v2.4.0.6

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items] |
Aggregate fair value of all derivatives with credit risk-related contingent features, net liability position | $ 57.3
Restrictive credit risk-related contingent features for derivative agreements, net liability position | 57.0
IPL [Member] |
Derivative [Line Items] |
Aggregate fair value of all derivatives with credit risk-related contingent features, net liability position | 22.8
Derivative, counterparty (in counterparty) | 1
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value | 0.3
Restrictive credit risk-related contingent features for derivative agreements, net liability position | 22.5
WPL [Member] |
Derivative [Line Items] |
Aggregate fair value of all derivatives with credit risk-related contingent features, net liability position | 34.5
Restrictive credit risk-related contingent features for derivative agreements, net liability position | $ 34.5

X
- Definition Identification of the name or type of counterparty to the derivative instrument. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 12 + Details
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Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate fair value of additional assets that would be required to be posted as collateral for derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features if the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered at the end of the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4H -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624258-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44D -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition The aggregate fair value of assets that are already posted, at the end of the reporting period, as collateral for derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4H -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624258-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44D -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
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Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
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Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate fair value amounts of derivative instruments that contain credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a net liability position at the end of the reporting period. For nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the fair value amounts are the carrying value of the nonderivative hedging instrument, including the adjustment for the foreign currency transaction gain (loss) on that instrument. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4H -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624258-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44D -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant