Connecticut Water Service (CTWS) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 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	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	11,112,589

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Utility Plant	$662,411	$639,704
Construction Work in Progress	20,642	12,066
Gross Utility Plant	683,053	651,770
Accumulated Provision for Depreciation	-188,482	-179,894
Net Utility Plant	494,571	471,876
Other Property and Investments	7,691	7,388
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,626	18,371
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance, 2014 - $1,150; 2013 - $1,127)	12,968	12,340
Accrued Unbilled Revenues	9,521	7,624
Materials and Supplies	1,632	1,633
Prepayments and Other Current Assets	13,553	6,928
Total Current Assets	39,300	46,896
Restricted Cash	1,291	5,777
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	6,428	6,841
Unrecovered Income Taxes - Regulatory Asset	52,554	47,135
Pension Benefits - Regulatory Asset	2,099	3,085
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension - Regulatory Asset	1,456	1,288
Goodwill	31,685	31,685
Deferred Charges and Other Costs	9,382	8,840
Total Regulatory and Other Long-Term Assets	104,895	104,651
Total Assets	646,457	630,811
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	'	'
Common Stock Without Par Value: Authorized - 25,000,000 Shares - Issued and Outstanding: 2014 - 11,111,444; 2013 - 11,038,232	140,241	138,591
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	69,842	59,277
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	45	-115
Common Stockholders' Equity	210,128	197,753
Preferred Stock	772	772
Long-Term Debt	173,395	175,042
Total Capitalization	384,295	373,567
Debt, Current	1,546	4,121
Interim Bank Loans Payable	693	0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	9,026	10,846
Accrued Interest	1,426	753
Customer Refund Liability, Current	6,087	4,650
Other Current Liabilities	2,297	2,359
Total Current Liabilities	21,075	22,729
Advances for Construction	26,874	28,718
Deferred Federal and State Income Taxes	53,742	47,470
Unfunded Future Income Taxes	52,314	46,723
Long-Term Compensation Arrangements	19,215	20,651
Unamortized Investment Tax Credits	1,358	1,414
Refund to Customers - Regulatory Liability	3,100	7,749
Other Long-Term Liabilities	1,010	1,018
Total Long-Term Liabilities	157,613	153,743
Contributions in Aid of Construction	83,474	80,772
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Total Capitalization and Liabilities	$646,457	$630,811

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Issued	11,111,444	11,038,232
Outstanding	11,111,444	11,038,232
ASSETS	'	'
Allowance	$1,150	$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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$27,554	$27,632	$73,273	$69,906
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'
Operation and Maintenance	10,871	11,099	32,041	31,834
Depreciation	2,947	2,684	8,593	7,988
Income Taxes	2,062	1,659	4,396	5,306
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	2,169	2,135	6,557	6,105
Total Operating Expenses	18,049	17,577	51,587	51,233
Net Operating Revenues	9,505	10,055	21,686	18,673
Other Utility Income, Net of Taxes	177	194	564	579
Total Utility Operating Income	9,682	10,249	22,250	19,252
Other Income (Deductions), Net of Taxes	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Transactions	4	-7	4	-7
Non-Water Sales Earnings	378	381	1,209	1,143
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	150	79	417	209
Other	-165	423	-96	251
Total Other Income, Net of Taxes	367	876	1,534	1,596
Interest and Debt Expense	'	'	'	'
Interest on Long-Term Debt	1,766	1,827	5,285	5,405
Interest Income (Expense), Net	-168	-142	-490	-842
Amortization of Debt Expense	3	-2	65	-80
Total Interest and Debt Expense	1,601	1,683	4,860	4,483
Net Income	8,448	9,442	18,924	16,365
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement	10	10	29	29
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock	$8,438	$9,432	$18,895	$16,336
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	10,901,934	10,834,532	10,885,988	10,818,996
Diluted (in shares)	11,101,610	11,006,240	11,082,812	10,986,731
Earnings Per Common Share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.78	$0.87	$1.74	$1.51
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.86	$1.70	$1.49
Dividends Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.26	$0.25	$0.75	$0.73

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$8,448	$9,442	$18,924	$16,365
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instrument Expense, net of tax benefit of $0 and $12 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0 and $12 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	0	40	0	41
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pension, net of tax (expense) of $(61) and $(34) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(87) and $(80) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	14	22	136	89
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $9 and $(31) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(15) and $(66) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	-14	54	24	107
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0	116	160	237
Comprehensive Income	$8,448	$9,558	$19,084	$16,602

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instrument Expense, net of tax benefitof	$0	$12	$0	$12
Reclassification to Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits Plans, net of tax (expense) benefit of	-61	-34	-87	-80
Unrealized Investment loss, net of tax expense of	$9	($31)	($15)	($66)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_RET

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Balance at Beginning of Period	$64,259	$53,395	$59,277	$51,804
Net Income	8,448	9,442	18,924	16,365
Retained Earnings before Dividends	72,707	62,837	78,201	68,169
Dividends Declared:	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.60 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	10	10	29	29
Common Stock - 2014 $0.2575 per share; 2013 $0.2425 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.7525 and $0.7325 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	2,855	2,719	8,330	8,032
Total Dividends Declared	2,865	2,729	8,359	8,061
Balance at End of Period	69,842	60,108	69,842	60,108
Series A Voting	'	'	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.60 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	3	3	9	9
Cumulative Preferred Stock	'	'	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Preferred, Class A, $0.20 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.60 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$7	$7	$20	$20

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_RET1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Dividends Declared:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$0.26	$0.25	$0.75	$0.73
Cumulative Preferred Stock	'	'	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.68	$0.68
Series A Voting	'	'	'	'
Dividends Declared:	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.20	$0.60	$0.60

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities:	'	'
Net Income	$18,924	$16,365
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:	'	'
Deferred Revenues	-4,291	-2,583
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits, Net	6,385	5,063
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	-417	-209
Depreciation (including $599 and $453 in 2014 and 2013 charged to other accounts)	9,192	8,441
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Properties	-4	7
Change in Assets and Liabilities:	'	'
Increase in Accounts Receivable and Accrued Unbilled Revenues	-2,525	-4,255
Increase in Prepayments and Other Current Assets	-6,625	-18,170
(Increase) Decrease in Other Non-Current Items	-1,336	11,509
Increase in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	524	1,876
Total Adjustments	903	1,679
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities	19,827	18,044
Investing Activities:	'	'
Net Additions to Utility Plant Used in Continuing Operations	-31,069	-22,882
Proceeds from Sale of Land Held-for-investment	7	95
Release of restricted cash	4,488	1,295
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Used in Investing Activities	-26,574	-21,492
Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from Interim Bank Loans	693	1,324
Repayment of Interim Bank Loans	0	-1,660
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	1,295	1,209
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0	14,550
Costs to Issue Long-Term Debt and Common Stock	0	-42
Repayment of Long-Term Debt Including Current Portion	-3,866	-15,613
Advances from Others for Construction	239	179
Cash Dividends Paid	-8,359	-8,061
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities	-9,998	-8,114
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-16,745	-11,562
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	18,371	13,150
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	1,626	1,588
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:	'	'
Non-Cash Contributed Utility Plant	768	438
Short-term Investment of Bond Proceeds Held in Restricted Cash	1,291	9,938
Cash Paid for:	'	'
Interest	4,250	4,126
State and Federal Income Taxes	$1,135	$2,550

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:	'	'
Depreciation charged to other accounts	$599	$453

Basis_of_Preparation_of_Financ

Basis of Preparation of Financials	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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.  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 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. 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”) and as updated in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014.
	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 September 30, 2014 were 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%.
	Effective April 1, 2014, in accordance with a settlement agreement with the Office of the Consumer Counsel of the State of Connecticut (the “OCC”) and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut, discussed below, Connecticut Water's cumulative WICA surcharge of 7.89% was rolled into base rates charged to customers.
	On July 29, 2014, Connecticut Water filed a WICA application with the PURA requesting a 1.59% surcharge to customers' bills, representing approximately $12.7 million in WICA related projects. On September 26, 2014, the PURA approved the 1.59% surcharge with the new rates becoming effective on October 1, 2014.
	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 removes the financial disincentive for water utilities to develop and implement effective water conservation programs. 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 OCC and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Connecticut (the “Settlement Agreement”), whereby Connecticut Water adjusted 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.
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, as approved by PURA during our 2010 general rate case and including subsequently approved WICA surcharges, are approximately $57.9 million. Through normal billing for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenue for Connecticut Water would have been approximately $53.4 million had the WRA not been implemented. As a result of the implementation of the WRA, Connecticut Water recorded $4.5 million in additional revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has $6.1 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 Utilities 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, effective September 30, 2014 were 9.50% and 7.96%, respectively.
	In April 2013, Maine Water filed for rate increases in three of its ten 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, which became effective on 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 which became effective on November 1, 2013. The remaining case was approved by the MPUC during the first quarter of 2014 and granted an annual increase of $340,000, which became effective on March 25, 2014. Additionally, Maine Water filed for a general rate increase for its Biddeford and Saco division, its largest division, on November 5, 2014 requesting $1.7 million in additional revenues, offset by $700,000 in the first year due to the adoption of IRS Revenue Procedure 2012-19 (“Repair Regulations”).
	Effective June 2013, a Water Infrastructure Charge (“WISC”) became available in Maine that allows for expedited recovery of investment in water system infrastructure replacement, both treatment and distribution. Because the MPUC sets rates for Maine Water on a division-by-division basis, the WISC must be implemented in the same manner. To date in 2014, Maine Water has implemented a WISC in six of its ten divisions with expected annual revenue totaling $212,000, with plans to implement additional WISCs in most of the remaining divisions by the end of 2014.
	On October 30, 2014, Maine Water petitioned the MPUC for approval of an accounting order that would allow them to refund a federal income tax refund stemming from the adoption of Repair Regulations. If approved the petition would allow Maine Water to reduce customer rates by $1.8 million over a three year period, with no impact on the Company's earnings per share.

Pension_and_Other_PostRetireme

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Pension Benefits
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (in thousands):
		Three Months						Nine Months
	Period ended September 30,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	395		$	550		$	1,371		$	1,650
	Interest Cost	789			696			2,315			2,087
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(896		)	(799		)	(2,674		)	(2,397		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Cost	19			19			55			56
	Net Recognized Loss	443			563			989			1,689
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	750		$	1,029		$	2,056		$	3,085
	The Company made 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						Nine Months
	Period ended September 30,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	63		$	169		$	371		$	506
	Interest Cost	150			127			470			381
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(75		)	(73		)	(229		)	(218		)
	Other	57			57			169			169
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Credit	(203		)	(202		)	(605		)	(605		)
	Recognized Net Loss	120			108			256			323
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	112		$	186		$	432		$	556

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 stock awards):
	Three months ended September 30,	2014			2013
	Common Shares Outstanding End of Period:	11,111,444			11,016,494
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
	Basic	10,901,934			10,834,532
	Diluted	11,101,610			11,006,240
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.78		$	0.87
	Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards	(0.02		)	(0.01		)
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.76		$	0.86
	Nine months ended September 30,
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
	Basic	10,885,988			10,818,996
	Diluted	11,082,812			10,986,731
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	1.74		$	1.51
	Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards	(0.04		)	(0.02		)
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.7		$	1.49
	Total unrecognized compensation expense for all stock awards was approximately $1.2 million as of September 30, 2014 and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted and New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	4	Recently Adopted and 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.” ASU No. 2013-11 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.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends its guidance related to revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The following steps are applied in the updated guidance: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, however early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact that this guidance may have on our consolidated financial position.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period.” ASU No. 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that can be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target that affects vesting should not be reflected in estimating that fair value of the award at the grant date. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which service has been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost for which requisite service has not yet been rendered is recognized prospectively over the remaining service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. 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.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a one year period subsequent to the date of the financial statements. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance is effective for all entities for the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have any impact on the determination or reporting of the Company’s financial results.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	5	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Three months ended September 30, 2014		Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)		$	—		$	297		$	(252	)	$	45
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification		—			(14		)	—			(14		)
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI		—			—			14			14
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income		—			(14		)	14			—
	Ending Balance		$	—		$	283		$	(238	)	$	45
	Three months ended September 30, 2013		Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)		$	(40	)	$	122		$	(1,289	)	$	(1,207	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification		—			54			—			54
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI		40			—			22			62
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income		40			54			22			116
	Ending Balance		$	—		$	176		$	(1,267	)	$	(1,091	)
	(a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss.
	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014		Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)		$	—		$	259		$	(374	)	$	(115	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification		—			13			—			13
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI		—			11			136			147
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income		—			24			136			160
	Ending Balance		$	—		$	283		$	(238	)	$	45
	Nine months ended September 30, 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		—			95			—			95
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI		41			12			89			142
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income		41			107			89			237
	Ending Balance		$	—		$	176		$	(1,267	)	$	(1,091	)
	(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 Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Details about Other AOCI Components		Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2014(a)			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2013(a)			Affected Line Items on Income Statement
	Amortization of Cash Flow Hedging Instrument		$	—		$	28		Other Income
	Tax benefit		—			12			Other Income
			—			40
	Realized Gains on Investments		$	—		$	—		Other Income
	Tax expense		—			—			Other Income
			—			—
	Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items		75			56			Other Income (b)
	Tax expense		(61		)	(34		)	Other Income
			14			22
	Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax		$	14		$	62
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense.
	(b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Details about Other AOCI Components		Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014(a)			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013(a)			Affected Line Items on Income Statement
	Amortization of Cash Flow Hedging Instrument		—			29			Other Income
	Tax benefit		—			12			Other Income
			—			41
	Realized Gains on Investments		$	18		$	21		Other Income
	Tax expense		(7		)	(9		)	Other Income
			11			12
	Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items		223			169			Other Income (b)
	Tax expense		(87		)	(80		)	Other Income
			136			89
	Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax		$	147		$	142
	(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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
		Long-Term Debt
	Long-Term Debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
				2014			2013
	Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:
	4.09%		Term Loan Note	$	15,708		$	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	23,527			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			134,687			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	431			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	672			717
	0.00%		2009 Series T, Due 2029	1,886			2,012
	0.00%		2012 Series U, Due 2042	166			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
	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	846			862
	2.23%		BSWC Series P, Due 2028	1,354			1,354
	Various		Various Capital Leases	43			70
	Total The Maine Water Company			23,635			26,796
	Add:  Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment			911			1,185
	Less:  Current Portion			(1,546		)	(4,121		)
	Total Long-Term Debt			$	173,395		$	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 then 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 September 30, 2014.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Asset Type:
	Company Owned Life Insurance	$	—	$	2,902	$	—	$	2,902
	Money Market Fund	90		—		—		90
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds (1)	1,446		—		—		1,446
	Total	$	1,536	$	2,902	$	—	$	4,438
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt was $183,730,000 and $178,526,000, respectively, as compared to the carrying amounts of $173,395,000 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 $26,874,000 and $28,718,000 at September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	27,895		$	10,054		$	1,988		$	8,066
	Real Estate Transactions		7			7			3			4
	Services and Rentals		1,503			634			256			378
	Total		$	29,405		$	10,695		$	2,247		$	8,448
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	27,982		$	10,294		$	1,226		$	9,068
	Real Estate Transactions		95			(8		)	(1		)	(7		)
	Services and Rentals		1,491			588			207			381
	Total		$	29,568		$	10,874		$	1,432		$	9,442
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	74,325		$	21,809		$	4,098		$	17,711
	Real Estate Transactions		7			7			3			4
	Services and Rentals		4,391			1,999			790			1,209
	Total		$	78,723		$	23,815		$	4,891		$	18,924
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	70,964		$	20,223		$	4,994		$	15,229
	Real Estate Transactions		95			(8		)	(1		)	(7		)
	Services and Rentals		4,357			1,875			732			1,143
	Total		$	75,416		$	22,090		$	5,725		$	16,365
	The revenues shown in Water Activities above consisted of revenues from water customers of $27,554,000 and $27,632,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $341,000 and $350,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The revenues from water customers for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 include $1,678,000 and $2,762,000 in additional revenues related to the implementation of the WRA, respectively. Since the Company implemented the WRA in the period ended September 30, 2013, the amount recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2013 represents nine months of WRA. Approximately $532,000 of the revenue recorded in the period ending September 30, 2013 was associated with the three months ending September 30, 2013, and $2,230,000 was associated with the six month period ending June 30, 2013. The revenues shown in Water Activities above consisted of revenues from water customers of $73,273,000 and $69,906,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, there were revenues associated with utility plant leased to others of $1,052,000 and $1,058,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The revenues from water customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 include $4,471,000 and $2,762,000 in additional revenues related to the implementation of the WRA, respectively. A PURA order that became effective in January of 2014 changed the methodology for calculating the WRA by requiring that only revenues for services that have already been billed be considered in determining the WRA. In 2013, as allowed in the Settlement Agreement, the WRA was based upon both the billed component as well as any accrued revenues for services not billed at the close of any quarter. While this is expected to have a minimal impact for the December 31, 2014 calculation of WRA, it did reduce the three and nine month September 30, 2013 by approximately $363,000 and $1,339,000 respectively.
	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):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total Plant and Other Investments:
	Water Activities	$	501,520		$	478,560
	Non-Water	742			704
		502,262			479,264
	Other Assets:
	Water Activities	140,776			136,246
	Non-Water	3,419			15,301
		144,195			151,547
	Total Assets	$	646,457		$	630,811

Income_Tax_Expense

Income Tax Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 has provided requested information to the taxing authorities and is currently awaiting further correspondence. 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 September 30, 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 IRS' 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 IRS that its Federal tax filing for the 2012 would be reviewed. This review, which is still ongoing, began 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.  On the 2013 Federal tax return, filed in September 2014, Maine Water filed the same change in accounting method. Through September 30, 2014, the Company has recorded, as required by FASB ASC 740, a provision of $3.6 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  Additionally, there were no accruals relating to interest or penalties as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The Company remains subject to examination by federal tax authorities for the 2011 through 2013 tax years; and the state tax authorities for the 2009 through 2013 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 third 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 IRS to be normalized.
	The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 21.0% and 13.2%, respectively.  The Company's effective tax rate, excluding discrete items booked during the quarter, was 18.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2014. These discrete items included an adjustment related to the recording of the provision for the repair deduction and the recording of the change in estimate of prior year income taxes. 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.
	The Company’s effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 20.5% and 25.9%, respectively.  The Company's effective tax rate, excluding discrete items booked during the quarter, was 17.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 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 recording of the change in estimate of prior year income taxes, and the recording of the provision for the repair deduction. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Lines of Credit	'
		Lines of Credit
	The Company entered into a $15.0 million line of credit agreement with CoBank, that is currently scheduled to expire on July 1, 2016.  The Company maintains an additional line of credit of $20.0 million with RBS Citizens, N.A., with an expiration date of June 30, 2017.  As of September 30, 2014, the total lines of credit available to the Company was $35.0 million.  As of September 30, 2014 the Company had $0.7 million of Interim Bank Loans Payable. The Company did not have any Interim Bank Loans Payable as of December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $34.3 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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						Nine Months
	Period ended September 30,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	395		$	550		$	1,371		$	1,650
	Interest Cost	789			696			2,315			2,087
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(896		)	(799		)	(2,674		)	(2,397		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Cost	19			19			55			56
	Net Recognized Loss	443			563			989			1,689
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	750		$	1,029		$	2,056		$	3,085
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						Nine Months
	Period ended September 30,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	63		$	169		$	371		$	506
	Interest Cost	150			127			470			381
	Expected Return on Plan Assets	(75		)	(73		)	(229		)	(218		)
	Other	57			57			169			169
	Amortization of:
	Prior Service Credit	(203		)	(202		)	(605		)	(605		)
	Recognized Net Loss	120			108			256			323
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	112		$	186		$	432		$	556

Earnings_per_Share_Earnings_pe

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 stock awards):
	Three months ended September 30,	2014			2013
	Common Shares Outstanding End of Period:	11,111,444			11,016,494
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
	Basic	10,901,934			10,834,532
	Diluted	11,101,610			11,006,240
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.78		$	0.87
	Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards	(0.02		)	(0.01		)
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.76		$	0.86
	Nine months ended September 30,
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Days Outstanding Basis):
	Basic	10,885,988			10,818,996
	Diluted	11,082,812			10,986,731
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	1.74		$	1.51
	Dilutive Effect of Stock Awards	(0.04		)	(0.02		)
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.7		$	1.49

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Three months ended September 30, 2014	Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)	$	—		$	297		$	(252	)	$	45
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification	—			(14		)	—			(14		)
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI	—			—			14			14
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income	—			(14		)	14			—
	Ending Balance	$	—		$	283		$	(238	)	$	45
	Three months ended September 30, 2013	Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)	$	(40	)	$	122		$	(1,289	)	$	(1,207	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification	—			54			—			54
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI	40			—			22			62
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income	40			54			22			116
	Ending Balance	$	—		$	176		$	(1,267	)	$	(1,091	)
	(a) All amounts shown are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate loss.
	The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	Interest Rate Swap			Unrealized Gains on Investments			Defined Benefit Items			Total
	Beginning Balance (a)	$	—		$	259		$	(374	)	$	(115	)
	Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification	—			13			—			13
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI	—			11			136			147
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income	—			24			136			160
	Ending Balance	$	—		$	283		$	(238	)	$	45
	Nine months ended September 30, 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	—			95			—			95
	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI	41			12			89			142
	Net current-period Other Comprehensive Income	41			107			89			237
	Ending Balance	$	—		$	176		$	(1,267	)	$	(1,091	)
	(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 Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Details about Other AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2014(a)			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Three Months Ended September 30, 2013(a)			Affected Line Items on Income Statement
	Amortization of Cash Flow Hedging Instrument	$	—		$	28		Other Income
	Tax benefit	—			12			Other Income
		—			40
	Realized Gains on Investments	$	—		$	—		Other Income
	Tax expense	—			—			Other Income
		—			—
	Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items	75			56			Other Income (b)
	Tax expense	(61		)	(34		)	Other Income
		14			22
	Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	14		$	62
	(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate loss/expense.
	(b) Included in computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 2 for additional details).
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Details about Other AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014(a)			Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013(a)			Affected Line Items on Income Statement
	Amortization of Cash Flow Hedging Instrument	—			29			Other Income
	Tax benefit	—			12			Other Income
		—			41
	Realized Gains on Investments	$	18		$	21		Other Income
	Tax expense	(7		)	(9		)	Other Income
		11			12
	Amortization of Recognized Net Gain from Defined Benefit Items	223			169			Other Income (b)
	Tax expense	(87		)	(80		)	Other Income
		136			89
	Total Reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	147		$	142
	(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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-Term Debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Connecticut Water Service, Inc.:
	4.09%	Term Loan Note	$	15,708		$	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	23,527			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		134,687			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	431			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	672			717
	0.00%	2009 Series T, Due 2029	1,886			2,012
	0.00%	2012 Series U, Due 2042	166			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
	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	846			862
	2.23%	BSWC Series P, Due 2028	1,354			1,354
	Various	Various Capital Leases	43			70
	Total The Maine Water Company		23,635			26,796
	Add:  Acquisition Fair Value Adjustment		911			1,185
	Less:  Current Portion		(1,546		)	(4,121		)
	Total Long-Term Debt		$	173,395		$	175,042

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Asset Type:
	Company Owned Life Insurance	$	—	$	2,902	$	—	$	2,902
	Money Market Fund	90		—		—		90
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds (1)	1,446		—		—		1,446
	Total	$	1,536	$	2,902	$	—	$	4,438
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	27,895		$	10,054		$	1,988		$	8,066
	Real Estate Transactions		7			7			3			4
	Services and Rentals		1,503			634			256			378
	Total		$	29,405		$	10,695		$	2,247		$	8,448
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	27,982		$	10,294		$	1,226		$	9,068
	Real Estate Transactions		95			(8		)	(1		)	(7		)
	Services and Rentals		1,491			588			207			381
	Total		$	29,568		$	10,874		$	1,432		$	9,442
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	74,325		$	21,809		$	4,098		$	17,711
	Real Estate Transactions		7			7			3			4
	Services and Rentals		4,391			1,999			790			1,209
	Total		$	78,723		$	23,815		$	4,891		$	18,924
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Segment		Revenues			Pre-Tax Income			Income Tax Expense			Net Income
	Water Activities		$	70,964		$	20,223		$	4,994		$	15,229
	Real Estate Transactions		95			(8		)	(1		)	(7		)
	Services and Rentals		4,357			1,875			732			1,143
	Total		$	75,416		$	22,090		$	5,725		$	16,365
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets by segment (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total Plant and Other Investments:
	Water Activities	$	501,520		$	478,560
	Non-Water	742			704
		502,262			479,264
	Other Assets:
	Water Activities	140,776			136,246
	Non-Water	3,419			15,301
		144,195			151,547
	Total Assets	$	646,457		$	630,811

Basis_of_Preparation_of_Financ1

Basis of Preparation of Financials In text details (Details)	Sep. 30, 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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$395	$550	$1,371	$1,650
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	789	696	2,315	2,087
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	-896	-799	-2,674	-2,397
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	19	19	55	56
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	443	563	989	1,689
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	750	1,029	2,056	3,085
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	63	169	371	506
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	150	127	470	381
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	-75	-73	-229	-218
Defined benefit plan amortization of regulatory assets	57	57	169	169
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	-203	-202	-605	-605
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	120	108	256	323
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$112	$186	$432	$556

Pension_and_Other_PostRetireme3

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits In Text Linking (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,111,444	11,016,494	11,111,444	11,016,494	11,038,232
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	10,901,934	10,834,532	10,885,988	10,818,996	'
Diluted (in shares)	11,101,610	11,006,240	11,082,812	10,986,731	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.78	$0.87	$1.74	$1.51	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributal To Share Based Payements Arrangements	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.04)	($0.02)	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.76	$0.86	$1.70	$1.49	'

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_in_Text

Earnings per Share EPS in Text Tagging (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 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	$1.20

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	$0	$28	$0	$29	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax	0	12	0	12	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0	40	0	41	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax	0	0	18	21	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	0	0	-7	-9	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	0	0	0	0	0	0	-40	-41
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	45	-1,091	45	-1,091	45	-115	-1,207	-1,328
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Derivatives Before Reclassification Adjustments Net Of Tax	0	0	0	0	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	0	40	0	41	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0	0	11	12	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax	75	56	223	169	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	-61	-34	-87	-80	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	283	176	283	176	297	259	122	69
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	-238	-1,267	-238	-1,267	-252	-374	-1,289	-1,356
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	-14	54	13	95	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	0	0	0	0	'	'	'	'
Total Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification, Net of Tax	-14	54	13	95	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment Derivatives Included In Net Income Net Of Tax	0	40	0	41	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax	14	22	136	89	'	'	'	'
Total Amounts Reclassified From AOCI, Net of Tax	14	62	147	142	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	-14	54	24	107	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	14	22	136	89	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$0	$116	$160	$237	'	'	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$173,395	$175,042
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-1,546	-4,121
Long-term Debt	173,395	175,042
Parent [Member] | Connecticut Water Service Term Loan Note and Supplement A [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	15,708	16,420
The Connecticut Water Company [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-134,687	-134,762
The Connecticut Water Company [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
The Connecticut Water Company [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
The Connecticut Water Company [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
The Connecticut Water Company [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
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	8,000	8,000
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,795	14,795
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | Unsecured Water Facilities Revenue Refinancing Bonds Series A Issued 2011 Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	23,527	23,602
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	17,020	17,020
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2032 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,795	14,795
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2033 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	14,550	14,550
Maine Water Company [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-23,635	-26,796
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series G [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	9,000	9,000
Maine Water Company [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	431	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	672	717
Maine Water Company [Member] | Maine Water Company Series T [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,886	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	911	1,185
Maine Water Company [Member] | 2012 Series U, Due 2042 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	166	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
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series M, Due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	0	2,700
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series L, Due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	2,250	2,250
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series N, Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,251	1,297
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series O, Due 2025 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	846	862
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series P, Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,354	1,354
Maine Water Company [Member] | Long Term Capital Leases [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$43	$70

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Pa

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Parenthetical (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Parent [Member] | Connecticut Water Service Term Loan Note and Supplement A [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.09%	4.09%
The Connecticut Water Company [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%
The Connecticut Water Company [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%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable, Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.16%	3.16%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.51%	3.51%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2028 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.29%	4.29%
The Connecticut Water Company [Member] | CoBank Note Payable Due 2032 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.72%	4.72%
The Connecticut Water Company [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%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series M, Due 2014 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.45%	6.45%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series L, Due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.72%	7.72%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series N, Due 2022 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.40%	2.40%
Maine Water Company [Member] | Series O, Due 2025 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.86%	1.86%
Maine 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 $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$1,546,000	'	$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%	'	'

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va1

Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	$4,438	$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	1,536	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	2,902	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	2,902	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	2,902	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	90	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	90	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	1,446	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	1,446	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 $)	Sep. 30, 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	$183,730	$178,526
Long-term Debt	173,395	175,042
Advances for Construction	$26,874	$28,718

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo1

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$29,405	$29,568	$78,723	$75,416
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	10,695	10,874	23,815	22,090
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	2,247	1,432	4,891	5,725
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	8,448	9,442	18,924	16,365
Water Activities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	27,895	27,982	74,325	70,964
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	10,054	10,294	21,809	20,223
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	1,988	1,226	4,098	4,994
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	8,066	9,068	17,711	15,229
Real Estate Transactions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	7	95	7	95
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	7	-8	7	-8
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	3	-1	3	-1
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	4	-7	4	-7
Services and Rentals [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	1,503	1,491	4,391	4,357
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	634	588	1,999	1,875
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	256	207	790	732
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$378	$381	$1,209	$1,143

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo2

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Textual Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$27,554,000	$27,632,000	$73,273,000	$69,906,000
Regulated Operating Revenue, Other	341,000	350,000	1,052,000	1,058,000
Water Revenue Adjustment	$1,678,000	$2,762,000	$4,471,000	$2,762,000

Segment_Reporting_Assets_by_Se

Segment Reporting Assets by Segment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total Plant and Other Investments	$502,262	$479,264
Other Assets	144,195	151,547
Assets	646,457	630,811
Water Activities [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total Plant and Other Investments	501,520	478,560
Other Assets	140,776	136,246
Services and Rentals and Real Estate Combine [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total Plant and Other Investments	742	704
Other Assets	$3,419	$15,301

Income_Tax_Expense_Income_Tax_

Income Tax Expense Income Tax Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Rate	Rate	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	21.00%	13.20%	20.50%	25.90%
Effective Tax Rate Excluding Reserve Against Fixed Capital Investment Credits Claimed in Prior Years	18.80%	'	17.90%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	41.00%	'	41.00%	'

Lines_of_Credit_Lines_of_Credi

Lines of Credit Lines of Credit (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$35,000,000	'
Interim Bank Loans Payable	693,000	0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	34,300,000	'
CTWS Line of Credit A [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	15,000,000	'
CTWS Line of Credit B [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$20,000,000	'