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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Oct. 03, 2013
Public Utilities General Disclosures [Line Items] |  |
Regulatory rate filings, requested rate increase, authorized revenue |  | $ 2,400
Customer filing protest period | 150 days |
Acequia Water Supply Corporation [Member] |  |
Public Utilities General Disclosures [Line Items] |  |
Ownership percentage in Acequia Water Supply Corporation | 25.00% |
Minimum [Member] |  |
Public Utilities General Disclosures [Line Items] |  |
Service area in square miles | 240 |
Sales [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member] |  |
Public Utilities General Disclosures [Line Items] |  |
Percentage of revenue derived from sales of water to business and residential customers | 90.00% |
San Jose Water Company [Member] |  |
Public Utilities General Disclosures [Line Items] |  |
Number of people served | 1,000,000 |
SJWTX,Inc. dba Canyon Lake Water Supply Corporation [Member] |  |
Public Utilities General Disclosures [Line Items] |  |
Number of people served | 36,000 |
444 West Santa Clara Street, L.P. [Member] |  |
Public Utilities General Disclosures [Line Items] |  |
Limited partership interest percentage | 70.00% |

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