INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 Y	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	13
Gross Carrying Value	$ 14,118	$ 13,257
Accumulated Amortization	4,650	3,772
Net Carrying Value	9,468	9,485
Unamortized intangible assets:
Perpetual water rights and other	4,495	3,229
Amortization of intangible assets	1,298	1,421	1,894
Estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets for the succeeding five years
2013	1,319
2014	1,296
2015	1,237
2016	1,192
Thereafter	4,638
Water pumping rights
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	1,084	1,084
Accumulated Amortization	79	14
Net Carrying Value	1,005	1,070
Water planning studies
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	12
Gross Carrying Value	11,894	11,087
Accumulated Amortization	4,322	3,413
Net Carrying Value	7,572	7,674
Leasehold improvements and other
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	21
Gross Carrying Value	1,140	1,086
Accumulated Amortization	249	345
Net Carrying Value	$ 891	$ 741