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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Advances for Construction and Contributions in Aid of Construction) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Refund period for advances for construction received after 1981 | 40 years
Estimated Refunds of Advances for Construction [Abstract] |
2015 | $ 2,508sjw_AdvancesForConstructionEstimatedRefundsNextTwelveMonths
2016 | 2,508sjw_AdvancesForConstructionEstimatedRefundsYearTwo
2017 | 2,508sjw_AdvancesForConstructionEstimatedRefundsYearThree
2018 | 2,508sjw_AdvancesForConstructionEstimatedRefundsYearFour
2019 | 2,508sjw_AdvancesForConstructionEstimatedRefundsYearFive
Thereafter | $ 60,763sjw_AdvancesForConstructionEstimatedRefundsAfterYearFive
Amortization period for taxes paid relating to advances and contributions | 40 years

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