurrent liabilities	$	(2,667,507	)		$	(7,507,070	)		$	(2,914,566	)	$	(5,034,181	)
		Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
		Transition obligation, net of tax	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	22,303
		Net actuarial loss, net of tax	591,195				1,568,916				327,493			549,335
		Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$	591,195			$	1,568,916			$	327,493		$	571,638
		Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset:
		Transition obligation	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	105,699
		Net actuarial loss	2,581,852				5,719,060				1,869,422			3,315,566
		Amounts recognized as regulatory assets	$	2,581,852			$	5,719,060			$	1,869,422		$	3,421,265
	The Company expects that approximately $42,000, before tax, of accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized as a portion of net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2014 and approximately $184,000 of amounts deferred as regulatory assets will be amortized and recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2014.
	The Company amortized the unrecognized transition obligation over 20 years ending in June 2013.
	The following table details the actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligations and net benefit cost of the pension and the accumulated benefit obligations and net benefit cost of the postretirement plan for 2013, 2012 and 2011.
			Pension Plan									Postretirement Plan
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011
		Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
		Discount rate	4.82	%		4.06	%		5.04	%		4.73	%	3.95	%		4.96	%
		Expected rate of compensation increase	4	%		4	%		4	%		N/A		N/A			N/A
		Assumptions used to determine benefit costs:
		Discount rate	4.06	%		5.04	%		5.25	%		3.95	%	4.96	%		5	%
		Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.25	%		7.25	%		5.11	%	5.11	%		5.09	%
		Expected rate of compensation increase	4	%		4	%		4	%		N/A		N/A			N/A
	To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company, with input from the plans actuaries and investment advisors, considered the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of each plan’s portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the corresponding long-term rate of return assumptions used for each plan’s assets.
	Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
			Pension Plan											Postretirement Plan
			2013				2012				2011			2013				2012			2011
		Service cost	$	634,892			$	521,701			$	479,236		$	213,131			$	195,777		$	194,842
		Interest cost	946,247				953,197				908,873			531,845				592,359			579,976
		Expected return on plan assets	(1,184,787		)		(959,178		)		(928,207		)	(452,383		)		(367,359		)	(357,278		)
		Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation	—				—				—			141,671				188,892			188,892
		Recognized loss	578,263				475,414				327,173			241,747				239,387			201,151
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	974,615			$	991,134			$	787,075		$	676,011			$	849,056		$	807,583
	The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated benefit obligation for the postretirement medical plan as of September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are presented below:
			Pre 65									Post 65
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011
		Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	9	%		9	%		10	%		5	%	6	%		7	%
		Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5	%		5	%		5	%		5	%	5	%		5	%
		Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2021			2016			2017			2013		2013			2013
	The health care cost trend rate assumptions could have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A change of 1% would have the following effects:
			1% Increase				1% Decrease
		Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	130,000			$	(105,000	)
		Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	1,911,000				(1,568,000		)
The primary objectives of the Plan’s investment policy are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plans’ actuarial assumptions, achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies and meet expected future benefits in both the short-term and long-term. The investment policy provides for a range of investment allocations to allow for flexibility in responding to market conditions. The investment policy is periodically reviewed by the Company and a third-party fiduciary for investment matters.
The Company’s target and actual asset allocation in the pension and postretirement benefit plans as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 were:
		Pension Plan									Postretirement
											Plan
		Target			2013			2012			Target		2013			2012
	Asset category:
	Equity securities	60	%		63	%		59	%		50	%	62	%		60	%
	Debt securities	40	%		37	%		38	%		50	%	36	%		39	%
	Cash	—	%		—	%		3	%		—	%	1	%		1	%
	Other	—	%		—	%		—	%		—	%	1	%		—	%
The assets of the plans are invested in mutual funds. The Company uses the fair value hierarchy described in Note 1 to classify these assets. The mutual funds are included under Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as their fair values are determined based on individual prices for each security that comprises the mutual funds. Most all of the individual investments are determined based on quoted market prices for each security; however, certain fixed income securities and other investments are not actively traded and are valued based on similar investments. The following table contains the fair value classifications of the benefit plan assets:
						Defined Benefit Pension Plan
						Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
		Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Asset Class:
	Cash	$	66,084			$	66,084			$	—		$	—
	Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds:
	Bonds
	Domestic Fixed Income	2,043,005				—				2,043,005			—
	Equities
	Domestic Large Cap Growth	2,769,927				—				2,769,927			—
	Domestic Large Cap Value	3,430,746				—				3,430,746			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	1,770,381				—				1,770,381			—
	Mutual Funds:
	Bonds
	Domestic Fixed Income	4,326,814				—				4,326,814			—
	Foreign Fixed Income	597,799				—				597,799			—
	Equities
	Domestic Large Cap Growth	2,115,392				—				2,115,392			—
	Foreign Large Cap Value	698,554				—				698,554			—
	Foreign Large Cap Core	982,560				—				982,560			—
	Total	$	18,801,262			$	66,084			$	18,735,178		$	—
						Defined Benefit Pension Plan
						Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
		Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Asset Class:
	Cash	$	522,626			$	522,626			$	—		$	—
	Common and Collective Trust
	Bonds
	Domestic Fixed Income	2,040,204				—				2,040,204			—
	Mutual Funds
	Bonds
	Domestic Fixed Income	3,349,538				—				3,349,538			—
	Foreign Fixed Income	631,442				—				631,442			—
	Equities
	Domestic Large Cap Growth	3,101,385				—				3,101,385			—
	Domestic Large Cap Value	3,114,649				—				3,114,649			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	1,414,211				—				1,414,211			—
	Foreign Large Cap Growth	661,895				—				661,895			—
	Foreign Large Cap Core	1,227,431				—				1,227,431			—
	Total	$	16,063,381			$	522,626			$	15,540,755		$	—
						Postretirement Benefit Plan
						Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
		Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Asset Class:
	Cash	$	124,350			$	124,350			$	—		$	—
	Mutual Funds
	Bonds
	Domestic Fixed Income	3,448,416				—				3,448,416			—
	Foreign Fixed Income	214,528				—				214,528			—
	Equities
	Domestic Large Cap Growth	2,277,582				—				2,277,582			—
	Domestic Large Cap Value	1,671,591				—				1,671,591			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth	480,438				—				480,438			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value	467,661				—				467,661			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	35,809				—				35,809			—
	Foreign Large Cap Growth	420,153				—				420,153			—
	Foreign Large Cap Value	386,684				—				386,684			—
	Foreign Large Cap Core	534,747				—				534,747			—
	Other	52,103				—				52,103			—
	Total	$	10,114,062			$	124,350			$	9,989,712		$	—
						Postretirement Benefit Plan
						Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
		Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Asset Class:
	Cash	$	63,991			$	63,991			$	—		$	—
	Mutual Funds
	Bonds
	Domestic Fixed Income	3,121,786				—				3,121,786			—
	Foreign Fixed Income	226,562				—				226,562			—
	Equities
	Domestic Large Cap Growth	1,597,675				—				1,597,675			—
	Domestic Large Cap Value	1,719,786				—				1,719,786			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth	367,369				—				367,369			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value	381,378				—				381,378			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	35,450				—				35,450			—
	Foreign Large Cap Growth	381,020				—				381,020			—
	Foreign Large Cap Core	727,867				—				727,867			—
	Other	50,244				—				50,244			—
	Total	$	8,673,128			$	63,991			$	8,609,137		$	—
Each mutual fund has been categorized based on its primary investment strategy.
The Company expects to contribute $500,000 to its pension plan and $500,000 to its postretirement benefit plan in fiscal 2014.
The following table reflects expected future benefit payments:
	Fiscal year ending September 30	Pension				Postretirement
		Plan				Plan
	2014	$	608,543			$	556,997
	2015	631,566				588,359
	2016	641,345				624,335
	2017	678,723				622,733
	2018	753,561				613,201
	2019-2023	5,264,988				3,549,388
The Company also sponsors a defined contribution plan (“401k Plan”) covering all employees who elect to participate. Employees may contribute from 1% to 50% of their annual compensation to the 401k Plan, limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company matches 100% of the participant’s first 4% of contributions and 50% on the next 2% of contributions. Company matching contributions were $306,382, $295,584 and $274,701 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Common_Stock_Options

Common Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Common Stock Options	'
	COMMON STOCK OPTIONS
	The Company’s stockholders approved the RGC Resources, Inc. Key Employee Stock Option Plan (“KESOP”). The KESOP provides for the issuance of common stock options to officers and certain other full-time salaried employees to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2012, the number of shares available for future grants under the Plan was 4,000 shares. On February 4, 2013, the Company's shareholders approved an additional 100,000 shares for future grants. As of September 30, 2013, the number of shares available for future grants was 83,000.
	FASB ASC No. 718 - Compensation-Stock Compensation requires that compensation expense be recognized for the issuance of equity instruments to employees. During 2013, the Board approved a stock option grant. As required by the KEYSOP, each option's exercise price per share equaled the fair value of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Pursuant to the Plan, the options vest over a six-month period and are exercisable over a ten-year period from the date of issuance.
	As the Company stock options are not traded on the open market, the fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model including the following assumptions:
		Years Ended September 30,
		2013		2012	2011
	Expected volatility	34.75%		N/A	N/A
	Expected dividends	4.32%		N/A	N/A
	Expected exercise term (years)	7		N/A	N/A
	Risk-free interest rate	1.23%		N/A	N/A
	The underlying methods regarding each assumption are as follows:
	Expected volatility is based on the historical volatilities of the daily closing price of the Company's common stock.
	Expected dividend rate is based on historical dividend payout trends.
	Expected exercise term is based on the average time historical option grants were outstanding before being exercised.
	Risk-free interest rate is based on the 7-year Treasury rate on the date of option grant.
	No forfeitures are assumed to occur.
	Stock option transactions under the Company's plans for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below:
			Number of Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Terms (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2010		28,000		$	9.42	1.4	$	158,965
	Options granted		—		—
	Options exercised		(17,000	)	9.66
	Options expired		—		—
	Options forfeited		—		—
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2011		11,000		9.05		1.2	105,600
	Options granted		—		—
	Options exercised		(11,000	)	9.05
	Options expired		—		—
	Options forfeited		—		—
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2012		—		—		—	—
	Options granted		21,000		19.01
	Options exercised		—		—
	Options expired		—		—
	Options forfeited		—		—
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2013		21,000		$	19.01	9.5	$	5,229
	Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2013		21,000		$	19.01	9.5	$	5,229
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year ended September 30, 2013 was $4.04. The intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal 2012 and 2011 were $91,721 and $107,335. The Company recognized $84,840 in stock option expense in during fiscal 2013.
	The Company received $99,550 and $164,285 from the exercise of options in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other_Stock_Plans

Other Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Stock Plans [Abstract]	'
Other Stock Plans	'
	OTHER STOCK PLANS
	Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (“DRIP”) to shareholders of record for the reinvestment of dividends and the purchase of additional investments of up to $40,000 per year in shares of common stock of the Company. Under the DRIP plan, the Company issued 24,905, 25,077 and 48,316 shares in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, after adjusting for the stock split. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had 366,815 shares of stock available for issuance under the DRIP Plan.
	Restricted Stock Plan
	The Board of Directors of the Company implemented the Restricted Stock Plan for Outside Directors (“Plan”) effective January 27, 1997. Under the Plan, a minimum of 40% of the monthly retainer fee paid to each non-employee director of Resources is paid in shares of common stock (“Restricted Stock”). The number of shares of Restricted Stock is calculated each month based on the closing sales price of Resources' common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on the first business day of the month. The Restricted Stock issued under this Plan vests only in the case of a participant's death, disability, retirement, or in the event of a change in control of Resources. The Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, assigned or pledged by the participant until the shares have vested under the terms of this Plan. The shares of Restricted Stock will be forfeited to Resources by a participant's voluntary resignation during his or her term on the Board or removal for cause as a director.
	The Company assumes all directors will complete their term and there will be no forfeiture of the Restricted Stock. Since the inception of the Plan, no director has forfeited any shares of Restricted Stock. The Company recognizes as compensation the market value of the Restricted Stock in the period it is issued.
	The following table reflects the director compensation activity pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan:
		2013			2012				2011
		Shares	Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant		Shares		Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant		Shares	Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant
	Beginning of year balance	54,011	$	13.51	61,955		$	12.81	56,169	$	12.45
	Granted	5,053	18.93		5,327		18.23		5,786	16.31
	Vested	—	—		(13,271	)	12.16		—	—
	Forfeited	—	—		—		—		—	—
	End of year balance	59,064	$	13.97	54,011		$	13.51	61,955	$	12.81
	The fair market value of the Restricted Stock issued as compensation during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $95,667, $97,133 and $94,350. The fair market value of the Restricted Stock vested during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 is $0, $161,338 and $0, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had 85,264 shares available for issuance. No shares of Restricted Stock were forfeited to Resources by a director during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.
	Stock Bonus Plan
	Under the Stock Bonus Plan, executive officers are encouraged to own a position in the Company’s common stock of at least 50% of the value of their annual salary. To promote this policy, the Plan provides that all officers with stock ownership positions below 50% of the value of their annual salaries must, unless approved by the Committee, receive no less than 50% of any performance bonus in the form of Company common stock. Shares from the Stock Bonus Plan may also be issued to certain employees and management personnel in recognition of their performance and service. Under the Stock Bonus Plan, the Company issued 4,022, 1,640 and 1,549 shares valued at $72,580, $30,763 and $24,160, respectively, in 2013, 2012 and 2011. As of September 30, 2013 the Company had 15,003 shares of stock available for issuance under the Stock Bonus Plan.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Roanoke Gas currently holds the only franchises and/or certificates of public convenience and necessity to distribute natural gas in its service area. These franchises are effective through January 1, 2016. Certificates of public convenience and necessity in Virginia are exclusive and are intended for perpetual duration.
	Long-Term Contracts
	Due to the nature of the natural gas distribution business, the Company has entered into agreements with both suppliers and pipelines to contract for natural gas commodity purchases, storage capacity and pipeline delivery capacity.
	The Company obtains most of its regulated natural gas supply through an asset management contract between Roanoke Gas and a 3rd party asset manager. The current asset management contract expired October 31, 2013, and the Company has entered into a contract with a new asset manager effective November 1, 2013 to provide gas management services through March 2017. The Company utilizes an asset manager to optimize the use of its transportation, storage rights, and gas supply inventories which helps to ensure a secure and reliable source of natural gas. Under the asset management contract, the Company has designated the asset manager as agent for their storage capacity and all gas balances in storage. The asset manager provides agency service and manages the utilization of storage assets and the corresponding withdrawals from and injections into storage. The Company retains ownership of gas in storage. Under provisions of this contract, the Company is obligated to purchase its winter storage requirements during the spring and summer injection periods at market price. The table below details the volumetric obligations as of September 30, 2013 for the remainder of the contract period.
		Years	Natural Gas Contracts
			(In Decatherms)
		2013-2014	2,093,062
		2014-2015	2,071,061
		2015-2016	2,071,061
		2016-2017	295,866
		Total	6,531,050
	The Company also has contracts for pipeline and storage capacity which extend for various periods. These capacity costs and related fees are valued at tariff rates in place as of September 30, 2013. These rates may increase or decrease in the future based upon rate filings and rate orders granting a rate change to the pipeline or storage operator. Roanoke Gas is currently served directly by two primary pipelines. These two pipelines deliver all the natural gas supplied to the Company’s customers. Depending upon weather conditions and the level of customer demand, failure of either of these transmission pipelines could have a major adverse impact on the Company. The Company expended approximately $35,348,000, $26,794,000 and $39,951,000 under the asset management, pipeline and storage contracts for Roanoke Gas in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The table below details the pipeline and storage capacity obligations as of September 30, 2013 for the remainder of the contract period.
		Year	Pipeline and
			Storage Capacity
		2013-2014	$	11,328,754
		2014-2015	10,411,414
		2015-2016	10,353,922
		2016-2017	8,979,400
		2017-2018	6,851,208
		Thereafter	7,574,341
		Total	$	55,499,039
	Other Contracts
	The Company maintains other agreements in the ordinary course of business covering various lease, maintenance, equipment and service contracts. These agreements currently extend through March 2020 and are not material to the Company.
	Legal
	From time to time, the Company may become involved in litigation or claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. Management currently believes the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not materially affect the Company's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
	Environmental Matters
	Both Roanoke Gas Company and a previously owned gas subsidiary operated manufactured gas plants (MGPs) as a source of fuel for lighting and heating until the early 1950’s. A by-product of operating MGPs was coal tar, and the potential exists for on-site tar waste contaminants at the former plant sites. While the company does not currently recognize any commitments or contingencies related to environmental costs at either site, should the Company ever be required to remediate either site, it will pursue all prudent and reasonable means to recover any related costs, including the use of insurance claims and regulatory approval for rate case recognition of expenses associated with any work required.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 1 as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
			Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant  Other		Significant
					Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
					Level 1		Inputs		Inputs
							Level 2		Level 3
		Liabilities:
		Natural gas purchases	$	1,177,521	$	—	$	1,177,521	$	—
		Interest rate swaps	1,986,695		—		1,986,695		—
		Total	$	3,164,216	$	—	$	3,164,216	$	—
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
			Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
					Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
					Level 1		Inputs		Inputs
							Level  2		Level 3
		Liabilities:
		Natural gas purchases	$	1,065,243	$	—	$	1,065,243	$	—
		Interest rate swaps	2,916,718		—		2,916,718		—
		Total	$	3,981,961	$	—	$	3,981,961	$	—
	Under the asset management contract, a timing difference can exist between the payment for natural gas purchases and the actual receipt of such purchases. Payments are made based on a predetermined monthly volume with the price based on the weighted average first of the month index prices corresponding to the month of the scheduled payment. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had recorded in accounts payable the estimated fair value of the liability determined on the corresponding first of month index prices for which the liability was expected to be settled.
	The fair value of the interest rate swaps, included in the line item “Fair value of marked-to-market transactions”, is determined by using the counterparty’s proprietary models and certain assumptions regarding past, present and future market conditions.
	The Company’s nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consist of its asset retirement obligations. The asset retirement obligations are measured at fair value at initial recognition based on expected future cash flows to settle the obligation.
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable (with the exception of the timing difference under the asset management contract), customer credit balances and customer deposits is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are not adjusted to fair value in the financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
			Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
			Amount		Active Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
					Level 1		Level 2		Inputs
									Level 3
		Liabilities:
		Note payable	$	15,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	14,976,818
		Long-term debt	13,000,000		—		—		13,762,952
		Total	$	28,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	28,739,770
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
			Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
			Amount		Active  Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
					Level 1		Level 2		Inputs
									Level 3
		Assets:
		Notes Receivable	$	1,142,770	$	—	$	—	$	1,152,896
		Total	$	1,142,770	$	—	$	—	$	1,152,896
		Liabilities:
		Note payable	$	15,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	14,976,818
		Long-term debt	13,000,000		—		—		14,310,450
		Total	$	28,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	29,287,268
	Note payable is included in current liabilities at September 30, 2013 and 2012. Notes receivable of $1,142,770 is classified as current assets at September 30, 2012.
	The fair value of the notes receivable are estimated by discounting future cash flows based on a range of rates for similar investments adjusted for management’s expectation of credit and other risks. The fair value of the note payable is estimated by using the interest rate under the Company’s line-of-credit agreement which renewed at the same time as the term note. Both the line-of-credit and term note have a term of one year. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of the fixed rate debt at rates extrapolated based on current market conditions. The variable rate long-term debt and note payable have interest rate swaps that effectively convert such debt to a fixed rate. The values of the swap agreements are included in the first table above.
	FASB ASC 825 – Financial Instruments requires disclosures regarding concentrations of credit risk from financial instruments. Cash equivalents are investments in high-grade, short-term securities (original maturity less than three months), placed with financially sound institutions. Accounts receivable are from a diverse group of customers including individuals and small and large companies in various industries. The Company maintains certain credit standards with its customers and requires a customer deposit if such evaluation warrants.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information	'
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	Quarterly financial data for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is summarized as follows:
		2013	First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		Operating revenues	$	18,746,592	$	24,175,638	$	11,037,308	$	9,246,128
		Gross margin	$	7,936,483	$	9,585,727	$	5,229,027	$	4,851,654
		Operating income	$	2,950,091	$	4,813,348	$	645,821	$	385,795
		Net income (loss)	$	1,554,153	$	2,698,707	$	110,103	$	(100,911	)
		Earnings per share of common stock:
		Basic	$	0.33	$	0.57	$	0.02	$	(0.02	)
		Diluted	$	0.33	$	0.57	$	0.02	$	(0.02	)
		2012	First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		Operating revenues	$	18,499,176	$	21,290,227	$	9,679,742	$	9,330,542
		Gross margin	$	8,129,627	$	9,118,522	$	4,975,378	$	4,709,570
		Operating income	$	3,408,945	$	4,455,171	$	530,491	$	391,928
		Net income (loss)	$	1,834,912	$	2,483,307	$	52,298	$	(73,772	)
		Earnings per share of common stock:
		Basic	$	0.4	$	0.54	$	0.01	$	(0.02	)
		Diluted	$	0.4	$	0.53	$	0.01	$	(0.02	)

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no items not otherwise disclosed which would have materially impacted the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation—RGC Resources, Inc. is an energy services company engaged in the sale and distribution of natural gas. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RGC Resources, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Resources” or the “Company”); Roanoke Gas Company (“Roanoke Gas”); Diversified Energy Company; and RGC Ventures of Virginia, Inc., operating as Application Resources and The Utility Consultants. Roanoke Gas is a natural gas utility, which distributes and sells natural gas to approximately 58,200 residential, commercial and industrial customers within its service areas in Roanoke, Virginia and the surrounding localities. The Company’s business is seasonal in nature and weather dependent as a majority of natural gas sales are for space heating during the winter season. Roanoke Gas is regulated by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“SCC” or “Virginia Commission”). Application Resources provides information system services to software providers in the utility industry. The Utility Consultants provides regulatory consulting services to other utilities. Diversified Energy Company is currently inactive.
	The Company follows accounting and reporting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
	Resources has only one reportable segment as defined under FASB ASC No. 280 – Segment Reporting. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Rate Regulated Basis of Accounting	'
	Rate Regulated Basis of Accounting—The Company’s regulated operations follow the accounting and reporting requirements of FASB ASC No. 980, Regulated Operations. The economic effects of regulation can result in a regulated company deferring costs that have been or are expected to be recovered from customers in a period different from the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by an unregulated enterprise. When this situation occurs, costs are deferred as assets in the consolidated balance sheet (regulatory assets) and recorded as expenses when such amounts are reflected in rates. Additionally, regulators can impose liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts previously collected from customers and for current collection in rates of costs that are expected to be incurred in the future (regulatory liabilities). In the event the provisions of FASB ASC No. 980 no longer apply to any or all regulatory assets or liabilities, the Company would write off such amounts and include them in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in the period for which FASB ASC No. 980 no longer applied.
Utility Plant and Depreciation	'
	Utility Plant and Depreciation—Utility plant is stated at original cost. The cost of additions to utility plant includes direct charges and overhead. The cost of depreciable property retired is charged to accumulated depreciation. The cost of asset removals, less salvage, is charged to “regulatory cost of retirement obligations” or “asset retirement obligations” as explained under Asset Retirement Obligations below. Maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals and betterments of property are charged to operations and maintenance.
	Provisions for depreciation are computed principally at composite straight-line rates as determined by depreciation studies required to be performed on the regulated utility assets of Roanoke Gas Company every five years. The Company completed its most recent depreciation study in July 2009. The composite weighted-average depreciation rate under the current depreciation study was 3.35%, 3.34% and 3.34% for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The composite rates are comprised of two components, one based on average service life and one based on cost of retirement. As a result, the Company accrues the estimated cost of retirement of long-lived assets through depreciation expense. Retirement costs are not a legal obligation but rather the result of cost-based regulation and are accounted for under the provisions of FASB ASC No. 980. Such amounts are classified as a regulatory liability.
	The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These reviews have not identified any impairments which would have a material effect on the results of operations or financial condition.
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Asset Retirement Obligations—FASB ASC No. 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation when there exists a legal obligation for the retirement of the asset. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost, thereby increasing the carrying amount of the underlying asset. In subsequent periods, the liability is accreted, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The Company has recorded asset retirement obligations for its future legal obligations related to purging and capping its distribution mains and services upon retirement, although the timing of such retirements is uncertain.
	The Company’s composite depreciation rates include a component to provide for the cost of retirement of assets. As a result, the Company accrues the estimated cost of retirement of its utility plant through depreciation expense and creates a corresponding regulatory liability. The costs of retirement considered in the development of the depreciation component include those costs associated with the legal liability. Therefore, the asset retirement obligation is reclassified from the regulatory cost of retirement obligation. If the legal obligations were to exceed the regulatory liability provided for in the depreciation rates, the Company would establish a regulatory asset for such difference with the anticipation of future recovery through rates charged to customers. In both 2013 and 2012, the Company increased its asset retirement obligation to reflect changes in the estimated cash flows for asset retirements.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	'
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments—From time to time, the Company will have balances on deposit at banks in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company has not experienced any losses on these accounts and does not consider these amounts to be at credit risk. As of September 30, 2013, the Company did not have any bank deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limits. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Customer Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Customer Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Accounts receivable include amounts billed to customers for natural gas sales and related services and gas sales occurring subsequent to normal billing cycles but before the end of the period. The Company provides an estimate for losses on these receivables by utilizing historical information, current account balances, account aging and current economic conditions. Customer accounts are charged off annually when deemed uncollectible or when turned over to a collection agency for action.
Financing Receivables	'
	Financing Receivables—Financing receivables represent a contractual right to receive money either on demand or on fixed or determinable dates and are recognized as assets on the entity’s balance sheet. The Company has two primary types of financing receivables: trade accounts receivable, resulting from the sale of natural gas and other services to its customers, and notes receivable. Trade accounts receivable are short-term in nature and a provision for uncollectible balances is included in the financial statements. The Company’s notes receivable represented the balance on a five-year note with a fifteen year amortization for partial payment on the sale of the Bluefield, Virginia natural gas distribution assets to ANGD, LLC in October 2007 and a 24-month note from a customer related to the payment for relocating a portion of a natural gas distribution main. Both notes were paid in full during 2013.
Inventories	'
	Inventories—Inventories, consisting of natural gas in storage and materials and supplies, are recorded at average cost. Injections into storage are priced at the purchase cost at the time of injection and withdrawals from storage are priced at the weighted average price in storage. Materials and supplies are removed from inventory at average cost.
Unbilled Revenues	'
	Unbilled Revenues—The Company bills its natural gas customers on a monthly cycle basis; however, the billing cycle period for most customers does not coincide with the accounting periods used for financial reporting. As the Company recognizes revenue when gas is delivered, an accrual is made to estimate revenues for natural gas delivered to customers but not billed during the accounting period.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes—Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is provided if it is more likely than not the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company and its subsidiaries file state and federal consolidated income tax returns.
Debt Expenses	'
	Debt Expenses—Debt issuance expenses are amortized over the lives of the debt instruments.
Over/Under-Recovery of Natural Gas Costs	'
	Over/Under-Recovery of Natural Gas Costs—Pursuant to the provisions of the Company’s Purchased Gas Adjustment (“PGA”) clause, the SCC provides the Company with a method of passing along to its customers increases or decreases in natural gas costs incurred by its regulated operations, including gains and losses on natural gas derivative hedging instruments. On a quarterly basis, the Company files a PGA rate adjustment request with the SCC to adjust the gas cost component of its rates up or down depending on projected price and activity. Once administrative approval is received, the Company adjusts the gas cost component of its rates to reflect the approved amount. As actual costs will differ from the projections used in establishing the PGA rate, the Company may either over-recover or under-recover its actual gas costs during the period. Any difference between actual costs incurred and costs recovered through the application of the PGA is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability. At the end of the deferral period, the balance of the net deferred charge or credit is amortized over an ensuing 12-month period as amounts are reflected in customer billings.
Fair Value	'
	Fair Value—Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company determines fair value based on the following fair value hierarchy which prioritizes each input to the valuation methods into one of the following three broad levels:
	•	Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in Level 1 that are either for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability where there is little, if any, market activity which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
	The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). All fair value disclosures are categorized within one of the three categories in the hierarchy. See fair value disclosures below and in Notes 6 and 10.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent 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.
Excise and Sales Taxes	'
	Excise and Sales Taxes—Certain excise and sales taxes imposed by the state and local governments in the Company’s service territory are collected by the Company from its customers. These taxes are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are not included as revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share—Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period and the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares, respectively. Dilutive potential common shares are calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, which assumes that proceeds from the exercise of all options are used to repurchase common stock at market value. The amount of shares remaining after the proceeds are exhausted represents the potentially dilutive effect of the securities.
Business and Credit Concentrations	'
	Business and Credit Concentrations—The primary business of the Company is the distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers in its service territories.
	No regulated sales to individual customers accounted for more than 5% of total revenue in any period or amounted to more than 5% of total accounts receivable.
	Roanoke Gas currently holds the only franchises and/or certificates of public convenience and necessity to distribute natural gas in its service area. These franchises are effective through January 1, 2016. Certificates of public convenience and necessity in Virginia are exclusive and are intended for perpetual duration.
	Roanoke Gas is served directly by two primary pipelines. These two pipelines provide 100% of the natural gas supplied to the Company’s customers. Depending upon weather conditions and the level of customer demand, failure of one or both of these transmission pipelines could have a major adverse impact on the Company.
Derivative and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative and Hedging Activities—FASB ASC No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the Company’s balance sheet and measurement of those instruments at fair value.
	The Company’s hedging and derivatives policy allows management to enter into derivatives for the purpose of managing commodity and financial market risks of its business operations. The Company’s hedging and derivatives policy specifically prohibits the use of derivatives for speculative purposes. The key market risks that RGC Resources, Inc. hedges against include the price of natural gas and the cost of borrowed funds.
	The Company periodically enters into collars, swaps and caps for the purpose of hedging the price of natural gas in order to provide price stability during the winter months. The fair value of these instruments is recorded in the balance sheet with the offsetting entry to either under-recovery of gas costs or over-recovery of gas costs. Net income and other comprehensive income are not affected by the change in market value as any cost incurred or benefit received from these instruments is recoverable or refunded through the PGA as the SCC allows for full recovery of prudent costs associated with natural gas purchases. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments for the purchase of natural gas.
	The Company also has two interest rate swaps associated with its variable rate notes. The first swap relates to a $15,000,000 note issued in November 2005. This swap essentially converts the floating rate note based upon LIBOR into fixed rate debt with a 5.74% effective interest rate. The second swap relates to the $5,000,000 variable rate note issued in October 2008. This swap converts the variable rate note based on LIBOR into a fixed rate debt with a 5.79% effective interest rate. Both swaps qualify as cash flow hedges with changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income.
Stock Split	'
	Stock Split—On July 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of RGC Resources, Inc. declared a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a 100% share dividend upon the issued and outstanding common stock. The stock dividend was payable on September 1, 2011 to shareholders of record on August 15, 2011. As the par value of the common stock remained at $5 per share, the Company reclassified $11,560,575 from “Capital in excess of par value” to “Common Stock” associated with the issuance of 2,312,115 shares.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Other Comprehensive Income(Loss)—A summary of other comprehensive income is provided below:
			Before Tax			Tax			Net-of Tax
			Amount			(Expense)			Amount
						or Benefit
		Year Ended September 30, 2013:
		Interest rate swaps:
		Unrealized losses	$	(20,479	)	$	7,774		$	(12,705	)
		Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	950,501			(360,811		)	589,690
		Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	930,022			(353,037		)	576,985
		Defined benefit plans:
		Net gain arising during period	1,714,890			(651,659		)	1,063,231
		Amortization of actuarial losses	219,890			(83,558		)	136,332
		Amortization of transition obligation	35,972			(13,669		)	22,303
		Net defined benefit plans	1,970,752			(748,886		)	1,221,866
		Other comprehensive income	$	2,900,774		$	(1,101,923	)	$	1,798,851
		Year Ended September 30, 2012:
		Interest rate swaps:
		Unrealized losses	$	(543,826	)	$	206,437		$	(337,389	)
		Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	939,285			(356,553		)	582,732
		Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	395,459			(150,116		)	245,343
		Defined benefit plans:
		Net loss arising during period	(508,666		)	193,294			(315,372		)
		Amortization of actuarial losses	200,136			(76,052		)	124,084
		Amortization of transition obligation	47,093			(17,895		)	29,198
		Net defined benefit plans	(261,437		)	99,347			(162,090		)
		Other comprehensive income	$	134,022		$	(50,769	)	$	83,253
		Year Ended September 30, 2011:
		Interest rate swaps:
		Unrealized losses	$	(723,525	)	$	274,652		$	(448,873	)
		Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	947,894			(359,822		)	588,072
		Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	224,369			(85,170		)	139,199
		Defined benefit plans:
		Net loss arising during period	(689,785		)	262,119			(427,666		)
		Amortization of actuarial losses	149,604			(56,850		)	92,754
		Amortization of transition obligation	47,093			(17,895		)	29,198
		Net defined benefit plans	(493,088		)	187,374			(305,714		)
		Other comprehensive loss	$	(268,719	)	$	102,204		$	(166,515	)
	The amortization of actuarial losses and transition obligation is included as components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs and is included in operations and maintenance expense.
	Composition of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
			Interest Rate			Defined Benefit			Accumulated
			Swaps			Plans			Other
									Comprehensive
									Income (Loss)
		Balance October 1, 2010	$	(2,194,073	)	$	(1,672,750	)	$	(3,866,823	)
		Other comprehensive income (loss)	139,199			(305,714		)	(166,515		)
		Balance September 30, 2011	(2,054,874		)	(1,978,464		)	(4,033,338		)
		Other comprehensive income (loss)	245,343			(162,090		)	83,253
		Balance September 30, 2012	(1,809,531		)	(2,140,554		)	(3,950,085		)
		Other comprehensive income (loss)	576,985			1,221,866			1,798,851
		Balance September 30, 2013	$	(1,232,546	)	$	(918,688	)	$	(2,151,234	)
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC No. 220 – Comprehensive Income that defines the presentation of Comprehensive Income in the financial statements. According to the guidance, an entity may present a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate statements – a statement of income and a statement of other comprehensive income that immediately follows the statement of income. In either presentation, the entity is required to present on the face of the financial statement the components of other comprehensive income including the reclassification adjustment for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income. In December 2011, the FASB issued additional guidance under FASB ASC No. 220 that deferred the effective date of earlier guidance with regard to the presentation of reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. All other provisions of the original guidance remain in effect. The new requirements have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income presented in the Company’s financial statements. Additional information is provided in the Other Comprehensive Income section above.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued additional guidance regarding the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Under the new provisions, an entity must present the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated comprehensive income. The disclosures required under this guidance are provided above.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In December 2011, the FASB issued disclosure guidance under FASB ASC No. 210 – Balance Sheet that requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements that enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Management is currently evaluating the requirements of this guidance but does not anticipate these changes to have a material impact on its financial position. The new requirements are effective on a retrospective basis for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
	Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standard–setting bodies are not currently applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities	'
	Regulatory assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			September 30
			2013			2012
		Regulatory Assets:
		Current Assets:
		Under-recovery of gas costs	$	—		$	687,194
		Other:
		Accrued pension and postretirement medical	184,063			706,470
		Utility Property:
		In service:
		Other	11,945			11,945
		Other Assets:
		Regulatory assets:
		Premium on early retirement of debt	65,817			96,193
		Accrued pension and postretirement medical	4,267,211			8,433,855
		Other	141,083			12,000
		Total regulatory assets	$	4,670,119		$	9,947,657
		Regulatory Liabilities:
		Current Liabilities:
		Over-recovery of gas costs	$	1,027,303		$	—
		Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
		Asset retirement obligations	4,525,355			4,251,295
		Regulatory cost of retirement obligations	8,180,173			7,828,157
		Total regulatory liabilities	$	13,732,831		$	12,079,452
Summary of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	The following is a summary of the asset retirement obligation:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012
		Beginning balance	$	4,251,295		$	3,863,933
		Liabilities incurred	75,312			63,965
		Liabilities settled	(194,602		)	(213,581		)
		Accretion	249,293			221,048
		Revisions to estimated cash flows	144,057			315,930
		Ending balance	$	4,525,355		$	4,251,295
Reconciliation of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	A reconciliation of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Beginning balance	$	65,219		$	66,058		$	65,275
		Provision for doubtful accounts	85,033			11,588			67,317
		Recoveries of accounts written off	122,432			134,331			190,995
		Accounts written off	(204,145		)	(146,758		)	(257,529		)
		Ending balance	$	68,539		$	65,219		$	66,058
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Net Income	$	4,262,052		$	4,296,745		$	4,653,473
		Weighted-average common shares	4,698,727			4,647,439			4,592,713
		Effect of dilutive securities:
		Options to purchase common stock	39			3,510			8,079
		Diluted average common shares	4,698,766			4,650,949			4,600,792
		Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
		Basic	$	0.91		$	0.92		$	1.01
		Diluted	$	0.91		$	0.92		$	1.01
Schedule of Derivative Instruments at Fair Value	'
	The table below reflects the fair values of the derivative instruments and their corresponding classification in the consolidated balance sheets under the current liabilities caption of “Fair value of marked-to-market transactions” as of September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
			September 30
			2013			2012
		Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
		Interest rate swaps	$	1,986,695		$	2,916,718
		Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	1,986,695		$	2,916,718
Summary of Other Comprehensive Loss and Financial Instrument Activity	'
	A summary of other comprehensive income is provided below:
			Before Tax			Tax			Net-of Tax
			Amount			(Expense)			Amount
						or Benefit
		Year Ended September 30, 2013:
		Interest rate swaps:
		Unrealized losses	$	(20,479	)	$	7,774		$	(12,705	)
		Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	950,501			(360,811		)	589,690
		Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	930,022			(353,037		)	576,985
		Defined benefit plans:
		Net gain arising during period	1,714,890			(651,659		)	1,063,231
		Amortization of actuarial losses	219,890			(83,558		)	136,332
		Amortization of transition obligation	35,972			(13,669		)	22,303
		Net defined benefit plans	1,970,752			(748,886		)	1,221,866
		Other comprehensive income	$	2,900,774		$	(1,101,923	)	$	1,798,851
		Year Ended September 30, 2012:
		Interest rate swaps:
		Unrealized losses	$	(543,826	)	$	206,437		$	(337,389	)
		Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	939,285			(356,553		)	582,732
		Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	395,459			(150,116		)	245,343
		Defined benefit plans:
		Net loss arising during period	(508,666		)	193,294			(315,372		)
		Amortization of actuarial losses	200,136			(76,052		)	124,084
		Amortization of transition obligation	47,093			(17,895		)	29,198
		Net defined benefit plans	(261,437		)	99,347			(162,090		)
		Other comprehensive income	$	134,022		$	(50,769	)	$	83,253
		Year Ended September 30, 2011:
		Interest rate swaps:
		Unrealized losses	$	(723,525	)	$	274,652		$	(448,873	)
		Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	947,894			(359,822		)	588,072
		Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	224,369			(85,170		)	139,199
		Defined benefit plans:
		Net loss arising during period	(689,785		)	262,119			(427,666		)
		Amortization of actuarial losses	149,604			(56,850		)	92,754
		Amortization of transition obligation	47,093			(17,895		)	29,198
		Net defined benefit plans	(493,088		)	187,374			(305,714		)
		Other comprehensive loss	$	(268,719	)	$	102,204		$	(166,515	)
Schedule of Components of Accumulated Comprehensive Loss	'
	Composition of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
			Interest Rate			Defined Benefit			Accumulated
			Swaps			Plans			Other
									Comprehensive
									Income (Loss)
		Balance October 1, 2010	$	(2,194,073	)	$	(1,672,750	)	$	(3,866,823	)
		Other comprehensive income (loss)	139,199			(305,714		)	(166,515		)
		Balance September 30, 2011	(2,054,874		)	(1,978,464		)	(4,033,338		)
		Other comprehensive income (loss)	245,343			(162,090		)	83,253
		Balance September 30, 2012	(1,809,531		)	(2,140,554		)	(3,950,085		)
		Other comprehensive income (loss)	576,985			1,221,866			1,798,851
		Balance September 30, 2013	$	(1,232,546	)	$	(918,688	)	$	(2,151,234	)

ShortTerm_Debt_Tables

Short-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Short-term Debt [Abstract]	'
Summary of Available Limits Under Line of Credit Agreement	'
	Available limits under this agreement for the remaining term are as follows:
		Effective	Available
			Line-of-Credit
		September 30, 2013	$	5,000,000
		November 23, 2013	7,000,000
		January 25, 2014	5,000,000
		March 1, 2014	1,000,000
Summary of Line of Credit	'
	A summary of the line-of-credit follows:
			September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Line-of-credit at year-end	$	5,000,000		$	3,000,000		$	3,000,000
		Outstanding balance at year-end	—			—			—
		Highest month-end balance outstanding	1,414,955			—			—
		Average daily balance	80,593			—			—
		Average rate of interest during year on outstanding balances	1.21		%	—		%	—		%
		Interest rate at year-end	1.18		%	1.22		%	1.24		%
		Interest rate on unused line-of-credit	0.15		%	0.15		%	0.15		%

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following:
			September 30
			2013		2012
		Unsecured note payable, with variable interest rate based on three month LIBOR (0.25% at September 30, 2013) plus 125 basis point spread, with provision for retirement on December 1, 2015	$	5,000,000	$	5,000,000
		Unsecured senior note payable, at 7.66%, with provision for retirement of $1,600,000 each year beginning December 1, 2014 through December 1, 2018	8,000,000		8,000,000
		Total long-term debt	13,000,000		13,000,000
		Less current maturities	—		—
		Total long-term debt	$	13,000,000	$	13,000,000
Summary of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt	'
	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt for the next five years ending after September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Year Ending September 30	Maturities
	2014	$	—
	2015	1,600,000
	2016	6,600,000
	2017	1,600,000
	2018	1,600,000
	Thereafter	1,600,000
	Total	$	13,000,000

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Details of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The details of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Current income taxes:
		Federal	$	1,404,450		$	(38,608	)	$	(178,190	)
		State	453,347			232,270			263,898
		Total current income taxes	1,857,797			193,662			85,708
		Deferred income taxes:
		Federal	829,080			2,269,921			2,586,877
		State	(33,051		)	184,405			189,224
		Total deferred income taxes	796,029			2,454,326			2,776,101
		Amortization of investment tax credits	(9,039		)	(9,039		)	(14,698		)
		Total income tax expense	$	2,644,787		$	2,638,949		$	2,847,111
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Based on Federal Statutory Rate	'
	Income tax expense for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 34% to earnings before income taxes due to the following:
			Years Ended September 30
			2013			2012			2011
		Income before income taxes	$	6,906,839		$	6,935,694		$	7,500,584
		Income tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate	$	2,348,325		$	2,358,136		$	2,550,199
		State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	277,395			275,005			299,061
		Amortization of investment tax credits	(9,039		)	(9,039		)	(14,698		)
		Other, net	28,106			14,847			12,549
		Total income tax expense	$	2,644,787		$	2,638,949		$	2,847,111
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
			September 30
			2013			2012
		Deferred tax assets:
		Allowance for uncollectibles	$	26,017		$	24,757
		Accrued pension and postretirement medical benefits	1,997,001			2,698,204
		Accrued vacation	229,669			232,516
		Over-recovery of gas costs	389,965			—
		Costs of gas held in storage	1,055,768			1,181,336
		Accrued gas costs	8,999			—
		Deferred compensation	493,088			510,288
		Interest rate swap	754,149			1,107,186
		Other	214,172			279,981
		Total gross deferred tax assets	5,168,828			6,034,268
		Deferred tax liabilities:
		Utility plant	16,593,351			14,925,657
		Under-recovery of gas costs	—			260,859
		Accrued gas costs	—			374,321
		Total gross deferred tax liabilities	16,593,351			15,560,837
		Net deferred tax liability	$	11,424,523		$	9,526,569

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Plan Assets, Funded Status of the Plan, and Amount Recognized in the Financial Statements	'
	The following tables set forth the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, the funded status of the benefit plans, amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements and the assumptions used.
			Pension Plan								Postretirement Plan
			2013				2012				2013			2012
		Accumulated benefit obligation	$	17,909,824			$	18,993,062			$	13,028,628		$	13,707,308
		Change in benefit obligation:
		Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	23,570,451			$	19,167,918			$	13,707,309		$	12,185,319
		Service cost	634,892				521,701				213,131			195,777
		Interest cost	946,247				953,197				531,845			592,359
		Actuarial (gain) loss	(3,105,394		)		3,445,737				(939,539		)	1,128,635
		Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(577,427		)		(518,102		)		(484,118		)	(394,781		)
		Benefit obligation at end of year	$	21,468,769			$	23,570,451			$	13,028,628		$	13,707,309
		Change in fair value of plan assets:
		Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	16,063,381			$	12,992,723			$	8,673,128		$	7,033,605
		Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes	2,215,308				2,488,760				1,075,052			1,184,304
		Employer contributions	1,100,000				1,100,000				850,000			850,000
		Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(577,427		)		(518,102		)		(484,118		)	(394,781		)
		Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	18,801,262			$	16,063,381			$	10,114,062		$	8,673,128
		Funded status	$	(2,667,507	)		$	(7,507,070	)		$	(2,914,566	)	$	(5,034,181	)
		Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:
		Noncurrent liabilities	$	(2,667,507	)		$	(7,507,070	)		$	(2,914,566	)	$	(5,034,181	)
		Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
		Transition obligation, net of tax	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	22,303
		Net actuarial loss, net of tax	591,195				1,568,916				327,493			549,335
		Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$	591,195			$	1,568,916			$	327,493		$	571,638
		Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset:
		Transition obligation	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	105,699
		Net actuarial loss	2,581,852				5,719,060				1,869,422			3,315,566
		Amounts recognized as regulatory assets	$	2,581,852			$	5,719,060			$	1,869,422		$	3,421,265
Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used	'
	The following table details the actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligations and net benefit cost of the pension and the accumulated benefit obligations and net benefit cost of the postretirement plan for 2013, 2012 and 2011.
			Pension Plan									Postretirement Plan
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011
		Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
		Discount rate	4.82	%		4.06	%		5.04	%		4.73	%	3.95	%		4.96	%
		Expected rate of compensation increase	4	%		4	%		4	%		N/A		N/A			N/A
		Assumptions used to determine benefit costs:
		Discount rate	4.06	%		5.04	%		5.25	%		3.95	%	4.96	%		5	%
		Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.25	%		7.25	%		5.11	%	5.11	%		5.09	%
		Expected rate of compensation increase	4	%		4	%		4	%		N/A		N/A			N/A
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Cost	'
	Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
			Pension Plan											Postretirement Plan
			2013				2012				2011			2013				2012			2011
		Service cost	$	634,892			$	521,701			$	479,236		$	213,131			$	195,777		$	194,842
		Interest cost	946,247				953,197				908,873			531,845				592,359			579,976
		Expected return on plan assets	(1,184,787		)		(959,178		)		(928,207		)	(452,383		)		(367,359		)	(357,278		)
		Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation	—				—				—			141,671				188,892			188,892
		Recognized loss	578,263				475,414				327,173			241,747				239,387			201,151
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	974,615			$	991,134			$	787,075		$	676,011			$	849,056		$	807,583
Summary of Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Used	'
	The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated benefit obligation for the postretirement medical plan as of September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are presented below:
			Pre 65									Post 65
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011
		Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	9	%		9	%		10	%		5	%	6	%		7	%
		Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5	%		5	%		5	%		5	%	5	%		5	%
		Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2021			2016			2017			2013		2013			2013
Effect of a 1% Change in Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumptions	'
	The health care cost trend rate assumptions could have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A change of 1% would have the following effects:
			1% Increase				1% Decrease
		Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	130,000			$	(105,000	)
		Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	1,911,000				(1,568,000		)
Schedule of Target and Actual Asset Allocation	'
	The Company’s target and actual asset allocation in the pension and postretirement benefit plans as of September 30, 2013 and 2012 were:
			Pension Plan									Postretirement
												Plan
			Target			2013			2012			Target		2013			2012
		Asset category:
		Equity securities	60	%		63	%		59	%		50	%	62	%		60	%
		Debt securities	40	%		37	%		38	%		50	%	36	%		39	%
		Cash	—	%		—	%		3	%		—	%	1	%		1	%
		Other	—	%		—	%		—	%		—	%	1	%		—	%
Summary of Fair Value Classifications Of Benefit Plan Assets	'
	The following table contains the fair value classifications of the benefit plan assets:
							Defined Benefit Pension Plan
							Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
			Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
		Asset Class:
		Cash	$	66,084			$	66,084			$	—		$	—
		Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds:
		Bonds
		Domestic Fixed Income	2,043,005				—				2,043,005			—
		Equities
		Domestic Large Cap Growth	2,769,927				—				2,769,927			—
		Domestic Large Cap Value	3,430,746				—				3,430,746			—
		Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	1,770,381				—				1,770,381			—
		Mutual Funds:
		Bonds
		Domestic Fixed Income	4,326,814				—				4,326,814			—
		Foreign Fixed Income	597,799				—				597,799			—
		Equities
		Domestic Large Cap Growth	2,115,392				—				2,115,392			—
		Foreign Large Cap Value	698,554				—				698,554			—
		Foreign Large Cap Core	982,560				—				982,560			—
		Total	$	18,801,262			$	66,084			$	18,735,178		$	—
							Defined Benefit Pension Plan
							Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
			Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
		Asset Class:
		Cash	$	522,626			$	522,626			$	—		$	—
		Common and Collective Trust
		Bonds
		Domestic Fixed Income	2,040,204				—				2,040,204			—
		Mutual Funds
		Bonds
		Domestic Fixed Income	3,349,538				—				3,349,538			—
		Foreign Fixed Income	631,442				—				631,442			—
		Equities
		Domestic Large Cap Growth	3,101,385				—				3,101,385			—
		Domestic Large Cap Value	3,114,649				—				3,114,649			—
		Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	1,414,211				—				1,414,211			—
		Foreign Large Cap Growth	661,895				—				661,895			—
		Foreign Large Cap Core	1,227,431				—				1,227,431			—
		Total	$	16,063,381			$	522,626			$	15,540,755		$	—
							Postretirement Benefit Plan
							Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
			Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
		Asset Class:
		Cash	$	124,350			$	124,350			$	—		$	—
		Mutual Funds
		Bonds
		Domestic Fixed Income	3,448,416				—				3,448,416			—
		Foreign Fixed Income	214,528				—				214,528			—
		Equities
		Domestic Large Cap Growth	2,277,582				—				2,277,582			—
		Domestic Large Cap Value	1,671,591				—				1,671,591			—
		Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth	480,438				—				480,438			—
		Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value	467,661				—				467,661			—
		Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	35,809				—				35,809			—
		Foreign Large Cap Growth	420,153				—				420,153			—
		Foreign Large Cap Value	386,684				—				386,684			—
		Foreign Large Cap Core	534,747				—				534,747			—
		Other	52,103				—				52,103			—
		Total	$	10,114,062			$	124,350			$	9,989,712		$	—
							Postretirement Benefit Plan
							Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
		Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2			Level 3
	Asset Class:
	Cash	$	63,991			$	63,991			$	—		$	—
	Mutual Funds
	Bonds
	Domestic Fixed Income	3,121,786				—				3,121,786			—
	Foreign Fixed Income	226,562				—				226,562			—
	Equities
	Domestic Large Cap Growth	1,597,675				—				1,597,675			—
	Domestic Large Cap Value	1,719,786				—				1,719,786			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth	367,369				—				367,369			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value	381,378				—				381,378			—
	Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core	35,450				—				35,450			—
	Foreign Large Cap Growth	381,020				—				381,020			—
	Foreign Large Cap Core	727,867				—				727,867			—
	Other	50,244				—				50,244			—
	Total	$	8,673,128			$	63,991			$	8,609,137		$	—
Schedule of Expected Future Benefit Payments	'
	The following table reflects expected future benefit payments:
		Fiscal year ending September 30	Pension				Postretirement
			Plan				Plan
		2014	$	608,543			$	556,997
		2015	631,566				588,359
		2016	641,345				624,335
		2017	678,723				622,733
		2018	753,561				613,201
		2019-2023	5,264,988				3,549,388

Common_Stock_Options_Tables

Common Stock Options (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options	'
	As the Company stock options are not traded on the open market, the fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model including the following assumptions:
		Years Ended September 30,
		2013		2012	2011
	Expected volatility	34.75%		N/A	N/A
	Expected dividends	4.32%		N/A	N/A
	Expected exercise term (years)	7		N/A	N/A
	Risk-free interest rate	1.23%		N/A	N/A
Schedule of Aggregate Share Option Activity	'
	Stock option transactions under the Company's plans for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below:
			Number of Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Terms (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2010		28,000		$	9.42	1.4	$	158,965
	Options granted		—		—
	Options exercised		(17,000	)	9.66
	Options expired		—		—
	Options forfeited		—		—
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2011		11,000		9.05		1.2	105,600
	Options granted		—		—
	Options exercised		(11,000	)	9.05
	Options expired		—		—
	Options forfeited		—		—
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2012		—		—		—	—
	Options granted		21,000		19.01
	Options exercised		—		—
	Options expired		—		—
	Options forfeited		—		—
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2013		21,000		$	19.01	9.5	$	5,229
	Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2013		21,000		$	19.01	9.5	$	5,229

Other_Stock_Plans_Tables

Other Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Stock Plans [Abstract]	'
Director Compensation Activity	'
	The following table reflects the director compensation activity pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan:
		2013			2012				2011
		Shares	Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant		Shares		Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant		Shares	Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant
	Beginning of year balance	54,011	$	13.51	61,955		$	12.81	56,169	$	12.45
	Granted	5,053	18.93		5,327		18.23		5,786	16.31
	Vested	—	—		(13,271	)	12.16		—	—
	Forfeited	—	—		—		—		—	—
	End of year balance	59,064	$	13.97	54,011		$	13.51	61,955	$	12.81

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Volumetric Obligation [Member]	'
Schedule of Financial and Volumetric Obligations	'
	The table below details the volumetric obligations as of September 30, 2013 for the remainder of the contract period.
		Years	Natural Gas Contracts
			(In Decatherms)
		2013-2014	2,093,062
		2014-2015	2,071,061
		2015-2016	2,071,061
		2016-2017	295,866
		Total	6,531,050
Financial Obligation [Member]	'
Schedule of Financial and Volumetric Obligations	'
	The table below details the pipeline and storage capacity obligations as of September 30, 2013 for the remainder of the contract period.
		Year	Pipeline and
			Storage Capacity
		2013-2014	$	11,328,754
		2014-2015	10,411,414
		2015-2016	10,353,922
		2016-2017	8,979,400
		2017-2018	6,851,208
		Thereafter	7,574,341
		Total	$	55,499,039

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value Of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 1 as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
			Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant  Other		Significant
					Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
					Level 1		Inputs		Inputs
							Level 2		Level 3
		Liabilities:
		Natural gas purchases	$	1,177,521	$	—	$	1,177,521	$	—
		Interest rate swaps	1,986,695		—		1,986,695		—
		Total	$	3,164,216	$	—	$	3,164,216	$	—
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
			Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
					Active Markets		Observable		Unobservable
					Level 1		Inputs		Inputs
							Level  2		Level 3
		Liabilities:
		Natural gas purchases	$	1,065,243	$	—	$	1,065,243	$	—
		Interest rate swaps	2,916,718		—		2,916,718		—
		Total	$	3,981,961	$	—	$	3,981,961	$	—
Summary of the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Adjusted to Fair Value	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are not adjusted to fair value in the financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2013
			Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
			Amount		Active Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
					Level 1		Level 2		Inputs
									Level 3
		Liabilities:
		Note payable	$	15,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	14,976,818
		Long-term debt	13,000,000		—		—		13,762,952
		Total	$	28,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	28,739,770
					Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2012
			Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
			Amount		Active  Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
					Level 1		Level 2		Inputs
									Level 3
		Assets:
		Notes Receivable	$	1,142,770	$	—	$	—	$	1,152,896
		Total	$	1,142,770	$	—	$	—	$	1,152,896
		Liabilities:
		Note payable	$	15,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	14,976,818
		Long-term debt	13,000,000		—		—		14,310,450
		Total	$	28,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	29,287,268

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Quarterly financial data for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is summarized as follows:
		2013	First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		Operating revenues	$	18,746,592	$	24,175,638	$	11,037,308	$	9,246,128
		Gross margin	$	7,936,483	$	9,585,727	$	5,229,027	$	4,851,654
		Operating income	$	2,950,091	$	4,813,348	$	645,821	$	385,795
		Net income (loss)	$	1,554,153	$	2,698,707	$	110,103	$	(100,911	)
		Earnings per share of common stock:
		Basic	$	0.33	$	0.57	$	0.02	$	(0.02	)
		Diluted	$	0.33	$	0.57	$	0.02	$	(0.02	)
		2012	First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		Operating revenues	$	18,499,176	$	21,290,227	$	9,679,742	$	9,330,542
		Gross margin	$	8,129,627	$	9,118,522	$	4,975,378	$	4,709,570
		Operating income	$	3,408,945	$	4,455,171	$	530,491	$	391,928
		Net income (loss)	$	1,834,912	$	2,483,307	$	52,298	$	(73,772	)
		Earnings per share of common stock:
		Basic	$	0.4	$	0.54	$	0.01	$	(0.02	)
		Diluted	$	0.4	$	0.53	$	0.01	$	(0.02	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 25, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 25, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

pipeline

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Note Payable March 31, 2012 [Member]

Note Payable March 31, 2012 [Member]

Note Payable December 1, 2015 [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Partial Payment on Sale of Natural Gas Distribution Assets [Member]

Payment for Relocating a Portion of Natural Gas Distribution Main [Member]

customer

instruments_held

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of customers

'

58,200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining amount of regulatory assets that did not earn a return during the recovery period

'

$4,591,357

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Regulatory utility assets provision, review period

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Composite weighted-average depreciation rate

'

3.35%

3.34%

3.34%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of customer note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'24 months

Note amortization period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

Unbilled revenue

'

1,056,253

951,301

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred charges, amortization period

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of total revenue

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of accounts receivable from a single customer

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Franchise effective date

'

1-Jan-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of pipelines

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of natural gas provided by the two primary pipelines

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of derivative instruments

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured term note

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

Issuance date

'

'

'

'

'

28-Nov-05

28-Nov-05

1-Oct-08

'

'

'

'

Fixed rate related to interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

5.74%

5.74%

5.79%

'

'

'

'

Fair value of interest rate hedges

'

935,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend declared date

25-Jul-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock split ratio

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend payable date

1-Sep-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend recorded date

15-Aug-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, par value (in usd per share)

$5

$5

$5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount reclassified from "Capital in excess of par value" to "Common Stock"

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

$11,560,575

$11,560,575

'

'

Amount reclassified from "Capital in excess of par value" to "Common Stock"

2,312,115

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Noncurrent regulatory assets	$4,474,111	$8,542,048
Total regulatory assets	4,670,119	9,947,657
Total regulatory liabilities	13,732,831	12,079,452
Under-Recovery Of Gas Costs [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Current regulatory assets	0	687,194
Accrued Pension And Postretirement Medical [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Current regulatory assets	184,063	706,470
Noncurrent regulatory assets	4,267,211	8,433,855
Utility Property, In Service, Other [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Noncurrent regulatory assets	11,945	11,945
Premium On Early Retirement Of Debt [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Noncurrent regulatory assets	65,817	96,193
Other [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Noncurrent regulatory assets	141,083	12,000
Over-recovery of Gas Costs [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Current regulatory liabilities	1,027,303	0
Asset Retirement Obligations [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities	4,525,355	4,251,295
Regulatory Cost of Retirement Obligations [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities	$8,180,173	$7,828,157

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$4,251,295	$3,863,933
Liabilities incurred	75,312	63,965
Liabilities settled	-194,602	-213,581
Accretion	249,293	221,048
Revisions to estimated cash flows	144,057	315,930
Ending balance	$4,525,355	$4,251,295

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$65,219	$66,058	$65,275
Provision for doubtful accounts	85,033	11,588	67,317
Recoveries of accounts written off	122,432	134,331	190,995
Accounts written off	-204,145	-146,758	-257,529
Ending balance	$68,539	$65,219	$66,058

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	($100,911)	$110,103	$2,698,707	$1,554,153	($73,772)	$52,298	$2,483,307	$1,834,912	$4,262,052	$4,296,745	$4,653,473
Weighted-average common shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,698,727	4,647,439	4,592,713
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options to purchase common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39	3,510	8,079
Diluted average common shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,698,766	4,650,949	4,600,792
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	($0.02)	$0.02	$0.57	$0.33	($0.02)	$0.01	$0.54	$0.40	$0.91	$0.92	$1.01
Diluted (in usd per share)	($0.02)	$0.02	$0.57	$0.33	($0.02)	$0.01	$0.53	$0.40	$0.91	$0.92	$1.01

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Derivative Instruments at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$1,986,695	$2,916,718
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$1,986,695	$2,916,718

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Other Comprehensive Loss and Financial Instrument Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Before Tax Amount	'	'	'
Unrealized losses	($20,479)	($543,826)	($723,525)
Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	950,501	939,285	947,894
Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	930,022	395,459	224,369
Net gain (loss) arising during period	1,714,890	-508,666	-689,785
Amortization of actuarial losses	219,890	200,136	149,604
Amortization of transition obligation	35,972	47,093	47,093
Net defined benefit plans	1,970,752	-261,437	-493,088
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,900,774	134,022	-268,719
Tax (Expense) or Benefit	'	'	'
Unrealized losses	7,774	206,437	274,652
Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	-360,811	-356,553	-359,822
Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	-353,037	-150,116	-85,170
Net gain (loss) arising during period	-651,659	193,294	262,119
Amortization of actuarial losses	-83,558	-76,052	-56,850
Amortization of transition obligation	-13,669	-17,895	-17,895
Net defined benefit plans	-748,886	99,347	187,374
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,101,923	-50,769	102,204
Net-of Tax Amount	'	'	'
Unrealized losses	-12,705	-337,389	-448,873
Transfer of realized losses to interest expense	589,690	582,732	588,072
Net unrealized losses on interest rate SWAPs	576,985	245,343	139,199
Net gain (loss) arising during period	1,063,231	-315,372	-427,666
Amortization of actuarial losses	136,332	124,084	92,754
Amortization of transition obligation	22,303	29,198	29,198
Net defined benefit plans	1,221,866	-162,090	-305,714
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$1,798,851	$83,253	($166,515)

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Components of Accumulated Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Interest Rate Swaps	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	($1,809,531)	($2,054,874)	($2,194,073)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	576,985	245,343	139,199
Balance at end of period	-1,232,546	-1,809,531	-2,054,874
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-2,140,554	-1,978,464	-1,672,750
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,221,866	-162,090	-305,714
Balance at end of period	-918,688	-2,140,554	-1,978,464
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-3,950,085	-4,033,338	-3,866,823
Other comprehensive income	1,798,851	83,253	-166,515
Balance at end of period	($2,151,234)	($3,950,085)	($4,033,338)

Regulatory_Matters_Details

Regulatory Matters (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 16, 2013	Nov. 01, 2012	Sep. 13, 2013
		New Base Rates [Member]	Expedited Rate Request [Member]
Rates And Regulatory Matters [Line Items]	'	'	'
Requested additional non-gas revenue	'	$1,840,000	$1,664,000
Non-gas revenues	$649,639	'	'
Return on equity	9.75%	'	'

ShortTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detai

Short-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
				Note Payable March 31, 2012 [Member]	Note Payable March 31, 2012 [Member]	Note Payable November 2005 [Member]
Expiration date	31-Mar-14	'	'	'	'	'
Unsecured term note	$15,000,000	$15,000,000	$15,000,000	$15,000,000	'	'
Issuance date	'	'	'	28-Nov-05	28-Nov-05	'
Maturity date	'	'	'	31-Mar-14	'	'
Basis point spread	'	'	'	0.69%	'	'
Execution date of interest rate swap	'	'	'	1-Nov-05	'	'
Derivative maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	30-Nov-15
Fixed rate related to interest rate swap	'	'	'	5.74%	5.74%	'

ShortTerm_Debt_Summary_of_Avai

Short-Term Debt (Summary of Available Limits Under Line of Credit Agreement) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
September 30, 2013 [Member]	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Effective	30-Sep-13
Available Line-of-Credit	$5,000,000
November 23, 2013 [Member]	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Effective	23-Nov-13
Available Line-of-Credit	7,000,000
January 25, 2014 [Member]	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Effective	25-Jan-14
Available Line-of-Credit	5,000,000
March 1, 2014 [Member]	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Effective	1-Mar-14
Available Line-of-Credit	$1,000,000

ShortTerm_Debt_Summary_Of_Line

Short-Term Debt (Summary Of Line-Of-Credit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Short-term Debt [Abstract]	'	'	'
Line-of-credit at year-end	$5,000,000	$3,000,000	$3,000,000
Outstanding balance at year-end	0	0	0
Highest month-end balance outstanding	1,414,955	0	0
Average daily balance	$80,593	$0	$0
Average rate of interest during year on outstanding balances	1.21%	0.00%	0.00%
Interest rate at year-end	1.18%	1.22%	1.24%
Interest rate on unused line-of-credit	0.15%	0.15%	0.15%

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Retained earnings available for dividends	$11,103,000
Note Payable December 1, 2015 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Unsecured term note	$5,000,000
Fixed rate related to interest rate swap	5.79%
Derivative maturity date	1-Dec-15

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	$13,000,000	$13,000,000
Less current maturities	0	0
Total long-term debt	13,000,000	13,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	8,000,000	8,000,000
Maturity date	1-Dec-18	'
Stated percentage rate	7.66%	'
Periodic provision for retirement	1,600,000	'
Retirement, first payment date	1-Dec-14	'
Note Payable December 1, 2015 [Member] | Unsecured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$5,000,000	$5,000,000
Variable rate basis description	'three month LIBOR	'
LIBOR Rate	0.25%	'
Variable interest rate addition	1.25%	'
Maturity date	1-Dec-15	'

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_Aggre

Long-Term Debt (Summary of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$0	'
2015	1,600,000	'
2016	6,600,000	'
2017	1,600,000	'
2018	1,600,000	'
Thereafter	1,600,000	'
Total	$13,000,000	$13,000,000

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal income tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%

Income_Taxes_Details_of_Income

Income Taxes (Details of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Current income taxes:	'	'	'
Federal	$1,404,450	($38,608)	($178,190)
State	453,347	232,270	263,898
Total current income taxes	1,857,797	193,662	85,708
Deferred income taxes:	'	'	'
Federal	829,080	2,269,921	2,586,877
State	-33,051	184,405	189,224
Total deferred income taxes	796,029	2,454,326	2,776,101
Amortization of investment tax credits	-9,039	-9,039	-14,698
Total income tax expense	$2,644,787	$2,638,949	$2,847,111

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Based on Federal Statutory Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	$6,906,839	$6,935,694	$7,500,584
Income tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate	2,348,325	2,358,136	2,550,199
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	277,395	275,005	299,061
Amortization of investment tax credits	-9,039	-9,039	-14,698
Other, net	28,106	14,847	12,549
Total income tax expense	$2,644,787	$2,638,949	$2,847,111

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for uncollectibles	$26,017	$24,757
Accrued pension and postretirement medical benefits	1,997,001	2,698,204
Accrued vacation	229,669	232,516
Over-recovery of gas costs	389,965	0
Costs of gas held in storage	1,055,768	1,181,336
Accrued gas costs	8,999	0
Deferred compensation	493,088	510,288
Interest rate swap	754,149	1,107,186
Other	214,172	279,981
Total gross deferred tax assets	5,168,828	6,034,268
Utility plant	16,593,351	14,925,657
Under-recovery of gas costs	0	260,859
Accrued gas costs	0	374,321
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	16,593,351	15,560,837
Net deferred tax liability	$11,424,523	$9,526,569

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Retirement age requirement, postretirement plan	'	'55 years	'	'
Expected amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit costs	'	$42,000	'	'
Expected amount of deferred regulatory assets to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs	'	184,000	'	'
Unrecognized transition obligation amortization period	'20 years	'	'	'
Minimum employee contribution percent	'	1.00%	'	'
Maximum employee contribution percent	'	50.00%	'	'
Company's matching contribution	'	306,382	295,584	274,701
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Years until benefits are fully vested	'	'5 years	'	'
Expected employer contributions in next fiscal year	'	500,000	'	'
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum service requirement for postretirement benefit vesting	'	'10 years	'	'
Expected employer contributions in next fiscal year	'	$500,000	'	'
First Portion Match [Member] | After April 2010 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employers percentage match of employees match percentage	'	100.00%	'	'
Percentage of employee's gross pay that is matched by the employer	'	4.00%	'	'
Second Portion Match [Member] | After April 2010 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employers percentage match of employees match percentage	'	50.00%	'	'
Percentage of employee's gross pay that is matched by the employer	'	2.00%	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Plan Assets, Funded Status of the Plan, and Amount Recognized in the Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Change in fair value of plan assets:	'	'	'
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet, Noncurrent liabilities	($5,582,073)	($12,541,251)	'
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	17,909,824	18,993,062	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	23,570,451	19,167,918	'
Service cost	634,892	521,701	479,236
Interest cost	946,247	953,197	908,873
Actuarial (gain) loss	-3,105,394	3,445,737	'
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	-577,427	-518,102	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	21,468,769	23,570,451	19,167,918
Change in fair value of plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	16,063,381	12,992,723	'
Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes	2,215,308	2,488,760	'
Employer contributions	1,100,000	1,100,000	'
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	-577,427	-518,102	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,801,262	16,063,381	12,992,723
Funded status	-2,667,507	-7,507,070	'
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet, Noncurrent liabilities	-2,667,507	-7,507,070	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, Transition obligation, net of tax	0	0	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, Net actuarial loss, net of tax	591,195	1,568,916	'
Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax	591,195	1,568,916	'
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Transition obligation	0	0	'
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Net actuarial loss	2,581,852	5,719,060	'
Amounts recognized as regulatory assets	2,581,852	5,719,060	'
Postretirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	13,028,628	13,707,308	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	13,707,309	12,185,319	'
Service cost	213,131	195,777	194,842
Interest cost	531,845	592,359	579,976
Actuarial (gain) loss	-939,539	1,128,635	'
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	-484,118	-394,781	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	13,028,628	13,707,309	12,185,319
Change in fair value of plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,673,128	7,033,605	'
Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes	1,075,052	1,184,304	'
Employer contributions	850,000	850,000	'
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	-484,118	-394,781	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10,114,062	8,673,128	7,033,605
Funded status	-2,914,566	-5,034,181	'
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet, Noncurrent liabilities	-2,914,566	-5,034,181	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, Transition obligation, net of tax	0	22,303	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, Net actuarial loss, net of tax	327,493	549,335	'
Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax	327,493	571,638	'
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Transition obligation	0	105,699	'
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Net actuarial loss	1,869,422	3,315,566	'
Amounts recognized as regulatory assets	$1,869,422	$3,421,265	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul1

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.82%	4.06%	5.04%
Expected rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Assumptions used to determine benefit costs:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.06%	5.04%	5.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%
Expected rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Postretirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.73%	3.95%	4.96%
Assumptions used to determine benefit costs:	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.95%	4.96%	5.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	5.11%	5.11%	5.09%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul2

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	$634,892	$521,701	$479,236
Interest cost	946,247	953,197	908,873
Expected return on plan assets	-1,184,787	-959,178	-928,207
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation	0	0	0
Recognized loss	578,263	475,414	327,173
Net periodic benefit cost	974,615	991,134	787,075
Postretirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	213,131	195,777	194,842
Interest cost	531,845	592,359	579,976
Expected return on plan assets	-452,383	-367,359	-357,278
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation	141,671	188,892	188,892
Recognized loss	241,747	239,387	201,151
Net periodic benefit cost	$676,011	$849,056	$807,583

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Pre 65 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	9.00%	9.00%	10.00%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2021	'2016	'2017
Post 65 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	5.00%	6.00%	7.00%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2013	'2013	'2013

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Effect_

Employee Benefit Plans (Effect of a 1% Change in Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Effect on total service and interest cost components, 1% Increase	$130,000
Effect on total service and interest cost components, 1% Decrease	-105,000
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Increase	1,911,000
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Decease	($1,568,000)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul3

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Target and Actual Asset Allocation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	60.00%	'
Actual	63.00%	59.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Postretirement Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	50.00%	'
Actual	62.00%	60.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	40.00%	'
Actual	37.00%	38.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Postretirement Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	50.00%	'
Actual	36.00%	39.00%
Cash [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	0.00%	'
Actual	0.00%	3.00%
Cash [Member] | Postretirement Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	0.00%	'
Actual	1.00%	1.00%
Other [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	0.00%	'
Actual	0.00%	0.00%
Other [Member] | Postretirement Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target	0.00%	'
Actual	1.00%	0.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary1

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Fair Value Classifications of Benefit Plan Assets ) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	$18,801,262	$16,063,381	$12,992,723
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	10,114,062	8,673,128	7,033,605
Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	66,084	522,626	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	124,350	63,991	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	18,735,178	15,540,755	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	9,989,712	8,609,137	'
Cash [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	66,084	522,626	'
Cash [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	124,350	63,991	'
Cash [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Cash [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Fair Value [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	18,801,262	16,063,381	'
Fair Value [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	10,114,062	8,673,128	'
Fair Value [Member] | Cash [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	66,084	522,626	'
Fair Value [Member] | Cash [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	124,350	63,991	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,043,005	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,769,927	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,430,746	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,770,381	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,043,005	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,769,927	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,430,746	'	'
Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,770,381	'	'
Common and Collective Trust [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	0	'
Common and Collective Trust [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	2,040,204	'
Common and Collective Trust [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	2,040,204	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	4,326,814	3,349,538	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,448,416	3,121,786	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	597,799	631,442	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	214,528	226,562	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,115,392	3,101,385	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,277,582	1,597,675	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	3,114,649	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,671,591	1,719,786	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	480,438	367,369	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	467,661	381,378	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	1,414,211	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	35,809	35,450	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Growth [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Growth [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Growth [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	661,895	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Growth [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	420,153	381,020	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	'	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	'	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	698,554	'	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	386,684	'	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	982,560	1,227,431	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	534,747	727,867	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Other [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Other [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	52,103	50,244	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	4,326,814	3,349,538	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,448,416	3,121,786	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	597,799	631,442	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	214,528	226,562	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,115,392	3,101,385	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	2,277,582	1,597,675	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	3,114,649	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,671,591	1,719,786	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	480,438	367,369	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	467,661	381,378	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	1,414,211	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	35,809	35,450	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Growth [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	'	661,895	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Growth [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	420,153	381,020	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	698,554	'	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	386,684	'	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	982,560	1,227,431	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	534,747	727,867	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of benefit plan assets	$52,103	$50,244	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul4

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Expected Future Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	$608,543
2015	631,566
2016	641,345
2017	678,723
2018	753,561
2019-2023	5,264,988
Postretirement Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	556,997
2015	588,359
2016	624,335
2017	622,733
2018	613,201
2019-2023	$3,549,388

Common_Stock_Options_Narrative

Common Stock Options (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 04, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares available for future grant	'	83,000	4,000	'
Additional shares added for future grants	100,000	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'	'6 months	'	'
Award expiration period	'	'10 years	'	'
Weighted average grant-date fair value, options granted (in usd per share)	'	$4.04	'	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'	$91,721	$107,335
Stock option expense	'	84,840	0	0
Amount received for exercise of options	'	'	$99,550	$164,285

Common_Stock_Options_Fair_Valu

Common Stock Options (Fair Value Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Expected volatility	34.75%
Expected dividends	4.32%
Expected exercise term (years)	'7 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.23%

Common_Stock_Options_Schedule_

Common Stock Options (Schedule of Aggregate Share Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Number of Shares	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance	0	11,000	28,000	'
Options granted	21,000	0	0	'
Options exercised	0	-11,000	-17,000	'
Options expired	0	0	0	'
Options forfeited	0	0	0	'
Options outstanding, ending balance	21,000	0	11,000	28,000
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2013	21,000	'	'	'
Weighted- Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance (in usd per share)	$0	$9.05	$9.42	'
Options granted (in usd per share)	$19.01	$0	$0	'
Options exercised (in usd per share)	$0	$9.05	$9.66	'
Options expired (in usd per share)	$0	$0	$0	'
Options forfeited (in usd per share)	$0	$0	$0	'
Options outstanding, ending balance (in usd per share)	$19.01	$0	$9.05	$9.42
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2013 (in usd per share)	$19.01	'	'	'
Options, Additional Disclosures	'	'	'	'
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Terms (years)	'9 years 6 months	'	'1 year 2 months 12 days	'1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2013	'9 years 6 months	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$5,229	'	$105,600	$158,965
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2013	$5,229	'	'	'

Other_Stock_Plans_Narrative_De

Other Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares available for issuance	83,000	4,000	'
Dividend Reinvestment And Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum amount shareholders can partake in the DRIP plan	$40,000	'	'
Number of shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan	24,905	25,077	48,316
Shares of stock available for issuance under the DRIP Plan	366,815	'	'
Restricted Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of monthly retainer fee paid in shares of common stock	40.00%	'	'
Stock vested during the period, fair market value	0	161,338	0
Shares available for issuance	85,264	'	'
Value of shares issued under the plan	95,667	97,133	94,350
Stock Bonus Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares available for issuance	15,003	'	'
Percentage of officers' annually salary expected to be held in company stock	50.00%	'	'
Minimum percentage of performance bonus in stock	50.00%	'	'
Shares issued under the plan	4,022	1,640	1,549
Value of shares issued under the plan	$72,580	30,763	24,160
Minimum [Member] | Stock Bonus Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of officers' annually salary expected to be held in company stock	50.00%	'	'

Other_Stock_Plans_Director_Com

Other Stock Plans (Director Compensation Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restricted Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Shares	'	'	'
Beginning of year balance (in shares)	54,011	61,955	56,169
Granted (in shares)	5,053	5,327	5,786
Vested (in shares)	0	-13,271	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0	0	0
End of year balance (in shares)	59,064	54,011	61,955
Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant	'	'	'
Beginning of year balance (in usd per share)	$13.51	$12.81	$12.45
Granted (in usd per share)	$18.93	$18.23	$16.31
Vested (in usd per share)	$0	$12.16	$0
Forfeited (in usd per share)	$0	$0	$0
End of year balance (in usd per share)	$13.97	$13.51	$12.81

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
	pipeline
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Franchise effective date	1-Jan-16	'	'
Number of pipelines	2	'	'
Expenditures under asset management agreement	$35,348,000	$26,794,000	$39,951,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Volumetric Obligations) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
	MMBTU
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2013-2014	2,093,062
2014-2015	2,071,061
2015-2016	2,071,061
2016-2017	295,866
Total	6,531,050

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Financial Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2013-2014	$11,328,754
2014-2015	10,411,414
2015-2016	10,353,922
2016-2017	8,979,400
2017-2018	6,851,208
Thereafter	7,574,341
Total	$55,499,039

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis and Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Line Items]	'	'
Natural gas purchases	$0	$0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis and Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Line Items]	'	'
Natural gas purchases	1,177,521	1,065,243
Interest rate swaps	1,986,695	2,916,718
Total	3,164,216	3,981,961
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis and Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Line Items]	'	'
Natural gas purchases	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Total	0	0
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis and Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Line Items]	'	'
Natural gas purchases	1,177,521	1,065,243
Interest rate swaps	1,986,695	2,916,718
Total	$3,164,216	$3,981,961

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary of the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Adjusted to Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Note receivable	'	$0
Total	'	0
Note payable	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Total	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Note receivable	'	0
Total	'	0
Note payable	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Total	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Note receivable	'	1,152,896
Total	'	1,152,896
Note payable	14,976,818	14,976,818
Long-term debt	13,762,952	14,310,450
Total	28,739,770	29,287,268
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Note receivable	'	1,142,770
Total	'	1,142,770
Note payable	15,000,000	15,000,000
Long-term debt	13,000,000	13,000,000
Total	$28,000,000	$28,000,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Notes receivable, noncurrent	$0	$1,142,770

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$9,246,128	$11,037,308	$24,175,638	$18,746,592	$9,330,542	$9,679,742	$21,290,227	$18,499,176	$63,205,666	$58,799,687	$70,798,871
Gross margin	4,851,654	5,229,027	9,585,727	7,936,483	4,709,570	4,975,378	9,118,522	8,129,627	27,602,891	26,933,097	27,269,566
Operating income	385,795	645,821	4,813,348	2,950,091	391,928	530,491	4,455,171	3,408,945	8,795,055	8,786,535	9,313,046
Net income (loss)	($100,911)	$110,103	$2,698,707	$1,554,153	($73,772)	$52,298	$2,483,307	$1,834,912	$4,262,052	$4,296,745	$4,653,473
Earnings per share of common stock:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	($0.02)	$0.02	$0.57	$0.33	($0.02)	$0.01	$0.54	$0.40	$0.91	$0.92	$1.01
Diluted (in usd per share)	($0.02)	$0.02	$0.57	$0.33	($0.02)	$0.01	$0.53	$0.40	$0.91	$0.92	$1.01