XML 115 R63.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Investments (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Investments [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
ALLETE Properties | $ 88,200,000 us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments |  | $ 89,900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments |  |
Available-for-sale Securities | 18,900,000 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesNoncurrent | [1] | 17,700,000 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesNoncurrent | [1] | 26,800,000 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesNoncurrent
Cash Equivalents | 2,900,000 ale_InvestmentsCashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure | [2] | 34,200,000 ale_InvestmentsCashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure | [2] |
Other | 4,400,000 us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestments |  | 4,500,000 us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestments |  |
Total Other Investments | 114,400,000 us-gaap_LongTermInvestments |  | 146,300,000 us-gaap_LongTermInvestments |  |
Available-for-sale Corporate Debt Securities, Maturities, One Year or Less | 600,000 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue |  |  |  |
Available-for-sale Corporate Debt Securities, Maturities, One Year to Less Than Three Years | 1,700,000 ale_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearThroughThreeYearsFairValue |  |  |  |
Available-for-sale Corporate Debt Securities, Maturities, Three Years to Less Than Five Years | 2,600,000 ale_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterThreeYearsThroughFiveYearsFairValue |  |  |  |
Available-for-sale Corporate Debt Securities, Maturities, Five or More Years | 5,900,000 ale_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveYearsFairValue |  |  |  |
ALLETE Properties [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |
Land Inventory Beginning Balance | 83,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue |  | 85,400,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue |  | 86,500,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
Cost of Sales | (2,200,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold |  | (1,500,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold |  |
Other | 600,000 ale_ALERealEstateOtherAdditions |  | 400,000 ale_ALERealEstateOtherAdditions |  |
Land Inventory Ending Balance | 83,800,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue |  | 85,400,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue |  | 86,500,000 us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
Long-Term Finance Receivables (net of allowances of $0.6 and $0.6) | 1,200,000 us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent |  | 1,400,000 us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent |  |
Other | 3,200,000 us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsOther |  | 3,100,000 us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsOther |  |
Total Real Estate Assets | 88,200,000 us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments |  | 89,900,000 us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments |  |
Land Impairment | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate |  | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate
Long-Term Finance Receivables, Allowance | $ 600,000 us-gaap_AllowanceForNotesAndLoansReceivableNoncurrent |  | $ 600,000 us-gaap_AllowanceForNotesAndLoansReceivableNoncurrent |  |
[1] | As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of available-for-sale corporate debt securities maturing in one year or less was $0.6 million, in one year to less than three years was $1.7 million, in three years to less than five years was $2.6 million, and in five or more years was $5.9 million.
[2] | During 2014, cash included in Other Investments was transferred to Cash and Cash Equivalents.

X
- Definition Amount of other additions including deeds to collateralized property and capitalized improvements to real estate investments for entities with a substantial portion of business acquiring and holding investment real estate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ale_ALERealEstateOtherAdditions
Namespace Prefix: | ale_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing in after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year (maturing in five years or more). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ale_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveYearsFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | ale_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the first fiscal year through the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year (maturing in more than one year to less than three years). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ale_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneYearThroughThreeYearsFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | ale_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the third fiscal year through the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year (maturing in three years to less than five years). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ale_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterThreeYearsThroughFiveYearsFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | ale_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the portion of the balance sheet Investments line item's cash and cash equivalents, valued at fair value by the entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ale_InvestmentsCashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | ale_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition A valuation allowance relating to a written agreement to receive money (at a specified future date(s) more than one year from the reporting date, consisting of principal as well as any accrued interest) for the portion that is expected to be uncollectible. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35738203&loc=d3e5074-111524 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForNotesAndLoansReceivableNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of available-for-sale debt securities maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27198-111563 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 320 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62586-112803 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27161-111563 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading and which are intended to be sold or mature more than one year from the balance sheet date or operating cycle, if longer. Such securities are reported at fair value; unrealized gains (losses) related to Available-for-sale Securities are excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity (other comprehensive income), unless the Available-for-sale security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain (loss) of an Available-for-sale security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge is recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as are other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis for investments in equity securities and debt securities that an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. Other than temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis for debt securities categorized as Available-for-sale that an entity does not intend to sell and for which it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before the recovery of its amortized cost basis are bifurcated into credit losses and losses related to all other factors. Other than temporary declines in fair value below cost basis related to credit losses are recognized in earnings, and losses related to all other factors are recognized in other comprehensive income. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26626-111562 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Available-for-Sale Securities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505594 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The charge against earnings in the period to reduce the carrying amount of real property to fair value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2921-110230 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of investments that are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date more than one year from the balance sheet date, net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the debt. The debt also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among a myriad of other features and characteristics. This amount does not include amounts related to receivables held-for-sale. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Other long-term investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy, not including investments in marketable securities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 12 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(f)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph f -Article 7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of real estate investments sold for entities with a substantial portion of business acquiring and holding investment real estate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule III) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27047687&loc=d3e5864-122674 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 28 -Article 12 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph Schedule III -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 970 -SubTopic 360 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-28.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6590653&loc=d3e638233-123024 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, before accumulated depreciation, of real estate investments for entities with a substantial portion of business acquiring and holding investment real estate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule III) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27047687&loc=d3e5864-122674 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 28 -Article 12 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph Schedule III -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 970 -SubTopic 360 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-28.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6590653&loc=d3e638233-123024 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation, which may include the following: (1) land available-for-sale; (2) land available-for-development; (3) investments in building and building improvements; (4) tenant allowances; (5) developments in-process; (6) rental properties; (7) other real estate investments; (8) real estate joint ventures; and (9) unconsolidated real estate and other joint ventures not separately presented. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Article 7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of real estate owned for income production and capital accretion potential, not otherwise specified in the existing taxonomy. Such real estate excludes that which is occupied or used in the business, for entertainment purposes, or held in inventory for specific purposes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ReconciliationOfCarryingAmountOfRealEstateInvestmentsRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration