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Rate and Regulatory Matters (Schedule of Regulatory Assets) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 66,216us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets $ 34,386us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
Retirement Benefits [Member]    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 47,868us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
/ us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis
= us-gaap_PensionCostsMember
20,826us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
/ us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis
= us-gaap_PensionCostsMember
Remaining recovery period
Various
 
Income Taxes [Member]    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 17,195us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
/ us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis
= msex_IncomeTaxesMember
12,207us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
/ us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis
= msex_IncomeTaxesMember
Remaining recovery period
Various
 
Rate Cases, Tank Painting, and Other [Member]    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 1,153us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
/ us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis
= msex_RateCasesStormCostsTankPaintingOtherMember
$ 1,353us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets
/ us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis
= msex_RateCasesStormCostsTankPaintingOtherMember
Remaining recovery period 2-9 years