Segment Information (Details Textuals)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Companies Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reportable Operating Segments	3
Number of existing utility operating companies	10
Regulated Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers served by utility operating companies	6,000,000
Number of square miles in service area	65,000
Competitive Energy Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Megawatts of net demonstrated capacity of competitive segment	17,000
Unregulated Plants Expected to be Closed by 9/1/2012 | Competitive Energy Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Megawatt capacity of plants expected to be closed	2,700