Debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	$ 84,874us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount	$ 84,885us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Less current maturities	(43)us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent	(43)us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent
Long-term portion	84,831us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent	84,842us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
4.05% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A of 2004, due 2016 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	2,350	2,350
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.05%
5.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A of 2004, due 2016 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	4,950	4,950
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
10.17% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2019 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	6,000	6,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	10.17%
9.60% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2019 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	5,000	5,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	9.60%
1.00% Pennvest Note, due 2019 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	194	205
Interest rate (in hundredths)	1.00%
10.05% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2020 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	6,500	6,500
Interest rate (in hundredths)	10.05%
8.43% Senior Notes, Series D, due 2022 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	7,500	7,500
Interest rate (in hundredths)	8.43%
Variable Rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2008A, due 2029 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	12,000	12,000
4.75% Industrial Development Authority Revenue Bonds, series 2006, due 2036 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	10,500	10,500
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.75%
4.50% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, due 2038 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	14,880	14,880
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.50%
5.00% Monthly Senior Notes, Series 2010A, due 2040 [Member]
Debt [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	$ 15,000	$ 15,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.00%

Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

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-Publisher SEC

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Amount of long-term debt, after unamortized discount or premium, scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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