Name:	us-gaap_RegulatedOperationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Element represents the distribution system improvement charge percentage over the base rate.

No definition available.

Name:	yorw_DistributionSystemImprovementChargePercentageOverBaseRate
Namespace Prefix:	yorw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Element represents the distribution system improvement charge revenue.

No definition available.

Name:	yorw_DistributionSystemImprovementChargeRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	yorw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of increase in dollars in regulated wastewater operating revenues requested from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

No definition available.

Name:	yorw_RequestedDollarIncreaseInAnnualWastewaterRevenueFromPpuc
Namespace Prefix:	yorw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The amount of increase in dollars in regulated water operating revenues requested from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

No definition available.

Name:	yorw_RequestedDollarIncreaseInAnnualWaterRevenuesFromPpuc
Namespace Prefix:	yorw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The amount of increase in percentage in regulated wastewater operating revenues requested from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

No definition available.

Name:	yorw_RequestedPercentageIncreaseInAnnualWastewaterRevenuesFromPpuc
Namespace Prefix:	yorw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The amount of increase in percentage in regulated water operating revenues requested from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

No definition available.

Name:	yorw_RequestedPercentageIncreaseInAnnualWaterRevenueFromPpuc
Namespace Prefix:	yorw_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Rate Matters (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	May 29, 2013
Rate Matters [Abstract]
Requested Dollar Increase In Annual Water Revenues From PPUC					$ 7,116
Requested Percentage Increase In Annual Water Revenue From PPUC					16.80%
Requested Dollar Increase In Annual Wastewater Revenue From PPUC					28
Requested Percentage Increase In Annual Wastewater Revenues From PPUC					25.00%
Distribution system improvement charge percentage over base rate	5.00%		5.00%
Distribution system improvement charge revenue	$ 340	$ 18	$ 667	$ 18