Essential Utilities (WTRG) 10-Q8 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
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	'	176,709,658

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$5,265,148	$5,050,400
Less: accumulated depreciation	1,174,775	1,114,237
Net property, plant and equipment	4,090,373	3,936,163
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	6,393	5,521
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	98,303	92,921
Income tax receivable	16,082	16,082
Deferred income taxes	40,385	37,818
Inventory, materials and supplies	12,433	11,757
Prepayments and other current assets	9,353	10,372
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	28,607	86,423
Total current assets	211,556	260,894
Regulatory assets	637,314	521,264
Deferred charges and other assets, net	50,031	49,852
Investment in joint venture	45,316	38,620
Funds restricted for construction activity	11,626	23,572
Goodwill	27,882	28,152
Total assets	5,074,098	4,858,517
Aqua America stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares, issued 177,880,647 and 175,985,437 in 2013 and 2012	88,940	70,472
Capital in excess of par value	739,062	718,482
Retained earnings	698,689	611,303
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,177,959 and 776,355 shares in 2013 and 2012	-27,074	-14,668
Accumulated other comprehensive income	223	115
Total Aqua America stockholders' equity	1,499,840	1,385,704
Noncontrolling interest	197	188
Total equity	1,500,037	1,385,892
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,439,338	1,543,954
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	81,449	45,038
Loans payable	109,786	80,383
Accounts payable	41,382	55,506
Accrued interest	20,450	14,026
Accrued taxes	20,458	28,214
Other accrued liabilities	27,392	27,360
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	17,352	23,637
Total current liabilities	318,269	274,164
Deferred credits and other liabilities:	'	'
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits	835,003	723,367
Customers' advances for construction	71,927	71,595
Regulatory liabilities	284,823	241,363
Other	152,703	157,978
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	1,344,456	1,194,303
Contributions in aid of construction	471,998	460,204
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$5,074,098	$4,858,517

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	177,880,647	175,985,437
Treasury stock, shares	1,177,959	776,355

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Net

Consolidated Statements Of Net Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Net Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$204,345	$214,565	$580,035	$570,279
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Operations and maintenance	72,065	71,268	211,234	199,664
Depreciation	30,188	28,251	88,971	82,736
Amortization	1,175	1,320	3,903	3,773
Taxes other than income taxes	13,537	13,191	40,321	34,700
Total expenses	116,965	114,030	344,429	320,873
Operating income	87,380	100,535	235,606	249,406
Other expense (income):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net	19,350	19,597	57,834	58,384
Allowance for funds used during construction	-426	-919	-1,468	-3,484
Gain on sale of other assets	-138	-320	-121	-826
Equity loss (earnings) in joint venture	-78	-682	1,732	-931
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	68,672	82,859	177,629	196,263
Provision for income taxes	5,188	32,575	19,366	77,310
Income from continuing operations	63,484	50,284	158,263	118,953
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	193	819	8,524	18,813
Provision for income taxes	60	444	3,019	7,758
Income from discontinued operations	133	375	5,505	11,055
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$63,617	$50,659	$163,768	$130,008
Income from continuing operations per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.36	$0.29	$0.90	$0.68
Diluted	$0.36	$0.29	$0.90	$0.68
Income from discontinued operations per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0	$0	$0.03	$0.06
Diluted	$0	$0	$0.03	$0.06
Net income per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.36	$0.29	$0.93	$0.75
Diluted	$0.36	$0.29	$0.93	$0.74
Average common shares outstanding during the period:	'	'	'	'
Basic	176,483	174,596	175,964	173,981
Diluted	177,575	175,608	176,732	174,688
Cash dividends declared per common share	'	$0.27	$0.43	$0.54

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'		'		'
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$63,617	$50,659		$163,768		$130,008
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'	'		'		'
Unrealized holding gain on investments, net of tax of $9 and $73 for the nine months and $32 and $22 for the three months ended, September 30, respectively	60	42		18		139
Reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) reported in net income, net of tax (benefit) of $(49) and $172 for the nine months and $82 for the three months ended, September 30, respectively	'	-153	[1]	90	[2]	-319	[2]
Comprehensive income	$63,677	$50,548		$163,876		$129,828

[1]	Amount of pre-tax gain of $(235) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to gain on sale of other assets on the consolidated statements of net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012.
[2]	Amount of pre-tax loss (gain) of $139 and $(491) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to loss (gain) on sale of other assets on the consolidated statements of net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com1

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income taxes arising from net unrealized holding gain on investments	$32	$22	$9	$73
Income tax (benefit) arising from reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) reported in net income	'	82	-49	172
Pre-taxloss (gain) of reclassification adjustment for gain reported in net income	($235)	'	$139	($491)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cap

Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Aqua America stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.50 par value	$88,940	$70,472
Capital in excess of par value	739,062	718,482
Retained earnings	698,689	611,303
Treasury stock, at cost	-27,074	-14,668
Accumulated other comprehensive income	223	115
Total Aqua America stockholders' equity	1,499,840	1,385,704
Noncontrolling interest	197	188
Total equity	1,500,037	1,385,892
Long-term debt:	'	'
Long-term debt	1,052,255	1,003,860
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due March 2017	5,000	100,000
Total long-term debt	1,520,787	1,588,992
Current portion of long-term debt	81,449	45,038
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,439,338	1,543,954
Total capitalization	2,939,375	2,929,846
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 0.00% To 0.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	4,576	2,884
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 1.00% To 1.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	29,485	27,251
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 2.00% To 2.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	15,825	17,120
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 3.00% To 3.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	141,195	107,477
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 4.00% To 4.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	397,499	367,657
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 5.00% To 5.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	309,488	320,729
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 6.00% To 6.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	64,918	64,903
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 7.00% To 7.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	35,211	35,660
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 8.00% To 8.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	19,371	19,632
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 9.00% To 9.99% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Debt instrument principal outstanding	28,687	34,547
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	193,000
Notes Ranging From 5.01% To 5.95% [Member]	'	'
Long-term debt:	'	'
Unsecured notes payable	$242,132	$242,132

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cap1

Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization (Parenthetical) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

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

'2014

'2015

'2022

'2021

'2013

'2014

'2015

Maturity date range, end

'2031

'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, 2012	$70,472	$718,482	$611,303	($14,668)	$115	$188	$1,385,892
Net income	'	'	163,768	'	'	9	163,777
Other comprehensive income, net of income tax of $58	'	'	'	'	108	'	108
Dividends paid on common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	-76,028
Dividends paid	'	'	-76,028	'	'	'	-76,028
Stock split	17,655	-17,655	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of stock (449,129 shares)	188	9,881	'	409	'	'	10,478
Repurchase of stock (414,869 shares)	'	'	'	-12,815	'	'	-12,815
Equity compensation plan (43,500 shares)	17	-17	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options (1,517,804 shares)	608	24,333	'	'	'	'	24,941
Stock-based compensation	'	4,038	-354	'	'	'	3,684
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$88,940	$739,062	$698,689	($27,074)	$223	$197	$1,500,037

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$163,768	$130,008
Income from discontinued operations	5,505	11,055
Income from continuing operations	158,263	118,953
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	92,874	86,509
Deferred income taxes	19,895	59,498
Provision for doubtful accounts	3,338	3,072
Stock-based compensation	4,043	4,020
Gain on sale of utility system	-1,025	'
Gain on sale of other assets	-121	-826
Net increase in receivables, inventory and prepayments	-2,786	-18,254
Net increase in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities	2,353	25,896
Other	2,293	-2,649
Operating cash flows from continuing operations	279,127	276,219
Operating cash flows from (used in) discontinued operations, net	471	-10,005
Net cash flows from operating activities	279,598	266,214
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Property, plant and equipment additions, including allowance for funds used during construction of $1,468 and $3,484	-216,062	-262,832
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net	-14,404	-116,050
Additions to funds restricted for construction activity	-6	-2,086
Release of funds previously restricted for construction activity	11,952	55,416
Net proceeds from the sale of utility system and other assets	3,187	3,766
Investment in joint venture	-9,800	-19,156
Other	-439	-1,701
Investing cash flows used in continuing operations	-225,572	-342,643
Investing cash flows from discontinued operations, net	51,076	74,009
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-174,496	-268,634
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Customers' advances and contributions in aid of construction	3,529	5,742
Repayments of customers' advances	-2,020	-3,840
Net proceeds(repayments) of short-term debt	29,403	-10,121
Proceeds from long-term debt	188,321	179,166
Repayments of long-term debt	-258,295	-109,265
Change in cash overdraft position	-11,881	-14,108
Proceeds from issuing common stock	10,478	9,732
Proceeds from exercised stock options	24,941	12,733
Stock-based compensation windfall tax benefits	'	603
Repurchase of common stock	-12,815	-1,464
Dividends paid on common stock	-76,028	-68,932
Financing cash flows (used in) continuing operations	-104,367	246
Financing cash flows (used in) from discontinued operations, net	137	92
Net cash flows (used in) financing activities	-104,230	338
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	872	-2,082
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,521	8,204
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$6,393	$6,122

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for funds used during construction	$426	$919	$1,468	$3,484

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Note 1Basis of Presentation

	The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Aqua America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) at September 30, 2013, the consolidated statements of net income and comprehensive income for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 the consolidated statements of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the consolidated statement of equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 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, 2012. 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, 2012 consolidated balance sheet data presented herein was derived from the Company’s December 31, 2012 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).

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
Goodwill	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Note 2Goodwill

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




			Regulated
			Segment		Other		Consolidated

		Balance at December 31, 2012	$	24,031	$	4,121	$	28,152
		Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment		-270		-		-270
		Balance At September 30, 2013	$	23,761	$	4,121	$	27,882

	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.

	As of July 31, 2013, management performed its annual test of goodwill for impairment, in conjunction with the preparation of the Company’s annual five-year financial plan. Based on the Company’s comparison of the estimated fair value of its reporting units to their respective carrying amounts, management concluded that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which has goodwill recorded, exceeded the reporting unit’s carrying amount by an amount in excess of 10%.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 3Acquisitions

	In March 2013, the Company acquired the water and wastewater 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.

	In May 2012, the Company purchased all of the stock of the subsidiary that holds American Water Works Company, Inc.’s regulated water and wastewater operations in Ohio serving approximately 59,000 customers. The total purchase price consisted of $102,154 in cash plus certain assumed liabilities, including debt of $14,281.

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	'
	Note 4Discontinued 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 December 2012, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell 80 of its water and wastewater systems in Florida to the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (“FGUA”). These 80 systems represented approximately 56% of our customers served in Florida. In March 2013, the Company completed its sale to FGUA. In addition, in March 2013, the Company sold 15 of its Florida water and wastewater systems representing approximately 9% of our customers served in Florida in separate transactions with separate buyers. Further, in April 2013, the Company sold its water and wastewater systems in DeSoto County, Florida to DeSoto County representing approximately 2% of our customers served in Florida. The Company received total net proceeds from these sales of $52,276, and recognized a gain on sale of $5,469 ($3,555 after-tax). Lastly, in June 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its water and wastewater systems in Sarasota, Florida to Sarasota County for cash at closing of $36,800, which is subject to certain adjustments. In July 2013, the Company received a threat of a legal challenge to this transaction that may have delayed or ultimately terminated this transaction; however, in September 2013, the Company reached a settlement of the matter, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions at settlement. The Company believes it will be able to complete the sale of these assets at either the end of 2013 or during the first quarter of 2014, which will conclude the Company’s operations in Florida. The Company has accounted for its Sarasota, Florida operations and its wastewater treatment facility in Georgia as businesses held for sale, and the sale of the Company’s wastewater treatment facility in Georgia will conclude the Company’s operations in this state.

	In July 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Connecticut Water Service, Inc. to sell its operations in Maine, which served approximately 16,000 customers, for cash at closing plus certain assumed liabilities, including debt of $17,364. On January 1, 2012, the Company completed the sale for net proceeds of $36,870, and recognized a gain on sale of $17,699 ($10,821 after-tax).

	In July 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with American Water Works Company, Inc. to sell its operations in New York for its book value at closing plus certain assumed liabilities, including debt of approximately $23,000. On May 1, 2012, the Company completed the sale for net proceeds of $36,688 in cash as adjusted pursuant to the sale agreement based on book value at closing. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company recognized a loss on sale of $2,736 ($1,874 after-tax), resulting from charges incurred from the sale. The Company’s New York operations served approximately 51,000 customers. In conjunction with the sale of our New York operations, we acquired additional utility systems (and approximately 59,000 customers) in Ohio, one of the larger states in Aqua America’s portfolio.

	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:


			Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Operating revenues	$	10,496	$	25,308	$	2,078	$	5,934
		Total operating expenses		7,440		20,212		1,884		4,206
		Operating income		3,056		5,096		194		1,728
		Other (income) expense:
		Gain on sale		-5,469		-14,718		-		-
		Other, net		1		1,001		1		909
		Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		8,524		18,813		193		819
		Provision for income taxes		3,019		7,758		60		444
		Income from discontinued operations	$	5,505	$	11,055	$	133	$	375







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


			September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2012

		Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$	46,933	$	128,463
		Less: accumulated depreciation		19,891		48,856
		Net property, plant and equipment		27,042		79,607
		Current assets		1,429		4,656
		Regulatory assets		136		2,034
		Other assets		-		126
		Assets of discontinued operations held for sale		28,607		86,423

		Current liabilities		6,574		2,074
		Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits		2,443		5,166
		Contributions in aid of construction		7,506		15,560
		Other liabilities		829		837
		Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale		17,352		23,637

		Net assets	$	11,255	$	62,786


	Other Dispositions – In June 2013, the Company sold a water and wastewater utility system for net proceeds of $3,400. The sale resulted in the recognition of a gain on sale of these assets, net of expenses, of $1,025. The utility system represented approximately 0.04% of the Company’s total assets. This disposition has not been presented as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company does not believe that disclosure of this disposed water and wastewater utility system as discontinued operations is meaningful to the reader of the financial statements for making investment decisions, either individually or in the aggregate. The gain is reported in the consolidated statements of net income as a reduction to operations and maintenance expense.

	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 of Fort Wayne, 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 Supreme Court of Indiana 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 represents 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. Further, the completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory requirements and approval. If this transaction is consummated, the Company will expand its sewer customer base in the City. The completion of the transaction is not expected to close until the third quarter of 2014. The Company continues to evaluate its legal and operational options on an ongoing basis.

Capitalization

Capitalization	9 Months Ended
Capitalization	Sep. 30, 2013
Capitalization [Abstract]	'
Capitalization	'
	Note 5Capitalization

	In October 2013, the Company’s operating subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., issued $75,000 of first mortgage bonds, of which $25,000 is due in 2031, $25,000 in 2045, and $25,000 in 2046 with interest rates of 3.94%, 4.61%, and 4.62%, respectively. The proceeds from these bonds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

	In October 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the Company to purchase, from time to time, up to 685,348 shares of its common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. This authorization renewed the number of shares that had remained, when affected for stock splits, from an existing share buy-back authorization from 1997. The specific timing, amount and other terms of repurchases will depend on market conditions, regulatory requirements and other factors.

	In May 2013, the Company’s operating subsidiary, Aqua Ohio, Inc., issued $85,000 of first mortgage bonds, of which $35,000 is due in 2033, $30,000 in 2044, and $20,000 in 2048 with interest rates of 3.75%, 4.18%, and 4.43%, respectively. The proceeds from these bonds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	'
	Note 6Fair 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 September 30, 2013.

	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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of the Company’s funds restricted for construction activity was $11,626 and $23,572, respectively, which equates to their estimated fair value. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of the Company’s loans payable was $109,786 and $80,383, 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents was $6,393 and $5,521, respectively, which equates to their fair value.

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


			September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2012
		Carrying Amount	$	1,520,787	$	1,588,992
		Estimated Fair Value		1,530,187		1,702,997


	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 $71,927 as of September 30, 2013, and $71,595 as of December 31, 2012. 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 2028 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	9 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Common Share	'
	Note 7Net 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:



			Nine Months Ended		Three Months Ended
			September 30,		September 30,
			2013	2012	2013	2012
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation	175,964	173,981	176,483	174,596
		Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation	768	707	1,092	1,012
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation	176,732	174,688	177,575	175,608


	For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, 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 nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, employee stock options to purchase 534,940 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	9 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Note 8Stock-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 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 September 30, 2013, 4,647,025 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, which range from two to 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:


				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
				September 30,					September 30,
				2013		2012			2013		2012
		Stock-based compensation for performance share units within operations and maintenance expenses		$	2,723	$	1,613		$	1,044	$	571


	The following table summarizes nonvested PSU transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:



				Number	Weighted
				of	Average
				Share Units	Fair Value

		Nonvested share units at beginning of period		414,168	$	18.82
		Granted		166,641		26.88
		Performance criteria adjustment		14,098		19.77
		Forfeited		-15,061		26.22
		Vested		-18,000		19.51
		Share unit awards issued		-		-
		Nonvested share units at end of period		561,846	$	21.01




	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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $26.88 and $19.11, respectively. The fair value of each PSU grant is amortized monthly into compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods, which range from 24 to 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:


				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
				September 30,					September 30,
				2013		2012			2013		2012
		Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units within operations and maintenance expenses		$	612	$	468		$	214	$	167


	The following table summarizes nonvested RSU transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:



				Number	Weighted
				of	Average
				Stock Units	Fair Value

		Nonvested stock units at beginning of period		85,597	$	17.89
		Granted		48,133		23.28
		Vested		-19,500		17.83
		Forfeited		-1,564		20.78
		Nonvested stock units at end of period		112,666	$	20.16


	The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for RSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $23.28 and $17.99, 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:


			Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013		2012			2013		2012

	Stock-based compensation for stock options within operations and maintenance expenses		$	30	$	487		$	-	$	122
	Income tax benefit			433		492			110		220

There were no stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.

The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:


				Weighted		Weighted
				Average		Average		Aggregate
				Exercise		Remaining		Intrinsic
			Shares	Price		Life (years)		Value
	Outstanding at beginning of period		3,121,378	$	16.65
	Granted		-		-
	Forfeited		-		-
	Expired		-17,189		22.84
	Exercised		-1,517,804		16.44
	Outstanding and exercisable at end of period		1,586,385	$	16.79	3.9	$	12,600


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

			Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013		2012			2013		2012
	Stock-based compensation for restricted stock within operations and maintenance expenses		$	678	$	1,444		$	92	$	312




The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:


			Number	Weighted
			of	Average
			Shares	Fair Value

	Nonvested shares at beginning of period		147,160	$	15.38
	Granted		16,000		25.09
	Vested		-100,660		15.49
	Forfeited		-		-
	Nonvested shares at end of period		62,500	$	17.70

The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for restricted stock granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $25.09 and $18.47, respectively.

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Note 9Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

	The Company maintains qualified defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified pension plans 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 costs:


			Pension Benefits
			Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Service cost	$	4,101	$	3,662	$	1,209	$	1,258
		Interest cost		9,494		9,446		3,164		3,284
		Expected return on plan assets		-11,078		-9,994		-3,692		-3,595
		Amortization of prior service cost		171		208		57		69
		Amortization of actuarial loss		6,105		4,924		2,073		1,644
		Capitalized costs		-3,215		-2,781		-1,098		-998
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	5,578	$	5,465	$	1,713	$	1,662

			Other
			Postretirement Benefits
				Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Service cost	$	1,188	$	958	$	338	$	349
		Interest cost		1,956		1,906		622		665
		Expected return on plan assets		-1,694		-1,517		-574		-535
		Amortization of transition obligation		-		9		-		-9
		Amortization of prior service cost		-221		-202		-73		-98
		Amortization of actuarial loss		1,085		772		395		261
		Amortization of regulatory asset		-		69		-		1
		Capitalized costs		-569		-508		-191		-184
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,745	$	1,487	$	517	$	450

	The Company made cash contributions of $15,954 to its defined benefit pension plans during the first six months of 2013, which completes the Company’s 2013 cash contributions. In addition, the Company expects to make cash contributions of $2,875 for the funding of its other postretirement benefit plans during the remainder of 2013.

Water_And_Wastewater_Rates

Water And Wastewater Rates	9 Months Ended
Water And Wastewater Rates	Sep. 30, 2013
Water And Wastewater Rates [Abstract]	'
Water And Wastewater Rates	'
	Note 10Water and Wastewater Rates

	During the first nine months of 2013, the Company’s operating divisions in Texas, Ohio, and Virginia were granted base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $9,328. Further, during the first nine months of 2013, the Company’s operating divisions in New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois received infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $3,027.

	In August 2013, the Company’s operating subsidiary in North Carolina filed an application with the North Carolina Utilities Commission designed to increase water and wastewater rates by $8,611, or 19.2%, on an annual basis. The Company anticipates a final order to be issued by April 2014.

	In February 2012, two of the Company’s operating divisions in Texas began to bill interim rates in accordance with authorization from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (the “TCEQ”). The additional revenue billed and collected prior to the TCEQ’s final ruling was subject to refund based on the outcome of the rate case. The rate case concluded with the issuance of an order on June 3, 2013, and no refunds of revenue previously billed and collected were required.

Taxes_Other_Than_Income_Taxes

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2013
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	'

	Note 11Taxes Other than Income Taxes

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


			Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012

		Property	$	19,355	$	15,595	$	6,357	$	6,163
		Capital stock		1,600		2,393		488		745
		Gross receipts, excise and franchise		8,902		7,222		3,245		3,128
		Payroll		5,793		5,239		1,684		1,530
		Other		4,671		4,251		1,763		1,625
		Total taxes other than income	$	40,321	$	34,700	$	13,537	$	13,191

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
Segment Information	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 12Segment Information

	The Company has identified twelve operating segments and has one reportable segment named the “Regulated” segment. The reportable segment is comprised of ten 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 businesses that provide sludge hauling, septage and grease services, backflow prevention services, certain other non-regulated water and wastewater services, and non-utility raw water supply services for certain firms in the natural gas and oil drilling industry. These 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.

	The following table presents the Company’s segment information for its continuing operations:


			Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
			30-Sep-13						30-Sep-12
			Regulated		Other		Consolidated		Regulated		Other		Consolidated
		Operating revenues	$	199,882	$	4,463	$	204,345	$	209,674	$	4,891	$	214,565
		Operations and maintenance expense		68,470		3,595		72,065		68,351		2,917		71,268
		Depreciation		30,081		107		30,188		28,764		-513		28,251
		Operating income		87,117		263		87,380		98,503		2,032		100,535
		Interest expense, net of AFUDC		17,450		1,474		18,924		16,915		1,763		18,678
		Income tax expense (benefit)		5,740		-552		5,188		32,682		-107		32,575
		Income (loss) from continuing operations		64,010		-526		63,484		48,971		1,313		50,284

			Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-13						30-Sep-12
			Regulated		Other		Consolidated		Regulated		Other		Consolidated
		Operating revenues	$	567,255	$	12,780	$	580,035	$	556,847	$	13,432	$	570,279
		Operations and maintenance expense		202,909		8,325		211,234		190,276		9,388		199,664
		Depreciation		89,200		-229		88,971		83,772		-1,036		82,736
		Operating income		232,771		2,835		235,606		245,871		3,535		249,406
		Interest expense, net of AFUDC		51,746		4,620		56,366		50,401		4,499		54,900
		Income tax expense (benefit)		21,023		-1,657		19,366		78,652		-1,342		77,310
		Income (loss) from continuing operations		160,167		-1,904		158,263		117,133		1,820		118,953
		Capital expenditures		215,230		832		216,062		262,104		728		262,832







			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
		Total assets:
		Regulated	$	4,858,111		$	4,566,327
		Other and eliminations		215,987			292,190
		Consolidated	$	5,074,098		$	4,858,517

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	Note 13Commitments 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 September 30, 2013, the aggregate amount of $12,284 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 September 30, 2013, estimates that approximately $1,369 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 $1,771 at September 30, 2013 and represents a reserve for unpaid claim costs, including an estimate for the cost of incurred but not reported claims.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 14Income Taxes

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company’s Federal net operating loss carryforward (“NOL”) increased by $75,068. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company’s state NOL carryforward increased by $161,769. As of September 30, 2013, the balance of the Company’s Federal NOL is $290,653. The Company believes its Federal NOL carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered and requires no valuation allowance. As of September 30, 2013, the balance of the Company’s state NOL is $537,068, a portion of which is offset by a valuation allowance of $7,715 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 2030 and 2021, 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 $60,103 and $84,822, 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 are $350,756 and $621,890, respectively. The Company records its unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to its deferred income tax liability.

	On June 7, 2012, the Company’s Pennsylvania operating subsidiary (“Aqua Pennsylvania”) reached a settlement agreement in its rate filing with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which in addition to a water rate increase, provided for the flow-through accounting treatment of certain income tax benefits should Aqua Pennsylvania change its tax accounting method to permit the expensing of certain utility asset improvement costs that have historically been capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes (the “Repair Change”). In December 2012, Aqua Pennsylvania implemented the Repair Change, and recognized a tax deduction for 2012 infrastructure investments that were formerly capitalized for tax purposes, and the impact was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company recorded additional tax deductions for certain qualifying infrastructure improvements in connection with the preparation of its annual tax return filings, which resulted in both additional recognized and unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, the income tax benefits for qualifying capital expenditures made prior to 2012 (“catch-up adjustment”) have been deferred as of December 31, 2012 and, based on the settlement agreement, a ten-year amortization of the income tax benefits began in the first quarter of 2013. In accordance with the settlement agreement, the amortization is expected to reduce income tax expense during periods when certain qualifying parameters are met. 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. A portion of the additional tax deductions recognized in the third quarter of 2013 relate to a change in the Company’s tax method of accounting for certain qualifying utility system repairs in certain other operating divisions. These divisions currently do not employ a flow-through method of accounting and as such the change in the Company’s tax method of accounting in these other operating divisions had no impact on the Company’s effective income tax rate. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, for its continuing operations, was 10.9% and 39.4%, respectively, and for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, for its continuing operations, was 7.6% and 39.3%, 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 will be effective for the Company’s 2014 fiscal year and early adoption is available. The Company is currently reviewing the regulations to determine the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements when they are fully adopted.

	The following table provides the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:





			2013
		Balance at June 30,	$	-
		Increases in current period tax positions		29,510
		Balance at September 30,	$	29,510


	The unrecognized tax benefits relate to the Company’s Repair Change, and the tax positions are attributable to temporary differences. As a result of the regulatory treatment afforded the Repair Change in Pennsylvania and despite these positions being temporary differences, as of September 30, 2013, $9,023 of these tax benefits would have an impact on the Company’s effective income tax rate in the event that the Company does sustain all, or a portion, of its tax positions. The Company does not anticipate material changes to its unrecognized tax benefits within the next year.

	In April 2013, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of tax years 2010 and 2011. The statute of limitations for these tax years remains open until 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Sep. 30, 2013
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'



	Note 15Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	In July 2013, the FASB issued updated 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 update requires an entity to present in certain cases, an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion of an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward when settlement is available in this manner under the tax law. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted the provisions of the updated guidance for its quarterly period beginning July 1, 2013, and the adoption of the revised guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

	In February 2013, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The update requires an entity to present information about the amounts reclassified from AOCI in their financial statements in either a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the provisions of the updated guidance for its quarterly reporting period beginning January 1, 2013, and the adoption of the updated guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Goodwill (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Goodwill	'


			Regulated
			Segment		Other		Consolidated

		Balance at December 31, 2012	$	24,031	$	4,121	$	28,152
		Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment		-270		-		-270
		Balance At September 30, 2013	$	23,761	$	4,121	$	27,882

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot1

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Discontinued Operations Presented In Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income	'


			Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Operating revenues	$	10,496	$	25,308	$	2,078	$	5,934
		Total operating expenses		7,440		20,212		1,884		4,206
		Operating income		3,056		5,096		194		1,728
		Other (income) expense:
		Gain on sale		-5,469		-14,718		-		-
		Other, net		1		1,001		1		909
		Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		8,524		18,813		193		819
		Provision for income taxes		3,019		7,758		60		444
		Income from discontinued operations	$	5,505	$	11,055	$	133	$	375


Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations	'


			September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2012

		Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$	46,933	$	128,463
		Less: accumulated depreciation		19,891		48,856
		Net property, plant and equipment		27,042		79,607
		Current assets		1,429		4,656
		Regulatory assets		136		2,034
		Other assets		-		126
		Assets of discontinued operations held for sale		28,607		86,423

		Current liabilities		6,574		2,074
		Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits		2,443		5,166
		Contributions in aid of construction		7,506		15,560
		Other liabilities		829		837
		Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale		17,352		23,637

		Net assets	$	11,255	$	62,786

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt	'


			September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2012
		Carrying Amount	$	1,520,787	$	1,588,992
		Estimated Fair Value		1,530,187		1,702,997

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ta

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share	'


			Nine Months Ended		Three Months Ended
			September 30,		September 30,
			2013	2012	2013	2012
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation	175,964	173,981	176,483	174,596
		Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation	768	707	1,092	1,012
		Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation	176,732	174,688	177,575	175,608

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions	'


			Number	Weighted
			of	Average
			Share Units	Fair Value

		Nonvested share units at beginning of period	414,168	$	18.82
		Granted	166,641		26.88
		Performance criteria adjustment	14,098		19.77
		Forfeited	-15,061		26.22
		Vested	-18,000		19.51
		Share unit awards issued	-		-
		Nonvested share units at end of period	561,846	$	21.01



Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions	'


			Number	Weighted
			of	Average
			Stock Units	Fair Value

		Nonvested stock units at beginning of period	85,597	$	17.89
		Granted	48,133		23.28
		Vested	-19,500		17.83
		Forfeited	-1,564		20.78
		Nonvested stock units at end of period	112,666	$	20.16



Summary Of Stock Option Transactions	'


				Weighted		Weighted
				Average		Average		Aggregate
				Exercise		Remaining		Intrinsic
			Shares	Price		Life (years)		Value
		Outstanding at beginning of period	3,121,378	$	16.65
		Granted	-		-
		Forfeited	-		-
		Expired	-17,189		22.84
		Exercised	-1,517,804		16.44
		Outstanding and exercisable at end of period	1,586,385	$	16.79	3.9	$	12,600


Summary Of Nonvested Share Activity - Restricted Stock	'


			Number	Weighted
			of	Average
			Shares	Fair Value

		Nonvested shares at beginning of period	147,160	$	15.38
		Granted	16,000		25.09
		Vested	-100,660		15.49
		Forfeited	-		-
		Nonvested shares at end of period	62,500	$	17.70



Performance Share Units [Member]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'


			Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013		2012			2013		2012
		Stock-based compensation for performance share units within operations and maintenance expenses	$	2,723	$	1,613		$	1,044	$	571



Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'


			Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013		2012			2013		2012
		Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units within operations and maintenance expenses	$	612	$	468		$	214	$	167



Stock Options [Member]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'


			Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013		2012			2013		2012

		Stock-based compensation for stock options within operations and maintenance expenses	$	30	$	487		$	-	$	122
		Income tax benefit		433		492			110		220



Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Summary Of Compensation Costs	'

			Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013		2012			2013		2012
		Stock-based compensation for restricted stock within operations and maintenance expenses	$	678	$	1,444		$	92	$	312

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre1

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'


			Pension Benefits
			Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Service cost	$	4,101	$	3,662	$	1,209	$	1,258
		Interest cost		9,494		9,446		3,164		3,284
		Expected return on plan assets		-11,078		-9,994		-3,692		-3,595
		Amortization of prior service cost		171		208		57		69
		Amortization of actuarial loss		6,105		4,924		2,073		1,644
		Capitalized costs		-3,215		-2,781		-1,098		-998
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	5,578	$	5,465	$	1,713	$	1,662

			Other
			Postretirement Benefits
				Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Service cost	$	1,188	$	958	$	338	$	349
		Interest cost		1,956		1,906		622		665
		Expected return on plan assets		-1,694		-1,517		-574		-535
		Amortization of transition obligation		-		9		-		-9
		Amortization of prior service cost		-221		-202		-73		-98
		Amortization of actuarial loss		1,085		772		395		261
		Amortization of regulatory asset		-		69		-		1
		Capitalized costs		-569		-508		-191		-184
		Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,745	$	1,487	$	517	$	450

Taxes_Other_Than_Income_Taxes_

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Components Of Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	'


			Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012

		Property	$	19,355	$	15,595	$	6,357	$	6,163
		Capital stock		1,600		2,393		488		745
		Gross receipts, excise and franchise		8,902		7,222		3,245		3,128
		Payroll		5,793		5,239		1,684		1,530
		Other		4,671		4,251		1,763		1,625
		Total taxes other than income	$	40,321	$	34,700	$	13,537	$	13,191

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Company's Segment Information, Continuing Operations	'


			Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
			30-Sep-13						30-Sep-12
			Regulated		Other		Consolidated		Regulated		Other		Consolidated
		Operating revenues	$	199,882	$	4,463	$	204,345	$	209,674	$	4,891	$	214,565
		Operations and maintenance expense		68,470		3,595		72,065		68,351		2,917		71,268
		Depreciation		30,081		107		30,188		28,764		-513		28,251
		Operating income		87,117		263		87,380		98,503		2,032		100,535
		Interest expense, net of AFUDC		17,450		1,474		18,924		16,915		1,763		18,678
		Income tax expense (benefit)		5,740		-552		5,188		32,682		-107		32,575
		Income (loss) from continuing operations		64,010		-526		63,484		48,971		1,313		50,284

			Nine Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-13						30-Sep-12
			Regulated		Other		Consolidated		Regulated		Other		Consolidated
		Operating revenues	$	567,255	$	12,780	$	580,035	$	556,847	$	13,432	$	570,279
		Operations and maintenance expense		202,909		8,325		211,234		190,276		9,388		199,664
		Depreciation		89,200		-229		88,971		83,772		-1,036		82,736
		Operating income		232,771		2,835		235,606		245,871		3,535		249,406
		Interest expense, net of AFUDC		51,746		4,620		56,366		50,401		4,499		54,900
		Income tax expense (benefit)		21,023		-1,657		19,366		78,652		-1,342		77,310
		Income (loss) from continuing operations		160,167		-1,904		158,263		117,133		1,820		118,953
		Capital expenditures		215,230		832		216,062		262,104		728		262,832



Company's Segment Information, Assets	'

			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
		Total assets:
		Regulated	$	4,858,111		$	4,566,327
		Other and eliminations		215,987			292,190
		Consolidated	$	5,074,098		$	4,858,517

Income_Taxes_Table

Income Taxes (Table)	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Table)	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table	'


			2013
		Balance at June 30,	$	-
		Increases in current period tax positions		29,510
		Balance at September 30,	$	29,510

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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Balance At December 31, 2012	$28,152	'
Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment	-270	'
Balance At September 30, 2013	27,882	'
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	'	10.00%
Regulated Segment [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Balance At December 31, 2012	24,031	'
Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment	-270	'
Balance At September 30, 2013	23,761	'
Other Segment [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Balance At December 31, 2012	4,121	'
Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment	'	'
Balance At September 30, 2013	$4,121	'

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-12	Mar. 31, 2013
	American Water Works Company, Inc. [Member]	Total Envirmental Solutions, Inc. [Member]
	customer	customer
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Number of customers	59,000	4,200
Cash paid for acquisitions	$102,154	$10,350
Liabilities assumed by purchaser	$14,281	'

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot2

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 10, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Feb. 29, 2008

Jan. 02, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

2-May-12

Jul. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

Florida [Member]

Florida - FGUA, DeSota, Other [Member]

FloridaFGUA [Member]

Florida DeSota [Member]

Florida Sarasota [Member]

Indiana [Member]

Maine [Member]

New York [Member]

Ohio [Member]

Texas [Member]

item

customer

item

customer

item

Discontinued Operations And Other Dispositions [Line Items]

Number of customers

38,000

16,000

51,000

59,000

Water and wastewater to be sold

Water and wastewater systems as percent of customers

9.00%

56.00%

2.00%

Water and wastewater systems sold

Liabilities assumed by the purchaser for the sale of regulated water operations

$17,364,000

$23,000,000

Proceeds from sale of regulated water operations

52,276,000

36,800,000

36,870,000

36,688,000

3,400,000

Gain (loss) on sale

5,469,000

17,699,000

-2,736,000

1,025,000

Gain (loss) on sale, after tax

3,555,000

10,821,000

-1,874,000

Proceeds on sale of water and wastewater utility system

50,100,000

Percentage of utility system that assets represent

0.04%

Initial valuation payment

16,911,000

Deferred gain on sale

Total payment for Northern and Southern Indiana Assets

$67,011,000

Percentage of utility system that has been relinquished

0.40%

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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$2,078	$5,934	$10,496	$25,308
Total operating expenses	1,884	4,206	7,440	20,212
Operating income	194	1,728	3,056	5,096
Gain on sale	'	'	-5,469	-14,718
Other, net	1	909	1	1,001
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	193	819	8,524	18,813
Provision for income taxes	60	444	3,019	7,758
Income from discontinued operations	$133	$375	$5,505	$11,055

Discontinued_Operations_And_Ot4

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$46,933	$128,463
Less: accumulated depreciation	19,891	48,856
Net property, plant and equipment	27,042	79,607
Current assets	1,429	4,656
Regulatory assets	136	2,034
Other assets	'	126
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	28,607	86,423
Current liabilities	6,574	2,074
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits	2,443	5,166
Contributions in aid of construction	7,506	15,560
Other liabilities	829	837
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	17,352	23,637
Net assets	$11,255	$62,786

Capitalization_Details

Capitalization (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 02, 2013

31-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

Subsequent Event [Member]

Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc [Member]

Aqua Ohio, Inc [Member]

Mortgage Bonds [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Due In 2045 [Member]

Due In 2046 [Member]

Due In 2031 [Member]

Due In 2048 [Member]

Due In 2044 [Member]

Due In 2033 [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Mortgage Bonds, Face Amount

$75,000

$85,000

Mortgage Bonds, Installment Payment

25,000

20,000

30,000

35,000

Mortgage Bonds, Maturity Year

'2045

'2046

'2031

'2048

'2044

'2033

Mortgage Bonds, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

4.61%

4.62%

3.94%

4.43%

4.18%

3.75%

Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Split

$17,655

Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased

685,348

Stock Distribution

25.00%

Common stock, par value

$0.50

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Funds restricted for construction activity	$11,626	$23,572	'	'
Loans payable	109,786	80,383	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	6,393	5,521	6,122	8,204
Customers' advances for construction	$71,927	$71,595	'	'

Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,520,787	$1,588,992
Estimated Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,530,187	$1,702,997

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Na

Net Income Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Net Income Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'	'
Employee stock options excluded from calculations of diluted net income per share	534,940	534,940

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Sc

Net Income Per Common Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation	176,483	174,596	175,964	173,981
Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation	1,092	1,012	768	707
Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation	177,575	175,608	176,732	174,688

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
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	4,647,025	'
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	$26.88	$19.11
Performance Share Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period, in years	'2 years	'
Percentage of target award amount the grantee may earn	0.00%	'
Amortization period of fair value of shares, in months	'24 months	'
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	$23.28	$17.99
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average fair value of stock awards granted	$25.09	$18.47

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions) (Details) (Performance Share Units [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Number of Share Units	414,168	'
Granted, Number of Share Units	166,641	'
Performance criteria adjustment, Number of Share Units	14,098	'
Forfeited, Number of Share Units	-15,061	'
Vested, Number of Share Units	-18,000	'
Share unit awards issued, Number of Share Units	'	'
Nonvested share units at end of period, Number of Share Units	561,846	'
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$18.82	'
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value	$26.88	$19.11
Performance criteria adjustment, Weighted Average Fair Value	$19.77	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Fair Value	$26.22	'
Vested, Weighted Average Fair Value	$19.51	'
Share unit awards issued, Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Nonvested share units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$21.01	'

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Number of Share Units	85,597	'
Granted, Number of Share Units	48,133	'
Vested, Number of Share Units	-19,500	'
Forfeited, Number of Share Units	-1,564	'
Nonvested share units at end of period, Number of Share Units	112,666	'
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$17.89	'
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value	$23.28	$17.99
Vested, Weighted Average Fair Value	$17.83	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Fair Value	$20.78	'
Nonvested share units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$20.16	'

StockBased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Compensation Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	'	$122	$30	$487
Income tax benefit	110	220	433	492
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	1,044	571	2,723	1,613
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	214	167	612	468
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	$92	$312	$678	$1,444

StockBased_Compensation_Summar3

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Transactions) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares	3,121,378
Granted, Shares	'
Forfeited, Shares	'
Expired, Shares	-17,189
Exercised, Shares	-1,517,804
Outstanding at end of period, Shares	1,586,385
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.65
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.84
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.44
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.79
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	'3 years 10 months 24 days
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$12,600

StockBased_Compensation_Summar4

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested Share Activity - Restricted Stock) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Number of Share Units	147,160	'
Granted, Number of Share Units	16,000	'
Vested, Number of Share Units	-100,660	'
Forfeited, Number of Share Units	'	'
Nonvested share units at end of period, Number of Share Units	62,500	'
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$15.38	'
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value	$25.09	$18.47
Vested, Weighted Average Fair Value	$15.49	'
Forfeited, Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Nonvested share units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$17.70	'

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre2

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		Scenario, Forecast [Member]
		Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Cash contributions made by the Company	$15,954	$2,875

Pension_Plans_And_Other_Postre3

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1,209	$1,258	$4,101	$3,662
Interest cost	3,164	3,284	9,494	9,446
Expected return on plan assets	-3,692	-3,595	-11,078	-9,994
Amortization of prior service cost	57	69	171	208
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,073	1,644	6,105	4,924
Capitalized costs	-1,098	-998	-3,215	-2,781
Net periodic benefit cost	1,713	1,662	5,578	5,465
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	338	349	1,188	958
Interest cost	622	665	1,956	1,906
Expected return on plan assets	-574	-535	-1,694	-1,517
Amortization of transition obligation	'	-9	'	9
Amortization of prior service cost	-73	-98	-221	-202
Amortization of actuarial loss	395	261	1,085	772
Amortization of regulatory asset	'	1	'	69
Capitalized costs	-191	-184	-569	-508
Net periodic benefit cost	$517	$450	$1,745	$1,487

Water_And_Wastewater_Rates_Det

Water And Wastewater Rates (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Jun. 03, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
	item	Jun. 03, 2013	New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois [Member]	Texas, Ohio, And Virginia [Member]	North Carolina [Member]
Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Base rate increase designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis	'	'	'	$9,328,000	$8,611,000
Increase in water and waster rates	'	'	'	'	19.20%
Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges	'	'	3,027,000	'	'
Operating divisions to bill interim rates with authorization from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality	2	'	'	'	'
No Refunds Of Revenue Previously Billed And Collected	'	$0	'	'	'

Taxes_Other_Than_Income_Taxes_1

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	$13,537	$13,191	$40,321	$34,700
Property [Member]	'	'	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	6,357	6,163	19,355	15,595
Capital Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	488	745	1,600	2,393
Gross Receipts, Excise And Franchise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	3,245	3,128	8,902	7,222
Payroll [Member]	'	'	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	1,684	1,530	5,793	5,239
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes	$1,763	$1,625	$4,671	$4,251

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Operating Segments	12
Reportable Segments	1
Reportable Segment [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Operating Segments	10
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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$204,345	$214,565	$580,035	$570,279
Operations and maintenance expense	72,065	71,268	211,234	199,664
Depreciation	30,188	28,251	88,971	82,736
Operating income	87,380	100,535	235,606	249,406
Interest expense, net of AFUDC	18,924	18,678	56,366	54,900
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,188	32,575	19,366	77,310
Income (loss) from continuing operations	63,484	50,284	158,263	118,953
Capital expenditures	'	'	216,062	262,832
Regulated [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	199,882	209,674	567,255	556,847
Operations and maintenance expense	68,470	68,351	202,909	190,276
Depreciation	30,081	28,764	89,200	83,772
Operating income	87,117	98,503	232,771	245,871
Interest expense, net of AFUDC	17,450	16,915	51,746	50,401
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,740	32,682	21,023	78,652
Income (loss) from continuing operations	64,010	48,971	160,167	117,133
Capital expenditures	'	'	215,230	262,104
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	4,463	4,891	12,780	13,432
Operations and maintenance expense	3,595	2,917	8,325	9,388
Depreciation	107	-513	-229	-1,036
Operating income	263	2,032	2,835	3,535
Interest expense, net of AFUDC	1,474	1,763	4,620	4,499
Income tax expense (benefit)	-552	-107	-1,657	-1,342
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-526	1,313	-1,904	1,820
Capital expenditures	'	'	$832	$728

Segment_Information_Companys_S1

Segment Information (Company's Segment Information, Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$5,074,098	$4,858,517
Regulated [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	4,858,111	4,566,327
Other And Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$215,987	$292,190

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Aggregate amount accrued for loss contingencies	$12,284
Amount probable of recovery through insurance	1,369
Insurance reserve for employee medical benefit program	$1,771

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	7.60%	39.30%	10.90%	39.40%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$9,023,000	'	$9,023,000	'
Federal [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Change in operating loss carryforward	'	'	75,068,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards	290,653,000	'	290,653,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	0	'	0	'
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration beginning dates	'	'	31-Dec-30	'
Unrecognized tax benefits resulting in net operating loss Carryforward	60,103,000	'	60,103,000	'
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards	350,756,000	'	350,756,000	'
State [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Change in operating loss carryforward	'	'	161,769,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards	537,068,000	'	537,068,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	7,715,000	'	7,715,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration beginning dates	'	'	31-Dec-21	'
Unrecognized tax benefits resulting in net operating loss Carryforward	84,822,000	'	84,822,000	'
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards	$621,890,000	'	$621,890,000	'

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Balance at June 30,	'
Increases in current period tax positions	29,510
Balance at September 30,	$29,510