Investments	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investment [Text Block]	11. INVESTMENTS Equity Method Investments Palomar Gas Transmission, LLC (Palomar), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGH, is pursuing the development of a new gas transmission pipeline that would provide an interconnection with our utility distribution system. PGH is owned 50% by NWN Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NW Natural, and 50% by TransCanada American Investments Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation. PGH is a development stage Variable Interest Entity, with our investment in Palomar reported under equity method accounting based on the determination that we are not the primary beneficiary of PGH’s activities, as defined by the authoritative guidance related to consolidations, as we have only a 50% share and there are no stipulations that allow us a disproportionate influence over the entity. Our investment in PGH and Palomar are included in other investments on our balance sheet. Our maximum loss exposure related to PGH is limited to our equity investment balance, less our share of any cash or other assets available to us as a 50% owner. Our investment balance in PGH was $13.4 million at both March 31, 2014 and 2013 and December 31, 2013. See Note 12 in our 2013 Form 10-K. Other Investments Other investments include financial investments in life insurance policies, which are accounted for at fair value. See Note 12 in the 2013 Form 10-K.

11. INVESTMENTS

Equity Method Investments

Palomar Gas Transmission, LLC (Palomar), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGH, is pursuing the development of a new gas transmission pipeline that would provide an interconnection with our utility distribution system. PGH is owned 50% by NWN Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NW Natural, and 50% by TransCanada American Investments Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation. PGH is a development stage Variable Interest Entity, with our investment in Palomar reported under equity method accounting based on the determination that we are not the primary beneficiary of PGH’s activities, as defined by the authoritative guidance related to consolidations, as we have only a 50% share and there are no stipulations that allow us a disproportionate influence over the entity. Our investment in PGH and Palomar are included in other investments on our balance sheet. Our maximum loss exposure related to PGH is limited to our equity investment balance, less our share of any cash or other assets available to us as a 50% owner. Our investment balance in PGH was $13.4 million at both March 31, 2014 and 2013 and December 31, 2013. See Note 12 in our 2013 Form 10-K.

Other Investments

Other investments include financial investments in life insurance policies, which are accounted for at fair value. See Note 12 in the 2013 Form 10-K.