CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments and other assets
Non-utility property, accumulated depreciation	$ 3,190	$ 3,164
Current assets
Accounts receivable, allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 3,305	$ 2,649
Capitalization
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 6	$ 6
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	19,000,000	19,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	15,602,091	15,470,217
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	13,473,018	13,341,144
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	2,129,073	2,129,073