CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts receivable - customers, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 753	$ 797
Receivable from the U.S. government, allowance for doubtful accounts	0	8
Other accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	413	423
Receivable from the U.S. government, allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0
Par value of common shares (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
Accounts receivable - customers, allowance for doubtful accounts	753	797
Other accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 371	$ 380
Par value of common shares (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0