Evergy Kansas Central 10-Q 6 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'WR	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WESTAR ENERGY INC /KS	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000054507	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	129,690,019

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$10,751		$4,487
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,503 and $4,596, respectively	259,205		250,036
Fuel inventory and supplies	256,521		239,511
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	41,878		37,954
Prepaid expenses	18,058		15,821
Regulatory assets	136,809		135,408
Other	24,931		23,608
Total Current Assets	748,153		706,825
Property, plant and equipment, net	7,816,120		7,551,916
OTHER ASSETS:	'		'
Regulatory assets	599,721		620,006
Nuclear decommissioning trust	185,896		175,625
Other	230,099		246,140
Total Other Assets	1,015,716		1,041,771
TOTAL ASSETS	9,871,242		9,597,138
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		250,000
Short-term debt	343,300		134,600
Accounts payable	171,162		233,351
Accrued dividends	45,182		43,604
Accrued taxes	76,592		69,769
Accrued interest	55,556	[1]	80,457	[1]
Regulatory liabilities	54,185		35,982
Other	85,579		80,184
Total Current Liabilities	859,654		955,426
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Long-term debt, net	3,215,805		2,968,958
Deferred income taxes	1,423,021		1,363,148
Unamortized investment tax credits	190,702		192,265
Regulatory liabilities	307,053		293,574
Accrued employee benefits	325,449		331,558
Asset retirement obligations	177,755		160,682
Other	74,140		68,194
Total Long-Term Liabilities	5,880,645		5,573,181
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Notes 10 and 11)	'		'
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity:	'		'
Common stock, par value $5 per share; authorized 275,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 129,272,835 shares and 128,254,229 shares, respective to each date	646,364		641,271
Paid-in capital	1,718,017		1,696,727
Retained earnings	756,442		724,776
Total Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	3,120,823		3,062,774
Noncontrolling Interests	10,120		5,757
Total Equity	3,130,943		3,068,531
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	9,871,242		9,597,138
Variable Interest Entity [Member]	'		'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Property, plant and equipment, net	291,253		296,626
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Current maturities of long-term debt	28,098		27,479
Accrued interest	2,962	[1]	3,472	[1]
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Long-term debt, net	$166,720		$194,802
[1]	Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$4,503	'	$4,596
Common stock, par value	'	$5	$5
Common stock, shares authorized	275,000,000	'	275,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	129,272,835	'	128,254,229
Common stock, shares outstanding	129,272,835	'	128,254,229

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
REVENUES	$612,668	$569,589	$1,241,224	$1,115,801
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Fuel and purchased power	164,779	152,700	338,618	304,452
Network Transmission Cost	55,533	44,600	107,491	88,396
Operating and maintenance	101,839	87,999	193,629	172,154
Depreciation and amortization	70,882	67,597	140,992	134,443
Selling, general and administrative	62,168	54,477	118,653	103,422
Taxes, Miscellaneous	34,738	30,704	69,571	61,482
Total Operating Expenses	489,939	438,077	968,954	864,349
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	122,729	131,512	272,270	251,452
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):	'	'	'	'
Investment earnings (losses)	3,175	1,690	5,553	5,749
Other income	5,658	13,711	11,575	17,427
Other expense	-2,287	-2,354	-7,952	-7,715
Total Other Income	6,546	13,047	9,176	15,461
Interest expense	47,303	45,798	93,543	90,082
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	81,972	98,761	187,903	176,831
Income tax expense	26,150	29,310	61,111	54,123
NET INCOME	55,822	69,451	126,792	122,708
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,349	2,263	4,365	4,375
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.	$53,473	$67,188	$122,427	$118,333
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.41	$0.53	$0.95	$0.93
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.40	$0.52	$0.93	$0.92
AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic	129,363,382	127,311,411	129,184,767	127,254,250
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	131,973,139	127,930,395	131,778,584	127,735,157
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$0.35	$0.34	$0.70	$0.68

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$126,792	$122,708
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	140,992	134,443
Amortization of nuclear fuel	10,304	8,631
Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback	-2,748	-2,748
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance	8,712	4,138
Non-cash compensation	3,945	4,146
Net deferred income taxes and credits	58,097	45,409
Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits	544	-399
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	-9,718	-5,689
Changes in working capital items:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-10,586	-15,271
Fuel inventory and supplies	-16,248	11,780
Prepaid expenses and other	-4,891	2,396
Accounts payable	-16,199	-24,838
Accrued taxes	8,293	16,196
Other current liabilities	-32,477	-58,624
Changes in other assets	1,828	-28,048
Changes in other liabilities	16,674	17,080
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	283,314	231,310
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-427,124	-398,998
Purchase of securities - trusts	-4,410	-59,986
Sale of securities - trusts	5,552	75,475
Investment in corporate-owned life insurance	15,903	17,408
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance	1,773	101,085
Proceeds from federal grant	0	876
Investment in affiliated company	1,418	0
Other investing activities	-1,544	-2,362
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities	-440,238	-301,318
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Short-term debt, net	208,533	70,617
Proceeds from long-term debt	171,785	245,813
Retirements of long-term debt	-177,500	-100,000
Repayment of capital leases	-1,628	-1,539
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance	56,577	57,948
Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance	-1,123	-100,060
Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits	-544	399
Issuance of common stock	20,699	2,992
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests	0	1,658
Cash dividends paid	-84,419	-80,886
Other financing activities	-1,887	0
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	163,188	68,152
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	6,264	-1,856
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	4,487	5,829
End of period	10,751	3,973
Variable Interest Entity [Member]	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Retirements of long-term debt	($27,305)	($25,474)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$2,910,255	$632,519	$1,656,972	$606,649	$14,115
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	126,503,748	'	'	'
Net income	122,708	0	0	118,333	4,375
Issuance of stock	2,992	479	2,513	0	0
Issuance Of Stock For Comprensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares	'	335,462	'	'	'
Issuance of stock (shares)	'	95,841	'	'	'
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends	4,782	1,677	3,105	'	'
Tax withholding related to stock compensation	-2,568	'	-2,568	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-87,082	0	0	-87,082	0
Stock compensation expense	4,104	'	4,104	'	'
Tax Benefit on stock compensation	399	0	399	0	0
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity	14,282	'	'	'	14,282
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests	1,658	'	'	'	1,658
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	2,939,650	634,675	1,664,525	637,900	2,550
Ending Balance (Shares) at Jun. 30, 2013	'	126,935,051	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	3,068,531	641,271	1,696,727	724,776	5,757
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	128,254,229	'	'	'
Net income	126,792	0	0	122,427	4,365
Issuance of stock	20,699	3,780	16,919	0	0
Issuance Of Stock For Comprensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares	'	262,645	'	'	'
Issuance of stock (shares)	'	755,961	'	'	'
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends	4,212	1,313	2,899	'	'
Tax withholding related to stock compensation	-1,887	'	-1,887	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-90,761	0	0	-90,761	0
Stock compensation expense	3,903	'	3,903	'	'
Tax Benefit on stock compensation	-544	0	-544	0	0
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity	0	'	'	'	'
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests	0	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity, Other	-2	'	'	'	-2
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$3,130,943	$646,364	$1,718,017	$756,442	$10,120
Ending Balance (Shares) at Jun. 30, 2014	'	129,272,835	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements Of Changes in Equity Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$0.35	$0.34	$0.70	$0.68

Description_Of_Business

Description Of Business	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description Of Business	'
	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
	We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "the company," "we," "us," "our" and similar words are to Westar Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term "Westar Energy" refers to Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation incorporated in 1924, alone and not together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
	We provide electric generation, transmission and distribution services to approximately 697,000 customers in Kansas. Westar Energy provides these services in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina and Hutchinson. Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KGE), Westar Energy's wholly owned subsidiary, provides these services in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. Both Westar Energy and KGE conduct business using the name Westar Energy. Our corporate headquarters is located at 818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Principles of Consolidation
	We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included.
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2013 Form 10-K.
	Use of Management's Estimates
	When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	Fuel Inventory and Supplies
	We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.
		As of			As of
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Fuel inventory	$	83,513		$	78,368
	Supplies	173,008			161,143
	Fuel inventory and supplies	$	256,521		$	239,511
	Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
	Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands)
	Borrowed funds	$	3,213		$	2,583		$	6,944		$	5,168
	Equity funds	4,712			2,943			9,718			5,689
	Total	$	7,925		$	5,526		$	16,662		$	10,857
	Average AFUDC Rates	6.8		%	4.3		%	7		%	4.3		%
	Earnings Per Share
	We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).
	Under the two-class method, we reduce net income attributable to common stock by the amount of dividends declared in the current period. We allocate the remaining earnings to common stock and RSUs to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. We determine the total earnings allocated to each security by adding together the amount allocated for dividends and the amount allocated for a participation feature. To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of potential issuances of common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method.
	The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income.
		Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
	Net income	$	55,822		$	69,451			$	126,792		$	122,708
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,349			2,263				4,365			4,375
	Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.	53,473			67,188				122,427			118,333
	Less: Net income allocated to RSUs	148			196				336			339
	Net income allocated to common stock	$	53,325		$	66,992			$	122,091		$	117,994
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic	129,363,382			127,311,411				129,184,767			127,254,250
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	RSUs	164,641			53,570				122,221			45,567
	Forward sale agreements	2,445,116			565,414				2,471,596			435,340
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a)	131,973,139			127,930,395				131,778,584			127,735,157
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	0.41		$	0.53			$	0.95		$	0.93
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	0.4		$	0.52			$	0.93		$	0.92
	_______________
	(a)We had no antidilutive shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013
		(In Thousands)
	CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM):
	Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized	$	80,373		$	73,853
	Interest on financing activities of VIEs	6,526			7,349
	Income taxes, net of refunds	236			(86		)
	NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:
	Property, plant and equipment additions	90,395			56,187
	Property, plant and equipment of VIEs	—			(14,282		)
	NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
	Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends	4,212			4,782
	Deconsolidation of VIE	—			(14,282		)
	Assets acquired through capital leases	1,195			326
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, regulatory bodies have issued the following new accounting pronouncement that may affect our accounting and/or disclosure.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that addresses revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of the new guidance is to establish principles to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application of the standard is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective application or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method or determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements but we do not expect it to be material.

Rate_Matters_And_Regulation

Rate Matters And Regulation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'
Rate Matters And Regulation	'
	RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION
	KCC Proceedings
	In June 2014, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an order to adjust our prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate discussed below. The new prices were effective in April 2014 and we estimate this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $41.0 million.
	In May 2014, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include costs associated with investments to comply with environmental requirements during 2013. New prices were effective in June 2014 and we estimate this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $11.0 million.
	In December 2013, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. New prices were effective in January 2014 and are expected to increase annual retail revenues by approximately $12.7 million.
	FERC Proceedings
	Our transmission formula rate that includes projected 2014 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs became effective January 2014 and is expected to increase annual transmission revenues by approximately $44.3 million. This updated rate provided the basis for our request to the KCC to adjust our retail prices to include updated transmission costs discussed above.

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk

Financial Instruments and Risk Management	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Financial And Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Abstract]	'
Financial And Derivative Instruments And Trading Securities	'
	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING SECURITIES
	Values of Financial Instruments
	GAAP establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the transparency of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of the hierarchy and examples are as follows:
	•	Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed on public exchanges.
	•	Level 2 - Pricing inputs are not quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 2 are typically measured at net asset value, comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, such as treasury securities with pricing interpolated from recent trades of similar securities, or priced with models using highly observable inputs.
	•	Level 3 - Significant inputs to pricing have little or no transparency. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation. Level 3 includes investments in private equity, real estate securities and other alternative investments, which are measured at net asset value.
	We record cash and cash equivalents, short-term borrowings and variable rate debt on our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. We measure the fair value of fixed rate debt, a level 2 measurement, based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for instruments of the same remaining maturities and redemption provisions. The recorded amount of accounts receivable and other current financial instruments approximates fair value.
	All of our level 2 investments are held in investment funds that are measured at fair value using daily net asset values. In addition, we maintain certain level 3 investments in private equity, alternative investments and real estate securities that are also measured at fair value using net asset value, but require significant unobservable market information to measure the fair value of the underlying investments. The underlying investments in private equity are measured at fair value utilizing both market- and income-based models, public company comparables, investment cost or the value derived from subsequent financings. Adjustments are made when actual performance differs from expected performance; when market, economic or company-specific conditions change; and when other news or events have a material impact on the security. The underlying alternative investments include collateralized debt obligations, mezzanine debt and a variety of other investments. The fair value of these investments is measured using a variety of primarily market-based models utilizing inputs such as security prices, maturity, call features, ratings and other developments related to specific securities. The underlying real estate investments are measured at fair value using a combination of market- and income-based models utilizing market discount rates, projected cash flows and the estimated value into perpetuity.
	We measure fair value based on information available as of the measurement date. The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt.
		As of June 30, 2014					As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(In Thousands)
	Fixed-rate debt	$	3,105,000		$	3,417,259	$	3,102,500		$	3,294,209
	Fixed-rate debt of VIEs	194,377			215,873		221,682			241,241
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value.
	As of June 30, 2014	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity	$	—		$	52,848	$	6,288		$	59,136
	International equity	—			33,930		—			33,930
	Core bonds	—			18,865		—			18,865
	High-yield bonds	—			13,575		—			13,575
	Emerging market bonds	—			11,995		—			11,995
	Other fixed income	—			4,807		—			4,807
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			17,920		—			17,920
	Alternative investments	—			—		16,446			16,446
	Real estate securities	—			—		9,026			9,026
	Cash equivalents	196			—		—			196
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	196			153,940		31,760			185,896
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity	—			18,450		—			18,450
	International equity	—			4,607		—			4,607
	Core bonds	—			12,307		—			12,307
	Cash equivalents	168			—		—			168
	Total Trading Securities	168			35,364		—			35,532
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	364		$	189,304	$	31,760		$	221,428
	As of December 31, 2013	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity	$	—		$	49,957	$	5,817		$	55,774
	International equity	—			31,816		—			31,816
	Core bonds	—			18,107		—			18,107
	High-yield bonds	—			12,902		—			12,902
	Emerging market bonds	—			11,055		—			11,055
	Other fixed income	—			4,690		—			4,690
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			17,093		—			17,093
	Alternative investments	—			—		15,675			15,675
	Real estate securities	—			—		8,511			8,511
	Cash equivalents	2			—		—			2
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	2			145,620		30,003			175,625
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity	—			18,075		—			18,075
	International equity	—			4,519		—			4,519
	Core bonds	—			12,166		—			12,166
	Cash equivalents	166			—		—			166
	Total Trading Securities	166			34,760		—			34,926
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	168		$	180,380	$	30,003		$	210,551
	The following table provides reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
		Domestic			Alternative		Real Estate			Net
		Equity			Investments		Securities			Balance
		(In Thousands)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	5,984		$	16,102	$	8,812		$	30,898
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	447			344		214			1,005
Purchases	46			—		89			135
Sales	(189		)	—		(89		)	(278		)
Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	6,288		$	16,446	$	9,026		$	31,760
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	5,817		$	15,675	$	8,511		$	30,003
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	609			771		515			1,895
Purchases	96			—		166			262
Sales	(234		)	—		(166		)	(400		)
Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	6,288		$	16,446	$	9,026		$	31,760
The following table provides reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.
	Domestic			Alternative		Real Estate			Net
	Equity			Investments		Securities			Balance
	(In Thousands)
Balance as of March 31, 2013	$	4,785		$	15,000	$	8,027		$	27,812
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	229			234		134			597
Purchases	72			—		71			143
Sales	(72		)	—		(71		)	(143		)
Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	5,014		$	15,234	$	8,161		$	28,409
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	4,899		$	—	$	7,865		$	12,764
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	197			234		296			727
Purchases	135			15,000		140			15,275
Sales	(217		)	—		(140		)	(357		)
Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	5,014		$	15,234	$	8,161		$	28,409
Portions of the gains and losses contributing to changes in net assets in the above table are unrealized. The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses we recorded to regulatory liabilities on our consolidated financial statements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, attributed to level 3 assets and liabilities.
	Domestic			Alternative Investments		Real Estate			Net
	Equity					Securities			Balance
	(In Thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2014	$	259		$	344	$	124		$	727
Three months ended June 30, 2013	157			234		62			453
Six months ended June 30, 2014	375			772		349			1,496
Six months ended June 30, 2013	(20		)	234		155			369
Some of our investments in the nuclear decommissioning trust (NDT) and our trading securities portfolio are measured at net asset value and do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are either with investment companies or companies that follow accounting guidance consistent with investment companies. In certain situations these investments may have redemption restrictions. The following table provides additional information on these investments.
	As of June 30, 2014					As of December 31, 2013						As of June 30, 2014
	Fair Value			Unfunded		Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption	Length of
				Commitments					Commitments			Frequency	Settlement
	(In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
Domestic equity	$	6,288		$	2,587	$	5,817		$	2,683		(a)	(a)
Alternative investments	16,446			—		15,675			—			(b)	(b)
Real estate securities	9,026			—		8,511			—			Quarterly	80 days
Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	31,760			2,587		30,003			2,683
Trading Securities:
Domestic equity	18,450			—		18,075			—			Upon Notice	1 day
International equity	4,607			—		4,519			—			Upon Notice	1 day
Core bonds	12,307			—		12,166			—			Upon Notice	1 day
Total Trading Securities	35,364			—		34,760			—
Total	$	67,124		$	2,587	$	64,763		$	2,683
_______________
(a)	This investment is in three long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. This fund's term will be 15 years, subject to the general partner's right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods.
(b)	This investment has an initial lock-up period of 24 months. Redemptions are allowed, on a quarterly basis, after 24 months at the sole discretion of the fund's board of directors. A 65-day notice of redemption is required. There is a holdback on final redemptions.
Price Risk
We use various types of fuel, including coal, natural gas, uranium and diesel to operate our plants and also purchase power to meet customer demand. Our prices and consolidated financial results are exposed to market risks from commodity price changes for electricity and other energy-related products as well as interest rates. Volatility in these markets impacts our costs of purchased power and costs of fuel for our generating plants. We strive to manage our customers' and our exposure to market risks through regulatory, operating and financing activities.
Interest Rate Risk
We have entered into numerous fixed and variable rate debt obligations. We manage our interest rate risk related to these debt obligations by limiting our exposure to variable interest rate debt, diversifying maturity dates and entering into treasury yield hedge transactions. We may also use other financial derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps.

Financial_Investments

Financial Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Financial Investments	'
	FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS
	We report some of our investments in equity and debt securities at fair value and use the specific identification method to determine their realized gains and losses. We classify these investments as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities as described below.
	Trading Securities
	We hold equity and debt investments which we classify as trading securities in a trust used to fund certain retirement benefit obligations. As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we measured the fair value of trust assets at $35.5 million and $34.9 million, respectively. We include unrealized gains or losses on these securities in investment earnings on our consolidated statements of income. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, we recorded unrealized gains of $1.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, on the assets still held. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded unrealized losses of $6.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively, on the assets still held.
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	We hold investments in a trust for the purpose of funding the decommissioning of Wolf Creek. We have classified these investments as available-for-sale and have recorded all such investments at their fair market value as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. As of June 30, 2014, the fair value of available-for-sale bond funds was $49.2 million. The NDT did not have investments in debt securities outside of investment funds as of June 30, 2014.
	Using the specific identification method to determine cost, we realized no gains on our available-for-sale securities for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and a gain of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we realized gains of $3.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively. We record net realized and unrealized gains and losses in regulatory liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method we use to account for the decommissioning costs we recover in our prices. Gains or losses on assets in the trust fund are recorded as increases or decreases to regulatory liabilities and could result in lower or higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which we believe would be reflected in the prices paid by our customers.
	The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
						Gross Unrealized
	Security Type		Cost			Gain			Loss				Fair Value			Allocation
			(Dollars In Thousands)
	As of June 30, 2014
	Domestic equity		$	41,327		$	17,814		$	(5	)		$	59,136		32	%
	International equity		27,133			6,797			—				33,930			18	%
	Core bonds		18,500			365			—				18,865			10	%
	High-yield bonds		12,652			923			—				13,575			7	%
	Emerging market bonds		12,262			—			(267		)		11,995			6	%
	Other fixed income		4,738			69			—				4,807			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,964			3,010			(54		)		17,920			10	%
	Alternative investments		15,000			1,446			—				16,446			9	%
	Real estate securities		10,434			—			(1,408		)		9,026			5	%
	Cash equivalents		196			—			—				196			<1%
	Total		$	157,206		$	30,424		$	(1,734	)		$	185,896		100	%
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity		$	40,976		$	14,799		$	(1	)		$	55,774		32	%
	International equity		26,581			5,266			(31		)		31,816			18	%
	Core bonds		18,287			—			(180		)		18,107			10	%
	High-yield bonds		12,275			627			—				12,902			7	%
	Emerging market bonds		12,207			—			(1,152		)		11,055			6	%
	Other fixed income		4,684			6			—				4,690			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,964			2,380			(251		)		17,093			10	%
	Alternative investments		15,000			675			—				15,675			9	%
	Real estate securities		10,268			—			(1,757		)		8,511			5	%
	Cash equivalents		2			—			—				2			<1%
	Total		$	155,244		$	23,753		$	(3,372	)		$	175,625		100	%
	The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater							Total
		Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value				Gross			Fair Value			Gross
					Unrealized							Unrealized						Unrealized
					Losses							Losses						Losses
		(In Thousands)
	As of June 30, 2014
	Domestic equity	$	105		$	(5	)	$	—			$	—		$	105		$	(5	)
	Emerging market bonds	—			—			11,995				(267		)	11,995			(267		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			—			6,463				(54		)	6,463			(54		)
	Real estate securities	—			—			9,026				(1,408		)	9,026			(1,408		)
	Total	$	105		$	(5	)	$	27,484			$	(1,729	)	$	27,589		$	(1,734	)
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity	$	59		$	(1	)	$	—			$	—		$	59		$	(1	)
	International equity	6,244			(31		)	—				—			6,244			(31		)
	Core bonds	18,107			(180		)	—				—			18,107			(180		)
	Emerging market bonds	11,055			(1,152		)	—				—			11,055			(1,152		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	6,283			(251		)	—				—			6,283			(251		)
	Real estate securities	—			—			8,511				(1,757		)	8,511			(1,757		)
	Total	$	41,748		$	(1,615	)	$	8,511			$	(1,757	)	$	50,259		$	(3,372	)

Debt_Financing

Debt Financing	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Debt Financing	'
	DEBT FINANCING
	In July 2014, KGE issued $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 4.30% per annum and maturing July 2044, the proceeds of which were used in July 2014 to retire Westar Energy first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million and stated interest of 6.00% per annum.
	In May 2014, Westar Energy issued $180.0 million in aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 4.10% per annum and maturing April 2043. These bonds constitute a further issuance of a series of bonds initially issued in March 2013 in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. Proceeds from this issuance were used in June 2014 to redeem three KGE pollution control bond series with an aggregate principal amount of $177.5 million and stated interest rates of 5.30% and 5.00% per annum.
	In February 2014, Westar Energy extended the term of the $270.0 million revolving credit facility to February 2017, provided that $20.0 million of this facility will terminate in February 2016. So long as there is no default under the facility, Westar Energy may increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under the facility to $400.0 million, subject to lender participation. All borrowings under the facility are secured by KGE first mortgage bonds. As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, Westar Energy had no borrowed amounts or letters of credit outstanding under this revolving credit facility.

Taxes

Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Taxes	'
	TAXES
	We recorded income tax expense of $26.2 million with an effective income tax rate of 32% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and income tax expense of $29.3 million with an effective income tax rate of 30% for the same period of 2013. We recorded income tax expense of $61.1 million with an effective income tax rate of 33% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and income tax expense of $54.1 million with an effective income tax rate of 31% for the same period of 2013. The increases in the effective income tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, were due primarily to less non-taxable income from corporate-owned life insurance (COLI).
	As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $2.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively. We do not expect significant changes in our unrecognized income tax benefits in the next 12 months.
	As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had $0.2 million accrued for interest related to our unrecognized income tax benefits. We accrued no penalties at either June 30, 2014, or December 31, 2013.
	As of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we had recorded $1.5 million for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes.
	Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted new regulations released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U. S. Treasury Department regarding deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property, including the tax treatment of, among other things, materials and supplies and the determination of whether expenditures with respect to tangible property are a deductible repair or must be capitalized, and re-proposed regulations regarding dispositions of property under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System. We continue to evaluate the new regulations, but do not expect them to have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.
	Additionally, also effective January 1, 2014, we implemented new accounting guidance regarding the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit. An unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent that such deferred tax assets are not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. We adopted this guidance with retrospective application to prior periods and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Pension_and_PostRetirement_Ben

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	4,055		$	5,355		$	345		$	507
	Interest cost		10,400			9,630			1,588			1,502
	Expected return on plan assets		(9,109		)	(8,351		)	(1,644		)	(1,672		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			81
	Prior service costs		131			150			631			631
	Actuarial loss, net		4,840			8,479			(185		)	281
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		10,317			15,263			735			1,330
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		4,002			783			1,124			717
	Net periodic cost		$	14,319		$	16,046		$	1,859		$	2,047
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Six Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	8,110		$	10,710		$	691		$	1,014
	Interest cost		20,800			19,260			3,175			3,004
	Expected return on plan assets		(18,219		)	(16,702		)	(3,288		)	(3,345		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			162
	Prior service costs		262			300			1,262			1,262
	Actuarial loss, net		9,681			16,957			(371		)	562
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		20,634			30,525			1,469			2,659
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		8,003			1,567			2,247			1,434
	Net periodic cost		$	28,637		$	32,092		$	3,716		$	4,093
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, we contributed $19.0 million and $17.7 million, respectively, to the Westar Energy pension trust.

Wolf_Creek_Pension_and_PostRet

Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	WOLF CREEK PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, KGE is indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for KGE's 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014		2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	1,424		$	1,708		$	43	$	52
	Interest cost		2,117			1,891			116		103
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,021		)	(1,843		)	—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		14			14			—		—
	Actuarial loss, net		747			1,355			41		66
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		2,281			3,125			200		221
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		501			(203		)	—		—
	Net periodic cost		$	2,782		$	2,922		$	200	$	221
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Six Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014		2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	2,847		$	3,417		$	87	$	104
	Interest cost		4,235			3,782			232		206
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,042		)	(3,686		)	—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		29			28			—		—
	Actuarial loss, net		1,493			2,710			82		132
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		4,562			6,251			401		442
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		1,002			(406		)	—		—
	Net periodic cost		$	5,564		$	5,845		$	401	$	442
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we did not fund the Wolf Creek pension plan, and during the six months ended June 30, 2013, we funded $3.7 million of Wolf Creek's pension plan contributions.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Federal Clean Air Act
	We must comply with the federal Clean Air Act, state laws and implementing federal and state regulations that impose, among other things, limitations on emissions generated from our operations, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), mercury, acid gases and GHG.
	Emissions from our generating facilities, including PM, SO2 and NOx, have been determined by regulation to reduce visibility by causing or contributing to regional haze. Under federal laws, such as the Clean Air Visibility Rule, and pursuant to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Kansas State Implementation Plan, we are required to install, operate and maintain controls to reduce emissions found to cause or contribute to regional haze.
	Under the federal Clean Air Act, the EPA sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for certain emissions considered harmful to public health and the environment, including two classes of PM, NOx (a precursor to ozone), CO and SO2, which result from fossil fuel combustion. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated attainment areas while those that do not meet the NAAQS are considered nonattainment areas. Each state must develop a plan to bring nonattainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) proposed to designate portions of the Kansas City area nonattainment for the eight-hour ozone standard, which has the potential to impact our operations. The EPA has not acted on KDHE's proposed designation of the Kansas City area and it is uncertain when, or if, such a designation might occur. The Wichita area also exceeded the eight-hour ozone standard and could be designated nonattainment in the future, potentially impacting our operations.
	In December 2012, the EPA strengthened an existing NAAQS for one class of PM. By the end of 2014, the EPA anticipates making final attainment/nonattainment designations under this rule and expects to issue a final implementation rule. We are currently evaluating the rule and it may have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.
	In 2010 the EPA strengthened the NAAQS for both NOx and SO2. We continue to communicate with our regulators regarding these standards and are currently evaluating what impact this could have on our operations. If we are required to install additional equipment to control emissions at our facilities, the revised NAAQS could have a material impact on our operations and/or consolidated financial results.
	Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
	In 2011, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) requiring 28 states, including Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, to further reduce emissions of SO2, NOx and fine particles. In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that had vacated CSAPR and remanded CSAPR back to them for further proceedings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. The timeline for further proceedings related to CSAPR by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is unknown at this time. In June 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to lift the CSAPR stay. The original effective dates under CSAPR presented compliance challenges for us, but while CSAPR was stayed, we installed various emission controls at our generation facilities and have projects for additional controls in progress or planned. When CSAPR is reinstated, the EPA is expected to establish new effective dates for compliance with the reduced emission levels required by the rule. We are unable to determine the full impact of reinstatement of CSAPR until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the EPA take further action, the timing for which is unknown.
	Environmental Projects
	We will continue to make significant capital and operating expenditures at our power plants to reduce regulated emissions. The amount of these expenditures could change materially depending on the timing and nature of required investments, the specific outcomes resulting from existing regulations, new regulations, legislation and the manner in which we operate the plants. In addition to the capital investment, in the event we install new equipment, such equipment may cause us to incur significant increases in annual operating and maintenance expense and may reduce the net production, reliability and availability of the plants. The degree to which we will need to reduce emissions and the timing of when such emissions controls may be required is uncertain. Additionally, our ability to access capital markets and the availability of materials, equipment and contractors may affect the timing and ultimate amount of such capital investments.
	In comparison to a general rate review, the environmental cost recovery rider (ECRR) reduces the amount of time it takes to begin collecting in retail prices the costs associated with capital expenditures for qualifying environmental improvements. We are not allowed to use the ECRR to collect approximately $610.0 million of the projected capital investment associated with the environmental upgrades at La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne). In November 2013, the KCC issued an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include the investment in the La Cygne environmental upgrades through June 30, 2013, and to reflect cost reductions elsewhere. The new prices are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $30.7 million. To change our prices to collect increased operating and maintenance costs, we must file a general rate review with the KCC.
	Greenhouse Gases
	Under regulations known as the Tailoring Rule, the EPA regulates GHG emissions from certain stationary sources. The regulations are being implemented pursuant to two federal Clean Air Act programs which impose recordkeeping and monitoring requirements and also mandate the implementation of best available control technology (BACT) for projects that cause a significant increase in GHG emissions (defined to be more than 75,000 tons or more per year or 100,000 tons or more per year, depending on various factors). The EPA has issued guidance on what BACT entails for the control of GHGs and individual states are required to determine what controls are required for facilities within their jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that the EPA can no longer treat GHG as a pollutant for purposes of defining major emitting facilities and modifications to major emitting facilities under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit Programs. In essence, this ruling invalidates the above mentioned Tailoring Rule, however, it still allows the EPA to apply BACT for GHG in situations where applicability is triggered for another PSD regulated pollutant. We cannot at this time determine the impact of these regulations on our future operations and consolidated financial results as the rule has not been finalized, but we believe the cost of compliance with the regulations could be material.
	Water
	In May 2014, the EPA issued final standards for cooling intake structures at power plants to protect aquatic life. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), require subject facilities to choose among seven Best Technology Available (BTA) options to reduce fish impingement. In addition, some facilities must conduct studies to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms. Our current analysis indicates this rule will not have a significant impact on our coal plants that employ cooling towers. Biological monitoring may be required for LaCygne and Wolf Creek plants. We are currently evaluating the rule's impact on those two plants and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but do not expect it to be material.
	Renewable Energy Standard
	Kansas law mandates that we maintain a minimum amount of renewable energy sources. Through 2015 net renewable generation capacity must be 10% of the average peak retail demand for the three prior years, subject to limited exceptions. This requirement increases to 15% for years 2016 through 2019 and 20% for 2020 and thereafter. With our existing wind generation facilities, supply contracts and renewable energy credits, we are able to satisfy the net renewable generation requirement through 2015. With our agreement to purchase the energy produced from 200 megawatts (MW) of installed design capacity of additional wind generation beginning in late 2016, we expect to meet the increased requirements through 2020. If we are unable to meet future requirements, our operations and consolidated financial results could be adversely impacted.
	EPA Consent Decree
	As part of a 2010 settlement of a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice on behalf of the EPA, we are installing selective catalytic reduction equipment on one of three Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) coal units to be completed by the end of 2014, which we estimate will cost approximately $230.0 million. We are installing less expensive NOx reduction equipment on the other two units to satisfy other terms of the settlement. We plan to complete these projects in 2014 and have begun to recover the costs to install these systems through our ECRR, but additional recovery remains subject to the approval of our regulators.
	Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel
	Wolf Creek is currently evaluating alternatives for expanding its existing on-site spent nuclear fuel storage to provide additional capacity prior to 2025. We cannot predict when, or if, an off-site storage site or alternative disposal site will be available to receive Wolf Creek's spent nuclear fuel and will continue to monitor this activity.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings	'
	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
	We and our subsidiaries are involved in various legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believe that adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial results. See Note 3, "Rate Matters and Regulation," and Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Common Stock	'
	COMMON STOCK
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, Westar Energy issued 0.7 million shares of common stock with a physical settlement amount of $18.3 million to settle certain forward sale transactions pursuant to a master forward sale confirmation entered into in 2010. Under that agreement Westar Energy must settle any forward transaction within 18 months of the date of the transaction. Assuming physical share settlement of the approximately 11.4 million shares associated with all outstanding forward sale transactions as of June 30, 2014, Westar Energy would have received aggregate proceeds of approximately $330.9 million based on a weighted-average forward price of $29.11 per share. In July 2014, Westar Energy issued 0.3 million shares with a physical settlement amount of approximately $9.1 million pursuant to a master forward sale confirmation entered into in 2010.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	In determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess the entity's purpose and design, including the nature of the entity's activities and the risks that the entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders. A reporting enterprise is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. The trusts holding our 8% interest in JEC, our 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and railcars we use to transport coal to some of our power plants are VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary.
	We assess all entities with which we become involved to determine whether such entities are VIEs and, if so, whether or not we are the primary beneficiary of the entities. We also continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs with which we are involved. Prospective changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to reconsider our determination as it relates to the identification of the primary beneficiary.
	8% Interest in Jeffrey Energy Center
	Under an agreement that expires in January 2019, we lease an 8% interest in JEC from a trust. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 8% interest in JEC and lease it to a third party, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 8% interest in JEC, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust's debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 8% interest in JEC at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits.
	50% Interest in La Cygne Unit 2
	Under an agreement that expires in September 2029, KGE entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with a trust under which the trust purchased KGE's 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and subsequently leased it back to KGE. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and lease it back to KGE, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust's debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits.
	Railcars
	We lease railcars from a trust under an agreement that expires in November 2014. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the railcars and lease them to us, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of this trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include the operation, maintenance and repair of the railcars and our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the railcars at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. We have determined that we will renew the lease when the initial contract expires in November 2014. Upon renewal of the lease contract, we will no longer be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and, accordingly, will deconsolidate the trust.
	Financial Statement Impact
	We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above.
		As of		As of
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net	$	291,253	$	296,626
	Regulatory assets (a)	7,365		6,792
	Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	$	28,098	$	27,479
	Accrued interest (b)	2,962		3,472
	Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	166,720		194,802
	_______________
	(a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
	(b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.
	All of the liabilities noted in the table above relate to the purchase of the property, plant and equipment. The assets of the VIEs can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs and the VIEs' debt holders have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided financial or other support to the VIEs and are not required to provide such support. We recorded no gain or loss upon initial consolidation of the VIEs.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles Of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included.
Use Of Management's Estimates	'
	Use of Management's Estimates
	When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Fuel Inventory And Supplies	'
	Fuel Inventory and Supplies
	We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost.
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction	'
	Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
	Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).
	Under the two-class method, we reduce net income attributable to common stock by the amount of dividends declared in the current period. We allocate the remaining earnings to common stock and RSUs to the extent that each security may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. We determine the total earnings allocated to each security by adding together the amount allocated for dividends and the amount allocated for a participation feature. To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of potential issuances of common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Utility Inventory	'
	Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.
		As of			As of
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Fuel inventory	$	83,513		$	78,368
	Supplies	173,008			161,143
	Fuel inventory and supplies	$	256,521		$	239,511
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction	'
	on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands)
	Borrowed funds	$	3,213		$	2,583		$	6,944		$	5,168
	Equity funds	4,712			2,943			9,718			5,689
	Total	$	7,925		$	5,526		$	16,662		$	10,857
	Average AFUDC Rates	6.8		%	4.3		%	7		%	4.3		%
Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS	'
	The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income.
		Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
	Net income	$	55,822		$	69,451			$	126,792		$	122,708
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,349			2,263				4,365			4,375
	Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.	53,473			67,188				122,427			118,333
	Less: Net income allocated to RSUs	148			196				336			339
	Net income allocated to common stock	$	53,325		$	66,992			$	122,091		$	117,994
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic	129,363,382			127,311,411				129,184,767			127,254,250
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	RSUs	164,641			53,570				122,221			45,567
	Forward sale agreements	2,445,116			565,414				2,471,596			435,340
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a)	131,973,139			127,930,395				131,778,584			127,735,157
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	0.41		$	0.53			$	0.95		$	0.93
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	0.4		$	0.52			$	0.93		$	0.92
	_______________
	(a)We had no antidilutive shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013
		(In Thousands)
	CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM):
	Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized	$	80,373		$	73,853
	Interest on financing activities of VIEs	6,526			7,349
	Income taxes, net of refunds	236			(86		)
	NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:
	Property, plant and equipment additions	90,395			56,187
	Property, plant and equipment of VIEs	—			(14,282		)
	NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
	Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends	4,212			4,782
	Deconsolidation of VIE	—			(14,282		)
	Assets acquired through capital leases	1,195			326

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk1

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014														Jun. 30, 2013
Financial And Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Abstract]	'														'
Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments	'														'
	The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt.
		As of June 30, 2014					As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(In Thousands)
	Fixed-rate debt	$	3,105,000		$	3,417,259	$	3,102,500		$	3,294,209
	Fixed-rate debt of VIEs	194,377			215,873		221,682			241,241
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities	'														'
	The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value.
	As of June 30, 2014	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity	$	—		$	52,848	$	6,288		$	59,136
	International equity	—			33,930		—			33,930
	Core bonds	—			18,865		—			18,865
	High-yield bonds	—			13,575		—			13,575
	Emerging market bonds	—			11,995		—			11,995
	Other fixed income	—			4,807		—			4,807
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			17,920		—			17,920
	Alternative investments	—			—		16,446			16,446
	Real estate securities	—			—		9,026			9,026
	Cash equivalents	196			—		—			196
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	196			153,940		31,760			185,896
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity	—			18,450		—			18,450
	International equity	—			4,607		—			4,607
	Core bonds	—			12,307		—			12,307
	Cash equivalents	168			—		—			168
	Total Trading Securities	168			35,364		—			35,532
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	364		$	189,304	$	31,760		$	221,428
	As of December 31, 2013	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity	$	—		$	49,957	$	5,817		$	55,774
	International equity	—			31,816		—			31,816
	Core bonds	—			18,107		—			18,107
	High-yield bonds	—			12,902		—			12,902
	Emerging market bonds	—			11,055		—			11,055
	Other fixed income	—			4,690		—			4,690
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			17,093		—			17,093
	Alternative investments	—			—		15,675			15,675
	Real estate securities	—			—		8,511			8,511
	Cash equivalents	2			—		—			2
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	2			145,620		30,003			175,625
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity	—			18,075		—			18,075
	International equity	—			4,519		—			4,519
	Core bonds	—			12,166		—			12,166
	Cash equivalents	166			—		—			166
	Total Trading Securities	166			34,760		—			34,926
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	168		$	180,380	$	30,003		$	210,551
Reconciliations Of Assets And Liabilities At Fair Value	'														'
	The following table provides reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.														The following table provides reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.
		Domestic			Alternative		Real Estate			Net						Domestic			Alternative		Real Estate			Net
		Equity			Investments		Securities			Balance						Equity			Investments		Securities			Balance
		(In Thousands)														(In Thousands)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	5,984		$	16,102	$	8,812		$	30,898				Balance as of March 31, 2013	$	4,785		$	15,000	$	8,027		$	27,812
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:														Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
	Regulatory liabilities	447			344		214			1,005					Regulatory liabilities	229			234		134			597
	Purchases	46			—		89			135					Purchases	72			—		71			143
	Sales	(189		)	—		(89		)	(278		)			Sales	(72		)	—		(71		)	(143		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	6,288		$	16,446	$	9,026		$	31,760				Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	5,014		$	15,234	$	8,161		$	28,409
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	5,817		$	15,675	$	8,511		$	30,003				Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	4,899		$	—	$	7,865		$	12,764
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:														Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
	Regulatory liabilities	609			771		515			1,895					Regulatory liabilities	197			234		296			727
	Purchases	96			—		166			262					Purchases	135			15,000		140			15,275
	Sales	(234		)	—		(166		)	(400		)			Sales	(217		)	—		(140		)	(357		)
	Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	6,288		$	16,446	$	9,026		$	31,760				Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	5,014		$	15,234	$	8,161		$	28,409
Unrealized Gains And Losses On Fair Value Assets And Liabilities	'														'
	our consolidated financial statements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, attributed to level 3 assets and liabilities.
		Domestic			Alternative Investments		Real Estate			Net
		Equity					Securities			Balance
		(In Thousands)
	Three months ended June 30, 2014	$	259		$	344	$	124		$	727
	Three months ended June 30, 2013	157			234		62			453
	Six months ended June 30, 2014	375			772		349			1,496
	Six months ended June 30, 2013	(20		)	234		155			369
Investments In Financial Instruments	'														'
	The following table provides additional information on these investments.
		As of June 30, 2014					As of December 31, 2013						As of June 30, 2014
		Fair Value			Unfunded		Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption	Length of
					Commitments					Commitments			Frequency	Settlement
		(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity	$	6,288		$	2,587	$	5,817		$	2,683		(a)	(a)
	Alternative investments	16,446			—		15,675			—			(b)	(b)
	Real estate securities	9,026			—		8,511			—			Quarterly	80 days
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	31,760			2,587		30,003			2,683
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity	18,450			—		18,075			—			Upon Notice	1 day
	International equity	4,607			—		4,519			—			Upon Notice	1 day
	Core bonds	12,307			—		12,166			—			Upon Notice	1 day
	Total Trading Securities	35,364			—		34,760			—
	Total	$	67,124		$	2,587	$	64,763		$	2,683
	_______________
	(a)	This investment is in three long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. This fund's term will be 15 years, subject to the general partner's right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods.
	(b)	This investment has an initial lock-up period of 24 months. Redemptions are allowed, on a quarterly basis, after 24 months at the sole discretion of the fund's board of directors. A 65-day notice of redemption is required. There is a holdback on final redemptions.

Financial_Investments_Tables

Financial Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Cost And Fair Value Of Investments	'
	The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
						Gross Unrealized
	Security Type		Cost			Gain			Loss				Fair Value			Allocation
			(Dollars In Thousands)
	As of June 30, 2014
	Domestic equity		$	41,327		$	17,814		$	(5	)		$	59,136		32	%
	International equity		27,133			6,797			—				33,930			18	%
	Core bonds		18,500			365			—				18,865			10	%
	High-yield bonds		12,652			923			—				13,575			7	%
	Emerging market bonds		12,262			—			(267		)		11,995			6	%
	Other fixed income		4,738			69			—				4,807			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,964			3,010			(54		)		17,920			10	%
	Alternative investments		15,000			1,446			—				16,446			9	%
	Real estate securities		10,434			—			(1,408		)		9,026			5	%
	Cash equivalents		196			—			—				196			<1%
	Total		$	157,206		$	30,424		$	(1,734	)		$	185,896		100	%
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity		$	40,976		$	14,799		$	(1	)		$	55,774		32	%
	International equity		26,581			5,266			(31		)		31,816			18	%
	Core bonds		18,287			—			(180		)		18,107			10	%
	High-yield bonds		12,275			627			—				12,902			7	%
	Emerging market bonds		12,207			—			(1,152		)		11,055			6	%
	Other fixed income		4,684			6			—				4,690			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,964			2,380			(251		)		17,093			10	%
	Alternative investments		15,000			675			—				15,675			9	%
	Real estate securities		10,268			—			(1,757		)		8,511			5	%
	Cash equivalents		2			—			—				2			<1%
	Total		$	155,244		$	23,753		$	(3,372	)		$	175,625		100	%
Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses Of Available-For-Sale Securities	'
	The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Greater							Total
		Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value				Gross			Fair Value			Gross
					Unrealized							Unrealized						Unrealized
					Losses							Losses						Losses
		(In Thousands)
	As of June 30, 2014
	Domestic equity	$	105		$	(5	)	$	—			$	—		$	105		$	(5	)
	Emerging market bonds	—			—			11,995				(267		)	11,995			(267		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			—			6,463				(54		)	6,463			(54		)
	Real estate securities	—			—			9,026				(1,408		)	9,026			(1,408		)
	Total	$	105		$	(5	)	$	27,484			$	(1,729	)	$	27,589		$	(1,734	)
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity	$	59		$	(1	)	$	—			$	—		$	59		$	(1	)
	International equity	6,244			(31		)	—				—			6,244			(31		)
	Core bonds	18,107			(180		)	—				—			18,107			(180		)
	Emerging market bonds	11,055			(1,152		)	—				—			11,055			(1,152		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	6,283			(251		)	—				—			6,283			(251		)
	Real estate securities	—			—			8,511				(1,757		)	8,511			(1,757		)
	Total	$	41,748		$	(1,615	)	$	8,511			$	(1,757	)	$	50,259		$	(3,372	)

Pension_and_PostRetirement_Ben1

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	4,055		$	5,355		$	345		$	507
	Interest cost		10,400			9,630			1,588			1,502
	Expected return on plan assets		(9,109		)	(8,351		)	(1,644		)	(1,672		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			81
	Prior service costs		131			150			631			631
	Actuarial loss, net		4,840			8,479			(185		)	281
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		10,317			15,263			735			1,330
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		4,002			783			1,124			717
	Net periodic cost		$	14,319		$	16,046		$	1,859		$	2,047
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Six Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	8,110		$	10,710		$	691		$	1,014
	Interest cost		20,800			19,260			3,175			3,004
	Expected return on plan assets		(18,219		)	(16,702		)	(3,288		)	(3,345		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			162
	Prior service costs		262			300			1,262			1,262
	Actuarial loss, net		9,681			16,957			(371		)	562
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		20,634			30,525			1,469			2,659
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		8,003			1,567			2,247			1,434
	Net periodic cost		$	28,637		$	32,092		$	3,716		$	4,093
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

Wolf_Creek_Pension_and_PostRet1

Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	4,055		$	5,355		$	345		$	507
	Interest cost		10,400			9,630			1,588			1,502
	Expected return on plan assets		(9,109		)	(8,351		)	(1,644		)	(1,672		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			81
	Prior service costs		131			150			631			631
	Actuarial loss, net		4,840			8,479			(185		)	281
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		10,317			15,263			735			1,330
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		4,002			783			1,124			717
	Net periodic cost		$	14,319		$	16,046		$	1,859		$	2,047
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Six Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	8,110		$	10,710		$	691		$	1,014
	Interest cost		20,800			19,260			3,175			3,004
	Expected return on plan assets		(18,219		)	(16,702		)	(3,288		)	(3,345		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			162
	Prior service costs		262			300			1,262			1,262
	Actuarial loss, net		9,681			16,957			(371		)	562
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		20,634			30,525			1,469			2,659
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		8,003			1,567			2,247			1,434
	Net periodic cost		$	28,637		$	32,092		$	3,716		$	4,093
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
Wolf Creek [Member]	'
Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for KGE's 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	1,424		$	1,708		$	43		$	52
	Interest cost		2,117			1,891			116			103
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,021		)	(1,843		)	—			—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		14			14			—			—
	Actuarial loss, net		747			1,355			41			66
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		2,281			3,125			200			221
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		501			(203		)	—			—
	Net periodic cost		$	2,782		$	2,922		$	200		$	221
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Six Months Ended June 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	2,847		$	3,417		$	87		$	104
	Interest cost		4,235			3,782			232			206
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,042		)	(3,686		)	—			—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		29			28			—			—
	Actuarial loss, net		1,493			2,710			82			132
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		4,562			6,251			401			442
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		1,002			(406		)	—			—
	Net periodic cost		$	5,564		$	5,845		$	401		$	442
	_______________
	(a)	The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Assets And Liabilities of VIEs	'
	We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above.
		As of		As of
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net	$	291,253	$	296,626
	Regulatory assets (a)	7,365		6,792
	Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	$	28,098	$	27,479
	Accrued interest (b)	2,962		3,472
	Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	166,720		194,802
	_______________
	(a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
	(b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.

Description_Of_Business_Detail

Description Of Business (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of customers in Kansas	697,000

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Fuel Inventory And Supplies) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$256,521	$239,511
Fuel Inventory [Member]	'	'
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Public Utility Inventory	83,513	78,368
Supplies [Member]	'	'
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Public Utility Inventory	$173,008	$161,143

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Allowance For Funds Used During Construction) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Borrowed funds	$3,213	$2,583	$6,944	$5,168
Equity funds	4,712	2,943	9,718	5,689
Total	$7,925	$5,526	$16,662	$10,857
Average AFUDC rates	6.80%	4.30%	7.00%	4.30%

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic	$148	$196	$336	$339
Net income allocated to common stock	$53,325	$66,992	$122,091	$117,994
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic	129,363,382	127,311,411	129,184,767	127,254,250
RSUs	164,641	53,570	122,221	45,567
Forward sale agreements	2,445,116	565,414	2,471,596	435,340
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding - diluted	131,973,139	127,930,395	131,778,584	127,735,157
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.41	$0.53	$0.95	$0.93
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.40	$0.52	$0.93	$0.92
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities	'	'	0	0

Summary_Of_Significant_Account6

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash Paid For (Received From)	'	'
Interest on financing activities	$80,373	$73,853
Income taxes, net of refunds	236	-86
Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	90,395	56,187
Issuance of common stock for reinvested dividends and compensation plans	4,212	4,782
Deconsolidation of VIE	0	14,282
Assets acquired through capital leases	1,195	326
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'
Cash Paid For (Received From)	'	'
Interest on financing activities	6,526	7,349
Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$0	($14,282)

Rate_Matters_And_Regulation_Na

Rate Matters And Regulation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items]	'
Estimated Increase In Annual Retail Revenues For Transmission Costs	$41
Estimated Increase In Annual Retail Revenues For Environmental Costs	11
Estimated Increase In Annual Revenues For Property Tax	12.7
Estimated Increase In Annual Transmission Revenues	$44.30

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk2

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed Rate Debt Member	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Value	$3,105,000	$3,102,500
Fair Value	3,417,259	3,294,209
Fixed Rate Debt Of Variable Interest Entities Member	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Value	194,377	221,682
Fair Value	$215,873	$241,241

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk3

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	$185,896	$175,625
Trading securities	35,532	34,926
Total assets measured at fair value	221,428	210,551
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	196	2
Trading securities	168	166
Total assets measured at fair value	364	168
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	153,940	145,620
Trading securities	35,364	34,760
Total assets measured at fair value	189,304	180,380
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	31,760	30,003
Trading securities	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	31,760	30,003
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	59,136	55,774
Trading securities	18,450	18,075
Domestic Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
Domestic Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	52,848	49,957
Trading securities	18,450	18,075
Domestic Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	6,288	5,817
Trading securities	0	0
International Equity [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	33,930	31,816
Trading securities	4,607	4,519
International Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
International Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	33,930	31,816
Trading securities	4,607	4,519
International Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
Core Bonds [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	18,865	18,107
Trading securities	12,307	12,166
Core Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
Core Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	18,865	18,107
Trading securities	12,307	12,166
Core Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
High-Yield Bonds [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	13,575	12,902
High-Yield Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
High-Yield Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	13,575	12,902
High-Yield Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Emerging Market Bonds [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	11,995	11,055
Emerging Market Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Emerging Market Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	11,995	11,055
Emerging Market Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Other Fixed Income [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	4,807	4,690
Other Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Other Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	4,807	4,690
Other Fixed Income [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	17,920	'
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	'
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	17,920	'
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	'
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	'	17,093
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	'	0
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	'	17,093
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	'	0
Alternative Funds [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	16,446	15,675
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	16,446	15,675
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	9,026	8,511
Real Estate Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Real Estate Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Real Estate Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	9,026	8,511
Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	196	2
Trading securities	168	166
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	196	2
Trading securities	168	166
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Trading securities	0	0
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	0	0
Trading securities	$0	$0

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk4

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Reconciliations Of Assets And Liabilities At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	$30,898	$27,812	$30,003	$12,764
Regulatory liabilities	1,005	597	1,895	727
Purchases	135	143	262	15,275
Sales	-278	-143	-400	-357
Balance at period end	31,760	28,409	31,760	28,409
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	5,984	4,785	5,817	4,899
Regulatory liabilities	447	229	609	197
Purchases	46	72	96	135
Sales	-189	-72	-234	-217
Balance at period end	6,288	5,014	6,288	5,014
Alternative Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	16,102	15,000	15,675	0
Regulatory liabilities	344	234	771	234
Purchases	0	0	0	15,000
Sales	0	0	0	0
Balance at period end	16,446	15,234	16,446	15,234
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	8,812	8,027	8,511	7,865
Regulatory liabilities	214	134	515	296
Purchases	89	71	166	140
Sales	-89	-71	-166	-140
Balance at period end	$9,026	$8,161	$9,026	$8,161

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk5

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Unrealized Gains And Losses On Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	$727	$453	$1,496	$369
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	259	-157	375	-20
Alternative Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	344	-234	772	234
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	$124	($62)	$349	$155

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk6

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Investments In Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	$185,896		$175,625
Trading securities	35,532		34,926
Total	221,428		210,551
Domestic Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	59,136		55,774
Trading securities	18,450		18,075
Alternative Funds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	16,446		15,675
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	9,026		8,511
International Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	33,930		31,816
Trading securities	4,607		4,519
Core Bonds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	18,865		18,107
Trading securities	12,307		12,166
Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	31,760		30,003
Trading securities	35,364		34,760
Total	67,124		64,763
Unfunded commitments	2,587		2,683
Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	6,288	[1]	5,817	[1]
Trading securities	18,450		18,075
Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	16,446	[2]	15,675	[2]
Fair Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	9,026		8,511
Fair Value [Member] | International Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	4,607		4,519
Fair Value [Member] | Core Bonds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	12,307		12,166
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	2,587		2,683
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	2,587		2,683
Investment redemption frequency	'This investment is in three long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. This fund's term will be 15 years, subject to the general partner's right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods.		'
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	0		0
Investment redemption frequency	'This investment has an initial lock-up period of 24 months. Redemptions are allowed, on a quarterly basis, after 24 months at the sole discretion of the fund's board of directors. A 65-day notice of redemption is required. There is a holdback on final redemptions.		'
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	0		0
Investment redemption frequency	'Quarterly		'
Investment redemption length of settlement	'80 days		'
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	0		0
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	0		0
Investment redemption frequency	'Upon Notice		'
Investment redemption length of settlement	'1 day		'
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | International Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	0		0
Investment redemption frequency	'Upon Notice		'
Investment redemption length of settlement	'1 day		'
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Core Bonds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	$0		$0
Investment redemption frequency	'Upon Notice		'
Investment redemption length of settlement	'1 day		'
[1]	This investment is in three long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. This fund's term will be 15 years, subject to the general partner's right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods.
[2]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjVlNGIyYTc0Y2FlNjRjNzhhMjgzOTY5NDMyYzk2YjhifFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246Mjc5RkU2ODYwNTAwODJCRTI0NjdGRDQzQzg0QTIxOUIM}

Financial_Investments_Narrativ

Financial Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading securities	$35,532,000	'	$35,532,000	'	$34,926,000
Unrealized gains losses	1,100,000	6,200,000	1,600,000	3,700,000	'
Fair value of available-for-sale bond funds	49,200,000	'	49,200,000	'	'
Realized gains on available-for-sale-securities	$0	$3,200,000	$100,000	$4,500,000	'

Financial_Investments_Cost_And

Financial Investments (Cost And Fair Value Of Investments) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	$35,532	$34,926
Cost	157,206	155,244
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	30,424	23,753
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-1,734	-3,372
Available-for-sale Securities	185,896	175,625
Allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	18,450	18,075
Cost	41,327	40,976
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	17,814	14,799
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-5	-1
Available-for-sale Securities	59,136	55,774
Allocation	32.00%	32.00%
International Equity [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	4,607	4,519
Cost	27,133	26,581
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	6,797	5,266
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	-31
Available-for-sale Securities	33,930	31,816
Allocation	18.00%	18.00%
Core Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	12,307	12,166
Cost	18,500	18,287
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	365	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	-180
Available-for-sale Securities	18,865	18,107
Allocation	10.00%	10.00%
High-Yield Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	12,652	12,275
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	923	627
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	13,575	12,902
Allocation	7.00%	7.00%
Emerging Market Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	12,262	12,207
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-267	-1,152
Available-for-sale Securities	11,995	11,055
Allocation	6.00%	6.00%
Other Fixed Income [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	4,738	4,684
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	69	6
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	4,807	4,690
Allocation	3.00%	3.00%
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	14,964	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	3,010	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-54	'
Available-for-sale Securities	17,920	'
Allocation	10.00%	'
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	'	14,964
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	2,380
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	-251
Available-for-sale Securities	'	17,093
Allocation	'	10.00%
Alternative Funds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	15,000	15,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	1,446	675
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	16,446	15,675
Allocation	9.00%	9.00%
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	10,434	10,268
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	-1,408	-1,757
Available-for-sale Securities	9,026	8,511
Allocation	5.00%	5.00%
Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities	168	166
Cost	196	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	$196	$2

Financial_Investments_Fair_Val

Financial Investments (Fair Value And The Gross Unrealized Losses Of the Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	$1,100,000	$6,200,000	$1,600,000	$3,700,000	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	105,000	'	105,000	'	41,748,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	-5,000	'	-1,615,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	27,484,000	'	27,484,000	'	8,511,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-1,729,000	'	-1,757,000
Fair Value, Total	27,589,000	'	27,589,000	'	50,259,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-1,734,000	'	-3,372,000
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	105,000	'	105,000	'	59,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	-5,000	'	-1,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	0	'	0	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	0	'	0
Fair Value, Total	105,000	'	105,000	'	59,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-5,000	'	-1,000
International Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	'	'	'	'	6,244,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	'	'	-31,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	'	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	'	'	0
Fair Value, Total	'	'	'	'	6,244,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	'	'	-31,000
Core Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	'	'	'	'	18,107,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	'	'	-180,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	'	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	'	'	0
Fair Value, Total	'	'	'	'	18,107,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	'	'	-180,000
Emerging Market Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	0	'	0	'	11,055,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	0	'	-1,152,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	11,995,000	'	11,995,000	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-267,000	'	0
Fair Value, Total	11,995,000	'	11,995,000	'	11,055,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-267,000	'	-1,152,000
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	0	'	0	'	6,283,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	0	'	-251,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	6,463,000	'	6,463,000	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-54,000	'	0
Fair Value, Total	6,463,000	'	6,463,000	'	6,283,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-54,000	'	-251,000
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	0	'	0	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	0	'	0
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	9,026,000	'	9,026,000	'	8,511,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-1,408,000	'	-1,757,000
Fair Value, Total	9,026,000	'	9,026,000	'	8,511,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	($1,408,000)	'	($1,757,000)

Debt_Financing_Narrative_Detai

Debt Financing (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

Feb. 28, 2016

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 29, 2011

Feb. 18, 2011

Jul. 01, 2014

Jun. 01, 2014

Jun. 01, 2014

Jun. 01, 2014

1-May-14

Mar. 01, 2013

Jul. 01, 2014

Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]

KGE Member

KGE Member

KGE Member

KGE Member

Westar Energy [Member]

Westar Energy [Member]

Westar Energy [Member]

Debt Instrument 8880 [Member]

Debt Instruments 8820 [Member]

Debt Instruments 8640 and 8660 [Member]

Debt Instruments 8640, 8660 and 8820 [Member]

Debt Instrument 8860 [Member]

Debt Instrument 8860 [Member]

Debt Instrument 8620 [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Pollution Control Bond Series [Member]

Pollution Control Bond Series [Member]

Pollution Control Bond Series [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Rate

Rate

Rate

Rate

Rate

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Line of Credit

'

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

180,000,000

250,000,000

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

4.30%

5.00%

5.30%

'

4.10%

'

6.00%

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

177,500,000

'

'

250,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

270,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Increase(Decrease) in Maximum Borrowing Capacity

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate on first mortgage bonds

'

'

'

$400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Taxes_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Taxes Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$26,150,000	$29,310,000	$61,111,000	$54,123,000	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	32.00%	30.00%	33.00%	31.00%	'	'	'
Liability for unrecognized income tax benefits	2,500,000	'	2,500,000	'	'	1,700,000	'
Interest on liability related to unrecognized income tax benefits	200,000	'	200,000	'	200,000	'	200,000
Penalties accrued for unrecognized income tax benefits	0	'	0	'	'	'	0
Accrual for taxes other than income taxes	$1,500,000	'	$1,500,000	'	'	'	$1,500,000

Pension_and_PostRetirement_Ben2

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Costs And Pension Contributions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Pension Contributions	'	'	$19,000,000	$17,700,000
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	4,055,000	5,355,000	8,110,000	10,710,000
Interest cost	10,400,000	9,630,000	20,800,000	19,260,000
Expected return on plan assets	-9,109,000	-8,351,000	-18,219,000	-16,702,000
Transition obligation, net	0	0	0	0
Prior service costs	131,000	150,000	262,000	300,000
Actuarial loss, net	4,840,000	8,479,000	9,681,000	16,957,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	10,317,000	15,263,000	20,634,000	30,525,000
Regulatory adjustment	4,002,000	783,000	8,003,000	1,567,000
Net periodic cost	14,319,000	16,046,000	28,637,000	32,092,000
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	345,000	507,000	691,000	1,014,000
Interest cost	1,588,000	1,502,000	3,175,000	3,004,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,644,000	-1,672,000	-3,288,000	-3,345,000
Transition obligation, net	0	81,000	0	162,000
Prior service costs	631,000	631,000	1,262,000	1,262,000
Actuarial loss, net	-185,000	281,000	-371,000	562,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	735,000	1,330,000	1,469,000	2,659,000
Regulatory adjustment	1,124,000	717,000	2,247,000	1,434,000
Net periodic cost	$1,859,000	$2,047,000	$3,716,000	$4,093,000

Wolf_Creek_Pension_and_PostRet2

Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Costs and Pension Contributions) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			Wolf Creek [Member]	Wolf Creek [Member]	KGE [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Pension Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
										Wolf Creek [Member]	Wolf Creek [Member]	Wolf Creek [Member]	Wolf Creek [Member]					Wolf Creek [Member]	Wolf Creek [Member]	Wolf Creek [Member]	Wolf Creek [Member]
Subsidiary Interest in Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'	47.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	'	'	'	'	'	$4,055,000	$5,355,000	$8,110,000	$10,710,000	$1,424,000	$1,708,000	$2,847,000	$3,417,000	$345,000	$507,000	$691,000	$1,014,000	$43,000	$52,000	$87,000	$104,000
Interest cost	'	'	'	'	'	10,400,000	9,630,000	20,800,000	19,260,000	2,117,000	1,891,000	4,235,000	3,782,000	1,588,000	1,502,000	3,175,000	3,004,000	116,000	103,000	232,000	206,000
Expected return on plan assets	'	'	'	'	'	-9,109,000	-8,351,000	-18,219,000	-16,702,000	-2,021,000	-1,843,000	-4,042,000	-3,686,000	-1,644,000	-1,672,000	-3,288,000	-3,345,000	0	0	0	0
Transition obligation, net	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0	0	'	'	'	'	0	81,000	0	162,000	'	'	'	'
Prior service costs	'	'	'	'	'	131,000	150,000	262,000	300,000	14,000	14,000	29,000	28,000	631,000	631,000	1,262,000	1,262,000	0	0	0	0
Actuarial loss, net	'	'	'	'	'	4,840,000	8,479,000	9,681,000	16,957,000	747,000	1,355,000	1,493,000	2,710,000	-185,000	281,000	-371,000	562,000	41,000	66,000	82,000	132,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	10,317,000	15,263,000	20,634,000	30,525,000	2,281,000	3,125,000	4,562,000	6,251,000	735,000	1,330,000	1,469,000	2,659,000	200,000	221,000	401,000	442,000
Regulatory adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	4,002,000	783,000	8,003,000	1,567,000	501,000	-203,000	1,002,000	-406,000	1,124,000	717,000	2,247,000	1,434,000	0	0	0	0
Net periodic cost	'	'	'	'	'	14,319,000	16,046,000	28,637,000	32,092,000	2,782,000	2,922,000	5,564,000	5,845,000	1,859,000	2,047,000	3,716,000	4,093,000	200,000	221,000	401,000	442,000
Pension Contributions	$19,000,000	$17,700,000	$0	$3,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
		2011 Through 2015 Generation Capacity Peak Demand [Member]	2016 Through 2019 Generation Capacity Peak Demand [Member]	2020 And Thereafter Generation Capacity Peak Demand [Member]	Potential GHG Emissions Restrictions 1 [Member]	Potential GHG Emissions Restrictions 2 [Member]	Transmission Service Agreement One [Member]
					T	T	MW
Environmental Projects [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental upgrades jointly owned utility plant entity share	$610	'	'	'	'	'	'
Environmental upgrades jointly owned utility plant	30.7	'	'	'	'	'	'
Greenhouse Gases [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
GHG emission	'	'	'	'	75,000	100,000	'
Renewable Energy Standard [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Renewable energy generation capacity, percentage	'	10.00%	15.00%	20.00%	'	'	'
Net Capacity, in MW	'	'	'	'	'	'	200
EPA Consent Decree [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preliminary estimate of the cost of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) equipment	$230	'	'	'	'	'	'

Common_Stock_Common_Stock_Deta

Common Stock Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
		months
Forward Contract Indexed To Issuers Equity, Indexed Shares For Period	0.3	0.7
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Settlement Period	'	18
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	'	11.4
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Estimated Proceeds	'	$330.90
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share	'	$29.11
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Proceeds	$9.10	$18.30

Variable_Interest_Entities_Nar

Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Jeffrey Energy Center [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Variable interest entity percentage of asset held	8.00%
Agreement expiration date	1-Jan-19
La Cygne Generating Station [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Variable interest entity percentage of asset held	50.00%
Agreement expiration date	1-Sep-29
Railroad Transportation Equipment [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Gain or loss upon deconsolidation of VIE	0
Railroad Transportation Equipment 2 [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Agreement expiration date	1-Nov-14

Variable_Interest_Entities_Ass

Variable Interest Entities (Assets And Liabilities In Relation To VIEs) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$7,816,120		$7,551,916
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		250,000
Accrued interest	55,556	[1]	80,457	[1]
Long-term debt, net	3,215,805		2,968,958
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Property, plant and equipment, net	291,253		296,626
Regulatory assets	7,365	[2]	6,792	[2]
Current maturities of long-term debt	28,098		27,479
Accrued interest	2,962	[1]	3,472	[1]
Long-term debt, net	$166,720		$194,802
[1]	Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets.