The York Water Company (YORW) 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	6-May-14	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'YORK WATER CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000108985	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$245,469,828
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	12,944,260	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'	'

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
UTILITY PLANT, at original cost	$303,560	$301,570
Plant acquisition adjustments	-2,888	-2,900
Accumulated depreciation	-55,683	-54,433
Net utility plant	244,989	244,237
OTHER PHYSICAL PROPERTY, net of accumulated depreciation of $246 in 2014 and $240 in 2013	757	763
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	5,739	7,565
Restricted cash	99	95
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $332 in 2014 and $320 in 2013	3,408	3,772
Unbilled revenues	2,397	2,286
Materials and supplies inventories, at cost	747	722
Prepaid expenses	816	573
Deferred income taxes	227	219
Total current assets	13,433	15,232
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS:	'	'
Deferred debt expense	2,164	2,187
Notes receivable	294	306
Deferred regulatory assets	16,050	16,123
Other assets	3,727	3,681
Total other long-term assets	22,235	22,297
Total Assets	281,414	282,529
COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, no par value, authorized 46,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 12,990,191 shares in 2014 and 12,979,281 shares in 2013	80,755	80,545
Retained earnings	23,217	22,966
Total common stockholders' equity	103,972	103,511
PREFERRED STOCK, authorized 500,000 shares, no shares issued	0	0
LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion	84,874	84,885
COMMITMENTS	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	43	43
Accounts payable	1,573	1,758
Dividends payable	1,609	1,606
Accrued compensation and benefits	1,106	1,125
Accrued income taxes	1,999	1,724
Accrued interest	1,220	1,064
Other accrued expenses	596	523
Total current liabilities	8,146	7,843
DEFERRED CREDITS:	'	'
Customers' advances for construction	11,543	11,636
Deferred income taxes	34,553	34,594
Deferred employee benefits	5,882	7,903
Other deferred credits	2,518	2,231
Total deferred credits	54,496	56,364
Contributions in aid of construction	29,926	29,926
Total Stockholders' Equity and Liabilities	$281,414	$282,529

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited_Paren

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
OTHER PHYSICAL PROPERTY:	'	'
Other physical property, accumulated depreciation	$246	$240
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Receivables, reserves	$332	$320
COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	46,500,000	46,500,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	12,990,191	12,979,281
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	12,990,191	12,979,281
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0

Statements_of_Income_Unaudited

Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'
Residential	$6,793	$6,454
Commercial and industrial	2,956	2,820
Other	822	795
Operating Revenues	10,571	10,069
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'
Operation and maintenance	1,879	1,705
Administrative and general	2,152	1,928
Depreciation and amortization	1,477	1,364
Taxes other than income taxes	305	299
Operating Expenses	5,813	5,296
Operating income	4,758	4,773
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):	'	'
Interest on debt	-1,308	-1,310
Allowance for funds used during construction	43	31
Other income (expenses), net	-114	-74
Other income (expenses)	-1,379	-1,353
Income before income taxes	3,379	3,420
Income taxes	1,268	1,281
Net Income	$2,111	$2,139
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.16	$0.17
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.14

Statements_of_Common_Stockhold

Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$79,299	$20,526	$99,825
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	12,918,633	'	'
Net income	0	2,139	2,139
Dividends	0	-1,790	-1,790
Retirement of common stock	-197	0	-197
Retirement of common stock (in shares)	-10,639	'	-10,639
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment, direct stock and employee stock purchase plans	776	0	776
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment, direct stock and employee stock purchase plans (in shares)	42,761	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	79,878	20,875	100,753
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2013	12,950,755	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	80,545	22,966	103,511
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	12,979,281	'	12,979,281
Net income	0	2,111	2,111
Dividends	0	-1,860	-1,860
Retirement of common stock	-572	0	-572
Retirement of common stock (in shares)	-27,980	'	-27,980
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment, direct stock and employee stock purchase plans	782	0	782
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment, direct stock and employee stock purchase plans (in shares)	38,890	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$80,755	$23,217	$103,972
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	12,990,191	'	12,990,191

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_Unaud

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$2,111	$2,139
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,477	1,364
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes	-92	657
Other	57	52
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Decrease in accounts receivable and unbilled revenues	170	633
Increase in materials and supplies, prepaid expenses, regulatory and other assets	-382	-393
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits, accrued expenses, deferred employee benefits, and other deferred credits	-1,585	-1,061
Increase in accrued interest and taxes	431	669
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,187	4,060
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Utility plant additions, including debt portion of allowance for funds used during construction of $24 in 2014 and $17 in 2013	-2,007	-2,442
Acquisitions of water and wastewater systems	-271	-27
Decrease in notes receivable	12	8
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,266	-2,461
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Customers' advances for construction and contributions in aid of construction	1	220
Repayments of customer advances	-90	-58
Repayments of long-term debt	-11	-11
Repurchase of common stock	-572	-197
Issuance of common stock	782	776
Dividends paid	-1,857	-1,787
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,747	-1,057
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-1,826	542
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,565	4,012
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	5,739	4,554
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	1,130	808
Income taxes	$1,043	$7
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Accounts payable includes $777 in 2014 and $360 in 2013 for the construction of utility plant.	'	'

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_Unaud1

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Utility plant additions, debt portion of allowance for funds used during construction	$24	$17
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Accounts payable, construction of utility plant	$777	$360

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1	Basis of Presentation
	The interim financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods.  Because the financial statements cover an interim period, they do not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements, and therefore, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

Common_Stock_and_Basic_Earning

Common Stock and Basic Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Common Stock and Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Common Stock and Basic Earnings Per Share	'
	2	Common Stock and Basic Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were based on weighted average shares outstanding of 12,991,478 and 12,937,549, respectively.
	Since the Company has no common stock equivalents outstanding, there are no diluted earnings per share.
	On March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program granting the Company authority to repurchase up to 1,200,000 shares of the Company's common stock from time to time.  Under the stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.  The Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase program at any time.  During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased and retired 27,980 and 10,639 shares, respectively.  As of March 31, 2014, 1,077,606 shares remain available for repurchase.

Pensions

Pensions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Pensions [Abstract]	'
Pensions	'
	3	Pensions
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar
			2014			2013
	Service cost		$	238		$	297
	Interest cost			361			320
	Expected return on plan assets			(497	)		(411	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss			31			174
	Amortization of prior service cost			(3	)		3
	Rate-regulated adjustment			327			15
	Net periodic pension expense		$	457		$	398
	Employer Contributions
	The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 that it expected to contribute $2,182 to its pension plans in 2014.  As of March 31, 2014, contributions of $2,182 had been made.  At this time, the Company does not expect to contribute any additional amount during the remainder of 2014.

Interest_Rate_Swap_Agreement

Interest Rate Swap Agreement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Abstract]	'
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	'
	4	Interest Rate Swap Agreement
	The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations.  The primary risk managed by using derivative instruments is interest rate risk.  The Company utilizes an interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert the Company's $12,000 variable-rate debt issue to a fixed rate.  Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate cash flows are exchanged over a prescribed period.  The notional amount on which the interest payments are based ($12,000) is not exchanged.  The interest rate swap provides that the Company pays the counterparty a fixed interest rate of 3.16% on the notional amount of $12,000.  In exchange, the counterparty pays the Company a variable interest rate based on 59% of LIBOR on the notional amount.  The intent is for the variable rate received from the swap counterparty to approximate the variable rate the Company pays to bondholders on its variable rate debt issue, resulting in a fixed rate being paid to the swap counterparty and reducing the Company's interest rate risk.  The Company's net payment rate on the swap was 2.99% during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The interest rate swap agreement is classified as a financial derivative used for non-trading activities.  The professional standards regarding accounting for derivatives and hedging activities require companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet.  In accordance with the standards, the interest rate swap is recorded on the balance sheet in other deferred credits at fair value (see Note 5).
	The Company uses regulatory accounting treatment rather than hedge accounting to defer the unrealized gains and losses on its interest rate swap.  Instead of the effective portion being recorded as other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion being recognized in earnings using the cash flow hedge accounting rules provided by the derivative accounting standards, the entire unrealized swap value is recorded as a regulatory asset.  Based on current ratemaking treatment, the Company expects the unrealized gains and losses to be recognized in rates as a component of interest expense as the swap settlements occur.  Swap settlements are recorded in the income statement with the hedged item as interest expense.  During the three months ended March 31, 2014, $91 was reclassified from regulatory assets to interest expense as a result of swap settlements.  The overall swap result was a loss of $385 for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The Company expects to reclassify $365 from regulatory assets to interest expense as a result of swap settlements over the next 12 months.
	The interest rate swap agreement contains provisions that require the Company to maintain a credit rating of at least BBB- with Standard & Poor's.  If the Company's rating were to fall below this rating, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparty to the derivative could request immediate payment if the derivative was in a liability position.  On April 11, 2014, Standard & Poor's affirmed the Company's credit rating at A-, with a stable outlook and adequate liquidity.  The Company's interest rate swap was in a liability position as of March 31, 2014.  If a violation due to credit rating, or some other default provision, were triggered on March 31, 2014, the Company would have been required to pay the counterparty approximately $1,948.
	The interest rate swap will expire on October 1, 2029.  Other than the interest rate swap, the Company has no other derivative instruments.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	5	Fair Value Measurements
	The professional standards regarding fair value measurements establish a fair value hierarchy which indicates the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market.  Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, commodity rates and yield curves.  Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management's own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	The Company has recorded its interest rate swap liability at fair value in accordance with the standards.  The liability is recorded under the caption "Other deferred credits" on the balance sheet.  The table below illustrates the fair value of the interest rate swap as of the end of the reporting period.
	Description		31-Mar-14		Fair Value Measurements
					at Reporting Date Using
					Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	Interest Rate Swap		$	1,934	$	1,934
	Fair values are measured as the present value of all expected future cash flows based on the LIBOR-based swap yield curve as of the date of the valuation.  These inputs to this calculation are deemed to be Level 2 inputs.  The balance sheet carrying value reflects the Company's credit quality as of March 31, 2014.  The rate used in discounting all prospective cash flows anticipated to be made under this swap reflects a representation of the yield to maturity for 30-year debt on utilities rated A- as of March 31, 2014.  The use of the Company's credit rating resulted in a reduction in the fair value of the swap liability of $14 as of March 31, 2014.  The fair value of the swap reflecting the Company's credit quality as of December 31, 2013 is shown in the table below.
	Description		31-Dec-13		Fair Value Measurements
					at Reporting Date Using
					Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	Interest Rate Swap		$	1,641	$	1,641
	The carrying amount of current assets and liabilities that are considered financial instruments approximates fair value as of the dates presented.  The Company's long-term debt (including current maturities), with a carrying value of $84,917 at March 31, 2014, and $84,928 at December 31, 2013, had an estimated fair value of approximately $93,000 and $94,000, respectively.  The estimated fair value of debt was calculated using a discounted cash flow technique that incorporates a market interest yield curve with adjustments for duration and risk profile.  These inputs to this calculation are deemed to be Level 2 inputs.  The Company recognized its credit rating in determining the yield curve, and did not factor in third party credit enhancements including bond insurance on the 2004 PEDFA Series A and 2006 Industrial Development Authority issues, and the letter of credit on the 2008 PEDFA Series A issue.  The Company used the refinanced interest rate for the 2008 PEDFA Series B issue beginning with the settlement date in its fair value calculation (see Note 9).
	Customers' advances for construction and notes receivable have carrying values at March 31, 2014 of $11,543 and $294, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, customers' advances for construction and notes receivable had carrying values of $11,636 and $306, respectively.  The relative fair values of these amounts cannot be accurately estimated since the timing of future payment streams is dependent upon several factors, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	6.            Debt
		As of			As of
		Mar. 31, 2014			Dec. 31, 2013
	4.05% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A of 2004, due 2016	$	2,350		$	2,350
	5.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A of 2004, due 2016		4,950			4,950
	10.17% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2019		6,000			6,000
	9.60% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2019		5,000			5,000
	1.00% Pennvest Note, due 2019		237			248
	10.05% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2020		6,500			6,500
	8.43% Senior Notes, Series D, due 2022		7,500			7,500
	Variable Rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008A, due 2029		12,000			12,000
	4.75% Industrial Development Authority Revenue Bonds, Series 2006, due 2036		10,500			10,500
	6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, due 2038		14,880			14,880
	5.00% Monthly Senior Notes, Series 2010A, due 2040		15,000			15,000
	Total long-term debt		84,917			84,928
	Less current maturities		(43	)		(43	)
	Long-term portion	$	84,874		$	84,885

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	7	Acquisitions
	On February 7, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the wastewater facilities of East Prospect Borough Authority in York County, Pennsylvania.  The Company began operating the existing collection and treatment facilities on February 8, 2014.  The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 400 wastewater customers with purchase price and acquisition costs to date of approximately $271.
	The results have been immaterial to total Company results.

Rate_Matters

Rate Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Rate Matters [Abstract]	'
Rate Matters	'
	8	Rate Matters
	From time to time, the Company files applications for rate increases with the PPUC and is granted rate relief as a result of such requests.  The most recent rate request was filed by the Company on May 29, 2013 and sought an increase in rates designed to produce additional annual water revenues of $7,116 and additional annual wastewater revenues of $28.  Effective February 28, 2014, the PPUC authorized an increase in water rates designed to produce approximately $4,972 in additional annual revenues, and an increase in wastewater rates for the Asbury Pointe subdivision to produce approximately $28 in additional annual revenues.
	The PPUC permits water utilities to collect a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC).  The DSIC allows the Company to add a charge to customers' bills for qualified replacement costs of certain infrastructure without submitting a rate filing.  This surcharge mechanism typically adjusts periodically based on additional qualified capital expenditures completed or anticipated in a future period.  The DSIC is capped at 5% of base rates, and is reset to zero when new base rates that reflect the costs of those additions become effective or when a utility's earnings exceed a regulatory benchmark. The surcharge reset to zero when the new base rates took effect on February 28, 2014. The DSIC provided revenues of $283 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $328 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	9. Subsequent Event
	On April 25, 2014, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority (the "PEDFA") issued $14,880 aggregate principal amount of PEDFA Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014 (the "Series 2014 Bonds") for the Company's benefit pursuant to the terms of a trust indenture, dated as of April 1, 2014, between the PEDFA and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as trustee.  The PEDFA then loaned the proceeds of the offering of the Series 2014 Bonds to the Company pursuant to a loan agreement, dated as of April 1, 2014, between the Company and the PEDFA.  The loan bears interest at a rate of 4.50% payable semiannually.  The maturity date of the loan is November 1, 2038.  Amounts outstanding under the loan agreement are direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company.  The proceeds of the loan were used to redeem the 6.00% PEDFA Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B.

Pensions_Tables

Pensions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Pensions [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost	'
	Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	238		$	297
	Interest cost		361			320
	Expected return on plan assets		(497	)		(411	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		31			174
	Amortization of prior service cost		(3	)		3
	Rate-regulated adjustment		327			15
	Net periodic pension expense	$	457		$	398

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Interest Rate Swap	'
	The Company has recorded its interest rate swap liability at fair value in accordance with the standards.  The liability is recorded under the caption "Other deferred credits" on the balance sheet.  The table below illustrates the fair value of the interest rate swap as of the end of the reporting period.
	Description	31-Mar-14		Fair Value Measurements
				at Reporting Date Using
				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	Interest Rate Swap	$	1,934	$	1,934
	Fair values are measured as the present value of all expected future cash flows based on the LIBOR-based swap yield curve as of the date of the valuation.  These inputs to this calculation are deemed to be Level 2 inputs.  The balance sheet carrying value reflects the Company's credit quality as of March 31, 2014.  The rate used in discounting all prospective cash flows anticipated to be made under this swap reflects a representation of the yield to maturity for 30-year debt on utilities rated A- as of March 31, 2014.  The use of the Company's credit rating resulted in a reduction in the fair value of the swap liability of $14 as of March 31, 2014.  The fair value of the swap reflecting the Company's credit quality as of December 31, 2013 is shown in the table below.
	Description	31-Dec-13		Fair Value Measurements
				at Reporting Date Using
				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	Interest Rate Swap	$	1,641	$	1,641

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
		As of			As of
		Mar. 31, 2014			Dec. 31, 2013
	4.05% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A of 2004, due 2016	$	2,350		$	2,350
	5.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A of 2004, due 2016		4,950			4,950
	10.17% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2019		6,000			6,000
	9.60% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2019		5,000			5,000
	1.00% Pennvest Note, due 2019		237			248
	10.05% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2020		6,500			6,500
	8.43% Senior Notes, Series D, due 2022		7,500			7,500
	Variable Rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008A, due 2029		12,000			12,000
	4.75% Industrial Development Authority Revenue Bonds, Series 2006, due 2036		10,500			10,500
	6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, due 2038		14,880			14,880
	5.00% Monthly Senior Notes, Series 2010A, due 2040		15,000			15,000
	Total long-term debt		84,917			84,928
	Less current maturities		(43	)		(43	)
	Long-term portion	$	84,874		$	84,885

Common_Stock_and_Basic_Earning1

Common Stock and Basic Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common Stock and Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	12,991,478	12,937,549
Common stock equivalents outstanding (in shares)	0	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased under the stock repurchase program (in shares)	1,200,000	'
Number of remaining shares authorized to be repurchased under the stock repurchase program (in shares)	1,077,606	'
Number of shares repurchased and retired under the stock repurchase program (in shares)	27,980	10,639

Pensions_Details

Pensions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Contributions by employer	$2,182	'
Estimated employer contributions	2,182	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	238	297
Interest cost	361	320
Expected return on plan assets	-497	-411
Amortization of actuarial loss	31	174
Amortization of prior service cost	-3	3
Rate-regulated adjustment	327	15
Net periodic pension expense	$457	$398

Interest_Rate_Swap_Agreement_D

Interest Rate Swap Agreement (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Swap [Member]	LIBOR [Member]	Variable Rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008A, due 2029 [Member]	Variable Rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008A, due 2029 [Member]
				Swap [Member]
Interest Rate Swap Agreement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Variable-rate debt converted to fixed rate with interest rate swap	$84,917	$84,928	'	'	$12,000	$12,000
Notional amount of swap	'	'	12,000	'	'	'
Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	3.16%	'	'	'
Percentage of variable interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	59.00%	'	'
Net payment rate on swaps (in hundredths)	'	'	2.99%	'	'	'
Interest rate swap settlements reclassified to interest expense	'	'	91	'	'	'
Interest rate swap gain (loss) capitalized	'	'	-385	'	'	'
Interest rate swap settlements to be reclassified during the next 12 months	'	'	365	'	'	'
Potential payment to counterparty	'	'	$1,948	'	'	'
Maturity date of swap	'	'	1-Oct-29	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Term of debt on utilities rated A- used to discount prospective cash flows	'30 years	'
Reduction in fair value of swap liability	$14	'
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Customer advances for construction	11,543	11,636
Notes receivable	294	306
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Customer advances for construction	11,543	11,636
Notes receivable	294	306
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	84,917	84,928
Estimate of Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt (including current maturities)	93,000	94,000
Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swap	1,934	1,641
Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swap	$1,934	$1,641

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	$84,917	$84,928
Less current maturities	-43	-43
Long-term portion	84,874	84,885
4.05% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A, due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.05%	'
Total long-term debt	2,350	2,350
5.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A, due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	'
Total long-term debt	4,950	4,950
10.17% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	10.17%	'
Total long-term debt	6,000	6,000
9.60% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	9.60%	'
Total long-term debt	5,000	5,000
1.00% Pennvest Loan, due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	1.00%	'
Total long-term debt	237	248
10.05% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	10.05%	'
Total long-term debt	6,500	6,500
8.43% Senior Notes, Series D, due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	8.43%	'
Total long-term debt	7,500	7,500
Variable Rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008A, due 2029 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-term debt	12,000	12,000
4.75% Industrial Development Authority Revenue Bonds, series 2006, due 2036 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.75%	'
Total long-term debt	10,500	10,500
6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, due 2038 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%	'
Total long-term debt	14,880	14,880
5.00% Monthly Senior Notes, Series 2010A, due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	'
Total long-term debt	$15,000	$15,000

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Purchase price	$271	$27
Wastewater Facilities of East Prospect Borough Authority [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Number of customers acquired	400	'
Purchase price	$271	'

Rate_Matters_Details

Rate Matters (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	29-May-13
Rate Matters [Abstract]	'	'	'
Requested dollar increase in annual water revenues from PPUC	'	'	$7,116
Requested dollar increase in annual wastewater revenue from PPUC	'	'	28
Authorized dollar increase in annual water revenue by PPUC	'	'	4,972
Authorized dollar increase in annual wastewater revenue by PPUC	'	'	28
Distribution system improvement charge percentage over base rate (in hundredths)	5.00%	'	'
Distribution system improvement charge revenue	$283	$328	'

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, due 2038 [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
		4.50% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, due 2038 [Member]	6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, due 2038 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount issued	'	$14,880	'
Stated interest rate (in hundredths)	6.00%	4.50%	6.00%