Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2014

General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The funding to the DCR plan accounts for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, and the amounts recorded as liabilities for these deferred compensation plans as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below.

In thousands	2014		2013
Funding	$	524	$	434
Liability:
Current	214		199
Noncurrent	4,248		3,328

Term Life Insurance Premiums

The cost of these premiums is presented below.

In thousands	2014		2013		2012
Term life policies of certain officers at the vice president level and above	$	30	$	27	$	43
Officers and director-level employees	32		28		25

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, and a statement of the funded status and the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below.

	Qualified Pension						Nonqualified Pension						Other Benefits
In thousands	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
Accumulated benefit obligation at year end	$	252,706		$	230,175		$	5,925		$	4,736		N/A			N/A
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Obligation at beginning of year	$	272,403		$	293,327		$	4,736		$	5,569		$	33,678		$	34,830
Service cost	10,865			12,005			—			—			1,109			1,327
Interest cost	11,781			9,946			200			157			1,448			1,130
Plan amendments	—			—			485			—			—			—
Actuarial (gain) loss	23,646			(24,859		)	956			(540		)	3,734			(1,094		)
Participant contributions	—			—			—			—			805			641
Administrative expenses	(465		)	(534		)	—			—			—			—
Benefit payments	(15,544		)	(17,482		)	(452		)	(450		)	(2,957		)	(3,156		)
Obligation at end of year	302,686			272,403			5,925			4,736			37,817			33,678
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	300,661			272,337			—			—			25,961			23,663
Actual return on plan assets	31,791			26,340			—			—			1,874			2,848
Employer contributions	20,000			20,000			452			450			2,064			1,965
Participant contributions	—			—			—			—			805			641
Administrative expenses	(465		)	(534		)	—			—			—			—
Benefit payments	(15,544		)	(17,482		)	(452		)	(450		)	(2,957		)	(3,156		)
Fair value at end of year	336,443			300,661			—			—			27,747			25,961
Funded status at year end - over (under)	$	33,757		$	28,258		$	(5,925	)	$	(4,736	)	$	(10,070	)	$	(7,717	)
Noncurrent assets	$	33,757		$	28,258		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Current liabilities	—			—			(521		)	(445		)	—			—
Noncurrent liabilities	—			—			(5,404		)	(4,291		)	(10,070		)	(7,717		)
Net amount recognized	$	33,757		$	28,258		$	(5,925	)	$	(4,736	)	$	(10,070	)	$	(7,717	)
Amounts Not Yet Recognized as a Component
of Cost and Recognized in a Deferred
Regulatory Account:
Unrecognized transition obligation	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Unrecognized prior service credit (cost)	15,046			17,243			(439		)	(196		)	—			—
Unrecognized actuarial loss	(103,038		)	(96,338		)	(1,745		)	(820		)	(3,995		)	(354		)
Regulatory asset	(87,992		)	(79,095		)	(2,184		)	(1,016		)	(3,995		)	(354		)
Cumulative employer contributions in
excess of cost	121,749			107,353			(3,741		)	(3,720		)	(6,075		)	(7,363		)
Net amount recognized	$	33,757		$	28,258		$	(5,925	)	$	(4,736	)	$	(10,070	)	$	(7,717	)

Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 includes the following components.

	Qualified Pension									Nonqualified Pension									Other Benefits
In thousands	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Service cost	$	10,865		$	12,005		$	9,573		$	—		$	—		$	39		$	1,109		$	1,327		$	1,387
Interest cost	11,781			9,946			10,640			200			157			203			1,448			1,130			1,347
Expected return on plan assets	(22,530		)	(21,105		)	(20,289		)	—			—			—			(1,782		)	(1,663		)	(1,551		)
Amortization of transition obligation	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			667			667
Amortization of prior service cost
(credit)	(2,198		)	(2,198		)	(2,198		)	243			81			81			—			—			—
Amortization of net loss	7,685			11,202			5,966			31			161			49			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	5,603			9,850			3,692			474			399			372			775			1,461			1,850
Other changes in plan assets and benefit
obligation recognized through
regulatory asset or liability:
Prior service cost	—			—			—			485			—			—			—			—			—
Net loss (gain)	14,385			(30,094		)	43,945			956			(540		)	629			3,641			(2,278		)	2,209
Amounts recognized as a component of
net periodic benefit cost:
Transition obligation	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(667		)	(667		)
Amortization of net loss	(7,685		)	(11,202		)	(5,966		)	(31		)	(161		)	(49		)	—			—			—
Prior service (cost) credit	2,198			2,198			2,198			(243		)	(81		)	(81		)	—			—			—
Total recognized in regulatory asset
(liability)	8,898			(39,098		)	40,177			1,167			(782		)	499			3,641			(2,945		)	1,542
Total recognized in net periodic benefit
and regulatory asset (liability)	$	14,501		$	(29,248	)	$	43,869		$	1,641		$	(383	)	$	871		$	4,416		$	(1,484	)	$	3,392

Amortization Recorded As A Regulatory Asset Or Liability Expected Refunds For Defined Benefit Plans

The 2015 estimated amortization of the following items for our plans, which are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability instead of accumulated OCIL discussed above, are as follows.

	Qualified			Nonqualified		Other
In thousands	Pension			Pension		Benefits
Amortization of unrecognized prior service (credit) cost	$	(2,198	)	$	231	$	—
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss	8,121			85		29

Benefit Obligation Benchmark Discount Rate

As of October 31, 2014, the benchmark by plan was as follows.

Pension plan	4.13	%
NCNG SERP	3.64	%
Directors’ SERP	3.74	%
Piedmont SERP	3.10	%
OPEB	4.03	%

The Weighted Average Assumptions Used To Determine The Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The weighted average assumptions used in the measurement of the benefit obligation as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below.

	Qualified Pension				Nonqualified Pension				Other Benefits
	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
Discount rate	4.13	%	4.55	%	3.69	%	3.98	%	4.03	%	4.44	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.68	%	3.72	%	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost as of October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented below.

	Qualified Pension						Nonqualified Pension
	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Discount rate	4.55	%	3.51	%	4.67	%	3.98	%	2.95	%	4.10	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.75	%	8.00	%	8.00	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Rate of compensation increase	3.72	%	3.76	%	3.78	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
	Other Benefits
	2014		2013		2012
Discount rate	4.44	%	3.34	%	4.36	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.75	%	8.00	%	8.00	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A		N/A		N/A

Anticipated Employer Contribution To Benefit Plans

We anticipate that we will contribute the following amounts to our plans in 2015.

In thousands
Qualified pension plan *	$	10,000
Nonqualified pension plans	521
MPP plan	1,300
OPEB plan	1,500

* Funded in November 2014.

Expected Benefit Payments For The Next Ten Years

Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid for the next ten years ending October 31 as follows.

	Qualified		Nonqualified		Other
In thousands	Pension		Pension		Benefits
2015	$	29,946	$	521	$	2,409
2016	16,794		507		2,449
2017	16,332		491		2,527
2018	19,197		472		2,606
2019	20,685		490		2,682
2020 - 2024	110,459		2,149		14,179

Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates

The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated OPEB obligation for the medical plans for all participants as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below.

	2014		2013
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.40	%	7.40	%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00	%	5.00	%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2027		2027

Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates

The health care cost trend rate assumptions could have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A change of 1% would have the following effects.

In thousands	1% Increase		1% Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components of net periodic
postretirement health care benefit cost for the year ended October 31, 2014	$	31	$	(32	)
Effect on the health care cost component of the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation as of October 31, 2014	829		(841		)

Redemption Limitations, Restrictions and Notice Requirements

As stated above, some of our investments for the qualified pension plan have redemption limitations, restrictions and notice requirements which are further explained below.

			Redemptions
	Redemption		Notice
Investment	Frequency	Other Redemption Restrictions	Period
Common trust fund - International growth	Monthly	None	30 days
Hedge fund of funds	Quarterly	Redeemed in whole or part but not less than the minimum redemption amount for each currency. Redemption within one year of purchase is subject to 1.5% redemption fee. Redeemed on “first in first out” basis. None of our investment is subject to the redemption fee. Fund’s Board of Directors may limit or suspend share redemptions until a further notification ending suspension. No such notification has been received as of October 31, 2014.	65 days
Private equity fund of funds	Limited	Investors have only very limited withdrawal rights for specific legal or regulatory reasons. Any transfer of interest will be subject to approval.	(1)
Commodities fund of funds	Monthly	Redemption within one year of purchase is subject to 1% redemption fee. None of our investment is subject to the redemption fee. If 95% or more of the balance is requested, 95% of the balance will be paid within 30 days. Any outstanding balance or interest owed will be paid after the annual audit is complete.	35 days
Bank loans	Daily	None	30 days

(1) The investment cannot be redeemed. We receive distributions only through the liquidation of the underlying assets. The assets are expected to be liquidated over the next 10 to 12 years.

The Qualified Pension and The OPEB Plan's Asset Allocations By Level Within the Fair Value Hierarchy

The OPEB plan’s asset allocations by level within the fair value hierarchy at October 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below.

	Qualified Pension Plan as of October 31, 2014
				Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2)
	Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1)						Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
										Total Carrying Value			% of Total
In thousands
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,932		$	435		$	—		$	28,367		8	%
Fixed Income Securities:													45	%
U.S. treasuries	—			27,224			—			27,224			8	%
Long duration bonds	—			48,049			—			48,049			14	%
Corporate bonds	—			49,816			—			49,816			15	%
High yield bonds	8,100			—			—			8,100			3	%
Common trust fund - Bank loans	—			16,187			—			16,187			5	%
Collateralized mortgage
obligations	—			1,035			—			1,035			—	%
Derivatives	48			(49		)	—			(1		)	—	%
Equity Securities:													31	%
Large cap core index	9,982			—			—			9,982			3	%
Large cap value	19,937			—			—			19,937			6	%
Large cap growth	19,745			—			—			19,745			6	%
Small cap value	31,329			—			—			31,329			9	%
Common trust fund - International
growth	—			22,877			—			22,877			7	%
Real Estate:													5	%
Global REIT	16,675			—			—			16,675			5	%
Other Investments:													11	%
Hedge fund of funds	—			19,829			—			19,829			6	%
Private equity fund of funds	—			—			7,158			7,158			2	%
Commodities fund of funds	—			10,134			—			10,134			3	%
Total assets at fair value	$	133,748		$	195,537		$	7,158		$	336,443		100	%
Percent of fair value hierarchy	40		%	58		%	2		%	100		%

The qualified pension plan’s asset allocations by level within the fair value hierarchy at October 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below.

	Other Benefits as of October 31, 2014
				Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2)
	Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1)						Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
										Total Carrying Value			% of Total
In thousands
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,590		$	—		$	—		$	2,590		9	%
Fixed Income Securities:													44	%
U.S. treasuries	2,013			—			—			2,013			7	%
Corporate bonds / Other fixed income
securities	10,187			—			—			10,187			37	%
Equity Securities:													42	%
Large cap value	1,269			—			—			1,269			4	%
Large cap growth	1,310			—			—			1,310			5	%
Small cap value	1,336			—			—			1,336			5	%
Small cap growth	1,319			—			—			1,319			5	%
Large cap index	2,532			—			—			2,532			9	%
International blend	3,846			—			—			3,846			14	%
Real Estate:													5	%
Global REIT	1,345			—			—			1,345			5	%
Total assets at fair value	$	27,747		$	—		$	—		$	27,747		100	%
Percent of fair value hierarchy	100		%	—		%	—		%	100		%

	Other Benefits as of October 31, 2013
				Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2)
	Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1)						Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
										Total Carrying Value			% of Total
In thousands
Cash and cash equivalents	$	982		$	—		$	—		$	982		4	%
Fixed Income Securities:													46	%
U.S. treasuries	2,582			—			—			2,582			10	%
Corporate bonds / Other fixed income
securities	9,232			—			—			9,232			36	%
Equity Securities:													45	%
Large cap value	1,327			—			—			1,327			5	%
Large cap growth	1,352			—			—			1,352			5	%
Small cap value	1,331			—			—			1,331			5	%
Small cap growth	1,313			—			—			1,313			5	%
Large cap index	2,384			—			—			2,384			9	%
International blend	4,206			—			—			4,206			16	%
Real Estate:													5	%
Global REIT	1,252			—			—			1,252			5	%
Total assets at fair value	$	25,961		$	—		$	—		$	25,961		100	%
Percent of fair value hierarchy	100		%	—		%	—		%	100		%

	Qualified Pension Plan as of October 31, 2013
				Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2)
	Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1)						Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
										Total Carrying Value			% of Total
In thousands
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,566		$	156		$	—		$	5,722		2	%
Fixed Income Securities:													38	%
U.S. treasuries	—			24,078			—			24,078			8	%
Long duration bonds	—			34,041			—			34,041			11	%
Corporate bonds	—			42,701			—			42,701			14	%
High yield bonds	14,680			—			—			14,680			5	%
Collateralized mortgage
obligations	—			1,098			—			1,098			—	%
Derivatives	6			(17		)	—			(11		)	—	%
Equity Securities:													43	%
Large cap core index	12,023			—			—			12,023			4	%
Large cap value	16,908			—			—			16,908			6	%
Large cap growth	17,823			—			—			17,823			6	%
Small cap value	30,831			—			—			30,831			10	%
Common trust fund - International
value	—			24,460			—			24,460			8	%
Common trust fund - International
growth	—			27,270			—			27,270			9	%
Real Estate:													5	%
Global REIT	15,042			—			—			15,042			5	%
Other Investments:													12	%
Hedge fund of funds	—			18,571			—			18,571			6	%
Private equity fund of funds	—			—			4,659			4,659			2	%
Commodities fund of funds	—			10,765			—			10,765			4	%
Total assets at fair value	$	112,879		$	183,123		$	4,659		$	300,661		100	%
Percent of fair value hierarchy	37		%	61		%	2		%	100		%

Level 3 Qualified Pension Plan Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the assets in the qualified pension plan that are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

	Private
	Equity Fund
In thousands	of Funds
Balance, October 31, 2012	$	3,522
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	116
Relating to assets sold during the period	61
Purchases, sales and settlements (net)	960
Transfer in/out of Level 3	—
Balance, October 31, 2013	4,659
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	1,031
Relating to assets sold during the period	113
Purchases, sales and settlements (net)	1,355
Transfer in/out of Level 3	—
Balance, October 31, 2014	$	7,158

401(k) Matching Contributions

For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we made matching contributions to participant accounts as follows.

In thousands	2014		2013		2012
401(k) matching contributions	$	6,134	$	5,688	$	5,400