RGC Resources (RGCO) 10-K 10 Dec 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	RGC RESOURCES INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,069,533
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		4,750,645
Entity Public Float			$ 89,254,811

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 985,234	$ 849,757
Accounts receivable, net	3,196,573	3,730,173
Materials and supplies	968,108	893,672
Gas in storage	8,160,498	11,402,990
Prepaid income taxes	1,657,066	1,144,214
Deferred income taxes	2,293,536	1,704,320
Under-recovery of gas costs	0	180,831
Other	1,182,343	1,104,660
Total current assets	18,443,358	21,010,617
UTILITY PROPERTY:
In service	168,033,032	155,360,200
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(53,307,079)	(50,645,642)
In service, net	114,725,953	104,714,558
Construction work in progress	3,903,599	4,029,019
Utility plant, net	118,629,552	108,743,577
OTHER ASSETS:
Regulatory assets	10,923,243	9,273,389
Other	144,577	100,058
Total other assets	11,067,820	9,373,447
TOTAL ASSETS	148,140,730	139,127,641
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Borrowings under line-of-credit	9,340,997	9,045,050
Dividends payable	912,995	873,326
Accounts payable	5,141,677	5,367,299
Customer credit balances	1,560,351	1,373,927
Customer deposits	1,579,441	1,492,150
Accrued expenses	2,766,097	2,200,882
Over-recovery of gas costs	1,901,426	0
Total current liabilities	23,202,984	20,352,634
Principal amount	30,500,000	30,500,000
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	(183,427)	(193,081)
Long-term debt net of unamortized debt issuance costs	30,316,573	30,306,919
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES:
Asset retirement obligations	5,295,868	4,802,015
Regulatory cost of retirement obligations	8,885,486	8,575,147
Benefit plan liabilities	10,685,261	8,459,436
Deferred income taxes	16,913,567	14,610,643
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	$ 41,780,182	$ 36,447,241
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock, $5 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,741,498 and 4,720,378 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively	$ 23,707,490	$ 23,601,890
Preferred stock, no par; authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014	0	0
Capital in excess of par value	8,647,669	8,237,228
Retained earnings	22,772,377	21,321,055
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,286,545)	(1,139,326)
Total stockholders’ equity	52,840,991	52,020,847
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 148,140,730	$ 139,127,641

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 5	$ 5
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	4,741,498	4,720,378
Common stock, share outstanding	4,741,498	4,720,378
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 Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATING REVENUES:
Gas utilities	$ 67,094,290	$ 73,865,487	$ 62,024,174
Other	1,095,317	1,150,647	1,181,492
Total operating revenues	68,189,607	75,016,134	63,205,666
COST OF SALES:
Gas utilities	37,437,315	45,091,274	34,916,062
Other	545,859	587,771	686,713
Total cost of sales	37,983,174	45,679,045	35,602,775
GROSS MARGIN	30,206,433	29,337,089	27,602,891
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operations and maintenance	13,486,885	13,383,388	12,853,599
General taxes	1,606,421	1,560,386	1,480,746
Depreciation and amortization	5,106,935	4,711,447	4,473,491
Total other operating expenses	20,200,241	19,655,221	18,807,836
OPERATING INCOME	10,006,192	9,681,868	8,795,055
OTHER EXPENSE, net	228,796	206,887	60,117
INTEREST EXPENSE	1,512,419	1,827,001	1,828,099
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	8,264,977	7,647,980	6,906,839
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	3,170,562	2,939,540	2,644,787
NET INCOME	$ 5,094,415	$ 4,708,440	$ 4,262,052
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 1.08	$ 1	$ 0.91
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 1.08	$ 1	$ 0.91
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic (in shares)	4,728,210	4,715,478	4,698,727
Diluted (in shares)	4,731,676	4,716,282	4,698,766

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 5,094,415	$ 4,708,440	$ 4,262,052
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Interest rate swaps	0	1,232,546	576,985
Defined benefit plans	(1,147,219)	(220,638)	1,221,866
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX	(1,147,219)	1,011,908	1,798,851
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 3,947,196	$ 5,720,348	$ 6,060,903

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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 (loss)	1,798,851				1,798,851
Stock option grants	84,840		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)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	4,708,440			4,708,440
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,011,908				1,011,908
Stock option grants	75,310		75,310
Cash dividends declared	(3,490,624)			(3,490,624)
Issuance of common stock	213,391	55,260	158,131
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	52,020,847	23,601,890	8,237,228	21,321,055	(1,139,326)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	5,094,415			5,094,415
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,147,219)				(1,147,219)
Exercise of stock options (2,600 shares)	49,366	13,000	36,366
Stock option grants	83,640		83,640
Cash dividends declared	(3,643,093)			(3,643,093)
Issuance of common stock	383,035	92,600	290,435
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 52,840,991	$ 23,707,490	$ 8,647,669	$ 22,772,377	$ (2,286,545)

Consolidated Statements of Sto7

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in usd per share)	$ 0.77	$ 0.74	$ 1.72
Issuance of stock, shares	18,520	11,052	38,759
Options exercised (in shares)	2,600	0	0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 5,094,415	$ 4,708,440	$ 4,262,052
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	5,219,893	4,838,062	4,656,716
Cost of retirement of utility plant, net	(406,731)	(452,834)	(502,587)
Stock option grants	83,640	75,310	84,840
Deferred taxes and investment tax credits	2,416,841	859,788	786,990
Other noncash items, net	105,815	38,073	39,186
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable and customer deposits, net	638,917	12,424	(374,682)
Inventories and gas in storage	3,168,056	(1,219,641)	(997,378)
Over/under recovery of gas costs	2,082,257	(1,208,134)	1,714,497
Other assets	(768,922)	(306,744)	1,106,590
Accounts payable, customer credit balances and accrued expenses, net	(873,354)	(505,006)	(739,154)
Total adjustments	11,666,412	2,131,298	5,775,018
Net cash provided by operating activities	16,760,827	6,839,738	10,037,070
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for utility property	(13,780,356)	(14,715,428)	(9,977,433)
Proceeds from disposal of utility property	30,082	16,858	29,923
Net cash used in investing activities	(13,750,274)	(14,698,570)	(9,947,510)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds on collection of notes	0	0	1,142,770
Borrowings under line-of-credit	34,698,924	25,363,774	4,354,402
Repayments under line-of-credit	(34,402,977)	(16,318,724)	(4,354,402)
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured notes	0	30,500,000	0
Retirement of note payable	0	(15,000,000)	0
Retirement of long-term debt	0	(13,000,000)	0
Early termination fees	0	(2,237,961)	0
Debt issuance expenses	0	(193,081)	0
Proceeds from issuance of stock	432,401	213,391	737,076
Cash dividends paid	(3,603,424)	(3,465,034)	(8,033,053)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(2,875,076)	5,862,365	(6,153,207)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	135,477	(1,996,467)	(6,063,647)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	849,757	2,846,224	8,909,871
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	985,234	849,757	2,846,224
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	1,002,462	1,966,263	1,803,528
Income taxes	$ 1,266,573	$ 2,387,000	$ 622,076

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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; RGC Ventures of Virginia, Inc., operating as Application Resources and The Utility Consultants; and RGC Midstream, LLC. Roanoke Gas is a natural gas utility, which distributes and sells natural gas to approximately 59,100 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, which provided regulatory consulting services to other utilities, ceased operations in 2015. RGC Midstream, LLC is a new wholly-owned subsidiary created in 2015 to invest in a pipeline project. More information is provided in Note 12. 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, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: September 30 2015 2014 Regulatory Assets: Current Assets: Accounts receivable: Accrued WNA revenues $ 229,281 $ 143,753 Under-recovery of gas costs — 180,831 Other: Accrued pension and postretirement medical 530,781 394,215 Utility Property: In service: Other 11,945 11,945 Other Assets: Regulatory assets: Premium on early retirement of debt 2,169,556 2,283,744 Accrued pension and postretirement medical 8,378,419 6,884,812 Other 375,268 104,833 Total regulatory assets $ 11,695,250 $ 10,004,133 Regulatory Liabilities: Current Liabilities: Over-recovery of gas costs $ 1,901,426 $ — Accrued expenses: Over-recovery of SAVE Plan revenues 153,365 187,203 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: Asset retirement obligations 5,295,868 4,802,015 Regulatory cost of retirement obligations 8,885,486 8,575,147 Total regulatory liabilities $ 16,236,145 $ 13,564,365 As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had regulatory assets in the amount of $9,513,749 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. Utility plant is comprised of the following major classes of assets: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 Distribution and transmission $ 143,172,628 $ 134,439,225 LNG storage 12,501,179 9,163,158 General and miscellaneous 12,359,225 11,757,817 Total utility plant in service $ 168,033,032 $ 155,360,200 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 at least every five years . The Company completed its most recent depreciation study in June 2014. The composite weighted-average depreciation rates provided for under the new depreciation study were 3.25% for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 compared to 3.35% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 under the prior rates. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the implementation of the new depreciation rates reduced depreciation expense by $126,875 and increased net income by $78,713 and earnings per share by $0.02 . 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 evacuating 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 2015, the Company increased its asset retirement obligation to reflect revisions to the estimated cash flows for asset retirements. The following is a summary of the asset retirement obligation: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 4,802,015 $ 4,525,355 Liabilities incurred 62,890 74,276 Liabilities settled (162,072 ) (165,845 ) Accretion 281,762 258,763 Revisions to estimated cash flows 311,273 109,466 Ending balance $ 5,295,868 $ 4,802,015 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, 2015 , 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 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 70,747 $ 68,539 $ 65,219 Provision for doubtful accounts 87,908 148,881 85,033 Recoveries of accounts written off 139,282 136,369 122,432 Accounts written off (245,216 ) (283,042 ) (204,145 ) Ending balance $ 52,721 $ 70,747 $ 68,539 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. Trade receivables are the Company's one primary type of financing receivables, resulting from the sale of natural gas and other services to its customers. These receivable are short-term in nature with a provision for uncollectible balances included in the financial statements. 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; 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, 2015 and 2014 were $1,001,418 and $1,071,128 , 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 2015 2014 2013 Net Income $ 5,094,415 $ 4,708,440 $ 4,262,052 Weighted-average common shares 4,728,210 4,715,478 4,698,727 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 3,466 804 39 Diluted average common shares 4,731,676 4,716,282 4,698,766 Earnings Per Share of Common Stock: Basic $ 1.08 $ 1.00 $ 0.91 Diluted $ 1.08 $ 1.00 $ 0.91 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 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 certificates of public convenience and necessity to distribute natural gas in its service area. These franchises are effective through January 1, 2016 . The Company's current 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 that provide all 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 historically has entered 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, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments for the purchase of natural gas. The Company also had two interest rate swaps that essentially converted its variable interest rate notes to fixed rate debt instruments. Both swaps were terminated in September 2014 as part of the Company's debt refinancing. These swaps qualified 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. Other Comprehensive Income(Loss) — A summary of other comprehensive income is provided below: Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net-of Tax Amount Year Ended September 30, 2015: Defined benefit plans: Net loss arising during period $ (1,910,573 ) $ 726,017 $ (1,184,556 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 60,221 (22,884 ) 37,337 Other comprehensive loss $ (1,850,352 ) $ 703,133 $ (1,147,219 ) Year Ended September 30, 2014: Interest rate swaps: Unrealized losses $ (58,800 ) $ 22,321 $ (36,479 ) Transfer of realized losses to interest expense 926,262 (351,609 ) 574,653 Transfer of realized losses to regulatory asset 1,119,233 (424,861 ) 694,372 Net interest rate swaps 1,986,695 (754,149 ) 1,232,546 Defined benefit plans: Net loss arising during period (397,714 ) 151,131 (246,583 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 41,846 (15,901 ) 25,945 Net defined benefit plans (355,868 ) 135,230 (220,638 ) Other comprehensive income $ 1,630,827 $ (618,919 ) $ 1,011,908 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 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 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 Swaps Defined Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,232,546 (220,638 ) 1,011,908 Balance September 30, 2014 — (1,139,326 ) (1,139,326 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) — (1,147,219 ) (1,147,219 ) Balance September 30, 2015 $ — $ (2,286,545 ) $ (2,286,545 ) Change in Method of Accounting for Long-term Debt —During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 as described further under the Recently Adopted Accounting Standards section below. Under ASU 2015-03, the unamortized balance of debt issuance costs are reclassified from assets to liabilities and netted against the carrying value of long-term debt. The change had no impact on net income. Management retrospectively applied the change. The carrying value of long-term debt and the reclassified debt issuance costs are presented separately on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Note 4 for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. 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. 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 other comprehensive income. The disclosures required under this guidance are provided above. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The Company previously recognized debt issuance costs in assets and amortized those costs over the term of the debt. This guidance is effective for the Company for the annual reporting period ending September 30, 2017 and interim periods within that annual period. Early application is permitted. The Company adopted the ASU during the current reporting period. The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows; however, the unamortized balance of debt issuance costs were reclassified from assets to an offset against long-term debt. Certain deferred costs related to the early retirement of debt in 2014 are classified as regulatory assets and are not offset against debt. The changes required under this guidance are presented in Note 1, Note 4 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Recently Issued Accounting Standards —In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC No. 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers that affects any entity that enters into contracts with customers for the transfer of goods or services or transfer of non-financial assets. This guidance supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply these steps: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies the performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-14 that deferred the effective date of this guidance by one year. Therefore, the new guidance is effective for the Company for the annual reporting period ended September 30, 2019 and interim periods within that annual period. Early application is not permitted. Management has not completed its evaluation of the new guidance; however, the Company does not currently expect it to have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 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, 2015
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 September 25, 2015, the Company received approval of its application for a modification to the SAVE (Steps to Advance Virginia's Energy) Plan and Rider. The original SAVE Plan filed in 2012 has been modified each year to incorporate certain changes and to include new projects that qualify for recovery under the Plan. The SAVE Rider provides 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. On June 25, 2014, the SCC approved the Company's application requesting approval to extend its authority to incur short-term indebtedness of up to $30,000,000 and to issue up to $ 60,000,000 in long-term securities. The short-term indebtedness authority allows the Company to continue to access its line-of-credit to provide seasonal funding of its working capital needs as well as provide temporary bridge financing for its capital expenditures. The authority to issue long-term securities allowed the Company to refinance its higher interest debt in September 2014 and provides the Company with the approval to secure longer term funding for its capital expenditures.

Short-Term Debt

Short-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2016 . 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, 2015 $ 24,000,000 March 1, 2016 17,000,000 A summary of the line-of-credit follows: September 30 2015 2014 2013 Line-of-credit at year-end $ 24,000,000 $ 15,000,000 $ 5,000,000 Outstanding balance at year-end 9,340,997 9,045,050 — Highest month-end balance outstanding 17,366,052 9,045,050 1,414,955 Average daily balance 6,377,040 1,340,833 80,593 Average rate of interest during year on outstanding balances 1.17 % 1.16 % 1.21 % Interest rate at year-end 1.20 % 1.16 % 1.18 % Interest rate on unused line-of-credit 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.15 % Associated with the line-of-credit is a credit agreement that contains various provisions including a financial ratio that requires the Company to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.5 to 1 .

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following: September 30 2015 2014 Principal Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Principal Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Unsecured senior notes payable, at 4.26%, due on September 18, 2034 $ 30,500,000 $ 183,427 $ 30,500,000 $ 193,081 Total $ 30,500,000 $ 183,427 $ 30,500,000 $ 193,081 Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the related debt. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company also had an unamortized loss on the early retirement of debt of $2,169,556 and $2,283,744 , respectively, which has been deferred as a regulatory asset and is being amortized over a 20 year period. The unsecured notes payable contain various provisions, including two financial covenants. First, total long-term debt, including current maturities, shall not exceed 65% of total capitalization. Second, the Company shall not allow priority indebtedness to exceed 15% of total assets. The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt for the next five years ending after September 30, 2015 are as follows: Year Ending September 30 Maturities 2016 $ — 2017 — 2018 — 2019 — 2020 — Thereafter 30,500,000 Total $ 30,500,000

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The details of income tax expense are as follows: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 2013 Current income taxes: Federal $ 379,180 $ 1,789,294 $ 1,404,450 State 374,541 290,458 453,347 Total current income taxes 753,721 2,079,752 1,857,797 Deferred income taxes: Federal 2,289,729 687,417 829,080 State 127,112 175,464 (33,051 ) Total deferred income taxes 2,416,841 862,881 796,029 Amortization of investment tax credits — (3,093 ) (9,039 ) Total income tax expense $ 3,170,562 $ 2,939,540 $ 2,644,787 Income tax expense for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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 2015 2014 2013 Income before income taxes $ 8,264,977 $ 7,647,980 $ 6,906,839 Income tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate $ 2,810,092 $ 2,600,313 $ 2,348,325 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 331,091 307,509 277,395 Amortization of investment tax credits — (3,093 ) (9,039 ) Other, net 29,379 34,811 28,106 Total income tax expense $ 3,170,562 $ 2,939,540 $ 2,644,787 The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows: September 30 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Allowance for uncollectibles $ 20,012 $ 26,855 Accrued pension and postretirement medical benefits 2,502,774 2,077,409 Accrued vacation 249,837 230,842 Over-recovery of gas costs 721,782 — Costs of gas held in storage 930,524 973,651 Accrued gas costs — 36,305 Deferred compensation 651,336 579,451 Other 265,951 295,654 Total gross deferred tax assets 5,342,216 4,220,167 Deferred tax liabilities: Utility plant 19,804,862 17,057,847 Under-recovery of gas costs — 68,643 Accrued gas costs 157,385 — Total gross deferred tax liabilities 19,962,247 17,126,490 Net deferred tax liability $ 14,620,031 $ 12,906,323 Deferred Income Tax - Balance Sheet September 30 2015 2014 Deferred income taxes (net current assets) $ 2,293,536 $ 1,704,320 Deferred income taxes (net non-current liabilities) 16,913,567 14,610,643 Net deferred tax liability $ 14,620,031 $ 12,906,323 Current federal tax expense for fiscal 2015 reflected the effect of 50% bonus depreciation for the entire calendar year of 2014, which included nine months of the prior fiscal year. The extension of bonus depreciation for 2014 was signed into law subsequent to the issuance of the Company's financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2014. As a result, $ 1,442,211 of deferred taxes that related to the prior year were reflected in the current year tax provision, thereby reducing the current tax expense by the same amount. Total income tax expense was not impacted by the classification change between current and deferred income taxes. 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, 2012 are no longer subject to examination.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 2015 2014 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 22,853,206 $ 20,697,734 $ 15,355,668 $ 14,983,169 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 24,636,695 $ 21,468,769 $ 14,983,169 $ 13,028,628 Service cost 654,782 553,291 167,580 168,634 Interest cost 1,025,908 1,020,302 600,096 602,684 Actuarial loss 1,487,278 2,199,697 70,196 1,673,552 Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions (637,042 ) (605,364 ) (465,373 ) (490,329 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 27,167,621 $ 24,636,695 $ 15,355,668 $ 14,983,169 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 20,514,179 $ 18,801,262 $ 10,646,249 $ 10,114,062 Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes (182,738 ) 1,750,033 (237,247 ) 522,516 Employer contributions 1,700,000 568,248 500,000 500,000 Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions (637,042 ) (605,364 ) (465,373 ) (490,329 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 21,394,399 $ 20,514,179 $ 10,443,629 $ 10,646,249 Funded status $ (5,773,222 ) $ (4,122,516 ) $ (4,912,039 ) $ (4,336,920 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of: Noncurrent liabilities $ (5,773,222 ) $ (4,122,516 ) $ (4,912,039 ) $ (4,336,920 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Transition obligation, net of tax $ — $ — $ — $ — Net actuarial loss, net of tax 1,694,924 616,352 591,621 522,974 Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax $ 1,694,924 $ 616,352 $ 591,621 $ 522,974 Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset: Transition obligation $ — $ — $ — $ — Net actuarial loss 5,280,756 4,166,900 3,628,448 3,112,127 Amounts recognized as regulatory assets $ 5,280,756 $ 4,166,900 $ 3,628,448 $ 3,112,127 Effective with the valuation of the September 30, 2015 defined benefit obligations, the Company adopted the new RP-2014 Mortality Tables as issued by the Society of Actuaries in late 2014. The adoption of the new tables, which reflected an increase in assumed life expectancy, increased the September 30, 2015 pension liability by an estimated $1,300,000 and the postretirement liability by an estimated $1,000,000 . The Company expects that approximately $221,000 before tax, of accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized as a portion of net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2016 and approximately $531,000 of amounts deferred as regulatory assets will be amortized and recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2016. 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 2015, 2014 and 2013. Pension Plan Postretirement Plan 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.22 % 4.82 % 4.15 % 4.10 % 4.73 % Expected rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % N/A N/A N/A Assumptions used to determine benefit costs: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.82 % 4.06 % 4.10 % 4.73 % 3.95 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.00 % 7.25 % 4.90 % 4.92 % 5.11 % Expected rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % 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. Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Plan Postretirement Plan 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 654,782 $ 553,291 $ 634,892 $ 167,580 $ 168,634 $ 213,131 Interest cost 1,025,908 1,020,302 946,247 600,096 602,684 531,845 Expected return on plan assets (1,440,846 ) (1,312,354 ) (1,184,787 ) (516,656 ) (496,476 ) (452,383 ) Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation — — — — — 141,671 Recognized loss 257,378 136,394 578,263 197,058 89,515 241,747 Net periodic benefit cost $ 497,222 $ 397,633 $ 974,615 $ 448,078 $ 364,357 $ 676,011 The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated benefit obligation for the postretirement medical plan as of September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented below: Pre 65 Post 65 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 8.00 % 8.50 % 9.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2021 2021 2021 2015 2014 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 $ 137,000 $ (109,000 ) Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 2,383,000 (1,938,000 ) 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, 2015 and 2014 were: Pension Plan Postretirement Target 2015 2014 Target 2015 2014 Asset category: Equity securities 60 % 64 % 60 % 50 % 52 % 55 % Debt securities 40 % 35 % 39 % 50 % 47 % 44 % Cash — % 1 % 1 % — % 1 % 1 % Other — % — % — % — % — % — % 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 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 106,502 $ 106,502 $ — $ — Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 3,996,246 — 3,996,246 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 3,150,561 — 3,150,561 — Domestic Large Cap Value 4,183,172 — 4,183,172 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 1,937,613 — 1,937,613 — Foreign Large Cap Value 1,873,313 — 1,873,313 — Mutual Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 3,313,331 — 3,313,331 — Foreign Fixed Income 213,118 — 213,118 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 1,030,957 — 1,030,957 — Foreign Large Cap Value 653,276 — 653,276 — Foreign Large Cap Core 936,310 — 936,310 — Total $ 21,394,399 $ 106,502 $ 21,287,897 $ — Defined Benefit Pension Plan Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 182,644 $ 182,644 $ — $ — Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 1,455,153 — 1,455,153 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 2,079,566 — 2,079,566 — Domestic Large Cap Value 3,295,144 — 3,295,144 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 1,850,340 — 1,850,340 — Foreign Large Cap Value 1,641,619 — 1,641,619 — Mutual Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 6,289,437 — 6,289,437 — Foreign Fixed Income 204,747 — 204,747 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 2,088,528 — 2,088,528 — Foreign Large Cap Value 608,787 — 608,787 — Foreign Large Cap Core 818,214 — 818,214 — Total $ 20,514,179 $ 182,644 $ 20,331,535 $ — Postretirement Benefit Plan Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 58,749 $ 58,749 $ — $ — Mutual Funds Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 4,845,174 — 4,845,174 — Foreign Fixed Income 38,654 — 38,654 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 1,746,621 — 1,746,621 — Domestic Large Cap Value 1,638,695 — 1,638,695 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth 194,260 — 194,260 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value 186,344 — 186,344 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 417,980 — 417,980 — Foreign Large Cap Value 893,115 — 893,115 — Foreign Large Cap Core 378,596 — 378,596 — Other 45,441 — 45,441 — Total $ 10,443,629 $ 58,749 $ 10,384,880 $ — Postretirement Benefit Plan Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 116,173 $ 116,173 $ — $ — Mutual Funds Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 4,658,299 — 4,658,299 — Foreign Fixed Income 101,904 — 101,904 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 1,789,381 — 1,789,381 — Domestic Large Cap Value 1,759,740 — 1,759,740 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth 400,898 — 400,898 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value 396,537 — 396,537 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 37,741 — 37,741 — Foreign Large Cap Value 941,153 — 941,153 — Foreign Large Cap Core 394,769 — 394,769 — Other 49,654 — 49,654 — Total $ 10,646,249 $ 116,173 $ 10,530,076 $ — 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 2016. The following table reflects expected future benefit payments: Fiscal year ending September 30 Pension Postretirement 2016 $ 655,968 $ 617,386 2017 698,403 625,167 2018 773,580 634,509 2019 818,585 655,095 2020 944,944 695,924 2021-2025 6,531,464 4,012,407 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 $338,896 , $330,241 and $306,382 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Common Stock Options

Common Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015, the number of shares available for future grants was 49,000 . FASB ASC No. 718 - Compensation - Stock Compensation requires that compensation expense be recognized for the issuance of equity instruments to employees. During the fiscal years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Board approved stock option grants to certain officers. As required by the KESOP, 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's 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, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 34.34% 35.01% 34.75% Expected dividends 4.11% 4.21% 4.32% Expected exercise term (years) 7.00 7.00 7.00 Risk-free interest rate 1.98% 2.23% 1.23% 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are summarized below: Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Terms (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value 1 Options outstanding, September 30, 2012 — $ — 0.0 $ — 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 Options granted 17,000 18.95 Options exercised — — Options expired — — Options forfeited — — Options outstanding, September 30, 2014 38,000 18.98 8.8 34,840 Options granted 17,000 21.60 Options exercised (2,600 ) 18.99 Options expired — — Options forfeited — — Options outstanding, September 30, 2015 52,400 $ 19.83 8.3 $ 43,086 Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2015 52,400 $ 19.83 8.3 $ 43,086 1 Aggregate intrinsic value includes only those options where the exercise price is below the market price. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $4.92 , $4.43 and $4.04 , respectively. The intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal 2015 was $5,624 . The Company recognized $83,640 , $75,310 and $84,840 in stock option expense in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company received $49,366 from the exercise of options in 2015. No options were exercised in 2013 or 2014.

Other Stock Plans

Other Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 up to $40,000 per year in additional shares of common stock of the Company. Under the DRIP plan, the Company issued 8,431 , 7 and 24,905 shares in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had 358,377 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: 2015 2014 2013 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 62,844 $ 14.29 59,064 $ 13.97 54,011 $ 13.51 Granted 4,071 20.88 3,780 19.37 5,053 18.93 Vested — — — — — — Forfeited — — — — — — End of year balance 66,915 $ 14.70 62,844 $ 14.29 59,064 $ 13.97 The fair market value of the Restricted Stock issued as compensation during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $85,000 , $73,200 and $95,667 . No Restricted Stock vested or was forfeited during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had 70,960 shares available for issuance under the Restricted Stock Plan. 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 2,731 , 4,098 and 4,022 shares valued at $59,332 , $78,841 and $72,580 , respectively, in 2015, 2014 and 2013. As of September 30, 2015 the Company had 8,174 shares of stock available for issuance under the Stock Bonus Plan.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Long-Term Contracts Due to the nature of the natural gas distribution business, the Company enters 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 third party asset manager. 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 current asset management contract, the Company has designated the asset manager to act as agent for the Company's storage capacity and all gas balances in storage. The Company retains ownership of gas in storage. Under provisions of this contract, the Company is obligated to purchase its winter storage requirements from the asset manager during the spring and summer injection periods at market price. The table below details the volumetric obligations as of September 30, 2015 for the remainder of the contract period. Year Natural Gas Contracts 2015-2016 2,071,061 2016-2017 295,866 Total 2,366,927 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, 2015. 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. The Company expended approximately $33,405,000 , $44,884,000 and $35,348,000 under the asset management, pipeline and storage contracts for Roanoke Gas in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The table below details the pipeline and storage capacity obligations as of September 30, 2015 for the remainder of the contract period. Year Pipeline and 2015-2016 $ 11,392,645 2016-2017 9,999,402 2017-2018 7,787,998 2018-2019 6,171,421 2019-2020 2,427,961 Thereafter — Total $ 37,779,427 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 December 2031 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. At the current time, the Company is not known to be a party to any legal proceedings that would be expected to have a materially adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 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, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014, respectively: Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2015 Fair Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Natural gas purchases $ 712,710 $ — $ 712,710 $ — Total $ 712,710 $ — $ 712,710 $ — Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2014 Fair Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Natural gas purchases $ 795,019 $ — $ 795,019 $ — Total $ 795,019 $ — $ 795,019 $ — 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, 2015 and 2014, 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 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, borrowings under line-of-credit, 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, 2015 and 2014. Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2015 Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Long-term debt $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 28,570,585 Total $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 28,570,585 Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2014 Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Long-term debt $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 30,622,664 Total $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 30,622,664 The fair value of long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of the fixed rate debt based on the underlying 20 -year Treasury rate and estimated credit spread extrapolated based on market conditions since the issuance of the debt. 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 Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) Quarterly financial data for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is summarized as follows: 2015 First Second Third Fourth Operating revenues $ 21,250,065 $ 26,431,729 $ 10,774,409 $ 9,733,404 Gross margin $ 8,622,143 $ 10,213,770 $ 5,961,828 $ 5,408,692 Operating income $ 3,514,352 $ 4,879,469 $ 956,219 $ 656,152 Net income $ 1,924,376 $ 2,779,344 $ 354,940 $ 35,755 Earnings per share of common stock: Basic $ 0.41 $ 0.59 $ 0.08 $ 0.01 Diluted $ 0.41 $ 0.59 $ 0.07 $ 0.01 2014 First Second Third Fourth Operating revenues $ 20,011,194 $ 32,699,965 $ 12,024,817 $ 10,280,158 Gross margin $ 8,202,992 $ 10,161,125 $ 5,721,551 $ 5,251,421 Operating income $ 3,272,646 $ 5,121,022 $ 940,691 $ 347,509 Net income (loss) $ 1,722,788 $ 2,846,795 $ 283,194 $ (144,337 ) Earnings per share of common stock: Basic $ 0.37 $ 0.60 $ 0.06 $ (0.03 ) Diluted $ 0.37 $ 0.60 $ 0.06 $ (0.03 )

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 1, 2015, the Company, through its newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary, RGC Midstream, LLC, entered into an agreement to become a 1% member in the Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC (the "LLC"). The LLC was established to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline originating in northern West Virginia and extending through south central Virginia. This project, if approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, will require an estimated $35 million investment by the Company to support the construction of the pipeline over the next 3 years . The projected in service date of the pipeline is late 2018. The Company will participate in the earnings generated from the transportation of natural gas on the pipeline in proportion to its level of investment. The Company will apply the equity method to account for the transactions and activity of the investment. On October 1, 2015, RGC Midstream borrowed $1,500,000 under a temporary line-of-credit agreement to make its initial investment in the LLC. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no other items not otherwise disclosed which would have materially impacted the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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; RGC Ventures of Virginia, Inc., operating as Application Resources and The Utility Consultants; and RGC Midstream, LLC. Roanoke Gas is a natural gas utility, which distributes and sells natural gas to approximately 59,100 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, which provided regulatory consulting services to other utilities, ceased operations in 2015. RGC Midstream, LLC is a new wholly-owned subsidiary created in 2015 to invest in a pipeline project. More information is provided in Note 12. 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. Utility plant is comprised of the following major classes of assets: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 Distribution and transmission $ 143,172,628 $ 134,439,225 LNG storage 12,501,179 9,163,158 General and miscellaneous 12,359,225 11,757,817 Total utility plant in service $ 168,033,032 $ 155,360,200 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 at least every five years . The Company completed its most recent depreciation study in June 2014. The composite weighted-average depreciation rates provided for under the new depreciation study were 3.25% for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 compared to 3.35% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 under the prior rates. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the implementation of the new depreciation rates reduced depreciation expense by $126,875 and increased net income by $78,713 and earnings per share by $0.02 . 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 evacuating 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 2015, the Company increased its asset retirement obligation to reflect revisions to 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, 2015 , 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. Trade receivables are the Company's one primary type of financing receivables, resulting from the sale of natural gas and other services to its customers. These receivable are short-term in nature with a provision for uncollectible balances included in the financial statements.
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; 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 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 certificates of public convenience and necessity to distribute natural gas in its service area. These franchises are effective through January 1, 2016 . The Company's current 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 that provide all 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 historically has entered 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, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments for the purchase of natural gas. The Company also had two interest rate swaps that essentially converted its variable interest rate notes to fixed rate debt instruments. Both swaps were terminated in September 2014 as part of the Company's debt refinancing. These swaps qualified 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.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Comprehensive Income(Loss) — A summary of other comprehensive income is provided below: Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net-of Tax Amount Year Ended September 30, 2015: Defined benefit plans: Net loss arising during period $ (1,910,573 ) $ 726,017 $ (1,184,556 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 60,221 (22,884 ) 37,337 Other comprehensive loss $ (1,850,352 ) $ 703,133 $ (1,147,219 ) Year Ended September 30, 2014: Interest rate swaps: Unrealized losses $ (58,800 ) $ 22,321 $ (36,479 ) Transfer of realized losses to interest expense 926,262 (351,609 ) 574,653 Transfer of realized losses to regulatory asset 1,119,233 (424,861 ) 694,372 Net interest rate swaps 1,986,695 (754,149 ) 1,232,546 Defined benefit plans: Net loss arising during period (397,714 ) 151,131 (246,583 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 41,846 (15,901 ) 25,945 Net defined benefit plans (355,868 ) 135,230 (220,638 ) Other comprehensive income $ 1,630,827 $ (618,919 ) $ 1,011,908 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 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 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 Swaps Defined Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,232,546 (220,638 ) 1,011,908 Balance September 30, 2014 — (1,139,326 ) (1,139,326 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) — (1,147,219 ) (1,147,219 ) Balance September 30, 2015 $ — $ (2,286,545 ) $ (2,286,545 )
Change in Method of Accounting for Long-term Debt	Change in Method of Accounting for Long-term Debt —During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 as described further under the Recently Adopted Accounting Standards section below. Under ASU 2015-03, the unamortized balance of debt issuance costs are reclassified from assets to liabilities and netted against the carrying value of long-term debt. The change had no impact on net income. Management retrospectively applied the change. The carrying value of long-term debt and the reclassified debt issuance costs are presented separately on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Note 4 for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
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. 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 other comprehensive income. The disclosures required under this guidance are provided above. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The Company previously recognized debt issuance costs in assets and amortized those costs over the term of the debt. This guidance is effective for the Company for the annual reporting period ending September 30, 2017 and interim periods within that annual period. Early application is permitted. The Company adopted the ASU during the current reporting period. The adoption of this ASU did not have an effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows; however, the unamortized balance of debt issuance costs were reclassified from assets to an offset against long-term debt. Certain deferred costs related to the early retirement of debt in 2014 are classified as regulatory assets and are not offset against debt. The changes required under this guidance are presented in Note 1, Note 4 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards —In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance under FASB ASC No. 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers that affects any entity that enters into contracts with customers for the transfer of goods or services or transfer of non-financial assets. This guidance supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply these steps: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies the performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-14 that deferred the effective date of this guidance by one year. Therefore, the new guidance is effective for the Company for the annual reporting period ended September 30, 2019 and interim periods within that annual period. Early application is not permitted. Management has not completed its evaluation of the new guidance; however, the Company does not currently expect it to have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 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 Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets	Regulatory assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: September 30 2015 2014 Regulatory Assets: Current Assets: Accounts receivable: Accrued WNA revenues $ 229,281 $ 143,753 Under-recovery of gas costs — 180,831 Other: Accrued pension and postretirement medical 530,781 394,215 Utility Property: In service: Other 11,945 11,945 Other Assets: Regulatory assets: Premium on early retirement of debt 2,169,556 2,283,744 Accrued pension and postretirement medical 8,378,419 6,884,812 Other 375,268 104,833 Total regulatory assets $ 11,695,250 $ 10,004,133 Regulatory Liabilities: Current Liabilities: Over-recovery of gas costs $ 1,901,426 $ — Accrued expenses: Over-recovery of SAVE Plan revenues 153,365 187,203 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: Asset retirement obligations 5,295,868 4,802,015 Regulatory cost of retirement obligations 8,885,486 8,575,147 Total regulatory liabilities $ 16,236,145 $ 13,564,365
Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities	Regulatory assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: September 30 2015 2014 Regulatory Assets: Current Assets: Accounts receivable: Accrued WNA revenues $ 229,281 $ 143,753 Under-recovery of gas costs — 180,831 Other: Accrued pension and postretirement medical 530,781 394,215 Utility Property: In service: Other 11,945 11,945 Other Assets: Regulatory assets: Premium on early retirement of debt 2,169,556 2,283,744 Accrued pension and postretirement medical 8,378,419 6,884,812 Other 375,268 104,833 Total regulatory assets $ 11,695,250 $ 10,004,133 Regulatory Liabilities: Current Liabilities: Over-recovery of gas costs $ 1,901,426 $ — Accrued expenses: Over-recovery of SAVE Plan revenues 153,365 187,203 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: Asset retirement obligations 5,295,868 4,802,015 Regulatory cost of retirement obligations 8,885,486 8,575,147 Total regulatory liabilities $ 16,236,145 $ 13,564,365
Schedule of Utility Plant	Utility plant is comprised of the following major classes of assets: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 Distribution and transmission $ 143,172,628 $ 134,439,225 LNG storage 12,501,179 9,163,158 General and miscellaneous 12,359,225 11,757,817 Total utility plant in service $ 168,033,032 $ 155,360,200
Summary of Asset Retirement Obligation	The following is a summary of the asset retirement obligation: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 4,802,015 $ 4,525,355 Liabilities incurred 62,890 74,276 Liabilities settled (162,072 ) (165,845 ) Accretion 281,762 258,763 Revisions to estimated cash flows 311,273 109,466 Ending balance $ 5,295,868 $ 4,802,015
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 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 70,747 $ 68,539 $ 65,219 Provision for doubtful accounts 87,908 148,881 85,033 Recoveries of accounts written off 139,282 136,369 122,432 Accounts written off (245,216 ) (283,042 ) (204,145 ) Ending balance $ 52,721 $ 70,747 $ 68,539
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 2013 Net Income $ 5,094,415 $ 4,708,440 $ 4,262,052 Weighted-average common shares 4,728,210 4,715,478 4,698,727 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 3,466 804 39 Diluted average common shares 4,731,676 4,716,282 4,698,766 Earnings Per Share of Common Stock: Basic $ 1.08 $ 1.00 $ 0.91 Diluted $ 1.08 $ 1.00 $ 0.91
Summary of Other Comprehensive Income	A summary of other comprehensive income is provided below: Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net-of Tax Amount Year Ended September 30, 2015: Defined benefit plans: Net loss arising during period $ (1,910,573 ) $ 726,017 $ (1,184,556 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 60,221 (22,884 ) 37,337 Other comprehensive loss $ (1,850,352 ) $ 703,133 $ (1,147,219 ) Year Ended September 30, 2014: Interest rate swaps: Unrealized losses $ (58,800 ) $ 22,321 $ (36,479 ) Transfer of realized losses to interest expense 926,262 (351,609 ) 574,653 Transfer of realized losses to regulatory asset 1,119,233 (424,861 ) 694,372 Net interest rate swaps 1,986,695 (754,149 ) 1,232,546 Defined benefit plans: Net loss arising during period (397,714 ) 151,131 (246,583 ) Amortization of actuarial losses 41,846 (15,901 ) 25,945 Net defined benefit plans (355,868 ) 135,230 (220,638 ) Other comprehensive income $ 1,630,827 $ (618,919 ) $ 1,011,908 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 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
Components of Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Composition of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Interest Rate Swaps Defined Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,232,546 (220,638 ) 1,011,908 Balance September 30, 2014 — (1,139,326 ) (1,139,326 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) — (1,147,219 ) (1,147,219 ) Balance September 30, 2015 $ — $ (2,286,545 ) $ (2,286,545 )

Short-Term Debt (Tables)

Short-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 $ 24,000,000 March 1, 2016 17,000,000
Summary of Line of Credit	A summary of the line-of-credit follows: September 30 2015 2014 2013 Line-of-credit at year-end $ 24,000,000 $ 15,000,000 $ 5,000,000 Outstanding balance at year-end 9,340,997 9,045,050 — Highest month-end balance outstanding 17,366,052 9,045,050 1,414,955 Average daily balance 6,377,040 1,340,833 80,593 Average rate of interest during year on outstanding balances 1.17 % 1.16 % 1.21 % Interest rate at year-end 1.20 % 1.16 % 1.18 % Interest rate on unused line-of-credit 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.15 %

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: September 30 2015 2014 Principal Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Principal Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Unsecured senior notes payable, at 4.26%, due on September 18, 2034 $ 30,500,000 $ 183,427 $ 30,500,000 $ 193,081 Total $ 30,500,000 $ 183,427 $ 30,500,000 $ 193,081
Summary of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt for the next five years ending after September 30, 2015 are as follows: Year Ending September 30 Maturities 2016 $ — 2017 — 2018 — 2019 — 2020 — Thereafter 30,500,000 Total $ 30,500,000

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Details of Income Tax Expense	The details of income tax expense are as follows: Years Ended September 30 2015 2014 2013 Current income taxes: Federal $ 379,180 $ 1,789,294 $ 1,404,450 State 374,541 290,458 453,347 Total current income taxes 753,721 2,079,752 1,857,797 Deferred income taxes: Federal 2,289,729 687,417 829,080 State 127,112 175,464 (33,051 ) Total deferred income taxes 2,416,841 862,881 796,029 Amortization of investment tax credits — (3,093 ) (9,039 ) Total income tax expense $ 3,170,562 $ 2,939,540 $ 2,644,787
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Based on Federal Statutory Rate	Income tax expense for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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 2015 2014 2013 Income before income taxes $ 8,264,977 $ 7,647,980 $ 6,906,839 Income tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate $ 2,810,092 $ 2,600,313 $ 2,348,325 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 331,091 307,509 277,395 Amortization of investment tax credits — (3,093 ) (9,039 ) Other, net 29,379 34,811 28,106 Total income tax expense $ 3,170,562 $ 2,939,540 $ 2,644,787
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 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Allowance for uncollectibles $ 20,012 $ 26,855 Accrued pension and postretirement medical benefits 2,502,774 2,077,409 Accrued vacation 249,837 230,842 Over-recovery of gas costs 721,782 — Costs of gas held in storage 930,524 973,651 Accrued gas costs — 36,305 Deferred compensation 651,336 579,451 Other 265,951 295,654 Total gross deferred tax assets 5,342,216 4,220,167 Deferred tax liabilities: Utility plant 19,804,862 17,057,847 Under-recovery of gas costs — 68,643 Accrued gas costs 157,385 — Total gross deferred tax liabilities 19,962,247 17,126,490 Net deferred tax liability $ 14,620,031 $ 12,906,323 Deferred Income Tax - Balance Sheet September 30 2015 2014 Deferred income taxes (net current assets) $ 2,293,536 $ 1,704,320 Deferred income taxes (net non-current liabilities) 16,913,567 14,610,643 Net deferred tax liability $ 14,620,031 $ 12,906,323

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 2015 2014 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 22,853,206 $ 20,697,734 $ 15,355,668 $ 14,983,169 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 24,636,695 $ 21,468,769 $ 14,983,169 $ 13,028,628 Service cost 654,782 553,291 167,580 168,634 Interest cost 1,025,908 1,020,302 600,096 602,684 Actuarial loss 1,487,278 2,199,697 70,196 1,673,552 Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions (637,042 ) (605,364 ) (465,373 ) (490,329 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 27,167,621 $ 24,636,695 $ 15,355,668 $ 14,983,169 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 20,514,179 $ 18,801,262 $ 10,646,249 $ 10,114,062 Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes (182,738 ) 1,750,033 (237,247 ) 522,516 Employer contributions 1,700,000 568,248 500,000 500,000 Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions (637,042 ) (605,364 ) (465,373 ) (490,329 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 21,394,399 $ 20,514,179 $ 10,443,629 $ 10,646,249 Funded status $ (5,773,222 ) $ (4,122,516 ) $ (4,912,039 ) $ (4,336,920 ) Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of: Noncurrent liabilities $ (5,773,222 ) $ (4,122,516 ) $ (4,912,039 ) $ (4,336,920 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Transition obligation, net of tax $ — $ — $ — $ — Net actuarial loss, net of tax 1,694,924 616,352 591,621 522,974 Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax $ 1,694,924 $ 616,352 $ 591,621 $ 522,974 Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset: Transition obligation $ — $ — $ — $ — Net actuarial loss 5,280,756 4,166,900 3,628,448 3,112,127 Amounts recognized as regulatory assets $ 5,280,756 $ 4,166,900 $ 3,628,448 $ 3,112,127
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 2015, 2014 and 2013. Pension Plan Postretirement Plan 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.22 % 4.82 % 4.15 % 4.10 % 4.73 % Expected rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % N/A N/A N/A Assumptions used to determine benefit costs: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.82 % 4.06 % 4.10 % 4.73 % 3.95 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.00 % 7.25 % 4.90 % 4.92 % 5.11 % Expected rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % 4.00 % N/A N/A N/A
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Pension Plan Postretirement Plan 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 654,782 $ 553,291 $ 634,892 $ 167,580 $ 168,634 $ 213,131 Interest cost 1,025,908 1,020,302 946,247 600,096 602,684 531,845 Expected return on plan assets (1,440,846 ) (1,312,354 ) (1,184,787 ) (516,656 ) (496,476 ) (452,383 ) Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation — — — — — 141,671 Recognized loss 257,378 136,394 578,263 197,058 89,515 241,747 Net periodic benefit cost $ 497,222 $ 397,633 $ 974,615 $ 448,078 $ 364,357 $ 676,011
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented below: Pre 65 Post 65 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 8.00 % 8.50 % 9.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2021 2021 2021 2015 2014 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 $ 137,000 $ (109,000 ) Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 2,383,000 (1,938,000 )
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, 2015 and 2014 were: Pension Plan Postretirement Target 2015 2014 Target 2015 2014 Asset category: Equity securities 60 % 64 % 60 % 50 % 52 % 55 % Debt securities 40 % 35 % 39 % 50 % 47 % 44 % Cash — % 1 % 1 % — % 1 % 1 % Other — % — % — % — % — % — %
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 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 106,502 $ 106,502 $ — $ — Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 3,996,246 — 3,996,246 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 3,150,561 — 3,150,561 — Domestic Large Cap Value 4,183,172 — 4,183,172 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 1,937,613 — 1,937,613 — Foreign Large Cap Value 1,873,313 — 1,873,313 — Mutual Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 3,313,331 — 3,313,331 — Foreign Fixed Income 213,118 — 213,118 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 1,030,957 — 1,030,957 — Foreign Large Cap Value 653,276 — 653,276 — Foreign Large Cap Core 936,310 — 936,310 — Total $ 21,394,399 $ 106,502 $ 21,287,897 $ — Defined Benefit Pension Plan Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 182,644 $ 182,644 $ — $ — Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 1,455,153 — 1,455,153 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 2,079,566 — 2,079,566 — Domestic Large Cap Value 3,295,144 — 3,295,144 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 1,850,340 — 1,850,340 — Foreign Large Cap Value 1,641,619 — 1,641,619 — Mutual Funds: Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 6,289,437 — 6,289,437 — Foreign Fixed Income 204,747 — 204,747 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 2,088,528 — 2,088,528 — Foreign Large Cap Value 608,787 — 608,787 — Foreign Large Cap Core 818,214 — 818,214 — Total $ 20,514,179 $ 182,644 $ 20,331,535 $ — Postretirement Benefit Plan Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 58,749 $ 58,749 $ — $ — Mutual Funds Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 4,845,174 — 4,845,174 — Foreign Fixed Income 38,654 — 38,654 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 1,746,621 — 1,746,621 — Domestic Large Cap Value 1,638,695 — 1,638,695 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth 194,260 — 194,260 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value 186,344 — 186,344 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 417,980 — 417,980 — Foreign Large Cap Value 893,115 — 893,115 — Foreign Large Cap Core 378,596 — 378,596 — Other 45,441 — 45,441 — Total $ 10,443,629 $ 58,749 $ 10,384,880 $ — Postretirement Benefit Plan Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Asset Class: Cash $ 116,173 $ 116,173 $ — $ — Mutual Funds Bonds Domestic Fixed Income 4,658,299 — 4,658,299 — Foreign Fixed Income 101,904 — 101,904 — Equities Domestic Large Cap Growth 1,789,381 — 1,789,381 — Domestic Large Cap Value 1,759,740 — 1,759,740 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth 400,898 — 400,898 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value 396,537 — 396,537 — Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core 37,741 — 37,741 — Foreign Large Cap Value 941,153 — 941,153 — Foreign Large Cap Core 394,769 — 394,769 — Other 49,654 — 49,654 — Total $ 10,646,249 $ 116,173 $ 10,530,076 $ —
Schedule of Expected Future Benefit Payments	The following table reflects expected future benefit payments: Fiscal year ending September 30 Pension Postretirement 2016 $ 655,968 $ 617,386 2017 698,403 625,167 2018 773,580 634,509 2019 818,585 655,095 2020 944,944 695,924 2021-2025 6,531,464 4,012,407

Common Stock Options (Tables)

Common Stock Options (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Stock Options	As the Company's 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, 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 34.34% 35.01% 34.75% Expected dividends 4.11% 4.21% 4.32% Expected exercise term (years) 7.00 7.00 7.00 Risk-free interest rate 1.98% 2.23% 1.23%
Schedule of Stock Option Transactions	Stock option transactions under the Company's plans for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are summarized below: Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Terms (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value 1 Options outstanding, September 30, 2012 — $ — 0.0 $ — 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 Options granted 17,000 18.95 Options exercised — — Options expired — — Options forfeited — — Options outstanding, September 30, 2014 38,000 18.98 8.8 34,840 Options granted 17,000 21.60 Options exercised (2,600 ) 18.99 Options expired — — Options forfeited — — Options outstanding, September 30, 2015 52,400 $ 19.83 8.3 $ 43,086 Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2015 52,400 $ 19.83 8.3 $ 43,086 1 Aggregate intrinsic value includes only those options where the exercise price is below the market price.

Other Stock Plans (Tables)

Other Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Stock Plans [Abstract]
Director Compensation Activity	The following table reflects the director compensation activity pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan: 2015 2014 2013 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 62,844 $ 14.29 59,064 $ 13.97 54,011 $ 13.51 Granted 4,071 20.88 3,780 19.37 5,053 18.93 Vested — — — — — — Forfeited — — — — — — End of year balance 66,915 $ 14.70 62,844 $ 14.29 59,064 $ 13.97

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Volumetric Obligation
Schedule of Volumetric and Pipeline and Storage Capacity Obligations	The table below details the volumetric obligations as of September 30, 2015 for the remainder of the contract period. Year Natural Gas Contracts 2015-2016 2,071,061 2016-2017 295,866 Total 2,366,927
Pipeline and Storage Capacity Obligation
Schedule of Volumetric and Pipeline and Storage Capacity Obligations	The table below details the pipeline and storage capacity obligations as of September 30, 2015 for the remainder of the contract period. Year Pipeline and 2015-2016 $ 11,392,645 2016-2017 9,999,402 2017-2018 7,787,998 2018-2019 6,171,421 2019-2020 2,427,961 Thereafter — Total $ 37,779,427

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014, respectively: Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2015 Fair Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Natural gas purchases $ 712,710 $ — $ 712,710 $ — Total $ 712,710 $ — $ 712,710 $ — Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2014 Fair Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Natural gas purchases $ 795,019 $ — $ 795,019 $ — Total $ 795,019 $ — $ 795,019 $ —
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, 2015 and 2014. Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2015 Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Long-term debt $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 28,570,585 Total $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 28,570,585 Fair Value Measurements - September 30, 2014 Carrying Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Liabilities: Long-term debt $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 30,622,664 Total $ 30,500,000 $ — $ — $ 30,622,664

Quarterly Financial Informati31

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	Quarterly financial data for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is summarized as follows: 2015 First Second Third Fourth Operating revenues $ 21,250,065 $ 26,431,729 $ 10,774,409 $ 9,733,404 Gross margin $ 8,622,143 $ 10,213,770 $ 5,961,828 $ 5,408,692 Operating income $ 3,514,352 $ 4,879,469 $ 956,219 $ 656,152 Net income $ 1,924,376 $ 2,779,344 $ 354,940 $ 35,755 Earnings per share of common stock: Basic $ 0.41 $ 0.59 $ 0.08 $ 0.01 Diluted $ 0.41 $ 0.59 $ 0.07 $ 0.01 2014 First Second Third Fourth Operating revenues $ 20,011,194 $ 32,699,965 $ 12,024,817 $ 10,280,158 Gross margin $ 8,202,992 $ 10,161,125 $ 5,721,551 $ 5,251,421 Operating income $ 3,272,646 $ 5,121,022 $ 940,691 $ 347,509 Net income (loss) $ 1,722,788 $ 2,846,795 $ 283,194 $ (144,337 ) Earnings per share of common stock: Basic $ 0.37 $ 0.60 $ 0.06 $ (0.03 ) Diluted $ 0.37 $ 0.60 $ 0.06 $ (0.03 )

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)pipelineinstruments_heldsegmentcustomer	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)instruments_held$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of customers | customer	59,100
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Remaining amount of regulatory assets that did not earn a return during the recovery period	$ 9,513,749
Regulatory utility assets provision, review period	5 years
Composite weighted-average depreciation rate	3.25%	3.25%	3.35%
Effect of change in deprecation rate on depreciation expense		$ 126,875
Effect of change in depreciation rate on net income		$ 78,713
Effect of change in deprecation rate on EPS (in usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.02
Unbilled revenue	$ 1,001,418	$ 1,071,128
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	Jan. 1, 2016
Number of pipelines | pipeline	2
Natural Gas [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of derivative instruments | instruments_held	0	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of derivative instruments | instruments_held		2

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Noncurrent regulatory assets	$ 10,923,243	$ 9,273,389
Total regulatory assets	11,695,250	10,004,133
Total regulatory liabilities	16,236,145	13,564,365
Over-recovery of Gas Costs [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Current regulatory liabilities	1,901,426	0
Over-recovery of SAVE Plan Revenues [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Current regulatory liabilities	153,365	187,203
Asset Retirement Obligations [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities	5,295,868	4,802,015
Regulatory cost of retirement obligations [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities	8,885,486	8,575,147
Accrued WNA Revenues [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Current regulatory assets	229,281	143,753
Under-Recovery of Gas Costs [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Current regulatory assets	0	180,831
Accrued Pension and Postretirement Medical [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Current regulatory assets	530,781	394,215
Noncurrent regulatory assets	8,378,419	6,884,812
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	2,169,556	2,283,744
Other [Member]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Noncurrent regulatory assets	$ 375,268	$ 104,833

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Components of Utility Plant) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Distribution and transmission	$ 143,172,628	$ 134,439,225
LNG Storage	12,501,179	9,163,158
General and miscellaneous	12,359,225	11,757,817
Total utility plant in service	$ 168,033,032	$ 155,360,200

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 4,802,015	$ 4,525,355
Liabilities incurred	62,890	74,276
Liabilities settled	(162,072)	(165,845)
Accretion	281,762	258,763
Revisions to estimated cash flows	311,273	109,466
Ending balance	$ 5,295,868	$ 4,802,015

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 70,747	$ 68,539	$ 65,219
Provision for doubtful accounts	87,908	148,881	85,033
Recoveries of accounts written off	139,282	136,369	122,432
Accounts written off	(245,216)	(283,042)	(204,145)
Ending balance	$ 52,721	$ 70,747	$ 68,539

Summary of Significant Accoun37

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,755	$ 354,940	$ 2,779,344	$ 1,924,376	$ (144,337)	$ 283,194	$ 2,846,795	$ 1,722,788	$ 5,094,415	$ 4,708,440	$ 4,262,052
Weighted-average common shares (in shares)									4,728,210	4,715,478	4,698,727
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options to purchase common stock (in shares)									3,466	804	39
Diluted average common shares (in shares)									4,731,676	4,716,282	4,698,766
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.08	$ 0.59	$ 0.41	$ (0.03)	$ 0.06	$ 0.60	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 1	$ 0.91
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.07	$ 0.59	$ 0.41	$ (0.03)	$ 0.06	$ 0.60	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 1	$ 0.91

Summary of Significant Accoun38

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Before Tax Amount
Net gain (loss) arising during period	$ (1,910,573)	$ (397,714)	$ 1,714,890
Amortization of actuarial losses	60,221	41,846	219,890
Amortization of transition obligation			35,972
Net defined benefit plans		(355,868)	1,970,752
Unrealized losses		(58,800)	(20,479)
Transfer of realized losses to interest expense		926,262	950,501
Transfer of realized losses to regulatory asset		1,119,233
Net interest rate swaps		1,986,695	930,022
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,850,352)	1,630,827	2,900,774
Tax (Expense) or Benefit
Net gain (loss) arising during period	726,017	151,131	(651,659)
Amortization of actuarial losses	(22,884)	(15,901)	(83,558)
Amortization of transition obligation			(13,669)
Net defined benefit plans		135,230	(748,886)
Unrealized losses		22,321	7,774
Transfer of realized losses to interest expense		(351,609)	(360,811)
Transfer of realized losses to regulatory asset		(424,861)
Net interest rate swaps		(754,149)	(353,037)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	703,133	(618,919)	(1,101,923)
Net-of Tax Amount
Net gain (loss) arising during period	(1,184,556)	(246,583)	1,063,231
Amortization of actuarial losses	37,337	25,945	136,332
Amortization of transition obligation			22,303
Net defined benefit plans	(1,147,219)	(220,638)	1,221,866
Unrealized losses		(36,479)	(12,705)
Transfer of realized losses to interest expense		574,653	589,690
Transfer of realized losses to regulatory asset		694,372
Net interest rate swaps	0	1,232,546	576,985
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX	$ (1,147,219)	$ 1,011,908	$ 1,798,851

Summary of Significant Accoun39

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Components of Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Rate Swaps
Balance at beginning of period	$ 0	$ (1,232,546)	$ (1,809,531)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	1,232,546	576,985
Balance at end of period	0	0	(1,232,546)
Defined Benefit Plans
Balance at beginning of period	(1,139,326)	(918,688)	(2,140,554)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,147,219)	(220,638)	1,221,866
Balance at end of period	(2,286,545)	(1,139,326)	(918,688)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at beginning of period	(1,139,326)	(2,151,234)	(3,950,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,147,219)	1,011,908	1,798,851
Balance at end of period	$ (2,286,545)	$ (1,139,326)	$ (2,151,234)

Regulatory Matters (Details)

Regulatory Matters (Details)	Jun. 25, 2014USD ($)
Regulated Operations [Abstract]
Approved short term indebtedness authority (up to)	$ 30,000,000
Approved long term indebtedness authority (up to)	$ 60,000,000

Short-Term Debt (Narrative) (De

Short-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Expiration date	Mar. 31, 2016
Minimum interest coverage ratio	1.5

Short-Term Debt (Summary of Ava

Short-Term Debt (Summary of Available Limits Under Line of Credit Agreement) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
September 30, 2015
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Effective	Sep. 30, 2015
Available Line-of-Credit	$ 24,000,000
March 1, 2016
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Effective	Mar. 1, 2016
Available Line-of-Credit	$ 17,000,000

Short-Term Debt (Summary of Lin

Short-Term Debt (Summary of Line-Of-Credit) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Line-of-credit at year-end	$ 24,000,000	$ 15,000,000	$ 5,000,000
Outstanding balance at year-end	9,340,997	9,045,050	0
Highest month-end balance outstanding	17,366,052	9,045,050	1,414,955
Average daily balance	$ 6,377,040	$ 1,340,833	$ 80,593
Average rate of interest during year on outstanding balances	1.17%	1.16%	1.21%
Interest rate at year-end	1.20%	1.16%	1.18%
Interest rate on unused line-of-credit	0.15%	0.15%	0.15%

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)debt_covenant	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized loss on early retirement of debt deferred as regulatory asset | $	$ 2,169,556	$ 2,283,744
Unamortized loss on early retirement of debt, amortization period	20 years
Unsecured Senior Notes | Unsecured senior notes payable, at 4.26%, due on September 18, 2034
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of debt covenants | debt_covenant	2
Debt covenant, maximum ratio of total long-term debt to total capitalization	65.00%
Debt covenant, maximum ratio of priority indebtedness to total assets	15.00%

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Lon

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs	$ 183,427	$ 193,081
Total, Principal	30,500,000	30,500,000
Unsecured Senior Notes | Unsecured senior notes payable, at 4.26%, due on September 18, 2034
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	30,500,000	30,500,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs	$ 183,427	$ 193,081
Stated percentage rate	4.26%

Long-Term Debt (Summary of Aggr

Long-Term Debt (Summary of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	30,500,000
Total	$ 30,500,000	$ 30,500,000

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Bonus depreciation, percent	50.00%
Prior year deferred taxes reflected in the current year tax provision	$ 1,442,211

Income Taxes (Details of Income

Income Taxes (Details of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Current income taxes:
Federal	$ 379,180	$ 1,789,294	$ 1,404,450
State	374,541	290,458	453,347
Total current income taxes	753,721	2,079,752	1,857,797
Deferred income taxes:
Federal	2,289,729	687,417	829,080
State	127,112	175,464	(33,051)
Total deferred income taxes	2,416,841	862,881	796,029
Amortization of investment tax credits	0	(3,093)	(9,039)
Total income tax expense	$ 3,170,562	$ 2,939,540	$ 2,644,787

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Based on Federal Statutory Rate) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income before income taxes	$ 8,264,977	$ 7,647,980	$ 6,906,839
Income tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate	2,810,092	2,600,313	2,348,325
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	331,091	307,509	277,395
Amortization of investment tax credits	0	(3,093)	(9,039)
Other, net	29,379	34,811	28,106
Total income tax expense	$ 3,170,562	$ 2,939,540	$ 2,644,787

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for uncollectibles	$ 20,012	$ 26,855
Accrued pension and postretirement medical benefits	2,502,774	2,077,409
Accrued vacation	249,837	230,842
Over-recovery of gas costs	721,782	0
Costs of gas held in storage	930,524	973,651
Accrued gas costs	0	36,305
Deferred compensation	651,336	579,451
Other	265,951	295,654
Total gross deferred tax assets	5,342,216	4,220,167
Deferred tax liabilities:
Utility plant	19,804,862	17,057,847
Under-recovery of gas costs	0	68,643
Accrued gas costs	157,385	0
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	19,962,247	17,126,490
Deferred income taxes (net current assets)	2,293,536	1,704,320
Deferred income taxes (net non-current liabilities)	16,913,567	14,610,643
Net deferred tax liability	$ 14,620,031	$ 12,906,323

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized in net periodic benefit costs		$ 221,000
Expected amount of deferred regulatory assets to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs		$ 531,000
Unrecognized transition obligation amortization period	20 years
Minimum employee contribution percent		1.00%
Maximum employee contribution percent		50.00%
Company's matching contribution		$ 338,896	$ 330,241	$ 306,382
After April 2010 [Member] | First Portion Match [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%
After April 2010 [Member] | Second Portion Match [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%
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Benefit Obligation Increase Decrease Related To Mortality Table Change		$ 1,300,000
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]
Defined Benefit Plan Benefit Obligation Increase Decrease Related To Mortality Table Change		$ 1,000,000
Minimum service requirement for postretirement benefit vesting		10 years
Retirement age requirement, postretirement plan		55 years
Expected employer contributions in next fiscal year		$ 500,000

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, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet, Noncurrent liabilities	$ (10,685,261)	$ (8,459,436)
Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,286,545	1,139,326	$ 918,688	$ 2,140,554
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	22,853,206	20,697,734
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	24,636,695	21,468,769
Service cost	654,782	553,291	634,892
Interest cost	1,025,908	1,020,302	946,247
Actuarial loss	1,487,278	2,199,697
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(637,042)	(605,364)
Benefit obligation at end of year	27,167,621	24,636,695	21,468,769
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	20,514,179	18,801,262
Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes	(182,738)	1,750,033
Employer contributions	1,700,000	568,248
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(637,042)	(605,364)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,394,399	20,514,179	18,801,262
Funded status	(5,773,222)	(4,122,516)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet, Noncurrent liabilities	(5,773,222)	(4,122,516)
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	1,694,924	616,352
Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax	1,694,924	616,352
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Transition obligation	0	0
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Net actuarial loss	5,280,756	4,166,900
Amounts recognized as regulatory assets	5,280,756	4,166,900
Postretirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	15,355,668	14,983,169
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	14,983,169	13,028,628
Service cost	167,580	168,634	213,131
Interest cost	600,096	602,684	531,845
Actuarial loss	70,196	1,673,552
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(465,373)	(490,329)
Benefit obligation at end of year	15,355,668	14,983,169	13,028,628
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	10,646,249	10,114,062
Actual return on plan assets, net of taxes	(237,247)	522,516
Employer contributions	500,000	500,000
Benefit payments, net of retiree contributions	(465,373)	(490,329)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10,443,629	10,646,249	$ 10,114,062
Funded status	(4,912,039)	(4,336,920)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet, Noncurrent liabilities	(4,912,039)	(4,336,920)
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	591,621	522,974
Total amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax	591,621	522,974
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Transition obligation	0	0
Amounts deferred to a regulatory asset, Net actuarial loss	3,628,448	3,112,127
Amounts recognized as regulatory assets	$ 3,628,448	$ 3,112,127

Employee Benefit Plans (Sched53

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Actuarial Assumptions Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plan [Member]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.22%	4.22%	4.82%
Expected rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Assumptions used to determine benefit costs:
Discount rate	4.22%	4.82%	4.06%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.00%	7.00%	7.25%
Expected rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Postretirement Plan [Member]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.15%	4.10%	4.73%
Assumptions used to determine benefit costs:
Discount rate	4.10%	4.73%	3.95%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	4.90%	4.92%	5.11%

Employee Benefit Plans (Sched54

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Cost) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 654,782	$ 553,291	$ 634,892
Interest cost	1,025,908	1,020,302	946,247
Expected return on plan assets	(1,440,846)	(1,312,354)	(1,184,787)
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation	0	0	0
Recognized loss	257,378	136,394	578,263
Net periodic benefit cost	497,222	397,633	974,615
Postretirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	167,580	168,634	213,131
Interest cost	600,096	602,684	531,845
Expected return on plan assets	(516,656)	(496,476)	(452,383)
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation	0	0	141,671
Recognized loss	197,058	89,515	241,747
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 448,078	$ 364,357	$ 676,011

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pre 65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	8.00%	8.50%	9.00%
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	2,021	2,021	2,021
Post 65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
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	2,015	2,014	2,013

Employee Benefit Plans (Effect

Employee Benefit Plans (Effect of a 1% Change in Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumptions) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
1% Increase
Effect on total service and interest cost components	$ 137
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	2,383
1% Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components, 1% Decrease	(109)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Decease	$ (1,938)

Employee Benefit Plans (Sched57

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Target and Actual Asset Allocation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	60.00%
Actual	64.00%	60.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	40.00%
Actual	35.00%	39.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	0.00%
Actual	1.00%	1.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	0.00%
Actual	0.00%	0.00%
Postretirement Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	50.00%
Actual	52.00%	55.00%
Postretirement Plan [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	50.00%
Actual	47.00%	44.00%
Postretirement Plan [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	0.00%
Actual	1.00%	1.00%
Postretirement Plan [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target	0.00%
Actual	0.00%	0.00%

Employee Benefit Plans (Summa58

Employee Benefit Plans (Summary of Fair Value Classifications of Benefit Plan Assets ) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	$ 21,394,399	$ 20,514,179	$ 18,801,262
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	106,502	182,644
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	21,287,897	20,331,535
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	106,502	182,644
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	106,502	182,644
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,996,246	1,455,153
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,996,246	1,455,153
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,150,561	2,079,566
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,150,561	2,079,566
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	4,183,172	3,295,144
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	4,183,172	3,295,144
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,937,613	1,850,340
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,937,613	1,850,340
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,873,313	1,641,619
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Common and Collective Trust and Pooled Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,873,313	1,641,619
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,313,331	6,289,437
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	3,313,331	6,289,437
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	213,118	204,747
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	213,118	204,747
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,030,957	2,088,528
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,030,957	2,088,528
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	653,276	608,787
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	653,276	608,787
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	936,310	818,214
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	936,310	818,214
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	10,443,629	10,646,249	$ 10,114,062
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	58,749	116,173
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	10,384,880	10,530,076
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	58,749	116,173
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	58,749	116,173
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	4,845,174	4,658,299
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	4,845,174	4,658,299
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	38,654	101,904
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	38,654	101,904
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,746,621	1,789,381
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,746,621	1,789,381
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,638,695	1,759,740
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	1,638,695	1,759,740
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	194,260	400,898
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Growth [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	194,260	400,898
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	186,344	396,537
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	186,344	396,537
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	417,980	37,741
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Domestic Small/Mid Cap Core [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	417,980	37,741
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	893,115	941,153
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	893,115	941,153
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	378,596	394,769
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Foreign Large Cap Core [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	378,596	394,769
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	45,441	49,654
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Other [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	0	0
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Other [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of benefit plan assets	$ 45,441	$ 49,654

Employee Benefit Plans (Sched59

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Expected Future Benefit Payments) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	$ 655,968
2,017	698,403
2,018	773,580
2,019	818,585
2,020	944,944
2021-2025	6,531,464
Postretirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	617,386
2,017	625,167
2,018	634,509
2,019	655,095
2,020	695,924
2021-2025	$ 4,012,407

Common Stock Options (Narrative

Common Stock Options (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Number of shares available for future grant	49,000
Award vesting period	6 months
Award expiration period	10 years
Weighted average grant-date fair value, options granted (in usd per share)	$ 4.92	$ 4.43	$ 4.04
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 5,624
Stock option grants	83,640	$ 75,310	$ 84,840
Amount received for exercise of options	$ 49,366	$ 0	$ 0

Common Stock Options (Fair Valu

Common Stock Options (Fair Value Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected volatility	34.34%	35.01%	34.75%
Expected dividends	4.11%	4.21%	4.32%
Expected exercise term (years)	7 years	7 years	7 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.98%	2.23%	1.23%

Common Stock Options (Schedule

Common Stock Options (Schedule of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Number of Shares
Options outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	38,000	21,000	0
Options granted (in shares)	17,000	17,000	21,000
Options exercised (in shares)	(2,600)	0	0
Options expired (in shares)	0	0	0
Options forfeited (in shares)	0	0	0
Options outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	52,400	38,000	21,000	0
Vested and exercisable at end of period (in shares)	52,400
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding, beginning balance (in usd per share)	$ 18.98	$ 19.01	$ 0
Options granted (in usd per share)	21.60	18.95	19.01
Options exercised (in usd per share)	18.99	0	0
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)	19.83	$ 18.98	$ 19.01	$ 0
Vested and exercisable at end of period (in usd per share)	$ 19.83
Options, Additional Disclosures
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Terms (years)	8 years 4 months	8 years 9 months	9 years 6 months	0 years
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2015	8 years 4 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 43,086	$ 34,840	$ 5,229	$ 0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable at end of period	$ 43,086

Other Stock Plans (Narrative) (

Other Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance	49,000
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	8,431	7	24,905
Shares of stock available for issuance under the DRIP Plan	358,377
Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Minimum percentage of monthly retainer fee paid in shares of common stock	40.00%
Value of shares issued under the plan	$ 85,000	$ 73,200	$ 95,667
Stock vested during the period (in shares)	0	0	0
Stock forfeited during the period (in shares)	0	0	0
Shares available for issuance	70,960
Stock Bonus Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares issued under the plan	$ 59,332	$ 78,841	$ 72,580
Shares available for issuance	8,174
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	2,731	4,098	4,022
Stock Bonus Plan [Member] | Minimum [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] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Shares
Beginning of year balance (in shares)	62,844	59,064	54,011
Granted (in shares)	4,071	3,780	5,053
Vested (in shares)	0	0	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0	0	0
End of year balance (in shares)	66,915	62,844	59,064
Weighted-Average Fair Value on Date of Grant
Beginning of year balance (in usd per share)	$ 14.29	$ 13.97	$ 13.51
Granted (in usd per share)	20.88	19.37	18.93
Vested (in usd per share)	0	0	0
Forfeited (in usd per share)	0	0	0
End of year balance (in usd per share)	$ 14.70	$ 14.29	$ 13.97

Commitments and Contingencies65

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Expenditures under asset management agreement	$ 33,405	$ 44,884	$ 35,348

Commitments and Contingencies66

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Volumetric Obligations) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015MMBTU
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015-2016	2,071,061
2016-2017	295,866
Total	2,366,927

Commitments and Contingencies67

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Pipeline and Storage Capacity Obligations) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015-2016	$ 11,392,645
2016-2017	9,999,402
2017-2018	7,787,998
2018-2019	6,171,421
2019-2020	2,427,961
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 37,779,427

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, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis and Fair Value Measurement Inputs [Line Items]
Natural gas purchases	$ 712,710	$ 795,019
Total	712,710	795,019
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
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	712,710	795,019
Total	712,710	795,019
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
Total	$ 0	$ 0

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, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 30,500,000	$ 30,500,000
Total	30,500,000	30,500,000
Quoted Prices In Active Markets Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
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]
Long-term debt	0	0
Total	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	28,570,585	30,622,664
Total	$ 28,570,585	$ 30,622,664

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Treasury rate, period	20 years

Quarterly Financial Informati71

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 9,733,404	$ 10,774,409	$ 26,431,729	$ 21,250,065	$ 10,280,158	$ 12,024,817	$ 32,699,965	$ 20,011,194	$ 68,189,607	$ 75,016,134	$ 63,205,666
Gross margin	5,408,692	5,961,828	10,213,770	8,622,143	5,251,421	5,721,551	10,161,125	8,202,992	30,206,433	29,337,089	27,602,891
Operating income	656,152	956,219	4,879,469	3,514,352	347,509	940,691	5,121,022	3,272,646	10,006,192	9,681,868	8,795,055
Net income (loss)	$ 35,755	$ 354,940	$ 2,779,344	$ 1,924,376	$ (144,337)	$ 283,194	$ 2,846,795	$ 1,722,788	$ 5,094,415	$ 4,708,440	$ 4,262,052
Earnings per share of common stock:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.08	$ 0.59	$ 0.41	$ (0.03)	$ 0.06	$ 0.60	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 1	$ 0.91
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.07	$ 0.59	$ 0.41	$ (0.03)	$ 0.06	$ 0.60	$ 0.37	$ 1.08	$ 1	$ 0.91

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Borrowings under a temporary line-of-credit	$ 34,698,924	$ 25,363,774	$ 4,354,402
RGC Midstream, LLC [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	1.00%
Estimated future investment to LLC	$ 35,000,000
Support for the construction of the pipeline, period	3 years
Borrowings under a temporary line-of-credit	$ 1,500,000