Gas Reserves and Other Investments (details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Gas Reserves [Abstract]
Term Of Gas Reserves Contract In Years	30
Gas Reserves Percent Gas Supplies YTD	2.00%
Gas Reserves Current	$ 6,732,000	$ 4,463,000	$ 0
Gas Reserves Noncurrent Gross	63,546,000	48,597,000	0
Gas Reserves Amortization	2,440,000	1,146,000	0
Total Gas Reserves	67,838,000	51,914,000	0
Deferred Taxes Related To Gas Reserves	22,047,000	15,630,000	0
Net Gas Reserves Investment	45,791,000	36,284,000	0
Palomar [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Equity Method Investment Underlying Equity In Net Assets	13,500,000
Equity Method Investment Exposure	$ 13,200,000