Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Receivables, Net
Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable	$ 3,516	$ 3,662
Reserve for uncollectible other accounts receivable	611	439
MGE [Member]
Receivables, Net
Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable	3,516	3,662
Reserve for uncollectible other accounts receivable	$ 611	$ 439

The valuation allowance as of the balance sheet date to reduce the gross amount of receivables to estimated net realizable value, which would be presented in parentheses on the face of the balance sheet.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5074-111524

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.(a),5)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Name:	us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant