Business Segments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total utility plant	$ 981,477	$ 917,791	$ 896,500
Other assets	328,706	363,152	341,862
Total Assets	1,310,183	1,280,943	1,238,362
GSWC
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total utility plant	977,294	913,137
Total Assets	1,233,381	1,214,052
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation on transportation equipment	877	1,800	2,500
AWR Parent
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total utility plant	0	0	0
Total Assets	495,273	455,166
CCWC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct transaction costs, before tax			449
Direct transaction costs, net of tax			217
CCWC | AWR Parent
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct transaction costs, before tax			449
Direct transaction costs, net of tax			$ 217