WGL (WGL) 10-Q 9 Feb 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	WGL Holdings Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,103,601
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,219,000
Washington Gas Light Company
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Washington Gas Light Company
Entity Central Index Key	104,819
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment
At original cost	$ 5,664,221	$ 5,542,916
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,440,438)	(1,415,679)
Net property, plant and equipment	4,223,783	4,127,237
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	12,884	5,573
Receivables
Accounts receivable	441,654	329,989
Gas costs and other regulatory assets	24,164	15,294
Unbilled revenues	251,768	173,076
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(26,469)	(27,339)
Net receivables	691,117	491,020
Materials and supplies—principally at average cost	17,960	18,414
Storage gas	208,841	207,132
Prepaid taxes	41,298	33,397
Other prepayments	62,500	42,626
Derivatives	20,721	18,510
Other	39,889	26,802
Total current assets	1,095,210	843,474
Regulatory assets
Gas costs	198,349	179,856
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	215,854	223,242
Other	99,934	98,592
Prepaid post-retirement benefits	185,918	180,686
Derivatives	46,748	55,020
Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases	26,560	29,780
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	374,065	303,491
Other	8,969	8,072
Total deferred charges and other assets	1,156,397	1,078,739
Total Assets	6,475,390	6,049,450
Capitalization
WGL Holdings common shareholders’ equity	1,439,465	1,375,561
Non-controlling Interest	5,205	409
Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock	28,173	28,173
Total equity	1,472,843	1,404,143
Long-term debt	1,435,247	1,435,045
Total capitalization	2,908,090	2,839,188
Current Liabilities
Notes payable and project financing	634,392	331,385
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	447,467	405,351
Wages payable	21,461	17,908
Accrued interest	19,524	7,645
Dividends declared	25,295	25,283
Customer deposits and advance payments	73,773	86,384
Gas costs and other regulatory liabilities	57,243	12,973
Accrued taxes	26,821	15,672
Derivatives	66,771	82,334
Other	49,293	41,991
Total current liabilities	1,422,040	1,026,926
Deferred Credits
Unamortized investment tax credits	168,086	163,493
Deferred income taxes	784,001	726,763
Accrued pensions and benefits	231,198	228,377
Asset retirement obligations	205,447	203,105
Regulatory liabilities
Accrued asset removal costs	302,296	310,788
Other post-retirement benefits	110,368	113,875
Other	7,231	14,450
Derivatives	224,014	304,198
Other	112,619	118,287
Total deferred credits	2,145,260	2,183,336
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	6,475,390	6,049,450
Washington Gas Light Company
Property, Plant and Equipment
At original cost	4,969,997	4,874,905
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,368,282)	(1,348,173)
Net property, plant and equipment	3,601,715	3,526,732
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1	1
Receivables
Accounts receivable	194,537	140,457
Gas costs and other regulatory assets	24,164	15,294
Unbilled revenues	164,532	89,945
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(19,234)	(20,220)
Net receivables	363,999	225,476
Materials and supplies—principally at average cost	17,914	18,368
Storage gas	88,502	82,473
Prepaid taxes	28,760	16,826
Other prepayments	20,653	10,924
Receivables from associated companies	15,510	13,799
Derivatives	8,371	7,285
Other	66	51
Total current assets	543,776	375,203
Regulatory assets
Gas costs	198,349	179,856
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	214,615	221,971
Other	99,870	98,527
Prepaid post-retirement benefits	184,901	179,675
Derivatives	18,826	25,590
Other	2,893	2,001
Total deferred charges and other assets	719,454	707,620
Total Assets	4,864,945	4,609,555
Capitalization
WGL Holdings common shareholders’ equity	1,147,661	1,113,446
Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock	28,173	28,173
Long-term debt	939,125	939,015
Total capitalization	2,114,959	2,080,634
Current Liabilities
Notes payable and project financing	256,714	104,385
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	233,670	204,980
Wages payable	19,665	16,235
Accrued interest	13,392	3,758
Dividends declared	21,464	21,453
Customer deposits and advance payments	72,526	80,936
Gas costs and other regulatory liabilities	57,243	12,973
Accrued taxes	26,946	17,639
Payables to associated companies	71,917	65,770
Derivatives	51,334	58,295
Other	7,205	7,193
Total current liabilities	832,076	593,617
Deferred Credits
Unamortized investment tax credits	4,662	4,851
Deferred income taxes	798,180	763,720
Accrued pensions and benefits	229,143	226,339
Asset retirement obligations	201,438	199,377
Regulatory liabilities
Accrued asset removal costs	302,296	310,788
Other post-retirement benefits	109,690	113,169
Other	7,231	14,450
Derivatives	194,333	232,040
Other	70,937	70,570
Total deferred credits	1,917,910	1,935,304
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$ 4,864,945	$ 4,609,555

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
OPERATING REVENUES
Utility		$ 327,063	$ 288,153
Non-utility		282,424	325,231
Total Operating Revenues	[1]	609,487	613,384
OPERATING EXPENSES
Utility cost of gas		75,500	50,025
Non-utility cost of energy-related sales		252,886	282,487
Operation and maintenance		100,717	95,419
Depreciation and Amortization		35,283	31,412
General taxes and other assessments		40,388	36,532
Total Operating Expenses		504,774	495,875
OPERATING INCOME		104,713	117,509
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		265	1,263
Other income — net		478	979
Interest expense		16,235	12,760
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		89,221	106,991
INCOME TAX EXPENSE		33,454	38,490
NET INCOME		55,767	68,501
Non-controlling interest		(2,535)	0
Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock		330	330
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK		$ 57,972	$ 68,171
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic (in shares)		51,172	49,807
Diluted (in shares)		51,445	50,030
EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ 1.13	$ 1.37
Diluted (in dollars per share)		1.13	1.36
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)		$ 0.4875	$ 0.4625
Washington Gas Light Company
OPERATING REVENUES
Utility		$ 333,986	$ 295,246
OPERATING EXPENSES
Utility cost of gas		82,431	57,118
Operation and maintenance		82,166	79,308
Depreciation and Amortization		30,126	27,205
General taxes and other assessments		36,255	32,638
Total Operating Expenses		230,978	196,269
OPERATING INCOME		103,008	98,977
Other income — net		(779)	(220)
Interest expense		12,762	10,323
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		89,467	88,434
INCOME TAX EXPENSE		34,006	33,822
NET INCOME		55,461	54,612
Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock		330	330
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK		$ 55,131	$ 54,282
[1]	Operating revenues are reported gross of revenue taxes. Revenue taxes of both the regulated utility and the retail energy-marketing segments include gross receipt taxes. Revenue taxes of the regulated utility segment also include public service commission fees, franchise fees and energy taxes. Operating revenue amounts in the “Eliminations” row represent total intersegment revenues associated with sales from the regulated utility segment to the retail energy-marketing segment. Midstream Energy Services’ cost of energy related sales is netted with its gross revenues.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net income		$ 55,767	$ 68,501
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, BEFORE INCOME TAXES:
Qualified cash flow hedging instruments	[1]	49,455	1,084
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans
Change in net prior service credit	[2]	(217)	(214)
Change in actuarial net loss	[2]	588	419
INCOME TAX EXPENSE RELATED TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		20,413	531
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		29,413	758
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		85,180	69,259
Non-controlling interest		(2,535)	0
Total other comprehensive income before taxes		49,826	1,289
Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock		330	330
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WGL HOLDINGS		87,385	68,929
Washington Gas Light Company
Net income		55,461	54,612
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans
Change in net prior service credit	[3]	(217)	(214)
Change in actuarial net loss	[3]	588	419
Total pension and other post-retirement benefit plans		371	205
INCOME TAX EXPENSE RELATED TO OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		147	81
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		224	124
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		55,685	54,736
Total other comprehensive income before taxes		371	205
Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock		$ 330	$ 330
[1]	Cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements related to debt issuances. Refer to Note 8- Derivative and Weather-related Instruments for further discussion of the interest rate swap agreements.
[2]	These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14- Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details.
[3]	These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14-Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details.

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 55,767	$ 68,501
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Depreciation and Amortization	35,283	31,412
Amortization of:
Other regulatory assets and liabilities—net	823	325
Debt related costs	445	316
Deferred income taxes—net	34,852	78,038
Accrued/deferred pension and other post-retirement benefit cost	5,424	4,944
Earnings in equity interest	265	1,263
Compensation expense related to stock-based awards	4,912	3,549
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,704	2,533
Other non-cash credits—net	2,105	(883)
CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues—net	(203,098)	(77,780)
Gas costs and other regulatory assets/liabilities—net	35,400	(13,447)
Storage gas	(1,709)	(1,526)
Prepaid taxes	(7,901)	(18,807)
Other prepayments	(19,874)	(26,065)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	72,584	(11,416)
Customer deposits and advance payments	(12,611)	5,899
Unamortized investment tax credits	4,593	12,543
Accrued taxes	11,149	6,641
Accrued interest	11,879	5,492
Other current assets	(12,633)	(25,772)
Other current liabilities	(26,170)	(7,369)
Deferred gas costs—net	(18,493)	17,874
Deferred assets—other	(7,878)	(12,097)
Deferred liabilities—other	(22,453)	(49,681)
Derivatives	(40,231)	(52,490)
Other—net	771	(82)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities	(94,095)	(58,085)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Common stock issued	251	83
Debt issuance costs	(375)	(135)
Notes payable issued —net	324,001	195,875
Contributions from non-controlling interest	7,331	0
Project financing	8,877	0
Dividends on common stock and preferred stock	(23,921)	(23,377)
Other financing activities—net	2,305	2,006
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	318,469	174,452
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures (excluding AFUDC)	(155,758)	(101,013)
Investments in non-utility interests	(62,007)	(8,374)
Distributions and receipts from non-utility interests	1,565	2,065
Loans to external parties	(863)	0
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(217,063)	(107,322)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	7,311	9,045
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	5,573	6,733
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	12,884	15,778
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Income taxes paid (refunded)—net	(4,678)	1,615
Interest paid	4,156	7,190
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Project financing activities	(29,871)	1,356
Capital expenditure accruals included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	55,602	39,140
Dividends Paid in Common Stock	1,362	0
Stock issued related to compensation	6,564	5,947
Transfer of investments to property, plant and equipment	3,959	0
Transfer of accounts receivable to investments	10,031	0
Washington Gas Light Company
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	55,461	54,612
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Depreciation and Amortization	30,126	27,205
Amortization of:
Other regulatory assets and liabilities—net	823	325
Debt related costs	353	293
Deferred income taxes—net	34,145	58,522
Accrued/deferred pension and other post-retirement benefit cost	5,411	5,615
Compensation expense related to stock-based awards	4,652	3,350
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,241	1,997
Other non-cash credits—net	2,447	1,494
CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues—net	(133,605)	(84,105)
Gas costs and other regulatory assets/liabilities—net	35,400	(13,447)
Storage gas	(6,029)	5,476
Prepaid taxes	(11,934)	(37,443)
Other prepayments	(9,729)	(9,478)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	39,810	4,154
Customer deposits and advance payments	(8,410)	5,598
Accrued taxes	9,307	5,121
Accrued interest	9,634	7,779
Other current assets	439	120
Other current liabilities	(33,333)	(3,154)
Deferred gas costs—net	(18,493)	17,874
Deferred assets—other	(6,215)	(10,541)
Deferred liabilities—other	(16,794)	(4,461)
Derivatives	(38,990)	(53,635)
Other—net	510	(10)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities	(52,773)	(16,739)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Debt issuance costs	(375)	(135)
Notes payable issued —net	177,000	118,475
Project financing	5,200	0
Dividends on common stock and preferred stock	(21,453)	(20,269)
Other financing activities—net	2,248	1,949
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	162,620	100,020
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures (excluding AFUDC)	(109,847)	(83,281)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(109,847)	(83,281)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	1	1
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	1	1
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Income taxes paid (refunded)—net	(6,449)	0
Interest paid	683	4,753
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Project financing activities	(29,871)	1,356
Capital expenditure accruals included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	$ 40,601	$ 28,073

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL) is a holding company that owns all of the shares of common stock of Washington Gas Light Company (Washington Gas), a regulated natural gas utility, and all of the shares of common stock of Washington Gas Resources Corporation (Washington Gas Resources) and Hampshire Gas Company (Hampshire). Washington Gas Resources owns all of the shares of common stock of four non-utility subsidiaries that include WGL Energy Services, Inc. (WGL Energy Services), WGL Energy Systems, Inc. (WGL Energy Systems), WGL Midstream, Inc. (WGL Midstream) and WGSW, Inc. (WGSW). Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, “WGL,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to the holding company or the consolidated entity of WGL Holdings, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise noted, these notes apply equally to WGL and Washington Gas. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Therefore, certain financial information and note disclosures accompanying annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) are omitted in this interim report. The interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for WGL and Washington Gas for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 . Due to the seasonal nature of our businesses, the results of operations for the periods presented in this report are not necessarily indicative of actual results for the full fiscal years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016 , of either WGL or Washington Gas. The accompanying unaudited financial statements for WGL and Washington Gas reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary, in our opinion, to present fairly the results of operations in accordance with GAAP. On October 1, 2016, WGL and Washington Gas adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15. These standards require an entity to account for debt issuance costs as a deduction from the carrying amount of debt in the balance sheet and the amortization of debt issuance costs presented as interest expense, consistent with debt discounts. Prior period amounts related to other deferred charges and other assets and long-term debt in the accompanying condensed balance sheets have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. For a complete description of our accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for WGL and Washington Gas for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 . Storage Gas Valuation For Washington Gas and WGL Energy Services, storage gas inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out method. For WGL Midstream, storage gas inventory is accounted for using the weighted average cost method. Our inventory is stated at the lower-of-cost or market. Interim period inventory losses attributable to lower-of-cost or market adjustments may be reversed if the market value of the inventory is recovered by the end of the same fiscal year. For the three months ended December 31, 2016, WGL and Washington Gas did not record any lower-of-cost or market adjustments. For the three months ended December 31, 2015, WGL recorded a decrease to non-utility operating revenues due to a lower-of-cost or market adjustment of $1.9 million and Washington Gas did not record any lower-of-cost market adjustment. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTED IN FISCAL YEAR 2017 Standard Description Date of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost and Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements The standard requires an entity to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction of the debt liability and the amortization of debt issuance costs be presented as interest expense in a manner consistent with its accounting treatment of debt discounts. The standard requires retrospective application. October 1, 2016 Implementation of these standards resulted in a reduction of other deferred assets and long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amounts that were reclassified at September 30, 2016 for WGL and Washington Gas were $9.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively. ASU 2015-02 and ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis and Interests Held through Related Parties that are Under Common Control The standards changed the analysis to be performed in determining whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated, specifically the analysis of limited partnerships and similar entities, fee arrangements and related party relationships. The standard permits prospective or retrospective application for different parts. The consolidation guidance was also amended as to how a reporting entity, that is the single decision maker of a VIE, should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity, when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. October 1, 2016 The amendments to the consolidation guidance under these standards were applied and did not have an impact on the financial statements. ASU 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other -Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)-Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement The standard clarifies that a cloud computing customer may account for the arrangement as a software license when (1) the customer has a contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty, and (2) it is feasible for the customer to either operate the software on its own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to the vendor to host the software. If the arrangement does not meet these criteria, it would be accounted for as a service contract and accounted for as an operating expense in the period incurred. October 1, 2016 WGL elected to apply the standard on a prospective basis, which did not have a material impact on the financial statements. OTHER NEWLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Standard Description Required date of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting This standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements. October 1, 2017 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) This update provides guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. October 1, 2018 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), including subsequent ASUs clarifying the guidance. ASU 2014-09 establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition model clarifying the method used to determine the timing and requirements for revenue recognition from contracts with customers. The disclosure requirements under the new standard will enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. October 1, 2018 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities The new standard amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments, and significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. October 1, 2018 We performed a preliminary evaluation and the adoption of this standard will primarily impact the disclosure of our financial instruments. ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) This standard requires recognition of a right-to-use asset and lease liability on the statement of financial position and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The standard requires application using a modified retrospective approach. October 1, 2019 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. We may elect early adoption. ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments For credit losses on financial instruments, this standard changes the current incurred loss impairment methodology to an expected loss methodology and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. October 1, 2020 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.

Accounts Payable and Other Accr

Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES The tables below provide details for the amounts included in “Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities” on the balance sheets for both WGL and Washington Gas. WGL Holdings, Inc. (In millions) December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Accounts payable—trade $ 397.8 $ 353.0 Employee benefits and payroll accruals 22.2 34.4 Other accrued liabilities 27.5 18.0 Total $ 447.5 $ 405.4 Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Accounts payable—trade $ 198.7 $ 161.0 Employee benefits and payroll accruals 21.2 32.2 Other accrued liabilities 13.8 11.8 Total $ 233.7 $ 205.0

Short-Term Debt

Short-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Short-Term Debt	SHORT-TERM DEBT WGL and Washington Gas satisfy their short-term financing requirements through the sale of commercial paper, financing arrangements with third-party lenders, or through bank borrowings. Due to the seasonal nature of the regulated utility and retail energy-marketing segments, short-term financing requirements can vary significantly during the year. Revolving credit agreements are maintained to support outstanding commercial paper and to permit short-term borrowing flexibility. The policy of each WGL and Washington Gas is to maintain bank credit facilities in amounts equal to or greater than the expected maximum commercial paper position. The following is a summary of committed credit available at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Committed Credit Available ($ In millions) December 31, 2016 WGL (b) Washington Gas Total Consolidated Committed credit agreements Unsecured revolving credit facility, expires December 19, 2019 (a) $ 450.0 $ 350.0 $ 800.0 Less: Commercial Paper 374.0 219.0 593.0 Net committed credit available $ 76.0 $ 131.0 $ 207.0 Weighted average interest rate 0.89 % 0.69 % 0.82 % September 30, 2016 Committed credit agreements Unsecured revolving credit facility, expires December 19, 2019 (a) $ 450.0 $ 350.0 $ 800.0 Less: Commercial Paper 227.0 42.0 269.0 Net committed credit available $ 223.0 $ 308.0 $ 531.0 Weighted average interest rate 0.73 % 0.46 % 0.69 % (a) Both WGL and Washington Gas have the right to request extensions with the banks’ approval. WGL’s revolving credit facility permits it to borrow an additional $100 million , with the banks’ approval, for a total of $550 million . Washington Gas’ revolving credit facility permits it to borrow an additional $100 million , with the banks’ approval, for a total of $450 million . (b) WGL includes WGL Holdings and all subsidiaries other than Washington Gas. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , there were no outstanding bank loans from WGL’s or Washington Gas’ revolving credit facilities. PROJECT FINANCING Washington Gas has obtained third-party project financing on behalf of the Federal government to provide funds during the construction of certain energy management services projects entered into under Washington Gas' area-wide contract. In connection with work completed under the area-wide contract, the construction work is performed by WGL Energy Systems on behalf of Washington Gas and an inter-company payable is recorded for work provided by WGL Energy Systems. As work is performed, Washington Gas establishes a receivable representing the government's obligation to remit principal and interest. The payable and receivable are equal to each other at the end of the construction period, but there may be timing differences in the recognition of the project related payable and receivable during the construction period. When these projects are formally “accepted” by the government and deemed complete, Washington Gas assigns the ownership of the receivable to the third party lender in satisfaction of the obligation and removes both the receivable and the obligation related to the financing from its financial statements. In December 2016, WGL Energy Systems entered into an agreement to obtain third-party financing and receive funds directly from the third party lender during the construction period associated with the related energy management service projects. As a result, Washington Gas will no longer be liable under future third party financing arrangements, for projects entered into under the area-wide contract. The general terms of the financing agreement are the same as the prior financing arrangements between Washington Gas and the third party lender mentioned above. Washington Gas will continue to record a receivable representing the government’s obligation, and will record an inter-company payable to WGL Energy Systems for the construction work performed for the same amount. As of December 31, 2016 , Washington Gas recorded $ 51.7 million in "Unbilled revenues" on the balance sheet and WGL and Washington Gas recorded $ 41.4 million and $ 37.7 million , respectively, in a corresponding short-term obligation to third party lenders in "Notes payable and project financing", for energy management services projects that were not complete. As of September 30, 2016 , Washington Gas recorded a $73.3 million "Unbilled revenues" on the balance sheet and a $62.4 million corresponding short-term obligation to third party lenders in "Notes payable and project financing" for energy management services projects that were not complete. WGL Energy Services did not obtain any third-party project financing on behalf of the Federal government for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. Because these projects are financed for government agencies which have minimal credit risk, and with which we have previous collection experience, neither WGL nor Washington Gas recorded a corresponding reserve for bad debts related to these receivables at December 31, 2016 or September 30, 2016 .

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	LONG-TERM DEBT UNSECURED NOTES WGL and Washington Gas issue long-term notes with individual terms regarding interest rates, maturities and call or put options. These notes can have maturity dates of one or more years from the date of issuance. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , WGL had the capacity under a shelf registration to issue an unspecified amount of long-term debt securities. As a result of certain covenants included in the Merger Agreement among WGL, AltaGas and Wrangler, Inc., WGL is limited to the length of term that we may issue debt. Refer to Note 16 — Subsequent Events for a discussion of the proposed merger. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 Washington Gas had the capacity under a shelf registration statement to issue up to $350.0 million of additional Medium-Term Notes (MTNs). The following tables show the outstanding notes as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Long-Term Debt Outstanding ($ In millions) WGL (a) Washington Gas Total Consolidated December 31, 2016 Long-term debt (b) $ 500.0 $ 946.0 $ 1,446.0 Unamortized discount (1.6 ) (0.1 ) (1.7 ) Unamortized debt expense (2.3 ) (6.8 ) (9.1 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 496.1 $ 939.1 $ 1,435.2 Weighted average interest rate 2.61 % 5.12 % 4.25 % September 30, 2016 Long-term debt (b) $ 500.0 $ 946.0 $ 1,446.0 Unamortized discount (1.6 ) (0.1 ) (1.7 ) Unamortized debt expense (2.4 ) (6.9 ) (9.3 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 496.0 $ 939.0 $ 1,435.0 Weighted average interest rate 2.50 % 5.12 % 4.21 % (a) WGL includes WGL Holdings and all subsidiaries other than Washington Gas. (b) Includes Senior Notes and term loans for WGL and both MTNs and private placement notes for Washington Gas. Represents face value including current maturities. There were no issuances or retirements of long-term debt for WGL or Washington Gas for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 .

Common Shareholders' Equity

Common Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Common Shareholders' Equity	COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY The tables below reflect the components of “Common shareholders’ equity” for WGL and “Common shareholder’s equity” for Washington Gas for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Components of Common Shareholders’ Equity (In thousands, except shares) Common Stock Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes WGL Holdings Common Shareholders' Equity Non-controlling Interest Washington Gas Light Company Preferred Stock Total Equity Shares Amount Balance at September 30, 2016 51,080,612 $ 574,496 $ 12,519 $ 827,085 $ (38,539 ) $ 1,375,561 $ 409 $ 28,173 $ 1,404,143 Net income — — — 57,972 — 57,972 (2,535 ) 330 55,767 Contributions from non-controlling interest — — — — — — 7,331 — 7,331 Other comprehensive income — — — — 29,413 29,413 — — 29,413 Stock-based compensation (a) 104,676 6,564 (6,567 ) (126 ) — (129 ) — — (129 ) Issuance of common stock (b) 25,680 1,613 — — — 1,613 — — 1,613 Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (24,965 ) — (24,965 ) — — (24,965 ) Preferred stock — — — — — — — (330 ) (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 51,210,968 $ 582,673 $ 5,952 $ 859,966 $ (9,126 ) $ 1,439,465 $ 5,205 $ 28,173 $ 1,472,843 Balance at September 30, 2015 49,728,662 $ 485,456 $ 14,934 $ 757,093 $ (14,236 ) $ 1,243,247 $ — $ 28,173 $ 1,271,420 Net income — — — 68,171 — 68,171 — 330 68,501 Other comprehensive income — — — — 758 758 — — 758 Stock-based compensation (a) 103,113 5,947 (6,016 ) (40 ) — (109 ) — — (109 ) Issuance of (b) 1,574 83 — — — 83 — — 83 Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (23,048 ) — (23,048 ) — — (23,048 ) Preferred stock — — — — — — — (330 ) (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 49,833,349 $ 491,486 $ 8,918 $ 802,176 $ (13,478 ) $ 1,289,102 $ — $ 28,173 $ 1,317,275 (a) Includes dividend equivalents related to our performance shares. (b) Includes dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plans. Washington Gas Light Company Components of Common Shareholder’s Equity (In thousands, except shares) Common Stock Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes Total Shares Amount Balance at September 30, 2016 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 488,135 $ 586,662 $ (7,830 ) $ 1,113,446 Net income — — — 55,461 — 55,461 Other comprehensive income — — — — 224 224 Stock-based compensation (a) — — (6 ) — — (6 ) Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (21,134 ) — (21,134 ) Preferred stock — — — (330 ) — (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 488,129 $ 620,659 $ (7,606 ) $ 1,147,661 Balance at September 30, 2015 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 483,677 $ 557,848 $ (6,712 ) $ 1,081,292 Net income — — — 54,612 — 54,612 Other comprehensive income — — — — 124 124 Stock-based compensation (a) — — (117 ) — — (117 ) Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (19,933 ) — (19,933 ) Preferred stock — — — (330 ) — (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 483,560 $ 592,197 $ (6,588 ) $ 1,115,648 (a) Stock-based compensation is based on the stock awards of WGL that are allocated to Washington Gas Light Company for its pro-rata share.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic EPS of WGL is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reported period. Diluted EPS assumes the issuance of common shares pursuant to stock-based compensation plans at the beginning of the applicable period unless the effect of such issuance would be anti-dilutive. The following table reflects the computation of our basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Basic and Diluted EPS (In thousands, except per share data) Net Income Applicable to Common Stock Shares Per Share Amount Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Basic EPS $ 57,972 51,172 $ 1.13 Stock-based compensation plans — 273 Diluted EPS $ 57,972 51,445 $ 1.13 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Basic EPS $ 68,171 49,807 $ 1.37 Stock-based compensation plans — 223 Diluted EPS $ 68,171 50,030 $ 1.36 There were no anti-dilutive shares for the three months ended December 31, 2016 . For the three months December 31, 2015 , 76,000 performance shares issuable pursuant to our stock-based compensation plans were not considered in the diluted share calculation due to the anti-dilutive effect of such shares.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES As of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , our uncertain tax positions were approximately $43.1 million and $ 42.3 million , respectively, primarily due to the change in tax accounting for repairs. If the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits are eventually realized, it would not materially impact the effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to some of WGL’s and Washington Gas’ uncertain tax positions will significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months. At this time, however, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes cannot be determined. Under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes , Washington Gas recognizes any accrued interest associated with uncertain tax positions in interest expense and recognizes any accrued penalties associated with uncertain tax positions in other expenses in the statements of income. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , we did not have an accrual of interest expense related to uncertain tax positions. WGL files a consolidated federal tax return and various other state returns. We are no longer subject to income tax examinations by the Internal Revenue Service for years ended prior to September 30, 2012, except for pending carryback refund claims. Substantially all state income tax years in major jurisdictions are closed for years ended prior to September 30, 2012.

Derivative and Weather Related

Derivative and Weather Related Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]
Derivative and Weather-Related Instruments	DERIVATIVE AND WEATHER-RELATED INSTRUMENTS DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Regulated Utility Operations Washington Gas enters into contracts that qualify as derivative instruments and are accounted for under ASC Topic 815. These derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on our balance sheets and Washington Gas does not currently designate any derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815. Washington Gas’ derivative instruments relate to: (i) Washington Gas’ asset optimization program; (ii) managing price risk associated with the purchase of gas to serve utility customers and (iii) managing interest rate risk. Asset Optimization. Washington Gas optimizes the value of its long-term natural gas transportation and storage capacity resources during periods when these resources are not being used to physically serve utility customers. Specifically, Washington Gas utilizes its transportation capacity assets to benefit from favorable natural gas prices between different geographic locations and utilizes its storage capacity assets to benefit from favorable natural gas prices between different time periods. As part of this asset optimization program, Washington Gas enters into physical and financial derivative transactions in the form of forward, futures and option contracts with the primary objective of securing operating margins that Washington Gas will ultimately realize. The derivative transactions entered into under this program are subject to mark-to-market accounting treatment under ASC 820. Regulatory sharing mechanisms provide for the annual realized profit from these transactions to be shared between Washington Gas' shareholders and customers; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded through earnings, or as regulatory assets or liabilities to the extent that it is probable that realized gains and losses associated with these derivative transactions will be included in the rates charged to customers when they are realized. Unrealized gains and losses recorded to earnings may cause significant period-to-period volatility; this volatility does not change the operating margins that Washington Gas expects to ultimately realize from these transactions through the use of its storage and transportation capacity resources. All physically and financially settled contracts under our asset optimization program are reported on a net basis in the statements of income in “Utility cost of gas.” Total net margins recorded to “Utility cost of gas” after sharing and management fees associated with all asset optimization transactions for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was a net gain of $24.3 million including an unrealized gain of $15.4 million . During the three months ended December 31, 2015 we recorded a net gain of $26.8 million including an unrealized gain of $19.4 million . Managing Price Risk. To manage price risk associated with acquiring natural gas supply for utility customers, Washington Gas enters into physical and financial derivative transactions in the form of forward, option and other contracts, as authorized by its regulators. Any gains and losses associated with these derivatives are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets, respectively, to reflect the rate treatment for these economic hedging activities. Managing Interest-Rate Risk . Washington Gas may utilize derivative instruments that are designed to minimize the risk of interest-rate volatility associated with planned issuances of debt securities. Any gains and losses associated with these types of derivatives are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets, respectively, and amortized in accordance with regulatory requirements, typically over the life of the related debt. Non-Utility Operations Trading Activities. WGL Midstream enters into derivative contracts for the purpose of optimizing its storage and transportation capacity as well as managing the transportation and storage assets on behalf of third parties. WGL Midstream does not designate these derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815; therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are reflected in the earnings of our non-utility operations and may cause significant period-to-period volatility in earnings. Managing Price Risk. WGL Energy Services enters into certain derivative contracts as part of its strategy to manage the price risk associated with the sale and purchase of natural gas and electricity. WGL Energy Services elects "normal purchases and normal sales" treatment for a portion of these physical contracts related to the purchase of natural gas and electricity to serve our customers and therefore, they are not subject to the fair value accounting requirements of ASC Topic 815. Derivative instruments not designated as "normal purchases and normal sales" are recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, and changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are reflected in the earnings of our non-utility operations, which may cause significant period-to-period volatility in earnings. WGL Energy Services does not designate derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815. Managing Interest-Rate Risk . WGL utilizes derivative instruments that are designed to limit the risk of interest-rate volatility associated with future debt issuances. At December 31, 2016 , WGL had $250 million of forward starting interest rate swaps, which hedge the variability in future interest payments associated with WGL's expected issuance of 30-year debt in January 2018. WGL designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges with the effective portion of changes in fair value is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). As a result of certain covenants related to the proposed merger with AltaGas, in January 2017, WGL de-designated these hedges. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2016 was $ 6.4 million related to these hedges. Refer to Note 16 — Subsequent Events for a discussion of the proposed merger. WGL had also elected cash flow hedge accounting for interest rate swaps, that settled with the issuance of the related debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The effective portion of the gains and losses on the hedge were recorded within other comprehensive income (loss) and are amortized over the life of the debt (through 2044). The amortization was minimal for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Consolidated Operations Reflected in the tables below is information for WGL as well as Washington Gas. The information for WGL includes derivative instruments for both utility and non-utility operations. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively, the absolute notional amounts of our derivatives were as follows: Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments Derivative transactions WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas December 31, 2016 Notional Amounts Natural Gas (In millions of therms) Asset optimization & trading 21,088.7 12,451.0 Retail sales 32.4 — Other risk-management activities 1,782.1 1,298.0 Electricity (In millions of kWhs) Retail sales 5,342.6 — Other risk-management activities (a) 18,244.0 — Interest Rate Swaps (In millions of dollars) $ 250.0 — September 30, 2016 Natural Gas (In millions of therms) Asset optimization & trading 21,084.5 12,725.0 Retail sales 50.2 — Other risk-management activities 1,789.0 1,309.0 Electricity (In millions of kWhs) Retail sales 4,377.5 — Other risk-management activities (a) 21,070.4 — Interest Rate Swaps (In millions of dollars) $ 250.0 — (a) Comprised primarily of financial swaps, financial transmission rights and physical forward purchases. The following tables present the balance sheet classification for all derivative instruments as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments (In millions) Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments As of December 31, 2016 Gross Derivative Assets Gross Derivative Liabilities Gross Derivative Assets Gross Derivative Liabilities Netting of Collateral Total (a) Current Assets—Derivatives $ 30.5 $ (9.7 ) $ — $ — $ (0.1 ) $ 20.7 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 40.9 (0.6 ) 11.9 (5.5 ) — 46.7 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 10.9 (85.9 ) — — 8.2 (66.8 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives 1.3 (230.7 ) — — 5.4 (224.0 ) Total $ 83.6 $ (326.9 ) $ 11.9 $ (5.5 ) $ 13.5 $ (223.4 ) As of September 30, 2016 Current Assets—Derivatives $ 24.0 $ (5.5 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 18.5 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 55.6 (0.6 ) — — — 55.0 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 18.3 (113.2 ) — — 12.6 (82.3 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives 6.4 (279.3 ) 0.2 (43.1 ) 11.6 (304.2 ) Total $ 104.3 $ (398.6 ) $ 0.2 $ (43.1 ) $ 24.2 $ (313.0 ) Washington Gas Light Company Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments (b) (In millions) As of December 31, 2016 Gross Gross Netting of Total (a) Current Assets—Derivatives $ 12.2 $ (3.7 ) $ (0.1 ) $ 8.4 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 18.8 — — 18.8 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 0.4 (52.0 ) 0.3 (51.3 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives — (194.4 ) 0.1 (194.3 ) Total $ 31.4 $ (250.1 ) $ 0.3 $ (218.4 ) As of September 30, 2016 Current Assets—Derivatives $ 11.7 $ (4.4 ) $ — $ 7.3 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 26.2 (0.6 ) — 25.6 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 1.9 (60.2 ) — (58.3 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives — (232.0 ) — (232.0 ) Total $ 39.8 $ (297.2 ) $ — $ (257.4 ) (a) WGL has elected to offset the fair value of recognized derivative instruments against the right to reclaim or the obligation to return collateral for derivative instruments executed under the same master netting arrangement in accordance with ASC 815. All recognized derivative contracts and associated financial collateral subject to a master netting arrangement or similar that is eligible for offset under ASC 815 have been presented net in the balance sheet. (b) Washington Gas did not have any derivative instruments outstanding that were designated as hedging instruments at December 31, 2016 or September 30, 2016 . The following table presents all gains and losses associated with derivative instruments for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments (In millions) WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Recorded to income Operating revenues—non-utility $ (36.7 ) $ 25.7 $ — $ — Utility cost of gas 14.7 21.4 14.7 21.4 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales 31.3 7.5 — — Interest expense (0.1 ) — — — Recorded to regulatory assets Gas costs 19.6 34.8 19.6 34.8 Recorded to other comprehensive income (a) 49.5 1.1 — — Total $ 78.3 $ 90.5 $ 34.3 $ 56.2 (a) Represents the effective portion of our cash flow hedges. Collateral WGL utilizes standardized master netting agreements, which facilitate the netting of cash flows into a single net exposure for a given counterparty. As part of these master netting agreements, cash, letters of credit and parental guarantees may be required to be posted or obtained from counterparties in order to mitigate credit risk related to both derivatives and non-derivative positions. Under WGL’s offsetting policy, collateral balances are offset against the related counterparties’ derivative positions to the extent the application would not result in the over-collateralization of those derivative positions on the balance sheet. The table below presents collateral not offset against derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively. Collateral Not Offset Against Derivative Assets and Liabilities (In millions) December 31, 2016 Collateral deposits posted with counterparties Cash collateral held representing an obligation Washington Gas $ 6.3 $ 1.5 WGL Energy Services 15.1 — WGL Midstream 22.9 1.2 September 30, 2016 Washington Gas $ 4.3 $ 0.1 WGL Energy Services 9.1 — WGL Midstream 18.5 5.4 Any collateral posted that is not offset against derivative assets and liabilities is included in “Other prepayments” in the accompanying balance sheets. Collateral received and not offset against derivative assets and liabilities is included in “Customer deposits and advance payments” in the accompanying balance sheets. Certain derivative instruments of WGL, Washington Gas, WGL Energy Services and WGL Midstream contain contract provisions that require collateral to be posted if the credit rating of Washington Gas or WGL falls below certain levels or if counterparty exposure to WGL, Washington Gas, WGL Energy Services or WGL Midstream exceeds a certain level. Due to counterparty exposure levels, at December 31, 2016 , WGL Energy Services posted $8.6 million of collateral related to its derivative liabilities that contained credit-related contingent features. At September 30, 2016 , WGL Energy Services posted $5.5 million of collateral related to these aforementioned derivative liabilities. At December 31, 2016 , WGL was not required to post collateral related to a derivative liability that contained a credit-related contingent feature. At September 30, 2016 , WGL was required to post $6.5 million of collateral related to its derivative liabilities that contained credit-related contingent features. At both December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , Washington Gas and WGL Midstream were not required to post any collateral related to their respective derivative liabilities that contained credit-related contingent features. The following table shows the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-related contingent features that are in a liability position, as well as the maximum amount of collateral that would be required if the most intrusive credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively. Potential Collateral Requirements for Derivative Liabilities with Credit-Risk-Contingent Features (In millions) WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas December 31, 2016 Derivative liabilities with credit-risk-contingent features $ 27.8 $ 12.2 Maximum potential collateral requirements 17.4 12.0 September 30, 2016 Derivative liabilities with credit-risk-contingent features $ 53.9 $ 11.3 Maximum potential collateral requirements 41.4 11.3 We do not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes. Concentration of Credit Risk We are exposed to credit risk from derivative instruments with wholesale counterparties, which is represented by the fair value of these instruments at the reporting date. We actively monitor and work to minimize counterparty concentration risk through various practices. At December 31, 2016 , two counterparties each represented over 10% of Washington Gas’ credit exposure to wholesale derivative counterparties for a total credit risk of $34.0 million ; three counterparties each represented over 10% of WGL Energy Services’ credit exposure to wholesale counterparties for a total credit risk of $3.9 million ; and one counterparty represented over 10% of WGL Midstream’s credit exposure to wholesale counterparties for a total credit risk of $20.2 million . WEATHER-RELATED INSTRUMENTS WGL Energy Services utilizes weather-related instruments for managing the financial effects of weather risks. These instruments cover a portion of WGL Energy Services’ estimated revenue or energy-related cost exposure to variations in heating or cooling degree days. These contracts provide for payment to WGL Energy Services of a fixed-dollar amount for every degree day over or under specific levels during the calculation period depending upon the type of contract executed. During the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , WGL Energy Services recorded a pre-tax loss of $1.5 million and a pre-tax gain of $6.0 million , respectively, related to these instruments included in "Non-utility cost of energy related sales" in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Recurring Basis We measure the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities using a combination of the income and market approach in accordance with ASC Topic 820. These financial assets and liabilities primarily consist of derivatives recorded on our balance sheet under ASC Topic 815 and short-term investments, commercial paper and long-term debt outstanding required to be disclosed at fair value. Under ASC Topic 820, fair value is defined as the exit price, representing the amount that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To value our financial instruments, we use market data or assumptions that market participants would use, including assumptions about credit risk (both our own credit risk and the counterparty’s credit risk) and the risks inherent in the inputs to valuation. We enter into derivative contracts in the futures and over-the-counter (OTC) wholesale and retail markets. These markets are the principal markets for the respective wholesale and retail contracts. Our relevant market participants are our existing counterparties and others who have participated in energy transactions at our delivery points. These participants have access to the same market data as WGL. We value our derivative contracts based on an “in-exchange” premise, and valuations are generally based on pricing service data or indicative broker quotes depending on the market location. We measure the net credit exposure at the counterparty level where the right to set-off exists. The net exposure is determined using the mark-to-market exposure adjusted for collateral, letters of credit and parent guarantees. We use published default rates from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service as inputs for determining credit adjustments. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC Topic 820 are described below: Level 1. Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy consists of assets or liabilities that are valued using observable inputs based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date. WGL did not have any Level 1 derivatives at December 31, 2016 or September 30, 2016 . Level 2. Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy consists of assets or liabilities that are valued using directly or indirectly observable inputs either corroborated with market data or based on exchange traded market data. Level 2 includes fair values based on industry-standard valuation techniques that consider various assumptions: (i) quoted forward prices, including the use of mid-market pricing within a bid/ask spread; (ii) discount rates; (iii) implied volatility and (iv) other economic factors. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the relevant market. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , Level 2 financial assets and liabilities included energy-related physical and financial derivative transactions such as forward, option and other contracts for deliveries at active market locations, as well as our interest rate swaps. Level 3. Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy consists of assets or liabilities that are valued using significant unobservable inputs at the reporting date. These unobservable assumptions reflect our assumptions about estimates that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including natural gas basis prices, annualized volatilities of natural gas prices, and electricity congestion prices. A significant change to any one of these inputs in isolation could result in a significant upward or downward fluctuation in the fair value measurement. These inputs may be used with industry standard valuation methodologies that result in our best estimate of fair value for the assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Our Risk Analysis and Mitigation (RA&M) Group determines the valuation policies and procedures. The RA&M Group reports to WGL’s Chief Financial Officer. In accordance with WGL’s valuation policy, we may utilize a variety of valuation methodologies to determine the fair value of Level 3 derivative contracts, including internally developed valuation inputs and pricing models. The prices used in our valuations are corroborated using multiple pricing sources, and we periodically conduct assessments to determine whether each valuation model is appropriate for its intended purpose. The RA&M Group also evaluates changes in fair value measurements on a daily basis. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities included: (i) physical contracts valued at illiquid market locations with no observable market data; (ii) long-dated positions where observable pricing is not available over the majority of the life of the contract; (iii) contracts valued using historical spot price volatility assumptions and (iv) valuations using indicative broker quotes for inactive market locations. The following tables set forth financial instruments recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively. A financial instrument’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. WGL Holdings, Inc. Fair Value Measurements Under the Fair Value Hierarchy (In millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total At December 31, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 29.5 $ 40.4 $ 69.9 Electricity related derivatives — 0.6 13.1 13.7 Interest rate derivatives — 11.9 — 11.9 Total Assets $ — $ 42.0 $ 53.5 $ 95.5 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (33.8 ) $ (269.0 ) $ (302.8 ) Electricity related derivatives — (2.7 ) (21.4 ) (24.1 ) Interest rate derivatives — (5.5 ) — (5.5 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (42.0 ) $ (290.4 ) $ (332.4 ) At September 30, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 28.8 $ 54.0 $ 82.8 Electricity related derivatives — 0.6 20.9 21.5 Interest rate derivatives — 0.2 — 0.2 Total Assets $ — $ 29.6 $ 74.9 $ 104.5 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (46.7 ) $ (318.2 ) $ (364.9 ) Electricity related derivatives — (3.8 ) (29.9 ) (33.7 ) Interest rate derivatives — (43.1 ) — (43.1 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (93.6 ) $ (348.1 ) $ (441.7 ) Washington Gas Light Company Fair Value Measurements Under the Fair Value Hierarchy (In millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total At December 31, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 11.0 $ 20.4 $ 31.4 Total Assets $ — $ 11.0 $ 20.4 $ 31.4 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (20.9 ) $ (229.2 ) $ (250.1 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (20.9 ) $ (229.2 ) $ (250.1 ) At September 30, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 15.4 $ 24.4 $ 39.8 Total Assets $ — $ 15.4 $ 24.4 $ 39.8 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (21.2 ) $ (276.0 ) $ (297.2 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (21.2 ) $ (276.0 ) $ (297.2 ) The following table includes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our Level 3 financial instruments and the respective fair values of the net derivative asset and liability positions, by contract type, as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (In millions) Net Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range WGL Holdings, Inc. Natural gas related derivatives $(228.6) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($1.723) - $5.270 Option Model Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($1.605) - $2.903 Annualized Volatility of Spot Market Natural Gas 25.5% - 869.9% Electricity related derivatives $(8.3) Discounted Cash Flow Electricity Congestion Price (per megawatt hour) ($6.199) - $66.300 Washington Gas Light Company Natural gas related derivatives $(208.8) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($1.400) - $5.270 (In millions) Net Fair Value WGL Holdings, Inc. Natural gas related derivatives $(264.1) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($2.021) - $3.290 Option Model Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($2.105) - $3.310 $(0.1) Annualized Volatility of Spot Market Natural Gas 25.5% - 869.9% Electricity related derivatives $(9.1) Discounted Cash Flow Electricity Congestion Price (per megawatt hour) ($6.199) - $68.700 Washington Gas Light Company Natural gas related derivatives $(251.6) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($2.021) - $3.290 The following tables are a summary of the changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments that are measured at net fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with ASC Topic 820 using significant Level 3 inputs during the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Level 3 Inputs WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) Natural Gas Related Derivatives Electricity Related Derivatives Total Total - Natural Gas Related Derivatives Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Balance at October 1, 2016 $ (264.1 ) $ (9.1 ) $ (273.2 ) $ (251.6 ) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) Recorded to income 10.3 (3.6 ) 6.7 17.0 Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 22.0 — 22.0 22.0 Transfers into Level 3 (0.2 ) — (0.2 ) 0.2 Purchases — (2.8 ) (2.8 ) — Settlements 3.4 7.2 10.6 3.6 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (228.6 ) $ (8.3 ) $ (236.9 ) $ (208.8 ) Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Balance at October 1, 2015 $ (309.7 ) $ (16.0 ) $ (325.7 ) $ (281.1 ) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) Recorded to income 22.8 (22.3 ) 0.5 17.0 Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 29.6 — 29.6 29.6 Transfers into Level 3 (0.9 ) — (0.9 ) (0.2 ) Transfers out of Level 3 8.9 — 8.9 8.8 Purchases — 6.4 6.4 — Settlements 5.7 7.5 13.2 3.8 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (243.6 ) $ (24.4 ) $ (268.0 ) $ (222.1 ) Transfers between different levels of the fair value hierarchy may occur based on fluctuations in the valuation and on the level of observable inputs used to value the instruments from period to period. It is our policy to show both transfers into and out of the different levels of the fair value hierarchy at the fair value as of the beginning of the period. There were no transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2016 . Transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2015 were due to an increase in observable market inputs. Transfers into Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were due to an increase in unobservable market inputs. The table below sets forth the line items on the statements of income to which amounts are recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to fair value measurements using significant Level 3 inputs. Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded to Income for Level 3 Measurements WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) Natural Gas Related Derivatives Electricity Related Derivatives Total Total - Natural Gas Related Derivatives Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Operating revenues—non-utility $ (10.3 ) $ (10.7 ) $ (21.0 ) $ — Utility cost of gas 17.0 — 17.0 17.0 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales 3.6 7.1 10.7 — Total $ 10.3 $ (3.6 ) $ 6.7 $ 17.0 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Operating revenues—non-utility $ 9.5 $ (12.2 ) $ (2.7 ) $ — Utility cost of gas 17.0 — 17.0 17.0 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales (3.7 ) (10.1 ) (13.8 ) — Total $ 22.8 $ (22.3 ) $ 0.5 $ 17.0 Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to derivative assets and liabilities measured using significant Level 3 inputs were recorded as follows, for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) Natural Gas Related Derivatives Electricity Related Derivatives Total Total - Natural Gas Related Derivatives Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Recorded to income Operating revenues—non-utility $ (9.7 ) $ (5.9 ) $ (15.6 ) $ — Utility cost of gas 15.6 — 15.6 15.6 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales (0.1 ) 11.7 11.6 — Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 19.7 — 19.7 19.7 Total $ 25.5 $ 5.8 $ 31.3 $ 35.3 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Recorded to income Operating revenues—non-utility $ 11.3 $ (5.0 ) $ 6.3 $ — Utility cost of gas 15.9 — 15.9 15.9 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales (4.4 ) (3.6 ) (8.0 ) — Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 27.0 — 27.0 27.0 Total $ 49.8 $ (8.6 ) $ 41.2 $ 42.9 The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Fair Value of Financial Instruments December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In millions) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Money market funds (a) $ 13.3 $ 13.3 $ 10.6 $ 10.6 Other short-term investments (a) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 1.4 $ 1.4 Commercial paper (b) $ 593.0 $ 593.0 $ 269.0 $ 269.0 Project financing (b) $ 41.4 $ 41.4 $ 62.4 $ 62.4 Long-term debt (c) $ 1,435.2 $ 1,540.6 $ 1,435.0 $ 1,641.9 Washington Gas Light Company Fair Value of Financial Instruments December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In millions) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Money market funds (a) $ 5.2 $ 5.2 $ 5.0 $ 5.0 Other short-term investments (a) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 1.4 $ 1.4 Commercial paper (b) $ 219.0 $ 219.0 $ 42.0 $ 42.0 Project financing (b) $ 37.7 $ 37.7 $ 62.4 $ 62.4 Long-term debt (c) $ 939.1 $ 1,042.6 $ 939.0 $ 1,126.4 (a) Balance is located in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying balance sheets. These amounts may be offset by outstanding checks. (b) Balance is located in notes payable in the accompanying balance sheets. (c) Excludes current maturities. Our money market funds are Level 1 valuations and their carrying amount approximates fair value. Other short-term investments are primarily overnight investment accounts; their carrying amount approximates fair value based on Level 2 inputs. The maturity of our commercial paper outstanding at both December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 is under 30 days. Due to the short term nature of these notes, the carrying cost of our commercial paper approximates fair value using Level 2 inputs. Due to the short term nature of our project financing arrangements, the carrying cost approximates fair value using Level 2 inputs. Neither WGL’s nor Washington Gas’ long-term debt is actively traded. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated based on the quoted market prices of the U.S. Treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for the credit quality of the debt issuer, WGL or Washington Gas. Our long-term debt fair value measurement is classified as Level 3. On October 1, 2016, WGL and Washington Gas adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15. This standard requires an entity to account for debt issuance costs as a valuation account presented as a deduction from the face amount of debt in the balance sheet. Prior period amounts related to other deferred charges and other assets and long-term debt in the accompanying condensed balance sheets have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Operating Segment Reporting

Operating Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Reporting	OPERATING SEGMENT REPORTING We have four reportable operating segments: regulated utility, retail energy-marketing, commercial energy systems and midstream energy services. The division of these segments into separate revenue generating components is based upon regulation, products and services. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer and we evaluate segment performance based on Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT). EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes less amounts attributable to non-controlling interests. Items we do not include in EBIT are interest expense, intercompany financing activity, dividends on Washington Gas preferred stock, and income taxes. EBIT includes transactions between reportable segments. We also evaluate our operating segments based on other relevant factors, such as penetration into their respective markets and return on equity. Our four segments are summarized below. • Regulated Utility – The regulated utility segment is our core business. It consists of Washington Gas and Hampshire. Washington Gas provides regulated gas distribution services (including the sale and delivery of natural gas) to end use customers and natural gas transportation services to an unaffiliated natural gas distribution company in West Virginia under a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved interstate transportation service operating agreement. Hampshire provides regulated interstate natural gas storage services to Washington Gas under a FERC approved interstate storage service tariff. • Retail Energy-Marketing – The retail energy-marketing segment consists of WGL Energy Services, which sells natural gas and electricity directly to retail customers in competition with regulated utilities and unregulated gas and electricity marketers. • Commercial Energy Systems – The commercial energy systems segment consists of WGL Energy Systems which provides clean and energy efficient solutions including commercial solar, energy efficiency and combined heat and power projects and other distributed generation solutions to government and commercial clients. In addition, this segment comprises the operations of WGSW, a holding company formed to invest in alternative energy assets. • Midstream Energy Services – The midstream energy services segment consists of WGL Midstream, which specializes in the investment, management, development and optimization of natural gas storage and transportation midstream infrastructure projects. Administrative and business development activity costs associated with WGL and Washington Gas Resources and activities and transactions that are not significant enough on a stand-alone basis to warrant treatment as an operating segment, and that do not fit into one of our four operating segments, are aggregated as “Other Activities” in the Operating Segment Financial Information presented below. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost and Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, prior period total assets have been recast to conform to current quarter presentation. The following tables present operating segment information for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Operating Segment Financial Information (In thousands) Operating Revenues (a) Depreciation and Amortization Equity in EBIT Total Assets Capital Expenditures Equity Method Investments Three Months Ended Regulated utility $ 333,986 $ 30,560 $ — $ 102,717 $ 4,891,722 $ 111,681 $ — Retail energy-marketing 298,684 305 — 29,185 518,914 404 — Commercial energy systems (b) 14,857 4,399 2,387 4,663 932,908 43,673 68,573 Midstream energy services (24,988 ) 9 (2,122 ) (28,484 ) 607,806 — 305,492 Other activities — — — (1,198 ) 417,672 — — Eliminations (c) (13,052 ) 10 — 1,108 (893,632 ) — — Total consolidated $ 609,487 $ 35,283 $ 265 $ 107,991 $ 6,475,390 $ 155,758 $ 374,065 Three Months Ended Regulated utility $ 295,246 $ 27,595 $ — $ 99,289 $ 4,396,009 $ 83,561 $ — Retail energy-marketing 289,395 306 — (567 ) 470,214 430 — Commercial energy systems 15,622 3,481 394 943 723,401 17,022 62,618 Midstream energy services 21,210 35 869 20,839 258,013 — 82,565 Other activities — — — (780 ) 271,329 — — Eliminations (c) (8,089 ) (5 ) — 27 (625,814 ) — — Total consolidated $ 613,384 $ 31,412 $ 1,263 $ 119,751 $ 5,493,152 $ 101,013 $ 145,183 (a) Operating revenues are reported gross of revenue taxes. Revenue taxes of both the regulated utility and the retail energy-marketing segments include gross receipt taxes. Revenue taxes of the regulated utility segment also include public service commission fees, franchise fees and energy taxes. Operating revenue amounts in the “Eliminations” row represent total intersegment revenues associated with sales from the regulated utility segment to the retail energy-marketing segment. Midstream Energy Services’ cost of energy related sales is netted with its gross revenues. (b) Commercial energy systems' operating revenues include revenues from non-controlling interest. Commercial energy systems' EBIT is adjusted for the effects of non-controlling interest. (c) Intersegment eliminations include any mark-to market valuations associated with trading activities between WGL Midstream and WGL Energy Services, intercompany loans and a timing difference between Commercial Energy Systems’ recognition of revenue for the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to Retail Energy-Marketing and Retail Energy-Marketing’s recognition of the associated expense. Retail Energy-Marketing has recorded a portion of the REC’s purchased as inventory to be used in future periods at which time they will be expensed. The following table provides a reconciliation from EBIT to net income applicable to common stock. Three Months Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 Total consolidated EBIT $ 107,991 $ 119,751 Interest expense 16,235 12,760 Income tax expense 33,454 38,490 Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock 330 330 Net income applicable to common stock $ 57,972 $ 68,171

Other Investments

Other Investments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Investments [Abstract]
Other Investments	OTHER INVESTMENTS When determining how to account for our interests in other legal entities, WGL first evaluates if we are required to apply the variable interest entity (VIE) model of accounting to the entity. If the VIE model is not applicable, the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model. Under the VIE model, we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE (i.e. are the primary beneficiary) when we have current or potential rights that give us the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance combined with a variable interest that gives us the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses. When changes occur to the design of an entity, we reconsider whether it is subject to the VIE model. We continuously evaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE. Under the voting interest model, we generally have a controlling financial interest in an entity where we currently hold, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights or where we exercise control through substantive participating rights. However, we consider substantive rights held by other partners in determining if we hold a controlling financial interest, and in some cases, despite owning more than 50% of the common stock of an investee, an evaluation of our rights may result in the determination that we do not have a controlling financial interest. We reevaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in these entities when our voting or substantive participating rights change. Unconsolidated affiliates are unconsolidated VIEs and other entities evaluated under the voting interest method in which we do not have a controlling financial interest, but over which we have varying degrees of influence. Where we have significant influence, the affiliates are accounted for as equity method investments. Where we do not have significant influence, the affiliates are accounted for under the cost method. Investments in, and advances to, affiliated companies are presented in the caption “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. WGL uses the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV) methodology for certain equity method investments when the governing structuring agreement over the equity investment results in different liquidation rights and priorities than what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests. For investments accounted for under the HLBV method, simply applying the percentage ownership interest to GAAP net income in order to determine earnings or losses does not accurately represent the income allocation and cash flow distributions that will ultimately be received by the investors. The equity investment agreements for ASD Solar, LP (ASD), Meade Pipeline Co LLC (Meade), Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC (Mountain Valley) and Stonewall Gas Gathering System (Stonewall System) have liquidation rights and priorities that are sufficiently different from the ownership percentages that the HLBV method was deemed appropriate. WGL also uses the HLBV methodology to allocate the earnings between the partners in the newly formed solar investment companies SFGF LLC (SFGF), SFRC LLC (SFRC) and SFEE, LLC (SFEE). The calculation may vary in its complexity depending on the capital structure and the tax considerations for the investments. HLBV is a balance sheet approach. When applying HLBV, WGL determines the amount that it would receive if an equity investment entity were to liquidate all of its assets at book value (as valued in accordance with GAAP) and distribute that cash to the investors based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The change in WGL's claim on the investee's book value at the beginning and end of the reporting period (adjusted for contributions and distributions) is WGL’s share of the earnings or losses from the equity investment for the period. Variable Interest Entities WGL has a variable interest in five investments that qualify as VIEs: • Meade, • SunEdison, • ASD, • SFGF, and • SFRC. At December 31, 2016 , WGL and its subsidiaries are not the primary beneficiary for three of the five VIEs (Meade, SunEdison and ASD); therefore we have not consolidated those VIE entities. The nature of WGL’s involvement with these investments lacks the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. WGL either does not have control over any of the non-consolidated VIEs’ activities that are economically significant to the VIEs and/or WGL does not have the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected gains that could be significant to the VIE. WGL's subsidiary, WGSW, Inc. is the primary beneficiary for SFGF and SFRC; accordingly, we have consolidated those VIE entities. Our maximum financial exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the VIEs is equal to the carrying value of the investment and any liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and other contractual commitments. Meade In 2014, WGL through its subsidiary WGL Midstream, entered into a limited liability company agreement and formed Meade, a Delaware limited liability company with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Williams) to invest in a regulated pipeline, a segment of Transco's Atlantic Sunrise project, called Central Penn Pipeline (Central Penn). Central Penn will be an approximately 185 -mile pipeline originating in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania and extending to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania that will have the capacity to transport and deliver up to approximately 1.7 million dekatherms per day of natural gas. WGL Midstream plans to invest an estimated $410 million for a 55% interest in Meade. Although WGL Midstream holds greater than a 50% interest in Meade, Meade is accounted for under the equity method of accounting because WGL Midstream does not have the power to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of Meade. Meade is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting, and any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , WGL Midstream held a $91.2 million and $80.8 million , respectively, equity method investment in Meade. SunEdison WGSW is a party to fund residential retail solar energy installations with SunEdison, Inc. (SunEdison). WGSW has a master purchase agreement and master lease agreement with Sun Edison for sale/leaseback arrangements for residential solar systems. Our agreement with SunEdison is accounted for as a direct financing lease. WGSW records associated interest in the financing lease in “Other income (expenses)-net” line in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income. WGSW held a $26.7 million investment in the SunEdison direct financing lease at December 31, 2016 , of which $0.1 million are current receivables recorded in “Accounts Receivable” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 . Additionally, we had balances of $9.6 million of unamortized tax credits related to SunEdison in "Unamortized investment tax credits" on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 . Minimum future lease payments receivable under direct financing lease with SunEdison over the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows: Minimum Payments Receivable for Direct Financing Leases (In millions) Remainder of 2017 $ 1.1 2018 1.4 2019 1.5 2020 1.5 2021 1.5 Thereafter 23.9 Total $ 30.9 Minimum payments receivable exclude $7.1 million of residual values and $2.7 million in tax related items. Associated with these investments, WGSW holds $14.0 million of unearned income on its balance sheet. On April 21, 2016, SunEdison filed a voluntary petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for relief under Title 11 of the United States Code. EchoFirst Finance Company LLC, the subsidiary of SunEdison that is the party to our master purchase and lease agreements, is not a debtor in this bankruptcy proceeding. We will continue to monitor the impact of this development on our investment. Our maximum financial exposure is limited to WGSW's lease payment receivables and investment contributions made to these companies. On a quarterly basis, we review our direct financing lease for credit losses. Our review is based on multiple factors including historical losses, if any, economic factors currently impacting our counterparties' repayment ability and other factors relevant to the business such as changes to regulatory and tax incentives. Our exposure is offset by the owned physical assets received as part of the transaction and the quick economic return for the investment through the investment tax credit/treasury grant proceeds and accelerated depreciation. Nextility-Lease Settlement and Assignment During the three months ended December 31, 2016, WGSW terminated its sale/leaseback agreement with Nextility and entered into a new lease agreement with another unrelated third party, with significantly reduced payments and lease terms. Based on the lease classification criteria per ASC 840, it was determined that the new lease is an operating lease. As a result, the net investment of $ 5.4 million on the consolidated balance sheet was eliminated. The solar assets were recorded at present fair value using the income approach as $ 4.0 million to "Property, plant and equipment" and $ 1.4 million was recorded as a receivable. The unamortized investment tax credits (ITC) associated with this lease will be deferred and amortized based on the assets' useful life. The deferred net ITC Receivable related to this lease is $ 3.5 million . ASD WGSW is also a limited partner in ASD, a limited partnership formed to own and operate a portfolio of residential solar projects, primarily rooftop photovoltaic power generation systems. As a limited partner, WGSW provided funding to the partnership but does not have power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the operations and economic performance of the entity. In January 2014, the funding commitment period expired for the partnership. Our investment in ASD is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting; any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGSW’s investment balance. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , WGSW held a $65.8 million and $66.1 million , respectively, equity method investment in ASD. ASD is consolidated by the general partner, Solar Direct LLC. Solar Direct LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Solar Direct Inc. (ASDI). At December 31, 2016 , the carrying amount of WGSW’s investment in ASD exceeded the amount of the underlying equity in net assets by $35.8 million due to WGSW recording additions to its investment in ASD’s net assets at fair value of contributions in accordance with GAAP. This basis difference is being amortized over the life of the assets. SFGF On August 24 2016, WGSW and a tax equity partner formed SFGF to acquire distributed generation solar projects in the State of Georgia that are developed by WGL Energy Systems. WGSW is the managing member and will provide cash equity equal to the purchase price of the solar projects less any contributions from the tax-equity partner. As of December 31, 2016 WGSW has contributed $12.0 million into the tax equity partnership and held a $15.1 million interest in SFGF. SFGF is consolidated into WGL's results of operations because under the VIE method of accounting, WGSW is the primary beneficiary as a result of its ability to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of SFGF. WGL Energy Systems is the operations and maintenance provider, and the developer of the projects. Profits and losses are allocated between the partners under the HLBV method of accounting and the portion allocated to the tax equity partner is included in "Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest" on the consolidated statement of income and is recorded to "Non-controlling interest" on the consolidated balance sheets. SFRC On October 28 2016, WGSW and a tax equity partner formed SFRC to acquire distributed generation solar projects in the State of Minnesota that are developed by WGL Energy Systems. WGSW is the managing member and will provide cash equity equal to the purchase price of the solar projects less any contributions from the tax-equity partner. As of December 31, 2016 WGSW has contributed $2.5 million into the tax equity partnership. SFRC is consolidated into WGL's results of operations because under the VIE method of accounting, WGSW is the primary beneficiary due to its ability to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of SFRC. WGL Energy Systems is the operations and maintenance provider, and the developer of the projects. Profits and losses are allocated between the partners under the HLBV method of accounting and the portion allocated to the tax equity partner will be included in "Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest" on the consolidated statement of income and is recorded to "Non-controlling interest" on the consolidated balance sheets. Non-VIE Investments Constitution In 2013, WGL Midstream invested in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution). At December 31, 2016 , WGL Midstream's total share of the cash contributions for Constitution is estimated to be $95.5 million , over the term of the agreement, reflecting a 10% share in the pipeline venture. This natural gas pipeline venture will transport natural gas from the Marcellus region in northern Pennsylvania to major northeastern markets. Constitution is accounted for under the equity method of accounting; any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. The equity method is considered appropriate because Constitution is an LLC with specific ownership accounts and ownership between five and fifty percent resulting in WGL Midstream maintaining a more than minor influence over the partnership operating and financing policies. O n April 22, 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) denied Constitution's application for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification (Section 401 Certification) for the pipeline, which is necessary for the construction and operation of the pipeline. Constitution has stated that it remains committed to pursuing the project and that it intends to pursue all available options to challenge the legality and appropriateness of NYSDEC’s decision. In May, 2016, Constitution filed actions in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, respectively, appealing the decision and a seeking declaratory judgment that the State of New York’s permitting authority is preempted by federal law. The courts have granted Constitution's motions to expedite the schedules for these legal actions. In light of the forgoing matters, Constitution has revised its target in-service date to the second half of 2018, which assumes that the legal challenge process is satisfactorily and promptly concluded. We can give no assurance, however, that Constitution’s efforts to obtain the Section 401 Certification will be successful. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, we held a $ 38.3 million and $ 38.6 million , respectively, equity method investment in Constitution. We have evaluated our investment in Constitution for other than temporary impairment as of December 31, 2016 . Our impairment assessment used income and market approaches in determining the fair value of our investment in Constitution, including consideration of the severity and duration of any decline in fair value of our investment in the project. Our key inputs included, but are not limited to, significant management judgments and estimates, including projections of the project’s cash flows, selection of a discount rate, market multipliers and probability weighting of potential outcomes of legal and regulatory proceedings. At this time, we do not have an other than temporary impairment and have not recorded any impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of our investment. If Constitution is ultimately unable to obtain the Section 401 Certification or other future developments or indicators of an unfavorable resolution arise subsequently, an impairment charge of up to substantially all of our investment in the capitalized project costs may be required. It is also possible that Constitution could incur certain supplier-related costs in the event of a prolonged delay or termination of the project. We will continue to monitor and update our impairment analysis as required. Mountain Valley Pipeline In March 2015, WGL Midstream acquired a 7% equity interest in Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC (Mountain Valley). On October 24, 2016, WGL Midstream acquired an additional 3% equity interest in Mountain Valley by assuming all of Vega Midstream MVP LLC's (Vega Energy) interest in the joint venture. WGL Midstream now owns a 10% interest in Mountain Valley. The proposed pipeline to be developed, constructed, owned and operated by Mountain Valley, will transport approximately 2.0 million dekatherms of natural gas per day from interconnects with EQT Corporation's Equitrans system, near the MarkWest Mobley plant in West Virginia to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company LLC's Station 165 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. The pipeline is scheduled to be in service by December 2018. WGL Midstream expects to invest in scheduled capital contributions through the in-service date of the pipeline, its pro rata share (based on its 10% equity interest) of project costs, an estimated aggregate amount of approximately $327.6 million . At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, WGL Midstream held a $37.3 million and $ 22.5 million equity method investment in Mountain Valley, respectively. The equity method is considered appropriate because Mountain Valley is an LLC with specific ownership accounts and ownership between five and fifty percent resulting in WGL Midstream maintaining a more than minor influence over the partnership operating and financing policies. The carrying amount of WGL Midstream's investment in MVP exceeded the amount of the underlying equity in net assets by $0.5 million , which will be amortized over the life of the assets when it is put in production. The investment in MVP is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting. Any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. Stonewall System WGL Midstream has a 30% equity interest in an entity that owns and operates certain assets known as the Stonewall Gas Gathering System (the Stonewall System). WGL Midstream paid $89.4 million to acquire the equity interest pursuant to an option that WGL Midstream previously acquired. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, WGL Midstream contributed an additional $45.5 million related to retiring debt at the entity level. No additional capital contributions are expected. The Stonewall System has the capacity to gather up to 1.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from the Marcellus production region in West Virginia, and connects with an interstate pipeline system that serves markets in the mid-Atlantic region. WGL Midstream held a $138.7 million and $95.5 million equity method investment in the Stonewall System at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The equity method is considered appropriate because the Stonewall System is an LLC with specific ownership accounts and ownership between five and fifty percent resulting in WGL Midstream maintaining a more than minor influence over the partnership operating and financing policies. The carrying amount of WGL Midstream's investment in the Stonewall System exceeded the amount of the underlying equity in net assets by $9.1 million , which is being amortized over the life of the assets. The investment in Stonewall System is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting. Any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. SFEE During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, WGSW and a tax equity partner formed SFEE to acquire distributed generation solar projects that are developed by a third-party developer. New systems will be designed and constructed under long-term power purchase agreements. As of December 31, 2016 WGSW has contributed $ 1.3 million into the partnership and held a $ 2.8 million interest in SFEE. SFEE is not considered a VIE and not consolidated under the voting interest model for limited partnerships. WGL is the managing member of SFEE and the operations and maintenance provider. In addition, WGL has the option to sell its own distributed generation solar projects to the developer for sale to SFEE and these assets remain on WGL's books until we no longer have continuing involvement. The equity method is considered appropriate because WGSW has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of SFEE. Profits and losses are allocated between the partners under the HLBV method of accounting. Any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. WGL has also provided a guarantee on behalf of the developer that could require maximum future payments of $ 13 million . The balance sheet location of the investments discussed in this footnote at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 are as follows: WGL Holdings, Inc. Balance Sheet Location of Other Investments Solar Investments Pipelines (in millions) Non-consolidated VIE's Consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Non-consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Total December 31, 2016 Assets Investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 65.8 $ — $ 2.8 $ 91.2 $ 214.3 $ 374.1 Property, plant and equipment — 43.1 10.4 — — 53.5 Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases 26.6 — — — — 26.6 Accounts receivable 0.1 0.3 — — — 0.4 Total assets $ 92.5 $ 43.4 $ 13.2 $ 91.2 $ 214.3 $ 454.6 September 30, 2016 Assets Investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 66.1 $ — $ — $ 80.8 $ 156.6 $ 303.5 Property, plant and equipment — 6.5 — — — 6.5 Construction in progress — 6.7 — — — 6.7 Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases 29.8 — — — — 29.8 Accounts receivable 1.1 — — — 9.2 10.3 Total assets $ 97.0 $ 13.2 $ — $ 80.8 $ 165.8 $ 356.8 The income statement location of the investments discussed in this footnote for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: WGL Holdings, Inc. Income Statement Location of Other Investments Solar Investments Pipelines (In millions) Non-consolidated VIE's Consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Non-consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Total Three Months Ended Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates $ 0.9 $ — $ 1.5 $ — $ (2.1 ) $ 0.3 Depreciation and amortization 0.1 — — — — 0.1 Other income (expenses) - net 0.6 — — — (0.1 ) 0.5 Non-controlling interest — (2.5 ) — — — (2.5 ) Three Months Ended Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates $ 0.4 $ — $ — $ — $ 0.9 $ 1.3 Depreciation and amortization 0.1 — — — — 0.1 Other income - net 0.9 — — — — 0.9

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS WGL and its subsidiaries engage in transactions in the ordinary course of business. Inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements of WGL, except as described below. Washington Gas provides accounting, treasury, legal and other administrative and general support to affiliates, and files consolidated tax returns that include affiliated taxable transactions. Washington Gas bills its affiliates in accordance with regulatory requirements for the actual cost of providing these services, which approximates their market value. To the extent such billings are outstanding, they are reflected in “Receivables from associated companies” on Washington Gas’ balance sheets. Washington Gas assigns or allocates these costs directly to its affiliates and, therefore, does not recognize revenues or expenses associated with providing these services. Washington Gas believes that allocations based on broad measures of business activity are appropriate for allocating expenses resulting from common services. Affiliate entities are allocated a portion of common services based on a formula driven by appropriate indicators of activity, as approved by management. In connection with billing on behalf of unregulated third party marketers, including WGL Energy Services and with other miscellaneous billing processes, Washington Gas collects cash on behalf of affiliates and transfers the cash in a reasonable time period. Cash collected by Washington Gas on behalf of its affiliates but not yet transferred is recorded in “Payables to associated companies” on Washington Gas’ balance sheets. Washington Gas has obtained third-party project financing on behalf of the Federal government to provide funds during the construction of certain energy management services projects entered into under Washington Gas' area- wide contract. In connection with work completed under the area-wide contract, the construction work is performed by WGL Energy Systems on behalf of Washington Gas and an amount is recorded in "Payables to associated companies" for work performed by WGL Energy Systems for which cash has not been transferred. Refer to Note 3— Short Term Debt for further discussion of the project financing. The following table presents the receivables from and payables to associated companies as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Washington Gas Receivables From / Payables To Associated Companies (In millions) December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Receivables from Associated Companies $ 15.5 $ 13.8 Payables to Associated Companies $ 71.9 $ 65.8 Washington Gas provides gas balancing services related to storage, injections, withdrawals and deliveries to all energy marketers participating in the sale of natural gas on an unregulated basis through the customer choice programs that operate in its service territory. These balancing services include the sale of natural gas supply commodities related to various peaking arrangements contractually supplied to Washington Gas and then partially allocated and assigned by Washington Gas to the energy marketers, including WGL Energy Services. Washington Gas records revenues for these balancing services pursuant to tariffs approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies. These related party amounts related to balancing services provided to WGL Energy Services have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements of WGL. The following table shows the amounts Washington Gas charged WGL Energy Services for balancing services. Washington Gas - Gas Balancing Service Charges Three Months Ended December 31, (In millions) 2016 2015 Gas balancing service charge $ 6.9 $ 7.1 As a result of these balancing services, an imbalance is created for volumes of natural gas received by Washington Gas that are not equal to the volumes of natural gas delivered to customers of the energy marketers. WGL Energy Services recognized accounts payable to Washington Gas of $1.6 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively, related to an imbalance in gas volumes. Due to regulatory treatment, these payables and receivables are not eliminated in the consolidated financial statements of WGL. Refer to Note 1— Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 for further discussion of these imbalance transactions. Washington Gas participates in a POR program as approved by the PSC of MD, whereby it purchases receivables from participating energy marketers at approved discount rates. In addition, WGL Energy Services participates in POR programs with certain Maryland and Pennsylvania utilities, whereby it sells its receivables to various utilities, including Washington Gas, at approved discount rates. The receivables purchased by Washington Gas are included in “Accounts receivable” in the accompanying balance sheet. Any activity between Washington Gas and WGL Energy Services related to the POR program has been eliminated in the accompanying financial statements for WGL. At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , Washington Gas had balances of $6.1 million and $4.2 million , respectively, of purchased receivables from WGL Energy Services.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES REGULATORY CONTINGENCIES Certain legal and administrative proceedings incidental to our business, including regulatory contingencies, involve WGL and/or its subsidiaries. In our opinion, we have recorded an adequate provision for probable losses or refunds to customers for regulatory contingencies related to these proceedings. District of Columbia Jurisdiction Investigation into Washington Gas’ Cash Reimbursement to Competitive Service Providers (CSPs). On August 5, 2014, the Office of the People’s Counsel’s (OPC) of DC filed a complaint with the PSC of DC requesting that the Commission open an investigation into Washington Gas’ payments to CSPs to cash-out over-deliveries of natural gas supplies during the 2008-2009 winter heating season. OPC asserted that Washington Gas made excess payments in the amount of $ 2.4 million to CSPs. On December 19, 2014, the PSC of DC granted the OPC of DC’s request and opened a formal investigation. On October 27, 2015, the PSC of DC issued an order finding that Washington Gas, in performing the cash-out, had violated D.C. Code 34-1101’s requirement that no service shall be provided without Commission approval. The PSC of DC directed Washington Gas to provide calculations showing what the impact would have been had Washington Gas made volumetric adjustments to CSP deliveries as of April 2009, which Washington Gas calculates would result in a refund of approximately $ 2.4 million , which was recognized by WGL in fiscal year 2015. On February 3, 2016, the PSC of DC issued an order denying OPC’s application for reconsideration and granting in part, and denying in part, Washington Gas’ application for reconsideration. Washington Gas and OPC filed initial briefs on February 18, 2016, and reply briefs on February 29, 2016, on the issue of whether there is a more reasonable way to reconcile the over-deliveries by CSPs such as through volumetric adjustments or through cash payments. On August 11, 2016, The DC Commission issued an order requiring Washington Gas to refund approximately $2.4 million through the Actual Cost Adjustment ("ACA"). On August 26, 2016, Washington Gas filed its plan for implementing the $2.4 million refund within a 12-month period. The PSC of DC issued an Order on October 7, 2016, clarifying Washington Gas' refunding and reporting requirements. FINANCIAL GUARANTEES WGL has guaranteed payments primarily for certain commitments on behalf of certain subsidiaries. At December 31, 2016 , these guarantees totaled $30.7 million , $269.9 million , $74.9 million and $356.8 million for Washington Gas, WGL Energy Services, WGL Energy Systems and WGL Midstream, respectively. At December 31, 2016 , WGL also had guarantees on behalf of other subsidiaries totaling $2.1 million . The amount of such guarantees is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the level of WGL's financial exposure related to these commitments. For all of our financial guarantees, WGL may cancel any or all future obligations upon written notice to the counterparty, but WGL would continue to be responsible for the obligations created under the guarantees prior to the effective date of the cancellation. WGL has also guaranteed payments for certain of our external partners. At December 31, 2016 , the maximum potential amount of future payments under the guarantees totaled $15.7 million and the fair value of these guarantees was insignificant. ANTERO CONTRACT Washington Gas and WGL Midstream began purchasing natural gas on January 1, 2016, from Antero Resources Corporation (Antero) pursuant to certain natural gas purchase contracts. We purchase gas from Antero at invoiced prices based on an index specified in the contracts; however, contractual provisions allow either party to notify the other party if it believes the index price is no longer appropriate for the delivery point of the gas, and to trigger the negotiation of a new index price. If negotiations are unsuccessful, then the contract requires binding arbitration proceedings. When a new index price is determined under the contract, a "true up" of prior period invoices is required back to the date of initial notification. On November 16, 2015, due to significant changes to natural gas markets in and around the delivery point specified in the contracts, we provided notice to Antero invoking the provision requiring the negotiation of a new contractual index price. To date, negotiations have been unsuccessful and we are currently involved in arbitration proceedings to resolve this pricing dispute. Our Consolidated Financial Statements do not reflect the favorable effects of a change in the contractual index price. Through December 31, 2016 , WGL Midstream has incurred approximately $ 22.0 million in losses associated with Antero’s use of the disputed index price. An initial decision on the arbitration proceedings is scheduled for on or before February 13, 2017. SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND INCIDENT Washington Gas continues to support the investigation by the NTSB into the August 10, 2016 explosion and fire at an apartment complex on Arliss Street in Silver Spring, Maryland, the cause of which has not been determined. Additional information will be made available by the NTSB at the appropriate time. On November 2, 2016, two civil actions were filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court against WGL Holdings and Washington Gas (as well as a property management company that is not affiliated with WGL Holdings or Washington Gas), by residents of the apartment complex. In one lawsuit, twenty-nine plaintiffs seek unspecified damages for, among others, wrongful death and personal injury. The other action is a class action suit seeking total damages stated to be less than $ 5 million for, among others, property damage and various counts relating to the loss of the use of the premises. Both actions allege causes of action for negligence, product liability, and declaratory relief. Eighteen civil actions have been filed in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland seeking unspecified damages for personal injury and property damage. We maintain excess liability insurance coverage from highly-rated insurers, subject to a nominal self-insured retention. We believe that this coverage will be sufficient to cover any significant liability to it that may result from this incident. Management is unable to determine a range of potential losses that are reasonably possible of occurring and therefore we have not recorded a reserve associated with this incident. Washington Gas was invited by the NTSB to be a party to the investigation and in that capacity continues to work closely with the NTSB to help determine the cause of this incident.

Pension and Other Post-Retireme

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The following table shows the components of net periodic benefit costs (income) recognized in our financial statements during the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Income) Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In millions) Pension Benefits Health and Life Benefits Pension Benefits Health and Life Benefits Service cost $ 4.1 $ 1.4 $ 3.5 $ 1.1 Interest cost 9.6 2.9 10.3 3.3 Expected return on plan assets (10.3 ) (5.5 ) (10.2 ) (5.1 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 0.1 (4.4 ) 0.1 (4.4 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 5.5 0.2 4.2 0.3 Net periodic benefit cost (income) 9.0 (5.4 ) 7.9 (4.8 ) Amount allocated to construction projects (1.6 ) 1.2 (1.3 ) 1.0 Amount deferred as regulatory asset/liability — net 1.8 (0.1 ) 1.8 (0.1 ) Amount charged (credited) to expense $ 9.2 $ (4.3 ) $ 8.4 $ (3.9 ) Amounts included in the line item “Amount deferred as regulatory asset/liability-net,” as shown in the table above, represent the amortization of previously unrecovered costs of the applicable pension benefits or the health and life benefits as approved in the District of Columbia. These balances are being amortized over a five year period.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following tables show the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for WGL and Washington Gas by component for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (In thousands) Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ (38,539 ) $ (14,236 ) Qualified cash flow hedging instruments (a) 49,455 1,084 Change in prior service credit (b) (217 ) (214 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (b) 588 419 Current-period other comprehensive income 49,826 1,289 Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income 20,413 531 Ending Balance $ (9,126 ) $ (13,478 ) (a) Cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements related to debt issuances. Refer to Note 8- Derivative and Weather-related Instruments for further discussion of the interest rate swap agreements. (b) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14- Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details. Washington Gas Light Company Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (In thousands) Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ (7,830 ) $ (6,712 ) Change in prior service credit (a) (217 ) (214 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (a) 588 419 Current-period other comprehensive income 371 205 Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income 147 81 Ending Balance $ (7,606 ) $ (6,588 ) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14-Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Merger Agreement with AltaGas On January 25, 2017 , WGL entered into an agreement and plan of merger (Merger Agreement) to be acquired by AltaGas in an all cash transaction valued at approximately $6.4 billion . The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of a newly formed indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AltaGas with and into WGL, with WGL continuing as the surviving corporation in the merger (the Merger). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of the Merger, WGL shareholders will receive $88.25 in cash, without interest, for each share of WGL common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement). The Board of Directors of WGL and AltaGas have unanimously approved the merger, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. Consummation of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified closing conditions, including, among others, the approval of the Merger by the holders of more than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of WGL common stock, and approvals required from the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (PSC of DC), the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC of MD) and the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC of VA). WGL and AltaGas also plan to submit the transaction for review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The Merger Agreement will also be subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval, and expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR). The Merger Agreement also contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of both WGL and AltaGas. These covenants include, among others, an obligation on behalf of WGL to operate its business in the ordinary course until the Merger is consummated, subject to certain exceptions. The Merger Agreement may be terminated by each of WGL and AltaGas under certain circumstances, including if the merger is not consummated by January 25, 2018 (subject to a 180 day extension by either party subject to certain conditions being met). The Merger Agreement also contains certain additional termination rights for both AltaGas and WGL, and provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, AltaGas would be required to pay a termination fee of $ 205 million , $ 182 million , or $ 68 million (depending on the specific circumstances of termination) to WGL. WGL would be required to pay AltaGas a termination fee of $ 136 million , only under specific circumstances as outlined in the Merger Agreement. In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, WGL entered into a subscription agreement with AltaGas, in which WGL agreed to issue and sell to AltaGas up to an aggregate of 15,000 shares of Series A Non-Voting Non-Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (Non-Voting Preferred Stock) for a purchase price of $10,000 per share. If the consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio is forecasted to be in excess of 62% at December 31, 2017 or quarterly thereafter, AltaGas will purchase a number of shares to produce a forecasted ratio equal to 62% , but not more than 5,000 shares in any single quarter or more than 15,000 shares in the aggregate. If the Merger Agreement is terminated or the Outside Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement) expires, no subscription will be made after the date of termination or expiration, and WGL will have six months thereafter to redeem any Non-Voting Preferred Stock previously issued. Credit Agreement with Branch Banking & Trust Company (BB&T) On January 26, 2017, WGL entered into a credit agreement with BB&T providing for a $50.0 million term loan. The credit agreement provides for a maturity date of two years , with a one year extension option with the lender's approval. WGL will use the loan proceeds for general non-utility corporate purposes, including capital investments. Similar to the existing revolving credit facility, the credit agreement has a financial covenant where the ratio of its consolidated financial indebtedness to its consolidated total capitalization cannot exceed 65% at any time.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL) is a holding company that owns all of the shares of common stock of Washington Gas Light Company (Washington Gas), a regulated natural gas utility, and all of the shares of common stock of Washington Gas Resources Corporation (Washington Gas Resources) and Hampshire Gas Company (Hampshire). Washington Gas Resources owns all of the shares of common stock of four non-utility subsidiaries that include WGL Energy Services, Inc. (WGL Energy Services), WGL Energy Systems, Inc. (WGL Energy Systems), WGL Midstream, Inc. (WGL Midstream) and WGSW, Inc. (WGSW). Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, “WGL,” “we,” “us” or “our” refers to the holding company or the consolidated entity of WGL Holdings, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise noted, these notes apply equally to WGL and Washington Gas. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Therefore, certain financial information and note disclosures accompanying annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) are omitted in this interim report. The interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for WGL and Washington Gas for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 . Due to the seasonal nature of our businesses, the results of operations for the periods presented in this report are not necessarily indicative of actual results for the full fiscal years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016 , of either WGL or Washington Gas. The accompanying unaudited financial statements for WGL and Washington Gas reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary, in our opinion, to present fairly the results of operations in accordance with GAAP. On October 1, 2016, WGL and Washington Gas adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15. These standards require an entity to account for debt issuance costs as a deduction from the carrying amount of debt in the balance sheet and the amortization of debt issuance costs presented as interest expense, consistent with debt discounts. Prior period amounts related to other deferred charges and other assets and long-term debt in the accompanying condensed balance sheets have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. For a complete description of our accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for WGL and Washington Gas for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 .
Storage Gas Valuation Methods	Storage Gas Valuation For Washington Gas and WGL Energy Services, storage gas inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out method. For WGL Midstream, storage gas inventory is accounted for using the weighted average cost method. Our inventory is stated at the lower-of-cost or market. Interim period inventory losses attributable to lower-of-cost or market adjustments may be reversed if the market value of the inventory is recovered by the end of the same fiscal year.
Accounting Standards Adopted Current Fiscal Year	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTED IN FISCAL YEAR 2017 ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost and Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements The standard requires an entity to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction of the debt liability and the amortization of debt issuance costs be presented as interest expense in a manner consistent with its accounting treatment of debt discounts. The standard requires retrospective application. October 1, 2016 Implementation of these standards resulted in a reduction of other deferred assets and long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amounts that were reclassified at September 30, 2016 for WGL and Washington Gas were $9.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively. ASU 2015-02 and ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis and Interests Held through Related Parties that are Under Common Control The standards changed the analysis to be performed in determining whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated, specifically the analysis of limited partnerships and similar entities, fee arrangements and related party relationships. The standard permits prospective or retrospective application for different parts. October 1, 2016 The amendments to the consolidation guidance under these standards were applied and did not have an impact on the financial statements. ASU 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other -Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)-Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement The standard clarifies that a cloud computing customer may account for the arrangement as a software license when (1) the customer has a contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty, and (2) it is feasible for the customer to either operate the software on its own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to the vendor to host the software. If the arrangement does not meet these criteria, it would be accounted for as a service contract and accounted for as an operating expense in the period incurred. October 1, 2016 WGL elected to apply the standard on a prospective basis, which did not have a material impact on the financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements	OTHER NEWLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting This standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements. October 1, 2017 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) This update provides guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. October 1, 2018 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), including subsequent ASUs clarifying the guidance. ASU 2014-09 establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition model clarifying the method used to determine the timing and requirements for revenue recognition from contracts with customers. The disclosure requirements under the new standard will enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. October 1, 2018 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities The new standard amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments, and significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. October 1, 2018 We performed a preliminary evaluation and the adoption of this standard will primarily impact the disclosure of our financial instruments. ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) This standard requires recognition of a right-to-use asset and lease liability on the statement of financial position and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The standard requires application using a modified retrospective approach. October 1, 2019 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. We may elect early adoption. ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments For credit losses on financial instruments, this standard changes the current incurred loss impairment methodology to an expected loss methodology and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. October 1, 2020 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.
Short and Long Term Debt	WGL and Washington Gas satisfy their short-term financing requirements through the sale of commercial paper, financing arrangements with third-party lenders, or through bank borrowings. Due to the seasonal nature of the regulated utility and retail energy-marketing segments, short-term financing requirements can vary significantly during the year. Revolving credit agreements are maintained to support outstanding commercial paper and to permit short-term borrowing flexibility. The policy of each WGL and Washington Gas is to maintain bank credit facilities in amounts equal to or greater than the expected maximum commercial paper position. WGL and Washington Gas issue long-term notes with individual terms regarding interest rates, maturities and call or put options. These notes can have maturity dates of one or more years from the date of issuance.
Income Tax Policy	Under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes , Washington Gas recognizes any accrued interest associated with uncertain tax positions in interest expense and recognizes any accrued penalties associated with uncertain tax positions in other expenses in the statements of income.
Derivatives, Reporting Of Derivative Activity	Managing Price Risk. To manage price risk associated with acquiring natural gas supply for utility customers, Washington Gas enters into physical and financial derivative transactions in the form of forward, option and other contracts, as authorized by its regulators. Any gains and losses associated with these derivatives are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets, respectively, to reflect the rate treatment for these economic hedging activities. Managing Interest-Rate Risk . Washington Gas may utilize derivative instruments that are designed to minimize the risk of interest-rate volatility associated with planned issuances of debt securities. Any gains and losses associated with these types of derivatives are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets, respectively, and amortized in accordance with regulatory requirements, typically over the life of the related debt. Non-Utility Operations Trading Activities. WGL Midstream enters into derivative contracts for the purpose of optimizing its storage and transportation capacity as well as managing the transportation and storage assets on behalf of third parties. WGL Midstream does not designate these derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815; therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are reflected in the earnings of our non-utility operations and may cause significant period-to-period volatility in earnings. Managing Price Risk. WGL Energy Services enters into certain derivative contracts as part of its strategy to manage the price risk associated with the sale and purchase of natural gas and electricity. WGL Energy Services elects "normal purchases and normal sales" treatment for a portion of these physical contracts related to the purchase of natural gas and electricity to serve our customers and therefore, they are not subject to the fair value accounting requirements of ASC Topic 815. Derivative instruments not designated as "normal purchases and normal sales" are recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, and changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are reflected in the earnings of our non-utility operations, which may cause significant period-to-period volatility in earnings. WGL Energy Services does not designate derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815. Managing Interest-Rate Risk . WGL utilizes derivative instruments that are designed to limit the risk of interest-rate volatility associated with future debt issuances. Regulated Utility Operations Washington Gas enters into contracts that qualify as derivative instruments and are accounted for under ASC Topic 815. These derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on our balance sheets and Washington Gas does not currently designate any derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815. Washington Gas’ derivative instruments relate to: (i) Washington Gas’ asset optimization program; (ii) managing price risk associated with the purchase of gas to serve utility customers and (iii) managing interest rate risk. Non-Utility Operations Trading Activities. WGL Midstream enters into derivative contracts for the purpose of optimizing its storage and transportation capacity as well as managing the transportation and storage assets on behalf of third parties. WGL Midstream does not designate these derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815; therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are reflected in the earnings of our non-utility operations and may cause significant period-to-period volatility in earnings. Managing Price Risk. WGL Energy Services enters into certain derivative contracts as part of its strategy to manage the price risk associated with the sale and purchase of natural gas and electricity. WGL Energy Services elects "normal purchases and normal sales" treatment for a portion of these physical contracts related to the purchase of natural gas and electricity to serve our customers and therefore, they are not subject to the fair value accounting requirements of ASC Topic 815. Derivative instruments not designated as "normal purchases and normal sales" are recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, and changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are reflected in the earnings of our non-utility operations, which may cause significant period-to-period volatility in earnings. WGL Energy Services does not designate derivatives as hedges under ASC Topic 815. Managing Interest-Rate Risk . WGL utilizes derivative instruments that are designed to limit the risk of interest-rate volatility associated with future debt issuances. Asset Optimization. Washington Gas optimizes the value of its long-term natural gas transportation and storage capacity resources during periods when these resources are not being used to physically serve utility customers. Specifically, Washington Gas utilizes its transportation capacity assets to benefit from favorable natural gas prices between different geographic locations and utilizes its storage capacity assets to benefit from favorable natural gas prices between different time periods. As part of this asset optimization program, Washington Gas enters into physical and financial derivative transactions in the form of forward, futures and option contracts with the primary objective of securing operating margins that Washington Gas will ultimately realize. The derivative transactions entered into under this program are subject to mark-to-market accounting treatment under ASC 820. Regulatory sharing mechanisms provide for the annual realized profit from these transactions to be shared between Washington Gas' shareholders and customers; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded through earnings, or as regulatory assets or liabilities to the extent that it is probable that realized gains and losses associated with these derivative transactions will be included in the rates charged to customers when they are realized. Unrealized gains and losses recorded to earnings may cause significant period-to-period volatility; this volatility does not change the operating margins that Washington Gas expects to ultimately realize from these transactions through the use of its storage and transportation capacity resources. Collateral WGL utilizes standardized master netting agreements, which facilitate the netting of cash flows into a single net exposure for a given counterparty. As part of these master netting agreements, cash, letters of credit and parental guarantees may be required to be posted or obtained from counterparties in order to mitigate credit risk related to both derivatives and non-derivative positions. Under WGL’s offsetting policy, collateral balances are offset against the related counterparties’ derivative positions to the extent the application would not result in the over-collateralization of those derivative positions on the balance sheet.
Fair Value Measurement Policy	Our money market funds are Level 1 valuations and their carrying amount approximates fair value. Other short-term investments are primarily overnight investment accounts; their carrying amount approximates fair value based on Level 2 inputs. The maturity of our commercial paper outstanding at both December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 is under 30 days. Due to the short term nature of these notes, the carrying cost of our commercial paper approximates fair value using Level 2 inputs. Due to the short term nature of our project financing arrangements, the carrying cost approximates fair value using Level 2 inputs. Neither WGL’s nor Washington Gas’ long-term debt is actively traded. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated based on the quoted market prices of the U.S. Treasury issues having a similar term to maturity, adjusted for the credit quality of the debt issuer, WGL or Washington Gas. Our long-term debt fair value measurement is classified as Level 3. Recurring Basis We measure the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities using a combination of the income and market approach in accordance with ASC Topic 820. These financial assets and liabilities primarily consist of derivatives recorded on our balance sheet under ASC Topic 815 and short-term investments, commercial paper and long-term debt outstanding required to be disclosed at fair value. Under ASC Topic 820, fair value is defined as the exit price, representing the amount that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To value our financial instruments, we use market data or assumptions that market participants would use, including assumptions about credit risk (both our own credit risk and the counterparty’s credit risk) and the risks inherent in the inputs to valuation. We enter into derivative contracts in the futures and over-the-counter (OTC) wholesale and retail markets. These markets are the principal markets for the respective wholesale and retail contracts. Our relevant market participants are our existing counterparties and others who have participated in energy transactions at our delivery points. These participants have access to the same market data as WGL. We value our derivative contracts based on an “in-exchange” premise, and valuations are generally based on pricing service data or indicative broker quotes depending on the market location. We measure the net credit exposure at the counterparty level where the right to set-off exists. The net exposure is determined using the mark-to-market exposure adjusted for collateral, letters of credit and parent guarantees. We use published default rates from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service as inputs for determining credit adjustments.
Segment Reporting Policy	We have four reportable operating segments: regulated utility, retail energy-marketing, commercial energy systems and midstream energy services. The division of these segments into separate revenue generating components is based upon regulation, products and services. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer and we evaluate segment performance based on Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT). EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes less amounts attributable to non-controlling interests. Items we do not include in EBIT are interest expense, intercompany financing activity, dividends on Washington Gas preferred stock, and income taxes. EBIT includes transactions between reportable segments. We also evaluate our operating segments based on other relevant factors, such as penetration into their respective markets and return on equity.
Investment Policy	Our investment in ASD is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting; any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGSW’s investment balance. The investment in Stonewall System is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting. Any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. When determining how to account for our interests in other legal entities, WGL first evaluates if we are required to apply the variable interest entity (VIE) model of accounting to the entity. If the VIE model is not applicable, the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model. Under the VIE model, we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE (i.e. are the primary beneficiary) when we have current or potential rights that give us the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance combined with a variable interest that gives us the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses. When changes occur to the design of an entity, we reconsider whether it is subject to the VIE model. We continuously evaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE. Under the voting interest model, we generally have a controlling financial interest in an entity where we currently hold, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights or where we exercise control through substantive participating rights. However, we consider substantive rights held by other partners in determining if we hold a controlling financial interest, and in some cases, despite owning more than 50% of the common stock of an investee, an evaluation of our rights may result in the determination that we do not have a controlling financial interest. We reevaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in these entities when our voting or substantive participating rights change. Unconsolidated affiliates are unconsolidated VIEs and other entities evaluated under the voting interest method in which we do not have a controlling financial interest, but over which we have varying degrees of influence. Where we have significant influence, the affiliates are accounted for as equity method investments. Where we do not have significant influence, the affiliates are accounted for under the cost method. Investments in, and advances to, affiliated companies are presented in the caption “Investments in unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. WGL uses the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV) methodology for certain equity method investments when the governing structuring agreement over the equity investment results in different liquidation rights and priorities than what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests. For investments accounted for under the HLBV method, simply applying the percentage ownership interest to GAAP net income in order to determine earnings or losses does not accurately represent the income allocation and cash flow distributions that will ultimately be received by the investors. The equity investment agreements for ASD Solar, LP (ASD), Meade Pipeline Co LLC (Meade), Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC (Mountain Valley) and Stonewall Gas Gathering System (Stonewall System) have liquidation rights and priorities that are sufficiently different from the ownership percentages that the HLBV method was deemed appropriate. WGL also uses the HLBV methodology to allocate the earnings between the partners in the newly formed solar investment companies SFGF LLC (SFGF), SFRC LLC (SFRC) and SFEE, LLC (SFEE). The calculation may vary in its complexity depending on the capital structure and the tax considerations for the investments. HLBV is a balance sheet approach. When applying HLBV, WGL determines the amount that it would receive if an equity investment entity were to liquidate all of its assets at book value (as valued in accordance with GAAP) and distribute that cash to the investors based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The change in WGL's claim on the investee's book value at the beginning and end of the reporting period (adjusted for contributions and distributions) is WGL’s share of the earnings or losses from the equity investment for the period. The investment in MVP is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting. Any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. Constitution is accounted for under the equity method of accounting; any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. Although WGL Midstream holds greater than a 50% interest in Meade, Meade is accounted for under the equity method of accounting because WGL Midstream does not have the power to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of Meade. Meade is accounted for under the HLBV equity method of accounting, and any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. SFEE is not considered a VIE and not consolidated under the voting interest model for limited partnerships. WGL is the managing member of SFEE and the operations and maintenance provider. In addition, WGL has the option to sell its own distributed generation solar projects to the developer for sale to SFEE and these assets remain on WGL's books until we no longer have continuing involvement. The equity method is considered appropriate because WGSW has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of SFEE. Profits and losses are allocated between the partners under the HLBV method of accounting. Any profits and losses are included in “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income and are added to or subtracted from the carrying amount of WGL’s investment balance. WGSW is a party to fund residential retail solar energy installations with SunEdison, Inc. (SunEdison). WGSW has a master purchase agreement and master lease agreement with Sun Edison for sale/leaseback arrangements for residential solar systems. Our agreement with SunEdison is accounted for as a direct financing lease. WGSW records associated interest in the financing lease in “Other income (expenses)-net” line in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income.
Consolidated entities investment policy	SFGF is consolidated into WGL's results of operations because under the VIE method of accounting, WGSW is the primary beneficiary as a result of its ability to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of SFGF. WGL Energy Systems is the operations and maintenance provider, and the developer of the projects. Profits and losses are allocated between the partners under the HLBV method of accounting and the portion allocated to the tax equity partner is included in "Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest" on the consolidated statement of income and is recorded to "Non-controlling interest" on the consolidated balance sheets. SFRC is consolidated into WGL's results of operations because under the VIE method of accounting, WGSW is the primary beneficiary due to its ability to direct the activities most significant to the economic performance of SFRC. WGL Energy Systems is the operations and maintenance provider, and the developer of the projects. Profits and losses are allocated between the partners under the HLBV method of accounting and the portion allocated to the tax equity partner will be included in "Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest" on the consolidated statement of income and is recorded to "Non-controlling interest" on the consolidated balance sheets.

Accounting Policies (Tables)

Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Standards Adopted in Current Fiscal Year	ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADOPTED IN FISCAL YEAR 2017 Standard Description Date of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost and Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements The standard requires an entity to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction of the debt liability and the amortization of debt issuance costs be presented as interest expense in a manner consistent with its accounting treatment of debt discounts. The standard requires retrospective application. October 1, 2016 Implementation of these standards resulted in a reduction of other deferred assets and long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amounts that were reclassified at September 30, 2016 for WGL and Washington Gas were $9.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively. ASU 2015-02 and ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis and Interests Held through Related Parties that are Under Common Control The standards changed the analysis to be performed in determining whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated, specifically the analysis of limited partnerships and similar entities, fee arrangements and related party relationships. The standard permits prospective or retrospective application for different parts. The consolidation guidance was also amended as to how a reporting entity, that is the single decision maker of a VIE, should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity, when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. October 1, 2016 The amendments to the consolidation guidance under these standards were applied and did not have an impact on the financial statements. ASU 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other -Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)-Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement The standard clarifies that a cloud computing customer may account for the arrangement as a software license when (1) the customer has a contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty, and (2) it is feasible for the customer to either operate the software on its own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to the vendor to host the software. If the arrangement does not meet these criteria, it would be accounted for as a service contract and accounted for as an operating expense in the period incurred. October 1, 2016 WGL elected to apply the standard on a prospective basis, which did not have a material impact on the financial statements.
Other Newly Issued Accounting Standards	OTHER NEWLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Standard Description Required date of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting This standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements. October 1, 2017 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) This update provides guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. October 1, 2018 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), including subsequent ASUs clarifying the guidance. ASU 2014-09 establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition model clarifying the method used to determine the timing and requirements for revenue recognition from contracts with customers. The disclosure requirements under the new standard will enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. October 1, 2018 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities The new standard amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments, and significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. October 1, 2018 We performed a preliminary evaluation and the adoption of this standard will primarily impact the disclosure of our financial instruments. ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) This standard requires recognition of a right-to-use asset and lease liability on the statement of financial position and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The standard requires application using a modified retrospective approach. October 1, 2019 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. We may elect early adoption. ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments For credit losses on financial instruments, this standard changes the current incurred loss impairment methodology to an expected loss methodology and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. October 1, 2020 We are in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.

Accounts Payable and Other Ac24

Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	The tables below provide details for the amounts included in “Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities” on the balance sheets for both WGL and Washington Gas. WGL Holdings, Inc. (In millions) December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Accounts payable—trade $ 397.8 $ 353.0 Employee benefits and payroll accruals 22.2 34.4 Other accrued liabilities 27.5 18.0 Total $ 447.5 $ 405.4
Washington Gas Light Company
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Accounts payable—trade $ 198.7 $ 161.0 Employee benefits and payroll accruals 21.2 32.2 Other accrued liabilities 13.8 11.8 Total $ 233.7 $ 205.0

Short-Term Debt (Tables)

Short-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Committed Credit Available	The following is a summary of committed credit available at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Committed Credit Available ($ In millions) December 31, 2016 WGL (b) Washington Gas Total Consolidated Committed credit agreements Unsecured revolving credit facility, expires December 19, 2019 (a) $ 450.0 $ 350.0 $ 800.0 Less: Commercial Paper 374.0 219.0 593.0 Net committed credit available $ 76.0 $ 131.0 $ 207.0 Weighted average interest rate 0.89 % 0.69 % 0.82 % September 30, 2016 Committed credit agreements Unsecured revolving credit facility, expires December 19, 2019 (a) $ 450.0 $ 350.0 $ 800.0 Less: Commercial Paper 227.0 42.0 269.0 Net committed credit available $ 223.0 $ 308.0 $ 531.0 Weighted average interest rate 0.73 % 0.46 % 0.69 % (a) Both WGL and Washington Gas have the right to request extensions with the banks’ approval. WGL’s revolving credit facility permits it to borrow an additional $100 million , with the banks’ approval, for a total of $550 million . Washington Gas’ revolving credit facility permits it to borrow an additional $100 million , with the banks’ approval, for a total of $450 million . (b) WGL includes WGL Holdings and all subsidiaries other than Washington Gas.

Long-Term Debt (Table)

Long-Term Debt (Table)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt Outstanding	The following tables show the outstanding notes as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Long-Term Debt Outstanding ($ In millions) WGL (a) Washington Gas Total Consolidated December 31, 2016 Long-term debt (b) $ 500.0 $ 946.0 $ 1,446.0 Unamortized discount (1.6 ) (0.1 ) (1.7 ) Unamortized debt expense (2.3 ) (6.8 ) (9.1 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 496.1 $ 939.1 $ 1,435.2 Weighted average interest rate 2.61 % 5.12 % 4.25 % September 30, 2016 Long-term debt (b) $ 500.0 $ 946.0 $ 1,446.0 Unamortized discount (1.6 ) (0.1 ) (1.7 ) Unamortized debt expense (2.4 ) (6.9 ) (9.3 ) Total Long-Term Debt $ 496.0 $ 939.0 $ 1,435.0 Weighted average interest rate 2.50 % 5.12 % 4.21 % (a) WGL includes WGL Holdings and all subsidiaries other than Washington Gas. (b) Includes Senior Notes and term loans for WGL and both MTNs and private placement notes for Washington Gas. Represents face value including current maturities.

Common Shareholders' Equity (Ta

Common Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Components of Common Shareholders' Equity	The tables below reflect the components of “Common shareholders’ equity” for WGL and “Common shareholder’s equity” for Washington Gas for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Components of Common Shareholders’ Equity (In thousands, except shares) Common Stock Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes WGL Holdings Common Shareholders' Equity Non-controlling Interest Washington Gas Light Company Preferred Stock Total Equity Shares Amount Balance at September 30, 2016 51,080,612 $ 574,496 $ 12,519 $ 827,085 $ (38,539 ) $ 1,375,561 $ 409 $ 28,173 $ 1,404,143 Net income — — — 57,972 — 57,972 (2,535 ) 330 55,767 Contributions from non-controlling interest — — — — — — 7,331 — 7,331 Other comprehensive income — — — — 29,413 29,413 — — 29,413 Stock-based compensation (a) 104,676 6,564 (6,567 ) (126 ) — (129 ) — — (129 ) Issuance of common stock (b) 25,680 1,613 — — — 1,613 — — 1,613 Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (24,965 ) — (24,965 ) — — (24,965 ) Preferred stock — — — — — — — (330 ) (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 51,210,968 $ 582,673 $ 5,952 $ 859,966 $ (9,126 ) $ 1,439,465 $ 5,205 $ 28,173 $ 1,472,843 Balance at September 30, 2015 49,728,662 $ 485,456 $ 14,934 $ 757,093 $ (14,236 ) $ 1,243,247 $ — $ 28,173 $ 1,271,420 Net income — — — 68,171 — 68,171 — 330 68,501 Other comprehensive income — — — — 758 758 — — 758 Stock-based compensation (a) 103,113 5,947 (6,016 ) (40 ) — (109 ) — — (109 ) Issuance of (b) 1,574 83 — — — 83 — — 83 Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (23,048 ) — (23,048 ) — — (23,048 ) Preferred stock — — — — — — — (330 ) (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 49,833,349 $ 491,486 $ 8,918 $ 802,176 $ (13,478 ) $ 1,289,102 $ — $ 28,173 $ 1,317,275 (a) Includes dividend equivalents related to our performance shares. (b) Includes dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plans.
Washington Gas Light Company
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]
Components of Common Shareholders' Equity	Washington Gas Light Company Components of Common Shareholder’s Equity (In thousands, except shares) Common Stock Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes Total Shares Amount Balance at September 30, 2016 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 488,135 $ 586,662 $ (7,830 ) $ 1,113,446 Net income — — — 55,461 — 55,461 Other comprehensive income — — — — 224 224 Stock-based compensation (a) — — (6 ) — — (6 ) Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (21,134 ) — (21,134 ) Preferred stock — — — (330 ) — (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 488,129 $ 620,659 $ (7,606 ) $ 1,147,661 Balance at September 30, 2015 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 483,677 $ 557,848 $ (6,712 ) $ 1,081,292 Net income — — — 54,612 — 54,612 Other comprehensive income — — — — 124 124 Stock-based compensation (a) — — (117 ) — — (117 ) Dividends declared: Common stock — — — (19,933 ) — (19,933 ) Preferred stock — — — (330 ) — (330 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 46,479,536 $ 46,479 $ 483,560 $ 592,197 $ (6,588 ) $ 1,115,648 (a) Stock-based compensation is based on the stock awards of WGL that are allocated to Washington Gas Light Company for its pro-rata share.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	The following table reflects the computation of our basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Basic and Diluted EPS (In thousands, except per share data) Net Income Applicable to Common Stock Shares Per Share Amount Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Basic EPS $ 57,972 51,172 $ 1.13 Stock-based compensation plans — 273 Diluted EPS $ 57,972 51,445 $ 1.13 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Basic EPS $ 68,171 49,807 $ 1.37 Stock-based compensation plans — 223 Diluted EPS $ 68,171 50,030 $ 1.36

Derivative and Weather Relate29

Derivative and Weather Related Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments	At December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively, the absolute notional amounts of our derivatives were as follows: Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments Derivative transactions WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas December 31, 2016 Notional Amounts Natural Gas (In millions of therms) Asset optimization & trading 21,088.7 12,451.0 Retail sales 32.4 — Other risk-management activities 1,782.1 1,298.0 Electricity (In millions of kWhs) Retail sales 5,342.6 — Other risk-management activities (a) 18,244.0 — Interest Rate Swaps (In millions of dollars) $ 250.0 — September 30, 2016 Natural Gas (In millions of therms) Asset optimization & trading 21,084.5 12,725.0 Retail sales 50.2 — Other risk-management activities 1,789.0 1,309.0 Electricity (In millions of kWhs) Retail sales 4,377.5 — Other risk-management activities (a) 21,070.4 — Interest Rate Swaps (In millions of dollars) $ 250.0 — (a) Comprised primarily of financial swaps, financial transmission rights and physical forward purchases.
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments	The following tables present the balance sheet classification for all derivative instruments as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments (In millions) Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments As of December 31, 2016 Gross Derivative Assets Gross Derivative Liabilities Gross Derivative Assets Gross Derivative Liabilities Netting of Collateral Total (a) Current Assets—Derivatives $ 30.5 $ (9.7 ) $ — $ — $ (0.1 ) $ 20.7 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 40.9 (0.6 ) 11.9 (5.5 ) — 46.7 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 10.9 (85.9 ) — — 8.2 (66.8 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives 1.3 (230.7 ) — — 5.4 (224.0 ) Total $ 83.6 $ (326.9 ) $ 11.9 $ (5.5 ) $ 13.5 $ (223.4 ) As of September 30, 2016 Current Assets—Derivatives $ 24.0 $ (5.5 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 18.5 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 55.6 (0.6 ) — — — 55.0 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 18.3 (113.2 ) — — 12.6 (82.3 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives 6.4 (279.3 ) 0.2 (43.1 ) 11.6 (304.2 ) Total $ 104.3 $ (398.6 ) $ 0.2 $ (43.1 ) $ 24.2 $ (313.0 )
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments	The following table presents all gains and losses associated with derivative instruments for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments (In millions) WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Recorded to income Operating revenues—non-utility $ (36.7 ) $ 25.7 $ — $ — Utility cost of gas 14.7 21.4 14.7 21.4 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales 31.3 7.5 — — Interest expense (0.1 ) — — — Recorded to regulatory assets Gas costs 19.6 34.8 19.6 34.8 Recorded to other comprehensive income (a) 49.5 1.1 — — Total $ 78.3 $ 90.5 $ 34.3 $ 56.2 (a) Represents the effective portion of our cash flow hedges.
Collateral Not Offset Against Derivative Assets and Liabilities	The table below presents collateral not offset against derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively. Collateral Not Offset Against Derivative Assets and Liabilities (In millions) December 31, 2016 Collateral deposits posted with counterparties Cash collateral held representing an obligation Washington Gas $ 6.3 $ 1.5 WGL Energy Services 15.1 — WGL Midstream 22.9 1.2 September 30, 2016 Washington Gas $ 4.3 $ 0.1 WGL Energy Services 9.1 — WGL Midstream 18.5 5.4
Potential Collateral Requirements for Derivative Liabilities with Credit-risk-Contingent Features	The following table shows the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-related contingent features that are in a liability position, as well as the maximum amount of collateral that would be required if the most intrusive credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively. Potential Collateral Requirements for Derivative Liabilities with Credit-Risk-Contingent Features (In millions) WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas December 31, 2016 Derivative liabilities with credit-risk-contingent features $ 27.8 $ 12.2 Maximum potential collateral requirements 17.4 12.0 September 30, 2016 Derivative liabilities with credit-risk-contingent features $ 53.9 $ 11.3 Maximum potential collateral requirements 41.4 11.3
Washington Gas Light Company
Derivative [Line Items]
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments	Washington Gas Light Company Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments (b) (In millions) As of December 31, 2016 Gross Gross Netting of Total (a) Current Assets—Derivatives $ 12.2 $ (3.7 ) $ (0.1 ) $ 8.4 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 18.8 — — 18.8 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 0.4 (52.0 ) 0.3 (51.3 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives — (194.4 ) 0.1 (194.3 ) Total $ 31.4 $ (250.1 ) $ 0.3 $ (218.4 ) As of September 30, 2016 Current Assets—Derivatives $ 11.7 $ (4.4 ) $ — $ 7.3 Deferred Charges and Other Assets—Derivatives 26.2 (0.6 ) — 25.6 Current Liabilities—Derivatives 1.9 (60.2 ) — (58.3 ) Deferred Credits—Derivatives — (232.0 ) — (232.0 ) Total $ 39.8 $ (297.2 ) $ — $ (257.4 ) (a) WGL has elected to offset the fair value of recognized derivative instruments against the right to reclaim or the obligation to return collateral for derivative instruments executed under the same master netting arrangement in accordance with ASC 815. All recognized derivative contracts and associated financial collateral subject to a master netting arrangement or similar that is eligible for offset under ASC 815 have been presented net in the balance sheet. (b) Washington Gas did not have any derivative instruments outstanding that were designated as hedging instruments at December 31, 2016 or September 30, 2016 .

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Under the Fair Value Hierarchy	The following tables set forth financial instruments recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 , respectively. A financial instrument’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. WGL Holdings, Inc. Fair Value Measurements Under the Fair Value Hierarchy (In millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total At December 31, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 29.5 $ 40.4 $ 69.9 Electricity related derivatives — 0.6 13.1 13.7 Interest rate derivatives — 11.9 — 11.9 Total Assets $ — $ 42.0 $ 53.5 $ 95.5 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (33.8 ) $ (269.0 ) $ (302.8 ) Electricity related derivatives — (2.7 ) (21.4 ) (24.1 ) Interest rate derivatives — (5.5 ) — (5.5 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (42.0 ) $ (290.4 ) $ (332.4 ) At September 30, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 28.8 $ 54.0 $ 82.8 Electricity related derivatives — 0.6 20.9 21.5 Interest rate derivatives — 0.2 — 0.2 Total Assets $ — $ 29.6 $ 74.9 $ 104.5 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (46.7 ) $ (318.2 ) $ (364.9 ) Electricity related derivatives — (3.8 ) (29.9 ) (33.7 ) Interest rate derivatives — (43.1 ) — (43.1 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (93.6 ) $ (348.1 ) $ (441.7 )
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	The following table includes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our Level 3 financial instruments and the respective fair values of the net derivative asset and liability positions, by contract type, as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (In millions) Net Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range WGL Holdings, Inc. Natural gas related derivatives $(228.6) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($1.723) - $5.270 Option Model Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($1.605) - $2.903 Annualized Volatility of Spot Market Natural Gas 25.5% - 869.9% Electricity related derivatives $(8.3) Discounted Cash Flow Electricity Congestion Price (per megawatt hour) ($6.199) - $66.300 Washington Gas Light Company Natural gas related derivatives $(208.8) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($1.400) - $5.270 (In millions) Net Fair Value WGL Holdings, Inc. Natural gas related derivatives $(264.1) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($2.021) - $3.290 Option Model Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($2.105) - $3.310 $(0.1) Annualized Volatility of Spot Market Natural Gas 25.5% - 869.9% Electricity related derivatives $(9.1) Discounted Cash Flow Electricity Congestion Price (per megawatt hour) ($6.199) - $68.700 Washington Gas Light Company Natural gas related derivatives $(251.6) Discounted Cash Flow Natural Gas Basis Price (per dekatherm) ($2.021) - $3.290
Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Level 3 Inputs	The following tables are a summary of the changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments that are measured at net fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with ASC Topic 820 using significant Level 3 inputs during the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Level 3 Inputs WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) Natural Gas Related Derivatives Electricity Related Derivatives Total Total - Natural Gas Related Derivatives Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Balance at October 1, 2016 $ (264.1 ) $ (9.1 ) $ (273.2 ) $ (251.6 ) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) Recorded to income 10.3 (3.6 ) 6.7 17.0 Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 22.0 — 22.0 22.0 Transfers into Level 3 (0.2 ) — (0.2 ) 0.2 Purchases — (2.8 ) (2.8 ) — Settlements 3.4 7.2 10.6 3.6 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (228.6 ) $ (8.3 ) $ (236.9 ) $ (208.8 ) Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Balance at October 1, 2015 $ (309.7 ) $ (16.0 ) $ (325.7 ) $ (281.1 ) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) Recorded to income 22.8 (22.3 ) 0.5 17.0 Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 29.6 — 29.6 29.6 Transfers into Level 3 (0.9 ) — (0.9 ) (0.2 ) Transfers out of Level 3 8.9 — 8.9 8.8 Purchases — 6.4 6.4 — Settlements 5.7 7.5 13.2 3.8 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (243.6 ) $ (24.4 ) $ (268.0 ) $ (222.1 )
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded to Income for Level 3 Measurements	The table below sets forth the line items on the statements of income to which amounts are recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to fair value measurements using significant Level 3 inputs. Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded to Income for Level 3 Measurements WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) Natural Gas Related Derivatives Electricity Related Derivatives Total Total - Natural Gas Related Derivatives Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Operating revenues—non-utility $ (10.3 ) $ (10.7 ) $ (21.0 ) $ — Utility cost of gas 17.0 — 17.0 17.0 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales 3.6 7.1 10.7 — Total $ 10.3 $ (3.6 ) $ 6.7 $ 17.0 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Operating revenues—non-utility $ 9.5 $ (12.2 ) $ (2.7 ) $ — Utility cost of gas 17.0 — 17.0 17.0 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales (3.7 ) (10.1 ) (13.8 ) — Total $ 22.8 $ (22.3 ) $ 0.5 $ 17.0
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements	Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to derivative assets and liabilities measured using significant Level 3 inputs were recorded as follows, for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements WGL Holdings, Inc. Washington Gas Light Company (In millions) Natural Gas Related Derivatives Electricity Related Derivatives Total Total - Natural Gas Related Derivatives Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 Recorded to income Operating revenues—non-utility $ (9.7 ) $ (5.9 ) $ (15.6 ) $ — Utility cost of gas 15.6 — 15.6 15.6 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales (0.1 ) 11.7 11.6 — Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 19.7 — 19.7 19.7 Total $ 25.5 $ 5.8 $ 31.3 $ 35.3 Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Recorded to income Operating revenues—non-utility $ 11.3 $ (5.0 ) $ 6.3 $ — Utility cost of gas 15.9 — 15.9 15.9 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales (4.4 ) (3.6 ) (8.0 ) — Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs 27.0 — 27.0 27.0 Total $ 49.8 $ (8.6 ) $ 41.2 $ 42.9
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Fair Value of Financial Instruments December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In millions) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Money market funds (a) $ 13.3 $ 13.3 $ 10.6 $ 10.6 Other short-term investments (a) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 1.4 $ 1.4 Commercial paper (b) $ 593.0 $ 593.0 $ 269.0 $ 269.0 Project financing (b) $ 41.4 $ 41.4 $ 62.4 $ 62.4 Long-term debt (c) $ 1,435.2 $ 1,540.6 $ 1,435.0 $ 1,641.9
Washington Gas Light Company
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Under the Fair Value Hierarchy	Washington Gas Light Company Fair Value Measurements Under the Fair Value Hierarchy (In millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total At December 31, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 11.0 $ 20.4 $ 31.4 Total Assets $ — $ 11.0 $ 20.4 $ 31.4 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (20.9 ) $ (229.2 ) $ (250.1 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (20.9 ) $ (229.2 ) $ (250.1 ) At September 30, 2016 Assets Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ 15.4 $ 24.4 $ 39.8 Total Assets $ — $ 15.4 $ 24.4 $ 39.8 Liabilities Natural gas related derivatives $ — $ (21.2 ) $ (276.0 ) $ (297.2 ) Total Liabilities $ — $ (21.2 ) $ (276.0 ) $ (297.2 )
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Washington Gas Light Company Fair Value of Financial Instruments December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 (In millions) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Money market funds (a) $ 5.2 $ 5.2 $ 5.0 $ 5.0 Other short-term investments (a) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 1.4 $ 1.4 Commercial paper (b) $ 219.0 $ 219.0 $ 42.0 $ 42.0 Project financing (b) $ 37.7 $ 37.7 $ 62.4 $ 62.4 Long-term debt (c) $ 939.1 $ 1,042.6 $ 939.0 $ 1,126.4 (a) Balance is located in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying balance sheets. These amounts may be offset by outstanding checks. (b) Balance is located in notes payable in the accompanying balance sheets. (c) Excludes current maturities

Operating Segment Reporting (Ta

Operating Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Financial Information	The following tables present operating segment information for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Operating Segment Financial Information (In thousands) Operating Revenues (a) Depreciation and Amortization Equity in EBIT Total Assets Capital Expenditures Equity Method Investments Three Months Ended Regulated utility $ 333,986 $ 30,560 $ — $ 102,717 $ 4,891,722 $ 111,681 $ — Retail energy-marketing 298,684 305 — 29,185 518,914 404 — Commercial energy systems (b) 14,857 4,399 2,387 4,663 932,908 43,673 68,573 Midstream energy services (24,988 ) 9 (2,122 ) (28,484 ) 607,806 — 305,492 Other activities — — — (1,198 ) 417,672 — — Eliminations (c) (13,052 ) 10 — 1,108 (893,632 ) — — Total consolidated $ 609,487 $ 35,283 $ 265 $ 107,991 $ 6,475,390 $ 155,758 $ 374,065 Three Months Ended Regulated utility $ 295,246 $ 27,595 $ — $ 99,289 $ 4,396,009 $ 83,561 $ — Retail energy-marketing 289,395 306 — (567 ) 470,214 430 — Commercial energy systems 15,622 3,481 394 943 723,401 17,022 62,618 Midstream energy services 21,210 35 869 20,839 258,013 — 82,565 Other activities — — — (780 ) 271,329 — — Eliminations (c) (8,089 ) (5 ) — 27 (625,814 ) — — Total consolidated $ 613,384 $ 31,412 $ 1,263 $ 119,751 $ 5,493,152 $ 101,013 $ 145,183 (a) Operating revenues are reported gross of revenue taxes. Revenue taxes of both the regulated utility and the retail energy-marketing segments include gross receipt taxes. Revenue taxes of the regulated utility segment also include public service commission fees, franchise fees and energy taxes. Operating revenue amounts in the “Eliminations” row represent total intersegment revenues associated with sales from the regulated utility segment to the retail energy-marketing segment. Midstream Energy Services’ cost of energy related sales is netted with its gross revenues. (b) Commercial energy systems' operating revenues include revenues from non-controlling interest. Commercial energy systems' EBIT is adjusted for the effects of non-controlling interest. (c) Intersegment eliminations include any mark-to market valuations associated with trading activities between WGL Midstream and WGL Energy Services, intercompany loans and a timing difference between Commercial Energy Systems’ recognition of revenue for the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to Retail Energy-Marketing and Retail Energy-Marketing’s recognition of the associated expense. Retail Energy-Marketing has recorded a portion of the REC’s purchased as inventory to be used in future periods at which time they will be expensed.
Reconciliation from EBIT to net income applicable to common stock	The following table provides a reconciliation from EBIT to net income applicable to common stock. Three Months Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 Total consolidated EBIT $ 107,991 $ 119,751 Interest expense 16,235 12,760 Income tax expense 33,454 38,490 Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock 330 330 Net income applicable to common stock $ 57,972 $ 68,171

Other Investment (Tables)

Other Investment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Investments [Abstract]
Minimum Payments Receivable for Direct Financing Leases	Minimum future lease payments receivable under direct financing lease with SunEdison over the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows: Minimum Payments Receivable for Direct Financing Leases (In millions) Remainder of 2017 $ 1.1 2018 1.4 2019 1.5 2020 1.5 2021 1.5 Thereafter 23.9 Total $ 30.9
Location of Other Investments	The balance sheet location of the investments discussed in this footnote at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 are as follows: WGL Holdings, Inc. Balance Sheet Location of Other Investments Solar Investments Pipelines (in millions) Non-consolidated VIE's Consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Non-consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Total December 31, 2016 Assets Investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 65.8 $ — $ 2.8 $ 91.2 $ 214.3 $ 374.1 Property, plant and equipment — 43.1 10.4 — — 53.5 Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases 26.6 — — — — 26.6 Accounts receivable 0.1 0.3 — — — 0.4 Total assets $ 92.5 $ 43.4 $ 13.2 $ 91.2 $ 214.3 $ 454.6 September 30, 2016 Assets Investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 66.1 $ — $ — $ 80.8 $ 156.6 $ 303.5 Property, plant and equipment — 6.5 — — — 6.5 Construction in progress — 6.7 — — — 6.7 Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases 29.8 — — — — 29.8 Accounts receivable 1.1 — — — 9.2 10.3 Total assets $ 97.0 $ 13.2 $ — $ 80.8 $ 165.8 $ 356.8 The income statement location of the investments discussed in this footnote for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: WGL Holdings, Inc. Income Statement Location of Other Investments Solar Investments Pipelines (In millions) Non-consolidated VIE's Consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Non-consolidated VIE's Non-consolidated Non VIE's Total Three Months Ended Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates $ 0.9 $ — $ 1.5 $ — $ (2.1 ) $ 0.3 Depreciation and amortization 0.1 — — — — 0.1 Other income (expenses) - net 0.6 — — — (0.1 ) 0.5 Non-controlling interest — (2.5 ) — — — (2.5 ) Three Months Ended Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates $ 0.4 $ — $ — $ — $ 0.9 $ 1.3 Depreciation and amortization 0.1 — — — — 0.1 Other income - net 0.9 — — — — 0.9

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	The following table presents the receivables from and payables to associated companies as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 . Washington Gas Receivables From / Payables To Associated Companies (In millions) December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 Receivables from Associated Companies $ 15.5 $ 13.8 Payables to Associated Companies $ 71.9 $ 65.8 Washington Gas - Gas Balancing Service Charges Three Months Ended December 31, (In millions) 2016 2015 Gas balancing service charge $ 6.9 $ 7.1

Pension and Other Post-Retire34

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Income)	The following table shows the components of net periodic benefit costs (income) recognized in our financial statements during the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Income) Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In millions) Pension Benefits Health and Life Benefits Pension Benefits Health and Life Benefits Service cost $ 4.1 $ 1.4 $ 3.5 $ 1.1 Interest cost 9.6 2.9 10.3 3.3 Expected return on plan assets (10.3 ) (5.5 ) (10.2 ) (5.1 ) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 0.1 (4.4 ) 0.1 (4.4 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 5.5 0.2 4.2 0.3 Net periodic benefit cost (income) 9.0 (5.4 ) 7.9 (4.8 ) Amount allocated to construction projects (1.6 ) 1.2 (1.3 ) 1.0 Amount deferred as regulatory asset/liability — net 1.8 (0.1 ) 1.8 (0.1 ) Amount charged (credited) to expense $ 9.2 $ (4.3 ) $ 8.4 $ (3.9 )

Accumulated Other Comprehensi35

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component	The following tables show the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for WGL and Washington Gas by component for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . WGL Holdings, Inc. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (In thousands) Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ (38,539 ) $ (14,236 ) Qualified cash flow hedging instruments (a) 49,455 1,084 Change in prior service credit (b) (217 ) (214 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (b) 588 419 Current-period other comprehensive income 49,826 1,289 Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income 20,413 531 Ending Balance $ (9,126 ) $ (13,478 ) (a) Cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements related to debt issuances. Refer to Note 8- Derivative and Weather-related Instruments for further discussion of the interest rate swap agreements. (b) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14- Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details. Washington Gas Light Company Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (In thousands) Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ (7,830 ) $ (6,712 ) Change in prior service credit (a) (217 ) (214 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (a) 588 419 Current-period other comprehensive income 371 205 Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income 147 81 Ending Balance $ (7,606 ) $ (6,588 ) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14-Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details.

Accounting Policies (Narrative)

Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016subsidiary	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
WGL
Accounting Policies [Table] [Line Items]
Carrying value of reclassified amounts		$ 9.3
Washington Gas Light Company
Accounting Policies [Table] [Line Items]
Carrying value of reclassified amounts		$ 6.8
Washington Gas Resources
Accounting Policies [Table] [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries | subsidiary	4

Accounting Policies (Details)

Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
WGL
Inventory [Line Items]
Lower of cost or market adjustment	$ 0
WGL | Operating revenues - non-utility
Inventory [Line Items]
Lower of cost or market adjustment		$ 1.9
Washington Gas Light Company
Inventory [Line Items]
Lower of cost or market adjustment	$ 0	$ 0

Accounts Payable and Other Ac38

Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accounts payable—trade	$ 397,800	$ 353,000
Employee benefits and payroll accruals	22,200	34,400
Other accrued liabilities	27,500	18,000
Total	447,467	405,351
Washington Gas Light Company
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accounts payable—trade	198,700	161,000
Employee benefits and payroll accruals	21,200	32,200
Other accrued liabilities	13,800	11,800
Total	$ 233,670	$ 204,980

Short-Term Debt (Details)

Short-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Committed Credit
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving credit facility, expires December 19, 2019	[1]	$ 800,000,000	$ 800,000,000
Less: Commercial Paper		593,000,000	269,000,000
Net committed credit available		$ 207,000,000	$ 531,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		0.82%	0.69%
WGL
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding bank loans		$ 0	$ 0
Notes payable and project financing		41,400,000
Reserve for bad debt		0	0
WGL | Committed Credit
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving credit facility, expires December 19, 2019	[1],[2]	450,000,000	450,000,000
Less: Commercial Paper	[2]	374,000,000	227,000,000
Net committed credit available	[2]	$ 76,000,000	$ 223,000,000
Weighted average interest rate	[2]	0.89%	0.73%
Revolving credit facility maximum borrowing capacity		$ 550,000,000
Revolving credit facility additional borrowings		100,000,000
Washington Gas Light Company
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding bank loans		0	$ 0
Unbilled revenues		51,700,000	73,300,000
Notes payable and project financing		37,700,000	62,400,000
Reserve for bad debt		0	0
Washington Gas Light Company | Committed Credit
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving credit facility, expires December 19, 2019	[1]	350,000,000	350,000,000
Less: Commercial Paper		219,000,000	42,000,000
Net committed credit available		$ 131,000,000	$ 308,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		0.69%	0.46%
Revolving credit facility maximum borrowing capacity		$ 450,000,000
Revolving credit facility additional borrowings		$ 100,000,000
WGL Energy Services
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Unbilled revenues			$ 0
Notes payable and project financing			$ 0
[1]	Both WGL and Washington Gas have the right to request extensions with the banks’ approval. WGL’s revolving credit facility permits it to borrow an additional $100 million, with the banks’ approval, for a total of $550 million. Washington Gas’ revolving credit facility permits it to borrow an additional $100 million, with the banks’ approval, for a total of $450 million.
[2]	WGL includes WGL Holdings and all subsidiaries other than Washington Gas.

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total Consolidated Outstanding
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	[1]	$ 1,446,000,000	$ 1,446,000,000
Unamortized discount		(1,700,000)	(1,700,000)
Unamortized debt expense		(9,100,000)	(9,300,000)
Total Long-Term Debt		$ 1,435,200,000	$ 1,435,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		4.25%	4.21%
WGL
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum time before maturity of long-term notes		1 year
Long-term debt	[1],[2]	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Unamortized discount	[2]	(1,600,000)	(1,600,000)
Unamortized debt expense	[2]	(2,300,000)	(2,400,000)
Total Long-Term Debt	[2]	$ 496,100,000	$ 496,000,000
Weighted average interest rate	[2]	2.61%	2.50%
WGL | Issuances
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt		$ 0		$ 0
WGL | Retirements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt		$ 0		0
Washington Gas Light Company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum time before maturity of long-term notes		1 year
Long-term debt	[1]	$ 946,000,000	$ 946,000,000
Unamortized discount		(100,000)	(100,000)
Unamortized debt expense		(6,800,000)	(6,900,000)
Total Long-Term Debt		$ 939,100,000	$ 939,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		5.12%	5.12%
Washington Gas Light Company | Medium-term Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount		$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Washington Gas Light Company | Issuances
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt		0		0
Washington Gas Light Company | Retirements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Long-Term Debt		$ 0		$ 0
[1]	Includes Senior Notes and term loans for WGL and both MTNs and private placement notes for Washington Gas. Represents face value including current maturities.
[2]	WGL includes WGL Holdings and all subsidiaries other than Washington Gas.

Common Shareholders' Equity (De

Common Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		$ 1,375,561
Net income		55,767	$ 68,501
Net Income		330	330
Other comprehensive income (loss)		$ 29,413	$ 758
Stock-based compensation plans (in shares)		273,000	223,000
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		$ 1,439,465
At-the-market
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shares, Issued		0
WGL | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance (in shares)		51,080,612	49,728,662
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		$ 574,496	$ 485,456
Stock-based compensation	[1]	$ 6,564	$ 5,947
Stock-based compensation plans (in shares)	[1]	104,676	103,113
Issuance of common stock	[2]	$ 1,613	$ 83
Issuance of Common Stock (in shares)	[2]	25,680	1,574
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		$ 582,673	$ 491,486
Ending Balance (in shares)		51,210,968	49,833,349
WGL | Paid-In Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		$ 12,519	$ 14,934
Stock-based compensation	[1]	(6,567)	(6,016)
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		5,952	8,918
WGL | Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		827,085	757,093
Net income		57,972	68,171
Stock-based compensation	[1]	(126)	(40)
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		859,966	802,176
Dividends declared:
Common stock		(24,965)	(23,048)
WGL | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		(38,539)	(14,236)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		29,413	758
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		(9,126)	(13,478)
WGL | WGL Holdings Common Shareholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		1,375,561	1,243,247
Net income		57,972	68,171
Other comprehensive income (loss)		29,413	758
Stock-based compensation	[1]	(129)	(109)
Issuance of common stock	[2]	1,613	83
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		1,439,465	1,289,102
Dividends declared:
Common stock		(24,965)	(23,048)
WGL | Non-controlling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		409
Net Income		(2,535)
Contributions from non-controlling interest		7,331
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		5,205
WGL | Washington Gas Light Company Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		28,173	28,173
Net Income		330	330
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		28,173	28,173
Dividends declared:
Preferred stock		(330)	(330)
WGL | Total Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		1,472,843	1,317,275	$ 1,404,143	$ 1,271,420
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		55,767	68,501
Contributions from non-controlling interest		7,331
Other comprehensive income (loss)		29,413	758
Stock-based compensation	[1]	(129)	(109)
Issuance of common stock	[2]	1,613	83
Dividends declared:
Common stock		(24,965)	(23,048)
Preferred stock		(330)	(330)
Washington Gas Light Company
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		1,113,446
Net income		55,461	54,612
Other comprehensive income (loss)		224	$ 124
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		$ 1,147,661
Washington Gas Light Company | Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance (in shares)		46,479,536	46,479,536
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		$ 46,479	$ 46,479
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		$ 46,479	$ 46,479
Ending Balance (in shares)		46,479,536	46,479,536
Washington Gas Light Company | Paid-In Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		$ 488,135	$ 483,677
Stock-based compensation	[3]	(6)	(117)
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		488,129	483,560
Washington Gas Light Company | Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		586,662	557,848
Net income		55,461	54,612
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		620,659	592,197
Dividends declared:
Common stock		(21,134)	(19,933)
Preferred stock		(330)	(330)
Washington Gas Light Company | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		(7,830)	(6,712)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		224	124
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		(7,606)	(6,588)
Washington Gas Light Company | Total
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common shareholders' equity, beginning balance		1,113,446	1,081,292
Net income		55,461	54,612
Other comprehensive income (loss)		224	124
Stock-based compensation	[3]	(6)	(117)
Common shareholders' equity, ending balance		1,147,661	1,115,648
Dividends declared:
Common stock		(21,134)	(19,933)
Preferred stock		$ (330)	$ (330)
[1]	Includes dividend equivalents related to our performance shares.
[2]	Includes dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plans.
[3]	Stock-based compensation is based on the stock awards of WGL that are allocated to Washington Gas Light Company for its pro-rata share.

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income applicable to common stock	$ 57,972	$ 68,171
Basic EPS (in shares)	51,172,000	49,807,000
Stock-based compensation plans (in shares)	273,000	223,000
Diluted EPS (in shares)	51,445,000	50,030,000
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 1.13	$ 1.37
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 1.13	$ 1.36
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	0	76,000

Income Taxes-Balance Sheet (Det

Income Taxes-Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Expense Benefit Details [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 43,100,000	$ 42,300,000
Washington Gas Light Company
Income Tax Expense Benefit Details [Line Items]
Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative and Weather Relate44

Derivative and Weather Related Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Counterparties	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Qualified cash flow hedging instruments	[1]	$ 49,455	$ 1,084
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value		0		$ 6,500
Interest Rate Swap
Asset Optimization [Abstract]
Derivative notional amount		250,000		250,000
Interest Rate Swap | Non Utility
Derivative [Line Items]
Qualified cash flow hedging instruments		6,400
Asset Optimization [Abstract]
Derivative notional amount		250,000
Washington Gas Light Company
Asset Optimization [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on asset optimization transactions, net pretax		24,300	26,800
Unrealized gain (loss) on asset optimization derivative instruments, net pretax		15,400	19,400
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value		$ 0		0
Concentration of Credit Risk
Number of counterparties | Counterparties		2
Percentage of credit exposure		10.00%
Obligation to counterparties		$ 34,000
WGL Energy Services
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value		$ 8,600		5,500
Concentration of Credit Risk
Number of counterparties | Counterparties		3
Percentage of credit exposure		10.00%
Obligation to counterparties		$ 3,900
Gain (losses) on weather related instruments, pretax		(1,500)	$ 6,000
WGL Midstream
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value		$ 0		$ 0
Concentration of Credit Risk
Number of counterparties | Counterparties		1
Percentage of credit exposure		10.00%
Obligation to counterparties		$ 20,200
[1]	Cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements related to debt issuances. Refer to Note 8- Derivative and Weather-related Instruments for further discussion of the interest rate swap agreements.

Derivative and Weather Relate45

Derivative and Weather Related Instruments (Details) kWh in Millions, MMBTU in Millions, $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)kWhMMBTU	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)kWhMMBTU
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Netting of Collateral		$ 13.5	$ 24.2
Total	[1]	(223.4)	(313)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets		83.6	104.3
Gross Derivative Liabilities		(326.9)	(398.6)
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets		11.9	0.2
Gross Derivative Liabilities		(5.5)	(43.1)
Current Assets-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Netting of Collateral		(0.1)
Total	[1]	20.7	18.5
Current Assets-Derivatives | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets		30.5	24
Gross Derivative Liabilities		(9.7)	(5.5)
Deferred Charges and Other Assets-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Total	[1]	46.7	55
Deferred Charges and Other Assets-Derivatives | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets		40.9	55.6
Gross Derivative Liabilities		(0.6)	(0.6)
Deferred Charges and Other Assets-Derivatives | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets		11.9
Gross Derivative Liabilities		(5.5)
Current Liabilities-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Netting of Collateral		8.2	12.6
Total	[1]	(66.8)	(82.3)
Current Liabilities-Derivatives | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets		10.9	18.3
Gross Derivative Liabilities		(85.9)	(113.2)
Deferred Credits-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Netting of Collateral		5.4	11.6
Total	[1]	(224)	(304.2)
Deferred Credits-Derivatives | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets		1.3	6.4
Gross Derivative Liabilities		$ (230.7)	(279.3)
Deferred Credits-Derivatives | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets			0.2
Gross Derivative Liabilities			$ (43.1)
Asset Optimization
Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments
Natural gas notional amounts (in mmbtu) | MMBTU		2,108,870,000	2,108,450,000
Retail sales
Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments
Natural gas notional amounts (in mmbtu) | MMBTU		3,240,000	5,020,000
Electricity notional amounts (in kWhs) | kWh		5,342.6	4,377.5
Other risk-management activities
Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments
Natural gas notional amounts (in mmbtu) | MMBTU		178,210,000	178,900,000
Electricity notional amounts (in kWhs) | kWh	[2]	18,244	21,070.4
Interest Rate Swap
Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments
Derivative notional amount		$ 250	$ 250
Washington Gas Light Company
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets	[3]	31.4	39.8
Gross Derivative Liabilities	[3]	(250.1)	(297.2)
Netting of Collateral	[3]	0.3
Total	[1],[3]	(218.4)	(257.4)
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash		6.3	4.3
Obligation to return cash		1.5	0.1
Washington Gas Light Company | Current Assets-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets	[3]	12.2	11.7
Gross Derivative Liabilities	[3]	(3.7)	(4.4)
Netting of Collateral	[3]	(0.1)
Total	[1],[3]	8.4	7.3
Washington Gas Light Company | Deferred Charges and Other Assets-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets	[3]	18.8	26.2
Gross Derivative Liabilities	[3]		(0.6)
Total	[1],[3]	18.8	25.6
Washington Gas Light Company | Current Liabilities-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Assets	[3]	0.4	1.9
Gross Derivative Liabilities	[3]	(52)	(60.2)
Netting of Collateral	[3]	0.3
Total	[1],[3]	(51.3)	(58.3)
Washington Gas Light Company | Deferred Credits-Derivatives
Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Instruments
Gross Derivative Liabilities	[3]	(194.4)	(232)
Netting of Collateral	[3]	0.1
Total	[1],[3]	$ (194.3)	$ (232)
Washington Gas Light Company | Asset Optimization
Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments
Natural gas notional amounts (in mmbtu) | MMBTU		1,245,100,000	1,272,500,000
Washington Gas Light Company | Other risk-management activities
Absolute Notional Amounts of Open Positions on Derivative Instruments
Natural gas notional amounts (in mmbtu) | MMBTU		129,800,000	130,900,000
WGL Energy Services
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash		$ 15.1	$ 9.1
WGL Midstream
Derivative, Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash		22.9	18.5
Obligation to return cash		$ 1.2	$ 5.4
[1]	WGL has elected to offset the fair value of recognized derivative instruments against the right to reclaim or the obligation to return collateral for derivative instruments executed under the same master netting arrangement in accordance with ASC 815. All recognized derivative contracts and associated financial collateral subject to a master netting arrangement or similar that is eligible for offset under ASC 815 have been presented net in the balance sheet.
[2]	Comprised primarily of financial swaps, financial transmission rights and physical forward purchases
[3]	Washington Gas did not have any derivative instruments outstanding that were designated as hedging instruments at December 31, 2016 or September 30, 2016.

Derivative and Weather Relate46

Derivative and Weather Related Instruments (Gains and Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Qualified cash flow hedging instruments	[1]	$ 49,455	$ 1,084
Total Gains (losses) on derivative instruments		78,300	90,500
Operating revenues—non-utility
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Recorded to income		(36,700)	25,700
Utility cost of gas
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Recorded to income		14,700	21,400
Non-utility cost of energy-related sales
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Recorded to income		31,300	7,500
Interest expense
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Recorded to income		(100)
Gas costs
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Recorded to regulatory assets		19,600	34,800
Recorded to other comprehensive income
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Qualified cash flow hedging instruments	[2]	49,500	1,100
Washington Gas Light Company
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Total Gains (losses) on derivative instruments		34,300	56,200
Washington Gas Light Company | Utility cost of gas
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Recorded to income		14,700	21,400
Washington Gas Light Company | Gas costs
Gains and (Losses) on Derivative Instruments
Recorded to regulatory assets		$ 19,600	$ 34,800
[1]	Cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements related to debt issuances. Refer to Note 8- Derivative and Weather-related Instruments for further discussion of the interest rate swap agreements.
[2]	Represents the effective portion of our cash flow hedges.

Derivative and Weather Relate47

Derivative and Weather Related Instruments (Aggregate Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Potential Collateral Requirements for Derivative Liabilities with Credit-risk-Contingent Features
Derivative liabilities with credit-risk-contingent features	$ 27.8	$ 53.9
Maximum potential collateral requirements	17.4	41.4
Washington Gas Light Company
Potential Collateral Requirements for Derivative Liabilities with Credit-risk-Contingent Features
Derivative liabilities with credit-risk-contingent features	12.2	11.3
Maximum potential collateral requirements	$ 12	$ 11.3

Fair Value Measurements (Fair V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	$ 95.5	$ 104.5
Liabilities	(332.4)	(441.7)
Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	69.9	82.8
Liabilities	(302.8)	(364.9)
Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	13.7	21.5
Liabilities	(24.1)	(33.7)
Interest Rate derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	11.9	0.2
Liabilities	(5.5)	(43.1)
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	42	29.6
Liabilities	(42)	(93.6)
Level 2 | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	29.5	28.8
Liabilities	(33.8)	(46.7)
Level 2 | Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	0.6	0.6
Liabilities	(2.7)	(3.8)
Level 2 | Interest Rate derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	11.9	0.2
Liabilities	(5.5)	(43.1)
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	53.5	74.9
Liabilities	(290.4)	(348.1)
Level 3 | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	40.4	54
Liabilities	(269)	(318.2)
Level 3 | Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	13.1	20.9
Liabilities	(21.4)	(29.9)
Washington Gas Light Company
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	31.4	39.8
Liabilities	(250.1)	(297.2)
Washington Gas Light Company | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	31.4	39.8
Liabilities	(250.1)	(297.2)
Washington Gas Light Company | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	11	15.4
Liabilities	(20.9)	(21.2)
Washington Gas Light Company | Level 2 | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	11	15.4
Liabilities	(20.9)	(21.2)
Washington Gas Light Company | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	20.4	24.4
Liabilities	(229.2)	(276)
Washington Gas Light Company | Level 3 | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]
Assets	20.4	24.4
Liabilities	$ (229.2)	$ (276)

Fair Value Measurements (Quanti

Fair Value Measurements (Quantitative information) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / MwH$ / dekatherm	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / MwH$ / dekatherm	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net Fair Value | $	$ (236.9)	$ (273.2)	$ (268)	$ (325.7)
Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net Fair Value | $	$ (228.6)	$ (264.1)	(243.6)	(309.7)
Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Discounted Cash Flow | Maximum | Natural Gas Basis Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour)	5.270	3.290
Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Discounted Cash Flow | Minimum | Natural Gas Basis Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour)	(1.723)	(2.021)
Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Option Model
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net Fair Value | $		$ (0.1)
Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Option Model | Maximum | Natural Gas Basis Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour)	2.903	3.310
Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Option Model | Maximum | Annualized Volatility Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Option Volatility Percentage	869.90%	869.90%
Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Option Model | Minimum | Natural Gas Basis Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour)	(1.605)	(2.105)
Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Option Model | Minimum | Annualized Volatility Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Option Volatility Percentage	25.50%	25.50%
Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net Fair Value | $	$ (8.3)	$ (9.1)	(24.4)	(16)
Electricity Related Derivatives | Discounted Cash Flow | Maximum | Electricity Congestion Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour) | $ / MwH	66.30	68.70
Electricity Related Derivatives | Discounted Cash Flow | Minimum | Electricity Congestion Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour) | $ / MwH	(6.20)	(6.20)
Washington Gas Light Company | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net Fair Value | $	$ (208.8)	$ (251.6)	$ (222.1)	$ (281.1)
Washington Gas Light Company | Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Discounted Cash Flow | Maximum | Natural Gas Basis Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour)	5.270	3.290
Washington Gas Light Company | Natural Gas Related Derivatives | Discounted Cash Flow | Minimum | Natural Gas Basis Price
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Input price (usd per dekatherm/megawatt hour)	(1.400)	(2.021)

Fair Value Measurements (Reconc

Fair Value Measurements (Reconciliation with Level 3 Inputs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ (273.2)	$ (325.7)
Recorded to income	6.7	0.5
Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs	22	29.6
Transfers into Level 3	(0.2)	(0.9)
Transfers out of Level 3		8.9
Purchases	(2.8)	6.4
Settlements	10.6	13.2
Ending balance	(236.9)	(268)
Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(264.1)	(309.7)
Recorded to income	10.3	22.8
Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs	22	29.6
Transfers into Level 3	(0.2)	(0.9)
Transfers out of Level 3		8.9
Settlements	3.4	5.7
Ending balance	(228.6)	(243.6)
Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(9.1)	(16)
Recorded to income	(3.6)	(22.3)
Purchases	(2.8)	6.4
Settlements	7.2	7.5
Ending balance	(8.3)	(24.4)
Washington Gas Light Company | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(251.6)	(281.1)
Recorded to income	17	17
Recorded to regulatory assets—gas costs	22	29.6
Transfers into Level 3	0.2	(0.2)
Transfers out of Level 3		8.8
Settlements	3.6	3.8
Ending balance	$ (208.8)	$ (222.1)

Fair Value Measurements (Realiz

Fair Value Measurements (Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses with Level 3 Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	$ 6.7	$ 0.5
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Total	31.3	41.2
Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	10.3	22.8
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Total	25.5	49.8
Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	(3.6)	(22.3)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Total	5.8	(8.6)
Operating revenues—non-utility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	(21)	(2.7)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	(15.6)	6.3
Operating revenues—non-utility | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	(10.3)	9.5
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	(9.7)	11.3
Operating revenues—non-utility | Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	(10.7)	(12.2)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	(5.9)	(5)
Utility cost of gas
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	17	17
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	15.6	15.9
Utility cost of gas | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	17	17
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	15.6	15.9
Non-utility cost of energy-related sales
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	10.7	(13.8)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	11.6	(8)
Non-utility cost of energy-related sales | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	3.6	(3.7)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	(0.1)	(4.4)
Non-utility cost of energy-related sales | Electricity Related Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	7.1	(10.1)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	11.7	(3.6)
Recorded to regulatory assets-gas costs
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to regulatory assets - gas costs	19.7	27
Recorded to regulatory assets-gas costs | Natural Gas Related Derivatives
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to regulatory assets - gas costs	19.7	27
Washington Gas Light Company
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	17	17
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Total	35.3	42.9
Washington Gas Light Company | Utility cost of gas
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) recorded to income for Level 3 measurements	17	17
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to income	15.6	15.9
Washington Gas Light Company | Recorded to regulatory assets-gas costs
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Recorded for Level 3 Measurements
Recorded to regulatory assets - gas costs	$ 19.7	$ 27

Fair Value Measurements (Carryi

Fair Value Measurements (Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	[1]	$ 13.3	$ 10.6
Other Short-term Investments	[1]	0.2	1.4
Commercial Paper	[2]	593	269
Project financing	[2]	41.4	62.4
Long-term debt	[3]	1,435.2	1,435
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	[1]	13.3	10.6
Other Short-term Investments	[1]	0.2	1.4
Commercial Paper	[2]	593	269
Project financing	[2]	41.4	62.4
Long-term debt	[3]	1,540.6	1,641.9
Washington Gas Light Company | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	[1]	5.2	5
Other Short-term Investments	[1]	0.2	1.4
Commercial Paper	[2]	219	42
Project financing	[2]	37.7	62.4
Long-term debt	[3]	939.1	939
Washington Gas Light Company | Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Money Market Funds	[1]	5.2	5
Other Short-term Investments	[1]	0.2	1.4
Commercial Paper	[2]	219	42
Project financing	[2]	37.7	62.4
Long-term debt	[3]	$ 1,042.6	$ 1,126.4
[1]	Balance is located in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying balance sheets. These amounts may be offset by outstanding checks.
[2]	Balance is located in notes payable in the accompanying balance sheets.
[3]	current maturities

Operating Segment (Narrative) (

Operating Segment (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4

Operating Segment Financial Inf

Operating Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Segment Financial Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenue, Regulated Utility		$ 327,063		$ 288,153
Operating Revenue, Non-Utility		282,424		325,231
Operating Revenues	[1]	609,487		613,384
Depreciation and Amortization		35,283		31,412
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		265		1,263
EBIT		107,991		119,751
Total Assets		6,475,390		5,493,152	$ 6,049,450
Capital Expenditures		155,758		101,013
Equity Method Investments		374,065		145,183
Other activities
Operating Segment Financial Information [Line Items]
EBIT		(1,198)		(780)
Total Assets		417,672		271,329
Eliminations
Operating Segment Financial Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenue, Non-Utility	[1],[2]	(13,052)		(8,089)
Depreciation and Amortization	[2]	10		(5)
EBIT	[2]	1,108		27
Total Assets	[2]	(893,632)		(625,814)
Regulated utility | Operating Segments
Operating Segment Financial Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenue, Regulated Utility	[1]	333,986		295,246
Depreciation and Amortization		30,560		27,595
EBIT		102,717		99,289
Total Assets		4,891,722		4,396,009
Capital Expenditures		111,681		83,561
Retail energy-marketing | Operating Segments
Operating Segment Financial Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenue, Non-Utility	[1]	298,684		289,395
Depreciation and Amortization		305		306
EBIT		29,185		(567)
Total Assets		518,914		470,214
Capital Expenditures		404		430
Commercial energy systems | Operating Segments
Operating Segment Financial Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenue, Non-Utility	[1]	14,857	[3]	15,622
Depreciation and Amortization		4,399	[3]	3,481
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		2,387	[3]	394
EBIT		4,663	[3]	943
Total Assets		932,908	[3]	723,401
Capital Expenditures		43,673	[3]	17,022
Equity Method Investments		68,573	[3]	62,618
Midstream energy services | Operating Segments
Operating Segment Financial Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenue, Non-Utility	[1]	(24,988)		21,210
Depreciation and Amortization		9		35
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		(2,122)		869
EBIT		(28,484)		20,839
Total Assets		607,806		258,013
Capital Expenditures				0
Equity Method Investments		$ 305,492		$ 82,565
[1]	Operating revenues are reported gross of revenue taxes. Revenue taxes of both the regulated utility and the retail energy-marketing segments include gross receipt taxes. Revenue taxes of the regulated utility segment also include public service commission fees, franchise fees and energy taxes. Operating revenue amounts in the “Eliminations” row represent total intersegment revenues associated with sales from the regulated utility segment to the retail energy-marketing segment. Midstream Energy Services’ cost of energy related sales is netted with its gross revenues.
[2]	Intersegment eliminations include any mark-to market valuations associated with trading activities between WGL Midstream and WGL Energy Services, intercompany loans and a timing difference between Commercial Energy Systems’ recognition of revenue for the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to Retail Energy-Marketing and Retail Energy-Marketing’s recognition of the associated expense. Retail Energy-Marketing has recorded a portion of the REC’s purchased as inventory to be used in future periods at which time they will be expensed.
[3]	Commercial energy systems' operating revenues include revenues from non-controlling interest. Commercial energy systems' EBIT is adjusted for the effects of non-controlling interest.

Operating Segment - Reconcilati

Operating Segment - Reconcilation from EBIT to Net Income Applicable to Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total consolidated EBIT	$ 107,991	$ 119,751
Interest expense	16,235	12,760
Income tax expense	33,454	38,490
Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock	330	330
Net Income applicable to common stock	$ 57,972	$ 68,171

Other Investments (Narrative) (

Other Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, MMBTU in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)BcfeMMBTUinvestmentmi	Oct. 24, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Number of investments qualifying as variable interest entities | investment	5
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 374,065		$ 303,491
Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases	26,560		29,780
Property, plant and equipment	$ 5,664,221		5,542,916
VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Number of investments qualifying as variable interest entities | investment	3
WGL Midstream | Meade
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Pipeline length in miles | mi	185
Transportation and delivery capacity in dekatherms per day | MMBTU	1.7
Estimated Investment in Meade	$ 410,000
Ownership percentage	55.00%
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 91,200		80,800
WGL Midstream | Constitution
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	10.00%
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 38,300		38,600
Estimated investment In Constitution	$ 95,500
WGL Midstream | Mountain Valley Pipeline
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Transportation and delivery capacity in dekatherms per day | MMBTU	2
Ownership percentage	10.00%	3.00%		7.00%
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 37,300		22,500
Difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	500
WGL Midstream | Mountain Valley Pipeline | Scenario, Plan
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Pro rata share of project cost	$ 327,600
WGL Midstream | Stonewall
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	30.00%
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 138,700		95,500
Difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	9,100
Investment in Stonewall System	$ 89,400
Pipeline gathering capacity | Bcfe	1.4
WGL Midstream | Stonewall | Capital contribution-project debt retirement
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Investment in Stonewall System	$ 45,500
WGSW | SunEdison
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases	26,700
Current investment recorded in accounts receivable	100
Unamortized investment tax credits	9,600
Residual value	7,100
Tax related items	2,700
Unearned income	14,000
WGSW | Nextility
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases	5,400
Unamortized investment tax credits	3,500
Property, plant and equipment	4,000
Accounts receivable	1,400
WGSW | ASD
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	65,800		$ 66,100
Difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	35,800
WGSW | SFGF
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Contributions to tax equity partnership	12,000
Interest in tax equity partnership	15,100
WGSW | SFRC
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Contributions to tax equity partnership	2,500
WGSW | SFEE
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	2,800
Contributions to tax equity partnership	1,300
WGL | SFEE
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Financial guarantees	$ 13,000

Other Investments Financing Lea

Other Investments Financing Leases Table (Details) - SunEdison - WGSW $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Minimum Payments Receivable for Direct Financing Leases
Remainder of 2017	$ 1.1
2,018	1.4
2,019	1.5
2,020	1.5
2,021	1.5
Thereafter	23.9
Total	$ 30.9

Other Investments Balance Sheet

Other Investments Balance Sheet Location Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 374,065	$ 303,491
Property, plant and equipment	5,664,221	5,542,916
Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases	26,560	29,780
Non-consolidated VIE's | Solar Investments
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	65,800	66,100
Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases	26,600	29,800
Accounts receivable	100	1,100
Total assets	92,500	97,000
Non-consolidated VIE's | Pipelines
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	91,200	80,800
Total assets	91,200	80,800
Consolidated VIE's | Solar Investments
Assets [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	43,100	6,500
Construction in progress		6,700
Accounts receivable	300
Total assets	43,400	13,200
Non consolidated non VIE's | Solar Investments
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	2,800
Property, plant and equipment	10,400
Total assets	13,200
Non consolidated non VIE's | Pipelines
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	214,300	156,600
Accounts receivable		9,200
Total assets	214,300	165,800
Total
Assets [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	374,100	303,500
Property, plant and equipment	53,500	6,500
Construction in progress		6,700
Investments in direct financing leases, capital leases	26,600	29,800
Accounts receivable	400	10,300
Total assets	$ 454,600	$ 356,800

Other Investments Income Statem

Other Investments Income Statement Location Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	$ 265	$ 1,263
Operation and maintenance	100,717	95,419
Other income (expenses)-net	478	979
Net income	55,767	68,501
Non-consolidated VIE's | Solar Investments
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	900	400
Depreciation and amortization	100	100
Other income (expenses)-net	600	900
Consolidated VIE's | Solar Investments
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Non-controlling interest	(2,500)
Non consolidated non VIE's | Solar Investments
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	1,500
Non consolidated non VIE's | Pipelines
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(2,100)	900
Other income (expenses)-net	(100)
Total
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	300	1,300
Depreciation and amortization	100	100
Other income (expenses)-net	500	$ 900
Non-controlling interest	$ (2,500)

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Washington Gas Light Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables from associated companies	$ 15,500		$ 13,800
Payables to associated companies	71,900		65,800
WGL Energy Services | Washington Gas Light Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable, related parties	1,600		800
Washington Gas Light Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables from associated companies	15,510		13,799
Payables to associated companies	71,917		65,770
Washington Gas Light Company | WGL Energy Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gas balancing service charge	6,900	$ 7,100
Receivables purchased from related party	$ 6,100		$ 4,200

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 26, 2016	Aug. 11, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 05, 2014
Silver Spring Maryland Incident
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 5
Washington Gas Light Company | Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Excess payment amount				$ 2.4		$ 2.4
Estimated reimbursement to competitive service providers					$ 2.4
Regulatory proceeding payment			$ 2.4
WGL | Washington Gas Light Company | Guarantee on behalf of subsidiary
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantees		$ 30.7
WGL | WGL Energy Services | Guarantee on behalf of subsidiary
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantees		269.9
WGL | WGL Energy Systems | Guarantee on behalf of subsidiary
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantees		74.9
WGL | WGL Midstream | Guarantee on behalf of subsidiary
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantees		356.8
WGL | Other Non-Utility | Guarantee on behalf of subsidiary
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantees		2.1
WGL | Other External Partners | Performance guarantee
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Financial guarantees		15.7
WGL Midstream
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Losses associated with contract dispute		$ 22

Pension and Other Post-Retire62

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period regulatory assets liabilities-net	5 years	5 years
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 4.1	$ 3.5
Interest cost	9.6	10.3
Expected return on plan assets	(10.3)	(10.2)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0.1	0.1
Amortization of net actuarial loss	5.5	4.2
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	9	7.9
Amount allocated to construction projects	(1.6)	(1.3)
Amortization of regulatory asset (liability)-net	1.8	1.8
Amount charged (credited) to expense	9.2	8.4
Health and Life Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1.4	1.1
Interest cost	2.9	3.3
Expected return on plan assets	(5.5)	(5.1)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(4.4)	(4.4)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0.2	0.3
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(5.4)	(4.8)
Amount allocated to construction projects	1.2	1
Amortization of regulatory asset (liability)-net	(0.1)	(0.1)
Amount charged (credited) to expense	$ (4.3)	$ (3.9)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi63

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
AOCI, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ (38,539)	$ (14,236)
Qualified cash flow hedging instruments	[1]	49,455	1,084
Amortization of net prior service credit	[2]	(217)	(214)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	[2]	588	419
Current-period other comprehensive income		49,826	1,289
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income		20,413	531
Ending Balance		(9,126)	(13,478)
Washington Gas Light Company
AOCI, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		(7,830)	(6,712)
Amortization of net prior service credit	[3]	(217)	(214)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	[3]	588	419
Current-period other comprehensive income		371	205
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income		147	81
Ending Balance		$ (7,606)	$ (6,588)
[1]	Cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements related to debt issuances. Refer to Note 8- Derivative and Weather-related Instruments for further discussion of the interest rate swap agreements.
[2]	These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14- Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details.
[3]	These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14-Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for additional details.

Subsequent Events - (Details)

Subsequent Events - (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		Jan. 25, 2018	Jan. 26, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition Agreement				Jan. 25, 2017
Cash to be paid by acquirer				$ 6,400
Share Price | $ / shares				$ 88.25
Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Merger agreement extension period		180
Termination right, Circumstance 1
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Merger agreement, termination fee				$ 205
Termination right, Circumstance 2
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Merger agreement, termination fee				182
Termination right, Circumstance 3
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Merger agreement, termination fee				$ 68
Subscription agreement | Non-voting preferred stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Share Price | $ / shares				$ 10,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued | shares				15,000
Maximum allowable shares purchased per quarter | shares				5,000
Allowable shares purchased after termination or Outside Date expiration | shares				0
Redemption period after termination or Outside Date expiration				6 months
Subscription agreement | Non-voting preferred stock | Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Ratio Of Indebtedness To Net Capital Percentage					62.00%
Subscription agreement | Non-voting preferred stock | Scenario, Forecast | Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Ratio Of Indebtedness To Net Capital Percentage					62.00%
WGL
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal	[1],[2]			$ 500		$ 500
Credit agreement, term				1 year
WGL | Termination right
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Merger agreement, termination fee				$ 136
Credit Agreement | WGL
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal			$ 50
Credit agreement, term			2 years
Credit Agreement | WGL | Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Ratio Of Indebtedness To Net Capital Percentage			65.00%
Credit Agreement | WGL | Extension option
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit agreement, term			1 year
[1]	Includes Senior Notes and term loans for WGL and both MTNs and private placement notes for Washington Gas. Represents face value including current maturities.
[2]	WGL includes WGL Holdings and all subsidiaries other than Washington Gas.