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REGULATORY ASSETS (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net $ 2,539 $ 2,734
Period over which depreciation and salary study expenses amortized (in years) 5Y  
Period over which Delaware rate proceedings and applications expenses amortized (in years) 2Y  
Period over which Maryland rate proceedings and applications expenses amortized Five years or until the next rate case increase application  
Period over which goodwill amortized (in years) 50Y  
Period over which Port Deposit and Cecil County deferred acquisition costs amortized (in years) 20Y  
Period over which Cecil County deferred franchise costs amortized (in years) 80Y  
Artesian Water contributed to its postretirement benefit plan 89  
Postretirement benefit obligation [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 567 567
Deferred income taxes recoverable in future rates [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 495 506
Goodwill [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 342 348
Deferred acquisition and franchise costs [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 823 816
Expense of rate and regulatory proceedings [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net $ 312 $ 497