Long-term Debt Long term debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments	$ (63)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.50%
City of Forsyth Bond rate	5.00%
First Mortgage Bonds - maximum rate	9.31%
First mortgage Bonds - minimum rate	3.46%
Port of Morrow Bond Rate	5.00%
Port of St. Helens Bond rate	5.25%
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.83%	5.85%