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Sale of California Water Service | 6 Months Ended
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Jun. 30, 2016
California Water Service Group Stock [Abstract] |
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] | California Water Service Group Stock During the quarter ended June 30, 2016, SJW Corp. sold 159,151 shares of California Water Service Group for $4,510, before fees of $20. SJW Corp. recognized a gain on the sale of the stock of approximately $3,197 and tax expense of approximately $1,303, for a net gain of $1,894. The unrealized holding gain associated with the shares sold, that was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income was $1,742 and was based on the fair value of the stock as of June 30, 2016. As of June 30, 2016, SJW Corp. held 100,000 shares of California Water Service Group. The company classifies its investment in California Water Service Group as available for sale. The stock is carried at the quoted market price with the changes in unrealized gain or loss reported, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income.

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