| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 04, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AQUA AMERICA INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000078128 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | PA |
| Entity File Number | 001-06659 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-1702594 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 762 West Lancaster Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Bryn Mawr |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19010-3489 |
| City Area Code | (610) |
| Local Phone Number | 527-8000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock .50 Par Value [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, $.50 par value |
| Trading Symbol | WTR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Sec 6.00 Tangible Equity Units [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 6.00% Tangible Equity Units |
| Trading Symbol | WTRU |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
