Middlesex Water (MSEX) 10-K5 Mar 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MIDDLESEX WATER CO
Entity Central Index Key	66004
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity a Voluntary Filer	No
Entity Reporting Status Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$334,100,263
Entity Closing Market Price (per share)			20.81
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,129,050
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
UTILITY PLANT:
Water Production	$138,242	$132,834
Transmission and Distribution	378,154	359,931
General	58,851	55,670
Construction Work in Progress	8,145	8,410
TOTAL	583,392	556,845
Less Accumulated Depreciation	117,986	110,366
UTILITY PLANT - NET	465,406	446,479
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,673	4,834
Accounts Receivable, net	10,012	11,640
Unbilled Revenues	5,937	5,652
Materials and Supplies (at average cost)	2,253	1,984
Prepayments	1,989	1,728
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	22,864	25,838
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
Unamortized Debt Expense	3,474	3,526
Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges	2,211	4,728
Regulatory Assets	66,216	34,386
Operations Contracts, Developer and Other Receivables	3,313	2,744
Restricted Cash	2,573	2,473
Non-utility Assets - Net	9,197	9,440
Other	518	727
TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS	87,502	58,024
TOTAL ASSETS	575,772	530,341
CAPITALIZATION:
Common Stock, No Par Value	148,668	146,185
Retained Earnings	48,623	42,560
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY	197,291	188,745
Preferred Stock	2,436	2,886
Long-term Debt	136,039	129,798
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION	335,766	321,429
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current Portion of Long-term Debt	5,910	5,386
Notes Payable	19,000	28,450
Accounts Payable	6,354	6,328
Accrued Taxes	8,948	8,132
Accrued Interest	1,134	1,151
Unearned Revenues and Advanced Service Fees	839	837
Other	1,687	2,394
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	43,872	52,678
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 4)
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES:
Customer Advances for Construction	21,978	21,837
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits	910	989
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes	47,306	39,110
Employee Benefit Plans	45,135	21,335
Regulatory Liability - Cost of Utility Plant Removal	10,273	9,639
Other	1,277	1,348
TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES	126,879	94,258
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION	69,255	61,976
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$575,772	$530,341

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Operating Revenues	$117,139	$114,846	$110,379
Operating Expenses:
Operations and Maintenance	59,129	60,748	60,458
Depreciation	11,444	10,988	10,409
Other Taxes	12,174	12,140	11,865
Total Operating Expenses	82,747	83,876	82,732
Operating Income	34,392	30,970	27,647
Other Income (Expense):
Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Additions	317	314	484
Other Income	281	183	517
Other Expense	-1,001	-406	-144
Total Other Income (Expense), net	-403	91	857
Interest Charges	5,607	5,807	6,725
Income before Income Taxes	28,382	25,254	21,779
Income Taxes	9,937	8,621	7,383
Net Income	18,445	16,633	14,396
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements	151	190	206
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$18,294	$16,443	$14,190
Earnings per share of Common Stock:
Basic	$1.14	$1.04	$0.90
Diluted	$1.13	$1.03	$0.90
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding :
Basic	16,052	15,868	15,733
Diluted	16,226	16,110	15,995
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.75	$0.74

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$18,445	$16,633	$14,396
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	12,191	11,858	11,232
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits	3,130	2,915	3,959
Equity Portion of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)	-207	-201	-309
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	-108	-226	-151
Stock Compensation Expense	539	493	553
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable	1,950	1,201	2,441
Unbilled Revenues	-285	-169	-641
Materials & Supplies	-269	-581	620
Prepayments	-261	527	-633
Accounts Payable	26	2,520	-1,898
Accrued Taxes	816	-1,134	1,419
Accrued Interest	-17	196	-673
Employee Benefit Plans	-3,243	-1,140	270
Unearned Revenue & Advanced Service Fees	2	81	22
Other Assets and Liabilities	-138	832	-1,035
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	32,571	33,805	29,572
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Utility Plant Expenditures, Including AFUDC of $110 in 2014, $113 in 2013 and $175 in 2012	-22,596	-20,080	-21,578
Restricted Cash	-100	323	464
Distribution From/(Investment In) Joint Venture	857	-1,655	-1,200
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-21,839	-21,412	-22,314
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Redemption of Long-term Debt	-5,481	-11,230	-56,725
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	12,246	4,045	60,350
Net Short-term Bank Borrowings	-9,450	500	3,700
Deferred Debt Issuance Expense	-141	-57	-1,160
Premium on Long-term Debt			2,236
Restricted Cash		6,070	-6,223
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	1,493	1,368	1,587
Payment of Common Dividends	-12,231	-11,943	-11,679
Payment of Preferred Dividends	-151	-190	-206
Construction Advances and Contributions-Net	822	853	781
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-12,893	-10,584	-7,339
NET CHANGES IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-2,161	1,809	-81
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	4,834	3,025	3,106
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	2,673	4,834	3,025
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:
Utility Plant received as Construction Advances and Contributions	6,598	3,176	1,015
Long-term Debt Deobligation		64	255
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Interest	5,745	5,743	7,537
Interest Capitalized	110	113	175
Income Taxes	$5,903	$7,009	$2,349

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Allowance for funds used during construction	$110	$113	$175

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Stock, No Par Value	$148,668	$146,185
Retained Earnings	48,623	42,560
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY	197,291	188,745
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	2,436	2,886
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	140,029	133,112
Add: Premium on Issuance of Long-term Debt	1,920	2,072
Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt	-5,910	-5,386
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	136,039	129,798
Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,825	2,005
Amortizing Secured Note, due May 19, 2028 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	5,635	6,055
Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,387	4,667
Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,667	4,947
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	421	465
State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,463	2,654
State Revolving Trust Note, due March 1, 2026 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	506	541
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	536	569
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 1, 2026 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	697	742
State Revolving Trust Bond 4.00% to 5.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	299	343
State Revolving Trust Bond 0.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	241	281
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2028 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	313	330
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 1, 2028 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	104	110
State Revolving Trust Note, due August 1, 2031 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,115	467
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2029 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,999	5,348
Amortizing Secured Note 7.05%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	3,771	4,021
Amortizing Secured Note 5.69%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	7,735	8,248
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	8,000
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2031 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,411	2,515
State Revolving Trust Note, due November 30, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,276	1,333
First Mortgage Bonds - Series X [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	215	268
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Y [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	245	300
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Z [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	559	671
First Mortgage Bonds - Series AA [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	700	830
First Mortgage Bonds - Series BB [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	845	965
First Mortgage Bonds - Series CC [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,025	1,145
First Mortgage Bonds - Series EE [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	3,550	3,968
First Mortgage Bonds - Series FF [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,900	5,335
First Mortgage Bonds - Series GG [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,083	1,171
First Mortgage Bonds - Series HH [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,390	1,475
First Mortgage Bonds - Series II [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	881	971
First Mortgage Bonds - Series JJ [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,090	1,165
First Mortgage Bonds - Series KK [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,255	1,346
First Mortgage Bonds - Series LL [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,435	1,505
First Mortgage Bonds - Series MM [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,537	1,637
First Mortgage Bonds - Series NN [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,755	1,835
First Mortgage Bonds - Series OO [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,559	2,709
First Mortgage Bonds - Series PP [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	850	885
First Mortgage Bonds - Series QQ [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	9,915	9,915
First Mortgage Bonds - Series RR [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	22,500	22,500
First Mortgage Bonds - Series SS [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	23,000	23,000
First Mortgage Bonds - Series TT [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,709	2,860
First Mortgage Bonds - Series UU [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	975	1,015
First Mortgage Bonds - Series VV [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,720
First Mortgage Bonds - Series WW [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	935
Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	1,007	1,457
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series [Member]
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	349	349
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $7.00 Series
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	80	80
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $4.75 Series [Member]
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	$1,000	$1,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAP1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	16,124,000	15,963,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	126,000	126,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	24,000	28,000
Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 [Member]
Due date of debt	20-Dec-21
Interest rate	8.05%
Amortizing Secured Note, due May 19, 2028 [Member]
Due date of debt	19-May-28
Interest rate	6.25%
Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030 [Member]
Due date of debt	25-Aug-30
Interest rate	6.44%
Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031 [Member]
Due date of debt	19-Sep-31
Interest rate	6.46%
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022 [Member]
Due date of debt	31-Dec-22
Interest rate	4.22%
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027 [Member]
Due date of debt	25-Jan-27
Interest rate	3.49%
State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-May-25
Interest rate	3.60%
State Revolving Trust Note, due March 1, 2026 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Mar-26
Interest rate	3.30%
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 1, 2026 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Dec-26
Interest rate	4.03%
State Revolving Trust Bond 4.00% to 5.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-21
Interest rate - minimum	4.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
State Revolving Trust Bond 0.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-21
Interest rate	0.00%
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2028 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Jul-28
Interest rate	3.64%
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 1, 2028 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Jan-28
Interest rate	3.64%
State Revolving Trust Note, due August 1, 2031 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-31
Interest rate	3.45%
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2029 [Member]
Due date of debt	20-Apr-29
Interest rate	6.59%
Amortizing Secured Note 7.05%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
Due date of debt	20-Jan-30
Interest rate	7.05%
Amortizing Secured Note 5.69%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
Due date of debt	20-Jan-30
Interest rate	5.69%
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040 [Member]
Due date of debt	20-Apr-40
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2031 [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Jul-31
Interest rate	3.75%
State Revolving Trust Note, due November 30, 2030 [Member]
Due date of debt	30-Nov-30
Interest rate	3.75%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series X [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Sep-18
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Y [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Sep-18
Interest rate - minimum	4.25%
Interest rate - maximum	4.63%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Z [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Sep-19
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series AA [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Sep-19
Interest rate - minimum	5.25%
Interest rate - maximum	5.75%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series BB [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Sep-21
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series CC [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Sep-21
Interest rate - minimum	4.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series EE [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-23
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series FF [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-24
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.50%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series GG [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-26
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series HH [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-26
Interest rate - minimum	4.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series II [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-24
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series JJ [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-27
Interest rate - minimum	3.40%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series KK [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-28
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series LL [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-28
Interest rate - minimum	5.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.50%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series MM [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-30
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series NN [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-30
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	4.38%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series OO [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-31
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series PP [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-31
Interest rate - minimum	2.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series QQ [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Oct-23
Interest rate	5.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series RR [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Oct-38
Interest rate	3.80%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series SS [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Oct-47
Interest rate	4.25%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series TT [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-32
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series UU [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-32
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	3.25%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series VV [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-33
Interest rate	0.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - Series WW [Member]
Due date of debt	1-Aug-33
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	10,000	14,000
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,000	3,000
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $7.00 Series
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,000	1,000
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $4.75 Series [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	10,000	10,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	15,682
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$141,432	$35,549	$176,981
Net Income		14,396	14,396
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan	1,587		1,587
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan, shares	86
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees	448		448
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees, shares	21
Stock Award - Board Of Directors	105		105
Stock Award - Board Of Directors, shares	6
Cash Dividends on Common Stock		-11,679	-11,679
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock		-206	-206
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	15,795
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	143,572	38,060	181,632
Net Income		16,633	16,633
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan	1,653		1,653
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan, shares	82
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees	388		388
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees, shares	26
Stock Award - Board Of Directors	105		105
Stock Award - Board Of Directors, shares	5
Conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock	467		467
Conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock, shares	55
Cash Dividends on Common Stock		-11,943	-11,943
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock		-190	-190
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	15,963
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	146,185	42,560	188,745
Net Income		18,445	18,445
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan	1,493		1,493
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan, shares	71
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees	434		434
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees, shares	33
Stock Award - Board Of Directors	105		105
Stock Award - Board Of Directors, shares	5
Conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock	451		451
Conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock, shares	52
Cash Dividends on Common Stock		-12,231	-12,231
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock		-151	-151
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	16,124
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$148,668	$48,623	$197,291

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock Value Per Share	$7	$8

Organization_Summary_of_Signif

Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Abstract]

Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments

Note 1 – Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments

(a) Organization - Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex) is the parent company and sole shareholder of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. (TESI), Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands), Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA) and Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. (Twin Lakes). Southern Shores Water Company, LLC (Southern Shores) and White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc. (White Marsh) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tidewater.

Middlesex Water Company has operated as a water utility in New Jersey since 1897, in Delaware, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidewater, since 1992 and in Pennsylvania, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Twin Lakes, since 2009. We are in the business of collecting, treating, distributing and selling water for domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial and fire protection purposes. We also operate New Jersey municipal water, wastewater and storm water systems under contract and provide unregulated water and wastewater services in New Jersey and Delaware through our subsidiaries. We also have an investment in a joint venture, Ridgewood Green RME, LLC, that owns and operates facilities which optimize the production of electricity at the Village of Ridgewood, New Jersey wastewater treatment plant and other municipal facilities. Our rates charged to customers for water and wastewater services, the quality of services we provide and certain other matters are regulated in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) and Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC), respectively. Our USA, USA-PA and White Marsh subsidiaries are not regulated utilities.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform with current period presentation. The reclassifications are immaterial to the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements.

(b) Principles of Consolidation – The financial statements for Middlesex and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company) are reported on a consolidated basis. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Other financial investments in which the Company holds a 50% or less voting interest and cannot exercise control over the operation and policies of the investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its investment interests in Non Utility Assets and its percentage share of the earnings or losses of the investees in Other Income (Expense).

(c) System of Accounts – Middlesex, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater maintain their accounts in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the NJBPU. Tidewater, TESI and Southern Shores maintain their accounts in accordance with DEPSC requirements. Twin Lakes maintains its accounts in accordance with PAPUC requirements.

(d) Regulatory Accounting - We maintain our books and records in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Middlesex and certain of its subsidiaries, which account for 88% of Operating Revenues and 99% of Total Assets, are subject to regulation in the state in which they operate. Those companies are required to maintain their accounts in accordance with regulatory authorities' rules and guidelines, which may differ from other authoritative accounting pronouncements. In those instances, the Company follows the guidance provided in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 980, Regulated Operations.

In accordance with ASC 980, Regulated Operations, costs and obligations are deferred if it is probable that these items will be recognized for rate-making purposes in future rates. Accordingly, we have recorded costs and obligations, which will be amortized over various future periods. Any change in the assessment of the probability of rate-making treatment will require us to change the accounting treatment of the deferred item. We have no reason to believe any of the deferred items that are recorded will be treated differently by the regulators in the future. For additional information, see Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters.

(e) Retirement Benefit Plans - We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan) which covers substantially all active employees who were hired prior to April 1, 2007. In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded supplemental plan for its executive officers. The Company has a retirement benefit plan other than pensions (Other Benefits Plan) for substantially all of its retired employees. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan. Coverage includes healthcare and life insurance.

The Company's costs for providing retirement benefits are dependent upon numerous factors, including actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. Retirement benefit plan obligations and expense are determined based on investment performance, discount rates and various other demographic factors related to the population participating in the Company's retirement benefit plans, all of which can change significantly in future years. For more information on the Company's Retirement Benefit Plans, see Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans.

(f) Utility Plant – Utility Plant is stated at original cost as defined for regulatory purposes. Property accounts are charged with the cost of betterments and major replacements of property. Cost includes direct material, labor and indirect charges for pension benefits and payroll taxes. The cost of labor, materials, supervision and other expenses incurred in making repairs and minor replacements and in maintaining the properties is charged to the appropriate expense accounts. At December 31, 2014, there was no event or change in circumstance that would indicate that the carrying amount of any long-lived asset was not recoverable.

(g) Depreciation – Depreciation is computed by each regulated member of the Company utilizing a rate approved by the applicable regulatory authority. The Accumulated Provision for Depreciation is charged with the cost of property retired, less salvage. The following table sets forth the range of depreciation rates for the major utility plant categories used to calculate depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. These rates have been approved by the NJBPU, DEPSC or PAPUC:

Source of Supply

1.15% - 3.44%

Transmission and Distribution (T&D):

Pumping

2.87% - 5.39%

T&D – Mains

1.10% - 3.13%

Water Treatment

1.65% - 7.09%

T&D – Services

2.12% - 3.16%

General Plant

2.08% - 17.84%

T&D – Other

1.61% - 4.63%

Non-regulated fixed assets consist primarily of office buildings, furniture and fixtures, and transportation equipment. These assets are recorded at original cost and depreciation is calculated based on the estimated useful lives, ranging from 3 to 40 years.

(h) Preliminary Survey and Investigation (PS&I) Costs – In the design of water and wastewater systems that the Company ultimately intends to construct, own and operate certain expenditures are incurred to advance those project activities. These PS&I costs are recorded as deferred charges on the balance sheet because these costs are expected to be recovered through future rates charged to customers as the underlying projects are placed into service as utility plant. If it is subsequently determined that costs for a project recorded as PS&I are not recoverable through rates charged to our customers, the applicable PS&I costs are recorded as Other Expense on the income statement at that time.

(i) Customers' Advances for Construction (CAC) – Utility plant and/or cash advances are provided to the Company by customers, real estate developers and builders in order to extend utility service to their properties. These transactions are recorded as CAC. Contractual Refunds of CACs in the form of cash are made by the Company and are based on either additional operating revenues generated from new customers or as new customers are connected to the respective system. After all refunds are made and/or contract terms have expired, any remaining balance is transferred to Contributions in Aid of Construction.

Contributions in Aid of Construction (CIAC) – CIAC include direct non-refundable contributions of utility plant and/or cash and the portion of CAC that becomes non-refundable.

CAC and CIAC are not depreciated in accordance with regulatory requirements. In addition, these amounts reduce the investment base for purposes of setting rates.

(j) Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) - Middlesex and its regulated subsidiaries capitalize AFUDC, which represents the cost of financing projects during construction. AFUDC is added to the construction costs of individual projects exceeding specific cost and construction period thresholds established for each company and then depreciated along with the rest of the utility plant's costs over its estimated useful life. AFUDC is calculated using each company's weighted cost of debt and equity as approved in their most recent respective regulatory rate order. The AFUDC rates for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 for Middlesex and Tidewater are as follows:

2014

2013

2012

Middlesex

7.03%

7.34%

Tidewater

7.91%

(k) Accounts Receivable – We record bad debt expense based on historical write-offs combined with an evaluation of current conditions. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.7 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, bad debt expense was $0.7 million. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, write-offs were $0.6 million, $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Receivables not expected to be received in 2015 are included as non-current assets in Operations Contracts, Developer and Other Receivables.

(l) Revenues - Retail customer invoices for regulated utility service are typically comprised of two components; a fixed service charge and a volumetric or consumption charge. Revenues from retail customers, except Tidewater fixed service charges, include amounts billed in arrears on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts estimated from the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting period. The estimated unbilled amounts are determined by utilizing factors which include historical volumetric or consumption usage and current climate and economic conditions. Actual billings may differ from our estimates. Tidewater customers are billed in advance for their fixed service charge and these revenues are recognized as the service is provided to the customer.

Southern Shores is an unmetered system. Customers are billed a fixed service charge in advance at the beginning of each month and revenues are recognized as earned.

Customers in portions of the TESI system are billed a fixed service charge in arrears.

Revenues from the City of Perth Amboy management contract are comprised of fixed and variable fees. Fixed fees, which have been set for the life of the contract, are billed monthly and recorded as earned. Variable fees, which are not significant, are recorded upon approval of the amount by the City of Perth Amboy.

Revenues from USA's operations and maintenance contract for the Borough of Avalon, New Jersey (Avalon) water utility, sewer utility and storm water system are fixed for the life of the contract, are billed monthly and recorded as earned. USA also provides services to Avalon in addition to the base services provided under the operation and maintenance contract. These additional services are recorded as earned and billed upon approval of Avalon.

(m) Deferred Charges and Other Assets - Unamortized Debt Expense is amortized over the lives of the related issues. Restricted Cash represents proceeds from loans entered into through state financing programs and is held in trusts. The proceeds are restricted for specific capital expenditures and debt service requirements.

(n) Income Taxes - Middlesex files a consolidated federal income tax return for the Company and income taxes are allocated based on the separate return method. Investment tax credits have been deferred and are amortized over the estimated useful life of the related property. For more information on income taxes, see Note 3 – Income Taxes.

(o) Statements of Cash Flows - For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents represent bank balances and money market funds with investments maturing in less than 90 days.

(p) Use of Estimates - Conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(q) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an update to authoritative guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. The update replaces most of the existing guidance with a single set of principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively via a cumulative effect upon the date of initial application. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

There are no other new adopted or proposed accounting guidance that the Company is aware of that could have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

(r) Recent Developments

Middlesex and Tidewater Implement Base Water Rate Increases – In the second quarter of 2014, Middlesex and Tidewater implemented base water rate increases of $4.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These increases were necessitated by capital investments made, increased operations and maintenance costs and Middlesex industrial and wholesale customer losses, for which we were given appropriate recognition in the base water rate increases. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters below for further discussion of these base water rate increases.

Dover Air Force Base – In April 2014, the DEPSC approved Tidewater's 50-year agreement with the United States Department of Defense for the privatization of the water system of Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) in Dover, Delaware. On October 1, 2014, Tidewater assumed ownership of the DAFB water utility assets and began providing regulated water service to DAFB under Tidewater's DEPSC approved tariff rates.

Rate_and_Regulatory_Matters

Rate and Regulatory Matters

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Rate and Regulatory Matters [Abstract]

Rate and Regulatory Matters

Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters

Rate Matters

Middlesex - In June 2014, Middlesex's petition to the NJBPU seeking permission to increase base water rates was partially approved, granting an increase in annual operating revenues of $4.2 million. The originally-filed base water rate increase request of $10.6 million, filed in November 2013 (subsequently revised to $8.1 million, primarily resulting from lower employee benefit plan costs), was necessitated by capital investments Middlesex had made, or committed to make, increased operations and maintenance costs and reduced revenues resulting from the expiration of a wholesale water sales contract with the Borough of Sayreville, New Jersey in August 2013. In addition, Middlesex's largest retail water customer, Hess Corporation, ceased its oil refining operations at its Port Reading, New Jersey facility in February 2013. The new base water rates are designed to recover the increased costs and lost revenues, as well as a return on invested capital in rate base of $208.6 million, based on a return on equity of 9.75%. The rate increase became effective on July 20, 2014.

In May 2014, Middlesex filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking approval of foundational information (Foundational Filing) that would allow for the implementation of a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC). A DSIC is a rate-mechanism that allows water utilities to recover investments in, and generate a return on, capital improvements to their water distribution system made between base rate proceedings. In August 2014, the Foundational Filing was approved by the NJBPU, which allows Middlesex to implement a DSIC rate to recover costs for qualifying projects that are placed in service in the six-month post-approval period. The DSIC rate is allowed to increase in three subsequent six month periods for any additional qualifying projects placed in service during those time periods. The maximum annual revenue allowed to be recovered under the approved Foundational Filing is $3.6 million. The DSIC rate for the first six-month period costs is expected to become effective in May 2015 and generate $0.3 million of annual revenues.

In July 2012, the NJBPU approved an $8.1 million increase in Middlesex's annual base water rates. A base rate increase request of $11.3 million was filed in January 2012 seeking recovery of increased costs of operations, chemicals, fuel, electricity, taxes, labor and benefits, and decreases in industrial and commercial customer demand patterns, as well as capital investment in utility plant.

Tidewater - The DEPSC approved a $0.8 million increase in Tidewater's annual base water rates, effective August 19, 2014. The originally-filed base water rate increase request of $3.9 million, filed in November 2013 (subsequently revised to $2.5 million, primarily resulting from lower employee benefit plan costs), was necessitated by capital investments Tidewater had made, or committed to make, as well as increased operations and maintenance costs. In connection with the rate increase application, Tidewater implemented a DEPSC approved 6.5% interim rate increase, subject to refund, on February 6, 2014. Since the final required and approved rate increase was less than the interim rate increase, Tidewater refunded $0.4 million of previously deferred revenues to customers in the form of a one-time credit to each customer account.

Effective January 1, 2015, Tidewater implemented a DEPSC-approved DSIC rate increase which is expected to generate revenues of less than $0.1 million annually.

In June 2012, the DEPSC approved a $3.9 million increase in Tidewater's annual base water rates. A base rate increase request of $6.9 million was filed in September 2011 seeking recovery of increased costs for operations, maintenance and taxes, as well as capital investment.

TESI - On October 1, 2013, TESI closed on its DEPSC-approved purchase of the wastewater utility assets of the Plantations development (the Plantations) for $0.4 million and began providing wastewater services to the 600 residential customers in the Plantations in Delaware. Upon commencing service to the Plantations, annual revenues were approximately $0.2 million. In October 2014, TESI implemented a 33.5% Plantations base wastewater rate increase (approximately $0.1 million annually).

In June 2012, the DEPSC approved a $0.6 million increase in TESI's annual base wastewater rates, a portion of which is to be phased in through 2015. A base rate increase request of $0.8 million was filed in July 2011 seeking recovery of increased operation and maintenance costs, as well as capital investment.

Pinelands - In March 2013, the NJBPU approved a combined $0.2 million increase in Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater's annual base water and wastewater revenues. In its initial request, filed in August 2012, Pinelands had sought an increase of $0.3 million on a combined basis. The rate increase for water service, which is approximately 50% of the approved increase, was phased-in over one year.

Southern Shores - Under the terms of a multi-year DEPSC-approved agreement expiring in 2020, customer rates will increase on January 1^st of each year to generate additional annual revenue of $0.1 million with each increase.

Twin Lakes - The PAPUC approved a $0.1 million, three-year phased-in base water rate increase effective March 3, 2012. This increase was designed to recover capital investment in the upgrade and renovation of the Twin Lakes System, as well as increased operating costs.

Regulatory Matters

We have recorded certain costs as regulatory assets because we expect full recovery of, or are currently recovering, these costs in the rates we charge customers. These deferred costs have been excluded from rate base and, therefore, we are not earning a return on the unamortized balances. These items are detailed as follows:

(Thousands of Dollars)

December 31,

Remaining

Regulatory Assets

2014

2013

Recovery Periods

Retirement Benefits

47,868

20,826

Various

Income Taxes

17,195

12,207

Various

Rate Cases, Tank Painting, and Other

1,153

1,353

2-9 years

Total

66,216

34,386

Retirement benefits include pension and other retirement benefits that have been recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. These amounts represent obligations in excess of current funding, which the Company believes will be fully recovered in rates set by the regulatory authorities.

The recovery period for income taxes is dependent upon when the temporary differences between the tax and book treatment of various items reverse.

The Company uses composite depreciation rates for its regulated utility assets, which is currently an acceptable method under generally accepted accounting principles and is widely used in the utility industry. Historically, under the composite depreciation method, the anticipated costs of removing assets upon retirement are provided for over the life of those assets as a component of depreciation expense. The Company recovers certain asset retirement costs through rates charged to customers as an approved component of depreciation expense. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has approximately $10.3 million and $9.6 million, respectively, of expected costs of removal recovered currently in rates in excess of actual costs incurred as regulatory liabilities.

The Company is recovering in current rates acquisition premiums totaling $0.6 million over the remaining lives of the underlying Utility Plant. These deferred costs have been included in rate base as utility plant and a return is being earned on the unamortized balances during the recovery periods.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 3 – Income Taxes

	Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory rate on book income subject to tax for the following reasons:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income Tax at Statutory Rate	$	9,786		$	8,638		$	7,420
	Tax Effect of:
	Utility Plant Related		(572	)		(527	)		(442	)
	State Income Taxes – Net		711			546			420
	Employee Benefits		(6	)		(46	)		(23	)
	Other		18			10			8
	Total Income Tax Expense	$	9,937		$	8,621		$	7,383


	Income tax expense is comprised of the following:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	5,920		$	5,018		$	2,994
	State		887			688			430
	Deferred:
	Federal		3,018			2,855			3,832
	State		191			139			206
	Investment Tax Credits		(79	)		(79	)		(79	)
	Total Income Tax Expense	$	9,937		$	8,621		$	7,383

	The statutory review periods for income tax returns for the years prior to 2011 have been closed. In the event that there is interest and penalties associated with income tax adjustments in future examinations, these amounts will be reported under interest expense and other expense, respectively. There are no unrecognized tax benefits resulting from prior period tax positions. The Company is not aware of any uncertain tax positions that could result in a future tax liability.


	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of the net deferred tax liability are as follows:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Utility Plant Related	$	43,996		$	41,912
	Customer Advances		(3,570	)		(3,598	)
	Employee Benefits		7,223			1,121
	Investment Tax Credits (ITC)		910			989
	Other		(343	)		(325	)
	Total Deferred Tax Liability and ITC	$	48,216		$	40,099

	Adoption of Tangible Property Treasury Regulations



	The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued final regulations pertaining to the deductibility of costs that qualify as repairs on tangible property. The regulations, which are required to be adopted for the tax year beginning January 1, 2014, redefine the characteristics previously used by the Company to determine tax deductibility of expenditures associated with tangible property. Under the regulations, the IRS has provided guidelines for certain industries, but not for regulated public water utilities. Consequently, the Company has undertaken a comprehensive study to support the integration of the new regulations into its tax policies prospectively, and to determine the level of deductibility for income tax purposes, if any, for expenditures incurred on projects completed in prior years where such expenditures were capitalized, but may now be considered currently deductible as repairs under the new regulations. Initial information obtained from the study, while preliminary and therefore inconclusive at this time, indicates there may be up to $6.8 million of refundable taxes previously paid to the IRS. Absent specific IRS guidelines, the Company is in the process of reviewing and assessing the results of the preliminary study. However, it is probable that any net tax benefits that may result from adopting, partially or in full, the findings from the study and results in a change in the accounting method for these type of expenditures will be considered in determining the revenue requirement used to set base rates for the Company in a future regulatory proceeding, after formal adoption by the Company of the tangible property regulations. The Company will adopt the regulations by filing a change in accounting method request with its 2014 Federal income tax return due no later than September 15, 2015. Consequently, due to the uncertainty regarding the amount of any net tax benefit, as well as the regulatory treatment probability described above, adoption of the new regulations will not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements or effective tax rate.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	Note 4 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

	Water Supply - Middlesex has an agreement with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) for the purchase of untreated water through November 30, 2023, which provides for an average purchase of 27.0 million gallons a day (mgd). Pricing is set annually by the NJWSA through a public rate making process. The agreement has provisions for additional pricing in the event Middlesex overdrafts or exceeds certain monthly and annual thresholds.

	Middlesex also has an agreement with a non-affiliated regulated water utility for the purchase of treated water. This agreement, which expires February 27, 2016, provides for the minimum purchase of 3.0 mgd of treated water with provisions for additional purchases.

	Tidewater contracts with the City of Dover, Delaware to purchase treated water 15.0 million gallons annually.

	Purchased water costs are shown below:

		(Millions of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
	Purchased Water	2014		2013		2012
	Untreated	$	2.4	$	2.4	$	2.4
	Treated		3.1		3.2		3.1
	Total Costs	$	5.5	$	5.6	$	5.5

	Contract Operations - USA-PA operates the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey's (Perth Amboy) water and wastewater systems under a 20-year agreement, which expires in 2018. In connection with the agreement with Perth Amboy, USA-PA entered into a 20-year subcontract with a wastewater operating company for the operation and maintenance of the Perth Amboy wastewater collection system. The subcontract provides for the sharing of certain fixed and variable fees and operating expenses.

	Guarantees - In September 2013, Middlesex entered into an agreement with the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (Monmouth County) to serve as guarantor of the performance of Applied Water Management, Inc. (AWM) to design, construct and operate a leachate pretreatment facility at the Monmouth County Reclamation Center in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Middlesex expects to act as guarantor of AWM's performance through at least August 2018 and is contractually obligated to act as guarantor of AWM's performance through 2028 unless another guarantor, acceptable to Monmouth County, is identified. Construction of the facility is being financed by Monmouth County and began in September 2014. In addition, Middlesex entered into agreements with AWM and Natural Systems Utilities, Inc. (NSU), the parent company of AWM, whereby, Middlesex earns a fee for providing the guaranty of AWM's performance to Monmouth County, Middlesex provides operational support to the project, and AWM and NSU, serving as guarantor to Middlesex with respect to the performance of AWM, indemnify Middlesex against any claims that may arise under the Middlesex guaranty to Monmouth County.

	Middlesex believes it is unlikely any payments would need to be made under Middlesex's guaranty of AWM's performance to Monmouth County. If asked to perform under the guaranty to Monmouth County, and, if AWM and NSU, as guarantor to Middlesex, do not fulfill their obligations to indemnify Middlesex against any claims that may arise under the Middlesex guaranty to Monmouth County, Middlesex would be required to fulfill the construction and operational commitments of AWM. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the liability recognized in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the balance sheet for the guaranty is approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million respectively.

	Construction –The Company may spend up to $28.6 million in 2015, $33.9 million in 2016 and $33.1 million in 2017 on its construction program. The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on customer growth, residential new home construction and sales and project scheduling. There is no assurance that projected customer growth and residential new home construction and sales will occur.

	Litigation – The Company is a defendant in lawsuits in the normal course of business. We believe the resolution of pending claims and legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Change in Control Agreements – The Company has Change in Control Agreements with certain of its officers that provide compensation and benefits in the event of termination of employment in connection with a change in control of the Company.

Shortterm_Borrowings

Short-term Borrowings	12 Months Ended
Short-term Borrowings	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Borrowings [Abstract]
Short-term Borrowings	Note 5 – Short-term Borrowings

	Information regarding the Company's short-term borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below:

		(Millions of Dollars)
		2014			2013
	Established Lines at Year-End	$	60		$	60
	Maximum Amount Outstanding		33.5			30.5
	Average Outstanding		27.4			27.7
	Notes Payable at Year-End		19			28.5
	Weighted Average Interest Rate		1.41	%		1.41	%
	Weighted Average Interest Rate at Year-End		1.17	%		1.47	%


	The maturity dates for the Notes Payable as of December 31, 2014 are all in January 2015 and are extendable at the discretion of the Company.

	Interest rates for short-term borrowings are below the prime rate with no requirement for compensating balances.

Capitalization

Capitalization	12 Months Ended
Capitalization	Dec. 31, 2014
Capitalization [Abstract]
Capitalization	Note 6 - Capitalization

	All the transactions discussed below related to the issuance of securities were approved by either the NJBPU or DEPSC, except where otherwise noted.

	Common Stock

	The number of shares authorized under the Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan (DRP) is 2.3 million shares. In February 2015, the Company filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking approval to increase the number of shares authorized under the DRP from 2.3 million shares to 3.0 million shares. The cumulative number of shares issued under the DRP at December 31, 2014 is 2.2 million. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company raised approximately $1.5 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, through the issuance of shares under the DRP.

	The Company issues shares under a restricted stock plan for certain management employees, which is described in Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans.

	The Company maintains a stock plan for its outside directors (the Outside Director Stock Compensation Plan). For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 5,082, 5,432 shares and 5,768 shares, respectively, of common stock were granted and issued to the Company's outside directors under the Outside Director Stock Compensation Plan and 76,915 shares remain available for future awards. The maximum number of shares authorized for grant under the Outside Director Stock Compensation Plan is 100,000.

	In the event dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears, no dividends may be declared or paid on the common stock of the Company. At December 31, 2014, no preferred stock dividends were in arrears.

	Preferred Stock

	If four or more quarterly dividends are in arrears, the preferred shareholders, as a class, are entitled to elect two members to the Board of Directors in addition to Directors elected by holders of the common stock.

	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 0.1 million shares of preferred stock authorized and less than 0.1 million shares of preferred stock outstanding. There were no preferred stock dividends in arrears.
	The Company may not pay any dividends on its common stock unless full cumulative dividends to the preceding dividend date for all outstanding shares of preferred stock have been paid or set aside for payment. All such preferred dividends have been paid. In addition, if Middlesex were to liquidate, holders of preferred stock would be paid back the stated value of their preferred shares before any distributions could be made to common stockholders.

	The conversion feature of the no par $7.00 Series Cumulative and Convertible Preferred Stock allows the security holders to exchange one convertible preferred share for twelve shares of the Company's common stock. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 10% of the outstanding convertible stock in any calendar year at a price equal to the fair value of twelve shares of the Company's common stock for each share of convertible stock redeemed. In 2014, 4,293 shares (approximately $0.5 million) of the Company's no par $7.00 Series Cumulative and Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 51,516 shares of common stock.

	The conversion feature of the no par $8.00 Series Cumulative and Convertible Preferred Stock allows the security holders to exchange one convertible preferred share for 13.714 shares of the Company's common stock. The preferred shares are convertible into common stock at the election of the security holder or Middlesex. In 2013, 4,000 shares (approximately $0.5 million) of the Company's no par $8.00 Series Cumulative and Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 54,856 shares of common stock.

	Long-term Debt

	In October 2014, Tidewater completed a $15.0 million debt transaction. In December 2014 and February 2015, Tidewater borrowed $8.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, under the loan agreement, which allows Tidewater to borrow, in increments at its discretion, until April 30, 2015. The interest rate on the $11.0 million is 4.46%. The proceeds were used to pay down short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes. The interest rate on any borrowings from the remaining $4.0 million proceeds will be set at the time of the borrowing. Those funds are expected to be used to fund a portion of Tidewater's ongoing capital program. The final maturity date of all borrowings under this loan agreement is April 1, 2040.

	In May 2014, Middlesex borrowed approximately $3.8 million through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) under the New Jersey State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program and issued first mortgage bonds designated as Series VV (approximately $2.8 million) and Series WW (approximately $0.9 million). The interest rate on the Series VV bond is zero and the interest rate on the Series WW bond ranges from 3.0% to 5.0% depending on the serial maturity date. The final maturity date for both bonds is August 1, 2033. Proceeds were recorded as Restricted Cash and can only be used for the Middlesex 2014 RENEW project, which is part of a program to clean and cement all unlined mains in the Middlesex system. As of December 31, 2014, there remains $1.4 million of proceeds available to Middlesex.

	In 2014, Tidewater borrowed $0.6 million, which represented the balance of a $1.1 million project specific loan with the Delaware SRF at an interest rate of 3.45% and final maturity of August 1, 2031.

	In May 2013, Middlesex borrowed $3.9 million through the NJEIT under the New Jersey SRF loan program and issued First Mortgage Bonds (Bonds) designated as Series TT ($2.9 million) and Series UU ($1.0 million). The interest rate on the Series TT Bonds is zero and the interest rate on the Series UU Bonds ranges from 3.0% to 3.25% depending on the serial maturity date. The final maturity date for both bonds is August 1, 2032. Proceeds were used for the Middlesex 2013 RENEW Program.
	Bond Series QQ through SS are term bonds with single maturity dates subsequent to 2019. Principal repayments for all series of the Company's long-term debt except for Bond Series X and Y extend beyond 2019.
	The aggregate annual principal repayment obligations for all long-term debt over the next five years are shown below:

	Year		(Millions of Dollars)
	Year		Annual Maturities
	2015		$5.90
	2016		$6.10
	2017		$6.20
	2018		$6.30
	2019		$6.30

	The weighted average interest rate on all long-term debt at both December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 3.99% and 4.23%, respectively. Except for the Amortizing Secured Notes, all of the Company's outstanding long-term debt has been issued through the NJEDA ($55.4 million), the NJEIT program ($33.8 million) and the Delaware SRF program ($9.8 million).

	Restricted cash proceeds are from various New Jersey SRF loans and are held in trusts until authorized for distribution. Series VV and WW proceeds can only be used for the 2014 RENEW Program. All other restricted cash proceeds are for debt service requirements on the New Jersey SRF loans.

	In 2013 and 2012, the NJEIT de-obligated principal payments of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, on several series of SRF long-term debt. There were no de-obligated principal payments in 2014.

	Substantially all of the Utility Plant of the Company is subject to the lien of its mortgage, which includes debt service and capital ratio covenants. The Company is in compliance with all of its mortgage covenants and restrictions.

	Earnings Per Share

	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the three years ended December 31, 2014. Basic EPS is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of both the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series and $8.00 Series.

			(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
			2014							2013							2012
	Basic:		Income				Shares			Income				Shares			Income			Shares
	Net Income		$	18,445				16,052		$	16,633				15,868		$	14,396			15,733
	Preferred Dividend			(151	)						(190	)						(206	)
	Earnings Applicable to Common Stock		$	18,294				16,052		$	16,443				15,868		$	14,190			15,733
	Basic EPS		$	1.14						$	1.04						$	0.9
Diluted:
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock		$	18,294				16,052		$	16,443				15,868		$	14,190			15,733
$7.00 Series Dividend			74				133			97				166			97			166
$8.00 Series Dividend			24				41			40				76			56			96
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock		$	18,392				16,226		$	16,580				16,110		$	14,343			15,995
Diluted EPS		$	1.13						$	1.03						$	0.9

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosure for financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and notes payable approximate their respective fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt relating to Bonds and SRF Notes is based on quoted market prices for similar issues. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents is classified as a Level 1 measurement and the fair value of notes payable and the Bonds and SRF Bonds in the table below are classified as Level 2 measurements. The carrying amount and fair value of the Company's bonds were as follows:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		At December 31,
		2014							2013
		Carrying				Fair			Carrying				Fair
		Amount				Value			Amount				Value
Bonds		$	88,628			$	90,115		$	87,471			$	79,733
State Revolving Notes		$	540			$	542		$	625			$	628

For other long-term debt for which there was no quoted market price and there is not an active trading market, it was not practicable to estimate their fair value (for details, including carrying value, interest rate and due date on these series of long-term debt, please refer to those series noted as “Amortizing Secured Note” and “State Revolving Trust Note” on the Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt). The carrying amount of these instruments was $50.8 million and $45.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Customer advances for construction have a carrying amount of $22.0 million and $21.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans

	Pension Benefits
	The Company's Pension Plan covers all active employees hired prior to April 1, 2007. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan, but can participate in a defined contribution profit sharing plan that provides an annual contribution at the discretion of the Company, based upon a percentage of the participants' compensation. In order to be eligible for contribution, the eligible employee must be employed by the Company on December 31^st of the year to which the contribution relates. In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded supplemental plan for its executive officers. The Accumulated Benefit Obligation for the Company's Pension Plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $61.9 million and $47.5 million, respectively.

	Other Benefits
	The Company's Other Benefits Plan covers substantially all of its current retired employees. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan. Coverage includes healthcare and life insurance. Accrued retirement benefit costs are recorded each year. Effective January 1, 2013, the Company amended a provision of the Other Benefits Plan that requires employees retiring in 2013 and beyond to contribute a higher percentage towards their healthcare insurance premiums. The amendment resulted in a $10.2 million decrease in the Company's Employee Benefit Plans' Liability, and related Regulatory Asset, as of January 1, 2013.
	Regulatory Treatment of Over/Underfunded Retirement Obligations
	Because the Company is subject to regulation in the states in which it operates, it is required to maintain its accounts in accordance with the regulatory authority's rules and guidelines, which may differ from other authoritative accounting pronouncements. In those instances, the Company follows the guidance of ASC 980, Regulated Operations. Based on prior regulatory practice, and in accordance with the guidance in ASC 980, Regulated Operations, the Company records underfunded Pension Plan and Other Benefits Plan obligation costs, which otherwise would be recognized in Other Comprehensive Income under ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits, as a Regulatory Asset, and expects to recover those costs in rates charged to customers.

	The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its employee benefit plans. The table below sets forth information relating to the Company's Pension Plan and Other Benefits Plan for 2014 and 2013.

			(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension Plan								Other Benefits Plan
			December 31,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
	Beginning Balance		$	56,041			$	62,817			$	37,212			$	50,608
	Plan Amendment*			—				—				—				(10,244	)
	Service Cost			1,894				2,300				1,032				1,338
	Interest Cost			2,682				2,468				1,792				1,594
	Actuarial (Gain) Loss			16,429				(9,694	)			10,092				(5,595	)
	Benefits Paid			(2,003	)			(1,850	)			(550	)			(489	)
	Ending Balance		$	75,043			$	56,041			$	49,578			$	37,212


	* See discussion of Other Benefits Plan amendment in “Other Benefits” above.



				(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension Plan								Other Benefits Plan
				December 31,
				2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
	Beginning Balance		$	46,443			$	37,904			$	25,145			$	20,408
	Actual Return on Plan Assets			3,603				6,779				1,243				2,553
	Employer Contributions			3,580				3,610				1,697				2,673
	Benefits Paid			(2,003	)			(1,850	)			(550	)			(489	)
	Ending Balance		$	51,623			$	46,443			$	27,535			$	25,145

	Funded Status		$	(23,420	)		$	(9,598	)		$	(22,043	)		$	(12,067	)


	Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
	Current Liability			328				330				—				—
	Noncurrent Liability			23,092				9,268				22,043				12,067
	Net Liability Recognized		$	23,420			$	9,598			$	22,043			$	12,067
			Years Ended December 31,
			(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension Plan												Other Benefits Plan
			2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service Cost		$	1,894			$	2,300			$	2,198			$	1,032			$	1,338		$	1,784
	Interest Cost			2,682				2,468				2,417				1,792				1,594			1,868
	Expected Return on Plan Assets			(3,534	)			(2,894	)			(2,458	)			(1,937	)			(1,622	)		(1,258	)
	Amortization of Net Transition Obligation			—				—				—				—				—			135
	Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss			416				1,632				1,549				1,413				2,066			1,765
	Amortization of Prior Service Cost/(Credit)			2				10				10				(1,728	)			(1,728	)		—
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost		$	1,460			$	3,516			$	3,716			$	572			$	1,648		$	4,294

	Amounts that are expected to be amortized from Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Cost in 2015 are as follows:
			(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension				Other
Plan			Benefits
			Plan
Actuarial Loss				$	1,646			$	2,261
Prior Service Credit					—				(1,728	)

The discount rate and compensation increase rate for determining our postretirement benefit plans' benefit obligations and costs as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are as follows:

		Pension Plan																				Other Benefits Plan
		2014							2013							2012						2014					2013			2012
Weighted Average Assumptions:
Expected Return on Plan Assets					7.5	%						7.5	%						7.5	%					7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%
Discount Rate for:
Benefit Obligation					3.91	%						4.87	%						3.99	%					3.91	%		4.87	%		3.99	%
Benefit Cost					4.87	%						3.99	%						4.37	%					4.87	%		3.99	%		4.37	%
Compensation Increase for:
Benefit Obligation					3	%						3	%						3	%					3	%		3	%		3	%
Benefit Cost					3	%						3	%						3	%					3	%		3	%		3	%


The compensation increase assumption for the Other Benefits Plan is attributable to life insurance provided to qualifying employees upon their retirement. The insurance coverage will be determined based on the employee's base compensation as of their retirement date.

The Company adopted the use of the recently issued Society of Actuaries' mortality table (RP 2014). RP 2014 was used in the determination of our postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2014 and costs for 2015. Use of the RP 2014 mortality table, which extends the assumed life expectancies of our postretirement benefit plan participants, resulted in significant increases to our postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2014 and is expected to increase our costs in 2015.


For the 2014 valuation, costs and obligations for our Other Benefits Plan assumed a 9.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits in 2015 with the annual rate of increase declining 1.0% per year for 2016-2018 and 0.5% per year for 2019-2020, resulting in an annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits of 5% by year 2020.
A one-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects on the Other Benefits Plan:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		1 Percentage Point
		Increase				Decrease
Effect on Current Year's Service and Interest Cost		$	570			$	(443	)
Effect on Projected Benefit Obligation		$	9,404			$	(7,298	)

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
Year		Pension Plan				Other Benefits Plan
2015		$	2,056			$	885
2016			2,031				1,051
2017			2,315				1,269
2018			2,392				1,443
2019			2,405				1,629
2020-2024			17,554				10,060
Totals		$	28,753			$	16,337

Benefit Plans Assets

The allocation of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category is as follows:

				Pension Plan														Other Benefits Plan
Asset Category					2014							2013							2014						2013			Target			Range
Equity Securities					60.7	%						65.4	%						49.5	%					47.8	%		60	%		30-70%
Debt Securities					35.8	%						32.1	%						47.5	%					47.9	%		38	%		25-70%
Cash					1.2	%						0.8	%						2.8	%					3.6	%		2	%		0-10%
Real Estate/Commodities					2.3	%						1.7	%						0.2	%					0.7	%		0	%		0-5%
Total					100	%						100	%						100	%					100	%


Two outside investment firms each manage a portion of the Pension Plan asset portfolio. One of those investment firms also manages the Other Benefits Plan asset portfolio. Quarterly meetings are held between the Company's Pension Committee of the Board of Directors and the investment managers to review their performance and asset allocation. If the actual asset allocation is outside the targeted range, the Pension Committee reviews current market conditions and advice provided by the investment managers to determine the appropriateness of rebalancing the portfolio.

The objective of the Company is to maximize the long-term return on retirement plan assets, relative to a reasonable level of risk, maintain a diversified investment portfolio and maintain compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the various asset categories in which plan assets are invested and the current expectations and historical performance for these categories.

Equity securities include Middlesex common stock in the amounts of $0.9 million (1.8% of total Pension Plan assets) and $0.8 million (1.8 % of total Pension Plan assets) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.



Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidance provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:

	•	Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in accessible active markets.
	•	Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. If the asset or liability has a specified contractual term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	•	Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Certain investments in cash and cash equivalents, equity securities, and commodities are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1 investments. Certain investments in cash and cash equivalents, equity securities and fixed income securities are valued using prices received from pricing vendors that utilize observable inputs and are therefore classified as Level 2 investments.
The following table presents Middlesex's Pension Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands):

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap Core		$	261			$	—			$	—				261
Small Cap Value			876				—				—				876
Mid Cap Core			1,013				—				—				1,013
Mid Cap Value			627				—				—				627
Large Cap Blend			1,187				—				—				1,187
Large Cap Core			15,321				—				—				15,321
Foreign Large Core			989				—				—				989
Foreign Large Growth			449												449
Foreign Large Blend			2,566				—				—				2,566
Diversified Emerging Markets			737				—				—				737
Intermediate Term Bond			9,824				—				—				9,824
World Bond			8,668				—				—				8,668
Money Market Funds:
Cash and Cash Equivalents			127				386				—				513
Common Equity Securities:
Non-Financial Services			280				—				—				280
Financial Services			1,656				—				—				1,656
Utilities			1,504				—				—				1,504
Consumer Growth			1,123				—				—				1,123
Consumer Staples			459				—				—				459
Consumer Cyclicals			922				—				—				922
Industrial Resources			155				—				—				155
Capital Equipment			453				—				—				453
Technology			1,328				—				—				1,328
Energy			712				—				—				712
Total Investments		$	51,237			$	386			$	—			$	51,623

The following table presents Middlesex's Pension Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap Core		$	191			$	—			$	—				191
Small Cap Value			278				—				—				278
Mid Cap Growth			1,015				—				—				1,015
Mid Cap Value			555				—				—				555
Large Cap Core			13,916				—				—				13,916
Foreign Small Mid Growth			298				—				—				298
Foreign Large Core			863				—				—				863
Foreign Large Growth			457												457
Foreign Large Blend			2,439				—				—				2,439
Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock			157												157
Diversified Emerging Markets			590				—				—				590
Intermediate Term Bond			14,909				—				—				14,909
Real Asset			1,074				—				—				1,074
Money Market Funds:
Cash and Cash Equivalents			44				313				—				357
Common Equity Securities:
Non-Financial Services			147				—				—				147
Financial Services			1,882				—				—				1,882
Utilities			1,433				—				—				1,433
Consumer Growth			1,665				—				—				1,665
Consumer Staples			392				—				—				392
Consumer Cyclicals			1,063				—				—				1,063
Industrial Resources			149				—				—				149
Capital Equipment			419				—				—				419
Technology			1,319				—				—				1,319
Energy			875				—				—				875
Total Investments		$	46,130			$	313			$	—			$	46,443


The following table presents Middlesex's Other Benefits Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands):

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap Core		$	491			$	—			$	—			$	491
Small Cap Growth			82				—				—				82
Mid Cap Core			292				—				—				292
Mid Cap Growth			121				—				—				121
Mid Cap Value			768				—				—				768
Large Cap Core			10,516				—				—				10,516
Foreign Small Mid Growth			119				—				—				119
Foreign Large Core			735				—				—				735
Foreign Large Value			113				—				—				113
Diversified Emerging Markets			371				—				—				371
Real Estate Index			62				—				—				62
Money Market Funds:
Cash and Cash Equivalents			450				332				—				782
Preferred Equity Securities			221				—				—				221
Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt			—				12,862				—				12,862
Total Investments		$	14,341			$	13,194			$	—			$	27,535


The following table presents Middlesex's Other Benefits Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap Core		$	290			$	—			$	—			$	290
Mid Cap Core			264				—				—				264
Mid Cap Growth			470				—				—				470
Mid Cap Value			658				—				—				658
Large Cap Core			8,650				—				—				8,650
Foreign Small Mid Growth			361				—				—				361
Foreign Large Core			780				—				—				780
Foreign Large Growth			151				—				—				151
Foreign Large Value			86				—				—				86
Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock			125												125
Diversified Emerging Markets			195				—				—				195
Preferred Stock Index			110				—				—				110
Real Estate Index			59				—				—				59
Money Market Funds:
Cash and Cash Equivalents			—				895				—				895
Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt			767				11,161				—				11,928
Commodities			123				—				—				123
Total Investments		$	13,089			$	12,056			$	—			$	25,145

Benefit Plans Contributions
For the Pension Plan, Middlesex made total cash contributions of $3.6 million in 2014 and expects to make approximately $3.3 million of cash contributions in 2015.

For the Other Benefits Plan, Middlesex made total cash contributions of $1.7 million in 2014 and expects to make approximately $1.7 million of cash contributions in 2015.

401(k) Plan
The Company has a 401(k) defined contribution plan, which covers substantially all employees with more than 1,000 hours of service. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company matches 100% of a participant's contributions, which do not exceed 1% of a participant's compensation, plus 50% of a participant's contributions exceeding 1%, but not more than 6%. The Company's matching contributions were $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

For those employees hired after March 31, 2007 and still actively employed on December 31, 2014, the Company approved and will fund discretionary contribution of $0.3 million, which was based on 5.0% of eligible 2014 compensation. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company made discretionary contributions of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for those qualifying employees.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has a stock compensation plan for certain management employees (the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan). The Company maintains an escrow account for 0.1 million shares of the Company's common stock for the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan. Such stock is subject to an agreement requiring forfeiture by the employee in the event of termination of employment within five years of the award other than as a result of retirement, death, disability or change in control. The maximum number of shares authorized for grant under the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan is 0.3 million shares, for which 0.2 million remain as unissued shares.

The Company recognizes compensation expense at fair value for the restricted stock awards in accordance with
ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Compensation expense is determined by the market value of the stock on the date of the award and is being amortized over a five-year period.
The following table presents information on the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan:

		Shares				Unearned				Weighted
		(thousands)				Compensation				Average
						(thousands)				Grant Price
Balance, January 1, 2012			108			$	1,079
Granted			21				408			$	19.35
Vested			(15	)			—
Forfeited			—				—
Amortization of Compensation Expense			—				(448	)
Balance, December 31, 2012			114			$	1,039
Granted			28				589			$	21.2
Vested			(24	)			—
Forfeited			(1	)			(12	)
Amortization of Compensation Expense			—				(400	)
Balance, December 31, 2013			117			$	1,216
Granted			33				711			$	21.46
Vested			(22	)			—
Forfeited			(1	)			(10	)
Amortization of Compensation Expense			—				(434	)
Balance, December 31, 2014			127			$	1,483

The fair value of vested restricted shares was $0.5 million, $0.5 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Business_Segment_Data

Business Segment Data	12 Months Ended
Business Segment Data	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segment Data [Abstract]
Business Segment Data	Note 8 – Business Segment Data

	The Company has identified two reportable segments. One is the regulated business of collecting, treating and distributing water on a retail and wholesale basis to residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection customers in parts of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. This segment also includes regulated wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. The Company is subject to regulations as to its rates, services and other matters by the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania with respect to utility service within these states. The other segment is primarily comprised of non-regulated contract services for the operation and maintenance of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware.

	Inter-segment transactions relating to operational costs are treated as pass-through expenses. Finance charges on inter-segment loan activities are based on interest rates that are below what would normally be charged by a third party lender.
		(Thousands of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
	Operations by Segments:	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Regulated	$	103,556		$	100,910		$	98,021
	Non – Regulated		14,143			14,463			12,851
	Inter-segment Elimination		(560	)		(527	)		(493	)
	Consolidated Revenues	$	117,139		$	114,846		$	110,379

	Operating Income:
	Regulated	$	32,000		$	28,744		$	25,944
	Non – Regulated		2,392			2,226			1,703
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	34,392		$	30,970		$	27,647

	Depreciation:
	Regulated	$	11,262		$	10,807		$	10,241
	Non – Regulated		182			181			168
	Consolidated Depreciation	$	11,444		$	10,988		$	10,409

	Other Income (Expense), Net:
	Regulated	$	157		$	828		$	1,489
	Non – Regulated		(75	)		(14	)		94
	Inter-segment Elimination		(485	)		(723	)		(726	)
	Consolidated Other Income (Expense), Net	$	(403	)	$	91		$	857

	Interest Expense:
	Regulated	$	5,607		$	5,807		$	6,725
	Non – Regulated		91			97			96
	Inter-segment Elimination		(91	)		(97	)		(96	)
	Consolidated Interest Charges	$	5,607		$	5,807		$	6,725

	Income Taxes:
	Regulated	$	8,907		$	7,635		$	6,579
	Non – Regulated		1,030			986			804
	Consolidated Income Taxes	$	9,937		$	8,621		$	7,383

	Net Income:
	Regulated	$	17,249		$	15,504		$	13,500
	Non – Regulated		1,196			1,129			896
	Consolidated Net Income	$	18,445		$	16,633		$	14,396

	Capital Expenditures:
	Regulated	$	22,498		$	19,894		$	21,149
	Non – Regulated		98			186			429
	Total Capital Expenditures	$	22,596		$	20,080		$	21,578

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		As of			As of
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Regulated	$	574,854		$	529,381
	Non – Regulated		7,252			8,887
	Inter-segment Elimination		(6,334	)		(7,927	)
	Consolidated Assets	$	575,772		$	530,341

Quarterly_Operating_Results_Un

Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited [Abstract]
Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited	Note 9 - Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited

	Operating results for each quarter of 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


		(Thousands of Dollars, Except per Share Data)
	2014	1^st		2^nd		3^rd		4^th		Total

	Operating Revenues	$	27,173	$	29,190	$	32,669	$	28,107	$	117,139
	Operating Income		5,967		8,747		11,620		8,058		34,392
	Net Income		3,169		4,728		6,758		3,790		18,445
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.29	$	0.42	$	0.23	$	1.14
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.29	$	0.42	$	0.22	$	1.13

	2013	1^st		2^nd		3^rd		4^th		Total

	Operating Revenues	$	27,038	$	29,102	$	31,285	$	27,421	$	114,846
	Operating Income		5,865		8,171		10,270		6,664		30,970
	Net Income		3,177		4,481		5,807		3,168		16,633
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.28	$	0.36	$	0.2	$	1.04
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.28	$	0.36	$	0.19	$	1.03


	The information above, in the opinion of the Company, includes all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring accruals necessary for a fair presentation of such amounts. The business of the Company is subject to seasonal fluctuation with the peak period usually occurring during the summer months. The quarterly earnings per share amounts above may differ from previous filings due to the effects of rounding.

Organization_Summary_of_Signif1

Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Abstract]

Organization

Principles of Consolidation

System of Accounts

Regulatory Accounting

Postretirement Benefit Plans

Utility Plant

Depreciation

Source of Supply

1.15% - 3.44%

Transmission and Distribution (T&D):

Pumping

2.87% - 5.39%

T&D – Mains

1.10% - 3.13%

Water Treatment

1.65% - 7.09%

T&D – Services

2.12% - 3.16%

General Plant

2.08% - 17.84%

T&D – Other

1.61% - 4.63%

Preliminary Survey and Investigation (PS&I) Costs

Customers' Advances for Construction (CAC)

Contributions in Aid of Construction (CIAC) – CIAC include direct non-refundable contributions of utility plant and/or cash and the portion of CAC that becomes non-refundable.

CAC and CIAC are not depreciated in accordance with regulatory requirements. In addition, these amounts reduce the investment base for purposes of setting rates.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

2014

2013

2012

Middlesex

7.03%

7.34%

Tidewater

7.91%

Accounts Receivable

Revenues

Southern Shores is an unmetered system. Customers are billed a fixed service charge in advance at the beginning of each month and revenues are recognized as earned.

Customers in portions of the TESI system are billed a fixed service charge in arrears.

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

Income Taxes

Statements of Cash Flows

Use of Estimates

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

(q) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There are no other new adopted or proposed accounting guidance that the Company is aware of that could have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

Recent Developments

(r) Recent Developments

Organization_Summary_of_Signif2

Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Abstract]
Range of depreciation rates	These rates have been approved by the NJBPU, DEPSC or PAPUC:


	Source of Supply		1.15% - 3.44%	Transmission and Distribution (T&D):
	Pumping		2.87% - 5.39%	T&D – Mains	1.10% - 3.13%
	Water Treatment		1.65% - 7.09%	T&D – Services	2.12% - 3.16%
	General Plant		2.08% - 17.84%	T&D – Other	1.61% - 4.63%

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Rates	The AFUDC rates for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 for Middlesex and Tidewater are as follows:


		2014				2013		2012
	Middlesex			7.03%			7.34%		7.34%
	Tidewater			7.91%			7.91%		7.91%

Rate_and_Regulatory_Matters_Ta

Rate and Regulatory Matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Rate and Regulatory Matters (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Rate and Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
Schedule of regulatory assets	These items are detailed as follows:
		(Thousands of Dollars)
		December 31,				Remaining
	Regulatory Assets	2014		2013		Recovery Periods
	Retirement Benefits	$	47,868	$	20,826		Various
	Income Taxes		17,195		12,207		Various
	Rate Cases, Tank Painting, and Other		1,153		1,353		2-9 years
	Total	$	66,216	$	34,386

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense reconciliation	Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory rate on book income subject to tax for the following reasons:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income Tax at Statutory Rate	$	9,786		$	8,638		$	7,420
	Tax Effect of:
	Utility Plant Related		(572	)		(527	)		(442	)
	State Income Taxes – Net		711			546			420
	Employee Benefits		(6	)		(46	)		(23	)
	Other		18			10			8
	Total Income Tax Expense	$	9,937		$	8,621		$	7,383
Income tax expense	Income tax expense is comprised of the following:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	5,920		$	5,018		$	2,994
	State		887			688			430
	Deferred:
	Federal		3,018			2,855			3,832
	State		191			139			206
	Investment Tax Credits		(79	)		(79	)		(79	)
	Total Income Tax Expense	$	9,937		$	8,621		$	7,383
Deferred tax liability		(Thousands of Dollars)
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Utility Plant Related	$	43,996		$	41,912
	Customer Advances		(3,570	)		(3,598	)
	Employee Benefits		7,223			1,121
	Investment Tax Credits (ITC)		910			989
	Other		(343	)		(325	)
	Total Deferred Tax Liability and ITC	$	48,216		$	40,099

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of water cost purchased	Purchased water costs are shown below:

		(Millions of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
	Purchased Water	2014		2013		2012
	Untreated	$	2.4	$	2.4	$	2.4
	Treated		3.1		3.2		3.1
	Total Costs	$	5.5	$	5.6	$	5.5

Short_Term_Borrowings_Tables

Short Term Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Short Term Borrowings (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-term Borrowings [Abstract]
Schedule of information regarding short-term borrowings	Information regarding the Company's short-term borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized below:

		(Millions of Dollars)
		2014			2013
	Established Lines at Year-End	$	60		$	60
	Maximum Amount Outstanding		33.5			30.5
	Average Outstanding		27.4			27.7
	Notes Payable at Year-End		19			28.5
	Weighted Average Interest Rate		1.41	%		1.41	%
	Weighted Average Interest Rate at Year-End		1.17	%		1.47	%

Capitalization_Tables

Capitalization (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Capitalization (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Capitalization [Abstract]
Schedule of maturities of long term debt	The aggregate annual principal repayment obligations for all long-term debt over the next five years are shown below:
	Year	(Millions of Dollars)
	Year	Annual Maturities
	2015	$5.90
	2016	$6.10
	2017	$6.20
	2018	$6.30
	2019	$6.30
Schedule of earnings per share	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the three years ended December 31, 2014. Basic EPS is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of both the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series and $8.00 Series.

		(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
		2014					2013					2012
	Basic:	Income			Shares		Income			Shares		Income			Shares
	Net Income	$	18,445			16,052	$	16,633			15,868	$	14,396			15,733
	Preferred Dividend		(151	)				(190	)				(206	)
	Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	18,294			16,052	$	16,443			15,868	$	14,190			15,733
	Basic EPS	$	1.14				$	1.04				$	0.9
	Diluted:
	Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	18,294			16,052	$	16,443			15,868	$	14,190			15,733
	$7.00 Series Dividend		74			133		97			166		97			166
	$8.00 Series Dividend		24			41		40			76		56			96
	Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	18,392			16,226	$	16,580			16,110	$	14,343			15,995
	Diluted EPS	$	1.13				$	1.03				$	0.9
Schedule of carrying amount and estimated fair value of bonds	The carrying amount and fair value of the Company's bonds were as follows:

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		At December 31,
		2014					2013
		Carrying			Fair		Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value		Amount			Value
	Bonds	$	88,628		$	90,115	$	87,471		$	79,733
	State Revolving Notes	$	540		$	542	$	625		$	628

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Change in projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets	The table below sets forth information relating to the Company's Pension Plan and Other Benefits Plan for 2014 and 2013.
			(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension Plan								Other Benefits Plan
			December 31,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
	Beginning Balance		$	56,041			$	62,817			$	37,212			$	50,608
	Plan Amendment*			—				—				—				(10,244	)
	Service Cost			1,894				2,300				1,032				1,338
	Interest Cost			2,682				2,468				1,792				1,594
	Actuarial (Gain) Loss			16,429				(9,694	)			10,092				(5,595	)
	Benefits Paid			(2,003	)			(1,850	)			(550	)			(489	)
	Ending Balance		$	75,043			$	56,041			$	49,578			$	37,212


	* See discussion of Other Benefits Plan amendment in “Other Benefits” above.



				(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension Plan								Other Benefits Plan
				December 31,
				2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
	Beginning Balance		$	46,443			$	37,904			$	25,145			$	20,408
	Actual Return on Plan Assets			3,603				6,779				1,243				2,553
	Employer Contributions			3,580				3,610				1,697				2,673
	Benefits Paid			(2,003	)			(1,850	)			(550	)			(489	)
	Ending Balance		$	51,623			$	46,443			$	27,535			$	25,145

	Funded Status		$	(23,420	)		$	(9,598	)		$	(22,043	)		$	(12,067	)

Amounts recognized in balance sheet	Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
	Current Liability			328				330				—				—
	Noncurrent Liability			23,092				9,268				22,043				12,067
	Net Liability Recognized		$	23,420			$	9,598			$	22,043			$	12,067
Components of net benefit cost			Years Ended December 31,
			(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension Plan												Other Benefits Plan
			2014				2013				2012				2014			2013			2012
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service Cost		$	1,894			$	2,300			$	2,198			$	1,032		$	1,338		$	1,784
	Interest Cost			2,682				2,468				2,417				1,792			1,594			1,868
	Expected Return on Plan Assets			(3,534	)			(2,894	)			(2,458	)			(1,937	)		(1,622	)		(1,258	)
	Amortization of Net Transition Obligation			—				—				—				—			—			135
	Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss			416				1,632				1,549				1,413			2,066			1,765
	Amortization of Prior Service Cost/(Credit)			2				10				10				(1,728	)		(1,728	)		—
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost		$	1,460			$	3,516			$	3,716			$	572		$	1,648		$	4,294
Amounts expected to be amortized from regulatory assets	Amounts that are expected to be amortized from Regulatory Assets into Net Periodic Benefit Cost in 2015 are as follows:
			(Thousands of Dollars)
			Pension				Other
			Plan				Benefits
							Plan
	Actuarial Loss		$	1,646			$	2,261
	Prior Service Credit			—				(1,728	)
Discount and compensation rates	The discount rate and compensation increase rate for determining our postretirement benefit plans' benefit obligations and costs as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are as follows:

			Pension Plan																			Other Benefits Plan
			2014							2013							2012					2014				2013			2012
	Weighted Average Assumptions:
	Expected Return on Plan Assets					7.5	%						7.5	%					7.5	%				7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%
	Discount Rate for:
	Benefit Obligation					3.91	%						4.87	%					3.99	%				3.91	%		4.87	%		3.99	%
	Benefit Cost					4.87	%						3.99	%					4.37	%				4.87	%		3.99	%		4.37	%
	Compensation Increase for:
	Benefit Obligation					3	%						3	%					3	%				3	%		3	%		3	%
	Benefit Cost					3	%						3	%					3	%				3	%		3	%		3	%
Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	A one-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects on the Other Benefits Plan:

			(Thousands of Dollars)
			1 Percentage Point
			Increase				Decrease
	Effect on Current Year's Service and Interest Cost		$	570			$	(443	)
	Effect on Projected Benefit Obligation		$	9,404			$	(7,298	)
Expected benefit payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid:

			(Thousands of Dollars)
	Year		Pension Plan				Other Benefits Plan
	2015		$	2,056			$	885
	2016			2,031				1,051
	2017			2,315				1,269
	2018			2,392				1,443
	2019			2,405				1,629
	2020-2024			17,554				10,060
	Totals		$	28,753			$	16,337
Allocation of plan assets	The allocation of plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category is as follows:

					Pension Plan													Other Benefits Plan
	Asset Category					2014							2013						2014					2013			Target			Range
	Equity Securities					60.7	%						65.4	%					49.5	%				47.8	%		60	%		30-70%
	Debt Securities					35.8	%						32.1	%					47.5	%				47.9	%		38	%		25-70%
	Cash					1.2	%						0.8	%					2.8	%				3.6	%		2	%		0-10%
	Real Estate/Commodities					2.3	%						1.7	%					0.2	%				0.7	%		0	%		0-5%
	Total					100	%						100	%					100	%				100	%

Fair value of plan assets	The following table presents Middlesex's Pension Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands):

			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Mutual Funds:
	Small Cap Core		$	261			$	—			$	—				261
	Small Cap Value			876				—				—				876
	Mid Cap Core			1,013				—				—				1,013
	Mid Cap Value			627				—				—				627
	Large Cap Blend			1,187				—				—				1,187
	Large Cap Core			15,321				—				—				15,321
	Foreign Large Core			989				—				—				989
	Foreign Large Growth			449												449
	Foreign Large Blend			2,566				—				—				2,566
	Diversified Emerging Markets			737				—				—				737
	Intermediate Term Bond			9,824				—				—				9,824
	World Bond			8,668				—				—				8,668
	Money Market Funds:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents			127				386				—				513
	Common Equity Securities:
	Non-Financial Services			280				—				—				280
	Financial Services			1,656				—				—				1,656
	Utilities			1,504				—				—				1,504
	Consumer Growth			1,123				—				—				1,123
	Consumer Staples			459				—				—				459
	Consumer Cyclicals			922				—				—				922
	Industrial Resources			155				—				—				155
	Capital Equipment			453				—				—				453
	Technology			1,328				—				—				1,328
	Energy			712				—				—				712
	Total Investments		$	51,237			$	386			$	—			$	51,623

	The following table presents Middlesex's Pension Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):

			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
	Mutual Funds:
	Small Cap Core		$	191			$	—			$	—				191
	Small Cap Value			278				—				—				278
	Mid Cap Growth			1,015				—				—				1,015
	Mid Cap Value			555				—				—				555
	Large Cap Core			13,916				—				—				13,916
	Foreign Small Mid Growth			298				—				—				298
	Foreign Large Core			863				—				—				863
	Foreign Large Growth			457												457
	Foreign Large Blend			2,439				—				—				2,439
	Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock			157												157
	Diversified Emerging Markets			590				—				—				590
	Intermediate Term Bond			14,909				—				—				14,909
	Real Asset			1,074				—				—				1,074
	Money Market Funds:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents			44				313				—				357
	Common Equity Securities:
	Non-Financial Services			147				—				—				147
	Financial Services			1,882				—				—				1,882
	Utilities			1,433				—				—				1,433
	Consumer Growth			1,665				—				—				1,665
	Consumer Staples			392				—				—				392
	Consumer Cyclicals			1,063				—				—				1,063
	Industrial Resources			149				—				—				149
	Capital Equipment			419				—				—				419
	Technology			1,319				—				—				1,319
	Energy			875				—				—				875
	Total Investments		$	46,130			$	313			$	—			$	46,443


The following table presents Middlesex's Other Benefits Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 (amounts in thousands):

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap Core		$	491			$	—			$	—			$	491
Small Cap Growth			82				—				—				82
Mid Cap Core			292				—				—				292
Mid Cap Growth			121				—				—				121
Mid Cap Value			768				—				—				768
Large Cap Core			10,516				—				—				10,516
Foreign Small Mid Growth			119				—				—				119
Foreign Large Core			735				—				—				735
Foreign Large Value			113				—				—				113
Diversified Emerging Markets			371				—				—				371
Real Estate Index			62				—				—				62
Money Market Funds:
Cash and Cash Equivalents			450				332				—				782
Preferred Equity Securities			221				—				—				221
Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt			—				12,862				—				12,862
Total Investments		$	14,341			$	13,194			$	—			$	27,535


The following table presents Middlesex's Other Benefits Plan assets measured and recorded at fair value within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap Core		$	290			$	—			$	—			$	290
Mid Cap Core			264				—				—				264
Mid Cap Growth			470				—				—				470
Mid Cap Value			658				—				—				658
Large Cap Core			8,650				—				—				8,650
Foreign Small Mid Growth			361				—				—				361
Foreign Large Core			780				—				—				780
Foreign Large Growth			151				—				—				151
Foreign Large Value			86				—				—				86
Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock			125												125
Diversified Emerging Markets			195				—				—				195
Preferred Stock Index			110				—				—				110
Real Estate Index			59				—				—				59
Money Market Funds:
Cash and Cash Equivalents			—				895				—				895
Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt			767				11,161				—				11,928
Commodities			123				—				—				123
Total Investments		$	13,089			$	12,056			$	—			$	25,145

Restricted stock plan	The following table presents information on the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan:

			Shares				Unearned				Weighted
			(thousands)				Compensation				Average
							(thousands)				Grant Price
	Balance, January 1, 2012			108			$	1,079
	Granted			21				408			$	19.35
	Vested			(15	)			—
	Forfeited			—				—
	Amortization of Compensation Expense			—				(448	)
	Balance, December 31, 2012			114			$	1,039
	Granted			28				589			$	21.2
	Vested			(24	)			—
	Forfeited			(1	)			(12	)
	Amortization of Compensation Expense			—				(400	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013			117			$	1,216
	Granted			33				711			$	21.46
	Vested			(22	)			—
	Forfeited			(1	)			(10	)
	Amortization of Compensation Expense			—				(434	)
	Balance, December 31, 2014			127			$	1,483

Business_Segment_Data_Tables

Business Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Business Segment Data (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segment Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment		(Thousands of Dollars)
		Years Ended December 31,
	Operations by Segments:	2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Regulated	$	103,556		$	100,910		$	98,021
	Non – Regulated		14,143			14,463			12,851
	Inter-segment Elimination		(560	)		(527	)		(493	)
	Consolidated Revenues	$	117,139		$	114,846		$	110,379

	Operating Income:
	Regulated	$	32,000		$	28,744		$	25,944
	Non – Regulated		2,392			2,226			1,703
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	34,392		$	30,970		$	27,647

	Depreciation:
	Regulated	$	11,262		$	10,807		$	10,241
	Non – Regulated		182			181			168
	Consolidated Depreciation	$	11,444		$	10,988		$	10,409

	Other Income (Expense), Net:
	Regulated	$	157		$	828		$	1,489
	Non – Regulated		(75	)		(14	)		94
	Inter-segment Elimination		(485	)		(723	)		(726	)
	Consolidated Other Income (Expense), Net	$	(403	)	$	91		$	857

	Interest Expense:
	Regulated	$	5,607		$	5,807		$	6,725
	Non – Regulated		91			97			96
	Inter-segment Elimination		(91	)		(97	)		(96	)
	Consolidated Interest Charges	$	5,607		$	5,807		$	6,725

	Income Taxes:
	Regulated	$	8,907		$	7,635		$	6,579
	Non – Regulated		1,030			986			804
	Consolidated Income Taxes	$	9,937		$	8,621		$	7,383

	Net Income:
	Regulated	$	17,249		$	15,504		$	13,500
	Non – Regulated		1,196			1,129			896
	Consolidated Net Income	$	18,445		$	16,633		$	14,396

	Capital Expenditures:
	Regulated	$	22,498		$	19,894		$	21,149
	Non – Regulated		98			186			429
	Total Capital Expenditures	$	22,596		$	20,080		$	21,578

		(Thousands of Dollars)
		As of			As of
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Regulated	$	574,854		$	529,381
	Non – Regulated		7,252			8,887
	Inter-segment Elimination		(6,334	)		(7,927	)
	Consolidated Assets	$	575,772		$	530,341

Quarterly_Operating_Results_Un1

Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information	Operating results for each quarter of 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


		(Thousands of Dollars, Except per Share Data)
	2014	1^st		2^nd		3^rd		4^th		Total

	Operating Revenues	$	27,173	$	29,190	$	32,669	$	28,107	$	117,139
	Operating Income		5,967		8,747		11,620		8,058		34,392
	Net Income		3,169		4,728		6,758		3,790		18,445
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.29	$	0.42	$	0.23	$	1.14
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.29	$	0.42	$	0.22	$	1.13

	2013	1^st		2^nd		3^rd		4^th		Total

	Operating Revenues	$	27,038	$	29,102	$	31,285	$	27,421	$	114,846
	Operating Income		5,865		8,171		10,270		6,664		30,970
	Net Income		3,177		4,481		5,807		3,168		16,633
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.28	$	0.36	$	0.2	$	1.04
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.2	$	0.28	$	0.36	$	0.19	$	1.03

Organization_Summary_of_Signif3

Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2012
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Percent voting interest	50.00%
Percent of operating revenues	88.00%
Percent of total assets	99.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$0.70	$0.60
Bad debt expense	0.7	0.7	0.7
Write-offs	0.6	0.9	0.6
Minimum [Member]
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of non-regulated fixed assets	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of non-regulated fixed assets	40 years
Dover Air Force Base [Member]
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Term of agreement				50 years
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities [Member]
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Approved increase in annual operating revenues					4.2
Delaware Public Service Commission [Member] \| Tidewater Utilities Inc. [Member]
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Approved increase in annual operating revenues					$0.80	$3.90

Organization_Summary_of_Signif4

Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments (Schedule of Depreciation Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Source of Supply [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	1.15%	1.15%	1.15%
Source of Supply [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	3.44%	3.44%	3.44%
Pumping [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	2.87%	2.87%	2.87%
Pumping [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	5.39%	5.39%	5.39%
Water Treatment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	1.65%	1.65%	1.65%
Water Treatment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	7.09%	7.09%	7.09%
General Plant [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	2.08%	2.08%	2.08%
General Plant [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	17.84%	17.84%	17.84%
T&D Mains [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	1.10%	1.10%	1.10%
T&D Mains [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	3.13%	3.13%	3.13%
T&D Services [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	2.12%	2.12%	2.12%
T&D Services [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	3.16%	3.16%	3.16%
T&D Other [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	1.61%	1.61%	1.61%
T&D Other [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Disclosure of Composite Depreciation Rate for Plants in Service	4.63%	4.63%	4.63%

Organization_Summary_of_Signif5

Organization, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Developments (Schedule of AFUDC Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Middlesex [Member]
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Rates	7.03%	7.34%	7.34%
Tidewater [Member]
Organization, Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Developments [Line Items]
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Rates	7.91%	7.91%	7.91%

Rate_and_Regulatory_Matters_Na

Rate and Regulatory Matters (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Nov. 08, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

31-May-14

Jul. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 02, 2014

Apr. 19, 2014

Nov. 25, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 03, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Regulatory Liability - Cost of Utility Plant Removal

$10,273,000

$9,639,000

Acquisition premiums to be recovered

600,000

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities [Member]

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Approved increase in annual operating revenues

4,200,000

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities [Member] | Middlesex [Member]

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Approved increase in annual operating revenues

4,200,000

Originally filed increase in annual operating revenue

10,600,000

3,600,000

Amended filed increase in annual operating revenue

8,100,000

Base rate amount

208,600,000

Return on equity

9.75%

Projected annual revenue

300,000

Increase in base rates revenue per year

8,100,000

Originally filed base water rate increase

11,300,000

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities [Member] | Pinelands Water and Wastewater [Member]

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Approved increase in annual operating revenues

200,000

Originally filed increase in annual operating revenue

300,000

Approved increase in annual operating revenue (percentage)

50.00%

Delaware Public Service Commission [Member] | Tidewater [Member]

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Approved increase in annual operating revenues

800,000

3,900,000

Originally filed increase in annual operating revenue

3,900,000

6,900,000

Approved increase in annual operating revenue (percentage)

6.50%

Amended filed increase in annual operating revenue

2,500,000

800,000

Refund of previously deferred revenues

400,000

Projected annual revenue

100,000

Delaware Public Service Commission [Member] | TESI [Member]

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Approved increase in annual operating revenues

600,000

100,000

200,000

Originally filed increase in annual operating revenue

800,000

Approved increase in annual operating revenue (percentage)

33.50%

Number of customers

600

Purchase of the wastewater utility assets

400,000

Delaware Public Service Commission [Member] | Southern Shores [Member]

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Originally filed increase in annual operating revenue

100,000

Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission [Member] | Twin Lakes [Member]

Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]

Originally filed increase in annual operating revenue

$100,000

Rate_and_Regulatory_Matters_Sc

Rate and Regulatory Matters (Schedule of Regulatory Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	$66,216	$34,386
Retirement Benefits [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	47,868	20,826
Remaining recovery period	Various
Income Taxes [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	17,195	12,207
Remaining recovery period	Various
Rate Cases, Tank Painting, and Other [Member]
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	$1,153	$1,353
Remaining recovery period	2-9 years

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Tax Expense Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Tax at Statutory Rate	$9,786	$8,638	$7,420
Utility Plant Related	-572	-527	-442
State Income Taxes - Net	711	546	420
Employee Benefits	-6	-46	-23
Other	18	10	8
Income Taxes	$9,937	$8,621	$7,383

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom1

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$5,920	$5,018	$2,994
State	887	688	430
Deferred:
Federal	3,018	2,855	3,832
State	191	139	206
Investment Tax Credits	-79	-79	-79
Total Income Tax Expense	$9,937	$8,621	$7,383

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Net_D

Income Taxes (Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Liability) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Utility Plant Related	$43,996,000	$41,912,000
Customer Advances	-3,570,000	-3,598,000
Employee Benefits	7,223,000	1,121,000
Investment Tax Credits (ITC)	910,000	989,000
Other	-343,000	-325,000
Total Deferred Tax Liability and ITC	48,216,000	40,099,000
Income Taxes Receivable	$6,800,000

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of wastewater agreement	20 years
Term of water and wastewater system agreement	USA-PA operates the City of Perth Amboy, NJ's water and wastewater systems under a 20-year agreement, which expires in 2018. In connection with the agreement with Perth Amboy, USA-PA entered into a 20-year subcontract with a wastewater operating company
Guarant liabilty for AWM's performance	$0.30	$0.40
Budgeted construction cost for construction program, 2015	28.6
Budgeted construction cost for construction program, 2016	33.9
Budgeted construction cost for construction program, 2017	$33.10
NJ Water Supply Authority [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment of purchase of untreated water	Middlesex has an agreement with the NJWSA for the purchase of untreated water through November 30, 2023, which provides for an average purchase of 27 million gallons a day (mgd). Pricing is set annually by the NJWSA through a public rate making process.
Purchase commitment expiration date of contract	30-Nov-23
Water purchase per commitment	27,000,000
Regulated Water Authority [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Minimum treated water purchase commitment	Middlesex also has an agreement with a non-affiliated regulated water utility for the purchase of treated water. This agreement, which expires February 27, 2016, provides for the minimum purchase of 3 mgd of treated water with provisions for additional purchases.
Purchase commitment expiration date of contract	27-Feb-16
Water purchase per commitment	3,000,000
City of Dover [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Water purchase per commitment	15,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia3

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Purchased Water Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Purchased Water
Treated	$2.40	$2.40	$2.40
Untreated	3.1	3.2	3.1
Total Costs	$5.50	$5.60	$5.50

Short_Term_Borrowings_Details

Short Term Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Lines Of Credit Facility
Established Lines at Year-End	$60	$60
Maximum Amount Outstanding	33.5	30.5
Weighted average daily amounts of borrowings outstanding	27.4	27.7
Notes Payable	$19	$28.50
Weighted average interest rates on line of credit facility (As a percentage)	1.41%	1.41%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at Year-End	1.17%	1.47%

Capitalization_Narrative_Detai

Capitalization (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
Capitalization (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	31-May-14	31-May-13	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000				40,000,000
Authorized shares under plan	300,000					300,000
Issuance of shares under the DRP	$1,493,000	$1,653,000	$1,587,000
Maximum number of shares authorized for grant	200,000					200,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	126,000	126,000				126,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	24,000	28,000				24,000
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing	12,246,000	4,045,000	60,350,000
Long-term debt	140,029,000	133,112,000				140,029,000
Weighted average interest rate	3.99%	4.23%				3.99%
Deobligated principal payments		64,000	255,000
Other long term debt	50,800,000	45,000,000				50,800,000
Customer advances	21,978,000	21,837,000				21,978,000
Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Shares authorized	2,300,000				3,000,000	2,300,000
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan, cumulative shares	2,200,000
Outside Director Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Authorized shares under plan	76,915					76,915
Common stock granted and issued under plan	5,082	5,432	5,768
Maximum number of shares authorized for grant	100,000					100,000
Preferred stock dividends in arrears	0
Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Convertible preferred stock converted, shares	4,293
Convertible preferred stock converted, value	500,000
Stock issued upon conversion of convertible preferred stock (shares)	51,516
Percentage of stock that may be redeemed in a given calander year	10.00%					10.00%
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Shares issued upon conversion	13.714					13.714
Convertible preferred stock converted, shares				4,000
Convertible preferred stock converted, value				500,000
Stock issued upon conversion of convertible preferred stock (shares)				54,856
Tidewater [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Loan amount					4,000,000				15,000,000
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing					3,000,000	8,000,000
Long-term debt					11,000,000
Interest reate					4.46%
Maturity date	1-Apr-40
New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Loan amount	1,400,000					1,400,000
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing							3,800,000	3,900,000
Long-term debt	33,800,000					33,800,000
Deobligated principal payments		100,000	300,000
First Mortgage Bonds - Series TT [Member] \| New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of series bonds								2,900,000
Interest reate								0.00%
Maturity date								1-Aug-32
First Mortgage Bonds - Series UU [Member] \| New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of series bonds								1,000,000
Interest rate, minimum								3.00%
Interest rate, maximum								3.25%
Maturity date								1-Aug-32
First Mortgage Bonds - Series VV [Member] \| New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of series bonds							2,800,000
Interest reate							0.00%
Maturity date							1-Aug-33
First Mortgage Bonds - Series WW [Member] \| New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of series bonds							900,000
Interest rate, minimum							3.00%
Interest rate, maximum							5.00%
Maturity date							1-Aug-33
Delaware State Revolving Fund [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Long-term debt	9,800,000					9,800,000
Delaware State Revolving Fund [Member] \| Tidewater [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing	600,000
Long-term debt	1,100,000					1,100,000
Interest reate	3.45%					3.45%
Maturity date	1-Aug-31
New Jersey Economic Development Authority [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$55,400,000					$55,400,000

Capitalization_Schedule_of_Mat

Capitalization (Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
2015	$5.90
2016	6.1
2017	6.2
2018	6.3
2019	$6.30

Capitalization_Schedule_of_Ear

Capitalization (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic:
Net Income	$3,790	$6,758	$4,728	$3,169	$3,168	$5,807	$4,481	$3,177	$18,445	$16,633	$14,396
Preferred Dividend									-151	-190	-206
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock									18,294	16,443	14,190
Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding, shares									16,052	15,868	15,733
Basic EPS	$0.23	$0.42	$0.29	$0.20	$0.20	$0.36	$0.28	$0.20	$1.14	$1.04	$0.90
Diluted:
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend									74	97	97
$8.00 Series Preferred Dividend									24	40	56
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock									$18,392	$16,580	$14,343
Incremental common shares attributable to $7.00 series preferred shares, shares									133	166	166
Incremental common shares attributable to $8.00 series preferred shares, shares									41	76	96
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, shares									16,226	16,110	15,995
Diluted EPS	$0.22	$0.42	$0.29	$0.20	$0.19	$0.36	$0.28	$0.20	$1.13	$1.03	$0.90

Capitalization_Schedule_of_Car

Capitalization (Schedule of Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Bonds) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Carrying amount [Member]
Bonds	$88,628	$87,471
State Revolving Notes	540	625
Fair value [Member]
Bonds	90,115	79,733
State Revolving Notes	$542	$628

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 02, 2013
	N	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 02, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$61.90	$47.50
Increase (decrease) in annual rate per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits, next year	9.00%
Increase (decrease) in annual rate per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits, 2016-2018	1.00%
Increase (decrease) in annual rate per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits, 2019-2020	0.50%
Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits	5.00%
Number of hours required to participate in contribution plan	1,000
Percent of participants contributions matched by company, below one percent of participants compensation	100.00%
Percent of participants contributions matched by company, above one percent of participants compensation	50.00%
Threshold percentage of participants compensation at which matching decreases	1.00%
Matching contributions, percent	6.00%
Matching contributions	0.6	0.5	0.5
Discretionary contributions, percent	5.00%
Discretionary contributions	0.3	0.3	0.2
Escrow account maintained for 2008 restricted stock plan	100,000
Maximum number of shares authorized for grant	300,000
Number of shares authorized for grant, unissued	200,000
Fair value of vested restricted shares	0.5	0.5	0.3
Decrease in employee benefit plans liability and related regulatory asset				10.2
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Benfit plan, Cash contributions	3.6
Expected cash contributions next fiscal year	3.3
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Benfit plan, Cash contributions	1.7
Expected cash contributions next fiscal year	1.7
Equity Securities [Member] \| Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	60.70%	65.40%
Equity Securities [Member] \| Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	49.50%	47.80%
Equity Securities [Member] \| Middlesex [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	1.80%	1.80%
Common stock in plan, value	$0.90	$0.80

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Change in Projected Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Beginning Balance	$56,041		$62,817
Plan Amendment		[1]		[1]
Service Cost	1,894		2,300		2,198
Interest Cost	2,682		2,468		2,417
Actuarial (Gain) Loss	16,429		-9,694
Benefits Paid	-2,003		-1,850
Ending Balance	75,043		56,041		62,817
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Beginning Balance	37,212		50,608
Plan Amendment			-10,244	[1]
Service Cost	1,032		1,338		1,784
Interest Cost	1,792		1,594		1,868
Actuarial (Gain) Loss	10,092		-5,595
Benefits Paid	-550		-489
Ending Balance	$49,578		$37,212		$50,608

[1]	* See discussion of Other Benefits Plan amendment in bOther Benefitsb above.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul1

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
Fair Value of plan assets, Beginning Balance	$46,443	$37,904
Actual Return on Plan Assets	3,603	6,779
Employer Contributions	3,580	3,610
Benefits Paid	2,003	1,850
Fair Value of plan assets, Ending Balance	51,623	46,443
Funded Status	-23,420	-9,598
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
Fair Value of plan assets, Beginning Balance	25,145	20,408
Actual Return on Plan Assets	1,243	2,553
Employer Contributions	1,697	2,673
Benefits Paid	550	489
Fair Value of plan assets, Ending Balance	27,535	25,145
Funded Status	($22,043)	($12,067)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul2

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans Recognized in Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employee Benefit Plans	$45,135	$21,335
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Liability	328	330
Employee Benefit Plans	23,092	9,268
Net Liability Recognized	23,420	9,598
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current Liability
Employee Benefit Plans	22,043	12,067
Net Liability Recognized	$22,043	$12,067

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul3

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Periodic Costs For Employee Retirement Benefit Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Periodic costs for employee retirement benefit plans
Service Cost	$1,894	$2,300	$2,198
Interest Cost	2,682	2,468	2,417
Expected Return on Assets	-3,534	-2,894	-2,458
Amortization of Transition Obligation
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss	416	1,632	1,549
Amortization of Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	2	10	10
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	1,460	3,516	3,716
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Periodic costs for employee retirement benefit plans
Service Cost	1,032	1,338	1,784
Interest Cost	1,792	1,594	1,868
Expected Return on Assets	-1,937	-1,622	-1,258
Amortization of Transition Obligation			135
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss	1,413	2,066	1,765
Amortization of Prior Service Cost/(Credit)	-1,728	-1,728
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$572	$1,648	$4,294

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul4

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Amounts Expected to be Amortized from Regulaotry Assets to Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected amortized actuarial Loss	$1,646
Expected amortized prior service credit
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected amortized actuarial Loss	2,261
Expected amortized prior service credit	($1,728)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul5

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Discount and Compensation Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions:
Expected Return on Plan Assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Discount Rate for:
Benefit Obligation	3.91%	4.87%	3.99%
Benefit Cost	4.87%	3.99%	4.37%
Compensation Increase for:
Benefit Obligation	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Benefit Cost	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Weighted Average Assumptions:
Expected Return on Plan Assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Discount Rate for:
Benefit Obligation	3.91%	4.87%	3.99%
Benefit Cost	4.87%	3.99%	4.37%
Compensation Increase for:
Benefit Obligation	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Benefit Cost	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul6

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Effect of One-percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect on Current Year's Service and Interest Cost	$570
Effect on Projected Benefit Obligation	9,404
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect on Current Year's Service and Interest Cost	-443
Effect on Projected Benefit Obligation	($7,298)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul7

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	$2,056
2016	2,031
2017	2,315
2018	2,392
2019	2,405
2020-2024	17,554
Totals	28,753
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	885
2016	1,051
2017	1,269
2018	1,443
2019	1,629
2020-2024	10,060
Totals	$16,337

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul8

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocations	60.00%
Target plan allocations, minimum	30.00%
Target plan allocations, maximum	70.00%
Equity Securities [Member] \| Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	60.70%	65.40%
Equity Securities [Member] \| Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	49.50%	47.80%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocations	38.00%
Target plan allocations, minimum	25.00%
Target plan allocations, maximum	70.00%
Debt Securities [Member] \| Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	35.80%	32.10%
Debt Securities [Member] \| Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	47.50%	47.90%
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocations	2.00%
Target plan allocations, minimum	0.00%
Target plan allocations, maximum	10.00%
Cash [Member] \| Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	1.20%	0.80%
Cash [Member] \| Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	2.80%	3.60%
Commodities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan allocations	0.00%
Target plan allocations, minimum	0.00%
Target plan allocations, maximum	5.00%
Commodities \| Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	2.30%	1.70%
Commodities \| Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	0.20%	0.70%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul9

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) (Pension Benefit Plan [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$51,623	$46,443	$37,904
Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	261	191
Mutual Funds - Small Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	876	278
Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,013
Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,015
Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	627	555
Mutual Funds - Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,187
Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,321	13,916
Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		298
Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	989	863
Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	449	457
Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,566	2,439
Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		157
Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	737	590
Mutual Funds - Intermediate Term Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9,824	14,909
Mutual Funds - Real Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,074
Mutual Funds - World Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,668
Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	513	357
Common Equity Securities - Non-Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	280	147
Common Equity Securities - Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,656	1,882
Common Equity Securities - Utilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,504	1,433
Common Equity Securities - Consumer Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,123	1,665
Common Equity Securities - Consumer Staples [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	459	392
Common Equity Securities - Consumer Cyclicals [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	922	1,063
Common Equity Securities - Industrial Resources [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	155	149
Common Equity Securities - Capital Equipment [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	453	419
Common Equity Securities - Technology [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,328	1,319
Common Equity Securities - Energy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	712	875
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	51,237	46,130
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	261	191
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	876	278
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,013
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,015
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	627	555
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,187
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,321	13,916
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		298
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	989	863
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	449	457
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,566	2,439
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		157
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	737	590
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Intermediate Term Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9,824	14,909
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Real Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,074
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - World Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,668
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	127	44
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Non-Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	280	147
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,656	1,882
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Utilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,504	1,433
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,123	1,665
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Staples [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	459	392
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Cyclicals [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	922	1,063
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Industrial Resources [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	155	149
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Capital Equipment [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	453	419
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Technology [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,328	1,319
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Energy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	712	875
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	386	313
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Intermediate Term Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Real Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - World Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	386	313
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Non-Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Utilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Staples [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Cyclicals [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Industrial Resources [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Capital Equipment [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Technology [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Energy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Intermediate Term Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Real Asset [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - World Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Non-Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Financial Services [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Utilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Staples [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Consumer Cyclicals [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Industrial Resources [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Capital Equipment [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Technology [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Common Equity Securities - Energy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets

Recovered_Sheet1

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Fair Value of Other Benefits Plan Assets) (Details) (Other Benefits Plan [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$27,535	$25,145	$20,408
Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	491	290
Mutual Funds - Small Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	82
Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	292	264
Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	121	470
Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	768	658
Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10,516	8,650
Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	119	361
Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	735	780
Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		151
Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	113	86
Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		125
Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	371	195
Mutual Funds - Preferred Stock Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		110
Mutual Funds - Real Estate Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	62	59
Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	782	895
Preferred Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	221
Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	12,862	11,928
Commodities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		123
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,341	13,089
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	491	290
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	82
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	292	264
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	121	470
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	768	658
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10,516	8,650
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	119	361
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	735	780
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		151
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	113	86
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		125
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	371	195
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Preferred Stock Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		110
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Real Estate Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	62	59
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	450
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Preferred Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	221
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		767
Fair Value, Level 1 [Member] \| Commodities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		123
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,194	12,056
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Preferred Stock Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Real Estate Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	332	895
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Preferred Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	12,862	11,161
Fair Value, Level 2 [Member] \| Commodities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Small Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Mid Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Small Mid Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Foreign Large Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Pacific Asia/ex-Japan Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Diversified Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Preferred Stock Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Mutual Funds - Real Estate Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Money Market Funds - Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Preferred Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Agency/US/State/Municipal Debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Fair Value, Level 3 [Member] \| Commodities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets

Recovered_Sheet2

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Restricted Stock Plan) (Details) (2008 Restricted Stock Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
2008 Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Shares
Balance	117	114	108
Granted	33	28	21
Vested	-22	-24	-15
Forfeited	-1	-1
Amortization of Compensation Expense
Balance	127	117	114
Unearned compensation
Balance	$1,216	$1,039	$1,079
Granted	711	589	408
Vested
Forfeited	-10	-12
Amortization of Compensation Expense	-434	-400	-448
Balance	$1,483	$1,216	$1,039
Weighted Average Grant Price
Granted	$21.46	$21.20	$19.35

Business_Segment_Data_Details

Business Segment Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	N	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments									2
Revenues	$28,107	$32,669	$29,190	$27,173	$27,421	$31,285	$29,102	$27,038	$117,139	$114,846	$110,379
Operating Income	8,058	11,620	8,747	5,967	6,664	10,270	8,171	5,865	34,392	30,970	27,647
Depreciation									11,444	10,988	10,409
Other Income (Expense), Net									-403	91	857
Interest Expense									5,607	5,807	6,725
Income Taxes									9,937	8,621	7,383
Net Income	3,790	6,758	4,728	3,169	3,168	5,807	4,481	3,177	18,445	16,633	14,396
Capital Expenditures									22,596	20,080	21,578
Assets	575,772				530,341				575,772	530,341
Regulated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									103,556	100,910	98,021
Operating Income									32,000	28,744	25,944
Depreciation									11,262	10,807	10,241
Other Income (Expense), Net									157	828	1,489
Interest Expense									5,607	5,807	6,725
Income Taxes									8,907	7,635	6,579
Net Income									17,249	15,504	13,500
Capital Expenditures									22,498	19,894	21,149
Assets	574,854				529,381				574,854	529,381
Non - Regulated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									14,143	14,463	12,851
Operating Income									2,392	2,226	1,703
Depreciation									182	181	168
Other Income (Expense), Net									-75	-14	94
Interest Expense									91	97	96
Income Taxes									1,030	986	804
Net Income									1,196	1,129	896
Capital Expenditures									98	186	429
Assets	7,252				8,887				7,252	8,887
Inter-segment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									-560	-527	-493
Other Income (Expense), Net									-485	-723	-726
Interest Expense									-91	-97	-96
Assets	($6,334)				($7,927)				($6,334)	($7,927)

Quarterly_Operating_Results_Un2

Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Operating Results - Unaudited [Abstract]
Operating Revenues	$28,107	$32,669	$29,190	$27,173	$27,421	$31,285	$29,102	$27,038	$117,139	$114,846	$110,379
Operating Income	8,058	11,620	8,747	5,967	6,664	10,270	8,171	5,865	34,392	30,970	27,647
Net Income	$3,790	$6,758	$4,728	$3,169	$3,168	$5,807	$4,481	$3,177	$18,445	$16,633	$14,396
Basic	$0.23	$0.42	$0.29	$0.20	$0.20	$0.36	$0.28	$0.20	$1.14	$1.04	$0.90
Diluted	$0.22	$0.42	$0.29	$0.20	$0.19	$0.36	$0.28	$0.20	$1.13	$1.03	$0.90