2.2.0.7 false Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 01000 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies true false false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 EPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 Disclosure Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 0 nwn_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies nwn false na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 3 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 1 us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div style="text-align:center;">NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY</div><div style="text-align:center;">PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION</div><div style="text-align:center;">Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements</div><div style="text-align:center;">(Unaudited)</div> 1.       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural) and all companies that we directly or indirectly control, either through majority ownership or otherwise. Our direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries include Gill Ranch Storage, LLC (Gill Ranch), NW Natural Energy, LLC (NWN Energy), NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC (NWN Gas Storage), and NNG Financial Corporation (Financial Corporation). Investments in corporate joint ventures and partnerships that we do not directly or indirectly control, and for which we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for by the equity method or the cost method, which includes NWN Energy's investment in Palomar Gas Holdings, LLC (PGH). NW Natural and its affiliated companies are collectively referred to herein as “NW Natural.” The consolidated financial statements are presented after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions, except for amounts required to be included under regulatory accounting standards to reflect the effect of such regulation.  In this report, the term “utility” is used to describe our regulated gas distribution business and the term “non-utility” is used to describe all of our other business activities including our gas storage businesses and other investments (see Note 2).  The information presented in the interim consolidated financial statements is unaudited, but includes all material adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, that management considers necessary for a fair statement of the results for each period reported.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K (2009 Form 10-K).  A significant part of our business is of a seasonal nature; therefore, results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.        Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the 2009 Form 10-K. There were no material changes to those accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. See below for a further discussion of newly adopted standards and recent accounting pronouncements. We do not have any subsequent events to report.  Certain prior year balances on our consolidated financial statements have been combined or reclassified to conform to the current presentation. These changes had no impact on our prior year's consolidated results of operations and no material impact on financial condition or cash flows.  Industry Regulation At September 30, 2010 and 2009 and at December 31, 2009, the amounts deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities were as follows:<div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;margin-top:20px;"><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td colspan="7" style="width: 335px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:335px;">Current</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">September 30,</td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">September 30,</td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">December 31,</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Thousands</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">2010</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">2009</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">2009</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Regulatory assets:</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Unrealized loss on non-trading derivatives(1)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 59,898</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 39,428</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 19,643</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations(2)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 7,502</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 8,074</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 7,502</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Other(3)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 16,145</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 12,804</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 2,809</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Total regulatory assets</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 83,545</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 60,306</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 29,954</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Regulatory liabilities:</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Gas costs payable</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 20,487</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 32,823</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 37,055</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Unrealized gain on non-trading derivatives(1)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 1,864</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 13,924</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 6,504</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Other(3)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 9,151</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 10,349</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 3,069</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Total regulatory liabilities</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 31,502</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 57,096</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 46,628</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td colspan="7" style="width: 335px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:335px;">Non-Current</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">September 30,</td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">September 30,</td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">December 31,</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Thousands</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">2010</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">2009</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;">2009</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Regulatory assets:</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Unrealized loss on non-trading derivatives(1)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 27,211</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 1,660</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 3,193</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Income tax asset</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 75,515</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 75,931</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 76,240</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations(2)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 104,327</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 107,815</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 109,932</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Environmental costs - paid(4)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 54,966</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 44,188</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 46,204</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Environmental costs - accrued but not yet paid(4)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 56,965</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 55,623</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 59,844</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Other(3)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 20,802</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 11,597</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 21,123</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Total regulatory assets</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 339,786</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 296,814</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 316,536</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Regulatory liabilities:</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Gas costs payable</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 900</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 2,539</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 6,915</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Unrealized gain on non-trading derivatives(1)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 518</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 3,711</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 843</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Accrued asset removal costs</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 248,920</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 235,891</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 238,757</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 15px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 345px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:345px;">Other(3)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 2,087</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 2,174</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;"> </td><td style="width: 95px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 2,107</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Total regulatory liabilities</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 252,425</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 244,315</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 15px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:15px;">$</td><td style="width: 95px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:95px;"> 248,622</td></tr></table></div><ul><li style="margin-left:36px;list-style:decimal;">An unrealized gain or loss on non-trading derivatives does not earn a rate of return or a carrying charge.  These amounts, when realized at settlement, are recoverable through utility rates as part of the Purchased Gas Adjustment mechanism.</li><li style="margin-left:36px;list-style:decimal;">Certain qualified pension plan and other postretirement benefit obligations are approved for regulatory deferral.  Such amounts are recoverable in rates, including an interest component, when recognized in net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).</li><li style="margin-left:36px;list-style:decimal;">Other primarily consists of deferrals and amortizations under other approved regulatory mechanisms.  The accounts being amortized typically earn a rate of return or carrying charge.</li><li style="margin-left:36px;list-style:decimal;">Environmental costs are related to those sites that are approved for regulatory deferral.  We earn the authorized rate of return as a carrying charge on amounts paid, whereas the amounts accrued but not yet paid do not earn a rate of return or a carrying charge until expended.</li></ul> New Accounting Standards Adopted Standards Variable Interest Entity. Effective January 1, 2010, we adopted the amended authoritative guidance on variable interest entities (VIE). This guidance requires a continuing analysis to determine whether an entity has a controlling financial interest and whether it is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary with a controlling financial interest would be required to consolidate the VIE in its financial statements. The guidance defines the primary beneficiary as the entity having: <ul><li style="margin-left:36px;list-style:disc;">the power to control the activities that most significantly impact performance; and </li><li style="margin-left:36px;list-style:disc;">the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. </li></ul> Although we do have an ownership interest in PGH, which is a VIE, we are not the primary beneficiary (see Note 8) and therefore the adoption of this standard has not had a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, if we are required to consolidate PGH or other VIEs that may be acquired in future periods, it could have a material impact on our financial statements (see Note 8). Recent Accounting Pronouncements Fair Value Disclosures. In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued authoritative guidance on new fair value measurements and disclosures.  This guidance requires additional disclosures for fair value measurements that use significant assumptions not observable in active markets, including a rollforward schedule. These changes are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2010; however, we elected to early adopt these disclosure requirements, as shown in Note 7 of our 2009 Form 10-K. The adoption of this standard did not have, and is not expected to have, a material effect on our financial statement disclosures. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented.  Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the potential effects of the assumed exercise of stock options and the payment of estimated stock awards from other stock-based compensation plans that are outstanding at the end of each period presented.  Diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:<div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;margin-top:20px;"><tr style="height: 20px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td colspan="4" style="width: 160px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:160px;">Three Months Ended</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td colspan="4" style="width: 160px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:160px;">Nine Months Ended</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td colspan="4" style="width: 160px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:160px;">September 30,</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td colspan="4" style="width: 160px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:160px;">September 30,</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;">Thousands, except per share amounts</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;">2010</td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;">2009</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;">2010</td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:center;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;">2009</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;">Net income (loss)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> (7,420)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> (6,733)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 43,076</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 43,716</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;">Average common shares outstanding - basic</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,606</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,515</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,571</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,508</td></tr><tr style="height: 20px"><td style="width: 20px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:20px;"> </td><td style="width: 360px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:360px;">Additional shares for stock-based compensation plans</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> -</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> -</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 70</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-width:1px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 100</td></tr><tr style="height: 21px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;">Average common shares outstanding - diluted</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,606</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,515</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,641</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 26,608</td></tr><tr style="height: 22px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;">Earnings (loss) per share of common stock - basic </td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> (0.28)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> (0.25)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 1.62</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 1.65</td></tr><tr style="height: 22px"><td colspan="2" style="width: 380px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:380px;">Earnings (loss) per share of common stock - diluted</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> (0.28)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> (0.25)</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 1.62</td><td style="width: 10px; text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;"> </td><td style="width: 10px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:left;border-color:#000000;min-width:10px;">$</td><td style="width: 70px; border-top-style:double;border-top-width:3px;border-bottom-style:double;border-bottom-width:3px;text-align:right;border-color:#000000;min-width:70px;"> 1.64</td></tr></table></div>For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, 76,088 and 111,094 common share equivalents, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of these additional shares on the net loss for both periods would have been anti-dilutive.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, 427 and 3,601 common share equivalents, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of these shares would have been anti-dilutive. NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANYPART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATIONNotes to Consolidated Financial false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock This element may be used to describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 false 1 2 false UnKnown UnKnown UnKnown false true