Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reasons For Differences Between Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate To Income Before Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed Federal tax expense at statutory rate	$ 94,691	$ 88,620	$ 55,644
Decrease in Federal tax expense related to the flow through of plant related timing differences	(99,741)	(76,534)	(53,532)
State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	2,456	(1,681)	(6,896)
Increase in tax expense for depreciation expense to be recovered in future rates	159	925	140
Stock-based compensation	(242)	(611)	(1,484)
Deduction for Essential Utilities common dividends paid under employee benefit plan	(333)	(330)	(315)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits	(290)	(314)	(319)
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes	(8,425)	(11,715)	(15,352)
Impact of acquisitions and reorganizations		(4,632)
Other, net	(2,604)	(3,340)	2,236
Total tax expense (benefit)	$ (14,329)	$ (9,612)	$ (19,878)