Capitalization (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014 Due In 2017 [Member]	Aug. 31, 2014 Due In 2017 [Member]	Jul. 31, 2014 Due In 2017 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Bank Note at 1.921% due September 2017 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Bank Note at 1.921% due September 2017 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc [Member] Bank Note at 1.921% due September 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face Amount								$ 50,000
Debt term			5 years					3 years
Interest Rate						1.921%	1.921%	1.92%
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due March 2017	109,000	109,000		200,000	150,000
Repurchase of stock, shares	490,000	584,853
Repurchase of stock	$ 11,624	$ 13,973