Essential Utilities (WTRG) 10-Q8 May 142014 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 23, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AQUA AMERICA INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000078128	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	177,060,756

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$5,397,141	$5,348,195
Less: accumulated depreciation	1,237,686	1,211,806
Net property, plant and equipment	4,159,455	4,136,389
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	17,508	5,058
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	89,892	94,704
Income tax receivable	1,211	7,873
Deferred income taxes	49,846	40,038
Inventory, materials and supplies	11,794	11,353
Prepayments and other current assets	11,129	11,081
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	32,250	32,926
Total current assets	213,630	203,033
Regulatory assets	599,717	585,140
Deferred charges and other assets, net	51,253	50,290
Investment in joint venture	47,666	48,695
Funds restricted for construction activity	47	47
Goodwill	27,999	28,223
Total assets	5,099,767	5,051,817
Aqua America stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares, issued 178,316,578 and 177,928,922 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	89,158	88,964
Capital in excess of par value	748,080	743,335
Retained earnings	745,161	729,272
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,258 279 and 1,178,323 shares in March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	-29,055	-27,082
Accumulated other comprehensive income	667	346
Total Aqua America stockholders' equity	1,554,011	1,534,835
Noncontrolling interest	223	208
Total equity	1,554,234	1,535,043
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,498,040	1,468,583
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	97,789	86,288
Loans payable	27,913	36,740
Accounts payable	31,547	65,815
Accrued interest	21,175	13,615
Accrued taxes	13,362	14,176
Other accrued liabilities	30,419	33,596
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	29,037	29,649
Total current liabilities	251,242	279,879
Deferred credits and other liabilities:	'	'
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits	901,391	866,211
Customers' advances for construction	73,728	73,892
Regulatory liabilities	278,283	281,014
Other	75,230	81,552
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	1,328,632	1,302,669
Contributions in aid of construction	467,619	465,643
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$5,099,767	$5,051,817

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.50	$0.50
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	178,316,578	177,928,922
Treasury stock, shares	1,258,279	1,178,323

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Net

Consolidated Statements Of Net Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Net Income [Abstract]	'	'
Operating revenues	$182,672	$178,552
Operating expenses:	'	'
Operations and maintenance	71,686	67,794
Depreciation	30,981	29,045
Amortization	1,133	1,377
Taxes other than income taxes	12,102	13,398
Total expenses	115,902	111,614
Operating income	66,770	66,938
Other expense (income):	'	'
Interest expense, net	19,310	19,275
Allowance for funds used during construction	-1,167	-552
Loss (gain) on sale of other assets	348	-92
Equity loss in joint venture	686	656
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	47,593	47,651
Provision for income taxes	5,192	6,787
Income from continuing operations	42,401	40,864
Discontinued operations:	'	'
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	772	8,925
Provision for income taxes	314	3,224
Income from discontinued operations	458	5,701
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$42,859	$46,565
Income from continuing operations per share:	'	'
Basic	$0.24	$0.23
Diluted	$0.24	$0.23
Income from discontinued operations per share:	'	'
Basic	$0	$0.03
Diluted	$0	$0.03
Net income per common share:	'	'
Basic	$0.24	$0.27
Diluted	$0.24	$0.26
Average common shares outstanding during the period:	'	'
Basic	176,839	175,415
Diluted	177,810	176,499
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.15	$0.14

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$42,859		$46,565
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'		'
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments, net of tax of $38 and $(5) for the three months ended, March 31, respectively	72		-9
Reclassification adjustment for loss reported in net income, net of tax benefit of $(134) for the three months ended, March 31, 2014 (1)	249	[1]	'
Comprehensive income	$43,180		$46,556

[1]	Amount of pre-tax loss of $383 reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to loss on sale of other assets on the consolidated statements of net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com1

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Income taxes arising from net unrealized holding gain on investments	$38	($5)
Income tax (benefit) arising from reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) reported in net income	-134	'
Pre-tax loss of reclassification adjustment for gain reported in net income	$383	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cap

Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Aqua America stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.50 par value	$89,158	$88,964
Capital in excess of par value	748,080	743,335
Retained earnings	745,161	729,272
Treasury stock, at cost	-29,055	-27,082
Accumulated other comprehensive income	667	346
Total Aqua America stockholders' equity	1,554,011	1,534,835
Noncontrolling interest	223	208
Total equity	1,554,234	1,535,043
Long-term debt:	'	'
Long-term debt	1,070,297	1,101,339
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due March 2017	72,000	'
Total long-term debt	1,595,829	1,554,871
Current portion of long-term debt	97,789	86,288
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,498,040	1,468,583
Total capitalization	3,052,274	3,003,626
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 0.00% To 0.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	6,093	5,035
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 1.00% To 1.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	26,911	28,615
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 2.00% To 2.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	15,890	14,903
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 3.00% To 3.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	166,794	167,365
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 4.00% To 4.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	444,574	447,297
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 5.00% To 5.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	256,514	284,362
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 6.00% To 6.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	64,929	64,923
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 7.00% To 7.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	34,900	35,056
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 8.00% To 8.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	19,192	19,283
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 9.00% To 9.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	28,500	28,500
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 10.40% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	6,000	6,000
Notes at 3.57% due 2027 [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Unsecured notes payable	50,000	50,000
Notes Ranging From 4.62% To 4.87% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Unsecured notes payable	171,400	171,400
Notes Ranging From 5.01% To 5.95% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Unsecured notes payable	$232,132	$232,132

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cap1

Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization (Parenthetical) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 0.00% To 0.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 1.00% To 1.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 2.00% To 2.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 3.00% To 3.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 4.00% To 4.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 5.00% To 5.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 6.00% To 6.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 7.00% To 7.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 8.00% To 8.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 9.00% To 9.99% [Member]

Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 10.40% [Member]

Notes at 3.57% due 2027 [Member]

Notes Ranging From 4.62% To 4.87% [Member]

Notes Ranging From 5.01% To 5.95% [Member]

Interest rate

10.40%

3.57%

Interest rate range, minimum

0.00%

1.00%

2.00%

3.00%

4.00%

5.00%

6.00%

7.00%

8.00%

9.00%

4.62%

5.01%

Interest rate range, maximum

0.99%

1.99%

2.99%

3.99%

4.99%

5.99%

6.99%

7.99%

8.99%

9.99%

4.87%

5.95%

Maturity date range, start

'2023

'2014

'2024

'2016

'2020

'2015

'2022

'2021

'2018

'2014

'2015

Maturity date range, end

'2033

'2035

'2031

'2047

'2048

'2043

'2036

'2027

'2025

'2026

'2024

'2037

Maturity date

'2018

'2027

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Equi

Consolidated Statement Of Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Capital Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Capital Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$88,964	$743,335	$729,272	($27,082)	$346	$208	$1,535,043
Net income	'	'	42,859	'	'	15	42,874
Other comprehensive income, net of income tax of $172	'	'	'	'	321	'	321
Dividends	'	'	-26,873	'	'	'	-26,873
Repurchase of stock (79,961 shares)	'	'	'	-1,973	'	'	-1,973
Equity compensation plan (198,920 shares)	100	-100	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options (188,736 shares)	94	2,663	'	'	'	'	2,757
Stock-based compensation	'	1,322	-97	'	'	'	1,225
Employee stock plan tax benefits	'	1,041	'	'	'	'	1,041
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other	'	-181	'	'	'	'	-181
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$89,158	$748,080	$745,161	($29,055)	$667	$223	$1,554,234

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Equi1

Consolidated Statement Of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statement Of Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive income, net of income tax	$172
Repurchase of stock, shares	-79,961
Equity compensation plan, shares	-198,920
Exercise of stock options, shares	-188,736

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$42,859	$46,565
Income from discontinued operations	458	5,701
Income from continuing operations	42,401	40,864
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	32,114	30,422
Deferred income taxes	3,692	11,189
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,508	925
Stock-based compensation	1,331	1,015
Loss (gain) on sale of other assets	348	-92
Net increase in receivables, inventory and prepayments	3,644	5,492
Net increase in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities	13,269	514
Other	-7,833	-1,704
Operating cash flows from continuing operations	90,474	88,625
Operating cash flows from (used in) discontinued operations, net	-545	361
Net cash flows from operating activities	89,929	88,986
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Property, plant and equipment additions, including allowance for funds used during construction of $367 and $472	-59,819	-59,085
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net	-4,045	-10,674
Additions to funds restricted for construction activity	'	-2
Release of funds previously restricted for construction activity	'	394
Net proceeds from the sale of utility system and other assets	133	95
Investment in joint venture	'	-4,900
Other	-91	-233
Investing cash flows used in continuing operations	-63,822	-74,405
Investing cash flows from discontinued operations, net	39	51,312
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-63,783	-23,093
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Customers' advances and contributions in aid of construction	1,142	794
Repayments of customers' advances	-234	-577
Net (repayments) proceeds of short-term debt	-8,827	17,453
Proceeds from long-term debt	73,192	35,010
Repayments of long-term debt	-31,874	-77,991
Change in cash overdraft position	-21,753	-11,881
Proceeds from issuing common stock	'	3,427
Proceeds from exercised stock options	2,757	7,901
Stock-based compensation windfall tax benefits	964	'
Repurchase of common stock	-1,973	-1,618
Dividends paid	-26,873	-24,562
Other financing activity	181	'
Financing cash flows used in continuing operations	-13,660	-52,044
Financing cash flows used in discontinued operations, net	-36	-17
Net cash flows used in financing activities	-13,696	-52,061
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12,450	13,832
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,058	5,521
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$17,508	$19,353

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow [Abstract]	'	'
Non equity component of allowance for funds used during construction	$367	$472

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Note 1 Basis of Presentation

	The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Aqua America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) at March 31, 2014, the consolidated statements of net income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the consolidated statements of cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated statement of equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, the consolidated changes in equity, the consolidated results of operations, and the consolidated cash flow for the periods presented. Because they cover interim periods, the statements and related notes to the financial statements do not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. The December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet data presented herein was derived from the Company’s December 31, 2013 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements. All common share, per common share, stock unit, and per stock unit data, for all periods presented, has been adjusted to give effect to the September 1, 2013 five-for-four stock split effected in the form of a 25% stock distribution (see Note 5). Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the reporting of discontinued operations (see Note 4).

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
Goodwill	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Note 2 Goodwill

	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill, by business segment:




			Regulated
			Segment		Other		Consolidated

		Balance at December 31, 2013	$	24,102	$	4,121	$	28,223
		Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment		-202		-		-202
		Other		-22		-		-22
		Balance at March 31, 2014	$	23,878	$	4,121	$	27,999


	The reclassification of goodwill to utility plant acquisition adjustment in the table above results from a mechanism approved by the applicable public utility commission. The mechanism provides for the transfer over time, and the recovery through customer rates, of goodwill associated with certain acquisitions upon achieving certain objectives.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Mar. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 3 Acquisitions

	In May 2014, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement for the acquisition of the water and wastewater utility system assets of North Maine Utilities owned by the Village of Glenview, Illinois serving approximately 7,200 customers, for cash at closing of up to $22,000, subject to final adjustment pursuant to the purchase agreement. Closing of this acquisition is anticipated to occur in mid-year 2015.

	In March 2014, the Company acquired the wastewater utility system assets of Penn Township located in Chester County, Pennsylvania serving approximately 800 customers. The total purchase price consisted of $3,668 in cash.

	In March 2013, the Company acquired the water and wastewater utility system assets of Total Environmental Solutions, Inc. located in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania serving approximately 4,200 customers. The total purchase price consisted of $10,350 in cash.

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	3 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	'
	Note 4 Discontinued Operations and Other Disposition

	Discontinued Operations – In September 2012, the Company began to market for sale its water and wastewater operations in Florida, which served approximately 38,000 customers, and the Company’s wastewater treatment facility in Georgia. In March, April, and December 2013, through five separate sales transactions, the Company completed the sale of its water and wastewater utility systems in Florida, which concluded its regulated operations in Florida. The Company received total net proceeds from these sales of $88,934 and recognized a gain on sale of $21,178 ($13,766 after-tax), including a first quarter 2013 gain on sale of $6,451 ($4,193 after-tax). One of the Company’s sales in Florida, which was completed in March 2013, and represented approximately 8% of its customers served in Florida, remains subject to customary regulatory review, for which the Company expects to receive the regulator’s decision by midyear 2014. If the regulator does not approve this sale, the purchase price would be refunded and the assets sold would revert back to the Company. On March 12, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its wastewater treatment facility in Georgia.

	The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (the “City”) has authorized the acquisition by eminent domain of the northern portion of the utility system of one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Indiana (the “Northern Assets”). In January 2008, the Company reached a settlement with the City to transition the Northern Assets in February 2008 upon receipt of the City’s initial valuation payment of $16,911. The settlement agreement specifically stated that the final valuation of the Northern Assets will be determined through a continuation of the legal proceedings that were filed challenging the City’s valuation. On February 12, 2008, the Company turned over the Northern Assets to the City upon receipt of the initial valuation payment. The proceeds received by the Company are in excess of the book value of the assets relinquished. No gain has been recognized due to the contingency over the final valuation of the assets. The net book value of the Northern Assets has been removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the difference between the net book value and the initial payment received has been deferred and is recorded in other accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Once the contingency is resolved and the asset valuation is finalized, through the finalization of the litigation between the Company and the City, the amounts deferred will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of net income. On March 16, 2009, oral argument was held on certain procedural aspects with respect to the valuation evidence that may be presented and whether the Company is entitled to a jury trial. On October 12, 2010, the Wells County Indiana Circuit Court ruled that the Company is not entitled to a jury trial, and that the Wells County judge should review the City of Fort Wayne Board of Public Works’ assessment based upon a “capricious, arbitrary or an abuse of discretion” standard. The Company disagreed with the Court’s decision and appealed the Wells County Indiana Circuit Court’s decision to the Indiana Court of Appeals. On January 13, 2012, the Indiana Court of Appeals reached a decision upholding the Wells County Indiana Circuit Court decision. On February 10, 2012, the Company filed a petition for transfer requesting that the Indiana Supreme Court review the matter. On April 11, 2013, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that the statute at issue gives the Company the right to a full evidentiary hearing before a jury regarding the value of the assets and remanded the case to the trial court for a proceeding consistent with that ruling. The Company continues to evaluate its legal options with respect to this decision. Depending upon the outcome of all of the legal proceedings, including the planned transaction below, which would resolve this litigation, the Company may be required to refund a portion of the initial valuation payment, or may receive additional proceeds. The Northern Assets relinquished represent approximately 0.4% of the Company’s total assets.

	In addition, in December 2012, the Fort Wayne City Council considered an ordinance that sought to declare it a “public convenience and necessity” to acquire certain of the Company's water utility system assets located in the southwest section of the City and in Allen County (the “Southern Assets”), and if negotiations with Fort Wayne officials were to fail, to condemn the Southern Assets. The first public hearing on the ordinance was held on January 22, 2013 and a subsequent hearing scheduled for February 5, 2013 was not held due to ongoing settlement discussions between the parties. On July 2, 2013, the Company’s operating subsidiary and the City signed a letter of intent, which among other items, addresses many of the terms by which the City would purchase the Company’s Southern Assets, will resolve the litigation between the Company and the City with respect to the Northern Assets, and will establish the terms by which the Company’s operating subsidiary will treat wastewater sent to it by the City. The letter of intent states that the City agrees to pay the Company $50,100 for the Northern Assets and Southern Assets in addition to the $16,911 paid to the Company by the City in 2008 as an initial valuation payment for the Northern Assets (for a total payment of $67,011). The letter of intent is conditioned on the Company’s Board of Directors and City Council approving the final terms of the possible transaction, and the Company and the City entering into several definitive agreements that cover the subject matter of the letter of intent. On February 27, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized management to enter into agreements with the City on terms and conditions that are consistent with the July 2, 2013 letter of intent, for among other items, the sale of the Company’s Northern Assets and Southern Assets to the City. Further, the completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory requirements and approval. The planned sale of these operations is accounted for as businesses held for sale beginning in the first quarter of 2014. If this transaction is consummated, the Company will expand its sewer customer base by accepting new wastewater from the City. The completion of the transaction is not expected to close until the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company continues to evaluate its legal and operational options on an ongoing basis.

	The operating results, cash flows, and financial position of the Company’s operations named above, during the periods owned, have been presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of net income, consolidated statements of cash flow, and consolidated balance sheets as discontinued operations. These operations were included in the Company’s “Regulated” segment.

	A summary of discontinued operations presented in the consolidated statements of net income include the following:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
		Operating revenues	$	1,579	$	7,493
		Total operating expenses		673		5,020
		Operating income		906		2,473
		Other (income) expense:
		Loss (gain) on sale		134		-6,451
		Other, net		-		-1
		Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		772		8,925
		Provision for income taxes		314		3,224
		Income from discontinued operations	$	458	$	5,701






	The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations presented in the consolidated balance sheets include the following:


			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013

		Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$	39,747	$	39,976
		Less: accumulated depreciation		8,753		8,872
		Net property, plant and equipment		30,994		31,104
		Current assets		814		1,362
		Regulatory assets		442		460
		Assets of discontinued operations held for sale		32,250		32,926

		Current liabilities		15,209		16,212
		Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits		1,725		1,308
		Contributions in aid of construction		10,935		10,935
		Other liabilities		1,168		1,194
		Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale		29,037		29,649

		Net assets	$	3,213	$	3,277

Capitalization

Capitalization	3 Months Ended
Capitalization	Mar. 31, 2014
Capitalization [Abstract]	'
Capitalization	'

	Note 5 Capitalization

	In May 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a five-for-four stock split to be effected in the form of a 25% stock distribution to shareholders of record on August 16, 2013. Common shares outstanding do not include shares held by the Company in treasury. The new shares were distributed on September 1, 2013. Aqua America’s par value of $0.50 per share did not change as a result of the common stock distribution, and $17,655 was transferred from capital in excess of par value to common stock to record the stock split. All common share, per common share, stock unit, and per stock unit data, for all periods presented, has been adjusted to give effect to the stock split.

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	'
	Note 6 Fair Value of Financial Instruments

	The Company follows the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

		·	Level 1: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access;

		·	Level 2: inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; or

		·	Level 3: inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

	The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value or asset or liability transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

	Financial instruments are recorded at carrying value in the financial statements and approximate fair value as of the dates presented. The fair value of these instruments is disclosed below in accordance with current accounting guidance related to financial instruments.

	The fair value of funds restricted for construction activity and loans payable are determined based on their carrying amount and utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of the Company’s funds restricted for construction activity was $47 and $47, respectively, which equates to their estimated fair value. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of the Company’s loans payable was $27,913 and $36,740, respectively, which equates to their estimated fair value. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, which is comprised of a money market fund, is determined based on the net asset value per unit utilizing Level 2 methods and assumptions. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents was $17,508 and $5,058, respectively, which equates to their fair value.


	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt is as follows:


			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
		Carrying Amount	$	1,595,829	$	1,554,871
		Estimated Fair Value		1,622,265		1,540,296


	The fair value of long-term debt has been determined by discounting the future cash flows using current market interest rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration utilizing Level 2 methods and assumptions. The Company’s customers’ advances for construction have a carrying value of $73,728 as of March 31, 2014, and $73,892 as of December 31, 2013. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated because future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels, and future rate increases. Portions of these non-interest bearing instruments are payable annually through 2029 and amounts not paid by the respective contract expiration dates become non-refundable. The fair value of these amounts would, however, be less than their carrying value due to the non-interest bearing feature.

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share

Net Income Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Common Share	'
	Note 7 Net Income per Common Share

	Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares. The dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation is included in the computation of diluted net income per common share. The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation is calculated using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise or issuance of the stock-based compensation. The following table summarizes the shares, in thousands, used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share:



			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014	2013
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation	176,839	175,415
		Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation	971	1,084
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation	177,810	176,499


	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, all of the Company’s employee stock options were included in the calculations of diluted net income per share as the calculated cost to exercise the stock options was less than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during these periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, employee stock options to purchase 494,156 shares of common stock, were excluded from the calculations of diluted net income per share as the calculated cost to exercise the stock options was greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during these periods.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Note 8 Stock-based Compensation

	Under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “2009 Plan”), as approved by the Company’s shareholders to replace the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2004 Plan”), stock options, stock units, stock awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards may be granted to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants and advisors. The 2009 Plan authorizes 6,250,000 shares for issuance under the plan. A maximum of 50% of the shares available for issuance under the 2009 Plan may be issued pursuant to stock awards, stock units and other stock-based awards and the maximum number of shares that may be subject to grants under the 2009 Plan to any one individual in any one year is 250,000. Awards under the 2009 Plan are made by a committee of the Board of Directors. At March 31, 2014, 4,483,011 shares underlying stock-based compensation awards were still available for grants under the 2009 Plan. No further grants may be made under the 2004 Plan.

	Performance Share Units – A performance share unit (“PSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock if specified performance goals are met over the three year performance period specified in the grant, subject to certain exceptions through the respective vesting period, generally three years. Each grantee is granted a target award of PSUs, and may earn between 0% and 200% of the target amount depending on the Company’s performance against the performance goals. The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to performance share units:


				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
				2014			2013
		Stock-based compensation for performance share units within operations and maintenance expenses		$	1,002		$	715
		Income tax benefit			410			291




	The following table summarizes nonvested PSU transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



					Number		Weighted
					of		Average
					Share Units		Fair Value

		Nonvested share units at beginning of period			528,092		$	21.25
		Granted			143,630			25.31
		Performance criteria adjustment			16,927			19.45
		Forfeited			-3,939			22.23
		Share units vested in prior period and issued in current period			18,000			19.51
		Share units issued			-174,148			18.93
		Nonvested share units at end of period			528,562		$	22.99




	A portion of the fair value of PSUs was estimated at the grant date based on the probability of satisfying the market-based conditions associated with the PSUs using the Monte Carlo valuation method. The other portion of the fair value of the PSUs is based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the grant date, regardless of whether the market-based condition is satisfied. The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for PSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $25.31 and $26.88, respectively. The fair value of each PSU grant is amortized monthly into compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods, generally 36 months. The accrual of compensation costs is based on our estimate of the final expected value of the award, and is adjusted as required for the portion based on the performance-based condition. The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense. As the payout of the PSUs includes dividend equivalents, no dividend yield assumption is required in calculating the fair value of the PSUs. The recording of compensation expense for PSUs has no impact on net cash flows.




	Restricted Stock Units – A restricted stock unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock. RSUs are eligible to be earned at the end of a specified restricted period, generally three years, beginning on the date of grant. In some cases the right to receive the shares is subject to certain performance goals established at the time the grant is made. The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense. The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to restricted stock units:


				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
				2014			2013
		Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units within operations and maintenance expenses		$	236		$	178
		Income tax benefit			98			73


	The following table summarizes nonvested RSU transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2014:



					Number		Weighted
					of		Average
					Stock Units		Fair Value

		Nonvested stock units at beginning of period			112,666		$	20.16
		Granted			41,150			24.80
		Stock units vested but not paid			-5,750			17.99
		Stock units vested and paid			-24,772			17.77
		Forfeited			-			-
	Nonvested stock units at end of period			123,294		$	22.29


The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $24.80 and $23.28, respectively.




Stock Options – The fair value of stock options is estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to stock options granted in prior periods:


			Three Months Ended
				March 31,
			2014			2013

	Stock-based compensation for stock options within operations and maintenance expenses		$	-		$	30
	Income tax benefit			73			238

There were no stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013.

The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2014:


					Weighted			Weighted
					Average			Average	Aggregate
					Exercise			Remaining	Intrinsic
			Shares		Price			Life (years)	Value
	Outstanding at beginning of period		1,538,110		$	16.82
	Forfeited		-			-
	Expired		-2,707			17.98
	Exercised		-188,736			14.61
	Outstanding and exercisable at end of period		1,346,667		$	17.13		3.7	$	10,692


Restricted Stock – The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to restricted stock:

			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Stock-based compensation for restricted stock within operations and maintenance expenses		$	92		$	92
	Income tax benefit			38			38






The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2014:


				Number		Weighted
				of		Average
				Shares		Fair Value

	Nonvested shares at beginning of period			62,500		$	17.70
	Granted			-			-
	Vested			-31,250			17.70
	Forfeited			-			-
	Nonvested shares at end of period			31,250		$	17.70

There was no restricted stock granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or 2013.

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Note 9 Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

	The Company maintains a qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”), a nonqualified pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees. The net periodic benefit cost is based on estimated values and an extensive use of assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases received by the Company’s employees, mortality, turnover, and medical costs. The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost:


			Pension Benefits
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
		Service cost	$	1,143	$	1,446
		Interest cost		3,512		3,165
		Expected return on plan assets		-4,305		-3,693
		Amortization of prior service cost		69		57
		Amortization of actuarial loss		500		2,016
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	919	$	2,991

			Other
			Postretirement Benefits
				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
			2014		2013
		Service cost	$	312	$	425
		Interest cost		737		667
		Expected return on plan assets		-683		-560
		Amortization of prior service cost		-74		-74
		Amortization of actuarial loss		82		345
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	374	$	803

	The Company made cash contributions of $8,937 to its Pension Plan during the first three months of 2014, and intends to make cash contributions of $8,937 to the Pension Plan during the remainder of 2014. In addition, the Company expects to make cash contributions of $2,763, to the extent allowable for a tax deduction, for the funding of its other postretirement benefit plans during the remainder of 2014.

	In the first quarter of 2014 the Company offered a one-time voluntary lump sum window to certain eligible terminated vested participants in an effort to reduce its long-term obligations and plan volatility for its Pension Plan. In May 2014, the Pension Plan paid $11,417 to participants who elected to receive a lump sum distribution, which was funded from the existing Pension Plan assets.

Water_And_Wastewater_Rates

Water And Wastewater Rates	3 Months Ended
Water And Wastewater Rates	Mar. 31, 2014
Water And Wastewater Rates [Abstract]	'
Water And Wastewater Rates	'
	Note 10 Water and Wastewater Rates

	During the first three months of 2014, the Company’s operating divisions in Ohio, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Indiana were granted base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $2,715. Further, during the first three months of 2014, the Company’s operating divisions in Illinois and New Jersey received infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $1,429.

	In May 2014, the North Carolina Utilities Commission granted the Company’s operating subsidiary in North Carolina a water and wastewater rate increase designed to increase total operating revenue by $2,471, on an annual basis.

Taxes_Other_Than_Income_Taxes

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2014
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	'
	Note 11 Taxes Other than Income Taxes

	The following table provides the components of taxes other than income taxes:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013

		Property	$	4,824	$	6,443
		Capital stock		501		534
		Gross receipts, excise and franchise		2,779		2,681
		Payroll		2,654		2,420
		Other		1,344		1,320
		Total taxes other than income	$	12,102	$	13,398

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
Segment Information	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 12 Segment Information

	The Company has identified ten operating segments and has one reportable segment named the “Regulated” segment. The reportable segment is comprised of eight operating segments for the Company’s water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where we provide these services. In addition, two segments are not quantitatively significant to be reportable and are comprised of the Company’s non-regulated subsidiaries: Aqua Resources, Inc. and Aqua Infrastructure LLC. Aqua Resources, Inc. provides water and wastewater services through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties in close proximity to our utility companies’ service territories as well as offers, through a third party, water and sewer line repair service and protection solutions to households, liquid waste hauling and disposal, backflow prevention, construction, and other non-regulated water and wastewater services. Aqua Infrastructure LLC provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms, with which the Company enters into water supply contracts, in the natural gas drilling industry. These two segments are included as a component of “Other” in the tables below. Also included in “Other” are corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations. Corporate costs include general and administrative expense, and interest expense.

	The following table presents information about the Company’s reportable segment:


			Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14						31-Mar-13
			Regulated		Other		Consolidated		Regulated		Other		Consolidated
		Operating revenues	$	178,199	$	4,473	$	182,672	$	174,405	$	4,147	$	178,552
		Operations and maintenance expense		68,456		3,230		71,686		65,410		2,384		67,794
		Depreciation		30,881		100		30,981		29,510		-465		29,045
		Operating income		66,419		351		66,770		65,550		1,388		66,938
		Interest expense, net of allowance for funds used during construction		16,804		1,339		18,143		16,951		1,772		18,723
		Income tax expense (benefit)		6,087		-895		5,192		7,352		-565		6,787
		Income (loss) from continuing operations		43,620		-1,219		42,401		41,299		-435		40,864
		Capital expenditures		59,154		665		59,819		58,872		213		59,085








			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
		Total assets:
		Regulated	$	4,938,191	$	4,893,573
		Other and eliminations		161,576		158,244
		Consolidated	$	5,099,767	$	5,051,817

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	Note 13 Commitments and Contingencies

	The Company is routinely involved in various disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including both asserted and unasserted legal claims, in the ordinary course of business. The status of each such matter, referred to herein as a loss contingency, is reviewed and assessed in accordance with applicable accounting rules regarding the nature of the matter, the likelihood that a loss will be incurred, and the amounts involved. As of March 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of $11,835 is accrued for loss contingencies and is reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as other accrued liabilities and other liabilities. These accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable loss (as defined in the accounting guidance) for loss contingencies or the low end of a range of losses if no single probable loss can be estimated. For some loss contingencies, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of the probable loss or range of probable losses. While the final outcome of these loss contingencies cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable outcomes could negatively impact the Company, at this time in the opinion of management, the final resolution of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Further, the Company has insurance coverage for certain of these loss contingencies, and as of March 31, 2014, estimates that approximately $1,388 of the amount accrued for these matters are probable of recovery through insurance, which amount is also reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as deferred charges and other assets, net.

	In addition to the aforementioned loss contingencies, the Company self-insures its employee medical benefit program, and maintains stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure arising from these claims. The Company’s reserve for these claims totaled $1,965 at March 31, 2014 and represents a reserve for unpaid claim costs, including an estimate for the cost of incurred but not reported claims.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 14 Income Taxes

	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company utilized $15,422 of its Federal net operating loss carryforward (“NOL”). In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company’s state NOL carryforward increased by $2,789. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of the Company’s Federal NOL was $242,671. The Company believes its Federal NOL carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered and requires no valuation allowance. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of the Company’s state NOL was $533,949, a portion of which was offset by a valuation allowance of $5,229 because the Company does not believe the NOLs are more likely than not to be realized. The Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards begin to expire 2031 and 2023, respectively. The Company has unrecognized tax positions that result in the associated tax benefit being unrecognized. The Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards are reduced by an unrecognized tax position, on a gross basis, of $62,865 and $86,016, respectively, which results from the Company’s adoption in the third quarter of 2013 of the FASB’s accounting guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amounts of the Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards prior to being reduced by the unrecognized tax positions were $305,536 and $619,965, respectively. The Company records its unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to its deferred income tax liability.

	In December 2012, the Company changed its tax method of accounting for qualifying utility system repairs in Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (“Aqua Pennsylvania”) effective with the tax year ended December 31, 2012 and for prior tax years. The tax accounting method was changed to permit the expensing of qualifying utility asset improvement costs that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes (the “Repair Change”). As a result of the adoption of the Repair Change prior to the receipt of Aqua Pennsylvania’s next rate order, the Repair Change results in a substantial reduction in income tax expense and greater net income and cash flows. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, for its continuing operations, was 10.9% and 14.2%, respectively.

	In September 2013, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued “Guidance Regarding and Capitalization of Expenditures Related to Tangible Property” which contains standards for determining whether and when a taxpayer must capitalize costs incurred in acquiring, maintaining or improving tangible property. These regulations are effective for the Company’s 2014 fiscal year. The Company has reviewed the regulations and concluded that the regulations will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

	As of March 31, 2014, the total gross unrecognized tax benefit was $28,850, of which $10,534, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate as a result of the regulatory treatment afforded the Repair Change in Pennsylvania. At December 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $28,690. There was no unrecognized tax benefit at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

	Accounting rules for uncertain tax positions specify that tax positions for which the timing of resolution is uncertain should be classified as long-term liabilities. Judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s uncertain tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes. Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. Although the timing of income tax audit resolutions and negotiations with taxing authorities is highly uncertain, the Company does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits within the next 12 months.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Mar. 31, 2014
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 15 Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	In April 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption available. The Company will adopt the provisions of the updated accounting guidance for its quarterly reporting period beginning January 1, 2015, and the Company does not expect the adoption of the revised guidance to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Goodwill (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Goodwill	'


			Regulated
			Segment		Other		Consolidated

		Balance at December 31, 2013	$	24,102	$	4,121	$	28,223
		Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment		-202		-		-202
		Other		-22		-		-22
		Balance at March 31, 2014	$	23,878	$	4,121	$	27,999

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot1

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Discontinued Operations Presented In Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income	'


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
		Operating revenues	$	1,579	$	7,493
		Total operating expenses		673		5,020
		Operating income		906		2,473
		Other (income) expense:
		Loss (gain) on sale		134		-6,451
		Other, net		-		-1
		Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		772		8,925
		Provision for income taxes		314		3,224
		Income from discontinued operations	$	458	$	5,701


Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations	'


			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013

		Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$	39,747	$	39,976
		Less: accumulated depreciation		8,753		8,872
		Net property, plant and equipment		30,994		31,104
		Current assets		814		1,362
		Regulatory assets		442		460
		Assets of discontinued operations held for sale		32,250		32,926

		Current liabilities		15,209		16,212
		Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits		1,725		1,308
		Contributions in aid of construction		10,935		10,935
		Other liabilities		1,168		1,194
		Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale		29,037		29,649

		Net assets	$	3,213	$	3,277

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt	'


			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
		Carrying Amount	$	1,595,829	$	1,554,871
		Estimated Fair Value		1,622,265		1,540,296

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share	'


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014	2013
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation	176,839	175,415
		Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation	971	1,084
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation	177,810	176,499

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions	'


				Number		Weighted
				of		Average
				Share Units		Fair Value

		Nonvested share units at beginning of period		528,092		$	21.25
		Granted		143,630			25.31
		Performance criteria adjustment		16,927			19.45
		Forfeited		-3,939			22.23
		Share units vested in prior period and issued in current period		18,000			19.51
		Share units issued		-174,148			18.93
		Nonvested share units at end of period		528,562		$	22.99



Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions	'


				Number		Weighted
				of		Average
				Stock Units		Fair Value

		Nonvested stock units at beginning of period		112,666		$	20.16
		Granted		41,150			24.80
		Stock units vested but not paid		-5,750			17.99
		Stock units vested and paid		-24,772			17.77
		Forfeited		-			-
		Nonvested stock units at end of period		123,294		$	22.29



Summary Of Stock Option Transactions	'


					Weighted			Weighted
					Average			Average	Aggregate
					Exercise			Remaining	Intrinsic
			Shares		Price			Life (years)	Value
		Outstanding at beginning of period	1,538,110		$	16.82
		Forfeited	-			-
		Expired	-2,707			17.98
		Exercised	-188,736			14.61
		Outstanding and exercisable at end of period	1,346,667		$	17.13		3.7	$	10,692


Summary Of Nonvested Share Activity - Restricted Stock	'


				Number		Weighted
				of		Average
				Shares		Fair Value

		Nonvested shares at beginning of period		62,500		$	17.70
		Granted		-			-
		Vested		-31,250			17.70
		Forfeited		-			-
		Nonvested shares at end of period		31,250		$	17.70



Performance Share Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
		Stock-based compensation for performance share units within operations and maintenance expenses	$	1,002		$	715
		Income tax benefit		410			291


Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
		Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units within operations and maintenance expenses	$	236		$	178
		Income tax benefit		98			73


Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'


			Three Months Ended
				March 31,
			2014			2013

		Stock-based compensation for stock options within operations and maintenance expenses	$	-		$	30
		Income tax benefit		73			238



Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'

			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
		Stock-based compensation for restricted stock within operations and maintenance expenses	$	92		$	92
		Income tax benefit		38			38

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre1

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'


			Pension Benefits
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
		Service cost	$	1,143	$	1,446
		Interest cost		3,512		3,165
		Expected return on plan assets		-4,305		-3,693
		Amortization of prior service cost		69		57
		Amortization of actuarial loss		500		2,016
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	919	$	2,991

			Other
			Postretirement Benefits
				Three Months Ended
				March 31,
			2014		2013
		Service cost	$	312	$	425
		Interest cost		737		667
		Expected return on plan assets		-683		-560
		Amortization of prior service cost		-74		-74
		Amortization of actuarial loss		82		345
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	374	$	803

Taxes_Other_Than_Income_Taxes_

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Components Of Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	'


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013

		Property	$	4,824	$	6,443
		Capital stock		501		534
		Gross receipts, excise and franchise		2,779		2,681
		Payroll		2,654		2,420
		Other		1,344		1,320
		Total taxes other than income	$	12,102	$	13,398

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Company's Segment Information, Continuing Operations	'


			Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14						31-Mar-13
			Regulated		Other		Consolidated		Regulated		Other		Consolidated
		Operating revenues	$	178,199	$	4,473	$	182,672	$	174,405	$	4,147	$	178,552
		Operations and maintenance expense		68,456		3,230		71,686		65,410		2,384		67,794
		Depreciation		30,881		100		30,981		29,510		-465		29,045
		Operating income		66,419		351		66,770		65,550		1,388		66,938
		Interest expense, net of allowance for funds used during construction		16,804		1,339		18,143		16,951		1,772		18,723
		Income tax expense (benefit)		6,087		-895		5,192		7,352		-565		6,787
		Income (loss) from continuing operations		43,620		-1,219		42,401		41,299		-435		40,864
		Capital expenditures		59,154		665		59,819		58,872		213		59,085




Company's Segment Information, Assets	'

			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
		Total assets:
		Regulated	$	4,938,191	$	4,893,573
		Other and eliminations		161,576		158,244
		Consolidated	$	5,099,767	$	5,051,817

Basis_Of_Presentation_Details

Basis Of Presentation (Details)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation (Details)	Sep. 02, 2013	31-May-13
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage Of Stock Split Distribution	25.00%	25.00%
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	1.25	1.25

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$28,223
Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment	-202
Other	-22
Balance at March 31, 2014	27,999
Regulated Segment [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	24,102
Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment	-202
Other	-22
Balance at March 31, 2014	23,878
Other Segment [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	4,121
Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment	'
Other	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	$4,121

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	North Maine Utilities [Member]	Penn Township [Member]	Total Envirmental Solutions, Inc. [Member]
	customer	customer	customer
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of customers	7,200	800	4,200
Cash paid for acquisitions	$22,000	$3,668	$10,350

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot2

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 02, 2013	Feb. 29, 2008	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
			Florida [Member]	Florida [Member]	Florida [Member]	Florida sale subject to regulatory review [Member]
			customer
Discontinued Operations And Other Dispositions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of customers	'	'	38,000	'	'	'
Number of separate sales transactions	'	'	'	'	'five	'One
Proceeds from sale of regulated water operations	'	'	'	'	$88,934	'
Gain (loss) on sale	'	'	'	6,451	21,178	'
Gain (loss) on sale, after tax	'	'	'	-4,193	-13,766	'
Percentage of customers served	'	'	'	'	'	8.00%
Initial valuation payment	'	16,911	'	'	'	'
Percentage of utility system that has been relinquished	'	0.40%	'	'	'	'
Remaining payment for Northern and Southern assets	50,100	'	'	'	'	'
Total payment for Northern and Southern Indiana Assets	$67,011	'	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot3

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Summary Of Discontinued Operations Presented In Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'	'
Operating revenues	$1,579	$7,493
Total operating expenses	673	5,020
Operating income	906	2,473
Loss on sale	134	-6,451
Other, net	'	-1
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	772	8,925
Provision for income taxes	314	3,224
Income from discontinued operations	$458	$5,701

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot4

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$39,747	$39,976
Less: accumulated depreciation	8,753	8,872
Net property, plant and equipment	30,994	31,104
Current assets	814	1,362
Regulatory assets	442	460
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	32,250	32,926
Current liabilities	15,209	16,212
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits	1,725	1,308
Contributions in aid of construction	10,935	10,935
Other liabilities	1,168	1,194
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	29,037	29,649
Net assets	$3,213	$3,277

Capitalization_Details

Capitalization (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 02, 2013	31-May-13	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Capitalization [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Split	$17,655	'	'	'
Stock Distribution	25.00%	25.00%	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.50	'	$0.50	$0.50
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	1.25	1.25	'	'

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Funds restricted for construction activity	$47	$47	'	'
Loans payable	27,913	36,740	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	17,508	5,058	19,353	5,521
Customers' advances for construction	$73,728	$73,892	'	'

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,595,829	$1,554,871
Estimated Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,622,265	$1,540,296

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Na

Net Income Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Employee stock options excluded from calculations of diluted net income per share	494,156

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Sc

Net Income Per Common Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'	'
Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation	176,839	175,415
Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation	971	1,084
Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation	177,810	176,499

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
2009 Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of shares authorized for issuance	6,250,000	'
Maximum percentage of shares available for issuance may be issued as restricted stock	50.00%	'
Maximum number of shares subject to grants to any one individual in any one year	250,000	'
Underlying stock option and restricted stock awards available for grant	4,483,011	'
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Performance period specified in grant, in years	'3 years	'
Weighted average fair value of stock awards granted	$25.31	$26.88
Performance Share Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of target award amount the grantee may earn	0.00%	'
Performance Share Units [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period, in years	'3 years	'
Percentage of target award amount the grantee may earn	200.00%	'
Amortization period of fair value of shares, in months	'36 months	'
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted period	'3 years	'
Weighted average fair value of stock awards granted	$24.80	$23.28

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Granted	-198,920	'
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, Number of Share Units	528,092	'
Granted	143,630	'
Performance criteria adjustment, Number of Share Units	16,927	'
Forfeited, number of share units	-3,939	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	18,000	'
Share unit awards issued, Number of Share Units	-174,148	'
Nonvested stock units at end of period, number of share units	528,562	'
Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, weighted average fair value	$21.25	'
Granted, weighted average fair value	$25.31	$26.88
Performance criteria adjustment, Weighted Average Fair Value	$19.45	'
Forfeited, weighted average fair value	$22.23	'
Stock units vested and paid, weighted average fair value	$19.51	'
Share unit awards issued, Weighted Average Fair Value	$18.93	'
Nonvested stock units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$22.99	'

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Granted	-198,920	'
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, Number of Share Units	112,666	'
Granted	41,150	'
Stock units vested but not paid, number of stock units	-5,750	'
Stock units vested and paid, number of stock units	-24,772	'
Forfeited, number of share units	'	'
Nonvested stock units at end of period, number of share units	123,294	'
Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, weighted average fair value	$20.16	'
Granted, weighted average fair value	$24.80	$23.28
Stock units vested but not paid weighted average fair value	$17.99	'
Stock units vested and paid, weighted average fair value	$17.77	'
Forfeited, weighted average fair value	'	'
Nonvested stock units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$22.29	'

StockBased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Compensation Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	'	$30
Income tax benefit	73	238
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	1,002	715
Income tax benefit	410	291
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	236	178
Income tax benefit	98	73
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	92	92
Income tax benefit	$38	$38

StockBased_Compensation_Summar3

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Exercised, Shares	188,736
Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares	1,538,110
Forfeited, Shares	'
Expired, Shares	-2,707
Exercised, Shares	-188,736
Outstanding at end of period, Shares	1,346,667
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	16.82
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price	17.98
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	14.61
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	17.13
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	'3 years 8 months 12 days
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	10,692

StockBased_Compensation_Summar4

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested Share Activity b Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Granted	-198,920
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, Number of Share Units	62,500
Stock units vested and paid, number of stock units	-31,250
Forfeited, number of share units	'
Nonvested stock units at end of period, number of share units	31,250
Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, weighted average fair value	17.7
Stock units vested and paid, weighted average fair value	17.7
Forfeited, weighted average fair value	'
Nonvested stock units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	17.7

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre2

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Cash contributions made by the Company	$8,937
Scenario, Forecast [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	11,417
Scenario, Forecast [Member] \| Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Cash contributions made by the Company	2,763
Scenario, Forecast [Member] \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Cash contributions made by the Company	$8,937

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre3

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$1,143	$1,446
Interest cost	3,512	3,165
Expected return on plan assets	-4,305	-3,693
Amortization of prior service cost	69	57
Amortization of actuarial loss	500	2,016
Net periodic benefit cost	919	2,991
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	312	425
Interest cost	737	667
Expected return on plan assets	-683	-560
Amortization of prior service cost	-74	-74
Amortization of actuarial loss	82	345
Net periodic benefit cost	$374	$803

Water_And_Wastewater_Rates_Det

Water And Wastewater Rates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-14
	Ohio, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Indiana [Member]	Illinois and New Jersey [Member]	North Carolina [Member]
Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items]	'	'	'
Base rate increase designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis	$2,715	'	$2,471
Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges	'	$1,429	'

Taxes_Other_Than_Income_Taxes_1

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	$12,102	$13,398
Property [Member]	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	4,824	6,443
Capital Stock [Member]	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	501	534
Gross Receipts, Excise And Franchise [Member]	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	2,779	2,681
Payroll [Member]	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	2,654	2,420
Other [Member]	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	$1,344	$1,320

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Operating Segments	10
Reportable Segments	1
Reportable Segment [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Operating Segments	8
Not Quantitatively Significant [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Operating Segments	2

Segment_Information_Companys_S

Segment Information (Company's Segment Information, Continuing Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating revenues	$182,672	$178,552
Operations and maintenance expense	71,686	67,794
Depreciation	30,981	29,045
Operating income	66,770	66,938
Interest expense, net of AFUDC	18,143	18,723
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,192	6,787
Income (loss) from continuing operations	42,401	40,864
Capital expenditures	59,819	59,085
Regulated [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating revenues	178,199	174,405
Operations and maintenance expense	68,456	65,410
Depreciation	30,881	29,510
Operating income	66,419	65,550
Interest expense, net of AFUDC	16,804	16,951
Income tax expense (benefit)	6,087	7,352
Income (loss) from continuing operations	43,620	41,299
Capital expenditures	59,154	58,872
Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating revenues	4,473	4,147
Operations and maintenance expense	3,230	2,384
Depreciation	100	-465
Operating income	351	1,388
Interest expense, net of AFUDC	1,339	1,772
Income tax expense (benefit)	-895	-565
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,219	-435
Capital expenditures	$665	$213

Segment_Information_Companys_S1

Segment Information (Company's Segment Information, Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$5,099,767	$5,051,817
Regulated [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	4,938,191	4,893,573
Other And Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$161,576	$158,244

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Aggregate amount accrued for loss contingencies	$11,835
Amount probable of recovery through insurance	1,388
Insurance reserve for employee medical benefit program	$1,965

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits resulting in net operating loss Carryforward	$28,850,000	'	$28,690,000	'
Effective income tax rate	10.90%	14.20%	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	10,534,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	'	'	0
Federal [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets operating loss carry forwards domestic, utilized	15,422,000	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	242,671,000	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	0	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration beginning dates	31-Dec-31	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits resulting in net operating loss Carryforward	62,865,000	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards	305,536,000	'	'	'
State [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Increase in operating loss carryforwards	2,789,000	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	533,949,000	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	5,229,000	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration beginning dates	31-Dec-23	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits resulting in net operating loss Carryforward	86,016,000	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards	$619,965,000	'	'	'