Essential Utilities (WTRG) 10-K 26 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 10, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	AQUA AMERICA INC
Entity Central Index Key	78,128
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 4,320,725,320
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		177,042,334

Consolidated Statements Of Net

Consolidated Statements Of Net Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Net Income [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 814,204	$ 779,903	$ 761,893
Operating cost and expenses:
Operations and maintenance	309,310	288,556	283,561
Depreciation	125,290	123,054	118,414
Amortization	3,447	3,481	5,571
Taxes other than income taxes	55,057	50,453	52,685
Total operating expenses	493,104	465,544	460,231
Operating income	321,100	314,359	301,662
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net	76,536	76,397	77,316
Allowance for funds used during construction	(6,219)	(5,134)	(2,275)
(Gain) loss on sale of other assets	(468)	4	(148)
Gain on extinguishment of debt	(678)
Equity loss in joint venture	35,177	3,989	2,665
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest, Total	216,752	239,103	224,104
Provision for income taxes	14,962	25,219	21,233
Income from continuing operations	201,790	213,884	202,871
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		32,155	28,311
Provision for income taxes		12,800	9,882
Income from discontinued operations		19,355	18,429
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 201,790	$ 233,239	$ 221,300
Income from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$ 1.14	$ 1.21	$ 1.15
Diluted	1.14	1.20	1.15
Income from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	0	0.11	0.10
Diluted	0	0.11	0.10
Net income per common share:
Basic	1.14	1.32	1.26
Diluted	$ 1.14	$ 1.31	$ 1.25
Average common shares outstanding during the period:
Basic	176,788	176,864	176,140
Diluted	177,517	177,763	176,814
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.686	$ 0.634	$ 0.584

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$ 201,790	$ 233,239	$ 221,300
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized holding (loss) gain on investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(53), $104, and $76 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively		(101)	193	141
Reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) reported in net income, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(134) and $(49) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively (1)	[1]		249	90
Comprehensive income		$ 201,689	$ 233,681	$ 221,531
[1]	Amount of pre-tax loss (gain) of $383 and $139 reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to loss (gain) on sale of other assets on the consolidated statements of net income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated Statements Of Com4

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Income taxes arising from net unrealized holding gain on investments	$ (53)	$ 104	$ 76
Income tax (benefit) arising from reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) reported in net income		(134)	(49)
Pre-tax loss (gain) of reclassification adjustment for gain reported in net income		$ 383	$ 139

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 6,088,011	$ 5,707,017
Less: accumulated depreciation	1,399,086	1,305,027
Net property, plant and equipment	4,688,925	4,401,990
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	3,229	4,138
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net	99,146	96,999
Deferred income taxes		26,849
Inventory, materials and supplies	12,414	12,788
Prepayments and other current assets	11,802	11,748
Assets held for sale	1,779
Total current assets	128,370	152,522
Regulatory assets	830,118	725,591
Deferred charges and other assets, net	52,043	52,084
Investment in joint venture	7,716	43,334
Funds restricted for construction activity		47
Goodwill	33,866	31,184
Total assets	5,741,038	5,406,752
Aqua America stockholders' equity:
Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares, issued 179,363,660 and 178,591,254 in 2015 and 2014	89,682	89,296
Capital in excess of par value	773,585	758,145
Retained earnings	930,061	849,952
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,819,569 and 1,837,984 shares in 2015 and 2014	(68,085)	(42,838)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	687	788
Total Aqua America stockholders' equity	1,725,930	1,655,343
Noncontrolling interest		40
Total equity	1,725,930	1,655,383
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$ 1,743,612	$ 1,560,655
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 9)
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$ 35,593	$ 58,615
Loans payable	16,721	18,398
Accounts payable	56,452	63,035
Accrued interest	12,651	12,437
Accrued taxes	21,887	31,462
Other accrued liabilities	49,895	41,388
Total current liabilities	193,199	225,335
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits	1,118,923	1,000,791
Customers' advances for construction	86,934	78,301
Regulatory liabilities	259,507	278,317
Other	100,498	109,692
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	1,565,862	1,467,101
Contributions in aid of construction	512,435	498,278
Total liabilities and equity	$ 5,741,038	$ 5,406,752

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	179,363,660	178,591,254
Treasury stock, shares	2,819,569	1,837,984

Consolidated Statements Of Capi

Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Aqua America stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.50 par value	$ 89,682	$ 89,296
Capital in excess of par value	773,585	758,145
Retained earnings	930,061	849,952
Accumulated other comprehensive income	687	788
Total Aqua America stockholders' equity	1,725,930	1,655,343
Noncontrolling interest		40
Total equity	1,725,930	1,655,383
Long-term debt:
Long-term debt of subsidiaries	1,185,257	1,115,322
Total long-term debt	1,779,205	1,619,270
Current portion of long-term debt	35,593	58,615
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,743,612	1,560,655
Total capitalization	3,469,542	3,216,038
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 0.00% to 0.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	5,148	5,653
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 1.00% to 1.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	20,811	24,871
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 2.00% to 2.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	19,167	15,578
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 3.00% to 3.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	297,275	190,875
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 4.00% to 4.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	487,093	484,168
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 5.00% to 5.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	221,435	242,102
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 6.00% to 6.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	52,964	64,944
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 7.00% to 7.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	33,762	34,424
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 8.00% to 8.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	14,502	18,907
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 9.00% to 9.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	27,100	27,800
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 10.00% To 10.99% [Member]
Long-term debt:
Debt instrument principal outstanding	6,000	6,000
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2017 [Member]
Long-term debt:
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2017	60,000	72,000
Bank notes at 1.921% and 1.975% due 2017 and 2018 [Member]
Long-term debt:
Unsecured notes payable	100,000	50,000
Notes at 3.57% and 3.59% due 2027 and 2030 [Member]
Long-term debt:
Unsecured notes payable	120,000	50,000
Notes ranging from 4.62% to 4.87%, due 2016 through 2024 [Member]
Long-term debt:
Unsecured notes payable	144,400	144,400
Notes ranging from 5.20% to 5.95%, due 2016 through 2037 [Member]
Long-term debt:
Unsecured notes payable	$ 169,548	$ 187,548

Consolidated Statements Of Cap8

Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value	$ 0.50	$ 0.50
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 0.00% to 0.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	0.00%	0.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	0.99%	0.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,023	2,023
Maturity date range, end	2,033	2,033
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 1.00% to 1.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	1.00%	1.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	1.99%	1.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,016	2,016
Maturity date range, end	2,035	2,035
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 2.00% to 2.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	2.00%	2.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	2.99%	2.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,024	2,024
Maturity date range, end	2,031	2,031
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 3.00% to 3.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	3.00%	3.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	3.99%	3.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,016	2,016
Maturity date range, end	2,047	2,047
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 4.00% to 4.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	4.00%	4.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	4.99%	4.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,020	2,020
Maturity date range, end	2,054	2,054
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 5.00% to 5.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	5.00%	5.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	5.99%	5.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,016	2,016
Maturity date range, end	2,043	2,043
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 6.00% to 6.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	6.00%	6.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	6.99%	6.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,017	2,017
Maturity date range, end	2,036	2,036
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 7.00% to 7.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	7.00%	7.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	7.99%	7.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,022	2,022
Maturity date range, end	2,027	2,027
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 8.00% to 8.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	8.00%	8.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	8.99%	8.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,021	2,021
Maturity date range, end	2,025	2,025
Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 9.00% to 9.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	9.00%	9.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	9.99%	9.99%
Maturity date range, start	2,018	2,018
Maturity date range, end	2,026	2,026
Long-Term Debt Of Subsidiaries 10.00% To 10.99% [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	10.00%	10.00%
Interest rate range, maximum	10.99%	10.99%
Maturity date	2,018	2,018
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2017 [Member]
Maturity date	2,017	2,017
Bank notes at 1.921% and 1.975% due 2017 and 2018 [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	1.921%	1.921%
Interest rate range, maximum	1.975%	1.975%
Maturity date range, start	2,017	2,017
Maturity date range, end	2,018	2,018
Notes at 3.57% and 3.59% due 2027 and 2030 [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	3.57%	3.57%
Interest rate range, maximum	3.59%	3.59%
Maturity date range, start	2,027	2,027
Maturity date range, end	2,030	2,030
Notes ranging from 4.62% to 4.87%, due 2016 through 2024 [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	4.62%	4.62%
Interest rate range, maximum	4.87%	4.87%
Maturity date range, start	2,016	2,016
Maturity date range, end	2,024	2,024
Notes ranging from 5.20% to 5.95%, due 2016 through 2037 [Member]
Interest rate range, minimum	5.20%	5.20%
Interest rate range, maximum	5.95%	5.95%
Maturity date range, start	2,016	2,016
Maturity date range, end	2,037	2,037

Consolidated Statement Of Equit

Consolidated Statement Of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [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			221,300			20	221,320
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax					231		231
Dividends			(102,889)				(102,889)
Stock split	17,655	(17,655)
Sale of stock	188	9,693		409			10,290
Repurchase of stock				(12,823)			(12,823)
Equity compensation plan	17	(17)
Exercise of stock options	632	25,066					25,698
Stock-based compensation		5,066	(442)				4,624
Employee stock plan tax benefits		2,700					2,700
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	88,964	743,335	729,272	(27,082)	346	208	1,535,043
Net income			233,239			40	233,279
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest						(208)	(208)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax					442		442
Dividends			(112,106)				(112,106)
Repurchase of stock				(15,756)			(15,756)
Equity compensation plan	107	(107)
Exercise of stock options	225	7,071					7,296
Stock-based compensation		6,811	(453)				6,358
Employee stock plan tax benefits		1,828					1,828
Other		(793)					(793)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	89,296	758,145	849,952	(42,838)	788	40	1,655,383
Net income			201,790				201,790
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax					(101)		(101)
Dividends			(121,248)				(121,248)
Sale of stock	13	664					677
Repurchase of stock				(25,247)			(25,247)
Equity compensation plan	161	(161)
Exercise of stock options	212	7,328					7,540
Stock-based compensation		5,860	(433)				5,427
Employee stock plan tax benefits		2,602					2,602
Other		(853)				$ (40)	(893)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 89,682	$ 773,585	$ 930,061	$ (68,085)	$ 687		$ 1,725,930

Consolidated Statement Of Equ10

Consolidated Statement Of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statement Of Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) tax	$ 53	$ 238	$ 125
Sale of stock, shares	26,295		449,129
Repurchase of stock, shares	981,585	659,666	415,233
Equity compensation plan, shares	321,402	212,920	43,500
Exercise of stock options, shares	424,709	449,412	1,566,089

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 201,790	$ 233,239	$ 221,300
(Loss) income from discontinuing operations		19,355	18,429
Income from continuing operations	201,790	213,884	202,871
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	128,737	126,535	123,985
Deferred income taxes	16,506	31,477	26,699
Provision for doubtful accounts	5,765	5,838	4,708
Share-based compensation	5,860	6,819	5,066
Gain on sale of utility system			(1,025)
(Gain) loss on sale of other assets	(468)	4	(148)
Gain on extinguishment of debt	(678)
Equity loss in joint venture	35,177	3,989	2,665
Net decrease ( increase) in receivables, inventory and prepayments	(6,520)	(20,299)	4,466
Net increase(decrease) in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities	(3,469)	470	(13,425)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes receivable		7,873	8,209
Other	(11,906)	(11,702)	1,338
Operating cash flows from continuing operations	370,794	364,888	365,409
Operating cash flows (used in) from discontinued operations, net		(1,100)	2,410
Net cash flows from operating activities	370,794	363,788	367,819
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions, including the debt component of allowance for funds used during construction of $1,598, $1,494, and $1,742	(364,689)	(328,605)	(307,908)
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net	(28,989)	(14,616)	(14,997)
Release of funds previously restricted for construction activity	47		23,531
Additions to funds restricted for construction activity			(6)
Net proceeds from the sale of utility systems and other assets	648	558	5,315
Investment in joint venture			(14,700)
Other	(1,079)	279	76
Investing cash flows used in continuing operations	(394,062)	(342,384)	(308,689)
Investing cash flows from discontinued operations, net		49,883	87,126
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(394,062)	(292,501)	(221,563)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds From Advances For Construction Financing Activities	5,904	6,064	5,114
Repayments of customers' advances	(3,977)	(4,028)	(4,303)
Net repayments of short-term debt	(1,677)	(18,342)	(43,643)
Proceeds from long-term debt	560,544	317,699	263,834
Repayments of long-term debt	(400,407)	(253,192)	(300,323)
Change in cash overdraft position	(739)	(322)	9,872
Proceeds from issuing common stock	677		10,290
Proceeds from exercised stock options	7,540	7,296	25,698
Share-based compensation windfall tax benefits	1,842	1,422	2,420
Repurchase of common stock	(25,247)	(15,756)	(12,823)
Dividends paid on common stock	(121,248)	(112,106)	(102,889)
Other	(853)	(793)
Financing cash flows used in continuing operations	22,359	(72,058)	(146,753)
Financing cash flows (used in) from discontinued operations, net		(149)	34
Net cash flows used in financing activities	22,359	(72,207)	(146,719)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(909)	(920)	(463)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	4,138	5,058	5,521
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	3,229	4,138	5,058
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	70,103	72,441	75,452
Income taxes	6,902	4,348	6,995
Non-cash investing activities:
Property, plant and equipment additions purchased at the period end, but not yet paid	25,612	31,050	30,974
Non-cash customer advances for construction	$ 27,992	$ 43,642	$ 26,188

Consolidated Statements Of Ca12

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow [Abstract]
Non equity component of allowance for funds used during construction	$ 1,598	$ 1,494	$ 1,742

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations ─ Aqua America, Inc. (“Aqua America,” the “Company,” “we,” or “us”) is the holding company for regulated utilities providing water or wastewater services concentrated in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, and Virginia. Our largest operating subsidiary is Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., which accounted for approximately 52 % of our operating revenues and approximately 76% of our Regulated segment’s income from continuing operations for 2015. As of December 31, 2015, Aqua Pennsylvania provided water or wastewater services to approximately one -half of the total number of people we serve. Aqua Pennsylvania’s service territory is located in the suburban areas north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 27 other counties in Pennsylvania. The Company’s other regulated utility subsidiaries provide similar services in seven other states. In addition, the Company’s market-based activities are conducted through Aqua Resources, Inc. and Aqua Infrastructure LLC. Aqua Resources provides water and wastewater services through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties in close proximity to our utility companies’ service territories; offers, through a third party, water and wastewater line repair service and protection solutions to households; inspects, cleans and repairs sanitary wastewater lines; installs and tests devices that prevent the contamination of potable water; designs and builds water and wastewater systems; and provides other market-based water and wastewater services. In addition, Aqua Resources provides liquid waste hauling and disposal services in a business unit that the Company has decided to sell, which as of December 31, 2015 is reported as assets held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Aqua Infrastructure provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry. In December 2014, we completed the sale of our water utility system in southwest Allen County, Indiana, which served approximately 13,000 customers, to the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The completion of this sale settled the dispute concerning the February 2008 acquisition, by eminent domain, by the City of Fort Wayne, of the northern portion of our water and wastewater utility systems. Refer to Note 3 – Discontinued Operations and Other Disposition for further information on this sale. In September 2012, we began to market for sale our water and wastewater operations in Florida, which served approximately 38,000 customers, and our non-regulated wastewater treatment facility in Georgia. In March 2014, we completed the sale of our wastewater treatment facility in Georgia, which concluded our operations in Georgia. In March, April, and December 2013, through five separate sales transactions, we completed the sale of our water and wastewater utility systems in Florida, which concluded our regulated operations in Florida. The operating results, cash flows, and financial position of the Company’s water utility systems in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Georgia and Florida subsidiaries have been presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. Unless specifically noted, the financial information presented in the notes to consolidated financial statements reflects the Company’s continuing operations. The company has identified ten operating segments and has one reportable segment named the Regulated segment. The reportable segment is comprised of eight operating segments for our water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where we provide these services. These operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment since each of the Company’s operating segments has the following similarities: economic characteristics, nature of services, production processes, customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the regulatory environment. In addition, Aqua Resources and Aqua Infrastructure are not quantitatively significant to be reportable and are included as a component of “Other,” in addition to corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations. Regulation ─ Most of the operating companies that are regulated public utilities are subject to regulation by the utility commissions of the states in which they operate. The respective utility commissions have jurisdiction with respect to rates, service, accounting procedures, issuance of securities, acquisitions and other matters. Some of the operating companies that are regulated public utilities are subject to rate regulation by county or city government. Regulated public utilities follow the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) accounting guidance for regulated operations, which provides for the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as allowed by regulators for costs or credits that are reflected in current rates or are considered probable of being included in future rates. The regulatory assets or liabilities are then relieved as the cost or credit is reflected in rates. Use of Estimates in Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements ─ The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Basis of Presentation – The con solida ted finan cial state ments include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiari es. All intercompany accounts and transac tions have been eliminat ed. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation of operating cash flows from continuing operations. Recogni tion of Revenues ─ Revenues in our Regulated segment principally include amounts billed to cus tomers on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts based on estimated usage from the latest billing to the end of the account ing period. In addition, the Company’s market-based subsidiary Aqua Resources recognizes revenues when services are performed or, for construction of water and wastewater systems, based on the percentage of completion of the project and Aqua Infrastructure recognizes revenues when services are performed. The Company’s market-based subsidiaries recognized revenues of $34,909 in 2015, $24,189 in 2014, and $17,712 in 2013. Property, Plant and Equipment and Deprecia tion ─ Property, plant and equipment consist primarily of utility plant. The cost of additions includes contracted cost, direct labor and fringe benefits, materials, overheads and, for additions meeting certain criteria, allowance for funds used during construction. Water systems acquired are typically recorded at estimated original cost of utility plant when first devoted to utility service and the applicable depreciation is recorded to accumulated depreciation. The difference between the estimated original cost, less applicable accumulated depreciation, and the purchase price is recorded as goodwill, or as an acquisition adjustment within utility plant as permitted by the applicable regulatory jurisdiction. At December 31, 2015, utility plant includes a net credit acquisition adjustment of $24,428 , which is generally being amortized from 2 to 53 y ears, except where not permitted or appropriate. Amortization of the acquisition adjustments totaled $2,556 in 2015, $2,648 in 2014, and $2,480 in 2013. Utility expendi tures for main tenance and repairs, includ ing major maintenance projects and minor renewals and betterments, are charged to operat ing expenses when incurred in accor dance with the system of accounts prescri bed by the utility commissions of the states in which the company operates. The cost of new units of property and betterments are capitalized. Utility expenditures for water main cleaning and relining of pipes are deferred and recorded in net property, plant and equipment in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance for regulated operations. As of December 31, 2015, $16,148 of these costs have been incurred since the last respective rate proceeding and the Company expects to recover these costs in future rates. The cost of software upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if they result in added functionality which enable the software to perform tasks it was previously incapable of performing. Information technology costs associated with major system installations, conversions and improvements, such as software training, data conversion and business process reengineering costs, are deferred as a regulatory asset if the Company expects to recover these costs in future rates. If these costs are not deferred, then these costs are charged to operating expenses when incurred. As of December 31, 2015, $ 24,509 of these costs have been deferred since the last respective rate proceeding as a regulatory asset, and the deferral is reported as a component of net property, plant and equipment. When units of utility property are replaced, retired or aban doned, the recorded value thereof is credited to the asset account and such value, together with the net cost of removal, is charged to accumu lated depreciation. To the extent the Company anticipates recovery of the cost of removal or other retirement costs through rates after the retirement costs are incurred, a regulatory asset is recorded as those costs are incurred. In some cases, the Company recovers retirement costs through rates during the life of the associated asset and before the costs are incurred. These amounts result in a regulatory liability being reported based on the amounts previously recovered through customer rates. The straight-line remaining life method is used to compute depreciation on utility plant. Generally, the straight-line method is used with respect to transportation and mechani cal equip ment, office equipment and laboratory equipment. Long-lived assets of the Company, which consist primarily of utility plant in service, regulatory assets, and investment in joint venture, are reviewed for impairment when changes in circumstances or events occur. These circumstances or events could include a decline in the market value or physical condition of a long-lived asset, an adverse change in the manner in which long-lived assets are used or planned to be used, a change in historical trends, operating cash flows associated with the long-lived assets, changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, or overall financial performance. When these circumstances or events occur, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of those assets is less than their carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not (that is, the likelihood of more than 50 percent), the Company would recognize an impairment charge if it is determined that the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted estimated cash flows. In this circumstance, the Company would recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. Fair value is estimated to be the present value of future net cash flows associated with the asset, discounted using a discount rate commensurate with the risk and remaining life of the asset. There has been no change in circumstances or events that have occurred that require adjustments to the carrying values of the Company’s long-lived assets, except for an impairment charge recognized by the joint venture on its long-lived assets in 2015. Allowance for Funds Used During Construction ─ The allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) represents the capitalized cost of funds used to finance the construction of utility plant. In general, AFUDC is applied to construction projects requiring more than one month to complete. No AFUDC is applied to projects funded by customer advances for construction, contributions in aid of construction, or applicable state-revolving fund loans. AFUDC includes the net cost of borrowed funds and a rate of return on other funds when used, and is recovered through water rates as the utility plant is depreciated. The amount of AFUDC related to equity funds in 2015 was $4,621 , 2014 was $3,640 , and 2013 was $533 . No interest was capitalized by our market-based businesses. Cash and Cash Equivalents ─ The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, which are not restricted for construction activity, to be cash equivalents. The Company had a book overdraft, which represents transactions that have not cleared the bank accounts at the end of the period, for specific disbursement cash accounts of $20,693 and $21,431 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company transfers cash on an as-needed basis to fund these items as they clear the bank in subsequent periods. The balance of the book overdraft is reported as accounts payable and the change in the book overdraft balance is reported as cash flows from financing activities, due to our ability to fund the overdraft with the Company’s credit facility. Accounts Receivable ─ Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable, and is determined based on historical write-off experience and the aging of account balances. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balances are written off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. When utility customers request extended payment terms, credit is extended based on regulatory guidelines, and collateral is not required. Regulatory Assets, Deferred Charges and Other Assets ─ Deferred charges and other assets consist of financing expenses, other costs and marketable securities. Deferred bond issuance expenses are amortized over the life of the related issues. Call premiums related to the early redemption of long-term debt, along with the unamortized balance of the related issuance expense, are deferred and amortized over the life of the long-term debt used to fund the redemption as the Company has received or expects to receive rate recovery of these costs. Other costs, for which the Company has received or expects to receive prospective rate recovery, are deferred as a regulatory asset and amortized over the period of rate recovery in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance for regulated operations. See Note – 6 Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for further information regarding the Company’s regulatory assets. Marketable equity securities are carried on the balance sheet at fair market value, and changes in fair value are included in other comprehensive income. Investment in Joint Venture – The Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for our 49 % investment in a joint venture with a firm in the natural gas industry for the construction and operation of a private pipeline system to supply raw water to natural gas well drilling operations in the Marcellus Shale in north-central Pennsylvania, which commenced operations in 2012. Our initial investment is carried at cost. Subsequently, the carrying amount of our investment is adjusted to reflect capital contributions or distributions, and our equity in earnings or losses since the commencement of the system’s operations. Our share of equity earnings or losses in the joint venture is reported in the consolidated statements of net income as equity losses (earnings) in joint venture. During 2015 and 2014 we received distributions of $441 and $1,372 , respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the joint venture experienced the following events: a marked decline in natural gas prices, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2015, following a period of steady decline in 2015, a distinguishable reduction in the volume of water sales by the joint venture which led to a lowered forecast in the fourth quarter of 2015 on future water sales volumes by the joint venture, as well as changes in the natural gas industry and market conditions. These market conditions are largely associated with natural gas prices, which sharply declined in the fourth quarter and this downturn no longer appeared temporary and instead may be a long-term condition. It was then determined that the carrying amount of the joint venture’s long-lived assets exceeded the sum of the joint venture’s undiscounted estimated cash flows, which resulted in the recognition of a noncash impairment charge of $32,975 ( $21,433 after-tax), representing the Company’s share of the impairment charge. The impairment charge, on a pre-tax basis, is reported as equity loss in joint venture on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The amount of the impairment charge recognized by the joint venture is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is estimated to be the present value of the future net cash flows associated with the assets, discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk and remaining life of the assets. As of December 31, 2015, the joint venture’s assets are comprised of approximately one-half in long-lived assets and one-half in cash, and our share was $7,716 . Funds Restricted for Construction Activity ─ The proceeds received from specific financings for construction and capital improvement of utility facilities are held in escrow until the designated expenditures are incurred. These amounts are reported as funds restricted for construction activity and are expected to be released over time as the capital projects are funded. Goodwill ─ Goodwill represents the excess cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired through acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more often, if circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. When testing goodwill for impairment, we may assess qualitative factors for some or all of our reporting units to determine whether it’s more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Alternatively, we may bypass this qualitative assessment for some of our reporting units and perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we perform a quantitative test and determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we would determine the reporting unit’s implied fair value of its goodwill and compare it with the carrying amount of its goodwill to measure such impairment. The Company tested the goodwill attributable for each of our reporting units for impairment as of July 31, 2015, in conjunction with the timing of our annual strategic business plan, and concluded that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which has goodwill recorded, exceeded the reporting unit’s carrying amount, indicating that none of the Company’s goodwill was impaired. The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill: Regulated Segment Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 24,102 $ 4,121 $ 28,223 Goodwill acquired during year 182 2,515 2,697 Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment (302) - (302) Other 582 (16) 566 Balance at December 31, 2014 24,564 6,620 31,184 Goodwill acquired during year - 12 12 Reclassifications from (to) utility plant acquisition adjustment, net 2,682 - 2,682 Other - (12) (12) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 27,246 $ 6,620 $ 33,866 The reclassification of goodwill to utility plant acquisition adjustment results from a mechanism approved by the applicable utility commission. The mechanism provides for the transfer over time, and the recovery through customer rates, of goodwill associated with some acquisitions upon achieving specific objectives. The reclassification from utility plant acquisition adjustment to goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the fair market value of the net assets acquired, from a prior acquisition, which was originally accounted for as utility plant acquisition adjustment. Income Taxes ─ The Company accounts for some income and expense items in different time periods for financial and tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are provided on specific temporary differences between the tax basis of the assets and liabilities, and the amounts at which they are carried in the consolidated financial statements. The income tax effect of temporary differences not currently recovered in rates is recorded as deferred taxes with an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. These deferred income taxes are based on the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such temporary differences are projected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized. Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties. Judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s Federal and state tax positions. Despite management’s belief that the Company’s tax return positions are fully supportable, the Company establishes reserves when it believes that its tax positions are likely to be challenged and it may not fully prevail in these challenges. The Company’s provision for income taxes includes interest, penalties and reserves for uncertain tax positions. In 2012, the Company changed its tax method of accounting for qualifying utility asset improvement costs in Aqua Pennsylvania effective with the tax year ended December 31, 2012 and for prior tax years. The tax accounting method was changed to permit the expensing of qualifying utility asset improvement costs that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes. This change was implemented in response to a June 2012 rate order issued by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to Aqua Pennsylvania, which provides for a reduction in current income tax expense as a result of the recognition of income tax benefits for qualifying utility asset improvements. This change results in a significant reduction in the effective income tax rate, a reduction in current income tax expense, and reduces the amount of taxes currently payable. For qualifying capital expenditures made prior to 2012, the resulting tax benefits have been deferred as of December 31, 2012 and, in accordance with the rate order, a ten year amortization of the income tax benefits, which reduces future income tax expense, commenced in 2013. During 2013, our Ohio and North Carolina operating divisions implemented this change. These divisions currently do not employ a method of accounting that provides for a reduction in current income taxes as a result of the recognition of income tax benefits, and as such the change in the Company’s tax method of accounting in these operating divisions had no impact on the Company’s effective income tax rate. Customers’ Advances for Construction and Contributions in Aid of Construction ─ Water mains, other utility property or, in some instances, cash advances to reimburse the Company for its costs to construct water mains or other utility property, are contributed to the Company by customers, real estate developers and builders in order to extend utility service to their properties. The value of these contributions is recorded as customers’ advances for construction. Over time, the amount of non-cash contributed property will vary based on the timing of the contribution of the non-cash property and the volume of non-cash contributed property received in connection with development in our service territories. The Company makes refunds on these advances over a specific period of time based on operating revenues related to the property, or as new customers are connected to and take service from the applicable water main. After all refunds are made, any remaining balance is transferred to contributions in aid of construction. Contributions in aid of construction include direct non-refundable contributions and the portion of customers' advances for construction that become non ‑refundable. Based on regulatory conventions in states where the Company operates, generally our subsidiaries depreciate contributed property and amortize contributions in aid of construction at the composite rate of the related property. Contributions in aid of construction and customers’ advances for construction are deducted from the Company’s rate base for rate-making purposes, and therefore, no return is earned on contributed property. Inventories, Materials and Supplies ─ Inventories are stated at cost. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Stock-Based Compensation ─ The Company records compensation expense in the financial statements for stock-based awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards. Stock-based compensation expense includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and is recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis, which is generally commensurate with the vesting term. Fair Value Measurements – The Company follows the FASB’s 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Recent Accounting Pronouncements ─ In November 2015, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the balance sheet classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. Previously, deferred taxes were presented as a net current asset or liability and net noncurrent asset or liability, which required a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis based on the classification of the assets and liabilities to which the underlying temporary differences relate, or, in the case of tax loss carryforwards, based on the period in which the attribute is expected to be realized. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available, and the guidance may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company has elected to early adopt the updated guidance, prospectively, for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and has not retrospectively adjusted the prior period consolidated balance sheet. If the Company had adopted the updated guidance retrospectively, the December 31, 2014 deferred income taxes of $26,849 classified as current assets would have been reported as a partial reduction to the deferred income taxes and investment tax credits reported in the deferred credits and other liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet. In September 2015, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on simplifying measurement-period adjustments in business combinations, which eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available. The Company does not expect the provisions of this accounting standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position. In April 2015, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. Previously, debt issuance costs were presented in the balance sheet as a deferred charge. The accounting standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the provisions of this accounting standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position. In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard that will require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for each annual and interim reporting period and to provide related footnote disclosures in circumstances in which substantial doubt exists. The accounting standard is effective in the first annual reporting period ending after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect the provisions of this accounting standard to have an impact on its results of operations or financial position. In May 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts with customers, which outlines a single comprehensive model that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of recognition. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The updated guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral to the original effective date of this guidance. The updated guidance is effective retrospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption. In April 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption available. The Company adopted the provisions of the updated accounting guidance for its quarterly reporting period beginning January 1, 2015, and the adoption of the revised guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	N ote 2 – Acquisitions Pursuant to the Company’s growth-through-acquisition strategy, the Company completed the following acquisitions. In April 2015, the Company acquired the water and wastewater utility system assets of North Maine Utilities, located in the Village of Glenview, Illinois serving approximately 7,400 customers. The total purchase price consisted of $23,079 in cash. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition consists primarily of acquired property, plant and equipment. Additionally, in 2015, the Company completed 14 acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems in various states. The total purchase price of these utility systems consisted of $5,210 in cash. The operating revenues included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company during the period owned by the Company for the utility systems acquired in 2015 are $6,662 . The pro forma effect of the businesses acquired is not material either individually or collectively to the Company’s results of operations. In 2014, the Company completed 16 acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems in various states. The total purchase price of these utility systems consisted of $10,530 in cash. Further , in August 2014, the Company acquired a market-based business that specializes in the inspection, cleaning and repair of storm and sanitary sewer lines. The total purchase price consisted of $3,010 , of which a total of $810 is contingent upon satisfying certain annual performance targets over a three -year period for which $270 has been paid for completion of the performance targets for year one . Additionally, in December 2014, the Company acquired a market-based business that specializes in providing water distribution system services to prevent the contamination of potable water, including training to waterworks operators. The total purchase price consisted of $1,800 , of which $700 was paid in the first quarter of 2015. The operating revenues included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company during the period owned by the Company for these utility systems and market-based businesses were $19,154 in 2015 and $4,403 in 2014. The pro forma effect of the businesses acquired is not material either individually or collectively to the Company’s results of operations. In 2013 , the Company completed 15 acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems in various states. The total purchase price consisted of $14,997 in cash. The operating revenues included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company during the period owned by the Company were $3,276 in 2015, $3,180 in 2014 , and $2,103 in 2013 . The pro forma effect of the businesses acquired is not material either individually or collectively to the Company’s results of operations. In January 2016, the Company acquired Superior Water Company, Inc., which provides public water service to approximately 3,900 customers in portions of Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania. The total purchase price for the utility system was $16,750 , which consisted of the issuance of 439,943 shares of the Company’s common stock, which was valued based on the average closing price for the thirty consecutive trading days ending December 31, 2015, and $3,905 in cash. As of the date of issuance of the financial statements, the initial accounting of the purchase price allocation for this acquisition is incomplete.

Discontinued Operations And Oth

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition	Note 3 – Discontinued Operations and Other Disposition Discontinued Operations – In December 2014, we completed the sale of our water utility system in southwest Allen County, Indiana to the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (the “City”) for $67,011 , which included a payment received in December 2014 of $50,100 in addition to $16,911 the City already paid the Company for the northern portion of our water and wastewater utility systems, which were acquired by the City in February 2008, by eminent domain . We recognized a gain on sale of $29,210 ($17,611 after-tax) in the fourth quarter of 2014. As a result of this transaction, Aqua Indiana will expand its sewer customer base by accepting new wastewater flows from the City. 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 non-regulated wastewater treatment facility in Georgia. In March 2014, we completed the sale of our wastewater treatment facility in Georgia, which concluded our operations in this state. In March, April, and December 2013, through five separate sales transactions, we completed the sale of our water and wastewater utility systems in Florida, which concluded our regulated operations in Florida . The Company received total net proceeds from these sales of $88,934 and recognized a gain on sale of $21,178 ($13,766 after-tax). The operating results, cash flows, and financial position of the Company’s subsidiaries named above have been presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of net income, consolidated statements of cash flow, and consolidated balance sheets as discontinued operations. A summary of discontinued operations presented in the consolidated statements of net income includes the following: Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Operating revenues $ 6,324 $ 19,014 Total operating expenses 3,262 11,880 Operating income 3,062 7,134 Other (income) expense: Gain on sale (29,093) (21,178) Other, net - 1 Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 32,155 28,311 Provision for income taxes 12,800 9,882 Income from discontinued operations $ 19,355 $ 18,429 As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company does not have any assets or liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale. Other Disposition – The following disposition has not been presented as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company does not believe that disclosure of the following disposed water and wastewater utility system as discontinued operations is meaningful to the reader of the financial statements for making investment decisions. The gain s disclosed below are reported in the consolidated statements of net income as a reduction to operations and maintenance expense. In June 2013, the Company sold a water and wastewater utility system in Texas 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 ($615 after-tax) , and is reported in the consolidated statement of net income as a reduction to operations and maintenance expense. The utility system represented approximately 0.04% of the Company’s total assets.

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant And Equipment	Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment December 31, Approximate Range Weighted Average 2015 2014 of Useful Lives Useful Life Utility plant and equipment: Mains and accessories $ 2,696,194 $ 2,516,895 30 - 93 years 77 years Services, hydrants, treatment plants and reservoirs 1,531,052 1,426,701 5 - 85 years 49 years Operations structures and water tanks 263,722 252,908 14 - 70 years 47 years Miscellaneous pumping and purification equipment 687,472 654,316 5 - 90 years 40 years Meters, data processing, transportation and operating equipment 684,335 650,253 4 - 63 years 25 years Land and other non-depreciable assets 98,575 100,009 - - Utility plant and equipment 5,961,350 5,601,082 Utility construction work in progress 144,448 116,644 - - Net utility plant acquisition adjustment (24,428) (20,164) 2 - 53 years (1) 28 years Non-utility plant and equipment 6,641 9,455 3 - 25 years 7 years Total property, plant and equipment $ 6,088,011 $ 5,707,017 (1) Net utility plant acquisition adjustment is generally being amortized from 2 to 53 years, except where not permitted.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Note 5 – Accounts Receivable December 31, 2015 2014 Billed utility revenue $ 56,876 $ 55,537 Unbilled revenue 37,276 35,566 Other 10,867 11,261 105,019 102,364 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 5,873 5,365 Net accounts receivable $ 99,146 $ 96,999 The Company’s utility customers are located principally in the following states: 47 % in Pennsylvania, 16 % in Ohio, 10 % in North Carolina, 8 % in Texas, and 8 % in Illinois. No single customer accounted for more than one percent of the Company's regulated operating revenues during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 . The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts: 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1, $ 5,365 $ 4,413 $ 4,299 Amounts charged to expense 5,762 5,838 4,708 Accounts written off (6,513) (6,120) (5,884) Recoveries of accounts written off 1,259 1,234 1,290 Balance at December 31, $ 5,873 $ 5,365 $ 4,413

Regulatory Assets And Liabiliti

Regulatory Assets And Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities	Note 6 – Regulatory Assets and Liabilities The regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be fully recovered from customers in future rates while regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers in future rates or amounts recovered from customers in advance of incurring the costs. Except for income taxes, regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are excluded from the Company’s rate base and do not earn a return. The components of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Regulatory Regulatory Regulatory Regulatory Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Income taxes $ 699,247 $ 181,067 $ 596,459 $ 206,940 Utility plant retirement costs 6,052 27,604 7,687 25,236 Post-retirement benefits 112,626 50,775 108,586 46,074 Accrued vacation 1,744 - 1,605 - Water tank painting 303 - 1,533 - Fair value adjustment of long-term debt assumed in acquisition 3,636 - 4,004 - Rate case filing expenses and other 6,510 61 5,717 67 $ 830,118 $ 259,507 $ 725,591 $ 278,317 Items giving rise to deferred state income taxes, as well as a portion of deferred Federal income taxes related to specific differences between tax and book depreciation expense, are recognized in the rate setting process on a cash basis or as a reduction in current income tax expense and will be recovered as they reverse. Amounts include differences that arise between specific utility asset improvement costs capitalized for book and deducted as a n expense for tax purposes. A portion of the regulatory liability for income taxes is related to Aqua Pennsylvania ’s income tax accounting change for the tax benefits realized on the Company’s 2012 tax return, which have not yet reduced current income tax expense due to the ten year amortization period which began in 2013. This amortization was stipulated in a June 2012 rate order issued to Aqua Pennsylvania and is subject to specific parameters being met each year. Beginning in 2013, the Company amortized $38,000 , annually, of its deferred income tax benefits, which reduced current income tax expense and increased the Company’s net income by $16,734 . The regulatory asset for utility plant retirement costs, including cost of removal, represents costs already incurred that are expected to be recovered in future rates over a five year recovery period. The regulatory liability for utility plant retirement costs represents amounts recovered through rates during the life of the associated asset and before the costs are incurred. The regulatory asset for accrued vacation represents costs that would otherwise be charged to operations and maintenance expense for vacation that is earned by employees, which is recovered as a cost of service. The regulatory asset for Post-retirement benefits , which include s pension and other post-retirement benefits , primarily reflects a regulatory asset that has been recorded for the costs that would otherwise be charged to stockholders’ equity for the underfunded status of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. The Company also has a regulatory asset related to post-retirement benefits costs that represents costs already incurred which are now being recovered in rates over 10 years . The regulatory liability for post-retirement benefits represents costs recovered in rates in excess of post-retirement benefits expense. Expenses associated with water tank painting are deferred and amortized over a period of time as approved in the regulatory process. Water tank painting costs are generally being amortized over a period ranging from 1 to 15 years. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment for fixed rate, long-term debt assumed in acquisitions that matures in various years ranging from 2022 to 2029 . The regulatory asset or liability results from the rate setting process continuing to recognize the historical interest cost of the assumed debt. The regulatory asset related to rate case filing expenses and other represents the costs associated with filing for rate increases that are deferred and amortized over periods that generally range from one to five years , and costs incurred by the Company for which it has received or expects to receive rate recovery. The regulatory asset related to the costs incurred for information technology software projects and water main cleaning and relining projects are described in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 7 – Income Taxes The provision for income taxes for the Company’s continuing operations consists of: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 2,624 $ (11,296) $ (11,153) State (4,168) 5,038 5,687 (1,544) (6,258) (5,466) Deferred: Federal 12,649 37,500 30,327 State 3,857 (6,023) (3,628) 16,506 31,477 26,699 Total tax expense $ 14,962 $ 25,219 $ 21,233 The statutory Federal tax rate is 35 % and for states with a corporate net income tax, the state corporate net income tax rates range from 5 % to 9.99 % for all years presented. The reasons for the differences between amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense for the Company’s continuing operations are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Computed Federal tax expense at statutory rate $ 75,863 $ 83,686 $ 78,436 Decrease in Federal tax expense related to an income tax accounting change for qualifying utility asset improvement costs (59,488) (57,015) (57,467) State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit (202) (640) 1,338 Increase in tax expense for depreciation expense to be recovered in future rates 199 317 295 Stock-based compensation (174) (168) (421) Deduction for Aqua America common dividends paid under employee benefit plan (456) (350) (414) Amortization of deferred investment tax credits (421) (416) (420) Other, net (359) (195) (114) Actual income tax expense $ 14,962 $ 25,219 $ 21,233 In December 2012, the Company changed its tax method of accounting for qualifying utility system repairs in Aqua Pennsylvania effective with the tax year ended December 31, 2012 and for prior tax years. The tax accounting method was changed to permit the expensing of qualifying utility asset improvement costs that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes. This change was implemented in response to a June 2012 rate order issued by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to Aqua Pennsylvania which provides for a reduction in current income tax expense as a result of the recognition of some income tax benefits resulting from the income tax accounting change . In 2013, the Company recorded $60,555 of income tax benefits, which includes $14,908 of income tax benefits recognized based on final filing positions used in the 2012 tax return. In 2014, the Company recorded $69,048 of income tax benefits. In 2015, the Company recorded $72,944 of income tax benefits. The Company recognized a tax deduction on its 2012 Federal tax return of $380,000 for qualifying capital expenditures made prior to 2012, and based on the rate order, in 2013, the Company began to amortize 1/10 th of these expenditures. In accordance with the rate order, the amortization is expected to reduce current income tax expense during periods when qualifying parameters are met. Beginning in 2013, the Company amortized the qualifying capital expenditures made prior to 2012 and recognized $38,000 , annually, of deferred income tax benefits, which reduced current income tax expense and increased the Company’s net income by $16,734 . The Company’s effective income tax rate for 2015, 2014, and 2013, for its continuing operations, was 6.9% , 10.5% , and 9.5% , respectively . In September 2013, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued “Guidance Regarding Deduction 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 were effective for the Company’s 2014 fiscal year, and the adoption of these regulations did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. The C ompany establishes reserves for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s judgment as to the sustainability of these positions. These accounting estimates related to the uncertain tax position reserve require judgments to be made as to the sustainability of each uncertain tax position based on its technical merits. The Company believes its tax positions comply with applicable law and that it has adequately recorded reserves as required. However, to the extent the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the estimates recorded, the Company would then adjust its tax reserves or unrecognized tax benefits in the period that this information becomes known. The Company has elected to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. The following table provides the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits: 2015 2014 Balance at January 1, $ 25,292 $ 28,690 Additions based on tax position related to the current year 2,724 1,077 Reductions based on tax position related to prior years - (4,475) Balance at December 31, $ 28,016 $ 25,292 The unrecognized tax benefits relate to the income tax accounting change, and the tax position is attributable to a temporary difference. The Company does not anticipate material changes to its unrecognized tax benefits within the next year. As a result of the regulatory treatment afforded by the income tax accounting change in Pennsylvania and despite this position being a temporary difference, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $17,777 and $12,567 , respectively, of these tax benefits would have an impact on the Company’s effective income tax rate in the event the Company does sustain all, or a portion, of its tax position. The following table provides the components of the net deferred tax liability from continuing operations: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Customers' advances for construction $ 27,675 $ 27,130 Costs expensed for book not deducted for tax, principally accrued expenses 15,612 14,279 Utility plant acquisition adjustment basis differences 3,489 12,314 Post-retirement benefits 36,362 34,653 Tax loss carryforward 93,263 112,719 Other 1,102 1,528 177,503 202,623 Less valuation allowance 10,982 6,578 166,521 196,045 Deferred tax liabilities: Utility plant, principally due to depreciation and differences in the basis of fixed assets due to variation in tax and book accounting 1,027,406 966,596 Deferred taxes associated with the gross-up of revenues necessary to recover, in rates, the effect of temporary differences 214,861 161,479 Tax effect of regulatory asset for post-retirement benefits 36,362 34,653 Deferred investment tax credit 6,815 7,259 1,285,444 1,169,987 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,118,923 $ 973,942 At December 31, 201 5, the Company has a cumulative Federal net operating loss (“NOL ”) of $158,276 . The Company believes the Federal NOLs are more likely than not to be recovered and require no valuation allowance. The Company’s Federal NOLs do not begin to expire until 2031. In 2012 and 2011, as a result of the Company’s Federal cumulative NOLs the Company ceased recognizing the windfall tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation, because the deduction did not reduce income taxes payable. As of December 31, 2015, the Company utilized all of the 2011 NOL and recognized a windfall tax benefit of $1,680 . Upon realization of the Company’s 2012 Federal NOLs, the Company will recognize a windfall tax benefit of $2,805 . At December 31, 201 5 the Company has a cumulative state NOL of $548,671 , a portion of which is offset by a valuation allowance because the Company does not believe these NOLs are more likely than not to be realized. The state NOLs do not begin to expire until 2023. The Company has unrecognized tax positions that result in the associated tax benefit being unrecognized. The Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards are reduced by an unrecognized tax position, on a gross basis, of $62,975 and $88,904 , respectively , which results from the Company’s adoption in 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 $221,070 and $637,575 , respectively. The Company records its unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to its deferred income tax liability. As of December 31, 201 5 , the Company’s Federal income tax returns for all years through 2011 have been closed . Tax years 2012 through 2015 remain open to Federal examination. The statute remains open for the Company’s state income tax returns for tax years 2012 through 2015 in the various states in which the Company’s conducts business.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Abstract]
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	Note 8 – Taxes Other than Income Taxes The following table provides the components of taxes other than income taxes: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Property $ 26,545 $ 24,133 $ 25,341 Capital Stock 1,644 1,315 2,127 Gross receipts, excise and franchise 10,362 10,945 11,775 Payroll 9,539 7,583 7,395 Regulatory assessments 2,689 2,538 2,462 Other 4,278 3,939 3,585 Total taxes other than income $ 55,057 $ 50,453 $ 52,685

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies The following disclosures reflect commitments and contingencies for the Company’s continuing operations. Commitments – The Company leases motor vehicles, buildings and other equipment under operating leases that are noncancelable. The future annual minimum lease payments due are as follows: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter $ 1,138 $ 714 $ 493 $ 404 $ 315 $ 301 The Company leases parcels of land on which treatment plants and other facilities are situated and adjacent parcels that are used for watershed protection. The operating leases are noncancelable, expire between 2016 and 2052 and contain renewal provisions. Some leases are subject to an adjustment every five years based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Subject to the aforesaid adjustment, during each of the next five years, an average of $ 587 of annual lease payments for land is due, and the aggregate of the years remaining approximates $ 13,663 . The Company maintains agreements with other water purveyors for the purchase of water to supplement its water supply, particularly during periods of peak demand. The agreements stipulate purchases of minimum quantities of water to the year 2026. The estimated annual commitments related to such purchases through 2020 are expected to average $ 7,352 and the aggregate of the years remaining approximates $ 19,138 . The Company has entered into purchase obligations, in the ordinary course of business, that include agreements for water treatment processes at some of its wells in a small number of its divisions. The 20 year term agreement provides for the use of treatment equipment and media used in the treatment process and are subject to adjustment based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The future contractual cash obligation related to these agreements are as follows: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 8,410 Rent expense under operating leases, purchased water expense, and water treatment expenses under these agreements were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Operating lease expense $ 2,440 $ 2,820 $ 3,375 Purchased water under long-term agreements 13,718 13,139 12,923 Water treatment expense under contractual agreement 972 892 926 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 December 31, 201 5 , the aggregate amount of $ 13,570 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, Aqua America has insurance coverage for a number of these loss contingencies, and as of December 31, 201 5 , estimates that approximately $ 1,013 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. Although the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of its properties is the subject that are material or are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, 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 $1,496 and $1,468 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and represents a reserve for unpaid claim costs, including an estimate for the cost of incurred but not reported claims.

Long-Term Debt And Loans Payabl

Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable	Note 10 – Long-term Debt and Loans Payable Long-term Debt – The consolidated statements of capitalization provide a summary of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and 201 4 . The supplemental indentures with respect to specific issues of the f irst m ortgage b onds restrict the ability of Aqua Pennsylvania and other operating subsidiaries of the Company to declare dividends, in cash or property, or repurchase or otherwise acquire the stock of these companies. Loan agreements for Aqua Pennsylvania and other operating subsidiaries of the Company have restrictions on minimum net assets. As of December 31, 201 5 , restrictions on the net assets of the Company were $1,240,826 of the total $ 1,725,930 in net assets. Included in this amount were restrictions on Aqua Pennsylvania’s net assets of $929,319 of their total net assets of $1,308,793 . As of December 31, 201 5 , approximately $ 1,121,206 of Aqua Pennsylvania’s retained earnings of approximately $ 1,141,206 and approximately $ 103,800 of the retained earnings of approximately $ 155,000 of other subsidiaries were free of these restrictions. Some supplemental indentures also prohibit Aqua Pennsylvania and some other subsidiaries of the Company from making loans to, or purchasing the stock of, the Company. Sinking fund payments are required by the terms of specific issues of long-term debt. Excluding amounts due under the Company’s revolving credit agreement, the future sinking fund payments and debt maturities of the Company’s long-term debt are as follows: Interest Rate Range 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter 0.00% to 0.99% $ 491 $ 60,489 $ 488 $ 491 $ 487 $ 2,702 1.00% to 1.99% 1,736 51,584 51,611 1,506 1,457 12,917 2.00% to 2.99% 1,492 1,529 1,571 1,614 1,658 11,303 3.00% to 3.99% 2,500 2,584 2,674 2,621 2,413 404,483 4.00% to 4.99% 11,091 11,100 11,110 50,325 16,536 531,331 5.00% to 5.99% 16,818 25,055 10,716 31,250 23,245 283,899 6.00% to 6.99% - 9,000 12,964 - - 31,000 7.00% to 7.99% 408 484 523 566 613 31,168 8.00% to 8.99% 357 482 521 563 610 11,969 9.00% to 9.99% 700 700 5,700 700 2,400 16,900 10.00% to 10.99% - - 6,000 - - - Total $ 35,593 $ 163,007 $ 103,878 $ 89,636 $ 49,419 $ 1,337,672 In December 2015, Aqua Pennsylvania issued $210,000 of first mortgage bonds, of which $65,000 is due in 2036 , $20,000 is due in 2037 , $25,000 is due in 2038 , $60,000 is due in 2046 , $20,000 is due in 2047 , and $20,000 is due in 2048 with interest rates of 3.77% , 3.82% , 3.85% , 4.16% , 4.18% , and 4.20% , respectively. The proceeds from these bonds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. In October 2015, Aqua Pennsylvania provided notice for the early redemption of $4,000 of first mortgage bonds at 8.14% that were originally maturing in 2025 and $95,985 of tax-exempt bonds at 5.00% that were originally maturing between 2035 and 2038 . Upon early redemption in December 2015 of the tax-exempt bonds, a gain of $678 was recognized resulting from the recognition of the unamortized issuance premium. In May 2015, the Company issued $70,000 of senior unsecured notes due in 2030 with an interest rate of 3.59% . The proceeds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. In May 2015, Aqua Pennsylvania entered into a $50,000 three -year unsecured loan at an interest rate of 1.975% . The proceeds from this loan were used for refinancing existing indebtedness and general working capital purposes. In December 2014, Aqua Pennsylvania issued $65,000 of first mortgage bonds, of which $25,000 is due in 2035 , $15,000 is due in 2040 , $13,000 is due in 2045 , and $12,000 is due in 2054 with interest rates of 3.64% , 4.01% , 4.06% , and 4.11% , respectively. The proceeds from these bonds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. In September 2014, Aqua Pennsylvania entered into a $50,000 three year unsecured loan at an interest rate of 1.92% . The proceeds from this loan were used for refinancing existing indebtedness and general working capital purposes including financing acquisitions. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company did not have any funds restricted for construction activity. The weighted average cost of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 4.44% and 4.65% , respectively. The weighted average cost of fixed rate long-term debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 4.57% and 4.85% , respectively. The Company has a five -year $ 200,000 unsecured revolving credit facility with three banks that expires i n March 2017 . I n cluded within this facility is a $ 15,000 sublimit for daily demand loans. Funds borrowed under this facility are classified as long-term debt and are used to provide working capital as well as support for letters of credit for insurance policies and other financing arrangements. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has the following sublimits and available capacity under the credit facility: $ 50,000 letter of credit sublimit, $ 26,640 of letters of credit available capacity, $ 0 borrowed under the swing-line commitment, and $ 60,000 of funds borrowed under the agreement. Interest under this facility is based at the Company’s option, on the prime rate, an adjusted Euro-Rate, an adjusted federal funds rate or at rates offered by the banks. A facility fee is charged on the total commitment amount of the agreement. Under this facility the average cost of borrowings was 0.87% and 0.78% , and the average borrowing was $82,880 and $67,916 , during 2015 and 2014, respectively. On February 24, 2016, the Company amended its unsecured revolving credit facility to extend the expiration from March 2017 to February 2021 , to increase the facility from $200,000 to $250,000 , and added a fourth bank to the lending group. The Company is obligated to comply with covenants under some of its loan and debt agreements. These covenants contain a number of restrictive financial covenants, which among other things limit, subject to specific exceptions, the Company’s ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization, and require a minimum level of earnings coverage over interest expense. During 2015, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants under its credit facilities. Failure to comply with the Company’s debt covenants could result in an event of default, which could result in the Company being required to repay or finance its borrowings before their due date, possibly limiting the Company’s future borrowings, and increasing its borrowing costs. Loans Payable – In November 2015, Aqua Pennsylvania renewed its $ 100,000 364 -day unsecured revolving credit facility with four banks. The funds borrowed under this agreement are classified as loans payable and used to provide working capital. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, funds borrowed under the agreement were $7,281 and $13,658 , respectively. Interest under this facility is based, at the borrower’s option, on the prime rate, an adjusted federal funds rate, an adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate corresponding to the interest period selected, an adjusted Euro-Rate corresponding to the interest period selected or at rates offered by the banks. This agreement restricts short-term borrowings of Aqua Pennsylvania. A commitment fee of 0.05 % is charged on the total commitment amount of Aqua Pennsylvania’s revolving credit agreement. The average cost of borrowing under the facility was 0.86% and 0.81% , and the average borrowing was $25,486 and $24,072 , during 2015 and 2014, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding at the end of any one month was $40,000 and $36,943 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had other combined short-term lines of credit of $35,500 and $60,500 , respectively. Funds borrowed under these lines are classified as loans payable and are used to provide working capital. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, funds borrowed under the short-term lines of credit were $9,440 and $4,740 , respectively. The average borrowing under the lines was $5,132 and $5,657 during 2015 and 2014, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding at the end of any one month was $9,440 and $13,740 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest under the lines is based at the Company’s option, depending on the line, on the prime rate, an adjusted Euro-Rate, an adjusted federal funds rate or at rates offered by the banks. The average cost of borrowings under all lines during 2015 and 2014 was 0.99% and 1.00% , respectively. Interest Income and Expense– Interest income of $272 , $316 , and $438 was netted against interest expense on the consolidated statement of net income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The total interest cost was $76,808 , $76,713 , and $77,754 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, including amounts capitalized of $6,219 , $5,134 , and $2,275 , respectively .

Fair Value Of Financial Instrum

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	Note 11 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments 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 December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any funds restricted for construction activity and as of December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of the Company’s funds restricted for construction activity was $ 47 , which equates to its estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the carrying amount of the Company’s loans payable was $16,721 and $18,398 , 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents were $3,229 and $4,138 , which equates to their fair value. The carrying amount s and estimated fair value s of the Company’s long-term debt is as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Carrying amount $ 1,779,205 $ 1,619,270 Estimated fair value 1,905,393 1,694,424 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 $86,934 and $78,301 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 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 2025 and amounts not paid by the 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.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Note 12 – Stockholders’ Equity At December 31, 201 5 , the Company had 300,000,000 shares of common stock authorized; par value $0.50 . Shares outstanding and treasury shares held were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares outstanding 176,544,091 176,753,270 176,750,599 Treasury shares 2,819,569 1,837,984 1,178,323 At December 31, 201 5 , the Company had 1,770,819 shares of authorized but unissued Series Preferred Stock, $ 1.00 par value. In February 2015, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to allow for the potential future sale by the Company, from time to time, in one or more public offerings, of an indeterminate amount of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and other securities specified therein at indeterminate prices. In February 2015, the Company filed a registration statement with the SEC which permits the offering, from time to time, of an aggregate of $500,000 in shares of common stock and shares of preferred stock in connection with acquisitions. The form and terms of any securities issued under these universal shelf registration statement and the acquisition shelf registration statement will be determined at the time of issuance. The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (“Plan”) that allows reinvested dividends to be used to purchase shares of common stock at a five percent discount from the current market value. Under the direct stock purchase program, shares are purchased by investors at market price. The shares issued under the Plan are either shares purchased by the Company’s transfer agent in the open-market or original issue shares. In 2015, 2014, and 2013, 535,439 , 558,317 , and 154,900 shares of the Company were purchased under the dividend reinvestment portion of the Plan by the Company’s transfer agent in the open-market for $14,380 , $14,148 , and $3,693 , respectively. During 2015 and 2013, under the dividend reinvestment portion of the Plan, 26,295 and 432,894 original issue shares of common stock were sold , providing the Company with proceeds of $677 and $10,107 , respectively. During 2014 , to minimize share dilution, the Company did not sell original issue shares of common stock under the Plan. 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 2014 , we repurchased 560,000 share s of our common stock in the open market for $13,280 . In December 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share buyback program, commencing in 2015, of up to 1,000,000 shares to minimize share dilution through timely and orderly share repurchases. In December 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors added 400,000 shares to this program. In 2015, we repurchased 805,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market for $20,502 . As of December 31, 201 5 , an aggregate of 720,348 shares remain available for repurchase. The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income is reported in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, the consolidated statements of equity, and the related components of other comprehensive income are reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company reports its unrealized gains or losses on investments as other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company recorded a regulatory asset for its underfunded status of its pension and other post-retirement benefit plans that would otherwise be charged to other comprehensive income, as it anticipates recovery of its costs through customer rates .

Net Income per Common Share and

Net Income per Common Share and Equity per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Income Per Common Share and Equity per Commn Share [Abstract]
Net Income per Common Share and Equity per Common Share	Note 13 – Net Income per Common Share and Equity per Common Share Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per 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 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 share: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation 176,788 176,864 176,140 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock-based compensation 729 899 674 Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation 177,517 177,763 176,814 For the year s ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, all of the Company’s employee stock options were included in the calculation 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 period s . Equity per common share was $9.78 and $9.37 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These amounts were computed by dividing Aqua America stock holders’ equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of each year.

Employee Stock and Incentive Pl

Employee Stock and Incentive Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Employee Stock and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Employee Stock and Incentive Plan	Note 14 – Employee Stock and Incentive Plan Under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, as amended as of February 27, 2014 (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 3,125,000 shares under the 2009 Plan may be issued pursuant to stock award, stock units and other stock-based awards, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2009 Plan. During any calendar year, no individual may be granted (i) stock options and stock appreciation rights under the 2009 Plan for more than 500,000 shares of common stock in the aggregate or (ii) stock awards, stock units or other stock-based awards under the 2009 Plan for more than 500,000 shares of Company stock in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2009 Plan. Awards to employees and consultants under the 2009 Plan are made by a committee of the Board of Directors, except that with respect to awards to the Chief Executive Officer, the committee recommends those awards for approval by the non-employee directors of the Board of Directors. In the case of awards to non-employee directors, the Board of Directors makes such awards. At December 31, 2015, 4,212,079 shares underlying stock-based compensation awards were still available for grant under the 2009 Plan. No further grants may be made under the 2004 plan. The recording of compensation expense for share-based compensation has no impact on net cash flows and results in the reclassification on the consolidated cash flow statements of related tax benefits from cash flows from operating activities to cash flows from financing activities to the extent these tax benefits exceed the associated compensation cost. Performance Share Units – During 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company granted 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 exceptions through the respective vesting periods, generally three years. Each grantee is granted a target award of PSUs, and may earn between 0 % and 200 % of the target amount depending on the Company’s performance against the performance goals, which consist of the following metrics for the 2015, 2014, and 2013 grants: 30% of the PSUs will be earned based on the Company’s TSR compared to the TSR for a specific peer group of investor-owned water companies (a market-based condition), 30% of the PSUs will be earned based on the Company’s TSR compared to the TSR for the companies listed in the Standard and Poor’s Midcap Utilities Index (a market-based condition), 20% of the PSUs will be earned based on maintaining an average ratio of operations and maintenance expenses as a percentage of revenues at Aqua Pennsylvania compared to a target average ratio for the three year performance period (a performance-based condition), and 20% of the PSUs will be earned based on earning a cumulative total earnings before taxes for the Company operations other than Aqua Pennsylvania for the three year performance period compared to a target (a performance-based condition). The following table provides compensation costs for PSUs: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ 4,419 $ 4,996 $ 3,437 Income tax benefit 1,796 2,044 1,400 The following table summarizes nonvested PSU transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015: Number of Share Units Weighted Average Fair Value Nonvested share units at beginning of period 582,644 $ 22.98 Granted 142,212 26.46 Performance criteria adjustment 17,717 25.59 Forfeited (14,276) 25.92 Share units vested (86,425) 26.25 Share units issued (217,014) 18.49 Nonvested share units at end of period 424,858 $ 25.78 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, which assesses the probabilities of various outcomes of market conditions. The other portion of the fair value of the PSUs associated with performance-based conditions was 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 fair value of each PSU grant is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods, generally 36 months. The accrual of compensation costs is based on an 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 separate 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. The following table provides the assumptions used in the pricing model for the grant, the resulting grant date fair value of PSUs, and the intrinsic value and fair value of PSUs that vested during the year : Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Expected term (years) 3.0 3.0 3.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.03% 0.68% 0.36% Expected volatility 16.9% 19.8% 20.0% Weighted average fair value of PSUs granted $ 26.46 $ 25.31 $ 26.88 Intrinsic value of vested PSUs $ 7,964 $ 4,327 $ 415 Fair value of vested PSUs $ 6,416 $ 3,297 $ 351 As of December 31, 2015, $ 4,098 of unrecognized compensation costs related to PSUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of PSUs as of December 31, 2015 was $ 15,236 . The aggregate intrinsic value of PSUs is based on the number of nonvested share units and the market value of the Company’s common stock as of the period end date. Restricted Stock Units – A restricted stock unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock and is valued based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. 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 specific 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. As the payout of the RSUs includes dividend equivalents, no separate dividend yield assumption is required in calculating the fair value of the RSUs. The following table provides compensation costs for RSUs: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ 1,076 $ 1,122 $ 813 Income tax benefit 444 464 336 The following table summarizes nonvested RSU transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015: Number of Stock Units Weighted Average Fair Value Nonvested stock units at beginning of period 122,565 $ 22.29 Granted 47,285 26.00 Stock units vested in prior period and issued in current period 11,500 17.99 Stock units vested and issued (90,588) 21.02 Forfeited (2,409) 24.94 Nonvested stock units at end of period 88,353 $ 24.94 The following table summarizes the value of RSUs: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average fair value of RSUs granted $ 26.00 $ 24.80 $ 23.28 Intrinsic value of vested RSUs 2,327 759 449 Fair value of vested RSUs 1,904 544 348 As of December 31, 2015, $ 1,046 of unrecognized compensation costs related to RSUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs as of December 31, 2015 was $ 2,633 . The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs is based on the number of nonvested stock units and the market value of the Company’s common stock as of the period end date. Stock Options – The following table provides compensation costs for stock options: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ - $ - $ 30 Income tax benefit 193 189 461 There were no stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. Options under the plans were issued at the closing market price of the stock on the day of the grant. Options are exercisable in installments of 33 % annually, starting one year from the date of the grant and expire 10 years from the date of the grant. The fair value of options was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which relies on assumptions that require management’s judgment. The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, beginning of year 1,084,992 $ 17.06 Forfeited - - Expired / Cancelled (750) 13.72 Exercised (424,709) 17.75 Outstanding and exercisable at end of year 659,533 $ 16.62 2.5 $ 8,692 The intrinsic value of stock options is the amount by which the market price of the stock on a given date, such as at the end of the period or on the day of exercise, exceeded the closing market price of stock on the date of grant. The following table summarizes the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the fair value of stock options which became vested: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 4,154 $ 4,054 $ 12,658 Fair value of options vested - - 500 The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding and options exercisable as of December 31, 2015: Options Outstanding and Exercisable Shares Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Range of prices: $13.00 - 14.99 160,722 4.1 $ 13.72 $15.00 - 15.99 165,615 3.2 15.30 $16.00 - 16.99 144,654 2.2 16.15 $17.00 - 19.99 112,297 1.2 18.61 $20.00 - 23.99 76,245 0.2 23.57 659,533 2.5 $ 16.62 As of December 31, 2015, there were no unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock options granted under the plans. Restricted Stock – Restricted stock awards provide the grantee with the rights of a shareholder, including the right to receive dividends and to vote such shares, but not the right to sell or otherwise transfer the shares during the restriction period. Restricted stock awards result in compensation expense which is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant and is amortized ratably over the restriction period. The Company expects forfeitures of restricted stock to be de minimis. The following table provides compensation costs for restricted stock: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ - $ 691 $ 770 Income tax benefit - 287 320 The following table summarizes the value of restricted stock awards: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Intrinsic value of restricted stock awards vested $ 860 $ 1,097 $ 2,236 Fair value of restricted stock awards vested 553 906 1,560 Weighted average fair value of restricted stock awards granted - 25.19 25.09 As of December 31, 2015, there were no unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested restricted stock as restricted stock was fully amortized in 2014. Additionally, there was no restricted stock granted during the year ended December 31, 2015. Stock Awards – On June 3, 2015, the Company granted an aggregate of 13,800 shares of common stock to the non-employee members of the Board of Directors continuing in office. The fair market value of the shares is $26.44 per share. The shares granted are not subject to any restrictions. In 2015, the Company recognized $365 of compensation expense and an income tax benefit of $151 associated with these grants.

Pension Plans And Other Postret

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits	Note 15 – Pension Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits The Company maintains a qualified, defined benefit pension plan that cover s its full-time employees who were hired prior to April 1, 2003. Retirement benefits under the plan are generally based on the employee’s total years of service and compensation during the last five years of employment. The Company’s policy is to fund the plan annually at a level which is deductible for income tax purposes and which provides assets sufficient to meet its pension obligations over time. To offset some limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code with respect to payments under qualified plans, the Company has a non-qualified Supplemental Pension Benefit Plan for Salaried Employees in order to prevent some employees from being penalized by these limitations , and to provide certain retirement benefits based on employee’s years of service and compensation . The Company also has non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans for some current and retired employees. The net pension costs and obligations of the qualified and non-qualified plans are included in the tables which follow. Employees hired after April 1, 2003 may participate in a defined contribution plan that provides a Company matching contribution on amounts contributed by participants and an annual profit-sharing contribution based upon a percentage of the eligible participants’ compensation. In August 2014, the Company announced changes to the way it will provide future retirement benefits to employees acquired through a prior acquisition. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company began providing future retirement benefits for these employees through its defined contribution plan. As a result, no further service will be considered in future accruals in the qualified defined benefit pension plan after December 31, 2014, and as a result of this change, the Company recognized a curtailment loss of $84 in 2014. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company offered a one-time voluntary lump sum window to certain eligible terminated vested participants in an effort to reduce its long-term obligations and plan volatility for its qualified defined benefit pension plan. In May 2014, the plan paid $11,471 to participants who elected to receive a lump sum distribution, which was funded from existing plan assets. These payments are reported as a portion of benefits paid for 2014 in the table presenting the change in benefit obligation for pension benefits. Effective July 1, 2015, the Company added a permanent lump sum option to the form of benefit payments offered to participants of the qualified defined benefit pension plan upon retirement or termination. The plan paid $5,329 during the second half of 2015 to participants who elected this option. In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company offers p ost-retirement b enefits other than p ensions to employees hired before April 1, 2003 and retiring with a minimum level of service. These benefits include continuation of medical and prescription drug benefits, or a cash contribution toward such benefits, for eligible retirees and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. The Company funds these benefits through various trust accounts. The benefits of retired officers and other eligible retirees are paid by the Company and not from plan assets due to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the years indicated: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits Years: 2016 $ 27,402 $ 1,889 2017 20,034 2,200 2018 20,079 2,518 2019 19,937 2,783 2020 20,823 2,995 2021-2025 102,607 17,413 The changes in the benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets, the funded status of the plans and the assumptions used in the measurement of the company’s benefit obligation are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at January 1, $ 311,609 $ 281,161 $ 71,958 $ 57,174 Service cost 3,349 4,295 1,224 1,161 Interest cost 12,955 14,153 2,802 2,903 Actuarial (gain) loss (7,778) 43,250 (6,527) 11,769 Plan participants' contributions - - 204 217 Benefits paid (17,118) (22,600) (1,270) (1,311) Plan amendments 3,220 - (3,254) 45 Curtailment - (8,650) - - Special termination benefits 302 - - - Benefit obligation at December 31, 306,539 311,609 65,137 71,958 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at January 1, 244,897 232,347 43,326 40,840 Actual return on plan assets (3,058) 17,148 (998) 3,175 Employer contributions 13,884 18,002 2,428 300 Benefits paid (17,118) (22,600) (1,052) (989) Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 238,605 244,897 43,704 43,326 Funded status of plan: Net amount recognized at December 31, $ 67,934 $ 66,712 $ 21,433 $ 28,632 The Company’s pension plans had an accumulated benefit obligation of $291,132 and $293,364 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The following table provides the net liability recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31,: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Current liability $ 8,370 $ 4,930 $ - $ - Noncurrent liability 59,564 61,782 21,433 28,632 Net liability recognized $ 67,934 $ 66,712 $ 21,433 $ 28,632 At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company’s pension plans had benefit obligations in excess of its plan assets. The following tables provide the projected benefit obligation, the accumulated benefit obligation and fair market value of the plan assets as of December 31,: Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan Assets 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 306,539 $ 311,609 Fair value of plan assets 238,605 244,897 Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan Assets 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 291,132 $ 293,364 Fair value of plan assets 238,605 244,897 The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31,: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 3,349 $ 4,295 $ 5,313 $ 1,224 $ 1,161 $ 1,525 Interest cost 12,955 14,153 12,660 2,802 2,903 2,579 Expected return on plan assets (18,702) (17,601) (14,770) (2,923) (2,742) (2,268) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 174 277 228 (687) (278) (295) Amortization of actuarial loss 5,993 2,256 8,169 1,282 260 1,479 Curtailment loss - 84 - - - - Net periodic benefit cost $ 3,769 $ 3,464 $ 11,600 $ 1,698 $ 1,304 $ 3,020 The Company records the underfunded status of its pension and other post-retirement benefit plans on its consolidated balance sheets and records a regulatory asset for these costs that would otherwise be charged to stockholders’ equity, as the Company anticipates recoverability of the costs through customer rates. The Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans were underfunded at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Changes in the plans’ funded status will affect the assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet. Due to the Company’s regulatory treatment, the recognition of the funded status is recorded as a regulatory asset pursuant to the FASB’s accounting guidance for regulated operations. The following table provides the amounts recognized in regulatory assets that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost as of December 31,: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ 87,930 $ 79,639 $ 14,469 $ 18,356 Prior service cost (credit) 4,419 1,374 (2,926) (359) Total recognized in regulatory assets $ 92,349 $ 81,013 $ 11,543 $ 17,997 The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the Company’s pension plans that will be amortized in 201 6 from the regulatory assets into net periodic benefit cost are $ 6,917 and $ 578 , respectively. The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit for the Company’s other post-retirement benefit plans that will be amortized in 201 6 from regulatory assets into net periodic benefit cost are $ 1,068 and $ 549 , respectively. Accounting for pensions and other post-retirement benefits requires 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. Each assumption is reviewed annually with assistance from the Company’s actuarial consultant who provides guidance in establishing the assumptions. The assumptions are selected to represent the average expected experience over time and may differ in any one year from actual experience due to changes in capital markets and the overall economy. These differences will impact the amount of pension and other post-retirement benefit expense that the Company recognizes. The significant assumptions related to the Company’s benefit obligations are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31, Discount rate 4.48% 4.20% 4.60% 4.17% Rate of compensation increase 3.0 -4.0% 3.0 -4.0% n/a n/a Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31, Health care cost trend rate n/a n/a 7.0% 7.0% Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) n/a n/a 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate n/a n/a 2021 2019 n/a – Assumption is not applicable. The significant assumptions related to the Company’s net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs for Years Ended December 31, Discount rate 4.20% 5.12% 4.17% 4.17% 5.12% 4.17% Expected return on plan assets 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 5.00 -7.50% 5.00 -7.50% 5.00 -7.50% Rate of compensation increase 3.0 -4.0% 4.0 -4.5% 4.0 -4.5% n/a n/a n/a Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs for Years Ended December 31, Health care cost trend rate n/a n/a n/a 7.0% 7.5% 8.0% Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) n/a n/a n/a 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate n/a n/a n/a 2019 2019 2019 n/a – Assumption is not applicable . Assumed health-care trend rates have a significant effect on the expense and liabilities for other post-retirement benefit plans. The health care 7 trend rate is based on historical rates and expected market conditions. A one-percentage point change in the assumed health-care cost trend rates would have the following effects: 1-Percentage-Point Increase 1-Percentage-Point Decrease Effect on the health-care component of the accrued other post-retirement benefit obligation $ 3,691 $ (3,319) Effect on aggregate service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement health-care benefit cost $ 254 $ (233) The Company’s discount rate assumption , which is utilized to calculate the present value of the projected benefit payments of our post-retirement benefits, was determined by selecting a hypothetical portfolio of high quality corporate bonds appropriate to match the projected benefit payments of the plan s . The selected bond portfolio was derived from a universe of Aa-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), and have at least $ 50,000 in outstanding value. The discount rate was then developed as the rate that equates the market value of the bonds purchased to the discounted value of the plan’s benefit payments. The Company’s pension expense and liability (benefit obligations) increases as the discount rate is reduced. The Company’s expected return on plan assets is determined by evaluating the asset class return expectations with its advisors as well as actual, long-term, historical results of our asset returns. The Company’s market related value of plan assets is equal to the fair value of the plan ’s assets as of the last day of its fiscal year, and is a determinant for the expected return on plan assets which is a component of post-retirement benefits expense. The Company’s pension expense increases as the expected return on plan assets decreases. For 201 5 , the Company used a 7.50 % expected return on plan assets assumption which will decrease to 7.25% for 2016 . The Company believes its actual long-term asset allocation on average will approximate the targeted allocation. The Company’s investment strategy is to earn a reasonable rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels through the diversification of investments across and within various asset categories. Investment returns are compared to benchmarks that include the S&P 500 Index, the Barclays Capital Intermediate Government/Credit Index, and a combination of the two indices. The Pension Committee meets semi-annually to review plan investments and management monitors investment performance quarterly through a performance report prepared by an external consulting firm. The Company’s pension plan asset allocation and the target allocation by asset class are as follows: Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, Target Allocation 2015 2014 Domestic equities 25 to 75% 63% 64% International equities 0 to 10% 6% 6% Fixed income 25 to 50% 24% 25% Alternative investments 0 to 5% 3% 3% Cash and cash equivalents 0 to 20% 4% 2% Total 100% 100% 100% The fair value of the Company’s pension plans’ assets at December 31, 201 5 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 146,970 $ 146,970 $ - $ - Mutual funds 3,605 3,605 - - International equities (2) 14,180 14,180 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 22,953 - 22,953 - Corporate and foreign bonds 13,579 - 13,579 - Mutual funds 21,523 21,523 - - Alternative investments: (4) Real estate 5,981 5,981 - - Commodity funds 1,169 1,169 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 8,645 50 8,595 - Total pension assets $ 238,605 $ 193,478 $ 45,127 $ - The fair value of the Company’s pension plans’ assets at December 31, 201 4 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 151,402 $ 151,402 $ - $ - Mutual funds 4,168 4,168 - - International equities (2) 14,584 14,584 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 25,150 - 25,150 - Corporate and foreign bonds 13,716 - 13,716 - Mutual funds 21,405 21,405 - - Alternative investments: (4) Real estate 6,215 6,215 - - Commodity funds 1,203 1,203 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 7,054 19 7,035 - Total pension assets $ 244,897 $ 198,996 $ 45,901 $ - (1) Investments in common stocks are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. Investments in equity mutual funds, which invest in stocks, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices from active markets . (2) Investments in international equities are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (3) Investments in U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds and corporate and foreign bonds are valued by a pricing service which utilizes pricing models that incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information to value the fixed income securities. Investments in fixed income mutual funds, which invest in bonds, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. (4) Alternative investments are comprised of real estate funds, real estate investment trusts, and commodity funds, and are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (5) Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of both uninvested cash and money market funds. The uninvested cash is valued based on its carrying value, and the money market funds are valued utilizing the net asset value per unit based on the fair value of the underlying assets as determined by the fund’s investment managers. Equity securities include Aqua America, Inc. common stock in the amounts of $19,958 or 8.4% and $17,409 or 7.1% of total pension plans’ assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively . The asset allocation for the Company’s other post-retirement benefit plans and the target allocation by asset class are as follows: Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, Target Allocation 2015 2014 Domestic equities 25 to 75% 54% 57% International equities 0 to 10% 2% 3% Fixed income 25 to 50% 26% 25% Alternative investments 0 to 5% 0% 1% Cash and cash equivalents 0 to 20% 18% 14% Total 100% 100% 100% The fair value of the Company’s other post-retirement benefit plans’ assets at December 31, 201 5 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 11,772 $ 11,772 $ - $ - Mutual funds 12,030 12,030 - - International equities (2) 1,078 1,078 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 4,551 - 4,551 - Corporate and foreign bonds 4,476 - 4,476 - Mutual funds 2,177 2,177 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 7,620 - 7,620 - Total other post-retirement assets $ 43,704 $ 27,057 $ 16,647 $ - The fair value of the Company’s other post-retirement benefit plans’ assets at December 31, 201 4 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 12,265 $ 12,265 $ - $ - Mutual funds 12,582 12,582 - - International equities (2) 1,482 1,482 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 5,678 - 5,678 - Corporate and foreign bonds 3,822 - 3,822 - Mutual funds 1,409 1,409 - - Alternative investments (4) 204 204 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 5,884 - 5,884 - Total other post-retirement assets $ 43,326 $ 27,942 $ 15,384 $ - (1) Investments in common stocks are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. Investments in equity mutual funds, which invest in stocks, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices from active markets . (2) Investments in international equities are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (3) Investments in U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds and corporate and foreign bonds are valued by a pricing service which utilizes pricing models that incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information to value the fixed income securities. Investments in fixed income mutual funds, which invest in bonds, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. (4) Investments in alternative investments are comprised of investments in real estate funds and real estate investment trusts and are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (5) Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of money market funds, which are valued utilizing the net asset value per unit based on the fair value of the underlying assets as determined by the fund’s investment managers. Funding requirements for qualified defined benefit pension plans are determined by government regulations and not by accounting pronouncements. In accordance with funding rules and the Company’s funding policy, during 201 6 our pension contribution is expected to be $ 8,145 . The Company has a 401(k) savings plan , which is a defined contribution plan and cover s substantially all employees. The Company makes matching contributions that are initially invested in our common stock based on a percentage of an employee’s contribution, subject to specific limitations. Participants may diversify their Company matching account balances into other investments offered under the 401(k) savings plan. The Company’s contribution s , which are recorded as compensation expense, were $5,001 , $3,051 , and $2,790 , for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Water And Wastewater Rates

Water And Wastewater Rates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Water And Wastewater Rates [Abstract]
Water And Wastewater Rates	Note 16 – Water and Wastewater Rates On June 7, 2012, 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 a reduction in current income tax expense as a result of the recognition of qualifying income tax benefits upon Aqua Pennsylvania changing its tax accounting method to permit the expensing of qualifying utility asset improvement costs that historically have been capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes. In December 2012, Aqua Pennsylvania implemented this change which resulted in a substantial reduction in income tax expense and greater net income and cash flow, and as a result allowed Aqua Pennsylvania to suspend its water Distribution System Improvement Charges in 2013 and lengthen the amount of time until the next Aqua Pennsylvania rate case is filed. The Company’s operating subsidiaries were allowed rate increases totaling $3,347 in 2015, $9,886 in 2014, and $9,431 in 2013, represented by four , twelve , and six rate decisions, respectively. Revenues from these increases realized in the year of grant were approximately $2,887 , $5,375 , and $8,169 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Six states in which the Company operates permit water utilities, and in five states wastewater utilities, to add a surcharge to their water or wastewater bills to offset the additional depreciation and capital costs related to infrastructure system replacement and rehabilitation projects completed and placed into service between base rate filings. Currently, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, New Jersey, and North Carolina allow for the use of this surcharge. On December 22, 2014, the North Carolina Utilities Commission granted the first infrastructure surcharge for Aqua North Carolina. The Attorney General filed an appeal to the State Supreme Court challenging the approval and on August 21, 2015, the State Supreme Court upheld the Commission’s decision granting this surcharge. The surcharge for infrastructure system replacements and rehabilitations is typically adjusted periodically based on additional qualified capital expenditures completed or anticipated in a future period, is capped as a percentage of base rates, generally at 5 % to 12.75 %, and is reset to zero when new base rates that reflect the costs of those additions become effective or when a utility’s earnings exceed a regulatory benchmark. The surcharge for infrastructure system replacements and rehabilitations provided revenues in 2015, 2014, and 2013 of $3,261 , $4,598 , and $3,205 , respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 17 – Segment Information The Company has ten operating segments and one reportable segment. The Regulated segment, the Company’s single reportable segment, is comprised of eight operating segments representing our water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where we provide water and wastewater services. These operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment since each of these operating segments has the following similarities: economic characteristics, nature of services, production processes, customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the regulatory environment. Two operating segments are included within the Other category below. These segments are not quantitatively significant and are comprised of Aqua Resources and Aqua Infrastructure. In addition to these segments, Other is comprised of other business activities not included in the reportable segment, including corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations. Corporate costs include general and administrative expenses, and interest expense. The following table presents information about the Company’s reportable segment: 2015 2014 Other and Other and Regulated Eliminations Consolidated Regulated Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues $ 779,613 $ 34,591 $ 814,204 $ 756,057 $ 23,846 $ 779,903 Operations and maintenance expense 282,866 26,444 309,310 274,754 13,802 288,556 Depreciation 125,146 144 125,290 122,728 326 123,054 Operating income 315,876 5,224 321,100 305,333 9,026 314,359 Interest expense, net 72,703 3,833 76,536 72,106 4,291 76,397 Allowance for funds used during construction (6,219) - (6,219) (5,134) - (5,134) Equity loss in joint venture - 35,177 35,177 - 3,989 3,989 Income tax (benefit) 26,379 (11,417) 14,962 24,792 427 25,219 Income (loss) from continuing operations 224,122 (22,332) 201,790 213,890 (6) 213,884 Capital expenditures 363,594 1,095 364,689 325,943 2,662 328,605 Total assets 5,564,089 176,949 5,741,038 5,195,191 211,561 5,406,752 Goodwill 27,246 6,620 33,866 24,564 6,620 31,184 2013 Other and Regulated Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues $ 744,527 $ 17,366 $ 761,893 Operations and maintenance expense 269,804 13,757 283,561 Depreciation 118,592 (178) 118,414 Operating income 300,779 883 301,662 Interest expense, net 70,835 6,481 77,316 Allowance for funds used during construction (2,275) - (2,275) Equity loss in joint venture - 2,665 2,665 Income tax (benefit) 24,911 (3,678) 21,233 Income (loss) from continuing operations 207,509 (4,638) 202,871 Capital expenditures 307,032 876 307,908 Total assets 4,893,573 158,244 5,051,817 Goodwill 24,102 4,121 28,223

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Year 2015 Operating revenues $ 190,326 $ 205,760 $ 221,051 $ 197,067 $ 814,204 Operations and maintenance expense 73,189 79,746 78,519 77,856 309,310 Operating income 71,167 80,246 95,072 74,615 321,100 Net income attributable to common shareholders 48,545 57,382 67,429 28,434 201,790 Basic net income per common share 0.27 0.32 0.38 0.16 1.14 Diluted net income per common share 0.27 0.32 0.38 0.16 1.14 Dividend paid per common share 0.165 0.165 0.178 0.178 0.686 Dividend declared per common share 0.165 0.165 0.178 0.178 0.686 Price range of common stock: - high 28.13 27.53 27.10 31.09 31.09 - low 25.42 24.40 24.45 26.20 24.40 2014 Operating revenues $ 182,672 $ 195,307 $ 210,535 $ 191,389 $ 779,903 Operations and maintenance expense 71,686 70,375 72,374 74,121 288,556 Operating income 66,770 79,934 95,058 72,597 314,359 Income from continuing operations 42,401 54,818 67,711 48,954 213,884 Income from discontinued operations 458 751 285 17,861 19,355 Net income attributable to common shareholders 42,859 55,569 67,996 66,815 233,239 Basic income from continuing operations per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.28 1.21 Diluted income from continuing operations per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.28 1.20 Basic income from discontinued operations per common share 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.11 Diluted income from discontinued operations per common share 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.11 Basic net income per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.38 1.32 Diluted net income per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.38 1.31 Dividend paid per common share 0.152 0.152 0.165 0.165 0.634 Dividend declared per common share 0.152 0.152 0.165 0.165 0.634 Price range of common stock: - high 25.56 26.27 26.29 28.22 28.22 - low 22.40 24.25 23.12 23.26 22.40

Summary Of Selected Financial D

Summary Of Selected Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary Of Selected Financial Data [Abstract]
Summary Of Selected Financial Data	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 PER COMMON SHARE: Income from continuing operations: Basic $ 1.14 $ 1.21 $ 1.15 $ 1.04 $ 0.81 Diluted 1.14 1.20 1.15 1.04 0.81 Income from discontinued operations: Basic 0.00 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.02 Diluted 0.00 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.02 Net income: Basic 1.14 1.32 1.26 1.13 0.83 Diluted 1.14 1.31 1.25 1.12 0.83 Cash dividends declared and paid 0.69 0.63 0.58 0.54 0.50 Return on Aqua America stockholders' equity 11.7% 14.1% 14.4% 14.2% 11.4% Book value at year end $ 9.78 $ 9.37 $ 8.68 $ 7.91 $ 7.21 Market value at year end 29.80 26.70 23.59 20.34 17.64 INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Operating revenues $ 814,204 $ 779,903 $ 761,893 $ 750,685 $ 680,677 Depreciation and amortization 128,737 126,535 123,985 116,180 107,463 Interest expense, net 76,536 76,397 77,316 77,757 77,804 Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1) 216,752 239,103 224,104 247,057 207,265 Provision for income taxes 14,962 25,219 21,233 65,220 67,590 Income from continuing operations (1) 201,790 213,884 202,871 181,837 139,675 Income from discontinued operations - 19,355 18,429 14,726 3,394 Net income attributable to common shareholders (1) 201,790 233,239 221,300 196,563 143,069 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS: Total assets $ 5,741,038 $ 5,406,752 $ 5,051,817 $ 4,858,517 $ 4,348,420 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,688,925 4,401,990 4,138,568 3,907,552 3,502,968 Aqua America stockholders' equity 1,725,930 1,655,343 1,534,835 1,385,704 1,251,313 Long-term debt, including current portion 1,779,205 1,619,270 1,554,871 1,588,992 1,475,886 Total debt 1,795,926 1,637,668 1,591,611 1,669,375 1,583,657 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Operating cash flows from continuing operations $ 370,794 $ 364,888 $ 365,409 $ 375,823 $ 349,927 Capital additions 364,689 328,605 307,908 347,098 324,360 Net cash expended for acquisitions of utility systems and other 28,989 14,616 14,997 121,248 8,515 Dividends on common stock 121,248 112,106 102,889 93,423 87,133 Number of utility customers served (2) 957,866 940,119 928,200 917,986 848,336 Number of shareholders of common stock 25,269 25,780 25,833 26,216 26,744 Common shares outstanding (000) 176,544 176,753 176,751 175,209 173,519 Employees (full-time) (2) 1,617 1,617 1,542 1,556 1,464

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent C

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Aqua America, Inc. [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements	2015 2014 Assets Current assets: Accounts receivable, net $ 382 $ 346 Accounts receivable - affiliates 28,423 19,852 Income tax receivable 219 581 Deferred income taxes - 22,456 Prepayments and other current assets 3,545 3,366 Total current assets 32,569 46,601 Deferred charges and other assets, net 21,313 19,180 Notes receivable - affiliates 331,604 300,932 Accounts receivable - affiliates 103,891 98,647 Deferred income tax asset 85,089 72,407 Investment in subsidiaries 1,745,634 1,664,768 Total assets $ 2,320,100 $ 2,202,535 Liabilities and Equity Stockholders' equity $ 1,725,927 $ 1,655,343 Long-term debt, excluding current portion 420,350 378,400 Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt 16,050 18,000 Accrued interest 2,495 2,603 Accounts payable - affiliates 21,465 22,003 Other accrued liabilities 16,169 10,986 Total current liabilities 56,179 53,592 Other liabilities 117,644 115,200 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,320,100 $ 2,202,535 The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements. 2015 2014 2013 Other income $ 3,034 $ 4,228 $ 6,936 Operating expense and other expenses 1,440 627 2,941 Gain on sale of utility systems - - (400) Operating income 1,594 3,601 4,395 Interest expense, net 1,833 2,160 4,208 Other expense - 443 139 Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes (239) 998 48 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 201,003 230,209 220,675 Income before income taxes 200,764 231,207 220,723 Provision for income taxes (1,026) (2,032) (577) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 201,790 $ 233,239 $ 221,300 Comprehensive income $ 201,689 $ 233,681 $ 221,531 Net income per common share: Basic $ 1.14 $ 1.32 $ 1.26 Diluted $ 1.14 $ 1.31 $ 1.25 Average common shares outstanding during the period: Basic 176,788 176,864 176,140 Diluted 177,517 177,763 176,814 The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements. 2015 2014 2013 Net cash flows from operating activities $ 152,916 $ 114,465 $ 159,144 Cash flows from investing activities: Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net (26,722) (9,329) (266) Decrease (increase) in investment of subsidiary (27,596) 744 50,337 Other (1,031) (733) (267) Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities (55,349) (9,318) 49,804 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 298,879 170,790 98,956 Repayments of long-term debt (259,158) (156,000) (230,600) Proceeds from issuing common stock 677 - 10,290 Proceeds from exercised stock options 7,540 7,296 25,698 Share-based compensation windfall tax benefits 1,843 1,422 2,420 Repurchase of common stock (25,247) (15,756) (12,823) Dividends paid on common stock (121,248) (112,106) (102,889) Other (853) (793) - Net cash flows used in financing activities (97,567) (105,147) (208,948) Net change in cash and cash equivalents - - - Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year - - Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ - $ - $ - See Note 1 - Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements. Note 1 – Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed financial statements of Aqua America, Inc. (the “Parent”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Aqua America, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Registrant”) incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 8 of the Form 10-K. The Parent’s significant accounting policies are consistent with those of the Registrant. The Parent borrows from third parties and provides funds to its subsidiaries, in support of their operations. Amounts owed to the Parent for borrowings under this facility are reflected as inter-company receivables on the condensed balance sheets. The interest rate charged to the subsidiaries is sufficient to cover the Parent’s interest costs under its associated borrowings. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Parent had a current accounts receivable – affiliates balance of $28,423 and $19,852 . As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Parent had a notes receivable – affiliates balance of $331,604 and $300,932 . The changes in these balances represent non-cash adjustments that are recorded through the Parent’s investment in subsidiaries. In the ordinary course of business, the Parent indemnifies a third-party for surety bonds issued on behalf of subsidiary companies, guarantees the performance of one of its regulated utilities in a jurisdiction that requires such guarantees, and guarantees several projects associated with the treatment of water in a jurisdiction. Note 2 – Dividends from subsidiaries – Dividends in the amount of $74,866 , $30,972 , and $18,075 were paid to the Parent by its wholly-owned subsidiaries during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Note 3 – Long-term debt – the Parent has long-term debt under unsecured note purchase agreements with investors in addition to its $200,000 revolving credit agreement. Excluding amounts due under the revolving credit agreement, the debt maturities of the Parent’s long-term debt are as follows: Year Debt Maturity 2016 $ 16,050 2017 26,050 2018 20,800 2019 50,000 2020 28,200 Thereafter 235,300 The Parent had a short-term line of credit of $15,000 , which expired on December 31, 2015. Funds borrowed under this line are classified as loans payable and is used to provide working capital. The short-term borrowing activity for the last three years is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Balance outstanding at December 31, $ - $ - $ - Interest rate at December 31, - - - Average borrowings outstanding $ - $ 583 $ - Weighted-average interest rate - 0.78% - Maximum amount outstanding $ - $ 7,000 $ -

Summary Of Significant Accoun33

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations	Nature of Operations ─ Aqua America, Inc. (“Aqua America,” the “Company,” “we,” or “us”) is the holding company for regulated utilities providing water or wastewater services concentrated in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, and Virginia. Our largest operating subsidiary is Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., which accounted for approximately 52 % of our operating revenues and approximately 76% of our Regulated segment’s income from continuing operations for 2015. As of December 31, 2015, Aqua Pennsylvania provided water or wastewater services to approximately one -half of the total number of people we serve. Aqua Pennsylvania’s service territory is located in the suburban areas north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 27 other counties in Pennsylvania. The Company’s other regulated utility subsidiaries provide similar services in seven other states. In addition, the Company’s market-based activities are conducted through Aqua Resources, Inc. and Aqua Infrastructure LLC. Aqua Resources provides water and wastewater services through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties in close proximity to our utility companies’ service territories; offers, through a third party, water and wastewater line repair service and protection solutions to households; inspects, cleans and repairs sanitary wastewater lines; installs and tests devices that prevent the contamination of potable water; designs and builds water and wastewater systems; and provides other market-based water and wastewater services. In addition, Aqua Resources provides liquid waste hauling and disposal services in a business unit that the Company has decided to sell, which as of December 31, 2015 is reported as assets held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Aqua Infrastructure provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry. In December 2014, we completed the sale of our water utility system in southwest Allen County, Indiana, which served approximately 13,000 customers, to the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The completion of this sale settled the dispute concerning the February 2008 acquisition, by eminent domain, by the City of Fort Wayne, of the northern portion of our water and wastewater utility systems. Refer to Note 3 – Discontinued Operations and Other Disposition for further information on this sale. In September 2012, we began to market for sale our water and wastewater operations in Florida, which served approximately 38,000 customers, and our non-regulated wastewater treatment facility in Georgia. In March 2014, we completed the sale of our wastewater treatment facility in Georgia, which concluded our operations in Georgia. In March, April, and December 2013, through five separate sales transactions, we completed the sale of our water and wastewater utility systems in Florida, which concluded our regulated operations in Florida. The operating results, cash flows, and financial position of the Company’s water utility systems in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Georgia and Florida subsidiaries have been presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. Unless specifically noted, the financial information presented in the notes to consolidated financial statements reflects the Company’s continuing operations. The company has identified ten operating segments and has one reportable segment named the Regulated segment. The reportable segment is comprised of eight operating segments for our water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where we provide these services. These operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment since each of the Company’s operating segments has the following similarities: economic characteristics, nature of services, production processes, customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the regulatory environment. In addition, Aqua Resources and Aqua Infrastructure are not quantitatively significant to be reportable and are included as a component of “Other,” in addition to corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations.
Regulation	Regulation ─ Most of the operating companies that are regulated public utilities are subject to regulation by the utility commissions of the states in which they operate. The respective utility commissions have jurisdiction with respect to rates, service, accounting procedures, issuance of securities, acquisitions and other matters. Some of the operating companies that are regulated public utilities are subject to rate regulation by county or city government. Regulated public utilities follow the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) accounting guidance for regulated operations, which provides for the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as allowed by regulators for costs or credits that are reflected in current rates or are considered probable of being included in future rates. The regulatory assets or liabilities are then relieved as the cost or credit is reflected in rates.
Use Of Estimates In Preparation Of Consolidated Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements ─ The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation – The con solida ted finan cial state ments include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiari es. All intercompany accounts and transac tions have been eliminat ed. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation of operating cash flows from continuing operations.
Recognition Of Revenues	Recogni tion of Revenues ─ Revenues in our Regulated segment principally include amounts billed to cus tomers on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts based on estimated usage from the latest billing to the end of the account ing period. In addition, the Company’s market-based subsidiary Aqua Resources recognizes revenues when services are performed or, for construction of water and wastewater systems, based on the percentage of completion of the project and Aqua Infrastructure recognizes revenues when services are performed. The Company’s market-based subsidiaries recognized revenues of $34,909 in 2015, $24,189 in 2014, and $17,712 in 2013.
Property, Plant And Equipment And Depreciation	Property, Plant and Equipment and Deprecia tion ─ Property, plant and equipment consist primarily of utility plant. The cost of additions includes contracted cost, direct labor and fringe benefits, materials, overheads and, for additions meeting certain criteria, allowance for funds used during construction. Water systems acquired are typically recorded at estimated original cost of utility plant when first devoted to utility service and the applicable depreciation is recorded to accumulated depreciation. The difference between the estimated original cost, less applicable accumulated depreciation, and the purchase price is recorded as goodwill, or as an acquisition adjustment within utility plant as permitted by the applicable regulatory jurisdiction. At December 31, 2015, utility plant includes a net credit acquisition adjustment of $24,428 , which is generally being amortized from 2 to 53 y ears, except where not permitted or appropriate. Amortization of the acquisition adjustments totaled $2,556 in 2015, $2,648 in 2014, and $2,480 in 2013. Utility expendi tures for main tenance and repairs, includ ing major maintenance projects and minor renewals and betterments, are charged to operat ing expenses when incurred in accor dance with the system of accounts prescri bed by the utility commissions of the states in which the company operates. The cost of new units of property and betterments are capitalized. Utility expenditures for water main cleaning and relining of pipes are deferred and recorded in net property, plant and equipment in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance for regulated operations. As of December 31, 2015, $16,148 of these costs have been incurred since the last respective rate proceeding and the Company expects to recover these costs in future rates. The cost of software upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if they result in added functionality which enable the software to perform tasks it was previously incapable of performing. Information technology costs associated with major system installations, conversions and improvements, such as software training, data conversion and business process reengineering costs, are deferred as a regulatory asset if the Company expects to recover these costs in future rates. If these costs are not deferred, then these costs are charged to operating expenses when incurred. As of December 31, 2015, $ 24,509 of these costs have been deferred since the last respective rate proceeding as a regulatory asset, and the deferral is reported as a component of net property, plant and equipment. When units of utility property are replaced, retired or aban doned, the recorded value thereof is credited to the asset account and such value, together with the net cost of removal, is charged to accumu lated depreciation. To the extent the Company anticipates recovery of the cost of removal or other retirement costs through rates after the retirement costs are incurred, a regulatory asset is recorded as those costs are incurred. In some cases, the Company recovers retirement costs through rates during the life of the associated asset and before the costs are incurred. These amounts result in a regulatory liability being reported based on the amounts previously recovered through customer rates. The straight-line remaining life method is used to compute depreciation on utility plant. Generally, the straight-line method is used with respect to transportation and mechani cal equip ment, office equipment and laboratory equipment. Long-lived assets of the Company, which consist primarily of utility plant in service, regulatory assets, and investment in joint venture, are reviewed for impairment when changes in circumstances or events occur. These circumstances or events could include a decline in the market value or physical condition of a long-lived asset, an adverse change in the manner in which long-lived assets are used or planned to be used, a change in historical trends, operating cash flows associated with the long-lived assets, changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, or overall financial performance. When these circumstances or events occur, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of those assets is less than their carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not (that is, the likelihood of more than 50 percent), the Company would recognize an impairment charge if it is determined that the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted estimated cash flows. In this circumstance, the Company would recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. Fair value is estimated to be the present value of future net cash flows associated with the asset, discounted using a discount rate commensurate with the risk and remaining life of the asset. There has been no change in circumstances or events that have occurred that require adjustments to the carrying values of the Company’s long-lived assets, except for an impairment charge recognized by the joint venture on its long-lived assets in 2015.
Allowance For Funds Used During Construction	Allowance for Funds Used During Construction ─ The allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) represents the capitalized cost of funds used to finance the construction of utility plant. In general, AFUDC is applied to construction projects requiring more than one month to complete. No AFUDC is applied to projects funded by customer advances for construction, contributions in aid of construction, or applicable state-revolving fund loans. AFUDC includes the net cost of borrowed funds and a rate of return on other funds when used, and is recovered through water rates as the utility plant is depreciated. The amount of AFUDC related to equity funds in 2015 was $4,621 , 2014 was $3,640 , and 2013 was $533 . No interest was capitalized by our market-based businesses.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents ─ The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, which are not restricted for construction activity, to be cash equivalents. The Company had a book overdraft, which represents transactions that have not cleared the bank accounts at the end of the period, for specific disbursement cash accounts of $20,693 and $21,431 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company transfers cash on an as-needed basis to fund these items as they clear the bank in subsequent periods. The balance of the book overdraft is reported as accounts payable and the change in the book overdraft balance is reported as cash flows from financing activities, due to our ability to fund the overdraft with the Company’s credit facility.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable ─ Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable, and is determined based on historical write-off experience and the aging of account balances. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balances are written off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. When utility customers request extended payment terms, credit is extended based on regulatory guidelines, and collateral is not required.
Regulatory Assets, Deferred Charges And Other Assets	Regulatory Assets, Deferred Charges and Other Assets ─ Deferred charges and other assets consist of financing expenses, other costs and marketable securities. Deferred bond issuance expenses are amortized over the life of the related issues. Call premiums related to the early redemption of long-term debt, along with the unamortized balance of the related issuance expense, are deferred and amortized over the life of the long-term debt used to fund the redemption as the Company has received or expects to receive rate recovery of these costs. Other costs, for which the Company has received or expects to receive prospective rate recovery, are deferred as a regulatory asset and amortized over the period of rate recovery in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance for regulated operations. See Note – 6 Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for further information regarding the Company’s regulatory assets. Marketable equity securities are carried on the balance sheet at fair market value, and changes in fair value are included in other comprehensive income.
Investment In Joint Venture	Investment in Joint Venture – The Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for our 49 % investment in a joint venture with a firm in the natural gas industry for the construction and operation of a private pipeline system to supply raw water to natural gas well drilling operations in the Marcellus Shale in north-central Pennsylvania, which commenced operations in 2012. Our initial investment is carried at cost. Subsequently, the carrying amount of our investment is adjusted to reflect capital contributions or distributions, and our equity in earnings or losses since the commencement of the system’s operations. Our share of equity earnings or losses in the joint venture is reported in the consolidated statements of net income as equity losses (earnings) in joint venture. During 2015 and 2014 we received distributions of $441 and $1,372 , respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the joint venture experienced the following events: a marked decline in natural gas prices, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2015, following a period of steady decline in 2015, a distinguishable reduction in the volume of water sales by the joint venture which led to a lowered forecast in the fourth quarter of 2015 on future water sales volumes by the joint venture, as well as changes in the natural gas industry and market conditions. These market conditions are largely associated with natural gas prices, which sharply declined in the fourth quarter and this downturn no longer appeared temporary and instead may be a long-term condition. It was then determined that the carrying amount of the joint venture’s long-lived assets exceeded the sum of the joint venture’s undiscounted estimated cash flows, which resulted in the recognition of a noncash impairment charge of $32,975 ( $21,433 after-tax), representing the Company’s share of the impairment charge. The impairment charge, on a pre-tax basis, is reported as equity loss in joint venture on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The amount of the impairment charge recognized by the joint venture is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is estimated to be the present value of the future net cash flows associated with the assets, discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk and remaining life of the assets. As of December 31, 2015, the joint venture’s assets are comprised of approximately one-half in long-lived assets and one-half in cash, and our share was $7,716 .
Funds Restricted For Construction Activity	Funds Restricted for Construction Activity ─ The proceeds received from specific financings for construction and capital improvement of utility facilities are held in escrow until the designated expenditures are incurred. These amounts are reported as funds restricted for construction activity and are expected to be released over time as the capital projects are funded.
Goodwill	Goodwill ─ Goodwill represents the excess cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired through acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more often, if circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. When testing goodwill for impairment, we may assess qualitative factors for some or all of our reporting units to determine whether it’s more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Alternatively, we may bypass this qualitative assessment for some of our reporting units and perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we perform a quantitative test and determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we would determine the reporting unit’s implied fair value of its goodwill and compare it with the carrying amount of its goodwill to measure such impairment. The Company tested the goodwill attributable for each of our reporting units for impairment as of July 31, 2015, in conjunction with the timing of our annual strategic business plan, and concluded that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which has goodwill recorded, exceeded the reporting unit’s carrying amount, indicating that none of the Company’s goodwill was impaired. The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill: Regulated Segment Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 24,102 $ 4,121 $ 28,223 Goodwill acquired during year 182 2,515 2,697 Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment (302) - (302) Other 582 (16) 566 Balance at December 31, 2014 24,564 6,620 31,184 Goodwill acquired during year - 12 12 Reclassifications from (to) utility plant acquisition adjustment, net 2,682 - 2,682 Other - (12) (12) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 27,246 $ 6,620 $ 33,866 The reclassification of goodwill to utility plant acquisition adjustment results from a mechanism approved by the applicable utility commission. The mechanism provides for the transfer over time, and the recovery through customer rates, of goodwill associated with some acquisitions upon achieving specific objectives. The reclassification from utility plant acquisition adjustment to goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the fair market value of the net assets acquired, from a prior acquisition, which was originally accounted for as utility plant acquisition adjustment.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes ─ The Company accounts for some income and expense items in different time periods for financial and tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are provided on specific temporary differences between the tax basis of the assets and liabilities, and the amounts at which they are carried in the consolidated financial statements. The income tax effect of temporary differences not currently recovered in rates is recorded as deferred taxes with an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. These deferred income taxes are based on the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such temporary differences are projected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized. Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties. Judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s Federal and state tax positions. Despite management’s belief that the Company’s tax return positions are fully supportable, the Company establishes reserves when it believes that its tax positions are likely to be challenged and it may not fully prevail in these challenges. The Company’s provision for income taxes includes interest, penalties and reserves for uncertain tax positions. In 2012, the Company changed its tax method of accounting for qualifying utility asset improvement costs in Aqua Pennsylvania effective with the tax year ended December 31, 2012 and for prior tax years. The tax accounting method was changed to permit the expensing of qualifying utility asset improvement costs that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes. This change was implemented in response to a June 2012 rate order issued by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to Aqua Pennsylvania, which provides for a reduction in current income tax expense as a result of the recognition of income tax benefits for qualifying utility asset improvements. This change results in a significant reduction in the effective income tax rate, a reduction in current income tax expense, and reduces the amount of taxes currently payable. For qualifying capital expenditures made prior to 2012, the resulting tax benefits have been deferred as of December 31, 2012 and, in accordance with the rate order, a ten year amortization of the income tax benefits, which reduces future income tax expense, commenced in 2013. During 2013, our Ohio and North Carolina operating divisions implemented this change. These divisions currently do not employ a method of accounting that provides for a reduction in current income taxes as a result of the recognition of income tax benefits, and as such the change in the Company’s tax method of accounting in these operating divisions had no impact on the Company’s effective income tax rate.
Customers' Advances For Construction And Contributions in Aid Of Construction	Customers’ Advances for Construction and Contributions in Aid of Construction ─ Water mains, other utility property or, in some instances, cash advances to reimburse the Company for its costs to construct water mains or other utility property, are contributed to the Company by customers, real estate developers and builders in order to extend utility service to their properties. The value of these contributions is recorded as customers’ advances for construction. Over time, the amount of non-cash contributed property will vary based on the timing of the contribution of the non-cash property and the volume of non-cash contributed property received in connection with development in our service territories. The Company makes refunds on these advances over a specific period of time based on operating revenues related to the property, or as new customers are connected to and take service from the applicable water main. After all refunds are made, any remaining balance is transferred to contributions in aid of construction. Contributions in aid of construction include direct non-refundable contributions and the portion of customers' advances for construction that become non ‑refundable. Based on regulatory conventions in states where the Company operates, generally our subsidiaries depreciate contributed property and amortize contributions in aid of construction at the composite rate of the related property. Contributions in aid of construction and customers’ advances for construction are deducted from the Company’s rate base for rate-making purposes, and therefore, no return is earned on contributed property.
Inventories, Materials And Supplies	Inventories, Materials and Supplies ─ Inventories are stated at cost. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation ─ The Company records compensation expense in the financial statements for stock-based awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards. Stock-based compensation expense includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and is recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis, which is generally commensurate with the vesting term.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements – The Company follows the FASB’s 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements ─ In November 2015, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the balance sheet classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. Previously, deferred taxes were presented as a net current asset or liability and net noncurrent asset or liability, which required a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis based on the classification of the assets and liabilities to which the underlying temporary differences relate, or, in the case of tax loss carryforwards, based on the period in which the attribute is expected to be realized. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available, and the guidance may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company has elected to early adopt the updated guidance, prospectively, for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and has not retrospectively adjusted the prior period consolidated balance sheet. If the Company had adopted the updated guidance retrospectively, the December 31, 2014 deferred income taxes of $26,849 classified as current assets would have been reported as a partial reduction to the deferred income taxes and investment tax credits reported in the deferred credits and other liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet. In September 2015, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on simplifying measurement-period adjustments in business combinations, which eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available. The Company does not expect the provisions of this accounting standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position. In April 2015, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. Previously, debt issuance costs were presented in the balance sheet as a deferred charge. The accounting standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the provisions of this accounting standard to have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position. In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard that will require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for each annual and interim reporting period and to provide related footnote disclosures in circumstances in which substantial doubt exists. The accounting standard is effective in the first annual reporting period ending after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect the provisions of this accounting standard to have an impact on its results of operations or financial position. In May 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts with customers, which outlines a single comprehensive model that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of recognition. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The updated guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral to the original effective date of this guidance. The updated guidance is effective retrospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption. In April 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption available. The Company adopted the provisions of the updated accounting guidance for its quarterly reporting period beginning January 1, 2015, and the adoption of the revised guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

Summary Of Significant Accoun34

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Changes In Goodwill	Regulated Segment Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 24,102 $ 4,121 $ 28,223 Goodwill acquired during year 182 2,515 2,697 Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment (302) - (302) Other 582 (16) 566 Balance at December 31, 2014 24,564 6,620 31,184 Goodwill acquired during year - 12 12 Reclassifications from (to) utility plant acquisition adjustment, net 2,682 - 2,682 Other - (12) (12) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 27,246 $ 6,620 $ 33,866

Discontinued Operations And O35

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]
Summary Of Discontinued Operations Presented In Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income	Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Operating revenues $ 6,324 $ 19,014 Total operating expenses 3,262 11,880 Operating income 3,062 7,134 Other (income) expense: Gain on sale (29,093) (21,178) Other, net - 1 Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 32,155 28,311 Provision for income taxes 12,800 9,882 Income from discontinued operations $ 19,355 $ 18,429

Property, Plant And Equipment (

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment	December 31, Approximate Range Weighted Average 2015 2014 of Useful Lives Useful Life Utility plant and equipment: Mains and accessories $ 2,696,194 $ 2,516,895 30 - 93 years 77 years Services, hydrants, treatment plants and reservoirs 1,531,052 1,426,701 5 - 85 years 49 years Operations structures and water tanks 263,722 252,908 14 - 70 years 47 years Miscellaneous pumping and purification equipment 687,472 654,316 5 - 90 years 40 years Meters, data processing, transportation and operating equipment 684,335 650,253 4 - 63 years 25 years Land and other non-depreciable assets 98,575 100,009 - - Utility plant and equipment 5,961,350 5,601,082 Utility construction work in progress 144,448 116,644 - - Net utility plant acquisition adjustment (24,428) (20,164) 2 - 53 years (1) 28 years Non-utility plant and equipment 6,641 9,455 3 - 25 years 7 years Total property, plant and equipment $ 6,088,011 $ 5,707,017 (1) Net utility plant acquisition adjustment is generally being amortized from 2 to 53 years, except where not permitted.

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Net Accounts Receivable	December 31, 2015 2014 Billed utility revenue $ 56,876 $ 55,537 Unbilled revenue 37,276 35,566 Other 10,867 11,261 105,019 102,364 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 5,873 5,365 Net accounts receivable $ 99,146 $ 96,999
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1, $ 5,365 $ 4,413 $ 4,299 Amounts charged to expense 5,762 5,838 4,708 Accounts written off (6,513) (6,120) (5,884) Recoveries of accounts written off 1,259 1,234 1,290 Balance at December 31, $ 5,873 $ 5,365 $ 4,413

Regulatory Assets And Liabili38

Regulatory Assets And Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Components Of Regulatory Assets And Regulatory Liabilities	December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Regulatory Regulatory Regulatory Regulatory Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Income taxes $ 699,247 $ 181,067 $ 596,459 $ 206,940 Utility plant retirement costs 6,052 27,604 7,687 25,236 Post-retirement benefits 112,626 50,775 108,586 46,074 Accrued vacation 1,744 - 1,605 - Water tank painting 303 - 1,533 - Fair value adjustment of long-term debt assumed in acquisition 3,636 - 4,004 - Rate case filing expenses and other 6,510 61 5,717 67 $ 830,118 $ 259,507 $ 725,591 $ 278,317

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 2,624 $ (11,296) $ (11,153) State (4,168) 5,038 5,687 (1,544) (6,258) (5,466) Deferred: Federal 12,649 37,500 30,327 State 3,857 (6,023) (3,628) 16,506 31,477 26,699 Total tax expense $ 14,962 $ 25,219 $ 21,233
Schedule Of Reasons For Differences Between Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate To Income Before Income Tax Expense	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Computed Federal tax expense at statutory rate $ 75,863 $ 83,686 $ 78,436 Decrease in Federal tax expense related to an income tax accounting change for qualifying utility asset improvement costs (59,488) (57,015) (57,467) State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit (202) (640) 1,338 Increase in tax expense for depreciation expense to be recovered in future rates 199 317 295 Stock-based compensation (174) (168) (421) Deduction for Aqua America common dividends paid under employee benefit plan (456) (350) (414) Amortization of deferred investment tax credits (421) (416) (420) Other, net (359) (195) (114) Actual income tax expense $ 14,962 $ 25,219 $ 21,233
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table	2015 2014 Balance at January 1, $ 25,292 $ 28,690 Additions based on tax position related to the current year 2,724 1,077 Reductions based on tax position related to prior years - (4,475) Balance at December 31, $ 28,016 $ 25,292
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities	December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Customers' advances for construction $ 27,675 $ 27,130 Costs expensed for book not deducted for tax, principally accrued expenses 15,612 14,279 Utility plant acquisition adjustment basis differences 3,489 12,314 Post-retirement benefits 36,362 34,653 Tax loss carryforward 93,263 112,719 Other 1,102 1,528 177,503 202,623 Less valuation allowance 10,982 6,578 166,521 196,045 Deferred tax liabilities: Utility plant, principally due to depreciation and differences in the basis of fixed assets due to variation in tax and book accounting 1,027,406 966,596 Deferred taxes associated with the gross-up of revenues necessary to recover, in rates, the effect of temporary differences 214,861 161,479 Tax effect of regulatory asset for post-retirement benefits 36,362 34,653 Deferred investment tax credit 6,815 7,259 1,285,444 1,169,987 Net deferred tax liability $ 1,118,923 $ 973,942

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Abstract]
Components Of Taxes Other Than Income Taxes	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Property $ 26,545 $ 24,133 $ 25,341 Capital Stock 1,644 1,315 2,127 Gross receipts, excise and franchise 10,362 10,945 11,775 Payroll 9,539 7,583 7,395 Regulatory assessments 2,689 2,538 2,462 Other 4,278 3,939 3,585 Total taxes other than income $ 55,057 $ 50,453 $ 52,685

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Schedule Of Purchase Obligations	2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 1,100 $ 8,410
Schedule Of Rent Expense Under Operating Leases	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Operating lease expense $ 2,440 $ 2,820 $ 3,375 Purchased water under long-term agreements 13,718 13,139 12,923 Water treatment expense under contractual agreement 972 892 926
Motor Vehicles, Buildings And Other Equipment [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Schedule Of Future Annual Minimum Lease Payments	2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter $ 1,138 $ 714 $ 493 $ 404 $ 315 $ 301

Long-Term Debt And Loans Paya42

Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Long Term Debt And Loans Payable [Abstract]
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Future Sinking Fund Payments And Debt Maturities	Interest Rate Range 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter 0.00% to 0.99% $ 491 $ 60,489 $ 488 $ 491 $ 487 $ 2,702 1.00% to 1.99% 1,736 51,584 51,611 1,506 1,457 12,917 2.00% to 2.99% 1,492 1,529 1,571 1,614 1,658 11,303 3.00% to 3.99% 2,500 2,584 2,674 2,621 2,413 404,483 4.00% to 4.99% 11,091 11,100 11,110 50,325 16,536 531,331 5.00% to 5.99% 16,818 25,055 10,716 31,250 23,245 283,899 6.00% to 6.99% - 9,000 12,964 - - 31,000 7.00% to 7.99% 408 484 523 566 613 31,168 8.00% to 8.99% 357 482 521 563 610 11,969 9.00% to 9.99% 700 700 5,700 700 2,400 16,900 10.00% to 10.99% - - 6,000 - - - Total $ 35,593 $ 163,007 $ 103,878 $ 89,636 $ 49,419 $ 1,337,672

Fair Value Of Financial Instr43

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt	December 31, 2015 2014 Carrying amount $ 1,779,205 $ 1,619,270 Estimated fair value 1,905,393 1,694,424

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares Outstanding And Treasury Shares Held	December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares outstanding 176,544,091 176,753,270 176,750,599 Treasury shares 2,819,569 1,837,984 1,178,323

Net Income per Common Share a45

Net Income per Common Share and Equity per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Income Per Common Share and Equity per Commn Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation 176,788 176,864 176,140 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock-based compensation 729 899 674 Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation 177,517 177,763 176,814

Employee Stock And Incentive 46

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary Of Value Of Restricted Stock Units	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average fair value of RSUs granted $ 26.00 $ 24.80 $ 23.28 Intrinsic value of vested RSUs 2,327 759 449 Fair value of vested RSUs 1,904 544 348
Performance Share Units [Member]
Summary Of Compensation Costs	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ 4,419 $ 4,996 $ 3,437 Income tax benefit 1,796 2,044 1,400
Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions	Number of Share Units Weighted Average Fair Value Nonvested share units at beginning of period 582,644 $ 22.98 Granted 142,212 26.46 Performance criteria adjustment 17,717 25.59 Forfeited (14,276) 25.92 Share units vested (86,425) 26.25 Share units issued (217,014) 18.49 Nonvested share units at end of period 424,858 $ 25.78
Assumptions Used In The Pricing Model	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Expected term (years) 3.0 3.0 3.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.03% 0.68% 0.36% Expected volatility 16.9% 19.8% 20.0% Weighted average fair value of PSUs granted $ 26.46 $ 25.31 $ 26.88 Intrinsic value of vested PSUs $ 7,964 $ 4,327 $ 415 Fair value of vested PSUs $ 6,416 $ 3,297 $ 351
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Summary Of Compensation Costs	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ 1,076 $ 1,122 $ 813 Income tax benefit 444 464 336
Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions	Number of Stock Units Weighted Average Fair Value Nonvested stock units at beginning of period 122,565 $ 22.29 Granted 47,285 26.00 Stock units vested in prior period and issued in current period 11,500 17.99 Stock units vested and issued (90,588) 21.02 Forfeited (2,409) 24.94 Nonvested stock units at end of period 88,353 $ 24.94
Stock Options [Member]
Summary Of Compensation Costs	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ - $ - $ 30 Income tax benefit 193 189 461
Summary Of Stock Option Transactions	Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, beginning of year 1,084,992 $ 17.06 Forfeited - - Expired / Cancelled (750) 13.72 Exercised (424,709) 17.75 Outstanding and exercisable at end of year 659,533 $ 16.62 2.5 $ 8,692
Summary Of Stock Options Exercised And Vested	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 4,154 $ 4,054 $ 12,658 Fair value of options vested - - 500
Summary Of Options Outstanding And Options Excercisable	Options Outstanding and Exercisable Shares Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Weighted Average Exercise Price Range of prices: $13.00 - 14.99 160,722 4.1 $ 13.72 $15.00 - 15.99 165,615 3.2 15.30 $16.00 - 16.99 144,654 2.2 16.15 $17.00 - 19.99 112,297 1.2 18.61 $20.00 - 23.99 76,245 0.2 23.57 659,533 2.5 $ 16.62
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary Of Compensation Costs	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expense $ - $ 691 $ 770 Income tax benefit - 287 320
Summary Of Value Of Restricted Stock Awards	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Intrinsic value of restricted stock awards vested $ 860 $ 1,097 $ 2,236 Fair value of restricted stock awards vested 553 906 1,560 Weighted average fair value of restricted stock awards granted - 25.19 25.09

Pension Plans And Other Post-re

Pension Plans And Other Post-retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Benefit Payments Of Expected Future Service	Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits Years: 2016 $ 27,402 $ 1,889 2017 20,034 2,200 2018 20,079 2,518 2019 19,937 2,783 2020 20,823 2,995 2021-2025 102,607 17,413
Schedule Of Changes In Benefit Obligation And Fair Value Of Plan Assets	Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at January 1, $ 311,609 $ 281,161 $ 71,958 $ 57,174 Service cost 3,349 4,295 1,224 1,161 Interest cost 12,955 14,153 2,802 2,903 Actuarial (gain) loss (7,778) 43,250 (6,527) 11,769 Plan participants' contributions - - 204 217 Benefits paid (17,118) (22,600) (1,270) (1,311) Plan amendments 3,220 - (3,254) 45 Curtailment - (8,650) - - Special termination benefits 302 - - - Benefit obligation at December 31, 306,539 311,609 65,137 71,958 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at January 1, 244,897 232,347 43,326 40,840 Actual return on plan assets (3,058) 17,148 (998) 3,175 Employer contributions 13,884 18,002 2,428 300 Benefits paid (17,118) (22,600) (1,052) (989) Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 238,605 244,897 43,704 43,326 Funded status of plan: Net amount recognized at December 31, $ 67,934 $ 66,712 $ 21,433 $ 28,632
Schedule Of Net Liability Recognized On Consolidated Balance Sheets	Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Current liability $ 8,370 $ 4,930 $ - $ - Noncurrent liability 59,564 61,782 21,433 28,632 Net liability recognized $ 67,934 $ 66,712 $ 21,433 $ 28,632
Schedule Of Accumulated And Projected Benefit Obligations	Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan Assets 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 306,539 $ 311,609 Fair value of plan assets 238,605 244,897 Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan Assets 2015 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 291,132 $ 293,364 Fair value of plan assets 238,605 244,897
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost $ 3,349 $ 4,295 $ 5,313 $ 1,224 $ 1,161 $ 1,525 Interest cost 12,955 14,153 12,660 2,802 2,903 2,579 Expected return on plan assets (18,702) (17,601) (14,770) (2,923) (2,742) (2,268) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 174 277 228 (687) (278) (295) Amortization of actuarial loss 5,993 2,256 8,169 1,282 260 1,479 Curtailment loss - 84 - - - - Net periodic benefit cost $ 3,769 $ 3,464 $ 11,600 $ 1,698 $ 1,304 $ 3,020
Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not Yet Recognized	Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ 87,930 $ 79,639 $ 14,469 $ 18,356 Prior service cost (credit) 4,419 1,374 (2,926) (359) Total recognized in regulatory assets $ 92,349 $ 81,013 $ 11,543 $ 17,997
Schedule Of Assumptions Related To Pension And Other Postretirement benefit Plans	The significant assumptions related to the Company’s benefit obligations are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31, Discount rate 4.48% 4.20% 4.60% 4.17% Rate of compensation increase 3.0 -4.0% 3.0 -4.0% n/a n/a Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Used to Determine Benefit Obligations as of December 31, Health care cost trend rate n/a n/a 7.0% 7.0% Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) n/a n/a 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate n/a n/a 2021 2019 n/a – Assumption is not applicable. The significant assumptions related to the Company’s net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Post-retirement Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs for Years Ended December 31, Discount rate 4.20% 5.12% 4.17% 4.17% 5.12% 4.17% Expected return on plan assets 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 5.00 -7.50% 5.00 -7.50% 5.00 -7.50% Rate of compensation increase 3.0 -4.0% 4.0 -4.5% 4.0 -4.5% n/a n/a n/a Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs for Years Ended December 31, Health care cost trend rate n/a n/a n/a 7.0% 7.5% 8.0% Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) n/a n/a n/a 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate n/a n/a n/a 2019 2019 2019 n/a – Assumption is not applicable .
Schedule Of Effect Of One-Percentage-Point Change In Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	1-Percentage-Point Increase 1-Percentage-Point Decrease Effect on the health-care component of the accrued other post-retirement benefit obligation $ 3,691 $ (3,319) Effect on aggregate service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement health-care benefit cost $ 254 $ (233)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Plan Assets	The fair value of the Company’s pension plans’ assets at December 31, 201 5 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 146,970 $ 146,970 $ - $ - Mutual funds 3,605 3,605 - - International equities (2) 14,180 14,180 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 22,953 - 22,953 - Corporate and foreign bonds 13,579 - 13,579 - Mutual funds 21,523 21,523 - - Alternative investments: (4) Real estate 5,981 5,981 - - Commodity funds 1,169 1,169 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 8,645 50 8,595 - Total pension assets $ 238,605 $ 193,478 $ 45,127 $ - The fair value of the Company’s pension plans’ assets at December 31, 201 4 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 151,402 $ 151,402 $ - $ - Mutual funds 4,168 4,168 - - International equities (2) 14,584 14,584 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 25,150 - 25,150 - Corporate and foreign bonds 13,716 - 13,716 - Mutual funds 21,405 21,405 - - Alternative investments: (4) Real estate 6,215 6,215 - - Commodity funds 1,203 1,203 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 7,054 19 7,035 - Total pension assets $ 244,897 $ 198,996 $ 45,901 $ - (1) Investments in common stocks are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. Investments in equity mutual funds, which invest in stocks, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices from active markets . (2) Investments in international equities are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (3) Investments in U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds and corporate and foreign bonds are valued by a pricing service which utilizes pricing models that incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information to value the fixed income securities. Investments in fixed income mutual funds, which invest in bonds, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. (4) Alternative investments are comprised of real estate funds, real estate investment trusts, and commodity funds, and are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (5) Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of both uninvested cash and money market funds. The uninvested cash is valued based on its carrying value, and the money market funds are valued utilizing the net asset value per unit based on the fair value of the underlying assets as determined by the fund’s investment managers.
Schedule Of Target Asset Allocations	Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, Target Allocation 2015 2014 Domestic equities 25 to 75% 63% 64% International equities 0 to 10% 6% 6% Fixed income 25 to 50% 24% 25% Alternative investments 0 to 5% 3% 3% Cash and cash equivalents 0 to 20% 4% 2% Total 100% 100% 100%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Plan Assets	The fair value of the Company’s other post-retirement benefit plans’ assets at December 31, 201 5 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 11,772 $ 11,772 $ - $ - Mutual funds 12,030 12,030 - - International equities (2) 1,078 1,078 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 4,551 - 4,551 - Corporate and foreign bonds 4,476 - 4,476 - Mutual funds 2,177 2,177 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 7,620 - 7,620 - Total other post-retirement assets $ 43,704 $ 27,057 $ 16,647 $ - The fair value of the Company’s other post-retirement benefit plans’ assets at December 31, 201 4 by asset class are as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic equities: (1) Common stocks $ 12,265 $ 12,265 $ - $ - Mutual funds 12,582 12,582 - - International equities (2) 1,482 1,482 - - Fixed income: (3) U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds 5,678 - 5,678 - Corporate and foreign bonds 3,822 - 3,822 - Mutual funds 1,409 1,409 - - Alternative investments (4) 204 204 - - Cash and cash equivalents (5) 5,884 - 5,884 - Total other post-retirement assets $ 43,326 $ 27,942 $ 15,384 $ - (1) Investments in common stocks are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. Investments in equity mutual funds, which invest in stocks, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices from active markets . (2) Investments in international equities are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (3) Investments in U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds and corporate and foreign bonds are valued by a pricing service which utilizes pricing models that incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information to value the fixed income securities. Investments in fixed income mutual funds, which invest in bonds, are valued using the net asset value per unit as obtained from quoted market prices in active markets. (4) Investments in alternative investments are comprised of investments in real estate funds and real estate investment trusts and are valued using unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets. (5) Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of money market funds, which are valued utilizing the net asset value per unit based on the fair value of the underlying assets as determined by the fund’s investment managers.
Schedule Of Target Asset Allocations	Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, Target Allocation 2015 2014 Domestic equities 25 to 75% 54% 57% International equities 0 to 10% 2% 3% Fixed income 25 to 50% 26% 25% Alternative investments 0 to 5% 0% 1% Cash and cash equivalents 0 to 20% 18% 14% Total 100% 100% 100%

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Company's Segment Information, Continuing Operations	2015 2014 Other and Other and Regulated Eliminations Consolidated Regulated Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues $ 779,613 $ 34,591 $ 814,204 $ 756,057 $ 23,846 $ 779,903 Operations and maintenance expense 282,866 26,444 309,310 274,754 13,802 288,556 Depreciation 125,146 144 125,290 122,728 326 123,054 Operating income 315,876 5,224 321,100 305,333 9,026 314,359 Interest expense, net 72,703 3,833 76,536 72,106 4,291 76,397 Allowance for funds used during construction (6,219) - (6,219) (5,134) - (5,134) Equity loss in joint venture - 35,177 35,177 - 3,989 3,989 Income tax (benefit) 26,379 (11,417) 14,962 24,792 427 25,219 Income (loss) from continuing operations 224,122 (22,332) 201,790 213,890 (6) 213,884 Capital expenditures 363,594 1,095 364,689 325,943 2,662 328,605 Total assets 5,564,089 176,949 5,741,038 5,195,191 211,561 5,406,752 Goodwill 27,246 6,620 33,866 24,564 6,620 31,184 2013 Other and Regulated Eliminations Consolidated Operating revenues $ 744,527 $ 17,366 $ 761,893 Operations and maintenance expense 269,804 13,757 283,561 Depreciation 118,592 (178) 118,414 Operating income 300,779 883 301,662 Interest expense, net 70,835 6,481 77,316 Allowance for funds used during construction (2,275) - (2,275) Equity loss in joint venture - 2,665 2,665 Income tax (benefit) 24,911 (3,678) 21,233 Income (loss) from continuing operations 207,509 (4,638) 202,871 Capital expenditures 307,032 876 307,908 Total assets 4,893,573 158,244 5,051,817 Goodwill 24,102 4,121 28,223

Selected Quarterly Financial 49

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Year 2015 Operating revenues $ 190,326 $ 205,760 $ 221,051 $ 197,067 $ 814,204 Operations and maintenance expense 73,189 79,746 78,519 77,856 309,310 Operating income 71,167 80,246 95,072 74,615 321,100 Net income attributable to common shareholders 48,545 57,382 67,429 28,434 201,790 Basic net income per common share 0.27 0.32 0.38 0.16 1.14 Diluted net income per common share 0.27 0.32 0.38 0.16 1.14 Dividend paid per common share 0.165 0.165 0.178 0.178 0.686 Dividend declared per common share 0.165 0.165 0.178 0.178 0.686 Price range of common stock: - high 28.13 27.53 27.10 31.09 31.09 - low 25.42 24.40 24.45 26.20 24.40 2014 Operating revenues $ 182,672 $ 195,307 $ 210,535 $ 191,389 $ 779,903 Operations and maintenance expense 71,686 70,375 72,374 74,121 288,556 Operating income 66,770 79,934 95,058 72,597 314,359 Income from continuing operations 42,401 54,818 67,711 48,954 213,884 Income from discontinued operations 458 751 285 17,861 19,355 Net income attributable to common shareholders 42,859 55,569 67,996 66,815 233,239 Basic income from continuing operations per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.28 1.21 Diluted income from continuing operations per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.28 1.20 Basic income from discontinued operations per common share 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.11 Diluted income from discontinued operations per common share 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.11 Basic net income per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.38 1.32 Diluted net income per common share 0.24 0.31 0.38 0.38 1.31 Dividend paid per common share 0.152 0.152 0.165 0.165 0.634 Dividend declared per common share 0.152 0.152 0.165 0.165 0.634 Price range of common stock: - high 25.56 26.27 26.29 28.22 28.22 - low 22.40 24.25 23.12 23.26 22.40 Fourth quarter of 2015 net income attributable to common shareholders includes the Company’s share of a joint venture impairment charge of $21,433 ( $32,975 pre-tax). High and low prices of the Company’s common stock are as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

Summary Of Selected Financial50

Summary Of Selected Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary Of Selected Financial Data [Abstract]
Summary Of Selected Financial Data	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 PER COMMON SHARE: Income from continuing operations: Basic $ 1.14 $ 1.21 $ 1.15 $ 1.04 $ 0.81 Diluted 1.14 1.20 1.15 1.04 0.81 Income from discontinued operations: Basic 0.00 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.02 Diluted 0.00 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.02 Net income: Basic 1.14 1.32 1.26 1.13 0.83 Diluted 1.14 1.31 1.25 1.12 0.83 Cash dividends declared and paid 0.69 0.63 0.58 0.54 0.50 Return on Aqua America stockholders' equity 11.7% 14.1% 14.4% 14.2% 11.4% Book value at year end $ 9.78 $ 9.37 $ 8.68 $ 7.91 $ 7.21 Market value at year end 29.80 26.70 23.59 20.34 17.64 INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Operating revenues $ 814,204 $ 779,903 $ 761,893 $ 750,685 $ 680,677 Depreciation and amortization 128,737 126,535 123,985 116,180 107,463 Interest expense, net 76,536 76,397 77,316 77,757 77,804 Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1) 216,752 239,103 224,104 247,057 207,265 Provision for income taxes 14,962 25,219 21,233 65,220 67,590 Income from continuing operations (1) 201,790 213,884 202,871 181,837 139,675 Income from discontinued operations - 19,355 18,429 14,726 3,394 Net income attributable to common shareholders (1) 201,790 233,239 221,300 196,563 143,069 BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS: Total assets $ 5,741,038 $ 5,406,752 $ 5,051,817 $ 4,858,517 $ 4,348,420 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,688,925 4,401,990 4,138,568 3,907,552 3,502,968 Aqua America stockholders' equity 1,725,930 1,655,343 1,534,835 1,385,704 1,251,313 Long-term debt, including current portion 1,779,205 1,619,270 1,554,871 1,588,992 1,475,886 Total debt 1,795,926 1,637,668 1,591,611 1,669,375 1,583,657 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Operating cash flows from continuing operations $ 370,794 $ 364,888 $ 365,409 $ 375,823 $ 349,927 Capital additions 364,689 328,605 307,908 347,098 324,360 Net cash expended for acquisitions of utility systems and other 28,989 14,616 14,997 121,248 8,515 Dividends on common stock 121,248 112,106 102,889 93,423 87,133 Number of utility customers served (2) 957,866 940,119 928,200 917,986 848,336 Number of shareholders of common stock 25,269 25,780 25,833 26,216 26,744 Common shares outstanding (000) 176,544 176,753 176,751 175,209 173,519 Employees (full-time) (2) 1,617 1,617 1,542 1,556 1,464 (1) 2015 results includes Aqua America's share of a joint venture impairment charge of $21,433 ( $32,975 pre-tax). (2) Reflects continuing operations.

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent51

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Interest Rate Range 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter 0.00% to 0.99% $ 491 $ 60,489 $ 488 $ 491 $ 487 $ 2,702 1.00% to 1.99% 1,736 51,584 51,611 1,506 1,457 12,917 2.00% to 2.99% 1,492 1,529 1,571 1,614 1,658 11,303 3.00% to 3.99% 2,500 2,584 2,674 2,621 2,413 404,483 4.00% to 4.99% 11,091 11,100 11,110 50,325 16,536 531,331 5.00% to 5.99% 16,818 25,055 10,716 31,250 23,245 283,899 6.00% to 6.99% - 9,000 12,964 - - 31,000 7.00% to 7.99% 408 484 523 566 613 31,168 8.00% to 8.99% 357 482 521 563 610 11,969 9.00% to 9.99% 700 700 5,700 700 2,400 16,900 10.00% to 10.99% - - 6,000 - - - Total $ 35,593 $ 163,007 $ 103,878 $ 89,636 $ 49,419 $ 1,337,672
Aqua America, Inc. [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Year Debt Maturity 2016 $ 16,050 2017 26,050 2018 20,800 2019 50,000 2020 28,200 Thereafter 235,300
Short-Term Borrowing Activity	2015 2014 2013 Balance outstanding at December 31, $ - $ - $ - Interest rate at December 31, - - - Average borrowings outstanding $ - $ 583 $ - Weighted-average interest rate - 0.78% - Maximum amount outstanding $ - $ 7,000 $ -

Summary Of Significant Accoun52

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended								10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)statecountysegment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of operating revenue from largest operating subsidiary												52.00%
Percentage of net income from largest operating subsidiary												76.00%
Number of operating segments | segment												10
Number of reportable segments | segment												1
Operating revenues			$ 197,067,000	$ 221,051,000	$ 205,760,000	$ 190,326,000	$ 191,389,000	$ 210,535,000	$ 195,307,000	$ 182,672,000		$ 814,204,000	$ 779,903,000	$ 761,893,000	$ 750,685,000	$ 680,677,000
Net utility plant acquisition adjustment			24,428,000									24,428,000
Amortization of the acquisition adjustments												2,556,000	2,648,000	2,480,000
Utility expenditures expected to be recovered			16,148,000									16,148,000
Deferred cost reported as a component of net property, plant and equipment			24,509,000									24,509,000
Overdraft for certain disbursement cash accounts	$ 21,431,000		20,693,000				21,431,000					$ 20,693,000	21,431,000
Noncash impairment charge			32,975,000
Noncash impairment charge, net			21,433,000
Amortization period of tax repair catch up adjustment												10 years
Impaired goodwill												$ 0
Goodwill	31,184,000		$ 33,866,000				31,184,000				$ 28,223,000	$ 33,866,000	31,184,000	28,223,000
Deferred income taxes	26,849,000						26,849,000						26,849,000
Joint Venture [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Joint venture ownership percentage			49.00%									49.00%
Joint Venture Distributions												$ 441,000	1,372,000
Noncash impairment charge												32,975,000
Noncash impairment charge, net												21,433,000
Joint venture's assets			$ 7,716,000									$ 7,716,000
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred income taxes	$ 26,849,000						26,849,000						26,849,000
City of Fort Wayne, Indiana [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of customers	13,000
Florida [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of customers		38,000
NumberofSeparateSalesTransactions | item											5
Florida [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of customers		38,000
Pennsylvania [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of counties providing operating services | county												27
Percentage of customers served												50.00%
Other State [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of states providing services in other than Pennsylvania | state												7
Regulated Segment [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment												8
Amount of AFUDC related to equity funds	$ 3,640,000		4,621,000				3,640,000				$ 533,000	$ 4,621,000	3,640,000	533,000
Goodwill	24,564,000		27,246,000				24,564,000				24,102,000	27,246,000	24,564,000	24,102,000
Other and Eliminations [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating revenues												34,591,000	23,846,000	17,366,000
Goodwill	6,620,000		6,620,000				6,620,000				4,121,000	$ 6,620,000	6,620,000	4,121,000
Not Quantitatively Significant [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment												2
Non-Regulated Businesses [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating revenues												$ 34,909,000	24,189,000	17,712,000
Amount of AFUDC related to equity funds	$ 0		$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortized Period												2 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortized Period												53 years

Summary Of Significant Accoun53

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Changes In Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	$ 31,184	$ 28,223
Goodwill acquired during year	12	2,697
Reclassifications from (to) utility plant acquisition adjustment, net	2,682	(302)
Other	(12)	566
Balance	33,866	31,184
Regulated Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	24,564	24,102
Goodwill acquired during year		182
Reclassifications from (to) utility plant acquisition adjustment, net	2,682	(302)
Other		582
Balance	27,246	24,564
Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	6,620	4,121
Goodwill acquired during year	12	2,515
Other	(12)	(16)
Balance	$ 6,620	$ 6,620

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating revenues included in the consolidated financial statements											$ 3,276	$ 3,180	$ 2,103
Income from continuing operations							$ 48,954	$ 67,711	$ 54,818	$ 42,401	201,790	213,884	202,871	$ 181,837	$ 139,675
Operating revenues			$ 197,067	$ 221,051	$ 205,760	$ 190,326	191,389	$ 210,535	$ 195,307	$ 182,672	$ 814,204	$ 779,903	761,893	$ 750,685	$ 680,677
2013 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisitions													$ 14,997
Number Of Water And Wastewater Systems | item													15
North Maine Utilities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of customers		7,400
Cash paid for acquisitions		$ 23,079
Superior Water Company, Inc. [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of customers	3,900
Cash paid for acquisitions	$ 3,905
Total purchase price	$ 16,750
Shares issued | shares	439,943
Regulated Segment [Member] | 2015 Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions completed | item											14
Total purchase price			$ 5,210								$ 5,210
Operating revenues included in the consolidated financial statements											6,662
Regulated Segment [Member] | 2014 Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions completed | item												16
Cash paid for acquisitions												$ 10,530
Other and Eliminations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations											(22,332)	(6)	$ (4,638)
Operating revenues											$ 34,591	23,846	17,366
Non-Regulated Businesses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price							3,010					3,010
Contingent consideration							810					810
Performance target period											3 years
Contingent consideration paid												270
Operating revenues											$ 34,909	24,189	$ 17,712
Non-Regulated Businesses [Member] | Water Distribution System Service [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisitions						$ 700
Total purchase price							$ 1,800					1,800
Income from continuing operations											$ 19,154	$ 4,403

Discontinued Operations And O55

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)item	Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2013item	Mar. 31, 2013item	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Discontinued Operations And Other Dispositions [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of regulated water operations		$ 3,400,000
Gain (loss) on sale		1,025,000
Gain (loss) on sale, after tax		$ 615,000
Percentage of utility system that assets represent		0.04%
Carrying amount of assets						$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Carrying amount of liabilities						0	0	$ 0
Florida [Member]
Discontinued Operations And Other Dispositions [Line Items]
Number of customers					38,000
Sale transactions | item	5		5	5
Proceeds from sale of regulated water operations	$ 88,934,000
Gain (loss) on sale	21,178,000
Gain (loss) on sale, after tax	$ 13,766,000
Indiana [Member]
Discontinued Operations And Other Dispositions [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale						29,210,000
Gain (loss) on sale, after tax						17,611,000
Initial valuation payment							16,911,000
Remaining payment for Northern and Southern assets						$ 50,100,000	50,100,000
Total payment for Northern and Southern Indiana Assets							$ 67,011,000

Discontinued Operations And O56

Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition (Summary Of Discontinued Operations Presented In Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Discontinued Operations And Other Disposition [Abstract]
Operating revenues					$ 6,324	$ 19,014
Total operating expenses					3,262	11,880
Operating income					3,062	7,134
Gain on sale					(29,093)	(21,178)
Other, net						1
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes					32,155	28,311
Provision for income taxes					12,800	9,882
Income from discontinued operations	$ 17,861	$ 285	$ 751	$ 458	$ 19,355	$ 18,429	$ 14,726	$ 3,394

Property, Plant And Equipment57

Property, Plant And Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility plant and equipment	$ 5,961,350	$ 5,601,082
Net utility plant acquisition adjustment	24,428
Total property, plant and equipment	6,088,011	5,707,017
Mains And Accessories [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility plant and equipment	2,696,194	2,516,895
Services, Hydrants, Treatment Plants And Reservoirs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility plant and equipment	1,531,052	1,426,701
Operations Structures And Water Tanks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility plant and equipment	263,722	252,908
Miscellaneous Pumping And Purification Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility plant and equipment	687,472	654,316
Meters, Data Processing, Transportation And Operating Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility plant and equipment	684,335	650,253
Land And Other Non-Depreciable Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility plant and equipment	98,575	100,009
Utility Construction Work In progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Utility construction work in progress	144,448	116,644
Net Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Net utility plant acquisition adjustment	(24,428)	(20,164)
Non-Utility Plant And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Non-utility plant and equipment	$ 6,641	$ 9,455
Minimum [Member] | Mains And Accessories [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	30 years
Minimum [Member] | Services, Hydrants, Treatment Plants And Reservoirs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Operations Structures And Water Tanks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	14 years
Minimum [Member] | Miscellaneous Pumping And Purification Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Meters, Data Processing, Transportation And Operating Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	4 years
Minimum [Member] | Net Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Non-Utility Plant And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Mains And Accessories [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	93 years
Maximum [Member] | Services, Hydrants, Treatment Plants And Reservoirs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	85 years
Maximum [Member] | Operations Structures And Water Tanks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	70 years
Maximum [Member] | Miscellaneous Pumping And Purification Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	90 years
Maximum [Member] | Meters, Data Processing, Transportation And Operating Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	63 years
Maximum [Member] | Net Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	53 years
Maximum [Member] | Non-Utility Plant And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	25 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Mains And Accessories [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	77 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Services, Hydrants, Treatment Plants And Reservoirs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	49 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Operations Structures And Water Tanks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	47 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Miscellaneous Pumping And Purification Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	40 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Meters, Data Processing, Transportation And Operating Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	25 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Net Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	28 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Non-Utility Plant And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Lives	7 years

Accounts Receivable (Narrative)

Accounts Receivable (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015
Pennsylvania [Member]
utility customers by geographic operating segment, percentage	47.00%
Ohio [Member]
utility customers by geographic operating segment, percentage	16.00%
North Carolina [Member]
utility customers by geographic operating segment, percentage	10.00%
Texas [Member]
utility customers by geographic operating segment, percentage	8.00%
Illinois [Member]
utility customers by geographic operating segment, percentage	8.00%

Accounts Receivable (Net Accoun

Accounts Receivable (Net Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Billed utility revenue	$ 56,876	$ 55,537
Unbilled revenue	37,276	35,566
Other	10,867	11,261
Gross accounts receivable	105,019	102,364
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	5,873	5,365	$ 4,413	$ 4,299
Net accounts receivable	$ 99,146	$ 96,999

Accounts Receivable (Allowance

Accounts Receivable (Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$ 5,365	$ 4,413	$ 4,299
Amounts charged to expense	5,762	5,838	4,708
Accounts written off	(6,513)	(6,120)	(5,884)
Recoveries of accounts written off	1,259	1,234	1,290
Balance at December 31	$ 5,365	$ 4,413	$ 4,299	$ 5,873

Regulatory Assets And Liabili61

Regulatory Assets And Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Amortization period for catch up component of tax repair change	10 years
Amortization of deferred repair tax adjustment	$ 38,000
Increase in net income	$ 16,734
Long-term debt maturity date, start	2,022
Long-term debt maturity date, end	2,029
Minimum [Member]
Water tank painting costs amortization period	1 year
Rate case filing expense amortization period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Water tank painting costs amortization period	15 years
Rate case filing expense amortization period	5 years
Utility Plant Retirement Costs [Member]
Regulatory asset recovery period	5 years
Post-retirement Benefits [Member]
Regulatory asset recovery period	10 years

Regulatory Assets And Liabili62

Regulatory Assets And Liabilities (Components Of Regulatory Assets And Regulatory Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	$ 830,118	$ 725,591
Regulatory Liabilities	259,507	278,317
Income Taxes [Member]
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	699,247	596,459
Regulatory Liabilities	181,067	206,940
Utility Plant Retirement Costs [Member]
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	6,052	7,687
Regulatory Liabilities	27,604	25,236
Post-retirement Benefits [Member]
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	112,626	108,586
Regulatory Liabilities	50,775	46,074
Accrued Vacation [Member]
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	1,744	1,605
Water Tank Painting [Member]
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	303	1,533
Fair Value Adjustment Of Long-Term Debt Assumed In Acquisition [Member]
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	3,636	4,004
Rate Case Filing Expenses And Other [Member]
Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Regulatory Assets	6,510	5,717
Regulatory Liabilities	$ 61	$ 67

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Statutory federal tax rate	35.00%
Net income tax benefits	$ 72,944,000	$ 69,048,000	$ 60,555,000
Percentage of catch-up bonus amortized	10.00%
Catch-up adjustment	$ 38,000,000	$ 38,000,000
Catch-up adjustment, impact on net income	16,734,000
Tax deduction for qualifying capital expenditures	$ 380,000,000
Effective income tax rate	6.90%	10.50%	9.50%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 28,016,000	$ 25,292,000	$ 28,690,000
Tax Year 2011 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Recognized income tax benefit associated with stock options	1,680,000
Tax Year 2012 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net income tax benefits			$ 14,908,000
Recognized income tax benefit associated with stock options	2,805,000
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	62,975,000
Operating loss carryforwards	158,276,000
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	0
Operating loss carryforwards before unrecognized tax position	221,070,000
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets operating loss carryforward	548,671,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	88,904,000
Operating loss carryforwards before unrecognized tax position	637,575,000
Pennsylvania [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net income tax benefits	$ 17,777,000	$ 12,567,000
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
State corporate net income tax rates	5.00%
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
State corporate net income tax rates	9.99%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provi

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal	$ 2,624	$ (11,296)	$ (11,153)
State	(4,168)	5,038	5,687
Total current income taxes	(1,544)	(6,258)	(5,466)
Federal	12,649	37,500	30,327
State	3,857	(6,023)	(3,628)
Total deferred income taxes	16,506	31,477	26,699
Actual income tax expense	$ 14,962	$ 25,219	$ 21,233	$ 65,220	$ 67,590

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reaso

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reasons For Differences Between Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate To Income Before Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed Federal tax expense at statutory rate	$ 75,863	$ 83,686	$ 78,436
Decrease in Federal tax expense related to an income tax accounting change for qualifying utility asset improvement costs	(59,488)	(57,015)	(57,467)
State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	(202)	(640)	1,338
Increase in tax expense for depreciation expense to be recovered in future rates	199	317	295
Stock-based compensation	(174)	(168)	(421)
Deduction for Aqua America common dividends paid under employee benefit plan	(456)	(350)	(414)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits	(421)	(416)	(420)
Other, net	(359)	(195)	(114)
Actual income tax expense	$ 14,962	$ 25,219	$ 21,233	$ 65,220	$ 67,590

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Balance at January 1,	$ 25,292	$ 28,690
Additions based on tax position related to the current year	2,724	1,077
Reductions based on tax position related to prior years		(4,475)
Balance at December 31,	$ 28,016	$ 25,292

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Customers' advances for construction	$ 27,675	$ 27,130
Costs expensed for book not deducted for tax, principally accrued expenses	15,612	14,279
Utility plant acquisition adjustment basis differences	3,489	12,314
Post-retirement benefits	36,362	34,653
Tax loss carryfoward	93,263	112,719
Other	1,102	1,528
Total gross deferred tax assets	177,503	202,623
Less valuation allowance	10,982	6,578
Net deferred tax assets	166,521	196,045
Utility plant, principally due to depreciation and differences in the basis of fixed assets due to variation in tax and book accounting	1,027,406	966,596
Deferred taxes associated with the gross-up of revenues necessary to recover, in rates, the effect of temporary differences	214,861	161,479
Tax effect of regulatory asset for postretirement benefits	36,362	34,653
Deferred investment tax credit	6,815	7,259
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Total	1,285,444	1,169,987
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ 1,118,923	$ 973,942

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes68

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]
Taxes other than income	$ 55,057	$ 50,453	$ 52,685
Property [Member]
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]
Taxes other than income	26,545	24,133	25,341
Capital Stock [Member]
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]
Taxes other than income	1,644	1,315	2,127
Gross Receipts, Excise And Franchise [Member]
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]
Taxes other than income	10,362	10,945	11,775
Payroll [Member]
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]
Taxes other than income	9,539	7,583	7,395
Regulatory Assessments [Member]
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]
Taxes other than income	2,689	2,538	2,462
Other [Member]
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items]
Taxes other than income	$ 4,278	$ 3,939	$ 3,585

Commitments And Contingencies69

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease adjustment period	5 years
Annual lease payments for land	$ 587
Annual lease payments for land due on aggregate remaining years	13,663
Estimated annual commitments to purchase water through the next five years	7,352
Aggregate amount of the commitments for the remaining years	$ 19,138
Purchase Obligation Term	20 years
Aggregate amount accrued for loss contingencies	$ 13,570
Amount probable of recovery through insurance	1,013
Contingent liability for self-insured employee medical benefit program	$ 1,496	$ 1,468
Minimum [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating leases, expiration year	2,016
Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating leases, expiration year	2,052

Commitments And Contingencies70

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Future Annual Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) - Motor Vehicles, Buildings And Other Equipment [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2,016	$ 1,138
2,017	714
2,018	493
2,019	404
2,020	315
Thereafter	$ 301

Commitments And Contingencies71

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Purchase Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2,016	$ 1,100
2,017	1,100
2,018	1,100
2,019	1,100
2,020	1,100
Thereafter	$ 8,410

Commitments And Contingencies72

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Rent Expense Under Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Operating leases expense	$ 2,440	$ 2,820	$ 3,375
Purchased water under long-term agreements	13,718	13,139	12,923
Water treatment expense under contractual agreement	$ 972	$ 892	$ 926

Long-Term Debt And Loans Paya73

Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 24, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aqua Pennsylvania's retainied earnings including minority interest		$ 930,061,000				$ 930,061,000	$ 849,952,000
Restricted assets		1,240,826,000				1,240,826,000
Total net assets		1,725,930,000				1,725,930,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt						$ 678,000
Average borrowings cost percentage						0.99%	1.00%
Maximum amount outstanding at the end of any one month						$ 9,440,000	$ 13,740,000
Average borrowing amount						5,132,000	5,657,000
Interest income						272,000	316,000	$ 438,000
Interest cost						76,808,000	76,713,000	77,754,000
Capitalized amount						6,219,000	5,134,000	$ 2,275,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit capacity available		26,640,000				26,640,000
Available capacity borrowed		60,000,000				60,000,000
Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aqua Pennsylvania retained earning excluding minority interest		1,121,206,000				1,121,206,000
Aqua Pennsylvania's retainied earnings including minority interest		1,141,206,000				1,141,206,000
Restricted net assets		929,319,000				929,319,000
Total net assets		1,308,793,000				1,308,793,000
Debt instrument, issued		210,000,000				$ 210,000,000	$ 65,000,000
Senior unsecured notes										$ 50,000,000
Term of debt						3 years
Interest rate										1.92%
Gain on extinguishment of debt		678,000
Average borrowings cost percentage						0.86%	0.81%
Commitment fee percentage						0.05%
Maximum amount outstanding at the end of any one month						$ 40,000,000	$ 36,943,000
Average borrowing amount						25,486,000	$ 24,072,000
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aqua Pennsylvania retained earning excluding minority interest		103,800,000				103,800,000
Aqua Pennsylvania's retainied earnings including minority interest		155,000,000				155,000,000
Swing-Line Commitment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit capacity available		50,000,000				50,000,000
Available capacity borrowed		0				$ 0
Average borrowings cost percentage						0.87%	0.78%
Average borrowing amount						$ 82,880,000	$ 67,916,000
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility With Four Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt						364 days
Available capacity borrowed		7,281,000				$ 7,281,000	13,658,000
Funds borrowed under credit facility									$ 100,000,000
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Year 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		200,000,000			$ 200,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Term of debt						5 years
Debt maturity, month					2017-03	2017-03
Sublimit for daily demand loans						$ 15,000,000
Short-Term Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term lines of credit		35,500,000				35,500,000	60,500
Funds borrowed under credit facility		9,440,000				$ 9,440,000	4,740,000
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2035 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount							$ 25,000,000
Interest rate							3.64%
Debt maturity						2,035
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2040 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount							$ 15,000,000
Interest rate							4.01%
Debt maturity						2,040
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2045 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount							$ 13,000,000
Interest rate							4.06%
Debt maturity						2,045
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2054 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount							$ 12,000,000
Interest rate							4.11%
Debt maturity						2,054
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2036 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 65,000,000				$ 65,000,000
Interest rate		3.77%				3.77%
Debt maturity		2,036
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2037 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 20,000,000				$ 20,000,000
Interest rate		3.82%				3.82%
Debt maturity		2,037
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2038 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 25,000,000				$ 25,000,000
Interest rate		3.85%				3.85%
Debt maturity		2,038
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2046 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 60,000,000				$ 60,000,000
Interest rate		4.16%				4.16%
Debt maturity		2,046
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2047 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 20,000,000				$ 20,000,000
Interest rate		4.18%				4.18%
Debt maturity		2,047
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2048 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 20,000,000				$ 20,000,000
Interest rate		4.20%				4.20%
Debt maturity		2,048
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2025 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, issued			$ 4,000
Interest rate			8.14%
Debt maturity			2,025
First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2035 and 2038 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 95,985,000
Interest rate			5.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes Maturity Year 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes				$ 70,000,000
Interest rate				3.59%
Debt maturity				2,030
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes				$ 50,000,000
Term of debt						3 years
Interest rate				1.975%
Long Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of long-term debt		4.44%				4.44%	4.65%
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of fixed rate long-term debt		4.57%				4.57%	4.85%
Minimum [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2035 and 2038 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity			2,035
Maximum [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2035 and 2038 [Member] | Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity			2,038
Subsequent Event [Member] | Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Year 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 250,000,000
Debt maturity, month	2021-02

Long-Term Debt And Loans Paya74

Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Future Sinking Fund Payments And Debt Maturities) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 35,593
2,017	163,007
2,018	103,878
2,019	89,636
2,020	49,419
Thereafter	1,337,672
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 0.00% To 0.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	491
2,017	60,489
2,018	488
2,019	491
2,020	487
Thereafter	$ 2,702
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	0.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	0.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 1.00% To 1.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 1,736
2,017	51,584
2,018	51,611
2,019	1,506
2,020	1,457
Thereafter	$ 12,917
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	1.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	1.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 2.00% To 2.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 1,492
2,017	1,529
2,018	1,571
2,019	1,614
2,020	1,658
Thereafter	$ 11,303
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	2.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	2.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 3.00% To 3.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 2,500
2,017	2,584
2,018	2,674
2,019	2,621
2,020	2,413
Thereafter	$ 404,483
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	3.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	3.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 4.00% To 4.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 11,091
2,017	11,100
2,018	11,110
2,019	50,325
2,020	16,536
Thereafter	$ 531,331
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	4.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	4.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 5.00% To 5.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 16,818
2,017	25,055
2,018	10,716
2,019	31,250
2,020	23,245
Thereafter	$ 283,899
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	5.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	5.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 6.00% To 6.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,017	$ 9,000
2,018	12,964
Thereafter	$ 31,000
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	6.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	6.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 7.00% To 7.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 408
2,017	484
2,018	523
2,019	566
2,020	613
Thereafter	$ 31,168
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	7.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	7.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 8.00% To 8.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 357
2,017	482
2,018	521
2,019	563
2,020	610
Thereafter	$ 11,969
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	8.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	8.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 9.00% To 9.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 700
2,017	700
2,018	5,700
2,019	700
2,020	2,400
Thereafter	$ 16,900
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	9.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	9.99%
Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 10.00% To 10.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	$ 6,000
Interest Rate Range, Minimum	10.00%
Interest Rate Range, Maximum	10.99%

Fair Value Of Financial Instr75

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Funds restricted for construction activity		$ 47
Loans payable	$ 16,721	18,398
Cash and cash equivalents	3,229	4,138	$ 5,058	$ 5,521
Customers' advances for construction	$ 86,934	$ 78,301

Fair Value Of Financial Instr76

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,779,205	$ 1,619,270
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,905,393	$ 1,694,424

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Oct. 31, 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.50	$ 0.50	$ 0.50
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,770,819	1,770,819
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common and preferred shares authorized					$ 500,000,000
Direct Stock Purchase Plan discount from current market value		5.00%
Shares authorized for repurchase			1,000,000
Additional shares authorized for repurchase	400,000
Remianing shares authorized for repurchase	720,348	720,348				685,348
Repurchase of stock		$ 25,247,000	$ 15,756,000	$ 12,823,000
Repurchase of stock, shares		981,585	659,666	415,233
Common Stock [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of stock		$ 20,502,000	$ 13,280,000
Repurchase of stock, shares		805,000	560,000
Dividend Reinvestment [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares purchased by transfer agent for dividend reinvestment plan		535,439	558,317	154,900
Value of shares purchased in open market for dividend investment plan		$ 14,380,000	$ 14,148,000	$ 3,693,000
Issue of common shares under dividend reinvestment plan		26,295	0
Common stock sold under dividend reinvestment plan		$ 677,000	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity (Shares Ou

Stockholders' Equity (Shares Outstanding And Treasury Shares Held) (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares outstanding	176,544,091	176,753,270	176,750,599
Treasury shares	2,819,569	1,837,984	1,178,323

Net Income Per Common Share A79

Net Income Per Common Share And Equity Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Income Per Common Share and Equity per Commn Share [Abstract]
Equity per common share	$ 9.78	$ 9.37

Net Income Per Common Share a80

Net Income Per Common Share and Equity per Common Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Income Per Common Share and Equity per Commn Share [Abstract]
Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation	176,788	176,864	176,140
Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation	729	899	674
Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation	177,517	177,763	176,814

Employee Stock And Incentive 81

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 03, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity compensation plan, shares		321,402	212,920	43,500
Compensation expense, tax		$ 174,000	$ 168,000	$ 421,000
Non-Employee Members, Board Of Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity compensation plan, shares	13,800
fair market value of the shares	$ 26.44
Compensation expense		365,000
Compensation expense, tax		$ 151,000
2009 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance		6,250,000
Maximum number of shares available for issuance may be issued as restricted stock		3,125,000
Maximum number of shares subject to grants to any one individual in any one year		500,000
Underlying stock option and restricted stock awards available for grant		4,212,079
Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period specified in grant, in years		3 years
PSUs will be earned based on the Company's TSR		30.00%
PSUs will be earned based on maintaining an average ratio of operations and maintenance expenses		20.00%
PSUs will be earned based on cumulative earnings before tax		20.00%
Unrecognized compensation costs		$ 4,098,000
Period over which unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized		1 year 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value		$ 15,236,000
Equity compensation plan, shares		142,212
fair market value of the shares		$ 26.46
Compensation expense, tax		$ 1,796,000	$ 2,044,000	$ 1,400,000
Performance Share Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award amount the grantee may earn		0.00%
Performance Share Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award amount the grantee may earn		200.00%
Amortization period of fair value of shares, in months		36 months
Vesting period, in years		3 years
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs		$ 1,046,000
Vesting period, in years		3 years
Period over which unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized		1 year 10 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value		$ 2,633,000
Equity compensation plan, shares		47,285
fair market value of the shares		$ 26	$ 24.80	$ 23.28
Compensation expense, tax		$ 444,000	$ 464,000	$ 336,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs		$ 0
Vesting period, in years		10 years
Percentage of options exercisable annually		33.00%
Number of options granted		0	0	0
Compensation expense, tax		$ 193,000	$ 189,000	$ 461,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs		0
Intrinsic value of awards vested		860,000	1,097,000	2,236,000
Fair value of awards vested		$ 553,000	$ 906,000	$ 1,560,000
Number of options granted		0
fair market value of the shares			$ 25.19	$ 25.09
Compensation expense, tax			$ 287,000	$ 320,000

Employee Stock And Incentive 82

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Compensation Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ 174	$ 168	$ 421
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense			30
Income tax benefit	193	189	461
Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	4,419	4,996	3,437
Income tax benefit	1,796	2,044	1,400
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense	1,076	1,122	813
Income tax benefit	$ 444	464	336
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense		691	770
Income tax benefit		$ 287	$ 320

Employee Stock and Incentive 83

Employee Stock and Incentive Plan (Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Number of Share Units	321,402	212,920	43,500
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	582,644
Granted, Number of Share Units	142,212
Performance criteria adjustment, Number of Share Units	17,717
Forfeited, Number of Share Units	(14,276)
Vested, Number of Share Units	(86,425)
Share unit awards issued, Number of Share Units	217,014
Nonvested share units at end of period, Number of Share Units	424,858	582,644
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$ 22.98
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value	26.46
Performance criteria adjustment, Weighted Average Fair Value	25.59
Forfeited, Weighted Average Fair Value	25.92
Vested, Weighted Average Fair Value	26.25
Share unit awards issued, Weighted Average Fair Value	18.49
Nonvested share units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$ 25.78	$ 22.98

Employee Stock And Incentive 84

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Assumptions Used In The Pricing Model - Performance Stock Units) (Details) - Performance Share Units [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.03%	0.68%	0.36%
Expected volatility	16.90%	19.80%	20.00%
Weighted average fair value of PSUs granted	$ 26.46	$ 25.31	$ 26.88
Intrinsic value of vested PSUs	$ 7,964	$ 4,327	$ 415
Fair value of vested PSUs	$ 6,416	$ 3,297	$ 351

Employee Stock And Incentive 85

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Number of Share Units	321,402	212,920	43,500
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	122,565
Granted, Number of Share Units	47,285
Stock units vested in prior period and issued in current period, Number of Share Units	11,500
Stock units vested and paid	(90,588)
Forfeited, Number of Share Units	(2,409)
Nonvested share units at end of period, Number of Share Units	88,353	122,565
Nonvested share units at beginning of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$ 22.29
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value	26	$ 24.80	$ 23.28
Stock units vested in prior period and issued in current period, Weighted Average Fair Value	17.99
Stock units vested and issued, Weighted Average Fair Value	21.02
Forfeited, Weighted Average Fair Value	24.94
Nonvested share units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value	$ 24.94	$ 22.29

Employee Stock And Incentive 86

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Value Of Restricted Stock Units) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value of stock awards granted	$ 26	$ 24.80	$ 23.28
Intrinsic value of vested RSUs	$ 2,327	$ 759	$ 449
Fair value of vested RSUs	$ 1,904	$ 544	$ 348

Employee Stock And Incentive 87

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Stock Option Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercised, Shares	(424,709)	(449,412)	(1,566,089)
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares	1,084,992
Granted, Shares	0	0	0
Forfeited, Shares
Expired / Cancelled, Shares	(750)
Exercised, Shares	(424,709)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares	659,533	1,084,992
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 17.06
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Expired / Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 13.72
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	17.75
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 16.62	$ 17.06
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	2 years 6 months
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 8,692

Employee Stock And Incentive 88

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Options Outstanding And Options Exercisable) (Details) - Stock Options [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Shares | shares	659,533
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Life	2 years 6 months
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 16.62
$13.00 - 14.99 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of prices, Lower limit	13
Range of prices, Upper limit	$ 14.99
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Shares | shares	160,722
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Life	4 years 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 13.72
$15.00 - 15.99 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of prices, Lower limit	15
Range of prices, Upper limit	$ 15.99
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Shares | shares	165,615
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Life	3 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 15.30
$16.00 - 16.99 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of prices, Lower limit	16
Range of prices, Upper limit	$ 16.99
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Shares | shares	144,654
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Life	2 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 16.15
$17.00 - 19.99 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of prices, Lower limit	17
Range of prices, Upper limit	$ 19.99
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Shares | shares	112,297
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Life	1 year 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.61
$20.00 - 23.99 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of prices, Lower limit	20
Range of prices, Upper limit	$ 23.99
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Shares | shares	76,245
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Life	2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 23.57

Employee Stock And Incentive 89

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Stock Options Exercised And Vested) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 4,154	$ 4,054	$ 12,658
Fair value of options vested			$ 500

Employee Stock And Incentive 90

Employee Stock And Incentive Plan (Summary Of Value Of Restricted Stock Awards) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of restricted stock awards vested	$ 860	$ 1,097	$ 2,236
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested	$ 553	$ 906	$ 1,560
Weighted average fair value of stock awards granted		$ 25.19	$ 25.09

Pension Plans And Other Post-91

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment charge					$ 84
One-time voluntary lump sum paid	$ 11,471	$ 5,329
Aa-graded corporate bonds, outstanding value				$ 50,000
Expected return on plan assets				7.50%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment charge					8,650
One-time voluntary lump sum paid				$ 302
Accumulated benefit obligation		291,132		291,132	$ 293,364
Estimated net actuarial loss				6,917
Prior service cost				$ 578
Expected return on plan assets				7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Fair value of plan assets		238,605		$ 238,605	$ 244,897	$ 232,347
2015 expected contribution				8,145
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated net actuarial loss				1,068
Prior service cost				549
Fair value of plan assets		43,704		43,704	43,326	40,840
401(k) Savings Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Matching contribution, annual profit sharing compensation expense				5,001	3,051	$ 2,790
Aqua America Common Stock [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 19,958		$ 19,958	$ 17,409
Percentage of plan assets		8.40%		8.40%	7.10%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected return on plan assets			7.25%

Pension Plans And Other Post-92

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Benefit Payments Of Expected Future Service) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	$ 27,402
2,017	20,034
2,018	20,079
2,019	19,937
2,020	20,823
2021-2025	102,607
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	1,889
2,017	2,200
2,018	2,518
2,019	2,783
2,020	2,995
2021-2025	$ 17,413

Pension Plans And Other Post-93

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Changes In Benefit Obligation And Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment				$ (84)
Special termination benefits	$ 11,471	$ 5,329
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at January 1			$ 311,609	281,161
Service cost			3,349	4,295	$ 5,313
Interest cost			12,955	14,153	12,660
Actuarial (gain) loss			(7,778)	43,250
Benefits paid			(17,118)	(22,600)
Plan amendments			3,220
Curtailment				(8,650)
Special termination benefits			302
Benefit obligation at December 31		306,539	311,609	281,161	281,161	$ 311,609
Fair value of plan assets at January 1			244,897	232,347
Actual return on plan assets			(3,058)	17,148
Employer contributions			13,884	18,002
Fair value of plan assets at December 31		238,605	244,897	232,347	232,347	244,897
Net amount recognized at December 31,		67,934				66,712
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at January 1			71,958	57,174
Service cost			1,224	1,161	1,525
Interest cost			2,802	2,903	2,579
Actuarial (gain) loss			(6,527)	11,769
Plan participants' contributions			204	217
Benefits paid			(1,052)	(989)
Benefits paid including amounts out ot Trust			(1,270)	(1,311)
Plan amendments			(3,254)	45
Benefit obligation at December 31		65,137	71,958	57,174	57,174	71,958
Fair value of plan assets at January 1			43,326	40,840
Actual return on plan assets			(998)	3,175
Employer contributions			2,428	300
Fair value of plan assets at December 31		43,704	$ 43,326	$ 40,840	$ 40,840	43,326
Net amount recognized at December 31,		$ 21,433				$ 28,632

Pension Plans And Other Post-94

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Net Liability Recognized On Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current liability	$ 8,370	$ 4,930
Noncurrent liability	59,564	61,782
Net liability recognized	67,934	66,712
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent liability	21,433	28,632
Net liability recognized	$ 21,433	$ 28,632

Pension Plans And Other Post-95

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Accumulated And Projected Benefit Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Projected Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 306,539	$ 311,609
Fair value of plan assets	238,605	244,897
Accumulated Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	291,132	293,364
Fair value of plan assets	$ 238,605	$ 244,897

Pension Plans And Other Post-96

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 3,349	$ 4,295	$ 5,313
Interest cost	12,955	14,153	12,660
Expected return on plan assets	(18,702)	(17,601)	(14,770)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	174	277	228
Amortization of actuarial loss	5,993	2,256	8,169
Curtailment loss		84
Net periodic benefit cost	3,769	3,464	11,600
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,224	1,161	1,525
Interest cost	2,802	2,903	2,579
Expected return on plan assets	(2,923)	(2,742)	(2,268)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(687)	(278)	(295)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,282	260	1,479
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,698	$ 1,304	$ 3,020

Pension Plans And Other Post-97

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not Yet Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Net actuarial loss	$ 87,930	$ 79,639
Prior service cost (credit)	4,419	1,374
Total recognized in regulatory assets	92,349	81,013
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Net actuarial loss	14,469	18,356
Prior service cost (credit)	(2,926)	(359)
Total recognized in regulatory assets	$ 11,543	$ 17,997

Pension Plans And Other Post-98

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Assumptions Related To Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.20%	5.12%	4.17%
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.48%	4.20%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.50%	4.50%
Pension Benefits [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.17%	5.12%	4.17%
Health care cost trend rate	7.00%	7.50%	8.00%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2,019	2,019	2,019
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Obligations [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.60%	4.17%
Health care cost trend rate	7.00%	7.00%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2,021	2,019
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected return on plan assets	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%

Pension Plans And Other Post-99

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Effect Of One-Percentage-Point Change In Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Effect on the health-care component of the accrued other post-retirement benefit obligation, 1-Percentage- Point Increase	$ 3,691
Effect on the health-care component of the accrued other post-retirement benefit obligation, 1-Percentage- Point Decrease	(3,319)
Effect on aggregate service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement health-care benefit cost, 1-Percentage- Point Increase	254
Effect on aggregate service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement health-care benefit cost, 1-Percentage- Point Decrease	$ (233)

Pension Plans And Other Post100

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Target Asset Allocations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	100.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	100.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
Domestic equities [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	25.00%
Target Allocation maximum	75.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	63.00%	64.00%
Domestic equities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	25.00%
Target Allocation maximum	75.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	54.00%	57.00%
International equities [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation maximum	10.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	6.00%	6.00%
International equities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation maximum	10.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	2.00%	3.00%
Fixed income [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	25.00%
Target Allocation maximum	50.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	24.00%	25.00%
Fixed income [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	25.00%
Target Allocation maximum	50.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	26.00%	25.00%
Alternative investments [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation maximum	5.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	3.00%	3.00%
Alternative investments [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation maximum	5.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	0.00%	1.00%
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation maximum	20.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	4.00%	2.00%
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation minimum	0.00%
Target Allocation maximum	20.00%
Percentage of Plan Assets	18.00%	14.00%

Pension Plans And Other Post101

Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 238,605	$ 244,897	$ 232,347
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	193,478	198,996
Pension Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	45,127	45,901
Pension Benefits [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	146,970	151,402
Pension Benefits [Member] | Common stocks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	146,970	151,402
Pension Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	3,605	4,168
Pension Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	3,605	4,168
Pension Benefits [Member] | International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	14,180	14,584
Pension Benefits [Member] | International equities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	14,180	14,584
Pension Benefits [Member] | US Treasury and government agency bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	22,953	25,150
Pension Benefits [Member] | US Treasury and government agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	22,953	25,150
Pension Benefits [Member] | Corporate and foreign bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	13,579	13,716
Pension Benefits [Member] | Corporate and foreign bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	13,579	13,716
Pension Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	21,523	21,405
Pension Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	21,523	21,405
Pension Benefits [Member] | Real estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	5,981	6,215
Pension Benefits [Member] | Real estate [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	5,981	6,215
Pension Benefits [Member] | Commodity funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	1,169	1,203
Pension Benefits [Member] | Commodity funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	1,169	1,203
Pension Benefits [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	8,645	7,054
Pension Benefits [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	50	19
Pension Benefits [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	8,595	7,035
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	43,704	43,326	$ 40,840
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	27,057	27,942
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	16,647	15,384
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	11,772	12,265
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Common stocks [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	11,772	12,265
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	12,030	12,582
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	12,030	12,582
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	1,078	1,482
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | International equities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	1,078	1,482
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | US Treasury and government agency bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	4,551	5,678
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | US Treasury and government agency bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	4,551	5,678
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Corporate and foreign bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	4,476	3,822
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Corporate and foreign bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	4,476	3,822
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	2,177	1,409
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	2,177	1,409
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Alternative investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets		204
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Alternative investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets		204
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	7,620	5,884
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 7,620	$ 5,884

Water And Wastewater Rates (Det

Water And Wastewater Rates (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)
Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ 14,962	$ 25,219	$ 21,233	$ 65,220	$ 67,590
Deferred income tax benefits	$ 16,506	31,477	26,699
Amortization Of Income Tax Catch-Up Bonus	10.00%
Deferred Income Tax Benefit, Catch-Up Bonus	$ 38,000	38,000
Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharge percentage, reset level upon new base rates	0.00%
Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges	$ 3,261	4,598	3,205
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items]
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount	$ 3,347	$ 9,886	$ 9,431
Number of rate decisions | item	4	12	6
Revenues realized	$ 2,887	$ 5,375	$ 8,169
Minimum [Member]
Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items]
Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges, capped percentage	5.00%
Maximum [Member]
Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items]
Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges, capped percentage	12.75%

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Segments	10
Reportable Segments	1
Regulated Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Segments	8
Not Quantitatively Significant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Segments	2

Segment Information (Company's

Segment Information (Company's Segment Information, Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 197,067	$ 221,051	$ 205,760	$ 190,326	$ 191,389	$ 210,535	$ 195,307	$ 182,672	$ 814,204	$ 779,903	$ 761,893	$ 750,685	$ 680,677
Operations and maintenance expense	77,856	78,519	79,746	73,189	74,121	72,374	70,375	71,686	309,310	288,556	283,561
Depreciation									125,290	123,054	118,414
Operating income	74,615	$ 95,072	$ 80,246	$ 71,167	72,597	95,058	79,934	66,770	321,100	314,359	301,662
Interest expense, net									76,536	76,397	77,316
Allowance for funds used during construction									(6,219)	(5,134)	(2,275)
Equity loss in joint venture									35,177	3,989	2,665
Income tax (benefit)									14,962	25,219	21,233	65,220	67,590
Income (loss) from continuing operations					48,954	$ 67,711	$ 54,818	$ 42,401	201,790	213,884	202,871	181,837	139,675
Capital expenditures									364,689	328,605	307,908	347,098	324,360
Total Assets	5,741,038				5,406,752				5,741,038	5,406,752	5,051,817	$ 4,858,517	$ 4,348,420
Goodwill	33,866				31,184				33,866	31,184	28,223
Regulated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									779,613	756,057	744,527
Operations and maintenance expense									282,866	274,754	269,804
Depreciation									125,146	122,728	118,592
Operating income									315,876	305,333	300,779
Interest expense, net									72,703	72,106	70,835
Allowance for funds used during construction									(6,219)	(5,134)	(2,275)
Income tax (benefit)									26,379	24,792	24,911
Income (loss) from continuing operations									224,122	213,890	207,509
Capital expenditures									363,594	325,943	307,032
Total Assets	5,564,089				5,195,191				5,564,089	5,195,191	4,893,573
Goodwill	27,246				24,564				27,246	24,564	24,102
Other and Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									34,591	23,846	17,366
Operations and maintenance expense									26,444	13,802	13,757
Depreciation									144	326	(178)
Operating income									5,224	9,026	883
Interest expense, net									3,833	4,291	6,481
Equity loss in joint venture									35,177	3,989	2,665
Income tax (benefit)									(11,417)	427	(3,678)
Income (loss) from continuing operations									(22,332)	(6)	(4,638)
Capital expenditures									1,095	2,662	876
Total Assets	176,949				211,561				176,949	211,561	158,244
Goodwill	$ 6,620				$ 6,620				$ 6,620	$ 6,620	$ 4,121

Selected Quarterly Financial105

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating revenues	$ 197,067	$ 221,051	$ 205,760	$ 190,326	$ 191,389	$ 210,535	$ 195,307	$ 182,672	$ 814,204	$ 779,903	$ 761,893	$ 750,685	$ 680,677
Operations and maintenance expense	77,856	78,519	79,746	73,189	74,121	72,374	70,375	71,686	309,310	288,556	283,561
Operating income	74,615	95,072	80,246	71,167	72,597	95,058	79,934	66,770	321,100	314,359	301,662
Income from continuing operations					48,954	67,711	54,818	42,401	201,790	213,884	202,871	181,837	139,675
Income from discontinued operations					17,861	285	751	458		19,355	18,429	14,726	3,394
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 28,434	$ 67,429	$ 57,382	$ 48,545	$ 66,815	$ 67,996	$ 55,569	$ 42,859	$ 201,790	$ 233,239	$ 221,300	$ 196,563	$ 143,069
Basic income from continuing operations per common share					$ 0.28	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 0.24	$ 1.14	$ 1.21	$ 1.15	$ 1.04	$ 0.81
Diluted income from continuing operations per common share					0.28	0.38	0.31	0.24	1.14	1.20	1.15	1.04	0.81
Basic income from discontinued operations per common share					0.10	0	0	0	0	0.11	0.10	0.08	0.02
Diluted income from discontinued operations per common share					0.10	0	0	0	0	0.11	0.10	0.08	0.02
Basic net income per common share	$ 0.16	$ 0.38	$ 0.32	$ 0.27	0.38	0.38	0.31	0.24	1.14	1.32	1.26	1.13	0.83
Diluted net income per common share	0.16	0.38	0.32	0.27	0.38	0.38	0.31	0.24	1.14	1.31	1.25	$ 1.12	$ 0.83
Dividend paid per common share	0.178	0.178	0.165	0.165	0.165	0.165	0.152	0.152	0.686	0.634
Dividend declared per common share	0.178	0.178	0.165	0.165	0.165	0.165	0.152	0.152	0.686	0.634	$ 0.584
high	31.09	27.10	27.53	28.13	28.22	26.29	26.27	25.56	31.09	28.22
low	$ 26.20	$ 24.45	$ 24.40	$ 25.42	$ 23.26	$ 23.12	$ 24.25	$ 22.40	$ 24.40	$ 22.40
Noncash impairment charge	$ 32,975
Noncash impairment charge, net	$ 21,433
Aqua America, Inc. [Member]
Operating income									$ 1,594	$ 3,601	$ 4,395
Net income attributable to common shareholders									$ 201,790	$ 233,239	$ 221,300
Basic net income per common share									$ 1.14	$ 1.32	$ 1.26
Diluted net income per common share									$ 1.14	$ 1.31	$ 1.25

Summary Of Selected Financia106

Summary Of Selected Financial Data (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)employee$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)employee$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesemployeecustomeritemshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesemployeecustomeritemshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesemployeecustomeritemshares	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)$ / sharesemployeecustomeritemshares	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)$ / sharesemployeecustomeritemshares
Summary Of Selected Financial Data [Abstract]
Basic | $ / shares					$ 0.28	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 0.24	$ 1.14	$ 1.21	$ 1.15	$ 1.04	$ 0.81
Diluted | $ / shares					0.28	0.38	0.31	0.24	1.14	1.20	1.15	1.04	0.81
Basic | $ / shares					0.10	0	0	0	0	0.11	0.10	0.08	0.02
Diluted | $ / shares					0.10	0	0	0	0	0.11	0.10	0.08	0.02
Basic | $ / shares	$ 0.16	$ 0.38	$ 0.32	$ 0.27	0.38	0.38	0.31	0.24	1.14	1.32	1.26	1.13	0.83
Diluted | $ / shares	$ 0.16	$ 0.38	$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 0.38	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 0.24	$ 1.14	$ 1.31	$ 1.25	$ 1.12	$ 0.83
Cash dividends declared and paid | $ / shares									0.69	0.63	0.58	0.54	0.50
Return on Aqua America stockholders' equity									11.70%	14.10%	14.40%	14.20%	11.40%
Book value at year end | $ / shares									$ 9.78	$ 9.37	$ 8.68	$ 7.91	$ 7.21
Market value at year end | $ / shares									$ 29.80	$ 26.70	$ 23.59	$ 20.34	$ 17.64
Operating revenues	$ 197,067	$ 221,051	$ 205,760	$ 190,326	$ 191,389	$ 210,535	$ 195,307	$ 182,672	$ 814,204	$ 779,903	$ 761,893	$ 750,685	$ 680,677
Depreciation and amortization									128,737	126,535	123,985	116,180	107,463
Interest expense, net									76,536	76,397	77,316	77,757	77,804
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									216,752	239,103	224,104	247,057	207,265
Provision for income taxes									14,962	25,219	21,233	65,220	67,590
Income from continuing operations					48,954	67,711	54,818	42,401	201,790	213,884	202,871	181,837	139,675
Income from discontinued operations					17,861	285	751	458		19,355	18,429	14,726	3,394
Net income attributable to common shareholders	28,434	$ 67,429	$ 57,382	$ 48,545	66,815	$ 67,996	$ 55,569	$ 42,859	201,790	233,239	221,300	196,563	143,069
Total assets	5,741,038				5,406,752				5,741,038	5,406,752	5,051,817	4,858,517	4,348,420
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,688,925				4,401,990				4,688,925	4,401,990	4,138,568	3,907,552	3,502,968
Aqua America stockholders' equity	1,725,930				1,655,343				1,725,930	1,655,343	1,534,835	1,385,704	1,251,313
Long-term debt, including current portion	1,779,205				1,619,270				1,779,205	1,619,270	1,554,871	1,588,992	1,475,886
Total debt	$ 1,795,926				$ 1,637,668				1,795,926	1,637,668	1,591,611	1,669,375	1,583,657
Operating cash flows from continuing operations									370,794	364,888	365,409	375,823	349,927
Capital additions									364,689	328,605	307,908	347,098	324,360
Net cash expended for acquisitions of utility systems and other									28,989	14,616	14,997	121,248	8,515
Dividends on common stock									$ 121,248	$ 112,106	$ 102,889	$ 93,423	$ 87,133
Number of utility customers served | customer									957,866	940,119	928,200	917,986	848,336
Number of shareholders of common stock | item									25,269	25,780	25,833	26,216	26,744
Common shares outstanding | shares	176,544				176,753				176,544	176,753	176,751	175,209	173,519
Employees (full-time) | employee	1,617				1,617				1,617	1,617	1,542	1,556	1,464
Noncash impairment charge	$ 32,975
Noncash impairment charge, net	$ 21,433

Schedule 1 - Condensed Paren107

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details) - Aqua America, Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Dividends paid to parent by wholly-owned subsidiaries	$ 74,866	$ 30,972	$ 18,075
Revolving credit agreement	200,000
Accounts receivable - affiliates	28,423	19,852
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	331,604	$ 300,932
Short-Term Line Of Credit [Member]
Line of credit	$ 15,000

Schedule 1 - Condensed Paren108

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 99,146	$ 96,999
Deferred income taxes		26,849
Prepayments and other current assets	11,802	11,748
Total current assets	128,370	152,522
Deferred charges and other assets, net	52,043	52,084
Investment in subsidiaries	7,716	43,334
Total assets	5,741,038	5,406,752	$ 5,051,817	$ 4,858,517	$ 4,348,420
Stockholders' equity	1,725,930	1,655,343	$ 1,534,835	$ 1,385,704	$ 1,251,313
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	1,743,612	1,560,655
Current portion of long-term debt	35,593	58,615
Accrued interest	12,651	12,437
Accounts payable	56,452	63,035
Accrued taxes	21,887	31,462
Other accrued liabilities	49,895	41,388
Total current liabilities	193,199	225,335
Other liabilities	100,498	109,692
Total liabilities and equity	5,741,038	5,406,752
Aqua America, Inc. [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	382	346
Accounts receivable - affiliates	28,423	19,852
Income tax receivable	219	581
Deferred income taxes		22,456
Prepayments and other current assets	3,545	3,366
Total current assets	32,569	46,601
Deferred charges and other assets, net	21,313	19,180
Notes receivable - affiliates	331,604	300,932
Accounts receivable - affiliates	103,891	98,647
Deferred income tax asset	85,089	72,407
Investment in subsidiaries	1,745,634	1,664,768
Total assets	2,320,100	2,202,535
Stockholders' equity	1,725,927	1,655,343
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	420,350	378,400
Current portion of long-term debt	16,050	18,000
Accrued interest	2,495	2,603
Accounts payable - affiliates	21,465	22,003
Other accrued liabilities	16,169	10,986
Total current liabilities	56,179	53,592
Other liabilities	117,644	115,200
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,320,100	$ 2,202,535

Schedule 1 - Condensed Paren109

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Gain on sale of utility systems									$ 468	$ (4)	$ 148
Total operating expenses									493,104	465,544	460,231
Operating income	$ 74,615	$ 95,072	$ 80,246	$ 71,167	$ 72,597	$ 95,058	$ 79,934	$ 66,770	321,100	314,359	301,662
Interest expense, net									76,536	76,397	77,316
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									216,752	239,103	224,104	$ 247,057	$ 207,265
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									(35,177)	(3,989)	(2,665)
Provision for income taxes									14,962	25,219	21,233	65,220	67,590
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 28,434	$ 67,429	$ 57,382	$ 48,545	$ 66,815	$ 67,996	$ 55,569	$ 42,859	201,790	233,239	221,300	$ 196,563	$ 143,069
Comprehensive income									$ 201,689	$ 233,681	$ 221,531
Basic	$ 0.16	$ 0.38	$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 0.38	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 0.24	$ 1.14	$ 1.32	$ 1.26	$ 1.13	$ 0.83
Diluted	$ 0.16	$ 0.38	$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 0.38	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 0.24	$ 1.14	$ 1.31	$ 1.25	$ 1.12	$ 0.83
Basic									176,788	176,864	176,140
Diluted									177,517	177,763	176,814
Aqua America, Inc. [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Other income									$ 3,034	$ 4,228	$ 6,936
Operating expense and other expenses									1,440	627	2,941
Gain on sale of utility systems											(400)
Operating income									1,594	3,601	4,395
Interest expense, net									1,833	2,160	4,208
Other expense										443	139
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes									(239)	998	48
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									201,003	230,209	220,675
Income before income taxes									200,764	231,207	220,723
Provision for income taxes									(1,026)	(2,032)	(577)
Net income attributable to common shareholders									201,790	233,239	221,300
Comprehensive income									$ 201,689	$ 233,681	$ 221,531
Basic									$ 1.14	$ 1.32	$ 1.26
Diluted									$ 1.14	$ 1.31	$ 1.25
Basic									176,788	176,864	176,140
Diluted									177,517	177,763	176,814

Schedule 1 - Condensed Paren110

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash flows from operating activities	$ 370,794	$ 363,788	$ 367,819
Property, plant and equipment additions	(364,689)	(328,605)	(307,908)	$ (347,098)	$ (324,360)
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net	(28,989)	(14,616)	(14,997)
Net proceeds from the sale of utility systems and other assets	648	558	5,315
Other	(1,079)	279	76
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(394,062)	(292,501)	(221,563)
Net repayments of short-term debt	(1,677)	(18,342)	(43,643)
Proceeds from long-term debt	560,544	317,699	263,834
Repayments of long-term debt	(400,407)	(253,192)	(300,323)
Change in cash overdraft position	(739)	(322)	9,872
Proceeds from issuing common stock	677		10,290
Proceeds from exercised stock options	7,540	7,296	25,698
Share-based compensation windfall tax benefits	1,842	1,422	2,420
Repurchase of common stock	(25,247)	(15,756)	(12,823)
Dividends paid on common stock	(121,248)	(112,106)	(102,889)	(93,423)	$ (87,133)
Other	(853)	(793)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	22,359	(72,207)	(146,719)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(909)	(920)	(463)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	4,138	5,058	5,521
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	3,229	4,138	5,058	$ 5,521
Aqua America, Inc. [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash flows from operating activities	152,916	114,465	159,144
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net	(26,722)	(9,329)	(266)
Decrease (increase) in investment of subsidiary	(27,596)	744	50,337
Other	(1,031)	(733)	(267)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(55,349)	(9,318)	49,804
Proceeds from long-term debt	298,879	170,790	98,956
Repayments of long-term debt	(259,158)	$ (156,000)	(230,600)
Proceeds from issuing common stock	677		10,290
Proceeds from exercised stock options	7,540	$ 7,296	25,698
Share-based compensation windfall tax benefits	1,843	1,422	2,420
Repurchase of common stock	(25,247)	(15,756)	(12,823)
Dividends paid on common stock	(121,248)	(112,106)	$ (102,889)
Other	(853)	(793)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	$ (97,567)	$ (105,147)	$ (208,948)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Schedule 1 - Condensed Paren111

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Debt Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 35,593
2,017	163,007
2,018	103,878
2,019	89,636
2,020	49,419
Thereafter	1,337,672
Aqua America, Inc. [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	16,050
2,017	26,050
2,018	20,800
2,019	50,000
2,020	28,200
Thereafter	$ 235,300

Schedule 1 - Condensed Paren112

Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (Short-Term Borrowing Activity) (Details) - Aqua America, Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Balance outstanding at December 31,
Interest rate at December 31,
Average borrowings outstanding		$ 583
Weighted-average interest rate		0.78%
Maximum amount outstanding		$ 7,000