MGE Energy Inc Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 60,828	$ 53,960
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation and amortization	28,864	29,042
Deferred income taxes	32,706	54,602
Provision for doubtful receivables	1,551	1,537
Employee benefit plan expenses	9,908	13,815
Equity earnings in ATC	(7,045)	(6,764)
Other items	250	1,632
Changes in working capital items:
Decrease (increase) in current assets	15,053	(9,002)
Decrease in current liabilities	(5,496)	(13,418)
Dividend income from ATC	5,498	5,300
Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans	(33,919)	(24,336)
Debt make-whole premium	(6,757)	0
Other noncurrent items, net	7,159	9,518
Cash Provided by Operating Activities	108,600	115,886
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(92,092)	(65,909)
Capital contributions to investments	(1,305)	(1,988)
Other	(780)	(291)
Cash Used for Investing Activities	(94,177)	(68,188)
Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(27,685)	(26,820)
Repayment of long-term debt	(42,000)	(30,000)
Issuance of long-term debt	85,000	28,000
Other	(765)	(844)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	14,550	(29,664)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	28,973	18,034
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	46,357	41,169
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	75,330	59,203
Significant noncash investing activities:
Accrued capital expenditures	$ 10,473	$ 7,649