Madison Gas and Electric Company Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	$ 7	[1]	$ 72	[2]
Comprehensive Income	16,055		17,855
MGE [Member]
Net Income	16,214		17,867
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(16)	[3]	35	[4]
Total comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest	16,198		17,902
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, net of tax	(6,072)		(5,933)
Comprehensive Income	$ 10,126		$ 11,969

[1] Net of $5 tax

[2] Net of $48 tax

[3] Net of $11 tax

[4] Net of $23 tax