SJW (SJW) 10-Q6 Nov 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information Document	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SJW CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000766829	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	20,238,134

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
OPERATING REVENUE	$125,430	$85,238	$250,382	$209,607
Production Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Purchased water	15,616	21,092	37,288	49,525
Power	3,453	3,074	7,565	5,736
Groundwater extraction charges	17,286	13,142	42,250	27,257
Other production expenses	3,073	3,080	8,936	8,675
Total production expenses	39,428	40,388	96,039	91,193
Administrative and general	10,574	10,706	29,534	32,285
Maintenance	3,975	3,325	10,822	9,958
Property taxes and other non-income taxes	2,872	2,686	8,251	7,769
Depreciation and amortization	9,467	8,787	28,447	26,346
Total operating expense	66,316	65,892	173,093	167,551
OPERATING INCOME	59,114	19,346	77,289	42,056
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:	'	'	'	'
Interest on long-term debt	-5,050	-4,722	-14,145	-14,045
Mortgage and other interest expense	-347	-287	-1,076	-942
Gain on sale of California Water Service Group stock	0	0	2,017	0
Gain on sale of real estate investment	281	0	554	1,063
Dividend income	42	62	147	185
Other, net	57	354	716	1,314
Income before income taxes	54,097	14,753	65,502	29,631
Provision for income taxes	15,731	5,803	19,384	11,924
NET INCOME	38,366	8,950	46,118	17,707
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized income (loss) on investment	-271	185	-32	450
Reclassification adjustment for gain realized on sale of investments	0	0	-1,171	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$38,095	$9,135	$44,915	$18,157
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'	'	'	'
Basic (usd per share)	$1.90	$0.44	$2.28	$0.90
Diluted (usd per share)	$1.88	$0.44	$2.26	$0.89
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE (usd per share)	$0.19	$0.18	$0.56	$0.55
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING	'	'	'	'
Basic (shares)	20,231,426	20,151,729	20,213,676	19,643,290
Diluted (shares)	20,424,140	20,346,817	20,402,605	19,839,426

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Utility plant:	'	'
Land	$10,867	$10,418
Depreciable plant and equipment	1,327,949	1,254,586
Construction in progress	34,319	30,846
Intangible assets	19,149	18,341
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,392,284	1,314,191
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	442,429	415,453
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	949,855	898,738
Real estate investments	73,790	78,477
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	11,201	10,658
Total	62,589	67,819
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	5,599	2,299
Accounts receivable:	'	'
Customers, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts	18,077	14,496
Income tax	1,981	1,661
Other	719	476
Accrued unbilled utility revenue	22,593	17,556
Materials and supplies	1,138	1,045
Prepaid expenses	3,113	2,119
Less: current regulatory asset, net	17,308	0
Assets, Current	70,528	39,652
OTHER ASSETS:	'	'
Investment in California Water Service Group	5,815	8,885
Unamortized debt issuance, broker and reacquisition costs	5,343	5,176
Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent	109,537	83,543
Other	6,437	6,173
Assets, Noncurrent	127,132	103,777
Assets	1,210,104	1,109,986
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.521 par value; authorized 36,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 20,237,660 shares on September 30, 2014 and 20,169,211 on December 31, 2013	10,541	10,505
Additional paid-in capital	64,919	63,017
Retained earnings	278,918	244,266
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,184	3,387
Total shareholders' equity	356,562	321,175
Long-term debt, less current portion	384,514	334,997
Capitalization, Long-term Debt and Equity	741,076	656,172
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Line of credit	8,200	22,400
Current portion of long-term debt	624	554
Accrued groundwater extraction charges and purchased water	10,394	7,116
Purchased power	1,247	665
Accounts payable	12,311	12,587
Accrued interest	5,914	5,369
Accrued property taxes and other non-income taxes	3,123	1,618
Accrued payroll	3,822	3,198
Other current liabilities	6,118	5,688
Liabilities, Current	51,753	59,195
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	157,820	140,736
UNAMORTIZED INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS	1,330	1,375
ADVANCES FOR CONSTRUCTION	71,830	70,043
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION	135,080	132,260
DEFERRED REVENUE	1,346	1,213
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS	44,329	43,496
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES	5,540	5,496
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	0	0
Liabilities and Equity	$1,210,104	$1,109,986

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.52	$0.52
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	36,000,000	36,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	20,237,660	20,169,211
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	20,237,660	20,169,211

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$46,118	$17,707
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	29,635	27,510
Deferred income taxes	18,488	10,211
Share-based compensation	774	786
Gain on sale of real estate investment	-554	-1,063
Gain on sale of California Water Service Group stock	-2,017	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable and accrued unbilled utility revenue	-8,638	-13,067
Accounts payable, purchased power and other current liabilities	1,047	-1,948
Accrued groundwater extraction charges and purchased water	3,278	6,109
Tax receivable and accrued taxes	1,428	2,517
Postretirement benefits	833	4,312
Regulatory asset related to balancing and memorandum accounts	-43,331	-3,536
Other changes, net	-1,160	-2,326
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	45,901	47,212
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Company-funded	-70,255	-59,503
Contributions in aid of construction	-7,311	-8,280
Additions to real estate investments	-9	-4,177
Payments for business/asset acquisition and water rights	-1,584	-1,587
Cost to retire utility plant, net of salvage	-874	-1,814
Proceeds from sale of real estate investment	4,572	8,831
Proceeds from sale of California Water Service Group stock	3,056	0
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-72,405	-66,530
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Borrowings from line of credit	51,200	25,200
Repayments of line of credit	-65,400	-33,500
Long-term borrowings	50,000	0
Repayments of long-term borrowings	-413	-5,258
Dividends paid	-11,373	-10,764
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	0	35,894
Exercise of stock options and similar instruments	917	878
Tax benefits realized from share options exercised	306	27
Receipts of advances and contributions in aid of construction	6,601	9,233
Refunds of advances for construction	-2,034	-1,695
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	29,804	20,015
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	3,300	697
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	2,299	2,522
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	5,599	3,219
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	15,651	15,478
Income taxes	1,930	2,185
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:	'	'
(Decrease) increase in accrued payables for construction costs capitalized	-296	4,141
Utility property installed by developers	3,242	190
Increase in real estate investments due to accrued tenant improvements	0	379
Accrued intangible assets and other charges related to water supply project in Texas	$0	$2,209

General

General	9 Months Ended
General	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
GENERAL	'
	General
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.
	The unaudited interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in SJW Corp.'s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Water sales are seasonal in nature and influenced by weather conditions. The timing of precipitation and climatic conditions can cause seasonal water consumption by customers to vary significantly. Due to the seasonal nature of the water business, the operating results for interim periods are not indicative of the operating results for a 12-month period. Revenue is generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater, and lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and increased rainfall curtail water usage and sales. Our service area in California is in the midst of a record drought. In response to this, on January 17, 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. proclaimed a State of Emergency and directed state officials to take necessary actions to prepare for drought conditions.
	The Santa Clara Valley Water District (“SCVWD”), San Jose Water Company's water wholesaler, has set a target of a 20% reduction for water use in 2014 in accordance with its adopted water shortage contingency plan and recommended that its retail water and municipal customers implement mandatory measures to meet the target. Effective March 31, 2014, San Jose Water Company received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) for a Mandatory Conservation Revenue Adjustment Memorandum Account (“MCRAMA”) to track any revenue shortfall and a Mandatory Conservation Memorandum Account (“MCMA”) to track operational and administrative costs associated with implementation of the 20% conservation goal. San Jose Water Company will record the impact of the MCRAMA and MCMA regulatory accounts once probability of recovery can be determined and collection can be assured within 24 months after the end of the fiscal year in which the revenue is recorded. For further discussion, please see Note 9.
	On August 14, 2014, the CPUC issued a decision on San Jose Water Company's General Rate Case filing for the years 2013-2015. The decision authorized an increase of revenue for 2013 and 2014 and provided authorization to file to increase rates for 2015 in November 2014. San Jose Water Company was also authorized to file for a surcharge to true-up the difference between interim rates and authorized rates. On September 29, 2014, the CPUC approved a surcharge of $46,700 to true-up the difference between interim rates and authorized rates as well as one-time refunds of $200. For further discussion, please see Notes 9 and 10.
	Basic earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock including both shares outstanding and shares potentially issuable in connection with stock options, deferred restricted common stock awards under SJW Corp.'s Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Incentive Plan”) and shares potentially issuable under the 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2014 ESPP”). For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 180 and 452 anti-dilutive restricted common stock units were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 1,309 and 1,597 anti-dilutive restricted common stock units were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation, respectively.
	A portion of depreciation expense is allocated to administrative and general expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the amounts allocated to administrative and general expense were $396 and $385, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the amounts allocated to administrative and general expense were $1,188 and $1,164, respectively.

Equity_Plans

Equity Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
EQUITY PLANS	'
	Equity Plans
	SJW Corp. accounts for share-based compensation based on the grant date fair value of the awards issued to employees in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) Topic 718 - “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense based on the estimated fair value for all share-based payment awards.
	The Incentive Plan allows SJW Corp. to provide employees, non-employee board members or the board of directors of any parent or subsidiary, consultants, and other independent advisors who provide services to the company or any parent or subsidiary the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in SJW Corp. The types of awards included in the Incentive Plan are restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance shares, or other share-based awards. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan were 1,073,817, and 346,296 shares were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, restricted stock units, and deferred restricted stock units. In addition, shares are issued to employees under the ESPP. SJW Corp. also had a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (“DRSPP”) which allowed eligible participants to buy shares and reinvest cash dividends in SJW Corp. common stock. The DRSPP was terminated effective as of April 14, 2014.
	The compensation costs charged to income are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. A summary of compensation costs charged to income, proceeds from the exercise of stock options and similar instruments, and the tax benefit realized from stock options and similar instruments exercised, that were recorded to additional paid-in capital and common stock, by award type, are presented below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.


		Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Adjustments to additional paid-in capital and common stock for:
	Compensation costs charged to income:
	ESPP	$	76		70		$	148	128

	Restricted stock and deferred restricted stock	247			127		626		658

	Total compensation costs charged to income	$	323		197		$	774	786

	Excess tax benefits realized from share options exercised and stock issuance:
	Stock options	$	—		27		$	59	27

	Restricted stock and deferred restricted stock	(3		)	(95	)	247		—

	Total excess tax benefits realized from share options exercised and stock issuance	$	(3	)	(68	)	$	306	27

	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and similar instruments:
	Stock options	$	—		96		$	44	96

	DRSPP	—			21		34		59

	ESPP	433			395		839		723

	Total proceeds from the exercise of stock options and similar instruments	$	433		512		$	917	878

	Stock, Restricted Stock and Deferred Restricted Stock
	On January 2, 2014, restricted stock units covering an aggregate of 21,790 shares of common stock of SJW Corp. were granted to certain executives of SJW Corp. and its subsidiaries. The units vest in three equal successive installments upon completion of each year of service with no dividend equivalent rights. Share-based compensation expense based on a grant date fair value of $26.80 per unit is being recognized over the service period beginning in 2014.
	On January 31, 2014, restricted stock units covering an aggregate of 3,845 shares of common stock of SJW Corp. were granted to an executive of SJW Corp. and its subsidiaries. The units vest in three equal successive installments upon completion of each year of service with no dividend equivalent rights. Share-based compensation expense based on a grant date fair value of $26.39 per unit is being recognized over the service period beginning in 2014.
	On April 30, 2014, restricted stock units covering an aggregate of 9,002 shares of common stock of SJW Corp. were granted to the non-employee board members of SJW Corp. The units vest upon continuous board service through the day immediately preceding the date of the next annual shareholder meeting with no dividend equivalent rights. Share-based compensation expense based on grant date fair value of $26.48 per unit is being recognized over the service period beginning in 2014.
	On August 4, 2014, a total of 36,988 restricted stock units were granted to a key employee of SJW Corp. which includes performance-based restricted stock units covering a target number of shares of SJW Corp.'s common stock equal to 19,917 that will convert, if earned, between August 4, 2014 and December 31, 2017, based on the terms of the award. The number of shares issuable under the award, ranging between 0% and 200% of the target number of shares, is based on the level of actual attainment of specified performance goals. These units do not include dividend equivalent rights. The fair value of the performance-based restricted awards was estimated using the fair value of SJW Corp.'s common stock with the effect of market condition and no dividend yield on the date of grant, and assumes the performance goals will be attained. Share-based compensation expense is recognized at $26.81 per unit. If such goals are not met and requisite service is not rendered, no compensation cost will be recognized and any recognized compensation cost will be reversed. The remainder of restricted stock units granted, 17,071 units, will vest in three equal successive installments upon completion of each year of service, beginning from January 1, 2015, with no dividend equivalent rights. Share-based compensation expense based on a grant date fair value of $24.14 per unit is being recognized over the service period beginning in 2015.
	As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted and deferred restricted stock plans amounted to $1,863. This cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.58 years.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The 2014 ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of SJW Corp.'s common stock at 85% of the fair value of shares on the purchase date. Under the 2014 ESPP, employees can designate up to a maximum of 10% of their base compensation for the purchase of shares of common stock, subject to certain restrictions. A total of 400,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2014 ESPP.
	After considering estimated employee terminations or withdrawals from the plan before the purchase date, SJW Corp.'s recorded expenses were $37 and $112 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $34 and $102 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, related to the 2014 ESPP.
	The total unrecognized compensation costs related to the semi-annual offering period that ends January 30, 2015 for the 2014 ESPP is approximately $48. This cost is expected to be recognized during the fourth quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015.
	Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
	SJW Corp. adopted the DRSPP effective April 19, 2011. The DRSPP offered shareholders the ability to reinvest cash dividends in SJW Corp. common stock and also purchase additional shares of SJW Corp. common stock. A total of 3,000,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the DRSPP. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 0 and 1,151 shares, respectively, were issued under the DRSPP. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 829 and 2,273 shares, respectively, have been issued under the DRSPP.
	SJW Corp. terminated the DRSPP effective as of April 14, 2014. On April 16, 2014, SJW Corp. filed a Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-172048) with the SEC to deregister the 2,993,744 remaining shares of SJW Corp.'s common stock that were available for issuance under the DRSPP at the time of its termination.

Real_Estate_Investments

Real Estate Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Estate Investments, Net [Abstract]	'
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS	'
	Real Estate Investments
	The major components of real estate investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:


		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	17,297	18,892

	Buildings and improvements	56,164		59,256

	Intangibles	329		329

	Subtotal	73,790		78,477

	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	11,201		10,658

	Total	$	62,589	67,819

	Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the respective assets, ranging from 5 to 39 years.
	On August 1, 2014, San Jose Water Company sold a nonutility property located in San Jose, California for $300. SJW Corp. recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of real estate investment of $281, after selling expense of $10.
	On June 30, 2014, SJW Land Company sold its retail building located in El Paso, Texas for $4,450. SJW Corp. recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of real estate investment of $273, after selling expenses of $169.
	On February 1, 2013, SJW Land Company sold its warehouse building located in Windsor, Connecticut for $9,200. SJW Corp. recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of real estate investment of $1,063, after selling expenses of $369.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	Income Taxes
	SJW Corp. accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Measurement of the deferred tax assets and liabilities is at enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.
	In the second quarter of 2014, SJW Corp. recorded $880 in State of California enterprise zone sales and use taxes credits related to tax years 2008 through 2012.
	On September 13, 2013, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued final tangible property regulations under provisions that generally are intended to simplify, clarify and make more administrable the 2011 temporary and proposed tangible property regulations. These regulations broadly apply to amounts to acquire, produce or improve tangible property, as well as dispositions of such property and provide criteria for determining whether such amounts can be deducted or should be capitalized as part of the asset. The final regulations generally are effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. During the third quarter of 2014, management completed its evaluation of the capitalization elections under the new regulations in order to establish its method of complying with the new regulations and record the impact in the consolidated financial statements. To comply with the new regulations, SJW Corp. will apply the accounting method change in its 2014 tax returns for the expensing of certain utility asset improvement costs for tax purposes as of December 31, 2013 that were previously being capitalized for book and tax purposes. As of September 30, 2014, the estimated 2014 federal and state repairs and maintenance deduction under the new methodology was $19,395, resulting in an estimated $5,091 Federal deferred tax liability and a state income tax benefit of $853. During the third quarter of 2014, SJW Corp. also completed a detailed analysis of the repairs and maintenance deduction related to 2013 and prior years, and recorded the estimated federal and state impact in the consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2014. SJW Corp.'s Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) §481(a) adjustment for Federal purposes was estimated to be $41,171 and resulted in a $14,410 deferred tax liability as of September 30, 2014. SJW Corp.'s IRC §481(a) adjustment for state purposes was estimated to be $83,524 and resulted in a $4,799 reduction to state income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Defined_Benefit_Plan

Defined Benefit Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN	'
	Defined Benefit Plan
	San Jose Water Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for its eligible employees. Employees hired before March 31, 2008 are entitled to receive retirement benefits using a formula based on the employee's three highest years of compensation (whether or not consecutive). For employees hired on or after March 31, 2008, benefits are determined using a cash balance formula based on compensation credits and interest credits for each employee. Officers hired before March 31, 2008 are eligible to receive additional retirement benefits under the Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, and officers hired on or after March 31, 2008 are eligible to receive additional retirement benefits under the Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan. Both plans are non-qualified plans in which only officers and other designated members of management may participate. San Jose Water Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees under the San Jose Water Company Social Welfare Plan. The components of net periodic benefit costs for San Jose Water Company's pension plan, its Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan and Social Welfare Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


		Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Service cost	$	1,056			1,239			$	3,167			3,717

	Interest cost	1,651				1,475			4,954				4,425

	Other cost	627				1,208			1,883				3,624

	Expected return on assets	(1,670		)		(1,380	)		(5,011		)		(4,140	)
		$	1,664			2,542			$	4,993			7,626

	The following tables summarize the fair values of plan assets by major categories as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:


				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014
								Quoted				Significant				Significant
								Prices in				Observable				Unobservable
								Active				Inputs				Inputs
								Markets for
								Identical
								Assets
	Asset Category	Benchmark		Total				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	7,261			$	7,261			$	—			$	—

	Actively Managed (a):
	All Cap Equity	Russell 3000 Value		2,402				2,378				24				—

	U.S. Large Cap Equity	Russell 1000, Russell 1000 Growth, Russell 1000 Value		35,541				35,541				—				—

	U.S. Mid Cap Equity	Russell Mid Cap, Russell Mid Cap Growth, Russell Mid Cap Value		5,731				5,731				—				—

	U.S. Small Cap Equity	Russell 2000, Russell 2000 Growth, Russell 2000 Value		3,010				3,010				—				—

	Non-U.S. Large Cap Equity	MSCI EAFE		4,832				4,832				—				—

	REIT	NAREIT - Equity REIT'S		4,480				—				4,480				—

	Fixed Income (b)	(b)		35,747				—				35,747				—

	Total			$	99,004			$	58,753			$	40,251			$	—

	The Plan has a current target allocation of 55% invested in a diversified array of equity securities to provide long-term capital appreciation and 45% invested in a diversified array of fixed income securities to provide preservation of capital plus generation of income.

	(a)	Actively managed portfolio of securities with the goal to exceed the stated benchmark performance.

	(b)	Actively managed portfolio of fixed income securities with the goal to exceed the Barclays 1-5 Year Government/Credit, Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit, and Merrill Lynch Preferred Stock Fixed Rate.


				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
								Quoted				Significant				Significant
								Prices in				Observable				Unobservable
								Active				Inputs				Inputs
								Markets for
								Identical
								Assets
	Asset Category	Benchmark		Total				(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	9,127			$	9,127			$	—			$	—

	Actively Managed (a):
All Cap Equity	Russell 3000 Vaue		283				266				17				—

U.S. Large Cap Equity	Russell 1000, Russell 1000 Growth, Russell 1000 Value		32,286				32,286				—				—

U.S. Mid Cap Equity	Russell Mid Cap, Russell Mid Cap Growth, Russell Mid Cap Value		5,551				5,551				—				—

U.S. Small Cap Equity	Russell 2000, Russell 2000 Growth, Russell 2000 Value		3,236				3,236				—				—

Non-U.S. Large Cap Equity	MSCI EAFE		5,066				5,066				—				—

REIT	NAREIT - Equity REIT'S		3,913				—				3,913				—

Fixed Income (b)	(b)		35,891				—				35,891				—

Total			$	95,353			$	55,532			$	39,821			$	—

The Plan has a current target allocation of 55% invested in a diversified array of equity securities to provide long-term capital appreciation and 45% invested in a diversified array of fixed income securities to provide preservation of capital plus generation of income.

(a)	Actively managed portfolio of securities with the goal to exceed the stated benchmark performance.

(b)	Actively managed portfolio of fixed income securities with the goal to exceed the Barclays 1-5 Year Government/Credit, Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit, and Merrill Lynch Preferred Stock Fixed Rate.
In 2014, San Jose Water Company expects to make required and discretionary cash contributions of up to $5,946 to the pension plans and Social Welfare Plan. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, $1,819 and $3,638, respectively, has been contributed to the pension plans and Social Welfare Plan.

Segment_and_Nonregulated_Busin

Segment and Nonregulated Business Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT AND NONREGULATED BUSINESS REPORTING	'
	Segment and Nonregulated Business Reporting
	SJW Corp. is a holding company with four subsidiaries: (i) San Jose Water Company, a water utility which operates both regulated and nonregulated businesses, (ii) SJW Land Company and its consolidated variable interest entity, 444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P., which operate commercial building rentals, (iii) SJWTX, Inc. which is doing business as Canyon Lake Water Service Company (“CLWSC”), a regulated water utility located in Canyon Lake, Texas, and its consolidated nonregulated variable interest entity, Acequia Water Supply Corporation, and (iv) Texas Water Alliance Limited, a nonregulated water utility operation which is undertaking activities that are necessary to develop a water supply project in Texas. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280 – “Segment Reporting,” SJW Corp. has determined that it has two reportable business segments. The first segment is that of providing water utility and utility-related services to its customers through SJW Corp.'s subsidiaries, San Jose Water Company, Canyon Lake Water Service Company, and Texas Water Alliance Limited, together referred to as “Water Utility Services.” The second segment is property management and investment activity conducted by SJW Land Company, referred to as “Real Estate Services.”
	SJW Corp.'s reportable segments have been determined based on information used by the chief operating decision maker. SJW Corp.'s chief operating decision maker is its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). The CEO reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis that is accompanied by disaggregated information about operating revenue, net income and total assets, by subsidiaries.
	The tables below set forth information relating to SJW Corp.'s reportable segments and distribution of regulated and nonregulated business activities within the reportable segments. Certain allocated assets, revenue and expenses have been included in the reportable segment amounts. Other business activity of SJW Corp. not included in the reportable segments is included in the “All Other” category.


		For Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
		Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
					regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
	Operating revenue	$	121,921		1,739		1,770			—			121,921		3,509			125,430

	Operating expense	63,518			1,508		1,041			249			63,518		2,798			66,316

	Operating income (loss)	58,403			231		729			(249	)		58,403		711			59,114

	Net income (loss)	37,907			68		795			(404	)		37,907		459			38,366

	Depreciation and amortization	8,984			89		394			—			8,984		483			9,467

	Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	4,573			—		262			562			4,573		824			5,397

	Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	16,394			73		(441	)		(295	)		16,394		(663	)		15,731

	Assets	$	1,121,925		17,606		66,457			4,116			1,121,925		88,179			1,210,104



		For Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
		Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
					regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
	Operating revenue	$	81,894		1,859		1,485			—			81,894		3,344			85,238

	Operating expense	63,260			1,538		820			274			63,260		2,632			65,892

	Operating income (loss)	18,634			321		665			(274	)		18,634		712			19,346

	Net income (loss)	9,114			109		132			(405	)		9,114		(164	)		8,950

	Depreciation and amortization	8,293			90		404			—			8,293		494			8,787

	Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	4,197			—		268			544			4,197		812			5,009

	Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	5,840			135		132			(304	)		5,840		(37	)		5,803

	Assets	$	1,053,710		16,443		71,176			8,511			1,053,710		96,130			1,149,840



		For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
		Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
					regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
	Operating revenue	$	240,514		4,520		5,348			—			240,514		9,868			250,382

	Operating expense	165,623			3,596		3,118			756			165,623		7,470			173,093

	Operating income (loss)	74,891			924		2,230			(756	)		74,891		2,398			77,289

	Net income (loss)	44,401			351		1,379			(13	)		44,401		1,717			46,118

	Depreciation and amortization	26,950			269		1,228			—			26,950		1,497			28,447

Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	12,793			—		761			1,667			12,793		2,428			15,221

Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	19,154			314		(15	)		(69	)		19,154		230			19,384

Assets	$	1,121,925		17,606		66,457			4,116			1,121,925		88,179			1,210,104



	For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
	Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
				regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
Operating revenue	$	201,149		4,524		3,934			—			201,149		8,458			209,607

Operating expense	159,845			4,573		2,378			755			159,845		7,706			167,551

Operating income (loss)	41,304			(49	)	1,556			(755	)		41,304		752			42,056

Net income (loss)	18,400			(291	)	801			(1,203	)		18,400		(693	)		17,707

Depreciation and amortization	24,879			270		1,197			—			24,879		1,467			26,346

Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	12,495			—		853			1,639			12,495		2,492			14,987

Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	12,141			48		639			(904	)		12,141		(217	)		11,924

Assets	$	1,053,710		16,443		71,176			8,511			1,053,710		96,130			1,149,840

* The “All Other” category includes the accounts of SJW Corp. on a stand-alone basis.

LongTerm_Liabilities_and_Bank_

Long-Term Liabilities and Bank Borrowings	9 Months Ended
Long-Term Liabilities and Bank Borrowings	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Liabilities and Bank Borrowings	'
	Long-Term Liabilities and Bank Borrowings
	SJW Corp.'s contractual obligations and commitments include senior notes, mortgages and other obligations. San Jose Water Company, a subsidiary of SJW Corp., has received advance deposit payments from its customers on certain construction projects. Refunds of the advance deposit payments constitute an obligation of San Jose Water Company solely.
	On January 24, 2014, San Jose Water Company entered into a note agreement with John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) and its affiliate (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which San Jose Water Company agreed to sell an aggregate principal amount of $50,000 of its 5.14% senior note, Series L to the Purchaser. The senior note is an unsecured obligation of San Jose Water Company, due on the date that is the 30th anniversary of the issuance of the senior note. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing March 1, 2015. The transaction closed on August 7, 2014.
	On June 23, 2014, San Jose Water Company, SJW Corp., SJW Land Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) amended their respective credit agreements dated as of March 1, 2012, to extend the maturity date to September 1, 2016. In addition, San Jose Water Company and Wells Fargo increased the maximum principal amount available for borrowing from $75,000 to $85,000.
	On August 1, 2014, San Jose Water Company, SJW Corp., SJW Land Company and Wells Fargo amended their respective credit agreements dated as of March 1, 2012, to modify the period during which the borrower is required to maintain a zero balance under the credit agreement for 30 consecutive days.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Fair Value Measurement

The following instruments are not measured at fair value on the SJW Corp.'s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014, but require disclosure of their fair values: cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The estimated fair value of such instruments as of September 30, 2014 approximates their carrying value as reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of such financial instruments are determined using the income approach based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. There have been no changes in our valuation technique during the three months ended September 30, 2014. The fair value of these instruments would be categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, which would be categorized as Level 1. The fair value of pension plan assets is discussed in Note 5.

The fair value of SJW Corp.'s long-term debt was approximately $469,092 and $395,684 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, based on the current rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration and creditworthiness of the company. The book value of the long-term debt was $385,138 and $335,551 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt would be categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The following table summarizes the fair value of the SJW Corps.'s investment in California Water Service Group as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014

Quoted

Significant

Prices in

Observable

Unobservable

Active

Inputs

Markets for

Identical

Assets

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets:

Investment in California Water Service Group

5,815

—

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013

Quoted

Significant

Prices in

Observable

Unobservable

Active

Inputs

Markets for

Identical

Assets

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets:

Investment in California Water Service Group

8,885

—

Regulatory_Rate_Filings

Regulatory Rate Filings	9 Months Ended
Regulatory Rate Filings	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Rate Filings	'
	Regulatory Rate Filings
	On February 28, 2014, San Jose Water Company submitted Advice Letter No. 456. In this advice letter, San Jose Water Company notified the CPUC that San Jose Water Company was implementing conservation Tariff Rule 14.1. The CPUC's Rule 14.1 provides voluntary conservation measures for customers, focusing primarily on outdoor water use which accounts for 50% of a typical customer's water usage. In addition, San Jose Water Company requested the implementation of a MCMA to track all operational and administrative costs associated with the implementation of Rule 14.1 and implementation of a MCRAMA to track any revenue shortfall associated with the implementation of the 20% conservation goal. The advice letter was approved on March 21, 2014 and the Rule 14.1 voluntary conservation measures, the MCMA, and MCRAMA all went into effect on March 31, 2014. San Jose Water Company will record the impact of the MCRAMA and MCMA regulatory accounts once probability of recovery can be determined and collection can be assured within 24 months of the year-end the revenue is recorded.
	On August 14, 2014, the CPUC issued Decision No. 14-08-006 in San Jose Water Company's General Rate Case filing for the years 2013-2015. This Decision resolved all issues in San Jose Water Company's General Rate Case and closed the proceeding. The Decision authorized an increase of revenue of $22,102, or 9.81%, for 2013 and $13,274, or 5.21% for 2014, and provides San Jose Water Company authorization to file to increase rates for 2015 in November 2014. Additionally, due to the nearly 20 month delay in receiving the Decision, San Jose Water Company was authorized to file for a surcharge to true-up the difference between interim rates (i.e. rates that were actually in effect since January 1, 2013) and authorized rates (i.e. rates that should have been effect since January 1, 2013). The Company filed for this surcharge on August 29, 2014 with Advice Letter No. 465, requesting the CPUC to implement a surcharge to recover balances in San Jose Water Company's 2013 General Rate Case Interim Rates Memorandum Account. In this filing, San Jose Water Company sought to recover $46,700 of revenue which was not collected over the period of January 1, 2013 through August 14, 2014 due to the delayed decision in San Jose Water Company's General Rate Case Application. The retroactive adjustment reflects the impact of actual usage compared to what was authorized in the Decision for 2013 and the combined impact of 2013 and 2014 rate increases for 2014. This recovery was authorized in Decision No. 14-08-006. San Jose Water Company intends to recover the uncollected revenue over a three-year period via a $0.2888 per CCF surcharge applied to all customer usage as authorized in the 2012 General Rate Case. This surcharge was approved by the CPUC effective September 29, 2014.
	On October 3, 2013, CLWSC filed a rate case with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”). The filing contained a request for an average system-wide rate increase of 23.1%, or $2,400. With the exception of customers served within the City of Bulverde, the new rates became effective on December 2, 2013. Subsequently, effective March 1, 2014, a rate settlement agreement was reached with the City of Bulverde with rate increases being phased-in over a 28-month period. Prior to approval by the TCEQ, the new rates are subject to adjustment and refund for customers outside the City of Bulverde. A preliminary hearing in the matter for customers outside the City of Bulverde was completed on July 22, 2014. A settlement proposal was submitted for the commission's consideration on November 3, 2014, and a decision is expected in the fourth quarter of 2014. CLWSC has recognized the average 23.1% increase in accordance with ASC Topic 980 which provides guidance when a regulated entity is permitted to bill requested rate increases before the regulator has ruled on the request. If information becomes available that indicates it is probable that any of the average 23.1% rate increase will need to be refunded and the amount of refund can be reasonably estimated, a loss contingency shall be accrued. CLWSC has determined at this time that it is not probable that any of the rate increase will need to be refunded. Management does not anticipate that the final TCEQ decision will materially affect SJW Corp.'s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Balancing_and_Memorandum_Accou

Balancing and Memorandum Account Recovery Procedures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'
BALANCING AND MEMORANDUM ACCOUNT RECOVERY PROCEDURES	'
	Balancing and Memorandum Account Recovery Procedures
	For California, the CPUC has established a balancing account mechanism for the purpose of tracking the under-collection or over-collection associated with expense changes and the revenue authorized by the CPUC to offset those expense changes. San Jose Water Company also maintains memorandum accounts to track revenue impacts due to catastrophic events, unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, cost of capital, any revenue requirement impact of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC.
	Balancing and memorandum accounts are recognized in revenue by San Jose Water Company when it is probable that future recovery of previously incurred costs or future refunds that are to be credited to customers will occur through the ratemaking process. In addition, in the case of special revenue programs such as the MCRAMA, collection of the account balance must occur within 24 months of the end of the year the revenue is recorded. In assessing the probability criteria for balancing and memorandum accounts between general rate cases, San Jose Water Company considers evidence that may exist prior to CPUC authorization that would satisfy FASB ASC Topic 980 - “Regulated Operations,” subtopic 340-25 recognition criteria. Such evidence may include regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts and circumstances that would indicate that recovery or refund is probable. When such evidence provides sufficient support for balance recognition, the balances are recorded in SJW Corp.'s financial statements.
	San Jose Water Company met the recognition requirements for certain of its balancing and memorandum accounts and certain amounts subject to balancing and memorandum accounts and increased revenue and regulatory assets as follows:


		Three months ended September 30, 2014									Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance

	Memorandum accounts	$	(1,511	)	(154	)	23		(1,642	)	$	(1,558	)	(279	)	—		(1,837	)


	Balancing accounts:
	Water supply costs	(1,221		)	2,477		(17	)	1,239		(1,833		)	679		—		(1,154	)

	Pension	9,672			(6,625	)	(123	)	2,924		8,307			825		—		9,132

	2012 General Rate Case true-up	—			46,456		—		46,456		—			—		—		—

	All others	1,858			(81	)	(9	)	1,768		1,314			536		—		1,850

	Total balancing accounts	$	10,309		42,227		(149	)	52,387		$	7,788		2,040		—		9,828


	Total	$	8,798		42,073		(126	)	50,745		$	6,230		1,761		—		7,991



		Nine months ended September 30, 2014									Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance

	Memorandum accounts	$	(1,895	)	230		23		(1,642	)	$	(1,887	)	928		(878	)	(1,837	)


	Balancing accounts:
	Water supply costs	(2,378		)	3,634		(17	)	1,239		(1,590		)	436		—		(1,154	)

	Pension	9,734			(6,687	)	(123	)	2,924		6,657			2,475		—		9,132

	2012 General Rate Case true-up	—			46,456		—		46,456		—			—		—		—

	All others	2,229			(452	)	(9	)	1,768		369			1,481		—		1,850

	Total balancing accounts	$	9,585		42,951		(149	)	52,387		$	5,436		4,392		—		9,828


	Total	$	7,690		43,181		(126	)	50,745		$	3,549		5,320		(878	)	7,991

	On September 29, 2014, the CPUC approved a surcharge to true-up the difference between interim rates and authorized rates of $46,700 to be recovered over a three-year period as well as one-time refunds of $200 as authorized in the 2012 General Rate Case. The net amount of $46,500 has been recorded in the 2012 General Rate Case true-up row in the table above. This amount includes $2,800 related to water supply and pension balancing accounts that have previously been recorded and have been deducted from the appropriate row in the table above.
	As of September 30, 2014, the total balance in San Jose Water Company's balancing and memorandum accounts combined, including interest, that has not been recorded into the financial statements was a net under-collection of $3,721, of which 87% relates to the MCMA and MCRAMA. All balancing accounts and memorandum-type accounts not included for recovery or refund in the current general rate case will be reviewed by the CPUC in San Jose Water Company's next general rate case or at the time an individual account reaches a threshold of 2% of authorized revenue, whichever occurs first.

Regulatory_Assets_and_Liabilit

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities	'
	Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
	Regulatory assets and liabilities are comprised of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:


	Description	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Regulatory assets:
	Income tax temporary differences, net	$	8,220	8,220

	Postretirement pensions and other medical benefits	62,949		62,949

	2012 General Rate Case true-up	46,456		—

	Pension balancing account	2,924		9,734

	Water rate assistance program balancing account	2,189		2,590

	Water supply balancing accounts	1,239		—

	Other	5,134		4,725

	Total regulatory assets	$	129,111	88,218

	Regulatory liabilities:
	Cost of capital memorandum account	$	2,266	2,297

	Water supply balancing accounts	—		2,378

	Total regulatory liabilities	$	2,266	4,675

	Total regulatory assets, net in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$	126,845	83,543

	Less: current regulatory asset, net	17,308		—

	Total regulatory assets, net, less current portion	$	109,537	83,543

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	9 Months Ended
Legal Proceedings	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	'
	Legal Proceedings
	SJW Corp. is subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. There are no pending legal proceedings to which SJW Corp. or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or to which any of its properties is the subject, that are expected to have a material effect on SJW Corp.'s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Sale_of_California_Water_Servi

Sale of California Water Service	9 Months Ended
Sale of California Water Service	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Sale of California Water Service Group Stock	'
	Sale of California Water Service Group Stock
	On June 30, 2014, SJW Corp. sold 125,969 shares of California Water Service Group for $3,056, before fees of $10. SJW Corp. recognized a gain on the sale of the stock of approximately $2,017, tax expense of approximately $822, for a net gain of $1,195. The unrealized holding gain associated with the shares sold, that was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income was $1,171 and was based on the fair value of the stock as of March 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, SJW Corp. held 259,151 shares of California Water Service Group. The company classifies its investment in California Water Service Group as available for sale. The stock is carried at the quoted market price with the changes in unrealized gain or loss reported, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	9 Months Ended
General (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy	The unaudited interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in SJW Corp.'s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Earnings Per Share, Policy	'
Earnings Per Share, Policy	Basic earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock including both shares outstanding and shares potentially issuable in connection with stock options, deferred restricted common stock awards under SJW Corp.'s Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Incentive Plan”) and shares potentially issuable under the 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2014 ESPP”).

Equity_Plans_Tables

Equity Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	'
	A summary of compensation costs charged to income, proceeds from the exercise of stock options and similar instruments, and the tax benefit realized from stock options and similar instruments exercised, that were recorded to additional paid-in capital and common stock, by award type, are presented below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.


		Three months ended September 30,					Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Adjustments to additional paid-in capital and common stock for:
	Compensation costs charged to income:
	ESPP	$	76		70		$	148	128

	Restricted stock and deferred restricted stock	247			127		626		658

	Total compensation costs charged to income	$	323		197		$	774	786

	Excess tax benefits realized from share options exercised and stock issuance:
	Stock options	$	—		27		$	59	27

	Restricted stock and deferred restricted stock	(3		)	(95	)	247		—

	Total excess tax benefits realized from share options exercised and stock issuance	$	(3	)	(68	)	$	306	27

	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and similar instruments:
	Stock options	$	—		96		$	44	96

	DRSPP	—			21		34		59

	ESPP	433			395		839		723

	Total proceeds from the exercise of stock options and similar instruments	$	433		512		$	917	878

Real_Estate_Investments_Tables

Real Estate Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Estate Investments, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Real Estate Investments	'
	The major components of real estate investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:


		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Land	$	17,297	18,892

	Buildings and improvements	56,164		59,256

	Intangibles	329		329

	Subtotal	73,790		78,477

	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	11,201		10,658

	Total	$	62,589	67,819

Defined_Benfit_Plan_Tables

Defined Benfit Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	The components of net periodic benefit costs for San Jose Water Company's pension plan, its Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan and Social Welfare Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


		Three months ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Service cost	$	1,056			1,239			$	3,167			3,717

	Interest cost	1,651				1,475			4,954				4,425

	Other cost	627				1,208			1,883				3,624

	Expected return on assets	(1,670		)		(1,380	)		(5,011		)		(4,140	)
		$	1,664			2,542			$	4,993			7,626

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
	The following tables summarize the fair values of plan assets by major categories as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:


				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014
								Quoted				Significant			Significant
								Prices in				Observable			Unobservable
								Active				Inputs			Inputs
								Markets for
								Identical
								Assets
	Asset Category	Benchmark		Total				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	7,261			$	7,261			$	—		$	—

	Actively Managed (a):
	All Cap Equity	Russell 3000 Value		2,402				2,378				24			—

	U.S. Large Cap Equity	Russell 1000, Russell 1000 Growth, Russell 1000 Value		35,541				35,541				—			—

	U.S. Mid Cap Equity	Russell Mid Cap, Russell Mid Cap Growth, Russell Mid Cap Value		5,731				5,731				—			—

	U.S. Small Cap Equity	Russell 2000, Russell 2000 Growth, Russell 2000 Value		3,010				3,010				—			—

	Non-U.S. Large Cap Equity	MSCI EAFE		4,832				4,832				—			—

	REIT	NAREIT - Equity REIT'S		4,480				—				4,480			—

	Fixed Income (b)	(b)		35,747				—				35,747			—

	Total			$	99,004			$	58,753			$	40,251		$	—

	The Plan has a current target allocation of 55% invested in a diversified array of equity securities to provide long-term capital appreciation and 45% invested in a diversified array of fixed income securities to provide preservation of capital plus generation of income.

	(a)	Actively managed portfolio of securities with the goal to exceed the stated benchmark performance.

	(b)	Actively managed portfolio of fixed income securities with the goal to exceed the Barclays 1-5 Year Government/Credit, Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit, and Merrill Lynch Preferred Stock Fixed Rate.


				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
								Quoted				Significant			Significant
								Prices in				Observable			Unobservable
								Active				Inputs			Inputs
								Markets for
								Identical
								Assets
	Asset Category	Benchmark		Total				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	9,127			$	9,127			$	—		$	—

	Actively Managed (a):
	All Cap Equity	Russell 3000 Vaue		283				266				17			—

	U.S. Large Cap Equity	Russell 1000, Russell 1000 Growth, Russell 1000 Value		32,286				32,286				—			—

	U.S. Mid Cap Equity	Russell Mid Cap, Russell Mid Cap Growth, Russell Mid Cap Value		5,551				5,551				—			—

	U.S. Small Cap Equity	Russell 2000, Russell 2000 Growth, Russell 2000 Value		3,236				3,236				—			—

	Non-U.S. Large Cap Equity	MSCI EAFE		5,066				5,066				—			—

	REIT	NAREIT - Equity REIT'S		3,913				—				3,913			—

	Fixed Income (b)	(b)		35,891				—				35,891			—

	Total			$	95,353			$	55,532			$	39,821		$	—

The Plan has a current target allocation of 55% invested in a diversified array of equity securities to provide long-term capital appreciation and 45% invested in a diversified array of fixed income securities to provide preservation of capital plus generation of income.

(a)	Actively managed portfolio of securities with the goal to exceed the stated benchmark performance.

(b)	Actively managed portfolio of fixed income securities with the goal to exceed the Barclays 1-5 Year Government/Credit, Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit, and Merrill Lynch Preferred Stock Fixed Rate.

Segment_and_Nonregulated_Busin1

Segment and Nonregulated Business Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The tables below set forth information relating to SJW Corp.'s reportable segments and distribution of regulated and nonregulated business activities within the reportable segments. Certain allocated assets, revenue and expenses have been included in the reportable segment amounts. Other business activity of SJW Corp. not included in the reportable segments is included in the “All Other” category.


		For Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
		Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
					regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
	Operating revenue	$	121,921		1,739		1,770			—			121,921		3,509			125,430

	Operating expense	63,518			1,508		1,041			249			63,518		2,798			66,316

	Operating income (loss)	58,403			231		729			(249	)		58,403		711			59,114

	Net income (loss)	37,907			68		795			(404	)		37,907		459			38,366

	Depreciation and amortization	8,984			89		394			—			8,984		483			9,467

	Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	4,573			—		262			562			4,573		824			5,397

	Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	16,394			73		(441	)		(295	)		16,394		(663	)		15,731

	Assets	$	1,121,925		17,606		66,457			4,116			1,121,925		88,179			1,210,104



		For Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
		Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
					regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
	Operating revenue	$	81,894		1,859		1,485			—			81,894		3,344			85,238

	Operating expense	63,260			1,538		820			274			63,260		2,632			65,892

	Operating income (loss)	18,634			321		665			(274	)		18,634		712			19,346

	Net income (loss)	9,114			109		132			(405	)		9,114		(164	)		8,950

	Depreciation and amortization	8,293			90		404			—			8,293		494			8,787

	Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	4,197			—		268			544			4,197		812			5,009

	Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	5,840			135		132			(304	)		5,840		(37	)		5,803

	Assets	$	1,053,710		16,443		71,176			8,511			1,053,710		96,130			1,149,840



		For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
		Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
					regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
	Operating revenue	$	240,514		4,520		5,348			—			240,514		9,868			250,382

	Operating expense	165,623			3,596		3,118			756			165,623		7,470			173,093

	Operating income (loss)	74,891			924		2,230			(756	)		74,891		2,398			77,289

	Net income (loss)	44,401			351		1,379			(13	)		44,401		1,717			46,118

	Depreciation and amortization	26,950			269		1,228			—			26,950		1,497			28,447

	Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	12,793			—		761			1,667			12,793		2,428			15,221

Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	19,154			314		(15	)		(69	)		19,154		230			19,384

Assets	$	1,121,925		17,606		66,457			4,116			1,121,925		88,179			1,210,104



	For Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Water Utility Services					Real Estate Services			All Other*			SJW Corp.
	Regulated			Non		Non			Non			Regulated		Non			Total
				regulated		regulated			regulated					regulated
Operating revenue	$	201,149		4,524		3,934			—			201,149		8,458			209,607

Operating expense	159,845			4,573		2,378			755			159,845		7,706			167,551

Operating income (loss)	41,304			(49	)	1,556			(755	)		41,304		752			42,056

Net income (loss)	18,400			(291	)	801			(1,203	)		18,400		(693	)		17,707

Depreciation and amortization	24,879			270		1,197			—			24,879		1,467			26,346

Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	12,495			—		853			1,639			12,495		2,492			14,987

Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	12,141			48		639			(904	)		12,141		(217	)		11,924

Assets	$	1,053,710		16,443		71,176			8,511			1,053,710		96,130			1,149,840

* The “All Other” category includes the accounts of SJW Corp. on a stand-alone basis.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the fair value of the SJW Corps.'s investment in California Water Service Group as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2014

Quoted

Significant

Prices in

Observable

Unobservable

Active

Inputs

Markets for

Identical

Assets

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets:

Investment in California Water Service Group

5,815

—

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013

Quoted

Significant

Prices in

Observable

Unobservable

Active

Inputs

Markets for

Identical

Assets

Total

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets:

Investment in California Water Service Group

8,885

—

Balancing_and_Memorandum_Accou1

Balancing and Memorandum Account Recovery Procedures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'
Public Utilities General Disclosures	'
	San Jose Water Company met the recognition requirements for certain of its balancing and memorandum accounts and certain amounts subject to balancing and memorandum accounts and increased revenue and regulatory assets as follows:


		Three months ended September 30, 2014									Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance

	Memorandum accounts	$	(1,511	)	(154	)	23		(1,642	)	$	(1,558	)	(279	)	—		(1,837	)


	Balancing accounts:
	Water supply costs	(1,221		)	2,477		(17	)	1,239		(1,833		)	679		—		(1,154	)

	Pension	9,672			(6,625	)	(123	)	2,924		8,307			825		—		9,132

	2012 General Rate Case true-up	—			46,456		—		46,456		—			—		—		—

	All others	1,858			(81	)	(9	)	1,768		1,314			536		—		1,850

	Total balancing accounts	$	10,309		42,227		(149	)	52,387		$	7,788		2,040		—		9,828


	Total	$	8,798		42,073		(126	)	50,745		$	6,230		1,761		—		7,991



		Nine months ended September 30, 2014									Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance		Beginning Balance			Revenue Increase(Reduction)		Refunds (Collections)		Ending Balance

	Memorandum accounts	$	(1,895	)	230		23		(1,642	)	$	(1,887	)	928		(878	)	(1,837	)


	Balancing accounts:
	Water supply costs	(2,378		)	3,634		(17	)	1,239		(1,590		)	436		—		(1,154	)

	Pension	9,734			(6,687	)	(123	)	2,924		6,657			2,475		—		9,132

	2012 General Rate Case true-up	—			46,456		—		46,456		—			—		—		—

	All others	2,229			(452	)	(9	)	1,768		369			1,481		—		1,850

	Total balancing accounts	$	9,585		42,951		(149	)	52,387		$	5,436		4,392		—		9,828


	Total	$	7,690		43,181		(126	)	50,745		$	3,549		5,320		(878	)	7,991

Regulatory_Assets_and_Liabilit1

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Regulatory Assets	'
	Regulatory assets and liabilities are comprised of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:


	Description	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Regulatory assets:
	Income tax temporary differences, net	$	8,220	8,220

	Postretirement pensions and other medical benefits	62,949		62,949

	2012 General Rate Case true-up	46,456		—

	Pension balancing account	2,924		9,734

	Water rate assistance program balancing account	2,189		2,590

	Water supply balancing accounts	1,239		—

	Other	5,134		4,725

	Total regulatory assets	$	129,111	88,218

	Regulatory liabilities:
	Cost of capital memorandum account	$	2,266	2,297

	Water supply balancing accounts	—		2,378

	Total regulatory liabilities	$	2,266	4,675

	Total regulatory assets, net in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$	126,845	83,543

	Less: current regulatory asset, net	17,308		—

	Total regulatory assets, net, less current portion	$	109,537	83,543

Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities	'
	Regulatory assets and liabilities are comprised of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:


	Description	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Regulatory assets:
	Income tax temporary differences, net	$	8,220	8,220

	Postretirement pensions and other medical benefits	62,949		62,949

	2012 General Rate Case true-up	46,456		—

	Pension balancing account	2,924		9,734

	Water rate assistance program balancing account	2,189		2,590

	Water supply balancing accounts	1,239		—

	Other	5,134		4,725

	Total regulatory assets	$	129,111	88,218

	Regulatory liabilities:
	Cost of capital memorandum account	$	2,266	2,297

	Water supply balancing accounts	—		2,378

	Total regulatory liabilities	$	2,266	4,675

	Total regulatory assets, net in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$	126,845	83,543

	Less: current regulatory asset, net	17,308		—

	Total regulatory assets, net, less current portion	$	109,537	83,543

General_Additional_Information

General - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Water reduction target goal (percent)	'	20.00%
Authorized Regulatory Surcharge, Gross	$46,700	'
Customer refund for over rate collections, one time refund	$200	'

General_Earnings_Per_Share_Det

General - Earnings Per Share (Details) (Restricted Stock and Stock Options)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock and Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive restricted common stock units excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares)	180	452	1,309	1,597

General_Depreciation_Details

General - Depreciation (Details) (General and Administrative Expense, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
General and Administrative Expense	'	'	'	'
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	$396	$385	$1,188	$1,164

Equity_Plans_Details

Equity Plans (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 04, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 04, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 02, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 04, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 14, 2014

Aug. 04, 2014

Incentive Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (DRSPP)

Restricted stock and deferred restricted stock

Stock options

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Performance Shares

Common Stock

Minimum

Maximum

vesting_installment

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Remaining shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan (shares)

1,073,817

Shares issuable upon exercise of Incentive Plan awards (shares)

346,296

Compensation costs charged to income:

$323

$197

$774

$786

$76

$70

$148

$128

$247

$127

$626

$658

Excess tax benefits realized from share options exercised and stock issuance:

-3

-68

306

-3

-95

247

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and similar instruments:

433

512

917

878

433

395

839

723

Number of equity instruments granted (shares)

36,988

17,071

9,002

3,845

21,790

19,917

Number of equal successive installments for vesting of stock awards (vesting installments)

Grant date fair value of equity instruments granted (usd per share)

$24.14

$26.48

$26.39

$26.80

$26.81

Target vesting percentage

0.00%

200.00%

Unrecognized compensation costs

1,863

Recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost

'1 year 6 months 29 days

Purchase price of common stock under ESPP (percent)

85.00%

Maximum percentage of base compensation employees can designate for stock purchases under ESPP (percent)

10.00%

Number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan (shares)

3,000,000

400,000

Plan expense

$37

$34

$112

$102

Number of shares issued under the DRSPP (shares)

829

1,151

2,273

Shares Deregistered (in shares)

2,993,744

Real_Estate_Investments_Detail

Real Estate Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 01, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Minimum	Maximum	California Non-Utility Property	Texas Retail Buildings	Connecticut Warehouse
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Land	$17,297	'	$17,297	'	$18,892	'	'	'	'	'
Buildings and improvements	56,164	'	56,164	'	59,256	'	'	'	'	'
Intangibles	329	'	329	'	329	'	'	'	'	'
Subtotal	73,790	'	73,790	'	78,477	'	'	'	'	'
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	11,201	'	11,201	'	10,658	'	'	'	'	'
Total	62,589	'	62,589	'	67,819	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'39 years	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of real estate held-for-investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	300	4,450	9,200
Gain on sale of real estate investment	281	0	554	1,063	'	'	'	281	273	1,063
Real estate selling expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$10	$169	$369

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax credits and adjustments	'	$880	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	15,731	'	5,803	19,384	11,924
Federal Tax Authority	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax credits and adjustments	41,171	'	'	'	'
Other deferred tax liabilities	14,410	'	'	14,410	'
State Tax Authority	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax credits and adjustments	'	'	'	83,524	'
Provision for income taxes	'	'	'	4,799	'
2014 Federal and State Repairs and Maintenance Deduction [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax credits and adjustments	'	'	'	19,395	'
2014 Federal and State Repairs and Maintenance Deduction [Member] \| Federal Tax Authority	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other deferred tax liabilities	5,091	'	'	5,091	'
2014 Federal and State Repairs and Maintenance Deduction [Member] \| State Tax Authority	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	'	'	'	($853)	'

Defined_Benfit_Plan_Details

Defined Benfit Plan (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Equity Securities [Member]

Fixed Income Securities [Member]

Cash and cash equivalents

Actively Managed

Fixed Income

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

All Cap Equity

U.S. Large Cap Equity

U.S. Mid Cap Equity

U.S. Small Cap Equity

Non-U.S. Large Cap Equity

REIT

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Observable Inputs

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]

Service cost

$1,056

$1,239

$3,167

$3,717

Interest cost

1,651

1,475

4,954

4,425

Other cost

627

1,208

1,883

3,624

Expected return on assets

-1,670

-1,380

-5,011

-4,140

Net periodic benefit cost

1,664

2,542

4,993

7,626

Plan Assets [Abstract]

Fair value of plan assets

99,004

95,353

58,753

55,532

40,251

39,821

7,261

9,127

7,261

9,127

2,402

[1]

283

[1]

2,378

[1]

266

[1]

35,541

[1]

32,286

[1]

35,541

[1]

32,286

[1]

5,731

[1]

5,551

[1]

5,731

[1]

5,551

[1]

3,010

[1]

3,236

[1]

3,010

[1]

3,236

[1]

4,832

[1]

5,066

[1]

4,832

[1]

5,066

[1]

4,480

[1]

3,913

[1]

4,480

[1]

3,913

[1]

35,747

[2]

35,891

[2]

35,747

[2]

35,891

[2]

Target plan asset allocations

55.00%

45.00%

Employer Contributions [Abstract]

Estimated employer contributions for the current fiscal year

5,946

Actual employer contribution amount in current period

$1,819

$3,638

[1]

Actively managed portfolio of securities with the goal to exceed the stated benchmark performance.

[2]

Actively managed portfolio of fixed income securities with the goal to exceed the Barclays 1-5 Year Government/Credit, Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit, and Merrill Lynch Preferred Stock Fixed Rate.

Segment_and_Nonregulated_Busin2

Segment and Nonregulated Business Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		subsidiaries		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Number of Subsidiaries	'		'		4		'		'
Operating revenue	$125,430		$85,238		$250,382		$209,607		'
Operating expense	66,316		65,892		173,093		167,551		'
Operating income (loss)	59,114		19,346		77,289		42,056		'
Net income (loss)	38,366		8,950		46,118		17,707		'
Depreciation and amortization	9,467		8,787		28,447		26,346		'
Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	5,397		5,009		15,221		14,987		'
Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	15,731		5,803		19,384		11,924		'
Assets	1,210,104		1,149,840		1,210,104		1,149,840		1,109,986
Water Utility Services \| Regulated	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating revenue	121,921		81,894		240,514		201,149		'
Operating expense	63,518		63,260		165,623		159,845		'
Operating income (loss)	58,403		18,634		74,891		41,304		'
Net income (loss)	37,907		9,114		44,401		18,400		'
Depreciation and amortization	8,984		8,293		26,950		24,879		'
Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	4,573		4,197		12,793		12,495		'
Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	16,394		5,840		19,154		12,141		'
Assets	1,121,925		1,053,710		1,121,925		1,053,710		'
Water Utility Services \| Non regulated	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating revenue	1,739		1,859		4,520		4,524		'
Operating expense	1,508		1,538		3,596		4,573		'
Operating income (loss)	231		321		924		-49		'
Net income (loss)	68		109		351		-291		'
Depreciation and amortization	89		90		269		270		'
Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	0		0		0		0		'
Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	73		135		314		48		'
Assets	17,606		16,443		17,606		16,443		'
Real Estate Services \| Non regulated	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating revenue	1,770		1,485		5,348		3,934		'
Operating expense	1,041		820		3,118		2,378		'
Operating income (loss)	729		665		2,230		1,556		'
Net income (loss)	795		132		1,379		801		'
Depreciation and amortization	394		404		1,228		1,197		'
Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	262		268		761		853		'
Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	-441		132		-15		639		'
Assets	66,457		71,176		66,457		71,176		'
All Other \| Non regulated	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating revenue	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Operating expense	249	[1]	274	[1]	756	[1]	755	[1]	'
Operating income (loss)	-249	[1]	-274	[1]	-756	[1]	-755	[1]	'
Net income (loss)	-404	[1]	-405	[1]	-13	[1]	-1,203	[1]	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	562	[1]	544	[1]	1,667	[1]	1,639	[1]	'
Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	-295	[1]	-304	[1]	-69	[1]	-904	[1]	'
Assets	4,116	[1]	8,511	[1]	4,116	[1]	8,511	[1]	'
SJW Corp. \| Regulated	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating revenue	121,921		81,894		240,514		201,149		'
Operating expense	63,518		63,260		165,623		159,845		'
Operating income (loss)	58,403		18,634		74,891		41,304		'
Net income (loss)	37,907		9,114		44,401		18,400		'
Depreciation and amortization	8,984		8,293		26,950		24,879		'
Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	4,573		4,197		12,793		12,495		'
Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	16,394		5,840		19,154		12,141		'
Assets	1,121,925		1,053,710		1,121,925		1,053,710		'
SJW Corp. \| Non regulated	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Operating revenue	3,509		3,344		9,868		8,458		'
Operating expense	2,798		2,632		7,470		7,706		'
Operating income (loss)	711		712		2,398		752		'
Net income (loss)	459		-164		1,717		-693		'
Depreciation and amortization	483		494		1,497		1,467		'
Senior note, mortgage and other interest expense	824		812		2,428		2,492		'
Income tax expense (benefit) in net income	-663		-37		230		-217		'
Assets	$88,179		$96,130		$88,179		$96,130		'

[1]	The bAll Otherb category includes the accounts of SJW Corp. on a stand-alone basis.

LongTerm_Liabilities_and_Bank_1

Long-Term Liabilities and Bank Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 24, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
	Senior Notes [Member]	Subsidiaries	Subsidiaries
		Lender	Lender
		Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal sold	$50,000,000	'	'
Interest rate (percent)	5.14%	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	$85,000,000	$75,000,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$385,138	$335,551
Investment in California Water Service Group	5,815	8,885
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Investment in California Water Service Group	5,815	8,885
Significant Observable Inputs	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, fair value	469,092	395,684
Investment in California Water Service Group	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Investment in California Water Service Group	$0	$0

Regulatory_Rate_Filings_Detail

Regulatory Rate Filings (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Regulatory Rate Filings (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 14, 2014	Oct. 03, 2013
Regulated Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Water reduction target goal (percent)	'	20.00%	'	'
Authorized rate increase, authorized revenue, year one	'	'	$22,102,000	'
Authorized rate increase, authorized revenue, year one (percent)	'	'	9.81%	'
Authorized rate increase, authorized revenue, year two	'	'	13,274,000	'
Authorized rate increase, authorized revenue, year two (percent)	'	'	5.21%	'
Authorized Regulatory Surcharge, Gross	46,700,000	'	'	'
Customer surcharge, recognition period	'3 years	'	'	'
Authorized Regulatory Surcharge, Per CCF	0.2888	'	'	'
Increase requested percent of authorized revenue (percent)	'	'	'	23.10%
Requested rate increase, authorized revenue	'	'	'	$2,400,000

Balancing_and_Memorandum_Accou2

Balancing and Memorandum Account Recovery Procedures (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Memorandum Accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	($1,511)	($1,558)	($1,895)	($1,887)
Revenue Increase(Reduction)	'	-154	-279	230	928
Refunds (Collections)	'	23	0	23	-878
Ending Balance	'	-1,642	-1,837	-1,642	-1,837
Balancing Accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	10,309	7,788	9,585	5,436
Revenue Increase(Reduction)	'	42,227	2,040	42,951	4,392
Refunds (Collections)	'	-149	0	-149	0
Ending Balance	'	52,387	9,828	52,387	9,828
Balancing and Memorandum Account [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	8,798	6,230	7,690	3,549
Revenue Increase(Reduction)	'	42,073	1,761	43,181	5,320
Refunds (Collections)	'	-126	0	-126	-878
Ending Balance	'	50,745	7,991	50,745	7,991
Authorized Regulatory Surcharge, Gross	46,700	'	'	'	'
Customer surcharge, recognition period	'3 years	'	'	'	'
Customer refund for over rate collections, one time refund	200	'	'	'	'
Previously recorded	2,800	'	'	'	'
Net under-collected balancing and memorandum accounts	'	3,721	'	3,721	'
Undercollection related to MCMA and MCRAMA	'	87.00%	'	87.00%	'
Threshold of authorized revenue for balancing account or memorandum account review (percent)	'	2.00%	'	2.00%	'
Water supply balancing accounts	'	'	'	'	'
Balancing Accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	-1,221	-1,833	-2,378	-1,590
Revenue Increase(Reduction)	'	2,477	679	3,634	436
Refunds (Collections)	'	-17	0	-17	0
Ending Balance	'	1,239	-1,154	1,239	-1,154
Pension balancing account	'	'	'	'	'
Balancing Accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	9,672	8,307	9,734	6,657
Revenue Increase(Reduction)	'	-6,625	825	-6,687	2,475
Refunds (Collections)	'	-123	0	-123	0
Ending Balance	'	2,924	9,132	2,924	9,132
2012 General Rate Case true-up	'	'	'	'	'
Balancing Accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	0	0	0	0
Revenue Increase(Reduction)	'	46,456	0	46,456	0
Refunds (Collections)	'	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	'	46,456	0	46,456	0
Other	'	'	'	'	'
Balancing Accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	1,858	1,314	2,229	369
Revenue Increase(Reduction)	'	-81	536	-452	1,481
Refunds (Collections)	'	-9	0	-9	0
Ending Balance	'	$1,768	$1,850	$1,768	$1,850

Regulatory_Assets_and_Liabilit2

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	$129,111	$88,218
Regulatory liabilities:	2,266	4,675
Net Regulatory Assets	126,845	83,543
Less: current regulatory asset, net	17,308	0
Total regulatory assets, net, less current portion	109,537	83,543
Cost of capital memorandum account	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory liabilities:	2,266	2,297
Water supply balancing accounts	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory liabilities:	0	2,378
Income tax temporary differences, net	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	8,220	8,220
Postretirement pensions and other medical benefits	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	62,949	62,949
2012 General Rate Case true-up	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	46,456	0
Pension balancing account	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	2,924	9,734
Water rate assistance program balancing account	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	2,189	2,590
Water supply balancing accounts	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	1,239	0
Other	'	'
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Regulatory assets:	$5,134	$4,725

Sale_of_California_Water_Servi1

Sale of California Water Service (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale marketable security, shares sold (shares)	125,969	'	'	'	'
Sale proceeds	$3,056	'	'	'	'
Fees incurred on sale	10	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of California Water Service Group stock	2,017	0	0	2,017	0
Income tax expense on realized gain (loss)	822	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on sale of securities	1,195	'	'	'	'
Reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income	$1,171	$0	$0	$1,171	$0
Number of securities held (shares)	'	259,151	'	259,151	'