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REGULATORY ASSETS (Details) (USD $)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net $ 2,321,000 $ 2,393,000
Period over which depreciation and salary study expenses amortized (in years) P5Y  
Period over which Delaware rate proceedings and applications expenses amortized (in years) P2Y  
Period over which Maryland rate proceedings and applications expenses amortized five years or until the next rate increase application  
Period over which goodwill amortized (in years) P50Y  
Period over which Port Deposit and Cecil County deferred acquisition costs amortized (in years) P20Y  
Period over which Cecil County deferred franchise costs amortized (in years) P80Y  
Artesian Water contributed to its postretirement benefit plan 31,000  
Postretirement benefit obligation [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 497,000 497,000
Deferred income taxes recoverable in future rates [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 487,000 491,000
Goodwill [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 338,000 340,000
Deferred acquisition and franchise costs [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net 820,000 824,000
Expense of rate and regulatory proceedings [Member]
    
Regulatory Assets [Line Items]    
Regulatory assets, net $ 179,000 $ 241,000