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Joint Plant Ownership (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2016
Dec. 31, 2016
Jan. 01, 2017
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]          
Assets held for sale $ 6,707 $ 6,707   $ 14,813  
Accrued capital expenditures   12,469 $ 10,603    
MGE [Member]          
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]          
Assets held for sale 6,707 6,707   $ 14,813  
Accrued capital expenditures   12,469 $ 10,603    
Columbia Units [Member] | MGE [Member]          
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items]          
Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share       22.00% 20.40%
Assets held for sale 6,700 6,700   $ 14,800  
Accrued capital expenditures $ 1,600 $ 6,700   $ 14,800