CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments and other assets
Non-utility property, accumulated depreciation	$ 3,177	$ 3,190
Current assets
Accounts receivable, allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 3,431	$ 3,305
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)	15,693,048	15,602,091
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	13,563,975	13,473,018
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	2,129,073	2,129,073