Middlesex Water (MSEX) 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MIDDLESEX WATER CO
Entity Central Index Key	66004
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,141,954
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Operating Revenues	$28,780	$27,173
Operating Expenses:
Operations and Maintenance	16,087	15,437
Depreciation	2,947	2,815
Other Taxes	3,061	2,954
Total Operating Expenses	22,095	21,206
Operating Income	6,685	5,967
Other Income (Expense):
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction	82	67
Other Income	39	11
Other Expense	-66	-20
Total Other Income, net	55	58
Interest Charges	1,058	1,103
Income before Income Taxes	5,682	4,922
Income Taxes	2,046	1,753
Net Income	3,636	3,169
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements	36	43
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$3,600	$3,126
Earnings per share of Common Stock:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.20
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.20
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding :
Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding (in shares)	16,132	15,974
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	16,288	16,178
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.19

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
UTILITY PLANT:
Water Production	$138,527	$138,242
Transmission and Distribution	380,651	378,154
General	58,944	58,851
Construction Work in Progress	10,339	8,145
TOTAL	588,461	583,392
Less Accumulated Depreciation	120,139	117,986
UTILITY PLANT - NET	468,322	465,406
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	5,046	2,673
Accounts Receivable, net	10,643	10,012
Unbilled Revenues	6,187	5,937
Materials and Supplies (at average cost)	2,216	2,253
Prepayments	1,543	1,989
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	25,635	22,864
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
Unamortized Debt Expense	3,425	3,474
Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges	2,213	2,211
Regulatory Assets	65,516	66,216
Operations Contracts, Developer and Other Receivables	3,300	3,313
Restricted Cash	1,596	2,573
Non-utility Assets - Net	9,264	9,197
Other	483	518
TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS	85,797	87,502
TOTAL ASSETS	579,754	575,772
CAPITALIZATION:
Common Stock, No Par Value	149,156	148,668
Retained Earnings	49,117	48,623
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY	198,273	197,291
Preferred Stock	2,436	2,436
Long-term Debt	137,811	136,039
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION	338,520	335,766
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current Portion of Long-term Debt	6,092	5,910
Notes Payable	15,000	19,000
Accounts Payable	6,954	6,354
Accrued Taxes	12,541	8,948
Accrued Interest	454	1,134
Unearned Revenues and Advanced Service Fees	851	839
Other	1,752	1,687
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	43,644	43,872
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 7)
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES:
Customer Advances for Construction	21,927	21,978
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits	891	910
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes	47,736	47,306
Employee Benefit Plans	45,590	45,135
Regulatory Liability - Cost of Utility Plant Removal	10,475	10,273
Other	1,234	1,277
TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES	127,853	126,879
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION	69,737	69,255
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES	$579,754	$575,772

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$3,636	$3,169
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	3,256	3,010
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits	581	657
Equity Portion of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)	-50	-43
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	-48	-21
Stock Compensation Expense	116	97
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable	-618	787
Unbilled Revenues	-250	346
Materials & Supplies	37	-159
Prepayments	446	267
Accounts Payable	600	-733
Accrued Taxes	3,593	3,121
Accrued Interest	-680	-700
Employee Benefit Plans	1,000	-495
Unearned Revenue & Advanced Service Fees	12	-56
Other Assets and Liabilities	-200	-886
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	11,431	8,361
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Utility Plant Expenditures, Including AFUDC of $32 in 2015, $24 in 2014	-4,885	-4,165
Restricted Cash	977	587
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-3,908	-3,578
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Redemption of Long-term Debt	-1,046	-929
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	3,000	211
Net Short-term Bank Borrowings	-4,000	-950
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	372	385
Payment of Common Dividends	-3,105	-3,034
Payment of Preferred Dividends	-36	-43
Construction Advances and Contributions-Net	-335	645
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-5,150	-3,715
NET CHANGES IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,373	1,068
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	2,673	4,834
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	5,046	5,902
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:
Utility Plant received as Construction Advances and Contributions	766	44
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Interest	1,847	1,930
Interest Capitalized	32	24
Income Taxes

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Allowance for funds used during construction	$32	$24

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Common Stock, No Par Value	$149,156	$148,668
Retained Earnings	49,117	48,623
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY	198,273	197,291
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	2,436	2,436
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	142,036	140,029
Add: Premium on Issuance of Long-term Debt	1,867	1,920
Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt	-6,092	-5,910
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	137,811	136,039
Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series [Member]
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	1,007	1,007
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series [Member]
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	349	349
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $7.00 Series [Member]
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	80	80
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $4.75 Series [Member]
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK	1,000	1,000
Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,778	1,825
Amortizing Secured Note, due May 19, 2028 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	5,530	5,635
Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,317	4,387
Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,597	4,667
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	421	421
State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,464	2,463
State Revolving Trust Note, due March 1, 2026 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	488	506
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	518	536
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 1, 2026 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	697	697
State Revolving Trust Bond 4.00% to 5.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	299	299
State Revolving Trust Bond 0.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	236	241
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2028 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	313	313
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 1, 2028 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	104	104
State Revolving Trust Note, due August 1, 2031 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,090	1,115
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2029 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,912	4,999
Amortizing Secured Note 7.05%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	3,708	3,771
Amortizing Secured Note 5.69%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	7,607	7,735
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	11,000	8,000
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2031 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,411	2,411
State Revolving Trust Note, due November 30, 2030 [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,276	1,276
First Mortgage Bonds - Series X [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	211	215
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Y [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	245	245
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Z [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	548	559
First Mortgage Bonds - Series AA [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	700	700
First Mortgage Bonds - Series BB [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	827	845
First Mortgage Bonds - Series CC [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,025	1,025
First Mortgage Bonds - Series EE [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	3,468	3,550
First Mortgage Bonds - Series FF [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	4,900	4,900
First Mortgage Bonds - Series GG [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,064	1,083
First Mortgage Bonds - Series HH [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,390	1,390
First Mortgage Bonds - Series II [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	861	881
First Mortgage Bonds - Series JJ [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,090	1,090
First Mortgage Bonds - Series KK [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,233	1,255
First Mortgage Bonds - Series LL [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,435	1,435
First Mortgage Bonds - Series MM [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,504	1,537
First Mortgage Bonds - Series NN [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	1,755	1,755
First Mortgage Bonds - Series OO [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,508	2,559
First Mortgage Bonds - Series PP [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	850	850
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	2,659	2,709
First Mortgage Bonds - Series UU [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	975	975
First Mortgage Bonds - Series VV [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	2,672	2,720
First Mortgage Bonds - Series WW [Member]
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT	$935	$935

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	40,000	40,000
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	16,140	16,124
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	126	126
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	24	24
Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	10	10
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3	3
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $7.00 Series [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	1	1
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock $4.75 Series [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	10	10
Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 [Member]
Interest rate	8.05%
Due date of debt	20-Dec-21
Amortizing Secured Note, due May 19, 2028 [Member]
Interest rate	6.25%
Due date of debt	19-May-28
Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030 [Member]
Interest rate	6.44%
Due date of debt	25-Aug-30
Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031 [Member]
Interest rate	6.46%
Due date of debt	19-Sep-31
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022 [Member]
Interest rate	4.22%
Due date of debt	31-Dec-22
State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025 [Member]
Interest rate	3.60%
Due date of debt	1-May-25
State Revolving Trust Note, due March 1, 2026 [Member]
Interest rate	3.30%
Due date of debt	1-Mar-26
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027 [Member]
Interest rate	3.49%
Due date of debt	25-Jan-27
State Revolving Trust Note, due December 1, 2026 [Member]
Interest rate	4.03%
Due date of debt	1-Dec-26
State Revolving Trust Bond 4.00% to 5.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	4.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-21
State Revolving Trust Bond 0.00%, due August 1, 2021 [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-21
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2028 [Member]
Interest rate	3.64%
Due date of debt	1-Jul-28
State Revolving Trust Note, due January 1, 2028 [Member]
Interest rate	3.64%
Due date of debt	1-Jan-28
State Revolving Trust Note, due August 1, 2031 [Member]
Interest rate	3.45%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-31
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2029 [Member]
Interest rate	6.59%
Due date of debt	20-Apr-29
Amortizing Secured Note 7.05%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
Interest rate	7.05%
Due date of debt	20-Jan-30
Amortizing Secured Note 5.69%, due January 20, 2030 [Member]
Interest rate	5.69%
Due date of debt	20-Jan-30
Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040 [Member]
Interest rate	4.46%
Due date of debt	20-Apr-40
State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2031 [Member]
Interest rate	3.75%
Due date of debt	1-Jul-31
State Revolving Trust Note, due November 30, 2030 [Member]
Interest rate	3.75%
Due date of debt	30-Nov-30
First Mortgage Bonds - Series X [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Sep-18
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Y [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	4.25%
Interest rate - maximum	4.63%
Due date of debt	1-Sep-18
First Mortgage Bonds - Series Z [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Sep-19
First Mortgage Bonds - Series AA [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	5.25%
Interest rate - maximum	5.75%
Due date of debt	1-Sep-19
First Mortgage Bonds - Series BB [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Sep-21
First Mortgage Bonds - Series CC [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	4.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
Due date of debt	1-Sep-21
First Mortgage Bonds - Series EE [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-23
First Mortgage Bonds - Series FF [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.50%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-24
First Mortgage Bonds - Series GG [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-26
First Mortgage Bonds - Series HH [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	4.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-26
First Mortgage Bonds - Series II [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-24
First Mortgage Bonds - Series JJ [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	3.40%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-27
First Mortgage Bonds - Series KK [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-28
First Mortgage Bonds - Series LL [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	5.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.50%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-28
First Mortgage Bonds - Series MM [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-30
First Mortgage Bonds - Series NN [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	4.38%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-30
First Mortgage Bonds - Series OO [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-31
First Mortgage Bonds - Series PP [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	2.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-31
First Mortgage Bonds - Series QQ [Member]
Interest rate	5.00%
Due date of debt	1-Oct-23
First Mortgage Bonds - Series RR [Member]
Interest rate	3.80%
Due date of debt	1-Oct-38
First Mortgage Bonds - Series SS [Member]
Interest rate	4.25%
Due date of debt	1-Oct-47
First Mortgage Bonds - Series TT [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-32
First Mortgage Bonds - Series UU [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	3.25%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-32
First Mortgage Bonds - Series VV [Member]
Interest rate	0.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-33
First Mortgage Bonds - Series WW [Member]
Interest rate - minimum	3.00%
Interest rate - maximum	5.00%
Due date of debt	1-Aug-33

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Rece

Basis of Presentation and Recent Developments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Recent Developments [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Recent Developments	Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Recent Developments
	Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) 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. 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.
	The consolidated notes within the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the 2014 Form 10-K) are applicable to these financial statements and, in the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary (including normal recurring accruals) to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2015 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Information included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014, has been derived from the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 included in the 2014 Form 10-K.
	Recent Accounting Guidance
	As previously disclosed in the 2014 Form 10-K, in May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 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 is tentatively effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. In April 2015, the FASB disclosed that it will seek public comment on a proposal to defer the effective date of these new revenue recognition standards by one year to January 1, 2018.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued an update to authoritative guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs on the balance sheet, requiring companies to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying value of debt, which the Company will adopt beginning January 1, 2016. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. The adoption of this guidance will have no impact on the Company's statement of income or cash flows and will not have a material impact on the Company's balance sheet.
	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.

Rate_and_Regulatory_Matters

Rate and Regulatory Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Rate and Regulatory Matters [Abstract]
Rate and Regulatory Matters	Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters
	Middlesex - On March 31, 2015, Middlesex filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) seeking permission to increase its base water rates by approximately $9.5 million per year. The request was necessitated by declining consumption in its Commercial and Industrial class customers, increasing costs for active and retired employee benefits, capital infrastructure investments Middlesex has made, or has committed to make, and regulation-driven increases in other operations and maintenance costs. We cannot predict when and whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Under New Jersey statute, the NJPBU must render a decision within nine months of a petition filing.
	Middlesex has in place a NJBPU-approved foundational filing (Foundational Filing) that allows the Company to implement a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) in six-month periods over three years. A DSIC is a rate-mechanism that allows water utilities to recover investments in, and generate a return on, qualifying capital improvements to their water distribution system made between base rate proceedings.  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 of qualifying expenditures is expected to generate annual revenues of $0.3 million and be effective in May 2015.
	Tidewater - Effective January 1, 2015, Tidewater implemented a Delaware Public Service Commission-approved DSIC rate increase that is expected to generate $0.1 million of annual revenues.

Capitalization

Capitalization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Capitalization [Abstract]
Capitalization	Note 3 – Capitalization
	Common Stock
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were 16,172 common shares (approximately $0.4 million) and 18,919 common shares (approximately $0.4 million), respectively, issued under the Company's Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan.
	Long-term Debt
	In December 2014, the NJBPU approved Middlesex's request to borrow up to $5.0 million through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) under the New Jersey State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. This loan is intended to fund the current year RENEW Program, which is our ongoing initiative to clean and cement all unlined mains in the Middlesex system. Due to administrative changes in the New Jersey SRF loan program, participants are now required to complete construction of the qualifying project prior to closing on a long-term loan or, in the alternative, enter into a construction loan agreement with the NJEIT until the project is complete. At that time, the construction loan can be rolled into the next NJEIT long-term loan. Middlesex is currently reviewing the impact of these new requirements. These changes, along with an assessment of the condition of the mains subject to rehabilitation under the current year RENEW Program, will delay the project until 2016. During the second quarter of 2015, Middlesex expects to file an update to its petition with the NJPBU seeking approval to modify the previous granted financing timetable to accommodate the New Jersey SRF loan program changes.
	In October 2014, Tidewater completed a $15.0 million debt transaction. The loan agreement, as amended, allows Tidewater to borrow, in increments at its discretion, until October 30, 2015. Through March 31, 2015, Tidewater has drawn down $11.0 million, including $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, at a fixed interest rate of 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 2040.
	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 condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, 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 First Mortgage and SRF Bonds (Bonds) 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 the 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:
		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	First Mortgage Bonds	$	88,271	$	90,557	$	88,628	$	90,115
	SRF Bonds	$	535	$	537	$	540	$	542
	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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt). The carrying amount of these instruments was $53.2 million at March 31, 2015 and $50.8 million at December 31, 2014. Customer advances for construction have carrying amounts of $21.9 million and $22.0 million, respectively, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 4 – Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (EPS) are computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period presented. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of both the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series and the Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series.
		(In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015					2014
	Basic:	Income			Shares		Income			Shares
	Net Income	$	3,636			16,132	$	3,169			15,974
	Preferred Dividend		(36	)				(43	)
	Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	3,600			16,132	$	3,126			15,974
	Basic EPS	$	0.22				$	0.2
	Diluted:
	Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	3,600			16,132	$	3,126			15,974
	$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend		17			115		24			163
	$8.00 Series Preferred Dividend		6			41		6			41
	Adjusted Earnings Applicable to  Common Stock	$	3,623			16,288	$	3,156			16,178
	Diluted EPS	$	0.22				$	0.2

Business_Segment_Data

Business Segment Data	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Segment Data [Abstract]
Business Segment Data	Note 5 – 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 New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania with respect to utility services 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.
		(In Thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	Operations by Segments:	2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Regulated	$	24,905		$	23,653
	Non – Regulated		3,992			3,637
	Inter-segment Elimination		(117	)		(117	)
	Consolidated Revenues	$	28,780		$	27,173
	Operating Income:
	Regulated	$	6,165		$	5,404
	Non – Regulated		520			563
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	6,685		$	5,967
	Net Income:
	Regulated	$	3,377		$	2,881
	Non – Regulated		259			288
	Consolidated Net Income	$	3,636		$	3,169
	Capital Expenditures:
	Regulated	$	4,885		$	4,134
	Non – Regulated		—			31
	Total Capital Expenditures	$	4,885		$	4,165
		As of			As of
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Assets:
	Regulated	$	578,038		$	574,854
	Non – Regulated		8,050			7,252
	Inter-segment Elimination		(6,334	)		(6,334	)
	Consolidated Assets	$	579,754		$	575,772

Shortterm_Borrowings

Short-term Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Short-term Borrowings [Abstract]
Short-term Borrowings	Note 6 – Short-term Borrowings
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company has established lines of credit aggregating $60.0 million. At March 31, 2015, the outstanding borrowings under these credit lines were $15.0 million at a weighted average interest rate of 1.18%.
	The weighted average daily amounts of borrowings outstanding under the Company's credit lines and the weighted average interest rates on those amounts were $17.9 million and $28.0 million at 1.17% and 1.45% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The maturity dates for the $15.0 million outstanding as of March 31, 2015 are all in April 2015 and are extendable at the discretion of the Company.
	Interest rates for short-term borrowings under the lines of credit are below the prime rate with no requirement for compensating balances.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	Note 7 – 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 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 mgd of treated water with provisions for additional purchases. At the end of the agreement period, it is expected that the agreement will be extended for five years.
	Tidewater contracts with the City of Dover, Delaware to purchase treated water 15.0 million gallons annually.
	Purchased water costs are shown below:
		(In Thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Treated	$	730	$	778
	Untreated		642		606
	Total Costs	$	1,372	$	1,384
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the liability recognized in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the balance sheet for the guaranty is approximately $0.3 million.
	Construction
	The Company has budgeted approximately $23.6 million for its construction program in 2015. The actual timing and amount of capital expenditures is dependent on project scheduling and refinement of engineering estimates for certain projects.
	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.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 8 – 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 do participate in a defined contribution 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 31st of the year to which the contribution relates. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company did not make any Pension Plan cash contributions. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company made Pension Plan cash contributions of $0.5 million. The Company expects to make Pension Plan cash contributions of approximately $3.3 million over the remainder of the current year. The Company also maintains an unfunded supplemental retirement benefit plan for certain active and retired Company officers and currently pays $0.3 million in annual benefits to the retired participants.
	Other Postretirement Benefits
	The Company's retirement plan other than pensions (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. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company did not make any Other Benefits Plan cash contributions. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company made Other Benefits Plan cash contributions of $0.2 million. The Company expects to make Other Benefits Plan cash contributions of approximately $1.7 million over the remainder of the current year.
	The following tables set forth information relating to the Company's periodic costs for its employee retirement benefit plans:
		(In Thousands)
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service Cost	$	639		$	473		$	343		$	258
	Interest Cost		724			670			480			448
	Expected Return on Assets		(980	)		(883	)		(527	)		(484	)
	Amortization of Unrecognized Losses		411			104			565			353
	Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost (Credit)		—			1			(432	)		(432	)
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	794		$	365		$	429		$	143

Capitalization_Tables

Capitalization (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Capitalization [Abstract]
Schedule of carrying amount and fair value of bonds		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	First Mortgage Bonds	$	88,271	$	90,557	$	88,628	$	90,115
	SRF Bonds	$	535	$	537	$	540	$	542

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share		(In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015					2014
	Basic:	Income			Shares		Income			Shares
	Net Income	$	3,636			16,132	$	3,169			15,974
	Preferred Dividend		(36	)				(43	)
	Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	3,600			16,132	$	3,126			15,974
	Basic EPS	$	0.22				$	0.2
	Diluted:
	Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	3,600			16,132	$	3,126			15,974
	$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend		17			115		24			163
	$8.00 Series Preferred Dividend		6			41		6			41
	Adjusted Earnings Applicable to  Common Stock	$	3,623			16,288	$	3,156			16,178
	Diluted EPS	$	0.22				$	0.2

Business_Segment_Data_Tables

Business Segment Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Segment Data [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment		(In Thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	Operations by Segments:	2015			2014
	Revenues:
	Regulated	$	24,905		$	23,653
	Non – Regulated		3,992			3,637
	Inter-segment Elimination		(117	)		(117	)
	Consolidated Revenues	$	28,780		$	27,173
	Operating Income:
	Regulated	$	6,165		$	5,404
	Non – Regulated		520			563
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	6,685		$	5,967
	Net Income:
	Regulated	$	3,377		$	2,881
	Non – Regulated		259			288
	Consolidated Net Income	$	3,636		$	3,169
	Capital Expenditures:
	Regulated	$	4,885		$	4,134
	Non – Regulated		—			31
	Total Capital Expenditures	$	4,885		$	4,165
		As of			As of
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Assets:
	Regulated	$	578,038		$	574,854
	Non – Regulated		8,050			7,252
	Inter-segment Elimination		(6,334	)		(6,334	)
	Consolidated Assets	$	579,754		$	575,772

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia1

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of purchased water cost	Purchased water costs are shown below:
		(In Thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Treated	$	730	$	778
	Untreated		642		606
	Total Costs	$	1,372	$	1,384

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of periodic costs for employee retirement benefit plan	The following tables set forth information relating to the Company's periodic costs for its employee retirement benefit plans:
		(In Thousands)
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service Cost	$	639		$	473		$	343		$	258
	Interest Cost		724			670			480			448
	Expected Return on Assets		(980	)		(883	)		(527	)		(484	)
	Amortization of Unrecognized Losses		411			104			565			353
	Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost (Credit)		—			1			(432	)		(432	)
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	794		$	365		$	429		$	143

Rate_and_Regulatory_Matters_De

Rate and Regulatory Matters (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	31-May-14	Mar. 31, 2015
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Approved increase in annual operating revenues	$9.50
Originally filed increase in annual operating revenue		3.6
Projected annual revenue			0.3
Delware Public Service Commission [Member] | Tidewater [Member]
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items]
Projected annual revenue			$0.10

Capitalization_Narrative_Detai

Capitalization (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of shares under the DRP,shares	16,172	18,919
Issuance of shares under the DRP	$400,000	$400,000
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing	3,000,000	211,000
Other long term debt	53,200,000		53,200,000	50,800,000
Customer advances	21,927,000		21,927,000	21,978,000
New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Loan amount				5,000,000
Tidewater [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Loan amount	4,000,000		4,000,000		15,000,000
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing	$3,000,000		$11,000,000
Interest rate	4.46%		4.46%
Due date of debt	1-Apr-40

Capitalization_Schedule_of_Car

Capitalization (Schedule of Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Bonds) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying amount [Member]
First Mortgage Bonds	$88,271	$88,628
SRF Bonds	535	540
Fair value [Member]
First Mortgage Bonds	90,557	90,115
SRF Bonds	$537	$542

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basic:
Net Income	$3,636	$3,169
Preferred Dividend	-36	-43
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	3,600	3,126
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.20
Weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding (in shares)	16,132	15,974
Diluted:
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	3,623	3,156
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.20
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	16,288	16,178
Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series [Member]
Diluted:
Preferred Dividend	17	24
Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock (in shares)	115	163
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series [Member]
Diluted:
Preferred Dividend	$6	$6
Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock (in shares)	41	41

Business_Segment_Data_Details

Business Segment Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	2
Operating Revenues	$28,780	$27,173
Operating Income	6,685	5,967
Net Income	3,636	3,169
Capital Expenditures	4,885	4,165
Assets	579,754		575,772
Regulated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	24,905	23,653
Operating Income	6,165	5,404
Net Income	3,377	2,881
Capital Expenditures	4,885	4,134
Assets	578,038		574,854
Non - Regulated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	3,992	3,637
Operating Income	520	563
Net Income	259	288
Capital Expenditures		31
Assets	8,050		7,252
Inter-segment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	-117	-117
Assets	($6,334)		($6,334)

Shortterm_Borrowings_Details

Short-term Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Lines Of Credit Facility
Established lines of credit	$60
Established lines of credit, amount outstanding	15
Weighted average interest rate at period end	1.18%
Weighted daily outstanding amount	$17.90	$28
Weighted average interest rates	1.17%	1.45%

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia2

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of wastewater agreement	20 years
Water and wastewater system agreement	USA-PA operates the City of Perth Amboy, New Jerseybs (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.
Guarant liabilty for AWM's performance	$0.30	$0.30
Budgeted construction cost for construction program, 2015	$23.60
NJ Water Supply Authority [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase water	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 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]
Commitment to purchase water	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. 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. At the end of the agreement period, it is expected that the agreement will be extended for five years.
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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Purchased Water
Treated	$730	$778
Untreated	642	606
Total Costs	$1,372	$1,384

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Annual benefits paid to retired participants	$0.30
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benfit plan, cash contributions	0.5
Expected cash contributions	3.3
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benfit plan, cash contributions	0.2
Expected cash contributions	$1.70

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Schedul

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Benefits Plans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Benefit Plan [Member]
Periodic costs for employee retirement benefit plans
Service Cost	$639	$473
Interest Cost	724	670
Expected Return on Assets	-980	-883
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses	411	104
Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost (Credit)		1
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	794	365
Other Benefits Plan [Member]
Periodic costs for employee retirement benefit plans
Service Cost	343	258
Interest Cost	480	448
Expected Return on Assets	-527	-484
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses	565	353
Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost (Credit)	-432	-432
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$429	$143