Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Total IDACORP, Inc. shareholders' equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2009		$ 756,475	$ 649,180	$ (8,267)	$ (53)		$ 4,209
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued		48,644
Other common stock changes		2,723
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.	142,798		142,798
Common stock dividends			(58,099)
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities (net of tax)	1,149			1,149
Unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax	2,450			2,450
Treasury stock issued					882
Treasury stock acquired					(869)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	338						(338)
Total equity at end of period at Dec. 31, 2010	1,535,984	807,842	733,879	(9,568)	(40)	1,532,113	3,871
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued		17,501
Other common stock changes		3,046
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.	166,693		166,693
Common stock dividends			(59,656)
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities (net of tax)	(400)			(400)
Unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax	1,654			1,654
Treasury stock issued					1,944
Treasury stock acquired					(1,933)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(169)						169
Total equity at end of period at Dec. 31, 2011	1,661,694	828,389	840,916	(11,622)	(29)	1,657,654	4,040
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued		4,882
Other common stock changes		1,651
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.	168,761		168,761
Common stock dividends			(68,709)
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities (net of tax)	1,567			1,567
Unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax	7,061			7,061
Treasury stock issued					2,070
Treasury stock acquired					(2,062)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(173)						173
Total equity at end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,762,966	$ 834,922	$ 940,968	$ (17,116)	$ (21)	$ 1,758,753	$ 4,213