Connecticut Water Service (CTWS) 10-Q 8 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Entities [Table]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CONNECTICUT WATER SERVICE INC / CT	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000276209	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	11,080,435

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Utility Plant	$642,703	$639,704
Construction Work in Progress	13,947	12,066
Gross Utility Plant	656,650	651,770
Accumulated Provision for Depreciation	-182,947	-179,894
Net Utility Plant	473,703	471,876
Other Property and Investments	7,626	7,388
Cash and Cash Equivalents	15,275	18,371
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance, 2014 - $1,087; 2013 - $1,127)	11,375	12,340
Accrued Unbilled Revenues	7,083	7,624
Materials and Supplies	1,598	1,633
Prepayments and Other Current Assets	8,460	6,928
Total Current Assets	43,791	46,896
Restricted Cash	4,613	5,777
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	6,704	6,841
Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset	48,757	47,135
Pension Benefits - Regulatory Asset	2,835	3,085
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension - Regulatory Asset	1,361	1,288
Goodwill	31,685	31,685
Deferred Charges and Other Costs	8,929	8,840
Total Regulatory and Other Long-Term Assets	104,884	104,651
Total Assets	630,004	630,811
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	'	'
Common Stock Without Par Value: Authorized - 25,000,000 Shares - Issued and Outstanding: 2014 - 11,078,336; 2013 - 11,038,232	139,176	138,591
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	59,519	59,277
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-57	-115
Common Stockholders' Equity	198,638	197,753
Preferred Stock	772	772
Long-Term Debt	174,400	175,042
Total Capitalization	373,810	373,567
Debt, Current	4,131	4,121
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	6,494	10,846
Accrued Interest	1,449	753
Customer Refund Liability, Current	6,199	4,650
Other Current Liabilities	2,261	2,359
Total Current Liabilities	20,534	22,729
Advances for Construction	28,508	28,718
Contributions in Aid of Construction	81,196	80,772
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes	47,714	47,470
Unfunded Future Income Taxes	48,345	46,723
Long-Term Compensation Arrangements	21,287	20,651
Unamortized Investment Tax Credits	1,395	1,414
Refund to Customers - Regulatory Liability	6,199	7,749
Other Long-Term Liabilities	1,016	1,018
Total Long-Term Liabilities	154,464	153,743
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$630,004	$630,811

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Issued	11,078,336	11,038,232
Outstanding	11,078,336	11,038,232
ASSETS	'	'
Allowance	$1,087	$1,127
Capitalization, Long-term Debt and Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Common Stock, No Par Value	$0	$0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Operating Revenues	$20,260	$19,729
Operating Expenses	'	'
Operation and Maintenance	10,667	10,378
Depreciation	2,808	2,704
Income Taxes	494	1,128
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	2,387	2,160
Total Operating Expenses	16,356	16,370
Net Operating Revenues	3,904	3,359
Other Utility Income, Net of Taxes	185	206
Total Utility Operating Income	4,089	3,565
Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes	'	'
Non-Water Sales Earnings	433	386
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	98	54
Other	18	-61
Total Other Income, Net of Taxes	549	379
Interest and Debt Expense	'	'
Interest on Long-Term Debt	1,751	1,787
Other Interest Charges	-158	-543
Amortization of Debt Expense	59	87
Total Interest and Debt Expense	1,652	1,331
Net Income	2,986	2,613
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement	9	9
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock	$2,977	$2,604
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	10,869	10,803
Diluted (in shares)	11,061	10,965
Earnings Per Common Share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.27	$0.24
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.27	$0.24
Dividends Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.25	$0.24

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net Income	$2,986	$2,613
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	'	'
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(13) in 2014 and $17 in 2013	61	-25
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $2 in 2014 and $(32) in 2013	-3	48
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	58	23
Comprehensive Income	$3,044	$2,636

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	'	'
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instrument Expense, net of tax benefitof	$0	$0
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Plans, net of tax (expense) benefit of	-13	17
Unrealized Investment loss, net of tax expense of	$2	($32)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_RET

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Balance at Beginning of Period	$59,277	$51,804
Net Income	2,986	2,613
Retained Earnings before Dividends	62,263	54,417
Dividends Declared:	'	'
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share	9	9
Common Stock - 2014 $0.2475 per share; 2013 $0.2425 per share	2,735	2,652
Total Dividends Declared	2,744	2,661
Balance at End of Period	59,519	51,756
Series A Voting	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share	3	3
Cumulative Preferred Stock	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share	$6	$6

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_RET1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Dividends Declared:	'	'
Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$0.25	$0.24
Cumulative Preferred Stock	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.23
Series A Voting	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Activities:	'	'
Net Income	$2,986	$2,613
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:	'	'
Deferred Revenues	-47	60
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits, Net	226	1,504
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	-98	-54
Depreciation (including $291 and $296 in 2014 and 2013 charged to other accounts)	3,099	3,000
Change in Assets and Liabilities:	'	'
Decrease in Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues	1,506	608
Increase in Prepayments and Other Current Assets	-1,498	-1,465
Decrease in Other Non-Current Items	715	4
Decrease in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	-1,933	-1,684
Total Adjustments	1,970	1,973
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities	4,956	4,586
Investing Activities:	'	'
Net Additions to Utility Plant Used in Continuing Operations	-6,402	-5,447
Release of restricted cash	1,165	0
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Used in Investing Activities	-5,237	-5,447
Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from Interim Bank Loans	0	1,041
Repayment of Interim Bank Loans	0	-1,660
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	419	393
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0	14,550
Repayment of Long-Term Debt Including Current Portion	-554	-14,776
Advances from Others for Construction	64	-100
Cash Dividends Paid	-2,744	-2,661
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities	-2,815	-3,213
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-3,096	-4,074
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	18,371	13,150
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	15,275	9,076
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:	'	'
Non-Cash Contributed Utility Plant	247	332
Short-term Investment of Bond Proceeds Held in Restricted Cash	4,613	9,821
Cash Paid for:	'	'
Interest	969	749
State and Federal Income Taxes	$75	$1,450

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:	'	'
Depreciation charged to other accounts	$291	$296

Basis_of_Preparation_of_Financ

Basis of Preparation of Financials	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	1	Basis of Preparation of Financials
	The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for interim periods.  The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries are: The Connecticut Water Company (“Connecticut Water”) and The Maine Water Company (“Maine Water”). The Biddeford & Saco Water Company ("BSWC") was merged with and into Maine Water, with Maine Water remaining as the surviving entity, effective January 1, 2014. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.  It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the "10-K").
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2013 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to conform previously reported data to the current presentation.
	The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year since the consolidated earnings are subject to seasonal factors.
	Regulatory Matters
	The rates we charge our Connecticut water customers are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority ("PURA").  It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of return.  Connecticut Water’s allowed return on equity and return on rate base, effective as of July 14, 2010 are 9.75% and 7.32%, respectively.
	On January 25, 2013, Connecticut Water filed a Water Infrastructure Conservation Adjustment ("WICA") application with the PURA requesting an additional 1.08% surcharge to customer bills related to approximately $6.5 million spending on WICA projects. This application also reduced the surcharge by 0.09% for the prior year reconciliation adjustment which expired April 1, 2013.  On January 30, 2013, Connecticut Water filed for a 0.10% reconciliation adjustment for the 2012 shortfall in WICA, to become effective April 1, 2013.  On March 25, 2013, the PURA approved an additional 1.06% surcharge, effective April 1, 2013. Additionally, on March 27, 2013, the PURA approved a 0.10% reconciliation adjustment, effective April 1, 2013. As of April 1, 2013, Connecticut Water's cumulative WICA surcharge was 6.80%.
	On July 25, 2013, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting an additional 1.09% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $5.6 million in WICA related projects. On September 18, 2013 the PURA approved the 1.09% surcharge with the new rates becoming effective on October 1, 2013. As of October 1, 2013, the cumulative WICA surcharge was 7.89%.
	On June 5, 2013, the Connecticut's General Assembly passed Public Act 13-78, "An Act Concerning Water Infrastructure and Conservation, Municipal Reporting Requirements and Unpaid Utility Accounts at Multi-Family Dwellings" ("PA 13-78"), which authorized a Water Revenue Adjustment ("WRA") to reconcile actual water demands with the demands projected in the last general rate case and allows companies to adjust rates as necessary to recover the revenues approved by PURA in the last general rate case. The WRA allows water companies to defer on the balance sheet, as a regulatory asset or liability, for later collection from or crediting to customers the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in the most recent general rate proceedings, including WICA proceedings. Additionally, PA 13-78 raised the cap for WICA charges to 10%, from 7.5%, between general rate cases and expands the eligible projects to include energy conservation projects, improvements required to comply with streamflow regulations, and improvements to acquired systems.
	On June 28, 2013, Connecticut Water entered into a settlement agreement with the Office of the Consumer Counsel of the State of Connecticut and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut (the "Settlement Agreement"), whereby Connecticut Water would adjust the water rates charged to its customers effective April 1, 2014 in accordance with the elements of the Settlement Agreement (the "Connecticut Water Rate Reduction Plan"). On July 1, 2013, Connecticut Water submitted an application to the PURA seeking formal approval of the Settlement Agreement.
	The Settlement Agreement contemplates that Connecticut Water would adopt regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that allows the Company to adopt an alternative method for determining how expenditures related to tangible property can be treated for federal tax purposes for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2012.  This tax accounting method change treats certain expenditures that the Company historically capitalized for tax purposes, as a deductible repair expense on its tax return.  The adoption of the tax accounting method change allows Connecticut Water to record a favorable “catch up adjustment” on the Company's consolidated 2012 federal tax return which was filed in September 2013. The Company filed for a tax refund of approximately $13.6 million by carrying back the net operating loss generated from this adjustment.
	The Settlement Agreement includes, as a result of negotiated compromise of the parties' respective positions, the following key elements related to the Connecticut Water Rate Reduction Plan:
	1)    Connecticut Water crediting its water customers with the amount of the catch up adjustment plus the amount by which 2012 federal income taxes are reduced by the repair deduction (the deduction amount filed on the Company's 2012 federal tax return was approximately $45 million) that would be offset in whole or in part by an anticipated rate increase arising from the WRA authorized by the State of Connecticut in Public Act No. 13-78 with any associated net change in rates reflected on Connecticut Water customers' bills as of April 1, 2014;
	2)    Resetting Connecticut Water's adjustment under Connecticut's WICA mechanism to zero by integrating the present WICA surcharge of 7.89% into Connecticut Water's base rates; and
	3)    Connecticut Water agreeing not to file for a general rate increase (except under extraordinary circumstances outside Connecticut Water's control) for new rates to be effective any sooner than October 1, 2015.
	In the Settlement Agreement, the parties also requested that PURA approve an accounting treatment for Connecticut Water to: 1) allow for the deferral of the tax refund described above and a credit of the tax benefit to customers over a proposed two-year period through a credit on water bills issued which started on April 1, 2014 and 2) as discussed above, use the WRA to defer on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset or liability, for later collection from or crediting to customers of the amount by which actual revenues deviate from the revenues allowed in Connecticut Water's most recent general rate proceedings, including WICA proceedings. The WRA removes the financial disincentive for water utilities to develop and implement effective water conservation programs.
	On August 30, 2013, the PURA issued a final decision approving the Settlement Agreement. Connecticut Water began to issue a credit on customers' bills of approximately 8.5% on April 1, 2014, related to the repair deduction. Additionally, Connecticut Water began adding an approximate 4.5% surcharge to customer bills related to the WRA for a net surcredit of approximately 4.0%.
	Connecticut Water's allowed revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as approved by PURA during our 2010 general rate case and including subsequently approved WICA surcharges, are approximately $15.7 million. Through normal billing for the three months ended March 31, 2014, revenue for Connecticut Water would have been approximately $15.6 million had the WRA not been implemented. As a result of the implementation of the WRA, Connecticut Water recorded approximately $107,000 in additional revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has $3.4 million in deferred revenues as a regulatory asset to be recovered from customers found on the "Prepayments and Other Current Assets" and "Deferred Charges and Other Costs" lines on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	The rates we charge our Maine water customers are established under the jurisdiction of and are approved by the Maine Public Utility Commission ("MPUC"). It is our policy to seek rate relief as necessary to enable us to achieve an adequate rate of return.  Maine Water’s average allowed return on equity and return on rate base, as of March 31, 2014 were 9.50% and 7.96%, respectively.
	In April 2013, Maine Water filed for rate increases in three of its divisions, totaling approximately $94,000 in additional revenue, driven primarily by declining consumption and small expense increases. On July 9, 2013, the MPUC approved rate increases totaling $88,000 for these divisions, to be effective July 1, 2013. In June 2013, Maine Water filed for rate increases in three additional divisions, totaling approximately $554,000 in additional revenue, driven primarily by capital expenditures, declining consumption and small expense increases. Two of these cases were approved by the MPUC with additional annual revenue of $90,000 effective November 1, 2013. The remaining case was approved by the MPUC during the first quarter of 2014 and approved an annual increase of $340,000, effective March 25, 2014.
	Effective June 2013, a Water Infrastructure Surcharge (“WISC”) is available in Maine that allows for expedited recovery of investment in water system infrastructure replacement, both treatment and distribution. Maine Water's first WISC surcharge has been approved and was effective as of February 1, 2014, representing an annual increase of $6,500. Additionally, the MPUC approved a second WISC filing effective May 1, 2014, granting an annual increase of $113,000.

Pension_and_Other_PostRetireme

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	'
	2	Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
	The following tables set forth the components of pension and other post-retirement benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Pension Benefits
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands):
		Three Months
	Period ended March 31,	2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	488		$	587
	Interest Cost	763			698
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(889		)	(808		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Cost	18			18
	Net Loss	273			538
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	653		$	1,033
	The Company plans to make a contribution to its defined benefit pension plan of $3,426,000 in 2014 for the 2013 plan year, as allowed by the current funding status.
	Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (PBOP)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands):
		Three Months
	Period ended March 31,	2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	154		$	161
	Interest Cost	160			125
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(77		)	(75		)
	Other	56			56
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Cost	(201		)	(201		)
	Recognized Net Loss	68			97
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	160		$	163

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	3	Earnings per Share
	Earnings per weighted average common share are calculated by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods as detailed below (diluted shares include the effect of unexercised stock options):
	Three months ended March 31,	2014		2013
	Common Shares Outstanding End of Period:	11,078,336		10,982,430
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
	Basic	10,868,784		10,803,230
	Diluted	11,061,324		10,964,794
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.27	$	0.24
	Dilutive Effect of Unexercised Stock Options	—		—
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.27	$	0.24
	Total unrecognized compensation expense for all stock awards was approximately $1.9 million as of March 31, 2014 and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	4	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry-forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry-forward Exists. This ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carry-forward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carry-forward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the Net Operating Loss or other carry-forward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. This ASU was effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not materially impact our consolidated financial position.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-05, “Service Concession Arrangements.” The ASU clarifies that an operating entity should not account for a services concession arrangement with a public-sector grantor as a lease if: (1) the grantor controls or has the ability to modify or approve the services the operating entity must provide, to whom it must provide them, and at what price and (2) the grantor controls any residual interest in the infrastructure at the end of the arrangement. In addition, the infrastructure used in a service concession arrangement would not be recognized as property, plant and equipment of the operating entity. The ASU is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis to service concession arrangements outstanding upon adoption and will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will materially impact our consolidated financial position.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	5	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) ("AOCI") by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)		$	—		$	259		$	(374	)	$	(115	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification		—			(14		)	—			(14		)
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI		—			11			61			72
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income		—			(3		)	61			58
	Ending Balance		$	—		$	256		$	(313	)	$	(57	)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013		Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)		$	(41	)	$	69		$	(1,356	)	$	(1,328	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification		—			37			—			37
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI		—			11			(25		)	(14		)
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income		—			48			(25		)	23
	Ending Balance		$	(41	)	$	117		$	(1,381	)	$	(1,305	)
	(a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss.
	The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Details about Other AOCI Components		Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended March 31, 2014(a)			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended March 31, 2013(a)			Affected Line Items on Income Statement
	Realized Gains on Investments		$	18		$	18		Other Income
	Tax expense		(7		)	(7		)	Other Income
			11			11
	Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items		74			(42		)	Other Income (b)
	Tax (expense)/benefit		(13		)	17			Other Income
			61			(25		)
	Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax		$	72		$	(14	)
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense.
	(b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
		Long-Term Debt
	Long-Term Debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
				2014			2013
	Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:
	4.09%		Term Loan Note	$	16,186		$	16,420
	The Connecticut Water Company:
	Var.		2004 Series Variable Rate, Due 2029	12,500			12,500
	Var.		2004 Series A, Due 2028	5,000			5,000
	Var.		2004 Series B, Due 2028	4,550			4,550
	5.10%		2009 A Series, Due 2039	19,950			19,950
	5.00%		2011 A Series, Due 2021	23,615			23,602
	3.16%		CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020	8,000			8,000
	3.51%		CoBank Note Payable, Due 2022	14,795			14,795
	4.29%		CoBank Note Payable, Due 2028	17,020			17,020
	4.72%		CoBank Note Payable, Due 2032	14,795			14,795
	4.75%		CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033	14,550			14,550
	Total The Connecticut Water Company			134,775			134,762
	The Maine Water Company:
	8.95%		1994 Series G, Due 2024	9,000			9,000
	2.68%		1999 Series J, Due 2019	424			474
	0.00%		2001 Series K, Due 2031	697			739
	2.58%		2002 Series L, Due 2022	83			90
	1.53%		2003 Series M, Due 2023	381			401
	1.73%		2004 Series N, Due 2024	451			451
	0.00%		2004 Series O, Due 2034	133			140
	1.76%		2006 Series P, Due 2026	431			451
	1.57%		2009 Series R, Due 2029	237			242
	0.00%		2009 Series S, Due 2029	695			717
	0.00%		2009 Series T, Due 2029	1,949			2,012
	0.00%		2012 Series U, Due 2042	165			171
	1.00%		2013 Series V, Due 2033	1,385			1,410
	2.52%		CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017	1,965			1,965
	6.45%		BSWC Series M, Due 2014	2,700			2,700
	7.72%		BSWC Series L, Due 2018	2,250			2,250
	2.40%		BSWC Series N, Due 2022	1,251			1,297
	1.86%		BSWC Series O, Due 2025	862			862
	2.23%		BSWC Series P, Due 2028	1,354			1,354
	Various		Various Capital Leases	63			70
	Total The Maine Water Company			26,476			26,796
	Add:  Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment			1,094			1,185
	Less:  Current Portion			(4,131		)	(4,121		)
	Total Long-Term Debt			$	174,400		$	175,042
	There are no mandatory sinking fund payments required on Connecticut Water’s outstanding Water Facilities Revenue Bonds.  However, certain fixed rate Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds provide for an estate redemption right whereby the estate of deceased bondholders or surviving joint owners may submit bonds to the Trustee for redemption at par, subject to a $25,000 per individual holder and a 3% annual aggregate limitation.
	On March 5, 2013, Connecticut Water and CoBank, ACB ("CoBank") entered into a Promissory Note and Single Advance Term Loan Supplement to an existing Master Loan Agreement (the “Note”) in which CoBank agreed to make an additional Loan to Connecticut Water in an aggregate principal amount of up to $14,550,000, with a maturity date of March 4, 2033. Additionally, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Guarantee dated March 5, 2013 (the “Guarantee Amendment”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to guarantee the payment of certain of Connecticut Water's obligations under the Note pursuant to the same terms of the Guarantee. Connecticut Water used substantially all of the proceeds of the Loans to refinance the 2007 A Series bonds outstanding.
	On June 3, 2013, Maine Water completed the issuance of $1,409,888 aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds, Series V, 1.0% due April 1, 2033 (the “Bonds”). The Bonds were issued by Maine Water to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank (the “Bank”) and the proceeds of the issuance were loaned (the “Loan”) by the Bank to Maine Water pursuant to a Loan Agreement by and between Maine Water and the Bank dated as of June 3, 2013. The proceeds of the Loan are being used by Maine Water to fund various water facilities projects.
	Financial Covenants – The Company and its subsidiaries are required to comply with certain covenants in connection with various long term loan agreements.  The most restrictive of these covenants is to maintain a consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of not more than 60%. Additionally, Maine Water has restrictions on cash dividends paid based on restricted net assets. The Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2014.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
		Fair Value Disclosures
	FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“FASB ASC 820”) provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and expands disclosure with respect to fair value measurements.
	FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs).  The hierarchy consists of three broad levels, as follows:
	Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable.
	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using the Company’s estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that the Company believes market participants would use.
	The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Asset Type:
	Company Owned Life Insurance	$	—	$	2,866	$	—	$	2,866
	Money Market Fund	80		—		—		80
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds (1)	1,475		—		—		1,475
	Total	$	1,555	$	2,866	$	—	$	4,421
	The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Asset Type:
	Company Owned Life Insurance	$	—	$	2,843	$	—	$	2,843
	Money Market Fund	62		—		—		62
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds (1)	1,528		—		—		1,528
	Total	$	1,590	$	2,843	$	—	$	4,433
	-1	Mutual funds consist primarily of equity securities and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The fair value of Company Owned Life Insurance is based on the cash surrender value of the contracts. These contracts are based principally on a referenced pool of investment funds that actively redeem shares and are observable and measurable and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments, which are not recorded at fair value on the financial statements.
	Cash and cash equivalents – Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments with original maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.  Under the fair value hierarchy the fair value of cash and cash equivalents is classified as a Level 1 measurement.
	Restricted Cash – As part of the Connecticut Water’s December 2011 and Maine Water's June 2013 bond offerings, the Company recorded unused proceeds from this bond issuance as restricted cash as the funds can only be used for certain capital expenditures.  The Company expects to use the remainder of the proceeds during 2014, as the approved capital expenditures are completed.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.  Under the fair value hierarchy the fair value of restricted cash is classified as a Level 1 measurement.
	Long-Term Debt – The fair value of the Company's fixed rate long-term debt is based upon borrowing rates currently available to the Company.  As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt was $182,449,000 and $178,526,000, respectively, as compared to the carrying amounts of $174,400,000 and $175,042,000, respectively. The estimated fair value of long term debt was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that uses comparable interest rates and yield curve data based on the A-rated MMD (Municipal Market Data) Index which is the benchmark of current municipal bond yields. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of long term debt is classified as a Level 2 measurement.
	Advances for Construction – Customer advances for construction have a carrying amount of $28,508,000 and $28,718,000 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.
	The fair values shown above have been reported to meet the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“FASB ASC 825”) and do not purport to represent the amounts at which those obligations would be settled.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
		Segment Reporting
	The Company operates principally in three business segments: Water Activities, Real Estate Transactions, and Services and Rentals. Financial data for the segments is as follows (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income		Income Tax Expense		Net Income
	Water Activities		$	20,620		$	2,918	$	365	$	2,553
	Real Estate Transactions		—			—		—		—
	Services and Rentals		1,412			710		277		433
	Total		$	22,032		$	3,628	$	642	$	2,986
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income		Income Tax Expense		Net Income
	Water Activities		$	20,128		$	3,550	$	1,323	$	2,227
	Real Estate Transactions		—			—		—		—
	Services and Rentals		1,389			653		267		386
	Total		$	21,517		$	4,203	$	1,590	$	2,613
	The revenues shown in Water Activities above consisted of revenues from water customers of $20,260,000 and $19,729,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $360,000 and $399,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The revenues from water customers for the three months ended March 31, 2014 include $107,000 in revenues related to the implementation of the WRA. There were no such revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	The Company owns various small, discrete parcels of land that are no longer required for water supply purposes.  From time to time, the Company may sell or donate these parcels, depending on various factors, including the current market for land, the amount of tax benefits received for donations and the Company’s ability to use any benefits received from donations.
	Assets by segment (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total Plant and Other Investments:
	Water Activities	$	480,584		$	478,560
	Non-Water	745			704
		481,329			479,264
	Other Assets:
	Water Activities	136,225			136,246
	Non-Water	12,450			15,301
		148,675			151,547
	Total Assets	$	630,004		$	630,811

Income_Tax_Expense

Income Tax Expense	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
		Income Taxes
	FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes (“FASB ASC 740”) addresses the determination of how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under FASB ASC 740, the Company must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.
	On June 11, 2013, the Company was notified by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services that its state tax filings for the years 2009 through 2011 would be reviewed beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013. The Company is also aware that certain of its peers have been challenged on certain tax credits associated with fixed capital investment and believes that this may be a focus of the State's review. While the Company firmly believes that all fixed capital investment credits are appropriate and conservatively measured, the Company believes, based on recent activities by taxing authorities, that it is more likely than not that the Company's fixed capital investment credits claimed in prior years may be challenged and ultimately disallowed. Through March 31, 2014, the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $2.0 million, or 100% of the credits recorded for transmission and distribution projects that would be subject to disallowance.
	On the 2012 Federal tax return, filed in September 2013, Connecticut Water filed a change in accounting method to adopt the Internal Revenue Services' temporary tangible property regulations. This method change allowed the Company to take a current year deduction for expenses that were previously capitalized for tax purposes. Since the filing of the 2012 tax return, the IRS has issued final regulations. On February 11, 2014, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its Federal tax filing for the 2012 tax year will be reviewed beginning in the first quarter of 2014. While the Company believes that the deduction taken on its tax return is appropriate, the methodology for determining the deduction could be challenged by the taxing authorities. Through March 31, 2014, the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $2.6 million for a portion of the benefit that is not being returned to customers resulting from any possible tax authority challenge.
	From time to time, the Company may be assessed interest and penalties by taxing authorities.  In those cases, the charges would appear on the Other line item within the Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes section of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  There were no such charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.  Additionally, there were no accruals relating to interest or penalties as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The Company remains subject to examination by federal authorities for the 2010 through 2012 tax years; and the state authorities for the 2009 through 2012 tax years.
	The Company is currently engaged in an analysis to determine the amount of expenditures related to tangible property that will be reflected on its 2014 Federal Tax Return to be filed in September 2015. As a result, through the first quarter of 2014, the Company has estimated the portion of its infrastructure investment that will qualify as a repair deduction for 2014 and has reflected that deduction in its effective tax rate at 75% of the expected $15 million of infrastructure improvement. Consistent with other differences between book and tax expenditures, the Company is required to flow-through any timing differences not required by the Internal Revenue Service to be normalized.
	The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 17.7% and 37.8%, respectively.  The Company's effective tax rate, excluding discrete items booked during the quarter, was 23.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2014. These discrete items included an adjustment related to the recording in the first quarter of 2014, of a tax benefit associated with the amortization of the fair value of debt in connection with the purchases of Maine Water and BSWC. The statutory income tax rates during each period were 41%.  In determining its annual estimated effective tax rate for interim periods, the Company reflects its estimated permanent and flow-through tax differences for the taxable year, including the basis difference for the adoption of the tangible property regulations in the current year.

Lines_of_Credit

Lines of Credit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Lines of Credit	'
		Lines of Credit
	The Company entered into a $15 million line of credit agreement with CoBank, ACB, that is currently scheduled to expire on July 1, 2015.  The Company maintains an additional line of credit of $20 million with RBS Citizens, N.A., with an expiration date of June 30, 2015.  As of March 31, 2014, the total lines of credit available to the Company was $35.0 million.  The Company did not have any Interim Bank Loans Payable at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had $35.0 million in unused lines of credit.  Interest expense charged on lines of credit will fluctuate based on market interest rates.

Pension_and_Other_PostRetireme1

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Pension Benefits
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands):
		Three Months
	Period ended March 31,	2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	488		$	587
	Interest Cost	763			698
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(889		)	(808		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Cost	18			18
	Net Loss	273			538
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	653		$	1,033
schedule of post retirement benefits other than pension costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (PBOP)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands):
		Three Months
	Period ended March 31,	2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	154		$	161
	Interest Cost	160			125
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(77		)	(75		)
	Other	56			56
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Cost	(201		)	(201		)
	Recognized Net Loss	68			97
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	160		$	163

Earnings_per_Share_Earnings_pe

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	Earnings per weighted average common share are calculated by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods as detailed below (diluted shares include the effect of unexercised stock options):
	Three months ended March 31,	2014		2013
	Common Shares Outstanding End of Period:	11,078,336		10,982,430
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
	Basic	10,868,784		10,803,230
	Diluted	11,061,324		10,964,794
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.27	$	0.24
	Dilutive Effect of Unexercised Stock Options	—		—
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.27	$	0.24

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) ("AOCI") by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014	Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)	$	—		$	259		$	(374	)	$	(115	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification	—			(14		)	—			(14		)
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI	—			11			61			72
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income	—			(3		)	61			58
	Ending Balance	$	—		$	256		$	(313	)	$	(57	)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013	Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)	$	(41	)	$	69		$	(1,356	)	$	(1,328	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification	—			37			—			37
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI	—			11			(25		)	(14		)
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income	—			48			(25		)	23
	Ending Balance	$	(41	)	$	117		$	(1,381	)	$	(1,305	)
	(a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss.
	The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from AOCI by component and the affected line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Details about Other AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended March 31, 2014(a)			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended March 31, 2013(a)			Affected Line Items on Income Statement
	Realized Gains on Investments	$	18		$	18		Other Income
	Tax expense	(7		)	(7		)	Other Income
		11			11
	Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items	74			(42		)	Other Income (b)
	Tax (expense)/benefit	(13		)	17			Other Income
		61			(25		)
	Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	72		$	(14	)
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense.
	(b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Ta

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-Term Debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:
	4.09%	Term Loan Note	$	16,186		$	16,420
	The Connecticut Water Company:
	Var.	2004 Series Variable Rate, Due 2029	12,500			12,500
	Var.	2004 Series A, Due 2028	5,000			5,000
	Var.	2004 Series B, Due 2028	4,550			4,550
	5.10%	2009 A Series, Due 2039	19,950			19,950
	5.00%	2011 A Series, Due 2021	23,615			23,602
	3.16%	CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020	8,000			8,000
	3.51%	CoBank Note Payable, Due 2022	14,795			14,795
	4.29%	CoBank Note Payable, Due 2028	17,020			17,020
	4.72%	CoBank Note Payable, Due 2032	14,795			14,795
	4.75%	CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033	14,550			14,550
	Total The Connecticut Water Company		134,775			134,762
	The Maine Water Company:
	8.95%	1994 Series G, Due 2024	9,000			9,000
	2.68%	1999 Series J, Due 2019	424			474
	0.00%	2001 Series K, Due 2031	697			739
	2.58%	2002 Series L, Due 2022	83			90
	1.53%	2003 Series M, Due 2023	381			401
	1.73%	2004 Series N, Due 2024	451			451
	0.00%	2004 Series O, Due 2034	133			140
	1.76%	2006 Series P, Due 2026	431			451
	1.57%	2009 Series R, Due 2029	237			242
	0.00%	2009 Series S, Due 2029	695			717
	0.00%	2009 Series T, Due 2029	1,949			2,012
	0.00%	2012 Series U, Due 2042	165			171
	1.00%	2013 Series V, Due 2033	1,385			1,410
	2.52%	CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017	1,965			1,965
	6.45%	BSWC Series M, Due 2014	2,700			2,700
	7.72%	BSWC Series L, Due 2018	2,250			2,250
	2.40%	BSWC Series N, Due 2022	1,251			1,297
	1.86%	BSWC Series O, Due 2025	862			862
	2.23%	BSWC Series P, Due 2028	1,354			1,354
	Various	Various Capital Leases	63			70
	Total The Maine Water Company		26,476			26,796
	Add:  Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment		1,094			1,185
	Less:  Current Portion		(4,131		)	(4,121		)
	Total Long-Term Debt		$	174,400		$	175,042

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Asset Type:
	Company Owned Life Insurance	$	—	$	2,866	$	—	$	2,866
	Money Market Fund	80		—		—		80
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds (1)	1,475		—		—		1,475
	Total	$	1,555	$	2,866	$	—	$	4,421
	The following table summarizes our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Asset Type:
	Company Owned Life Insurance	$	—	$	2,843	$	—	$	2,843
	Money Market Fund	62		—		—		62
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds (1)	1,528		—		—		1,528
	Total	$	1,590	$	2,843	$	—	$	4,433
	-1	Mutual funds consist primarily of equity securities and are presented on the Other Property and Investments line item of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	Financial data for the segments is as follows (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income		Income Tax Expense		Net Income
	Water Activities		$	20,620		$	2,918	$	365	$	2,553
	Real Estate Transactions		—			—		—		—
	Services and Rentals		1,412			710		277		433
	Total		$	22,032		$	3,628	$	642	$	2,986
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income		Income Tax Expense		Net Income
	Water Activities		$	20,128		$	3,550	$	1,323	$	2,227
	Real Estate Transactions		—			—		—		—
	Services and Rentals		1,389			653		267		386
	Total		$	21,517		$	4,203	$	1,590	$	2,613
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets by segment (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total Plant and Other Investments:
	Water Activities	$	480,584		$	478,560
	Non-Water	745			704
		481,329			479,264
	Other Assets:
	Water Activities	136,225			136,246
	Non-Water	12,450			15,301
		148,675			151,547
	Total Assets	$	630,004		$	630,811

Basis_of_Preparation_of_Financ1

Basis of Preparation of Financials In text details (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014
	Rate
Maine Water Company [Member]	'
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	9.50%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.96%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member]	'
Allowed Rate of Return on Equity	9.75%
Allowed Return on Rate Base	7.32%

Pension_and_Other_PostRetireme2

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Pension Benefit Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$488	$587
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	763	698
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	-889	-808
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	18	18
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	273	538
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	653	1,033
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	154	161
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	160	125
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	-77	-75
Defined benefit plan amortization of regulatory assets	56	56
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	-201	-201
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	68	97
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$160	$163

Pension_and_Other_PostRetireme3

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits In Text Linking (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$3,426,000

Earnings_per_Share_Earnings_pe1

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,078,336	10,982,430	11,038,232
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,869,000	10,803,000	'
Diluted (in shares)	11,061,000	10,965,000	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.27	$0.24	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributal To Share Based Payements Arrangements	$0	$0	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.27	$0.24	'

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_in_Text

Earnings per Share EPS in Text Tagging (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'1 year 5 months 12 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$1.90

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax	$18	$18	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	-7	-7	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	0	-41	0	-41
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-57	-1,305	-115	-1,328
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Derivatives Before Reclassification Adjustments Net Of Tax	0	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	0	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	11	11	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax	74	-42	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	-13	17	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	256	117	259	69
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	-313	-1,381	-374	-1,356
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	-14	37	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	0	0	'	'
Total Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification, Net of Tax	-14	37	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment Derivatives Included In Net Income Net Of Tax	0	0	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	61	-25	'	'
Total Amounts Reclassified From AOCI, Net of Tax	72	-14	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	-3	48	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	61	-25	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$58	$23	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$174,400	$175,042
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-4,131	-4,121
Long-term Debt	174,400	175,042
Connecticut Water Service Term Loan Note and Supplement A [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	16,186	16,420
Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-134,775	-134,762
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series Issued 2004, Due 2029 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	12,500	12,500
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2004 Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	5,000	5,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series B Issued 2004 Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	4,550	4,550
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2009, Due 2039 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	19,950	19,950
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	8,000	8,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,795	14,795
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2011 Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	23,615	23,602
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	17,020	17,020
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2032 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,795	14,795
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,550	14,550
Subsidiaries [Member] | Maine Water Company Series G [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	9,000	9,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Maine Water Company Series J [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	424	474
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series K [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	697	739
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series L [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	83	90
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series M [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	381	401
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series N [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	451	451
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series O [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	133	140
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series P [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	431	451
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series R [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	237	242
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series S [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	695	717
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series T [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,949	2,012
Maine Water Company [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment of Long-Term Debt Assume [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,094	1,185
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2012 Series U, Due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	165	171
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2013 Series V, Due 2033 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,385	1,410
Maine Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-1,965	-1,965
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series M, Due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	2,700	2,700
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series L, Due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	2,250	2,250
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series N, Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,251	1,297
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series O, Due 2025 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	862	862
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series P, Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,354	1,354
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Long Term Capital Leases [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	63	70
Biddeford and Saco [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	($26,476)	($26,796)

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Pa

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Parenthetical (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Connecticut Water Service Term Loan Note and Supplement A [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.09%	4.09%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2009, Due 2039 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.10%	5.10%
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2011 Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.16%	3.16%
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.51%	3.51%
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.29%	4.29%
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2032 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.72%	4.72%
Subsidiaries [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%	4.75%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series G [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.95%	8.95%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series J [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.68%	2.68%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series K [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series L [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.58%	2.58%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series M [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.53%	1.53%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series N [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.73%	1.73%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series O [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series P [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.76%	1.76%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series R [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.57%	1.57%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series S [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series T [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2012 Series U, Due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2013 Series V, Due 2033 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.00%	1.00%
Maine Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.00%	3.00%
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series M, Due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.45%	6.45%
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series L, Due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.72%	7.72%
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series N, Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.40%	2.40%
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series O, Due 2025 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.86%	1.86%
Biddeford & Saco Water Company [Member] | Series P, Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.23%	2.23%

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_in

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt in Text (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$4,131,000	'	$4,121,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0	14,550,000	'
Monetary Limit of Deceased Bond Holders Redemption per Year	25,000	'	'
Percent Limit of Deceased Bond Holders Redemption per Year	3.00%	'	'
Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$134,775,000	'	$134,762,000

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va1

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$4,421	$4,433
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,555	1,590
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,866	2,843
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Cash Surrender Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,866	2,843
Cash Surrender Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Cash Surrender Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,866	2,843
Cash Surrender Value [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	80	62
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	80	62
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,475	1,528
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,475	1,528
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Disclosures_In_Text

Fair Value Disclosures In Text Tagging (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$182,449	$178,526
Long-term Debt	174,400	175,042
Advances for Construction	$28,508	$28,718

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo1

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	$22,032	$21,517
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	3,628	4,203
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	642	1,590
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,986	2,613
Water Activities [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	20,620	20,128
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	2,918	3,550
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	365	1,323
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,553	2,227
Real Estate Transactions [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	0	0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	0	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	0
Services and Rentals [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	1,412	1,389
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	710	653
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	277	267
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$433	$386

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo2

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Textual Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating Revenues	$20,260,000	$19,729,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	360,000	399,000
Water Revenue Adjustment	$107,000	'

Segment_Reporting_Assets_by_Se

Segment Reporting Assets by Segment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total Plant and Other Investments	$481,329	$479,264
Other Assets	148,675	151,547
Assets	630,004	630,811
Water Activities [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total Plant and Other Investments	480,584	478,560
Other Assets	136,225	136,246
Services and Rentals and Real Estate Combine [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total Plant and Other Investments	745	704
Other Assets	$12,450	$15,301

Income_Tax_Expense_Income_Tax_

Income Tax Expense Income Tax Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Rate	Rate
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Reserve Against Fixed Capital Investment Credits Claimed in Prior Years	$2,000,000	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	17.70%	37.80%
Effective Tax Rate Excluding Reserve Against Fixed Capital Investment Credits Claimed in Prior Years	23.30%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	41.00%	'

Lines_of_Credit_Lines_of_Credi

Lines of Credit Lines of Credit (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$35
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	35
CTWS Line of Credit A [Member]	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	15
CTWS Line of Credit B [Member]	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$20