Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Total IDACORP, Inc. shareholders' equity	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011			$ 828,389	$ 840,916	$ (11,622)	$ (29)	$ 4,040
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued			4,804
Other common stock changes			1,354
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.	60,230			60,230
Common stock dividends				(33,080)
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities (net of tax)	826				826
Unfunded pension liability adjustment (net of tax)	530				530
Treasury stock issued						2,070
Treasury stock acquired						(2,062)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	25						25
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2012	1,696,391	1,692,326	834,547	868,066	(10,266)	(21)	4,065
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012	1,762,966		834,922	940,968	(17,116)	(21)	4,213
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued			255
Other common stock changes			1,383
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.	79,046			79,046
Common stock dividends				(38,192)
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities (net of tax)	1,440				1,440
Unfunded pension liability adjustment (net of tax)	930				930
Treasury stock issued						2,132
Treasury stock acquired						(2,124)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(16)						(16)
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 1,807,820	$ 1,803,623	$ 836,560	$ 981,822	$ (14,746)	$ (13)	$ 4,197