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Derivative Instruments Derivative instruments (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Change In fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recorded as increase (decrease) to regulatory assets | $ (437,000) | $ (8,900,000)
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives | 50,000,000 |
Maximum length of time hedged in cash flow hedge | 12 months |
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months | 10,400,000 |
Derivative net liability position aggregate fair value for cash flow hedging instruments | 6,300,000 |
Assets needed for immediate settlement aggregate fair value for cash flow heding instruments | $ 6,300,000 |
Oil swap and or collar [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount | 2,600,000 |
Natural gas swap or and collar [Member] |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount | 11,000,000 |

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- Definition Aggregate notional amount of derivative expressed in nonmonetary units. For example, the number of barrels specified in a fuel oil forward purchase contract. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 12 -Section 13 -Sentence Column B + Details
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- Definition The aggregate fair value of assets needed to immediately settle the derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features if the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered at the end of the reporting period for cash flow hedging instruments + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Change In fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instrument recorded as increase (decrease) to regulatory assets. + References No definition available. + Details
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- 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 cash flow hedging instruments, the fair value amounts are the carrying value of the nonderivative hedging instrument, including the adjustment for the foreign currency transaction gain or loss on that instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The estimated net amount of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges at the reporting date expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7668309&loc=d3e80748-113994 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph b(2) -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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- Details
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- Definition Maximum length of time over which the entity is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions, excluding those forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7668309&loc=d3e80748-113994 + Details
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- Definition Aggregate notional amount of all interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges. Notional amount refers to the monetary amount specified in the interest rate derivative contract. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5579245-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Notional Amount -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5580258-113959 + Details
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