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BENEFIT PLANS: Level 3 (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Benefit plans [Abstract]  
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]
The table below shows the components of net periodic benefit costs for the pension, SMSP, and postretirement benefits plans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars). 
 
 
Pension Plan
 
SMSP
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost
 
$
7,812

 
$
6,441

 
$
545

 
$
538

 
$
413

 
$
351

Interest cost
 
7,936

 
7,892

 
814

 
805

 
743

 
818

Expected return on plan assets
 
(8,698
)
 
(7,712
)
 
—

 
—

 
(595
)
 
(604
)
Amortization of transition obligation
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
510

Amortization of prior service cost
 
87

 
87

 
53

 
53

 
(25
)
 
(105
)
Amortization of net loss
 
4,252

 
3,463

 
710

 
382

 
169

 
143

Net periodic benefit cost
 
11,389

 
10,171

 
2,122

 
1,778

 
705

 
1,113

Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation (1)
 
(6,543
)
 
(5,389
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net periodic benefit cost recognized for financial reporting (1)
 
$
4,846

 
$
4,782

 
$
2,122

 
$
1,778

 
$
705

 
$
1,113


 (1)  Net periodic benefit costs for the pension plan are recognized for financial reporting based upon the authorization of each regulatory jurisdiction in which Idaho Power operates. Under IPUC order, income statement recognition of pension plan costs is deferred until costs are recovered through rates.