Capitalization (Details Narratives) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	May 31, 2013 New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust	May 31, 2013 New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust First Mortgage Bonds - Series TT	May 31, 2013 New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust First Mortgage Bonds - Series UU	Aug. 31, 2013 Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series	May 31, 2013 Outside Director Stock Compensation Plan	May 31, 2012 Outside Director Stock Compensation Plan
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Common stock issued under dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan (in shares)	63,649	64,034
Common stock issued under dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan	$ 1,300	$ 1,200
Stock issued to non-management directors								5,432	5,768
Stock issued to non-management directors, shares								100	100
Convertible preferred stock converted, value							500
Convertible preferred stock converted, shares							4,000
Stock issued upon conversion of convertible preferred stock (shares)							54,856
Issuance of first mortgage bonds				4,000	3,000	1,000
Customer advances for construction	21,788		21,990
Other long term debt	$ 45,700		$ 47,700