Capitalization (Details Narrative) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended			1 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	May 31, 2014 First Mortgage Bonds - Series VV [Member]	May 31, 2014 First Mortgage Bonds - Series WW [Member]	May 31, 2014 New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust [Member]	Jun. 30, 2014 Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of shares under the DRP	$ 700	$ 900
Issuance of shares under the DRP,shares	35,078	45,378
Proceeds from long-term debt borrowing	4,398	3,987				3,800
Issuance of series bonds				2,800	900
Stock issued upon conversion of convertible preferred stock (value)							500
Stock issued upon conversion of convertible preferred stock (shares)							51,576
Other long term debt	44,300		45,000
Customer advances	$ 21,392		$ 21,837