CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Successor [Member]	Mar. 25, 2012 Predecessor [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Predecessor [Member]
Operating revenues	$ 39,712	$ 633,649	$ 746,822
Operating expenses
Cost of natural gas and other energy	17,526	311,270	425,632
Operating, maintenance and general	61,033	134,921	120,994
Depreciation and amortization	4,723	56,544	59,327
Revenue-related taxes	393	9,867	17,367
Taxes, other than on income and revenues	2,125	14,296	15,470
Total operating expenses	85,800	526,898	638,790
Operating income	(46,088)	106,751	108,032
Other income (expenses)
Interest expense	(4,381)	(50,407)	(55,571)
Earnings from unconsolidated investments	12	16,160	26,701
Other, net	16	284	142
Total other expenses, net	(4,353)	(33,963)	(28,728)
Earnings before income taxes	(50,441)	72,788	79,304
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit)	(11,934)	22,871	18,642
Net earnings (loss)	$ (38,507)	$ 49,917	$ 60,662