Evergy Kansas Central 10-Q 5 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
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	'	130,737,541

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,835		$4,487
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,503 and $4,596, respectively	300,120		250,036
Fuel inventory and supplies	244,179		239,511
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	35,009		37,954
Prepaid expenses	16,342		15,821
Regulatory assets	122,406		135,408
Other	25,447		23,608
Total Current Assets	749,338		706,825
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,025,042		7,551,916
OTHER ASSETS:	'		'
Regulatory assets	585,816		620,006
Nuclear decommissioning trust	184,656		175,625
Other	240,245		246,140
Total Other Assets	1,010,717		1,041,771
TOTAL ASSETS	10,073,664		9,597,138
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		250,000
Short-term debt	202,400		134,600
Accounts payable	194,663		233,351
Accrued dividends	45,445		43,604
Accrued taxes	109,245		69,769
Accrued interest	65,574	[1]	80,457	[1]
Regulatory liabilities	64,104		35,982
Other	91,517		80,184
Total Current Liabilities	801,039		955,426
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Long-term debt, net	3,215,356		2,968,958
Deferred income taxes	1,489,334		1,363,148
Unamortized investment tax credits	189,920		192,265
Regulatory liabilities	299,456		293,574
Accrued employee benefits	325,126		331,558
Asset retirement obligations	230,925		160,682
Other	78,492		68,194
Total Long-Term Liabilities	5,995,248		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	653,290		641,271
Paid-in capital	1,753,460		1,696,727
Retained earnings	858,128		724,776
Total Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	3,264,878		3,062,774
Noncontrolling Interests	12,499		5,757
Total Equity	3,277,377		3,068,531
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	10,073,664		9,597,138
Variable Interest Entity [Member]	'		'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Property, plant and equipment, net	288,567		296,626
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Current maturities of long-term debt	28,091		27,479
Accrued interest	139	[1]	3,472	[1]
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Long-term debt, net	$166,639		$194,802
[1]	Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,561	'	$4,596
Common stock, par value	'	$5	$5
Common stock, shares authorized	275,000,000	'	275,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	130,657,941	'	128,254,229
Common stock, shares outstanding	130,657,941	'	128,254,229

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES	$764,040	$694,974	$2,005,264	$1,810,776
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Fuel and purchased power	200,755	178,562	539,373	483,014
Network Transmission Cost	55,720	45,315	163,211	133,711
Operating and maintenance	84,213	93,377	277,841	265,532
Depreciation and amortization	72,279	68,861	213,270	203,305
Selling, general and administrative	60,977	54,245	179,633	157,668
Taxes, Miscellaneous	34,677	30,408	104,248	91,889
Total Operating Expenses	508,621	470,768	1,477,576	1,335,119
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	255,419	224,206	527,688	475,657
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):	'	'	'	'
Investment earnings (losses)	1,655	2,863	7,208	8,612
Other income	14,991	12,321	26,566	29,748
Other expense	-6,242	-6,195	-14,192	-13,911
Total Other Income	10,404	8,989	19,582	24,449
Interest expense	44,531	45,708	138,075	135,790
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	221,292	187,487	409,195	364,316
Income tax expense	71,532	52,392	132,643	106,514
NET INCOME	149,760	135,095	276,552	257,802
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,378	1,970	6,742	6,344
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.	$147,382	$133,125	$269,810	$251,458
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.13	$1.04	$2.08	$1.97
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.10	$1.04	$2.04	$1.96
AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic	130,196,193	127,444,792	129,525,618	127,318,462
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	133,028,787	128,111,472	132,199,583	127,851,477
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$0.35	$0.34	$1.05	$1.02

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$276,552	$257,802
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	213,270	203,305
Amortization of nuclear fuel	18,218	15,270
Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback	-4,121	-4,121
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance	15,510	10,442
Non-cash compensation	6,034	6,148
Net deferred income taxes and credits	134,714	107,709
Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits	-790	-502
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	-13,345	-9,473
Changes in working capital items:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-50,084	-42,400
Fuel inventory and supplies	-5,703	13,842
Prepaid expenses and other	8,693	2,992
Accounts payable	-4,397	2,088
Accrued taxes	41,323	44,573
Other current liabilities	-19,732	-53,042
Changes in other assets	6,019	-22,682
Changes in other liabilities	28,051	21,159
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	650,212	553,110
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-648,933	-557,988
Purchase of securities - trusts	-6,582	-61,495
Sale of securities - trusts	8,221	76,906
Investment in corporate-owned life insurance	16,250	17,724
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance	23,989	147,591
Proceeds from federal grant	0	876
Investment in affiliated company	0	-2,694
Other investing activities	-2,203	-2,886
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities	-641,758	-417,414
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Short-term debt, net	67,206	-287,741
Proceeds from long-term debt	417,943	492,572
Retirements of long-term debt	-427,500	-100,000
Repayment of capital leases	-2,397	-2,262
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance	57,764	57,948
Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance	-22,737	-145,418
Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits	790	502
Issuance of common stock	58,560	4,526
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests	0	1,657
Cash dividends paid	-127,364	-121,875
Other financing activities	-2,050	-2,699
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	-7,106	-131,602
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	1,348	4,094
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	4,487	5,829
End of period	5,835	9,923
Variable Interest Entity [Member]	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Retirements of long-term debt	($27,321)	($25,498)

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	257,802	0	0	251,458	6,344
Issuance of stock	4,526	718	3,808	0	0
Issuance of stock (shares)	'	143,602	'	'	'
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares	'	416,689	'	'	'
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends	6,933	2,083	4,850	'	'
Tax withholding related to stock compensation	-2,425	'	-2,425	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-130,539	0	0	-130,539	0
Stock compensation expense	6,085	'	6,085	'	'
Tax Benefit on stock compensation	502	0	502	0	0
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity	-14,282	'	'	'	-14,282
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests	1,657	'	'	'	1,657
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	3,037,200	635,320	1,669,792	727,568	4,520
Ending Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	127,064,039	'	'	'
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	276,552	0	0	269,810	6,742
Issuance of stock	58,560	10,343	48,217	0	0
Issuance of stock (shares)	'	2,068,510	'	'	'
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares	'	335,202	'	'	'
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends	6,697	1,676	5,021	'	'
Tax withholding related to stock compensation	-2,050	'	-2,050	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-136,458	0	0	-136,458	0
Stock compensation expense	5,970	'	5,970	'	'
Tax Benefit on stock compensation	790	0	790	0	0
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity	0	'	'	'	'
Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests	0	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity, Other	-1,215	'	-1,215	'	0
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$3,277,377	$653,290	$1,753,460	$858,128	$12,499
Ending Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	130,657,941	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements Of Changes in Equity Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE	$0.35	$0.34	$1.05	$1.02

Description_Of_Business

Description Of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 696,000 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 (AROs) 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 nine months ended September 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
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Fuel inventory	$	68,659		$	78,368
	Supplies	175,520			161,143
	Fuel inventory and supplies	$	244,179		$	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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands)
	Borrowed funds	$	2,504		$	2,964		$	9,448		$	8,132
	Equity funds	3,627			3,783			13,345			9,473
	Total	$	6,131		$	6,747		$	22,793		$	17,605
	Average AFUDC Rates	6.4		%	5.1		%	6.9		%	4.6		%
	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).
	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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
	Net income	$	149,760		$	135,095		$	276,552		$	257,802
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,378			1,970			6,742			6,344
	Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.	147,382			133,125			269,810			251,458
	Less: Net income allocated to RSUs	395			372			721			703
	Net income allocated to common stock	$	146,987		$	132,753		$	269,089		$	250,755
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic	130,196,193			127,444,792			129,525,618			127,318,462
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	RSUs	198,583			46,189			139,058			36,738
	Forward sale agreements	2,634,011			620,491			2,534,907			496,277
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a)	133,028,787			128,111,472			132,199,583			127,851,477
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	1.13		$	1.04		$	2.08		$	1.97
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	1.1		$	1.04		$	2.04		$	1.96
	_______________
	(a)We had no antidilutive shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013
		(In Thousands)
	CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM):
	Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized	$	119,275		$	107,512
	Interest on financing activities of VIEs	12,178			13,865
	Income taxes, net of refunds	361			(96		)
	NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:
	Property, plant and equipment additions	111,494			68,249
	Property, plant and equipment of VIEs	—			(14,282		)
	NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
	Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends	6,697			6,933
	Deconsolidation of VIE	—			(14,282		)
	Assets acquired through capital leases	1,454			328
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'
Rate Matters And Regulation	'
	RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION
	KCC Proceedings
	We, staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and a consumer advocate joined in a request filed with the KCC to defer depreciation expense and carrying costs related to our capital investment associated with environmental upgrades at La Cygne generating station (La Cygne) until new retail prices become effective following a general rate case expected to be filed in March 2015. Our share of these deferred costs is approximately $20.0 million. In September 2014, the KCC issued an order approving the joint application that will allow us to include amortization of these deferred costs in our next general rate case, which is expected to increase our annual revenues by approximately $3.5 million.
	In June 2014, the KCC issued an order to adjust our prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate (TFR) 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
	In August 2014, the KCC filed a challenge with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding rate making as it pertains to the cost of interstate electrical transmission service we operate. The KCC is requesting that we lower our transmission return on equity by nearly two percentage points, which would result in reductions of the TFR revenue requirement if granted.
	Our TFR 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(In Thousands)
	Fixed-rate debt	$	3,105,000		$	3,404,685		$	3,102,500		$	3,294,209
	Fixed-rate debt of VIEs	194,361			211,536			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 September 30, 2014		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity funds		$	—		$	52,577		$	6,370		$	58,947
	International equity funds		—			32,392			—			32,392
	Core bond funds		—			18,961			—			18,961
	High-yield bond funds		—			13,402			—			13,402
	Emerging market bond funds		—			11,570			—			11,570
	Other fixed income funds		—			4,823			—			4,823
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		—			18,358			—			18,358
	Alternative investment funds		—			—			16,823			16,823
	Real estate securities fund		—			—			9,271			9,271
	Cash equivalents funds		109			—			—			109
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust		109			152,083			32,464			184,656
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity funds		—			18,114			—			18,114
	International equity funds		—			4,409			—			4,409
	Core bond funds		—			12,220			—			12,220
	Cash equivalents funds		168			—			—			168
	Total Trading Securities		168			34,743			—			34,911
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value		$	277		$	186,826		$	32,464		$	219,567
	As of December 31, 2013		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity funds		$	—		$	49,957		$	5,817		$	55,774
	International equity funds		—			31,816			—			31,816
	Core bond funds		—			18,107			—			18,107
	High-yield bond funds		—			12,902			—			12,902
	Emerging market bond funds		—			11,055			—			11,055
	Other fixed income funds		—			4,690			—			4,690
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		—			17,093			—			17,093
	Alternative investment funds		—			—			15,675			15,675
	Real estate securities fund		—			—			8,511			8,511
	Cash equivalents funds		2			—			—			2
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust		2			145,620			30,003			175,625
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity funds		—			18,075			—			18,075
	International equity funds		—			4,519			—			4,519
	Core bond funds		—			12,166			—			12,166
	Cash equivalents funds		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 measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
		Domestic			Alternative			Real Estate			Net
		Equity			Investments			Securities			Balance
		(In Thousands)
	Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	6,288		$	16,446		$	9,026		$	31,760
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	113			377			245			735
Purchases	95			—			92			187
Sales	(126		)	—			(92		)	(218		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	6,370		$	16,823		$	9,271		$	32,464
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	5,817		$	15,675		$	8,511		$	30,003
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	722			1,148			760			2,630
Purchases	191			—			257			448
Sales	(360		)	—			(257		)	(617		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	6,370		$	16,823		$	9,271		$	32,464
The following table provides reconciliations of assets measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Domestic			Alternative			Real Estate			Net
	Equity			Investments			Securities			Balance
	(In Thousands)
Balance as of June 30, 2013	$	5,014		$	15,234		$	8,161		$	28,409
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	219			335			276			830
Purchases	155			—			72			227
Sales	(95		)	—			(72		)	(167		)
Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	5,293		$	15,569		$	8,437		$	29,299
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	4,899		$	—		$	7,865		$	12,764
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Regulatory liabilities	416			569			572			1,557
Purchases	290			15,000			212			15,502
Sales	(312		)	—			(212		)	(524		)
Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	5,293		$	15,569		$	8,437		$	29,299
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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, attributable to level 3 assets. See Note 3, "Rate Matters and Regulation," in the 2013 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our regulatory assets and liabilities.
	Domestic			Alternative Investments			Real Estate			Net
	Equity						Securities			Balance
	(In Thousands)
Three months ended September 30, 2014	$	(13	)	$	377		$	154		$	518
Three months ended September 30, 2013	125			335			205			665
Nine months ended September 30, 2014	362			1,149			503			2,014
Nine months ended September 30, 2013	105			569			360			1,034
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 September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013						As of September 30, 2014
	Fair Value			Unfunded			Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption	Length of
				Commitments						Commitments			Frequency	Settlement
	(In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
Domestic equity funds	$	6,370		$	2,492		$	5,817		$	2,683		(a)	(a)
Alternative investment funds	16,823			—			15,675			—			(b)	(b)
Real estate securities fund	9,271			—			8,511			—			Quarterly	80 days
Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	32,464			2,492			30,003			2,683
Trading Securities:
Domestic equity funds	18,114			—			18,075			—			Upon Notice	1 day
International equity funds	4,409			—			4,519			—			Upon Notice	1 day
Core bond funds	12,220			—			12,166			—			Upon Notice	1 day
Total Trading Securities	34,743			—			34,760			—
Total	$	67,207		$	2,492		$	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, which began in April 2013. 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.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
We have recognized legal obligations associated with the disposal of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operations of such assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $63.3 million of additional AROs due primarily to revisions to the estimated cost to decommission Wolf Creek. In 2013, we recorded no additional AROs. We initially record AROs at fair value for the estimated cost to satisfy the retirement obligation.
We measure the fair value of AROs by estimating the future costs to satisfy the retirement obligations and then discounting those values using risk-adjusted rates. To determine the costs to satisfy the retirement obligations, experts inside the company, sometimes with the assistance of external consultants, estimate the costs of basic inputs such as, among others, labor, energy, materials, and disposal, and make assumptions about the timing and method of disposal or decommissioning. We use observable inputs, such as short- and long-term yields for U.S. government securities and our nonperformance risk, to determine the appropriate discount rate. Our estimates are validated with contractor estimates and/or when we satisfy similar obligations. We estimate the undiscounted cost to satisfy the 2014 ARO additions to be approximately $419.9 million.
Due to the significant unobservable inputs required in our measurement, we classify our fair value measurements for AROs as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. For additional information on our AROs, see Note 11, "Asset Retirement Obligations."
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 that we classify as trading securities in a trust used to fund certain retirement benefit obligations. As of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we measured the fair value of trust assets at $34.9 million. We include unrealized gains or losses on these securities in investment earnings on our consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded unrealized losses of $0.1 million on the assets still held. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded unrealized gains of $1.5 million on the assets still held. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded unrealized gains of $1.2 million on the assets still held. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded unrealized losses of $2.6 million 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 September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
	Using the specific identification method to determine cost, we realized no gains or losses on our available-for-sale securities for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and a gain of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, we realized no gains or losses and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we realized gains of $4.5 million. 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, respectively, 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 September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
						Gross Unrealized
	Security Type		Cost			Gain			Loss				Fair Value			Allocation
			(Dollars In Thousands)
	As of September 30, 2014
	Domestic equity funds		$	41,630		$	17,322		$	(5	)		$	58,947		32	%
	International equity funds		27,176			5,236			(20		)		32,392			18	%
	Core bond funds		18,648			313			—				18,961			10	%
	High-yield bond funds		12,864			538			—				13,402			7	%
	Emerging market bond funds		12,441			—			(871		)		11,570			6	%
	Other fixed income funds		4,772			51			—				4,823			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,986			3,585			(213		)		18,358			10	%
	Alternative investment funds		15,000			1,823			—				16,823			9	%
	Real estate securities fund		10,525			—			(1,254		)		9,271			5	%
	Cash equivalents funds		109			—			—				109			<1%
	Total		$	158,151		$	28,868		$	(2,363	)		$	184,656		100	%
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity funds		$	40,976		$	14,799		$	(1	)		$	55,774		32	%
	International equity funds		26,581			5,266			(31		)		31,816			18	%
	Core bond funds		18,287			—			(180		)		18,107			10	%
	High-yield bond funds		12,275			627			—				12,902			7	%
	Emerging market bond funds		12,207			—			(1,152		)		11,055			6	%
	Other fixed income funds		4,684			6			—				4,690			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,964			2,380			(251		)		17,093			10	%
	Alternative investment funds		15,000			675			—				15,675			9	%
	Real estate securities fund		10,268			—			(1,757		)		8,511			5	%
	Cash equivalents funds		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 September 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 September 30, 2014
	Domestic equity funds	$	165		$	(5	)	$	—			$	—		$	165		$	(5	)
	International equity funds	6,244			(20		)	—				—			6,244			(20		)
	Emerging market bond funds	—			—			11,570				(871		)	11,570			(871		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			—			6,309				(213		)	6,309			(213		)
	Real estate securities fund	—			—			9,271				(1,254		)	9,271			(1,254		)
	Total	$	6,409		$	(25	)	$	27,150			$	(2,338	)	$	33,559		$	(2,363	)
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity funds	$	59		$	(1	)	$	—			$	—		$	59		$	(1	)
	International equity funds	6,244			(31		)	—				—			6,244			(31		)
	Core bond funds	18,107			(180		)	—				—			18,107			(180		)
	Emerging market bond funds	11,055			(1,152		)	—				—			11,055			(1,152		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	6,283			(251		)	—				—			6,283			(251		)
	Real estate securities fund	—			—			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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Debt Financing	'
	DEBT FINANCING
	In September 2014, Westar Energy extended the term of its $730.0 million revolving credit facility by one year to terminate in September 2018, $81.4 million of which will expire in September 2017. As long as there is no default under the facility, Westar Energy may extend the facility up to an additional two years and may increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under the facility to $1.0 billion, both subject to lender participation. All borrowings under the facility are secured by KGE first mortgage bonds. As of September 30, 2014, Westar Energy had no borrowed amounts and $15.1 million of letters of credit outstanding under this revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2013, no amounts had been borrowed and $18.4 million of letters of credit had been issued under this revolving credit facility.
	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 to retire Westar Energy first mortgage bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million with a 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 the May 2014 issuance were used in June 2014 to redeem three KGE pollution control bond series with an aggregate principal amount of $177.5 million at stated interest rates between 5.00% and 5.30% per annum.
	In February 2014, Westar Energy extended the term of its $270.0 million revolving credit facility to February 2017, $20.0 million of which 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 September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, Westar Energy had no borrowed amounts or letters of credit outstanding under this revolving credit facility.

Taxes

Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Taxes	'
	TAXES
	We recorded income tax expense of $71.5 million with an effective income tax rate of 32% for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and income tax expense of $52.4 million with an effective income tax rate of 28% for the same period of 2013. We recorded income tax expense of $132.6 million with an effective income tax rate of 32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and income tax expense of $106.5 million with an effective income tax rate of 29% for the same period of 2013. The increase in the effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014, was due primarily to higher income before income taxes. The increase in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, was due primarily to higher income before taxes and lower non-taxable income from corporate-owned life insurance (COLI).
	As of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $2.7 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 September 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 September 30, 2014, or December 31, 2013.
	As of September 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 and the United States 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 regulations regarding dispositions of property under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System. We do not expect the adoption of the regulations 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for Westar Energy's pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended September 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		)	(1,673		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			81
	Prior service costs		131			150			631			631
	Actuarial loss, net		5,690			8,478			(185		)	281
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		11,167			15,262			735			1,329
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		4,002			784			1,124			717
	Net periodic cost		$	15,169		$	16,046		$	1,859		$	2,046
	_______________
	(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
	Nine Months Ended September 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	12,164		$	16,065		$	1,036		$	1,521
	Interest cost		31,200			28,890			4,763			4,505
	Expected return on plan assets		(27,328		)	(25,053		)	(4,932		)	(5,018		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			244
	Prior service costs		394			451			1,893			1,893
	Actuarial loss, net		15,371			25,435			(556		)	843
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		31,801			45,788			2,204			3,988
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		12,005			2,351			3,371			2,151
	Net periodic cost		$	43,806		$	48,139		$	5,575		$	6,139
	_______________
	(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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we contributed $26.4 million and $27.5 million, respectively, to the Westar Energy pension trust.

Wolf_Creek_Pension_and_PostRet

Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30,		2014			2013			2014		2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	1,424		$	1,709		$	43	$	52
	Interest cost		2,117			1,890			116		103
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,021		)	(1,843		)	—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		14			15			—		—
	Actuarial loss, net		747			1,355			41		66
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		2,281			3,126			200		221
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		501			(203		)	—		—
	Net periodic cost		$	2,782		$	2,923		$	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
	Nine Months Ended September 30,		2014			2013			2014		2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	4,271		$	5,126		$	130	$	155
	Interest cost		6,352			5,672			347		309
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,063		)	(5,530		)	—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		43			44			—		—
	Actuarial loss, net		2,240			4,065			124		199
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		6,843			9,377			601		663
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		1,502			(609		)	—		—
	Net periodic cost		$	8,345		$	8,768		$	601	$	663
	_______________
	(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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we funded $2.4 million and $7.6 million of Wolf Creek's pension plan contributions, respectively.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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. Nonattainment designations on areas that impact our operations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.
	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 PM. 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 the U.S. Court of Appeals for further proceedings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. In June 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a motion to lift the CSAPR stay. In October 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals granted the EPA's motion to lift the 2011 CSAPR stay and established a schedule to hear arguments on the remaining outstanding issues beginning in March 2015. During the CSAPR stay, we installed various emission controls at our generation facilities and have projects for additional controls in progress or planned that will reduce the impact of CSAPR. 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.
	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. 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 implemented pursuant to two federal Clean Air Act programs, the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit Programs, that 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 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, which took effect in October 2014. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act, require subject facilities to choose among seven Best Technology Available 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. 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 we 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 of installed design capacity of additional wind generation beginning in 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.

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_N

Asset Retirement Obligations (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
	We have recognized legal obligations associated with the disposal of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of such assets. The recording of AROs for regulated operations has no income statement impact due to the deferral of the adjustments through the establishment of a regulatory asset or an offset to a regulatory liability.
	We initially recorded AROs at fair value for the estimated cost to decommission Wolf Creek (KGE's 47% share), retire our wind generation facilities, dispose of asbestos insulating material at our power plants, remediate ash disposal ponds and dispose of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated oil.
	The following table summarizes our legal AROs included on our consolidated balance sheets in long-term liabilities.
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	160,682
	Increase in nuclear decommissioning ARO liability	50,683
	Increase in other ARO liabilities	12,574
	Liabilities settled	(365		)
	Accretion expense	7,351
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	230,925
	Wolf Creek filed a nuclear decommissioning study with the KCC in 2014. As a result of the study, we recorded a $50.7 million increase in our ARO to reflect revisions to the estimated costs to decommission Wolf Creek.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Common Stock	'
	COMMON STOCK
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Westar Energy issued 2.0 million shares of common stock with a physical settlement amount of $54.9 million to settle certain forward sale transactions pursuant to master forward sale agreements. Under these agreements Westar Energy must settle any forward transaction within 18 months of the date of the transaction. Assuming physical share settlement of the approximately 10.1 million shares associated with all outstanding forward sale transactions as of September 30, 2014, Westar Energy would have received aggregate proceeds of approximately $289.9 million based on a weighted-average forward price of $28.74 per share.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net	$	288,567	$	296,626
	Regulatory assets (a)	7,602		6,792
	Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	$	28,091	$	27,479
	Accrued interest (b)	139		3,472
	Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	166,639		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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 (AROs) 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).
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Utility Inventory	'
	Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.
		As of			As of
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Fuel inventory	$	68,659		$	78,368
	Supplies	175,520			161,143
	Fuel inventory and supplies	$	244,179		$	239,511
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction	'
	on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands)
	Borrowed funds	$	2,504		$	2,964		$	9,448		$	8,132
	Equity funds	3,627			3,783			13,345			9,473
	Total	$	6,131		$	6,747		$	22,793		$	17,605
	Average AFUDC Rates	6.4		%	5.1		%	6.9		%	4.6		%
Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS	'
	The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
	Net income	$	149,760		$	135,095		$	276,552		$	257,802
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,378			1,970			6,742			6,344
	Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.	147,382			133,125			269,810			251,458
	Less: Net income allocated to RSUs	395			372			721			703
	Net income allocated to common stock	$	146,987		$	132,753		$	269,089		$	250,755
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic	130,196,193			127,444,792			129,525,618			127,318,462
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	RSUs	198,583			46,189			139,058			36,738
	Forward sale agreements	2,634,011			620,491			2,534,907			496,277
	Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a)	133,028,787			128,111,472			132,199,583			127,851,477
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	1.13		$	1.04		$	2.08		$	1.97
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	1.1		$	1.04		$	2.04		$	1.96
	_______________
	(a)We had no antidilutive shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013
		(In Thousands)
	CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM):
	Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized	$	119,275		$	107,512
	Interest on financing activities of VIEs	12,178			13,865
	Income taxes, net of refunds	361			(96		)
	NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:
	Property, plant and equipment additions	111,494			68,249
	Property, plant and equipment of VIEs	—			(14,282		)
	NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
	Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends	6,697			6,933
	Deconsolidation of VIE	—			(14,282		)
	Assets acquired through capital leases	1,454			328

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk1

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014															Sep. 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 September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(In Thousands)
	Fixed-rate debt	$	3,105,000		$	3,404,685		$	3,102,500		$	3,294,209
	Fixed-rate debt of VIEs	194,361			211,536			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 September 30, 2014		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity funds		$	—		$	52,577		$	6,370		$	58,947
	International equity funds		—			32,392			—			32,392
	Core bond funds		—			18,961			—			18,961
	High-yield bond funds		—			13,402			—			13,402
	Emerging market bond funds		—			11,570			—			11,570
	Other fixed income funds		—			4,823			—			4,823
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		—			18,358			—			18,358
	Alternative investment funds		—			—			16,823			16,823
	Real estate securities fund		—			—			9,271			9,271
	Cash equivalents funds		109			—			—			109
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust		109			152,083			32,464			184,656
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity funds		—			18,114			—			18,114
	International equity funds		—			4,409			—			4,409
	Core bond funds		—			12,220			—			12,220
	Cash equivalents funds		168			—			—			168
	Total Trading Securities		168			34,743			—			34,911
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value		$	277		$	186,826		$	32,464		$	219,567
	As of December 31, 2013		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity funds		$	—		$	49,957		$	5,817		$	55,774
	International equity funds		—			31,816			—			31,816
	Core bond funds		—			18,107			—			18,107
	High-yield bond funds		—			12,902			—			12,902
	Emerging market bond funds		—			11,055			—			11,055
	Other fixed income funds		—			4,690			—			4,690
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		—			17,093			—			17,093
	Alternative investment funds		—			—			15,675			15,675
	Real estate securities fund		—			—			8,511			8,511
	Cash equivalents funds		2			—			—			2
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust		2			145,620			30,003			175,625
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity funds		—			18,075			—			18,075
	International equity funds		—			4,519			—			4,519
	Core bond funds		—			12,166			—			12,166
	Cash equivalents funds		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 measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.															The following table provides reconciliations of assets measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 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 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
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:															Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
	Regulatory liabilities	113			377			245			735					Regulatory liabilities	219			335		276			830
	Purchases	95			—			92			187					Purchases	155			—		72			227
	Sales	(126		)	—			(92		)	(218		)			Sales	(95		)	—		(72		)	(167		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	6,370		$	16,823		$	9,271		$	32,464				Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	5,293		$	15,569	$	8,437		$	29,299
	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	722			1,148			760			2,630					Regulatory liabilities	416			569		572			1,557
	Purchases	191			—			257			448					Purchases	290			15,000		212			15,502
	Sales	(360		)	—			(257		)	(617		)			Sales	(312		)	—		(212		)	(524		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	6,370		$	16,823		$	9,271		$	32,464				Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	5,293		$	15,569	$	8,437		$	29,299
Unrealized Gains And Losses On Fair Value Assets And Liabilities	'															'
	The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses we recorded to regulatory liabilities on our consolidated financial statements during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, attributable to level 3 assets. See Note 3, "Rate Matters and Regulation," in the 2013 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our regulatory assets and liabilities.
		Domestic			Alternative Investments			Real Estate			Net
		Equity						Securities			Balance
		(In Thousands)
	Three months ended September 30, 2014	$	(13	)	$	377		$	154		$	518
	Three months ended September 30, 2013	125			335			205			665
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	362			1,149			503			2,014
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013	105			569			360			1,034
Investments In Financial Instruments	'															'
	The following table provides additional information on these investments.
		As of September 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013						As of September 30, 2014
		Fair Value			Unfunded			Fair Value			Unfunded			Redemption	Length of
					Commitments						Commitments			Frequency	Settlement
		(In Thousands)
	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
	Domestic equity funds	$	6,370		$	2,492		$	5,817		$	2,683		(a)	(a)
	Alternative investment funds	16,823			—			15,675			—			(b)	(b)
	Real estate securities fund	9,271			—			8,511			—			Quarterly	80 days
	Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust	32,464			2,492			30,003			2,683
	Trading Securities:
	Domestic equity funds	18,114			—			18,075			—			Upon Notice	1 day
	International equity funds	4,409			—			4,519			—			Upon Notice	1 day
	Core bond funds	12,220			—			12,166			—			Upon Notice	1 day
	Total Trading Securities	34,743			—			34,760			—
	Total	$	67,207		$	2,492		$	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, which began in April 2013. 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
						Gross Unrealized
	Security Type		Cost			Gain			Loss				Fair Value			Allocation
			(Dollars In Thousands)
	As of September 30, 2014
	Domestic equity funds		$	41,630		$	17,322		$	(5	)		$	58,947		32	%
	International equity funds		27,176			5,236			(20		)		32,392			18	%
	Core bond funds		18,648			313			—				18,961			10	%
	High-yield bond funds		12,864			538			—				13,402			7	%
	Emerging market bond funds		12,441			—			(871		)		11,570			6	%
	Other fixed income funds		4,772			51			—				4,823			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,986			3,585			(213		)		18,358			10	%
	Alternative investment funds		15,000			1,823			—				16,823			9	%
	Real estate securities fund		10,525			—			(1,254		)		9,271			5	%
	Cash equivalents funds		109			—			—				109			<1%
	Total		$	158,151		$	28,868		$	(2,363	)		$	184,656		100	%
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity funds		$	40,976		$	14,799		$	(1	)		$	55,774		32	%
	International equity funds		26,581			5,266			(31		)		31,816			18	%
	Core bond funds		18,287			—			(180		)		18,107			10	%
	High-yield bond funds		12,275			627			—				12,902			7	%
	Emerging market bond funds		12,207			—			(1,152		)		11,055			6	%
	Other fixed income funds		4,684			6			—				4,690			3	%
	Combination debt/equity/other funds		14,964			2,380			(251		)		17,093			10	%
	Alternative investment funds		15,000			675			—				15,675			9	%
	Real estate securities fund		10,268			—			(1,757		)		8,511			5	%
	Cash equivalents funds		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 September 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 September 30, 2014
	Domestic equity funds	$	165		$	(5	)	$	—			$	—		$	165		$	(5	)
	International equity funds	6,244			(20		)	—				—			6,244			(20		)
	Emerging market bond funds	—			—			11,570				(871		)	11,570			(871		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	—			—			6,309				(213		)	6,309			(213		)
	Real estate securities fund	—			—			9,271				(1,254		)	9,271			(1,254		)
	Total	$	6,409		$	(25	)	$	27,150			$	(2,338	)	$	33,559		$	(2,363	)
	As of December 31, 2013
	Domestic equity funds	$	59		$	(1	)	$	—			$	—		$	59		$	(1	)
	International equity funds	6,244			(31		)	—				—			6,244			(31		)
	Core bond funds	18,107			(180		)	—				—			18,107			(180		)
	Emerging market bond funds	11,055			(1,152		)	—				—			11,055			(1,152		)
	Combination debt/equity/other funds	6,283			(251		)	—				—			6,283			(251		)
	Real estate securities fund	—			—			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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for Westar Energy's pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended September 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		)	(1,673		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			81
	Prior service costs		131			150			631			631
	Actuarial loss, net		5,690			8,478			(185		)	281
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		11,167			15,262			735			1,329
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		4,002			784			1,124			717
	Net periodic cost		$	15,169		$	16,046		$	1,859		$	2,046
	_______________
	(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
	Nine Months Ended September 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	12,164		$	16,065		$	1,036		$	1,521
	Interest cost		31,200			28,890			4,763			4,505
	Expected return on plan assets		(27,328		)	(25,053		)	(4,932		)	(5,018		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			244
	Prior service costs		394			451			1,893			1,893
	Actuarial loss, net		15,371			25,435			(556		)	843
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		31,801			45,788			2,204			3,988
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		12,005			2,351			3,371			2,151
	Net periodic cost		$	43,806		$	48,139		$	5,575		$	6,139
	_______________
	(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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 Westar Energy's pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
			Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended September 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		)	(1,673		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			81
	Prior service costs		131			150			631			631
	Actuarial loss, net		5,690			8,478			(185		)	281
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		11,167			15,262			735			1,329
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		4,002			784			1,124			717
	Net periodic cost		$	15,169		$	16,046		$	1,859		$	2,046
	_______________
	(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
	Nine Months Ended September 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	12,164		$	16,065		$	1,036		$	1,521
	Interest cost		31,200			28,890			4,763			4,505
	Expected return on plan assets		(27,328		)	(25,053		)	(4,932		)	(5,018		)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Transition obligation, net		—			—			—			244
	Prior service costs		394			451			1,893			1,893
	Actuarial loss, net		15,371			25,435			(556		)	843
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		31,801			45,788			2,204			3,988
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		12,005			2,351			3,371			2,151
	Net periodic cost		$	43,806		$	48,139		$	5,575		$	6,139
	_______________
	(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 September 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	1,424		$	1,709		$	43		$	52
	Interest cost		2,117			1,890			116			103
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,021		)	(1,843		)	—			—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		14			15			—			—
	Actuarial loss, net		747			1,355			41			66
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		2,281			3,126			200			221
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		501			(203		)	—			—
	Net periodic cost		$	2,782		$	2,923		$	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
	Nine Months Ended September 30,		2014			2013			2014			2013
			(In Thousands)
	Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
	Service cost		$	4,271		$	5,126		$	130		$	155
	Interest cost		6,352			5,672			347			309
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,063		)	(5,530		)	—			—
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service costs		43			44			—			—
	Actuarial loss, net		2,240			4,065			124			199
	Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment		6,843			9,377			601			663
	Regulatory adjustment (a)		1,502			(609		)	—			—
	Net periodic cost		$	8,345		$	8,768		$	601		$	663
	_______________
	(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.

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	160,682
	Increase in nuclear decommissioning ARO liability	50,683
	Increase in other ARO liabilities	12,574
	Liabilities settled	(365		)
	Accretion expense	7,351
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	230,925

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net	$	288,567	$	296,626
	Regulatory assets (a)	7,602		6,792
	Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	$	28,091	$	27,479
	Accrued interest (b)	139		3,472
	Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	166,639		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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of customers in Kansas	696,000

Summary_Of_Significant_Account3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Fuel Inventory And Supplies) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$244,179	$239,511
Fuel Inventory [Member]	'	'
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Public Utility Inventory	68,659	78,368
Supplies [Member]	'	'
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Public Utility Inventory	$175,520	$161,143

Summary_Of_Significant_Account4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Allowance For Funds Used During Construction) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Borrowed funds	$2,504	$2,964	$9,448	$8,132
Equity funds	3,627	3,783	13,345	9,473
Total	$6,131	$6,747	$22,793	$17,605
Average AFUDC rates	6.40%	5.10%	6.90%	4.60%

Summary_Of_Significant_Account5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic	$395	$372	$721	$703
Net income allocated to common stock	$146,987	$132,753	$269,089	$250,755
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic	130,196,193	127,444,792	129,525,618	127,318,462
RSUs	198,583	46,189	139,058	36,738
Forward sale agreements	2,634,011	620,491	2,534,907	496,277
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding - diluted	133,028,787	128,111,472	132,199,583	127,851,477
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.13	$1.04	$2.08	$1.97
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.10	$1.04	$2.04	$1.96
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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Paid For (Received From)	'	'
Interest on financing activities	$119,275	$107,512
Income taxes, net of refunds	361	-96
Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	111,494	68,249
Issuance of common stock for reinvested dividends and compensation plans	6,697	6,933
Deconsolidation of VIE	0	14,282
Assets acquired through capital leases	1,454	328
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'
Cash Paid For (Received From)	'	'
Interest on financing activities	12,178	13,865
Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$0	($14,282)

Rate_Matters_And_Regulation_Na

Rate Matters And Regulation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	percent
Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items]	'
Deferred Depreciation Expense	$20,000,000
Estimated Annual Increase in Revenues due to Deferred Depreciation	3,500,000
Estimated Increase In Annual Retail Revenues For Transmission Costs	41,000,000
Estimated Increase In Annual Retail Revenues For Environmental Costs	11,000,000
Estimated Increase In Annual Revenues For Property Tax	12,700,000
Requested Decrease in Transmission ROE	0.02
Estimated Increase In Annual Transmission Revenues	$44,300,000

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk2

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 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	3,404,685	3,294,209
Fixed Rate Debt Of Variable Interest Entities Member	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Value	194,361	221,682
Fair Value	$211,536	$241,241

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk3

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	$184,656	$175,625
Trading securities	34,911	34,926
Total assets measured at fair value	219,567	210,551
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	109	2
Trading securities	168	166
Total assets measured at fair value	277	168
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	152,083	145,620
Trading securities	34,743	34,760
Total assets measured at fair value	186,826	180,380
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	32,464	30,003
Trading securities	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	32,464	30,003
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	58,947	55,774
Trading securities	18,114	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	52,577	49,957
Trading securities	18,114	18,075
Domestic Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	6,370	5,817
Trading securities	0	0
International Equity [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	32,392	31,816
Trading securities	4,409	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	32,392	31,816
Trading securities	4,409	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	18,961	18,107
Trading securities	12,220	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	18,961	18,107
Trading securities	12,220	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	13,402	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	13,402	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	11,570	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	11,570	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	4,823	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	4,823	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	18,358	'
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	18,358	'
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	16,823	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	16,823	15,675
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	9,271	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	9,271	8,511
Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	109	2
Trading securities	168	166
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	109	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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	$31,760	'	$30,003	$12,764	$28,409
Regulatory liabilities	735	830	2,630	1,557	'
Purchases	187	227	448	15,502	'
Sales	-218	-167	-617	-524	'
Balance at period end	32,464	29,299	32,464	29,299	28,409
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	6,288	'	5,817	4,899	5,014
Regulatory liabilities	113	219	722	416	'
Purchases	95	155	191	290	'
Sales	-126	-95	-360	-312	'
Balance at period end	6,370	5,293	6,370	5,293	5,014
Alternative Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	16,446	'	15,675	0	15,234
Regulatory liabilities	377	335	1,148	569	'
Purchases	0	0	0	15,000	'
Sales	0	0	0	0	'
Balance at period end	16,823	15,569	16,823	15,569	15,234
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at period start	9,026	'	8,511	7,865	8,161
Regulatory liabilities	245	276	760	572	'
Purchases	92	72	257	212	'
Sales	-92	-72	-257	-212	'
Balance at period end	$9,271	$8,437	$9,271	$8,437	$8,161

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk5

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Unrealized Gains And Losses On Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	$518	$665	$2,014	$1,034
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	-13	-125	362	105
Alternative Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	377	-335	1,149	569
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities	$154	($205)	$503	$360

Financial_Instruments_and_Risk6

Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Investments In Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	$184,656,000		$175,625,000
Trading securities	34,911,000		34,926,000
Total	219,567,000		210,551,000
Asset Retirement Obligations, Significant Changes	'63.3		'
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate	50,683,000		0
Fair Value Inputs, Cost Estimate	419,900,000		'
Domestic Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	58,947,000		55,774,000
Trading securities	18,114,000		18,075,000
Alternative Funds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	16,823,000		15,675,000
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	9,271,000		8,511,000
International Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	32,392,000		31,816,000
Trading securities	4,409,000		4,519,000
Core Bonds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	18,961,000		18,107,000
Trading securities	12,220,000		12,166,000
Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	32,464,000		30,003,000
Trading securities	34,743,000		34,760,000
Total	67,207,000		64,763,000
Unfunded commitments	2,492,000		2,683,000
Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	6,370,000	[1]	5,817,000	[1]
Trading securities	18,114,000		18,075,000
Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	16,823,000	[2]	15,675,000	[2]
Fair Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Nuclear decommissioning trust assets	9,271,000		8,511,000
Fair Value [Member] | International Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	4,409,000		4,519,000
Fair Value [Member] | Core Bonds [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Trading securities	12,220,000		12,166,000
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	2,492,000		2,683,000
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]	'		'
Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Unfunded commitments	2,492,000		2,683,000
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, which began in April 2013. 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|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmY3MGI0ZjMzODFjYzQ1OTNiNjAxNzJlMjVkMjBmYTBifFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246QzRFRjIxMjVCMzI3N0RBOTExNzdFQTU3QUFFQkFBNkMM}

Financial_Investments_Narrativ

Financial Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading securities	$34,911,000	'	$34,911,000	'	$34,926,000
Unrealized gains losses	100,000	1,200,000	1,500,000	-2,600,000	'
Fair value of available-for-sale bond funds	'	'	'	'	34,900,000
Realized gains on available-for-sale-securities	0	0	200,000	4,500,000	'
Revolving Credit Facility Lender One [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term Line of Credit	0	'	0	'	0
Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term Line of Credit	$0	'	$0	'	$0

Financial_Investments_Cost_And

Financial Investments (Cost And Fair Value Of Investments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	'	'	'	'	$34,900,000
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	100,000	1,200,000	1,500,000	-2,600,000	'
Trading securities	34,911,000	'	34,911,000	'	34,926,000
Cost	158,151,000	'	158,151,000	'	155,244,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	28,868,000	'	23,753,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	-2,363,000	'	-3,372,000
Available-for-sale Securities	184,656,000	'	184,656,000	'	175,625,000
Allocation	100.00%	'	100.00%	'	100.00%
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading securities	18,114,000	'	18,114,000	'	18,075,000
Cost	41,630,000	'	41,630,000	'	40,976,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	17,322,000	'	14,799,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	-5,000	'	-1,000
Available-for-sale Securities	58,947,000	'	58,947,000	'	55,774,000
Allocation	32.00%	'	32.00%	'	32.00%
International Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading securities	4,409,000	'	4,409,000	'	4,519,000
Cost	27,176,000	'	27,176,000	'	26,581,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	5,236,000	'	5,266,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	-20,000	'	-31,000
Available-for-sale Securities	32,392,000	'	32,392,000	'	31,816,000
Allocation	18.00%	'	18.00%	'	18.00%
Core Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading securities	12,220,000	'	12,220,000	'	12,166,000
Cost	18,648,000	'	18,648,000	'	18,287,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	313,000	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	0	'	-180,000
Available-for-sale Securities	18,961,000	'	18,961,000	'	18,107,000
Allocation	10.00%	'	10.00%	'	10.00%
High-Yield Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	12,864,000	'	12,864,000	'	12,275,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	538,000	'	627,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities	13,402,000	'	13,402,000	'	12,902,000
Allocation	7.00%	'	7.00%	'	7.00%
Emerging Market Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	12,441,000	'	12,441,000	'	12,207,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	-871,000	'	-1,152,000
Available-for-sale Securities	11,570,000	'	11,570,000	'	11,055,000
Allocation	6.00%	'	6.00%	'	6.00%
Other Fixed Income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	4,772,000	'	4,772,000	'	4,684,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	51,000	'	6,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities	4,823,000	'	4,823,000	'	4,690,000
Allocation	3.00%	'	3.00%	'	3.00%
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	14,986,000	'	14,986,000	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	3,585,000	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	-213,000	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	18,358,000	'	18,358,000	'	'
Allocation	10.00%	'	10.00%	'	'
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	'	'	'	'	14,964,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	'	'	2,380,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	'	'	-251,000
Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'	'	17,093,000
Allocation	'	'	'	'	10.00%
Alternative Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	15,000,000	'	15,000,000	'	15,000,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	1,823,000	'	675,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities	16,823,000	'	16,823,000	'	15,675,000
Allocation	9.00%	'	9.00%	'	9.00%
Real Estate Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost	10,525,000	'	10,525,000	'	10,268,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	-1,254,000	'	-1,757,000
Available-for-sale Securities	9,271,000	'	9,271,000	'	8,511,000
Allocation	5.00%	'	5.00%	'	5.00%
Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading securities	168,000	'	168,000	'	166,000
Cost	109,000	'	109,000	'	2,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	'	'	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities	$109,000	'	$109,000	'	$2,000

Financial_Investments_Fair_Val

Financial Investments (Fair Value And The Gross Unrealized Losses Of the Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	$100,000	$1,200,000	$1,500,000	($2,600,000)	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	6,409,000	'	6,409,000	'	41,748,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	-25,000	'	-1,615,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	27,150,000	'	27,150,000	'	8,511,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-2,338,000	'	-1,757,000
Fair Value, Total	33,559,000	'	33,559,000	'	50,259,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-2,363,000	'	-3,372,000
Domestic Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	165,000	'	165,000	'	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	165,000	'	165,000	'	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	'	6,244,000	'	6,244,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	-20,000	'	-31,000
Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater	0	'	0	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	0	'	0
Fair Value, Total	6,244,000	'	6,244,000	'	6,244,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-20,000	'	-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	11,570,000	'	11,570,000	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-871,000	'	0
Fair Value, Total	11,570,000	'	11,570,000	'	11,055,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-871,000	'	-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	6,309,000	'	6,309,000	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-213,000	'	0
Fair Value, Total	6,309,000	'	6,309,000	'	6,283,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	-213,000	'	-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	9,271,000	'	9,271,000	'	8,511,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater	'	'	-1,254,000	'	-1,757,000
Fair Value, Total	9,271,000	'	9,271,000	'	8,511,000
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	($1,254,000)	'	($1,757,000)

Debt_Financing_Narrative_Detai

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

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2016

Sep. 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 One [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Lender One [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]

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

'

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

180,000,000

250,000,000

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.30%

5.30%

5.00%

'

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

730,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

270,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

81,400,000

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate on first mortgage bonds

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

$15,100,000

$18,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Taxes_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Taxes Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$71,532,000	$52,392,000	$132,643,000	$106,514,000	'
Effective income tax rate	32.00%	28.00%	32.00%	29.00%	'
Liability for unrecognized income tax benefits	2,700,000	'	2,700,000	'	1,700,000
Interest on liability related to unrecognized income tax benefits	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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Pension Contributions	'	'	$26,400,000	$27,500,000
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	4,055,000	5,355,000	12,164,000	16,065,000
Interest cost	10,400,000	9,630,000	31,200,000	28,890,000
Expected return on plan assets	-9,109,000	-8,351,000	-27,328,000	-25,053,000
Transition obligation, net	0	0	0	0
Prior service costs	131,000	150,000	394,000	451,000
Actuarial loss, net	5,690,000	8,478,000	15,371,000	25,435,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	11,167,000	15,262,000	31,801,000	45,788,000
Regulatory adjustment	4,002,000	784,000	12,005,000	2,351,000
Net periodic cost	15,169,000	16,046,000	43,806,000	48,139,000
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	345,000	507,000	1,036,000	1,521,000
Interest cost	1,588,000	1,502,000	4,763,000	4,505,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,644,000	-1,673,000	-4,932,000	-5,018,000
Transition obligation, net	0	81,000	0	244,000
Prior service costs	631,000	631,000	1,893,000	1,893,000
Actuarial loss, net	-185,000	281,000	-556,000	843,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	735,000	1,329,000	2,204,000	3,988,000
Regulatory adjustment	1,124,000	717,000	3,371,000	2,151,000
Net periodic cost	$1,859,000	$2,046,000	$5,575,000	$6,139,000

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 $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Pension Contributions	'	'	$26,400,000	$27,500,000
Wolf Creek [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Pension Contributions	'	'	2,400,000	7,600,000
KGE [Member]	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary Interest in Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	47.00%	'
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	4,055,000	5,355,000	12,164,000	16,065,000
Interest cost	10,400,000	9,630,000	31,200,000	28,890,000
Expected return on plan assets	-9,109,000	-8,351,000	-27,328,000	-25,053,000
Transition obligation, net	0	0	0	0
Prior service costs	131,000	150,000	394,000	451,000
Actuarial loss, net	5,690,000	8,478,000	15,371,000	25,435,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	11,167,000	15,262,000	31,801,000	45,788,000
Regulatory adjustment	4,002,000	784,000	12,005,000	2,351,000
Net periodic cost	15,169,000	16,046,000	43,806,000	48,139,000
Pension Benefits [Member] | Wolf Creek [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1,424,000	1,709,000	4,271,000	5,126,000
Interest cost	2,117,000	1,890,000	6,352,000	5,672,000
Expected return on plan assets	-2,021,000	-1,843,000	-6,063,000	-5,530,000
Prior service costs	14,000	15,000	43,000	44,000
Actuarial loss, net	747,000	1,355,000	2,240,000	4,065,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	2,281,000	3,126,000	6,843,000	9,377,000
Regulatory adjustment	501,000	-203,000	1,502,000	-609,000
Net periodic cost	2,782,000	2,923,000	8,345,000	8,768,000
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	345,000	507,000	1,036,000	1,521,000
Interest cost	1,588,000	1,502,000	4,763,000	4,505,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,644,000	-1,673,000	-4,932,000	-5,018,000
Transition obligation, net	0	81,000	0	244,000
Prior service costs	631,000	631,000	1,893,000	1,893,000
Actuarial loss, net	-185,000	281,000	-556,000	843,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	735,000	1,329,000	2,204,000	3,988,000
Regulatory adjustment	1,124,000	717,000	3,371,000	2,151,000
Net periodic cost	1,859,000	2,046,000	5,575,000	6,139,000
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member] | Wolf Creek [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):	'	'	'	'
Service cost	43,000	52,000	130,000	155,000
Interest cost	116,000	103,000	347,000	309,000
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Prior service costs	0	0	0	0
Actuarial loss, net	41,000	66,000	124,000	199,000
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment	200,000	221,000	601,000	663,000
Regulatory adjustment	0	0	0	0
Net periodic cost	$200,000	$221,000	$601,000	$663,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 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	'	'	'	'	'	'

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_D

Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]	'	'
Asset Retirement Obligation	$230,925	$160,682
Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share	47.00%	'
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled	-365	'
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense	7,351	'
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred	12,574	'
Asset Retirement Obligation, Cash Paid to Settle	$50,683	$0

Common_Stock_Common_Stock_Deta

Common Stock Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
	months
Forward Contract Indexed To Issuers Equity, Indexed Shares For Period	2
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Settlement Period	18
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares	10.1
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Estimated Proceeds	$289.90
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share	$28.74
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Proceeds	$54.90

Variable_Interest_Entities_Nar

Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$8,025,042		$7,551,916
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		250,000
Accrued interest	65,574	[1]	80,457	[1]
Long-term debt, net	3,215,356		2,968,958
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Property, plant and equipment, net	288,567		296,626
Regulatory assets	7,602	[2]	6,792	[2]
Current maturities of long-term debt	28,091		27,479
Accrued interest	139	[1]	3,472	[1]
Long-term debt, net	$166,639		$194,802
[1]	Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets.