XML 24 R30.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
segment
Dec. 31, 2013
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Number of operating segments 3us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments      
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Total operating revenues $ 1,258,765us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue $ 1,243,858us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue    
Purchased gas cost 835,480us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases 854,901us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases    
Gross profit 423,285us-gaap_GrossProfit 388,957us-gaap_GrossProfit    
Operating expenses        
Operation and maintenance 118,582us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense 115,757us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense    
Depreciation and amortization 67,593us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization 60,469us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization    
Taxes, other than income 49,385us-gaap_TaxesOther 42,011us-gaap_TaxesOther    
Total operating expenses 235,560us-gaap_OperatingExpenses 218,237us-gaap_OperatingExpenses    
Operating income 187,725us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss 170,720us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss    
Miscellaneous income (expense) (1,707)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense (2,132)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense    
Interest charges 29,764us-gaap_InterestExpense 32,115us-gaap_InterestExpense    
Income (loss) before income taxes 156,254us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments 136,473us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments    
Income tax expense (benefit) 58,659us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit 49,457us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit    
Net income (loss) 97,595us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss 87,016us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss    
Capital expenditures 261,313us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets 180,567us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets    
ASSETS        
Net property, plant and equipment 6,912,541us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet   6,725,906us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet  
Investment in subsidiaries 0ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries   0ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries  
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents 123,832us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 194,563us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 42,258us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 66,199us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Assets from risk management activities 18,254us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent   45,827us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent  
Other current assets 976,678ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets   687,755ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets  
Intercompany receivables 0ato_IntercompanyReceivables   0ato_IntercompanyReceivables  
Total current assets 1,118,764us-gaap_AssetsCurrent   775,840us-gaap_AssetsCurrent  
Goodwill 742,029us-gaap_Goodwill   742,029us-gaap_Goodwill  
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 124us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent   13,038us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent  
Deferred charges and other assets 341,635ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets   337,891ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets  
Total Assets 9,115,093us-gaap_Assets   8,594,704us-gaap_Assets  
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        
Shareholders' equity 3,063,925us-gaap_StockholdersEquity   3,086,232us-gaap_StockholdersEquity  
Long-term debt 2,455,131us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent   2,455,986us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent  
Total capitalization 5,519,056us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity   5,542,218us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity  
Current liabilities        
Short-term debt 550,903us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings   196,695us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings  
Liabilities from risk management activities 13,701us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent   1,730us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent  
Other current liabilities 856,007ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities   712,225ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities  
Intercompany payables 0ato_IntercompanyPayables   0ato_IntercompanyPayables  
Total current liabilities 1,420,611us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent   910,650us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent  
Deferred income taxes 1,256,443us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities   1,286,616us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities  
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent 82,123us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent   20,126us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent  
Regulatory cost of removal obligation 443,931ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation   445,387ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation  
Pension and postretirement liabilities 345,350us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent   340,963us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent  
Deferred credits and other liabilities 47,579ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities   48,744ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities  
Total Equity and Liabilities 9,115,093us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity   8,594,704us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity  
Reportable Subsegments [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 1,258,765us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
1,243,858us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
   
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 0us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
   
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Total operating revenues 846,772us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
843,865us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Purchased gas cost 522,960us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
544,694us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Gross profit 323,812us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
299,171us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Operating expenses        
Operation and maintenance 86,985us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
89,663us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Depreciation and amortization 55,086us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
49,551us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Taxes, other than income 43,644us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
37,084us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Total operating expenses 185,715us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
176,298us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Operating income 138,097us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
122,873us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Miscellaneous income (expense) (1,329)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
(471)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Interest charges 21,640us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
23,325us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Income (loss) before income taxes 115,128us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
99,077us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Income tax expense (benefit) 43,741us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
36,320us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Net income (loss) 71,387us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
62,757us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
Capital expenditures 166,247us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
127,506us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
   
ASSETS        
Net property, plant and equipment 5,310,469us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  5,202,761us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Investment in subsidiaries 949,428ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  952,171ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents 79,345us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  33,303us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Assets from risk management activities 852us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  23,102us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Other current assets 733,736ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  490,408ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Intercompany receivables 835,928ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  790,442ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Total current assets 1,649,861us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  1,337,255us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Goodwill 574,816us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  574,816us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 124us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  13,038us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Deferred charges and other assets 316,704ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  309,965ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Total Assets 8,801,402us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  8,390,006us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        
Shareholders' equity 3,063,925us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  3,086,232us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Long-term debt 2,455,131us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  2,455,986us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Total capitalization 5,519,056us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  5,542,218us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Current liabilities        
Short-term debt 791,503us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  522,695us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Liabilities from risk management activities 13,701us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  1,730us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Other current liabilities 675,685ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  559,765ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Intercompany payables 0ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  0ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Total current liabilities 1,480,889us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  1,084,190us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Deferred income taxes 887,452us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  913,260us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent 82,123us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  20,126us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Regulatory cost of removal obligation 443,931ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  445,387ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Pension and postretirement liabilities 345,350us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  340,963us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities 42,601ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  43,862ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Total Equity and Liabilities 8,801,402us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
  8,390,006us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
 
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 845,404us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
842,432us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
   
Regulated Distribution Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 1,368us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
1,433us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedDistributionSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
   
Regulated Pipeline Segment [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Total operating revenues 83,567us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
71,341us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Purchased gas cost 0us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
0us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Gross profit 83,567us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
71,341us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Operating expenses        
Operation and maintenance 24,615us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
17,300us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Depreciation and amortization 11,382us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
9,786us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Taxes, other than income 4,865us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
4,663us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Total operating expenses 40,862us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
31,749us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Operating income 42,705us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
39,592us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Miscellaneous income (expense) (252)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
(1,181)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Interest charges 8,324us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
8,957us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Income (loss) before income taxes 34,129us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
29,454us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Income tax expense (benefit) 12,094us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
10,008us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Net income (loss) 22,035us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
19,446us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
Capital expenditures 94,754us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
52,921us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
   
ASSETS        
Net property, plant and equipment 1,544,320us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  1,464,572us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Investment in subsidiaries 0ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Assets from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Other current assets 13,881ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  14,009ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Intercompany receivables 0ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Total current assets 13,881us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  14,009us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Goodwill 132,502us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  132,502us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Deferred charges and other assets 19,578ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  21,826ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Total Assets 1,710,281us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  1,632,909us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        
Shareholders' equity 504,648us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  482,612us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Long-term debt 0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Total capitalization 504,648us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  482,612us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Current liabilities        
Short-term debt 0us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Liabilities from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Other current liabilities 23,722ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  24,790ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Intercompany payables 805,723ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  763,635ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Total current liabilities 829,445us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  788,425us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Deferred income taxes 376,018us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  361,688us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Regulatory cost of removal obligation 0ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Pension and postretirement liabilities 0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities 170ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  184ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Total Equity and Liabilities 1,710,281us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
  1,632,909us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
 
Regulated Pipeline Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 20,551us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
21,170us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
   
Regulated Pipeline Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 63,016us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
50,171us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_RegulatedPipelineSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
   
Nonregulated Segment [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Total operating revenues 462,288us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
436,431us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Purchased gas cost 446,249us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
417,865us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Gross profit 16,039us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
18,566us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Operating expenses        
Operation and maintenance 7,115us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
8,915us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Depreciation and amortization 1,125us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
1,132us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Taxes, other than income 876us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
264us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Total operating expenses 9,116us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
10,311us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Operating income 6,923us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
8,255us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Miscellaneous income (expense) 300us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
324us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Interest charges 226us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
637us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Income (loss) before income taxes 6,997us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
7,942us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Income tax expense (benefit) 2,824us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
3,129us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Net income (loss) 4,173us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
4,813us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
Capital expenditures 312us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
140us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
   
ASSETS        
Net property, plant and equipment 57,752us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  58,573us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Investment in subsidiaries (2,096)ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  (2,096)ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents 44,487us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  8,955us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Assets from risk management activities 17,402us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  22,725us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Other current assets 500,168ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  526,161ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Intercompany receivables 0ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Total current assets 562,057us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  557,841us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Goodwill 34,711us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  34,711us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Deferred charges and other assets 5,353ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  6,100ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Total Assets 657,777us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  655,129us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        
Shareholders' equity 444,780us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  469,559us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Long-term debt 0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Total capitalization 444,780us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  469,559us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Current liabilities        
Short-term debt 0us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Liabilities from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Other current liabilities 185,011ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  142,397ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Intercompany payables 30,205ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  26,807ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Total current liabilities 215,216us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  169,204us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Deferred income taxes (7,027)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  11,668us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Regulatory cost of removal obligation 0ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Pension and postretirement liabilities 0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities 4,808ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  4,698ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Total Equity and Liabilities 657,777us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
  655,129us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
 
Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 392,810us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
380,256us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
   
Nonregulated Segment [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 69,478us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
56,175us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ato_NonregulatedSegmentMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
   
Intersegment Elimination [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Total operating revenues (133,862)us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
(107,779)us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Purchased gas cost (133,729)us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
(107,658)us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Gross profit (133)us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
(121)us-gaap_GrossProfit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Operating expenses        
Operation and maintenance (133)us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
(121)us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Depreciation and amortization 0us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
0us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Taxes, other than income 0us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
0us-gaap_TaxesOther
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Total operating expenses (133)us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
(121)us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Operating income 0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
0us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Miscellaneous income (expense) (426)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
(804)us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Interest charges (426)us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
(804)us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Income (loss) before income taxes 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Income tax expense (benefit) 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Net income (loss) 0us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
0us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
Capital expenditures 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
   
ASSETS        
Net property, plant and equipment 0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Investment in subsidiaries (947,332)ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (950,075)ato_InvestmentInSubsidaries
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Assets from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Other current assets (271,107)ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (342,823)ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Intercompany receivables (835,928)ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (790,442)ato_IntercompanyReceivables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Total current assets (1,107,035)us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (1,133,265)us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Goodwill 0us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_Goodwill
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Noncurrent assets from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Deferred charges and other assets 0ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Total Assets (2,054,367)us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (2,083,340)us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        
Shareholders' equity (949,428)us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (952,171)us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Long-term debt 0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Total capitalization (949,428)us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (952,171)us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Current liabilities        
Short-term debt (240,600)us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (326,000)us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Liabilities from risk management activities 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Other current liabilities (28,411)ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (14,727)ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Intercompany payables (835,928)ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (790,442)ato_IntercompanyPayables
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Total current liabilities (1,104,939)us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (1,131,169)us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Deferred income taxes 0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Regulatory cost of removal obligation 0ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0ato_RegulatoryCostOfRemovalObligation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Pension and postretirement liabilities 0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities 0ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  0ato_SegmentReportingInformationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Total Equity and Liabilities (2,054,367)us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
  (2,083,340)us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
 
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues 0us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
0us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember
   
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]        
Segment Reporting Information Profit Loss [Abstract]        
Revenues $ (133,862)us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember
$ (107,779)us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
/ us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis
= us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember