Gas Reserves and Other Investments (details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Gas Reserves [Abstract]
Gas Reserves Percent Gas Supplies YTD	4.00%
Gas Reserves, Current	$ 13,140,000	$ 4,463,000	$ 2,366,000
Gas Reserves Noncurrent Gross	81,692,000	48,597,000	28,551,000
Gas Reserves Amortization	5,767,000	1,146,000	426,000
Total Gas Reserves	89,065,000	51,914,000	30,491,000
Deferred Taxes Related To Gas Reserves	23,940,000	15,630,000	10,090,000
Net Gas Reserves Investment	65,125,000	36,284,000	20,401,000
Palomar [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets	13,400,000
Equity Method Investment Exposure	$ 13,200,000