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Document and Entity Information Document
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9 Months Ended | |
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Sep. 30, 2015
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Oct. 27, 2015
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| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2015 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2015 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
| Trading Symbol | WR | |
| Entity Registrant Name | WESTAR ENERGY INC /KS | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000054507 | |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 141,337,536 |
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- Definition
If the value is true, then the document is an amendment to previously-filed/accepted document. No definition available.
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- Definition
End date of current fiscal year in the format --MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal period of the document report. For a first quarter 2006 quarterly report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, the first fiscal quarter should be given as the fiscal period focus. Values: FY, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, H1, H2, M9, T1, T2, T3, M8, CY. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal year of the document report in CCYY format. For a 2006 annual report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, fiscal 2006 should be given as the fiscal year focus. Example: 2006. No definition available.
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- Definition
The end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements containing historical data, it is the date up through which that historical data is presented. If there is no historical data in the report, use the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word "Other". No definition available.
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- Definition
A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Indicate number of shares or other units outstanding of each of registrant's classes of capital or common stock or other ownership interests, if and as stated on cover of related periodic report. Where multiple classes or units exist define each class/interest by adding class of stock items such as Common Class A [Member], Common Class B [Member] or Partnership Interest [Member] onto the Instrument [Domain] of the Entity Listings, Instrument. No definition available.
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- Definition
Indicate whether the registrant is one of the following: (1) Large Accelerated Filer, (2) Accelerated Filer, (3) Non-accelerated Filer, (4) Smaller Reporting Company (Non-accelerated) or (5) Smaller Reporting Accelerated Filer. Definitions of these categories are stated in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
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- Details
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- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange. No definition available.
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The noncurrent portion of the reserve for accumulated deferred investment tax credits as of the balance sheet date. This is the remaining investment credit, which will reduce the cost of services collected from ratepayers by a ratable portion over the investment's regulatory life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Value received from shareholders in common stock-related transactions that are in excess of par value or stated value and amounts received from other stock-related transactions. Includes only common stock transactions (excludes preferred stock transactions). May be called contributed capital, capital in excess of par, capital surplus, or paid-in capital. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Noncurrent portion of the carrying amount of a liability for an asset retirement obligation. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation associated with the disposal or retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction or development, or the normal operations of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The fair value of investments held in a trust fund to pay for the costs of decontaminating and decommissioning facilities, whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure on the balance sheet. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards expected to be realized or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount, after deferred tax asset, of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable differences, netted by jurisdiction and classified as noncurrent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of dividends declared but unpaid on equity securities issued by the entity and outstanding. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount after valuation and LIFO reserves of inventory expected to be sold, or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of liabilities and equity items, including the portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Amount of obligation due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, after unamortized discount or premium, scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount of current liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Includes costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and of liabilities not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for costs that provide economic benefits within a future period of one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs of regulated entities that are expected to be recovered through revenue sources within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Such costs are capitalized if they meet both of the following criteria: a. It is probable that future revenue in an amount at least equal to the capitalized cost will result from inclusion of that cost in allowable costs for rate-making purposes. b. Based on available evidence, the future revenue will be provided to permit recovery of the previously incurred cost rather than to provide for expected levels of similar future costs. If the revenue will be provided through an automatic rate-adjustment clause, this criterion requires that the regulator's intent clearly be to permit recovery of the previously incurred cost. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs of regulated entities that are not expected to be recovered through revenue sources within one year or the normal operating cycle if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The amount for the individual regulatory current liability as itemized in a table of regulatory current liabilities as of the end of the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The amount for the individual regulatory noncurrent liability as itemized in a table of regulatory noncurrent liabilities as of the end of the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Reflects the total carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of debt having initial terms less than one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for statutory income, sales, use, payroll, excise, real, property and other taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The noncurrent liability recognized in the balance sheet associated with defined benefit pension plans, other post-retirement benefit plans and other general benefit plans. No definition available.
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- Definition
Total Other Assets No definition available.
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Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
Sep. 30, 2015
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Dec. 31, 2014
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| Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ 3,519 | $ 5,309 |
| Common stock, par value | $ 5 | $ 5 |
| Common stock, shares authorized | 275,000,000 | 275,000,000 |
| Common stock, shares issued | 141,687,454 | 131,687,454 |
| Common stock, shares outstanding | 141,268,889 | 131,687,454 |
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- Definition
A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Face amount or stated value per share of common stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
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Sep. 30, 2015
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Sep. 30, 2014
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Sep. 30, 2015
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Sep. 30, 2014
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| REVENUES | $ 732,829 | $ 764,040 | $ 1,913,199 | $ 2,005,264 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||||
| Fuel and purchased power | 163,943 | 200,755 | 459,504 | 539,373 |
| Network Transmission Cost | 57,487 | 55,720 | 171,651 | 163,211 |
| Operating and maintenance | 80,444 | 84,213 | 248,263 | 277,841 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 77,184 | 72,279 | 228,529 | 213,270 |
| Selling, general and administrative | 60,485 | 60,977 | 179,567 | 179,633 |
| Taxes, Miscellaneous | 37,682 | 34,677 | 113,047 | 104,248 |
| Total Operating Expenses | 477,225 | 508,621 | 1,400,561 | 1,477,576 |
| INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 255,604 | 255,419 | 512,638 | 527,688 |
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): | ||||
| Investment earnings (losses) | 314 | 1,655 | 4,427 | 7,208 |
| Other income | 637 | 14,991 | 18,572 | 26,566 |
| Other expense | (5,392) | (6,242) | (13,737) | (14,192) |
| Total Other Income | (4,441) | 10,404 | 9,262 | 19,582 |
| Interest expense | 44,306 | 44,531 | 134,120 | 138,075 |
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 206,857 | 221,292 | 387,780 | 409,195 |
| Income tax expense | 66,293 | 71,532 | 127,810 | 132,643 |
| NET INCOME | 140,564 | 149,760 | 259,970 | 276,552 |
| Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 2,561 | 2,378 | 7,277 | 6,742 |
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. | $ 138,003 | $ 147,382 | $ 252,693 | $ 269,810 |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||
| Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ 0.97 | $ 1.13 | $ 1.84 | $ 2.08 |
| Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ 0.97 | $ 1.10 | $ 1.82 | $ 2.04 |
| AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING | ||||
| Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic | 141,622,697 | 130,196,193 | 136,686,263 | 129,525,618 |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted | 141,838,178 | 133,028,787 | 138,181,585 | 132,199,583 |
| DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE | $ 0.36 | $ 0.35 | $ 1.08 | $ 1.05 |
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- Definition
Aggregate dividends declared during the period for each share of common stock outstanding. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate amount of income from investments (for example, dividends) not considered a component of the entity's core operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Details
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- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate amount of other expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating expense recognized during the period. Such amounts may include: (a) unusual costs, (b) loss on foreign exchange transactions, (c) losses on securities (net of profits), and (d) miscellaneous other expense items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate amount of other income amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) profits on securities (net of losses), and (d) miscellaneous other income items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
All taxes not related to income of the entity or excise or sales taxes levied on the revenue of the entity that are not reported elsewhere. These taxes could include production, real estate, personal property, and pump tax. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of operating expense for routine plant maintenance, repairs and operations of regulated operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Fuel and purchased power expense incurred that are directly related to goods produced and sold. No definition available.
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- Definition
Network Transmission Cost No definition available.
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Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
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Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|
| CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
| Net income | $ 259,970 | $ 276,552 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||
| Depreciation and amortization | 228,529 | 213,270 |
| Amortization of nuclear fuel | 18,528 | 18,218 |
| Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback | (4,121) | (4,121) |
| Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance | 15,309 | 15,510 |
| Non-cash compensation | 6,280 | 6,034 |
| Net deferred income taxes and credits | 126,602 | 134,714 |
| Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits | (1,231) | (790) |
| Allowance for equity funds used during construction | (2,034) | (13,345) |
| Changes in working capital items: | ||
| Accounts receivable | (21,437) | (50,084) |
| Fuel inventory and supplies | (28,814) | (5,703) |
| Prepaid expenses and other | (22,742) | 8,693 |
| Accounts payable | (4,979) | (4,397) |
| Accrued taxes | 51,867 | 41,323 |
| Other current liabilities | (66,000) | (19,732) |
| Changes in other assets | 1,394 | 6,019 |
| Changes in other liabilities | 26,512 | 28,051 |
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | 583,633 | 650,212 |
| CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | (486,515) | (648,933) |
| Purchase of securities - trusts | (20,752) | (6,582) |
| Sale of securities - trusts | 20,957 | 8,221 |
| Investment in corporate-owned life insurance | 14,845 | 16,250 |
| Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance | 65,962 | 23,989 |
| Other investing activities | (781) | (2,203) |
| Cash Flows used in Investing Activities | (435,974) | (641,758) |
| CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
| Short-term debt, net | 46,000 | 67,206 |
| Proceeds from long-term debt | 0 | 417,943 |
| Retirements of long-term debt | (275,000) | (427,500) |
| Repayment of capital leases | (1,759) | (2,397) |
| Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance | 57,726 | 57,764 |
| Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance | (63,894) | (22,737) |
| Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits | 1,231 | 790 |
| Issuance of common stock | 257,169 | 58,560 |
| Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests | 1,076 | 0 |
| Cash dividends paid | (137,616) | (127,364) |
| Other financing activities | (3,234) | (2,050) |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | (148,386) | (7,106) |
| NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (727) | 1,348 |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: | ||
| Beginning of period | 4,556 | 4,487 |
| End of period | 3,829 | 5,835 |
|
Variable Interest Entity [Member]
|
||
| CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
| Retirements of long-term debt | $ (27,933) | $ (27,321) |
| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Includes effect from exchange rate changes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) and income tax credits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate net amount of depreciation, amortization, and accretion recognized during an accounting period. As a noncash item, the net amount is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of cash inflow from realized tax benefit related to deductible compensation cost reported on the entity's tax return for equity instruments in excess of the compensation cost for those instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of cash outflow for realized tax benefit related to deductible compensation cost reported on the entity's tax return for equity instruments in excess of the compensation cost for those instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of all taxes owed but not paid, including income, property and other taxes. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other current operating liabilities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other assets used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current assets, other noncurrent assets, or a combination of other current and noncurrent assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other liabilities used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current liabilities, other noncurrent liabilities, or a combination of other current and noncurrent liabilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of prepaid expenses and other assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows, for example, deferred expenses, intangible assets, or income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The change in cash surrender or contract value during the period which adjusted the amount of premiums paid in determining the expense or income recognized under the contract for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) of financing activities, excluding discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) of investing activities, excluding discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, excluding discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Cash outflow in the form of capital distributions and dividends to common shareholders, preferred shareholders and noncontrolling interests. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Cash outflow for purchase of trading, available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash inflow for proceeds from life insurance policies for which the entity is the beneficiary. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net cash inflow or outflow for borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow associated with the aggregate amount received by the entity through sale or maturity of marketable securities (held-to-maturity or available-for-sale) during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of the allowance for funds used during construction during the period based on an assumed rate of return on equity funds used in financing the construction of regulated assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow for the obligation for a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization (with maturities exceeding one year or beyond the operating cycle of the entity, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The portion of the deferred gain that was recognized in the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amortization of various items related to corporate-owned life insurance policies. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The current period expense charged against earnings for the amortization of capitalized nuclear fuel used to generate electricity. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash inflow from borrowings against the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance polices. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the repayment of borrowings against the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance polices. No definition available.
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Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data |
Total
|
Common Stock [Member]
|
Paid-In Capital [Member]
|
Retained Earnings [Member]
|
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | $ 3,068,531 | $ 641,271 | $ 1,696,727 | $ 724,776 | $ 5,757 |
| Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013 | 128,254,229 | ||||
| Net income | 276,552 | 0 | 0 | 269,810 | 6,742 |
| Issuance of stock | 58,560 | 10,343 | 48,217 | 0 | 0 |
| Issuance of stock (shares) | 2,068,510 | ||||
| Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares | 335,202 | ||||
| Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends | 6,697 | 1,676 | 5,021 | ||
| Tax withholding related to stock compensation | (2,050) | (2,050) | |||
| Dividends on common stock | (136,458) | 0 | 0 | (136,458) | 0 |
| Stock compensation expense | 5,970 | 5,970 | |||
| Tax Benefit on stock compensation | 790 | 0 | 790 | 0 | 0 |
| Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests | 0 | ||||
| Stockholders' Equity, Other | (1,215) | 0 | |||
| Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014 | 3,277,377 | 653,290 | 1,753,460 | 858,128 | 12,499 |
| Ending Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2014 | 130,657,941 | ||||
| Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014 | 3,301,307 | 658,437 | 1,781,120 | 855,299 | 6,451 |
| Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014 | 131,687,454 | ||||
| Net income | 259,970 | 0 | 0 | 252,693 | 7,277 |
| Issuance of stock | 257,169 | 46,147 | 211,022 | 0 | 0 |
| Issuance of stock (shares) | 9,229,357 | ||||
| Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares | 352,078 | ||||
| Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends | 8,008 | 1,760 | 6,248 | ||
| Tax withholding related to stock compensation | (3,234) | (3,234) | |||
| Dividends on common stock | (150,271) | 0 | 0 | (150,271) | 0 |
| Stock compensation expense | 6,212 | 6,212 | |||
| Tax Benefit on stock compensation | 1,231 | 0 | 1,231 | 0 | 0 |
| Deconsolidation of variable interest entity | 1,076 | 1,076 | |||
| Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests | 1,076 | ||||
| Stockholders' Equity, Other | (3,395) | (3,395) | 0 | ||
| Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2015 | $ 3,675,921 | $ 706,344 | $ 1,999,204 | $ 957,721 | $ 12,652 |
| Ending Balance (Shares) at Sep. 30, 2015 | 141,268,889 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of adjustment to stockholders' equity associated with an employee's income tax withholding obligation as part of a net-share settlement of a share-based award. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of equity-based compensation, related to restricted stock units or restricted stock awards, recognized as expense or an asset, if compensation is capitalized. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of paid and unpaid common stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash, stock and payment-in-kind (PIK). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of cash inflow from realized tax benefit related to deductible compensation cost reported on the entity's tax return for equity instruments in excess of the compensation cost for those instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The amount of the reduction or elimination during the period of a noncontrolling interest resulting from the parent's loss of control and deconsolidation of the entity in which one or more outside parties had a noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Number of shares issued which are neither cancelled nor held in the treasury. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of new stock issued during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Equity impact of the value of new stock issued during the period. Includes shares issued in an initial public offering or a secondary public offering. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Issuance Of Stock For Compensation And Reinvested Dividends, Shares No definition available.
|
|
Consolidated Statements Of Changes in Equity Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|
| DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE | $ 0.36 | $ 0.35 | $ 1.08 | $ 1.05 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate dividends declared during the period for each share of common stock outstanding. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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|
Description Of Business
|
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
|
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Description Of Business | DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “the company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar words are to Westar Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term “Westar Energy” refers to Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation incorporated in 1924, alone and not together with its consolidated subsidiaries. We provide electric generation, transmission and distribution services to approximately 699,000 customers in Kansas. Westar Energy provides these services in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina and Hutchinson. Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KGE), Westar Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides these services in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. Both Westar Energy and KGE conduct business using the name Westar Energy. Our corporate headquarters is located at 818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612. |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for the nature of an entity's business, major products or services, principal markets including location, and the relative importance of its operations in each business and the basis for the determination, including but not limited to, assets, revenues, or earnings. For an entity that has not commenced principal operations, disclosures about the risks and uncertainties related to the activities in which the entity is currently engaged and an understanding of what those activities are being directed toward. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2014 Form 10-K. Use of Management’s Estimates When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations (AROs) including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Fuel Inventory and Supplies We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
Earnings Per Share We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of issuable common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements, if any, and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method. The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income.
_______________ (a) We had no antidilutive securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
New Accounting Pronouncements We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following new accounting pronouncement which may affect our accounting and/or disclosure. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that addresses revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of the new guidance is to establish principles to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. However, in August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year. Early application of the standard is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective application or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method or determined the impact on our consolidated financial statements but we do not expect it to be material. Presentation of Financial Statements In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. This guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to adopt effective December 31, 2015, and do not expect this to have a material impact to our financial statements. |
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The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| Rate Matters And Regulation | RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION KCC Proceedings In September 2015, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an order in our state general rate case allowing us to adjust our prices to include, among other things, additional investment in La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne) environmental upgrades and investment to extend the life of Wolf Creek. The new prices were effective late October 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $78.3 million. The KCC also approved our request to file an abbreviated rate review within 12 months of the effective date of this order to update our prices to include additional capital costs related to La Cygne environmental upgrades, investment to extend the life of Wolf Creek, costs related to programs to improve grid resiliency and costs associated with investments in environmental projects during 2015. In May 2015, the KCC issued an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include costs associated with investments in environmental projects during 2014. The new prices became effective in June 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $10.8 million. In October 2015, in connection with the state general rate case, the existing balance of costs associated with these investments were rolled into our base prices. In March 2015, the KCC issued an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate (TFR) discussed below. The new prices became effective in April 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $7.2 million. In December 2014, the KCC approved an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. The new prices were effective in January 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $4.9 million. In October 2015, in connection with the state general rate case, the existing balance of costs incurred for property taxes were rolled into our base prices. FERC Proceedings Our TFR that includes projected 2016 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs will become effective in January 2016 and is expected to increase our annual transmission revenues by approximately $21.6 million. Our TFR that includes projected 2015 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs was effective in January 2015 and is expected to decrease our annual transmission revenues by approximately $4.6 million. This updated rate provided the basis for our request to the KCC to adjust our retail prices to include updated transmission costs as discussed above. In August 2014, the KCC filed a complaint against us with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA). The complaint sought to lower our base return on equity (ROE) used in determining our TFR, which would result in a refund obligation and reduce our future transmission revenues. In June 2015, we filed a settlement agreement with the FERC, which if approved, would result in an ROE of 10.3%, which consists of a 9.8% base ROE plus a 0.5% incentive ROE for participation in an RTO. In July 2015, FERC staff filed comments supporting the proposed settlement. As a result, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a liability of $11.2 million for our estimated refund obligation from the refund effective date of August 20, 2014 through September 30, 2015, of which $2.5 million was recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2015. In addition, we estimate our future transmission revenues would be reduced by approximately $11.0 million on an annualized basis as a result of the reduced ROE. |
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| Financial And Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial And Derivative Instruments And Trading Securities | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING SECURITIES Values of Financial Instruments GAAP establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the transparency of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of the hierarchy and examples are as follows:
We record cash and cash equivalents, short-term borrowings and variable rate debt on our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. We measure the fair value of fixed rate debt, a level 2 measurement, based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for instruments of the same remaining maturities and redemption provisions. The recorded amount of accounts receivable and other current financial instruments approximates fair value. All of our level 2 investments are held in investment funds that are measured at fair value using daily net asset values. In addition, we maintain certain level 3 investments in private equity, alternative investments and real estate securities that are also measured at fair value using net asset value, but require significant unobservable market information to measure the fair value of the underlying investments. The underlying investments in private equity are measured at fair value utilizing both market- and income-based models, public company comparables, investment cost or the value derived from subsequent financings. Adjustments are made when actual performance differs from expected performance; when market, economic or company-specific conditions change; and when other news or events have a material impact on the security. The underlying alternative investments include collateralized debt obligations, mezzanine debt and a variety of other investments. The fair value of these investments is measured using a variety of primarily market-based models utilizing inputs such as security prices, maturity, call features, ratings and other developments related to specific securities. The underlying real estate investments are measured at fair value using a combination of market- and income-based models utilizing market discount rates, projected cash flows and the estimated value into perpetuity. We measure fair value based on information available as of the measurement date. The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value.
The following table provides reconciliations of assets measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.
The following table provides reconciliations of assets measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Portions of the gains and losses contributing to changes in net assets in the above table are unrealized. The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses we recorded to regulatory liabilities on our consolidated financial statements during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, attributed to level 3 assets and liabilities. See Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation,” in the 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our regulatory assets and liabilities.
Some of our investments in the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT) and our trading securities portfolio are measured at net asset value and do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are either with investment companies or companies that follow accounting guidance consistent with investment companies. In certain situations these investments may have redemption restrictions. The following table provides additional information on these investments.
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Price Risk We use various types of fuel, including coal, natural gas, uranium and diesel to operate our plants and also purchase power to meet customer demand. Our prices and consolidated financial results are exposed to market risks from commodity price changes for electricity and other energy-related products as well as from interest rates. Volatility in these markets impacts our costs of purchased power, costs of fuel for our generating plants and our participation in energy markets. We strive to manage our customers’ and our exposure to market risks through regulatory, operating and financing activities and when we deem appropriate, we economically hedge a portion of these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments for non-trading purposes. Interest Rate Risk We have entered into numerous fixed and variable rate debt obligations. We manage our interest rate risk related to these debt obligations by limiting our exposure to variable interest rate debt, diversifying maturity dates and entering into treasury yield hedge transactions. We may also use other financial derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps. |
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Investments [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Investments | FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS We report our investments in equity and debt securities at fair value and use the specific identification method to determine their realized gains and losses. We classify these investments as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities as described below. Trading Securities We hold equity and debt investments which we classify as trading securities in a trust used to fund certain retirement benefit obligations. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we measured the fair value of trust assets at $33.2 million and $35.5 million, respectively. We include unrealized gains or losses on these securities in investment earnings on our consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded an unrealized loss of $1.5 million on assets still held. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded an unrealized loss of $0.8 million on assets still held. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million and an unrealized gain of $1.5 million on assets still held, respectively. Available-for-Sale Securities We hold investments in a trust for the purpose of funding the decommissioning of Wolf Creek. We have classified these investments as available-for-sale and have recorded all such investments at their fair market value as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014. Using the specific identification method to determine cost, we realized a loss of $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015, and a loss of $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, on our available-for-sale securities. We realized no gains or losses on our available-for-sale securities for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and a gain of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. We record net realized and unrealized gains and losses in regulatory liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method we use to account for the decommissioning costs we recover in our prices. Gains or losses on assets in the trust fund are recorded as increases or decreases, respectively, to regulatory liabilities and could result in lower or higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which we believe would be reflected in the prices paid by our customers. The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014.
The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014.
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- Definition
Disclosure related to investments in certain debt and equity securities classified as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities. No definition available.
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Debt Financing
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9 Months Ended |
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] | |
| Debt Financing | DEBT FINANCING In September 2015, Westar Energy extended the term of its $730.0 million credit facility to September 2019, $20.7 million of which will expire in September 2017. As of September 30, 2015, Westar Energy had no borrowed amounts and $19.2 million of letters of credit outstanding under this revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, Westar Energy had no borrowed amounts and $15.6 million of letters of credit outstanding under this revolving credit facility. In August 2015, Westar Energy redeemed $150.0 million in principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 5.875% and maturing July 2036. In February 2014, Westar Energy extended the term of its $270.0 million credit facility to February 2017, $20.0 million of which was set to terminate in February 2016. In April 2015, the $20.0 million was extended to also terminate in February 2017. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, Westar Energy had no borrowed amounts or letters of credit outstanding under this revolving credit facility. In January 2015, Westar Energy redeemed $125.0 million in principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 5.95% and maturing January 2035. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Taxes
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9 Months Ended |
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Taxes | TAXES We recorded income tax expense of $66.3 million with an effective income tax rate of 32% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, and income tax expense of $71.5 million with an effective income tax rate of 32% for the same period of 2014. We recorded income tax expense of $127.8 million with an effective income tax rate of 33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, and income tax expense of $132.6 million with an effective income tax rate of 32% for the same period of 2014. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, our unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $2.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively. We do not expect significant changes in our unrecognized income tax benefits in the next 12 months. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we had no amounts accrued for interest related to our unrecognized income tax benefits. We accrued no penalties at either September 30, 2015, or December 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we had recorded $1.5 million for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes. Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted new regulations released by the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Treasury Department regarding deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property, including the tax treatment of, among other things, materials and supplies and the determination of whether expenditures with respect to tangible property are a deductible repair or must be capitalized, and regulations regarding dispositions of property under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System. The adoption of these regulations did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial results. |
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we contributed $29.7 million and $26.4 million, respectively, to the Westar Energy pension trust. |
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The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans | WOLF CREEK PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, KGE is indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for KGE’s 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we funded $4.5 million and $2.4 million of Wolf Creek’s pension plan contributions, respectively. |
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Includes disclosure of the entity's share of an affiliate's pension and other post-retirement benefits. No definition available.
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Commitments And Contingencies
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| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments And Contingencies | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Federal Clean Air Act We must comply with the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), state laws and implementing federal and state regulations that impose, among other things, limitations on emissions generated from our operations, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), mercury and acid gases. Emissions from our generating facilities, including PM, SO2 and NOx, have been determined by regulation to reduce visibility by causing or contributing to regional haze. Under federal laws, such as the Clean Air Visibility Rule, and pursuant to an agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we are required to install, operate and maintain controls to reduce emissions found to cause or contribute to regional haze. Cross-State Air Pollution Rule In 2011, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) requiring 28 states, including Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, to further reduce emissions of SO2 and NOx. In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that had vacated CSAPR and remanded CSAPR back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for further proceedings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. In June 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a motion to lift the CSAPR stay. In October 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals granted the motion to lift the CSAPR stay and established a schedule to hear arguments on the remaining outstanding issues, which began in March 2015. In July 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals found the EPA erred in certain SO2 and ozone season NOx emissions budgets for several states and sent these back to the EPA for reconsideration, but upheld the remainder of the rule. During the CSAPR stay, we installed various emission controls at our generation facilities that we expect reduces the impact of CSAPR. We are unable to determine the full impact of reinstatement, and any possible revisions, of CSAPR. However, we are prepared to comply with CSAPR in its current form. National Ambient Air Quality Standards Under the federal CAA, the EPA sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for certain emissions considered harmful to public health and the environment, including two classes of PM, ozone, NOx (a precursor to ozone), CO and SO2, which result from fossil fuel combustion. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated attainment areas while those that do not meet the NAAQS are considered nonattainment areas. Each state must develop a plan to bring nonattainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals. In October 2015 the EPA strengthened the ozone NAAQS by lowering the standards from the current 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb. As a result of this change, the EPA is required to make attainment/nonattainment designations for the revised standards by October 2017. We are currently reviewing this final rule and cannot at this time predict the impact it may have on our operations, but it could be material. Nonattainment designations in or surrounding our areas of operations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial results. In December 2012, the EPA strengthened an existing NAAQS for one class of PM. In December 2014, the EPA designated the entire state of Kansas as unclassifiable/in attainment with the standard. We cannot at this time predict the impact this designation may have on our operations or consolidated financial results, but it could be material. In 2010, the EPA revised the NAAQS for both NOx and SO2. In March 2015, a federal court approved a consent decree between the EPA and environmental groups. The decree includes specific SO2 emissions criteria for certain electric generating plants that, if met, requires the EPA to promulgate attainment/nonattainment designations for areas surrounding these plants by July 2016. Tecumseh Energy Center (TEC) is our only generating station that meets this criteria. We are working with KDHE to determine the appropriate designation for the areas surrounding the facility. In addition, we continue to communicate with our regulatory agencies regarding these standards and evaluate what impact the revised NAAQS could have on our operations and consolidated financial results. If areas surrounding our facilities are designated as nonattainment and/or we are required to install additional equipment to control emissions at our facilities, it could have a material impact on our operations and consolidated financial results. Greenhouse Gases Byproducts of burning coal and other fossil fuels include carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases referred to as GHGs, which are believed by many to contribute to climate change. Various regulations under the federal CAA limit CO2 and other GHG emissions, and other measures are being imposed or offered by individual states, municipalities and regional agreements with the goal of reducing GHG emissions. In October 2015, the EPA published a rule establishing new source performance standards that limit CO2 emissions for new, modified and reconstructed coal and natural gas fueled electric generating units to various levels per Megawatt hour (MWh) depending on various characteristics of the units. In October 2015, the EPA also published a rule establishing guidelines for states to regulate CO2 emissions from existing power plants. The standards for existing plants are known as the Clean Power Plan (CPP). Under the CPP, interim emissions performance rates must be achieved beginning in 2022 and final emissions performance rates must be achieved by 2030. Legal challenges to the CPP were filed by groups of states and industry members in the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. Circuit in October 2015, and more challenges are expected. We are evaluating the CPP and cannot at this time determine the impact of the CPP on our operations or consolidated financial results, but we believe the costs to comply could be material. Under regulations formerly known as the Tailoring Rule, the EPA regulates GHG emissions from certain stationary sources. The regulations are implemented pursuant to two federal CAA programs, the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit Programs, that impose recordkeeping and monitoring requirements and also mandate the implementation of best available control technology (BACT) for projects that cause a significant increase in GHG emissions (currently defined to be more than 75,000 tons or more per year or 100,000 tons or more per year, depending on various factors). In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA had exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the Tailoring Rule by regulating under the PSD program sources based solely on their GHG emissions. However, the U.S. Supreme Court also held that the EPA could impose GHG BACT requirements for sources already required to implement PSD for other pollutants. Therefore, if future modifications to our sources require PSD review for other pollutants, it may also trigger GHG BACT requirements. The EPA has issued guidance on what BACT entails for the control of GHGs and individual states are now required to determine what controls are required for facilities within their jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. We cannot at this time determine the impact of these regulations on our future operations or consolidated financial results as we would not be required to implement BACT until we construct a new major source or make a major modification of an existing major source. The cost of compliance, however, could be material. Mercury and Air Toxics Standards In 2012, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule became effective. Under the MATS rule the EPA regulates the emissions of mercury, non-mercury metals, acid gases and organics. MATS required compliance to begin in April 2015, three years after the effective date. Sources could petition their state air regulatory agency to ask for an additional year to prepare for compliance. We petitioned the KDHE and our petition request was granted. Our current compliance date is April 2016 for all of our MATS affected units. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit regarding the need for the EPA to consider costs during the initial phase of MATS development. On remand, the court could instruct the EPA on the cost benefit analysis needed to support the rule, vacate the rule in its entirety or take other action. MATS will remain in effect during the remand proceedings unless a stay is requested and granted. There will not be a material impact on our operations or consolidated financial results if MATS in its current form becomes a final rule. We are unable to predict the impact on our operations or consolidated financial results if MATS is vacated and the EPA proposes a replacement rule. Water We discharge some of the water used in our operations. This water may contain substances deemed to be pollutants. Revised rules governing such discharges from coal-fired power plants were released in final, pre-publication form in September 2015. We are evaluating the final, pre-publication rule at this time and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but it may be material. In October 2014, the EPA’s final standards for cooling intake structures at power plants to protect aquatic life took effect. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), require subject facilities to choose among seven best available technology options to reduce fish impingement. In addition, some facilities must conduct studies to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms. Our current analysis indicates this rule will not have a significant impact on our coal plants that employ cooling towers. Biological monitoring may be required for La Cygne and Wolf Creek. We are currently evaluating the rule’s impact on those two plants and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but we do not expect it to be material. In June 2015, the EPA along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a final rule, effective August 2015, defining the Waters of the United States for purposes of the CWA. This rulemaking has the potential to impact all programs under the CWA. Expansion of regulated waterways is possible under the rule depending on regulating authority interpretation, which could impact several permitting programs. Various states have filed lawsuits challenging the rule and, in October 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued an order that temporarily stays implementation of the rule nationwide pending the outcome of the various legal challenges. We are currently evaluating the final rule. The resulting impact of the rule could have a material impact on our operations or consolidated financial results. Regulation of Coal Combustion Byproducts In the course of operating our coal generation plants, we produce coal combustion byproducts (CCBs), including fly ash, gypsum and bottom ash. We recycle some of our ash production, principally by selling to the aggregate industry. The EPA published a rule to regulate CCBs in April 2015, which we believe will require additional CCB handling, processing and storage equipment and potential closure of certain ash disposal areas. While we cannot at this time estimate the full impact and costs associated with future regulations of CCBs, we have recorded an increase of approximately $48.8 million to our ARO and property, plant and equipment to recognize estimated future costs associated with closure and post-closure of disposal sites. We believe further impact on our operations or consolidated financial results could be material. See Note 11, “Asset Retirement Obligations,” for additional information. Renewable Energy Standard In May 2015, Kansas repealed a state mandate to maintain a minimum amount of renewable energy sources, effective January 1, 2016. Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel In 2010, the DOE filed a motion with the NRC to withdraw its then pending application to construct a national repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. An NRC board denied the DOE’s motion to withdraw its application and the DOE appealed that decision to the full NRC. In 2011, the NRC issued an evenly split decision on the appeal and also ordered the licensing board to close out its work on the DOE’s application by the end of 2011 due to a lack of funding. These agency actions prompted the States of Washington and South Carolina, and a county in South Carolina, to file a lawsuit in a federal Court of Appeals asking the court to compel the NRC to resume its license review and to issue a decision on the license application. In August 2013, the court ordered the NRC to resume its review of the DOE’s application. The NRC has not yet issued its decision. Wolf Creek is currently evaluating alternatives for expanding its existing on-site spent nuclear fuel storage to provide additional capacity prior to 2025. We cannot predict when, or if, an off-site storage site or alternative disposal site will be available to receive Wolf Creek’s spent nuclear fuel and will continue to monitor this activity. FERC Proceedings See Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation - FERC Proceedings,” for information regarding a complaint that was filed by the KCC against us with the FERC under Section 206 of the FPA. |
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The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Asset Retirement Obligations (Notes)
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] | ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS In June 2015, we recorded an approximately $48.8 million increase in our ARO in response to the EPA’s published rule to regulate CCBs. The increase is to recognize costs associated with closure and post-closure of disposal sites to be compliant. See Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies - Regulation of Coal Combustion Byproducts,” for additional information. The change in the balance of our ARO liability from December 31, 2014, through September 30, 2015, is summarized in the following table.
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The entire disclosure for an asset retirement obligation and the associated long-lived asset. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation associated with the disposal or retirement from service of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction or development, or the normal operations of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Legal Proceedings
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Legal Proceedings [Abstract] | |
| Legal Proceedings | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We and our subsidiaries are involved in various legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believe that adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial results. See Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation,” and Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for additional information. |
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Open legal proceedings in the normal course of business, including product liability and other litigation and contingencies. No definition available.
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Common Stock
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| Class of Stock [Line Items] | |
| Common Stock | COMMON STOCK During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Westar Energy issued 9.2 million shares of common stock with a physical settlement amount of $254.6 million to settle all outstanding forward sale transactions. Westar Energy used the proceeds from this transaction to repay short-term borrowings, with such borrowed amounts principally used for investments in capital equipment, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. |
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Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Variable Interest Entities
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| Variable Interest Entities | VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES In determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess the entity’s purpose and design, including the nature of the entity’s activities and the risks that the entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders. A reporting enterprise is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. The trusts holding our 8% interest in Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) and our 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 are VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary. We assess all entities with which we become involved to determine whether such entities are VIEs and, if so, whether or not we are the primary beneficiary of the entities. We also continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs with which we are involved. Prospective changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to reconsider our determination as it relates to the identification of the primary beneficiary. 8% Interest in Jeffrey Energy Center Under an agreement that expires in January 2019, we lease an 8% interest in JEC from a trust. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 8% interest in JEC and lease it to a third party, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 8% interest in JEC, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust’s debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 8% interest in JEC at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits. 50% Interest in La Cygne Unit 2 Under an agreement that expires in September 2029, KGE entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with a trust under which the trust purchased KGE’s 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and subsequently leased it back to KGE. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and lease it back to KGE, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust’s debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits. Financial Statement Impact We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above.
_______________ (a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets. All of the liabilities noted in the table above relate to the purchase of the property, plant and equipment. The assets of the VIEs can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs and the VIEs’ debt holders have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided financial or other support to the VIEs and are not required to provide such support. We did not record any gain or loss upon initial consolidation of the VIEs. |
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Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block] No definition available.
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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Principles Of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included. |
| Use Of Management's Estimates | Use of Management’s Estimates When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations (AROs) including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. |
| Fuel Inventory And Supplies | Fuel Inventory and Supplies We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. |
| Allowance For Funds Used During Construction | Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost |
| Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS). To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of issuable common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements, if any, and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method. |
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Disclosure of accounting policy for AFUDC (for example, component of PPE, credit to income statement), information regarding the inclusion in rates (only capitalized if its inclusion in rates is probable) and description of AFUDC (for example, represents the cost of capital used during construction). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for computing basic and diluted earnings or loss per share for each class of common stock and participating security. Addresses all significant policy factors, including any antidilutive items that have been excluded from the computation and takes into account stock dividends, splits and reverse splits that occur after the balance sheet date of the latest reporting period but before the issuance of the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for major classes of inventories, bases of stating inventories (for example, lower of cost or market), methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes (for example, FIFO, LIFO, or average cost), loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. If inventory is carried at cost, this disclosure includes the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
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| Schedule of Utility Inventory | Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.
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| Allowance For Funds Used During Construction | We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
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| Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS | The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income.
_______________ (a) We had no antidilutive securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. |
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| Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of supplemental cash flow information for the periods presented. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share calculations, including a reconciliation of numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per-share computations for income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of all information related to inventories for utilities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of an entity's allowance for funds used during construction. No definition available.
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Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Tables)
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9 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sep. 30, 2015
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Sep. 30, 2014
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| Financial And Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments | The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt.
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| Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities | The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value.
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| Reconciliations Of Assets And Liabilities At Fair Value | The following table provides reconciliations of assets measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.
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The following table provides reconciliations of assets measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
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| Unrealized Gains And Losses On Fair Value Assets And Liabilities | The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses we recorded to regulatory liabilities on our consolidated financial statements during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, attributed to level 3 assets and liabilities. See Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation,” in the 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our regulatory assets and liabilities.
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| Investments In Financial Instruments | The following table provides additional information on these investments.
_______________
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs), by class of asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of assets and liabilities, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
This item represents the disclosure regarding the investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share that enables users to understand the nature and risks of the investments and whether the investments are probable of being sold at amounts different from net asset value per share. Such disclosure may include (1) the fair value of the investments in the major category, and a description of the significant investment strategies of the investee(s) in the major category; (2) for each major category of investment that includes investments that can never be redeemed with the investees, but the reporting entity receives distributions through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the investees, the reporting entity's estimate of the period of time over which the underlying assets are expected to be liquidated by the investees; (3) the amount of the entity's unfunded commitments related to investments in the major category; (4) a general description of the terms and conditions upon which the investor may redeem investments in the major category; (5) the circumstances in which an otherwise redeemable investment in the major category might not be redeemable; (6) for those otherwise redeemable investments that are restricted from redemption as of the reporting entity's measurement date, the entity's best estimate of when the restriction from redemption might lapse; if an estimate cannot be made, the entity shall disclose that fact and how long the restriction has been in effect; (7) any other significant restriction on the ability to sell investments in the major category at the measurement date; (8) total fair value of held for sale investments and any remaining actions required to complete the sale when the reporting entity determines that it is probable that it will sell the investments for an amount different from net asset value per share; and (9) disclosure of an entity's plans to sell and any remaining actions required to complete the sale when the entity intends to sell a group of investments, but the individual investments to be sold have not been identified. No definition available.
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- Definition
Schedule of Carrying Value and Fair Values of Financial Instruments. No definition available.
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- Definition
Schedule of unrealized gains and losses recorded for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs. No definition available.
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Financial Investments (Tables)
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Investments [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost And Fair Value Of Investments | The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014.
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| Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Losses Of Available-For-Sale Securities | September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014.
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation of available-for-sale securities from cost basis to fair value. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of investments in an unrealized loss position for which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recognized in earnings (including investments for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in other comprehensive income), including: (a) the aggregate related fair value of investments with unrealized losses, (b) the aggregate amount of unrealized losses (that is, the amount by which amortized cost basis exceeds fair value). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)
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9 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of net benefit costs for pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans including service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) recognized due to settlements or curtailments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)
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9 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
_______________
_______________
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Wolf Creek [Member]
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| Wolf Creek Pension And Post-Retirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for KGE’s 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
_______________
_______________
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of net benefit costs for pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans including service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) recognized due to settlements or curtailments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)
|
9 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] | The change in the balance of our ARO liability from December 31, 2014, through September 30, 2015, is summarized in the following table.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the carrying amount of a liability for asset retirement obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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|
Variable Interest Entities (Tables)
|
9 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sep. 30, 2015
|
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| Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets And Liabilities of VIEs | We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above.
_______________ (a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets. (b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets. |
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest (as defined) held by the entity requires the variable interest entity (VIE) (as defined) to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the VIE, individually or in aggregate (as applicable); the nature of restrictions, if any, on the consolidated VIE's assets and on the settlement of its liabilities reported by an entity in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities; the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with involvement in the VIE; how involvement with the VIE affects the entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; the lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary (if applicable); the terms of arrangements, giving consideration to both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests, if any, that could require the entity to provide financial support to the VIE, including events or circumstances that could expose the entity to a loss; the methodology used by the entity for determining whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity; the significant factors considered and judgments made in determining that the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance are shared (as defined); the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of the VIE included in the statement of financial position; the entity's maximum exposure to loss, if any, as a result of its involvement with the VIE, including how the maximum exposure is determined and significant sources of the entity's exposure to the VIE; a comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities and the entity's maximum exposure to loss; information about any liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and (or) other commitments by third parties that may affect the fair value or risk of the entity's variable interest in the VIE; whether or not the entity has provided financial support or other support (explicitly or implicitly) to the VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide or whether the entity intends to provide that support, including the type and amount of the support and the primary reasons for providing the support; and supplemental information the entity determines necessary to provide. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Description Of Business (Details)
|
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
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Sep. 30, 2015
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| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| Number of customers in Kansas | 699,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number Of Customers Getting Electric Generation, Transmission And Distribution Services No definition available.
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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Fuel Inventory And Supplies) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | ||
| Total | $ 276,689 | $ 247,406 |
|
Fuel Inventory [Member]
|
||
| Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | ||
| Public Utility Inventory | 89,144 | 70,416 |
|
Supplies [Member]
|
||
| Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | ||
| Public Utility Inventory | $ 187,545 | $ 176,990 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after valuation and LIFO reserves of inventory expected to be sold, or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The period end amount for a type of inventory held by the utility in a schedule of inventories. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Allowance For Funds Used During Construction) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||
| Borrowed funds | $ (466) | $ (2,504) | $ (3,047) | $ (9,448) |
| Equity funds | 0 | 3,627 | 2,034 | 13,345 |
| Total | $ 466 | $ 6,131 | $ 5,081 | $ 22,793 |
| Average AFUDC rates | 1.00% | 6.40% | 2.80% | 6.90% |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total increase in earnings in the period representing the cost of equity (based on assumed rate of return) and/or borrowed funds (based on interest rate) used to finance construction of regulated assets, which is expected to be recovered through rate adjustments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The component of the allowance for funds used during construction during the period based on an assumed rate of return on equity funds used in financing the construction of regulated assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount capitalized of allowance for funds used during construction. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Effective rate, including composite rate, of cost of financing additions to qualifying regulated assets, commonly called allowance for funds used during construction. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||
| Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic | $ 304 | $ 395 | $ 563 | $ 721 |
| Net income allocated to common stock | $ 137,699 | $ 146,987 | $ 252,130 | $ 269,089 |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding , Basic | 141,622,697 | 130,196,193 | 136,686,263 | 129,525,618 |
| RSUs | 215,481 | 198,583 | 197,373 | 139,058 |
| Forward sale agreements | 0 | 2,634,011 | 1,297,949 | 2,534,907 |
| Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding - diluted | 141,838,178 | 133,028,787 | 138,181,585 | 132,199,583 |
| Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ 0.97 | $ 1.13 | $ 1.84 | $ 2.08 |
| Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ 0.97 | $ 1.10 | $ 1.82 | $ 2.04 |
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||||
| Antidilutive securities | 0 | 0 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Nonvested equity-based payment awards that contain forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) that result in incremental common shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of earnings (loss) distributed and earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities for the basic earnings (loss) per share or per unit calculation under the two-class method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Earnings distributed and earnings allocated to common stock under the two-class method. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Additional common shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of equity forward sale agreements using the treasury stock method. No definition available.
|
|
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|
| Cash Paid For (Received From) | ||
| Interest on financing activities | $ 119,173 | $ 119,275 |
| Income taxes, net of refunds | 126 | 361 |
| Noncash Investing and Financing Transactions | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | 60,155 | 111,494 |
| Issuance of common stock for reinvested dividends and compensation plans | 8,008 | 6,697 |
| Deconsolidation of VIE | (1,076) | |
| Assets acquired through capital leases | 2,246 | 1,454 |
|
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
|
||
| Cash Paid For (Received From) | ||
| Interest on financing activities | $ 10,430 | $ 12,178 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase during the period in capital lease obligations due to entering into new capital leases. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid for interest during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of fixed assets that an Entity acquires in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of the reduction or elimination during the period of a noncontrolling interest resulting from the parent's loss of control and deconsolidation of the entity in which one or more outside parties had a noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The fair value of stock issued in noncash financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Rate Matters And Regulation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
FERC 206 [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
FERC 206 [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Kansas Corporation Commission [Member]
Electric Transmission [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Kansas Corporation Commission [Member]
Environmental Cost Recovery Rider [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Kansas Corporation Commission [Member]
Ad Valorem Tax [Member]
|
Oct. 31, 2015
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Member]
Electric Transmission [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Member]
Electric Transmission [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Westar Energy [Member]
Kansas Corporation Commission [Member]
General Rate Case [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Total Return on Equity [Member]
FERC 206 [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Base Return on Equity [Member]
FERC 206 [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Incentive Return on Equity [Member]
FERC 206 [Member]
|
|
| Regulatory Proceedings [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | $ 11.0 | $ 7.2 | $ 10.8 | $ 4.9 | $ 21.6 | $ 4.6 | |||||
| Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount | 78.3 | ||||||||||
| Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage | 10.30% | 9.80% | |||||||||
| Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage | 0.50% | ||||||||||
| Loss Contingency Accrual | 11.2 | 11.2 | |||||||||
| Loss Contingency Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease) | $ 2.5 | ||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of loss contingency liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of increase (decrease) in loss contingency liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of public utility's approved rate increase (decrease) by regulatory agency. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of public utility's approved return on equity. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of public utility's requested rate increase (decrease) with regulatory agency. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of public utility's requested return on equity. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
|
Fixed Rate Debt Member
|
||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Carrying Value | $ 2,830,000 | $ 3,105,000 |
| Fair Value | 3,071,423 | 3,488,410 |
|
Fixed Rate Debt Of Variable Interest Entities Member
|
||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Carrying Value | 166,271 | 194,204 |
| Fair Value | $ 178,586 | $ 213,579 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Fair value portion of debt instrument payable, including, but not limited to, notes payable and loans payable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | $ 181,756 | $ 185,016 |
| Trading securities | 33,222 | 35,497 |
| Total assets measured at fair value | 214,978 | 220,513 |
|
Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 117 | 340 |
| Trading securities | 159 | 168 |
| Total assets measured at fair value | 276 | 508 |
|
Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 147,719 | 152,111 |
| Trading securities | 33,063 | 35,329 |
| Total assets measured at fair value | 180,782 | 187,440 |
|
Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 33,920 | 32,565 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
| Total assets measured at fair value | 33,920 | 32,565 |
|
Domestic Equity [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 54,630 | 60,972 |
| Trading securities | 17,250 | 18,698 |
|
Domestic Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
|
Domestic Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 48,651 | 54,925 |
| Trading securities | 17,250 | 18,698 |
|
Domestic Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 5,979 | 6,047 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
|
International Equity [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 30,689 | 30,791 |
| Trading securities | 4,308 | 4,252 |
|
International Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
|
International Equity [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 30,689 | 30,791 |
| Trading securities | 4,308 | 4,252 |
|
International Equity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
|
Core Bonds [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 19,707 | 19,289 |
| Trading securities | 11,505 | 12,379 |
|
Core Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
|
Core Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 19,707 | 19,289 |
| Trading securities | 11,505 | 12,379 |
|
Core Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
|
High-Yield Bonds [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 13,183 | 13,198 |
|
High-Yield Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
High-Yield Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 13,183 | 13,198 |
|
High-Yield Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Emerging Market Bonds [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 11,628 | 10,988 |
|
Emerging Market Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Emerging Market Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 11,628 | 10,988 |
|
Emerging Market Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Other Fixed Income [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 4,923 | 4,779 |
|
Other Fixed Income [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Other Fixed Income [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 4,923 | 4,779 |
|
Other Fixed Income [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 18,938 | |
|
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | |
|
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 18,938 | |
|
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | |
|
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 18,141 | |
|
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | |
|
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 18,141 | |
|
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | |
|
Alternative Funds [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 17,538 | 16,970 |
|
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Alternative Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 17,538 | 16,970 |
|
Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 10,403 | 9,548 |
|
Real Estate Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Real Estate Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
|
Real Estate Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 10,403 | 9,548 |
|
Cash Equivalents [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 117 | 340 |
| Trading securities | 159 | 168 |
|
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 117 | 340 |
| Trading securities | 159 | 168 |
|
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
| Trading securities | 0 | 0 |
|
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
|
||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 0 | 0 |
| Trading securities | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Fair value portion of probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The fair value of investments held in a trust fund to pay for the costs of decontaminating and decommissioning facilities, whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure on the balance sheet. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of investments in debt and equity securities and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests classified as trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Reconciliations Of Assets And Liabilities At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | ||||
| Balance at period start | $ 33,377 | $ 31,760 | $ 32,565 | $ 30,003 |
| Regulatory liabilities | 747 | 735 | 2,259 | 2,630 |
| Purchases | 303 | 187 | 599 | 448 |
| Sales | (507) | (218) | (1,503) | (617) |
| Balance at period end | 33,920 | 32,464 | 33,920 | 32,464 |
|
Domestic Equity [Member]
|
||||
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | ||||
| Balance at period start | 5,910 | 6,288 | 6,047 | 5,817 |
| Regulatory liabilities | 273 | 113 | 836 | 722 |
| Purchases | 200 | 95 | 300 | 191 |
| Sales | (404) | (126) | (1,204) | (360) |
| Balance at period end | 5,979 | 6,370 | 5,979 | 6,370 |
|
Alternative Funds [Member]
|
||||
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | ||||
| Balance at period start | 17,425 | 16,446 | 16,970 | 15,675 |
| Regulatory liabilities | 113 | 377 | 568 | 1,148 |
| Purchases | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sales | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Balance at period end | 17,538 | 16,823 | 17,538 | 16,823 |
|
Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
||||
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | ||||
| Balance at period start | 10,042 | 9,026 | 9,548 | 8,511 |
| Regulatory liabilities | 361 | 245 | 855 | 760 |
| Purchases | 103 | 92 | 299 | 257 |
| Sales | (103) | (92) | (299) | (257) |
| Balance at period end | $ 10,403 | $ 9,271 | $ 10,403 | $ 9,271 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of purchases of financial instrument classified as an asset measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of sale of financial instrument classified as an asset measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Fair value of financial instrument classified as an asset measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in regulatory liabilities on the statement of financial position. No definition available.
|
|
Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Unrealized Gains And Losses On Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Security Type Allocation Percentage | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||
| Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities | $ 240 | $ 518 | $ 755 | $ 2,014 | |
|
Domestic Equity [Member]
|
|||||
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Security Type Allocation Percentage | 30.00% | 30.00% | 33.00% | ||
| Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities | (132) | 13 | (368) | 362 | |
|
Alternative Funds [Member]
|
|||||
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Security Type Allocation Percentage | 10.00% | 10.00% | 9.00% | ||
| Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities | 113 | (377) | 567 | 1,149 | |
|
Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
|||||
| Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items] | |||||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Security Type Allocation Percentage | 6.00% | 6.00% | 5.00% | ||
| Unrealized gain (loss) included in regulatory liabilities | $ 259 | $ (154) | $ 556 | $ 503 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Available-for-sale Securities, Security Type Allocation Percentage No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents total unrealized gains or losses for the period arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in regulatory liabilities on the statement of financial position. No definition available.
|
|
Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Investments In Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | $ 181,756 | $ 185,016 | ||||||
| Trading securities | 33,222 | 35,497 | ||||||
| Total | 214,978 | 220,513 | ||||||
| Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate | (1,234) | |||||||
|
Domestic Equity [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 54,630 | 60,972 | ||||||
| Trading securities | 17,250 | 18,698 | ||||||
|
Alternative Funds [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 17,538 | 16,970 | ||||||
|
Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 10,403 | 9,548 | ||||||
|
International Equity [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 30,689 | 30,791 | ||||||
| Trading securities | 4,308 | 4,252 | ||||||
|
Core Bonds [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 19,707 | 19,289 | ||||||
| Trading securities | 11,505 | 12,379 | ||||||
|
Fair Value [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 33,920 | 32,565 | ||||||
| Trading securities | 33,063 | 35,329 | ||||||
| Total | 66,983 | 67,894 | ||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 2,048 | 2,348 | ||||||
|
Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 5,979 | [1] | 6,047 | [1] | ||||
| Trading securities | 17,250 | 18,698 | ||||||
|
Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 17,538 | 16,970 | ||||||
|
Fair Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Nuclear decommissioning trust assets | 10,403 | 9,548 | ||||||
|
Fair Value [Member] | International Equity [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Trading securities | 4,308 | 4,252 | ||||||
|
Fair Value [Member] | Core Bonds [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Trading securities | 11,505 | 12,379 | ||||||
|
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 2,048 | 2,348 | ||||||
|
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 2,048 | 2,348 | ||||||
| Investment redemption frequency | This investment is in three long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated, which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. This fund’s term is expected to be 15 years, subject to the general partner’s right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods. | |||||||
|
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Funds [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| Investment redemption frequency | Quarterly | |||||||
| Investment redemption length of settlement | 65 days | [2] | ||||||
|
Decommissioning Trust Assets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| Investment redemption frequency | Quarterly | |||||||
| Investment redemption length of settlement | 80 days | |||||||
|
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 0 | 0 | ||||||
|
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Domestic Equity [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| Investment redemption frequency | Upon Notice | |||||||
| Investment redemption length of settlement | 1 day | |||||||
|
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | International Equity [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| Investment redemption frequency | Upon Notice | |||||||
| Investment redemption length of settlement | 1 day | |||||||
|
Trading Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Core Bonds [Member]
|
||||||||
| Financial and Derivative Instruments and Trading Securities [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||||||
| Investment redemption frequency | Upon Notice | |||||||
| Investment redemption length of settlement | 1 day | |||||||
|
||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the Increase or Decrease in the amount of the asset retirement obligation during the current period for changes in the amount or timing of the estimated cash flows associated with the settlement of the obligation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Fair value portion of probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The fair value of investments held in a trust fund to pay for the costs of decontaminating and decommissioning facilities, whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure on the balance sheet. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
States the frequency (for example, annually, semi-annually, quarterly) with which the entity can redeem its investment, or portion thereof, for each of those certain investments for which net asset value per share is calculated (including by unit, membership interest, or other equity (ownership interest) unit measure) (alternative investments), by major category. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Notice period the entity is required to deliver before it can redeem an investment calculated using net asset value per share, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Includes, but is not limited to, investments calculated by per unit, per membership interest, other equity or ownership interest and alternative investments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of unfunded commitments for which the entity is obligated, to those certain investments for which net asset value per share is calculated (including by unit, membership interest, or other equity (ownership interest) unit measure) (alternative investments). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of investments in debt and equity securities and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests classified as trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Financial Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Trading securities | $ 33,222,000 | $ 33,222,000 | $ 35,497,000 | ||
| Unrealized gains losses | 1,500,000 | 100,000 | 800,000 | 1,500,000 | |
| Realized gains on available-for-sale-securities | 500,000 | 0 | 1,000,000 | 200,000 | |
|
Revolving Credit Facility Lender One [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Long-term Line of Credit | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
|
Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Long-term Line of Credit | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the difference between the gross realized gains and losses realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Additionally, this item would include any losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments in debt and equity securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of investments in debt and equity securities and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests classified as trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) recognized in the income statement for investments in debt and equity securities and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests classified as trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Financial Investments (Cost And Fair Value Of Investments) (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) | $ 1,500,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 800,000 | $ 1,500,000 | |
| Trading securities | 33,222,000 | 33,222,000 | 35,497,000 | ||
| Cost | 168,097,000 | 168,097,000 | 164,088,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 19,758,000 | 19,758,000 | 24,770,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (6,099,000) | (6,099,000) | (3,842,000) | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 181,756,000 | 181,756,000 | 185,016,000 | ||
| Allocation | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | ||
|
Domestic Equity [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Trading securities | 17,250,000 | 17,250,000 | 18,698,000 | ||
| Cost | 42,418,000 | 42,418,000 | 46,126,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 12,218,000 | 12,218,000 | 14,853,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (6,000) | (6,000) | (7,000) | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 54,630,000 | 54,630,000 | 60,972,000 | ||
| Allocation | 30.00% | 30.00% | 33.00% | ||
|
International Equity [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Trading securities | 4,308,000 | 4,308,000 | 4,252,000 | ||
| Cost | 30,685,000 | 30,685,000 | 27,521,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 1,218,000 | 1,218,000 | 3,683,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (1,214,000) | (1,214,000) | (413,000) | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 30,689,000 | 30,689,000 | 30,791,000 | ||
| Allocation | 17.00% | 17.00% | 17.00% | ||
|
Core Bonds [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Trading securities | 11,505,000 | 11,505,000 | 12,379,000 | ||
| Cost | 19,397,000 | 19,397,000 | 18,811,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 310,000 | 310,000 | 478,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 19,707,000 | 19,707,000 | 19,289,000 | ||
| Allocation | 11.00% | 11.00% | 10.00% | ||
|
High-Yield Bonds [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Cost | 14,106,000 | 14,106,000 | 13,342,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (923,000) | (923,000) | (144,000) | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 13,183,000 | 13,183,000 | 13,198,000 | ||
| Allocation | 7.00% | 7.00% | 7.00% | ||
|
Emerging Market Bonds [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Cost | 14,295,000 | 14,295,000 | 12,556,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (2,667,000) | (2,667,000) | (1,568,000) | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 11,628,000 | 11,628,000 | 10,988,000 | ||
| Allocation | 6.00% | 6.00% | 6.00% | ||
|
Other Fixed Income [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Cost | 4,948,000 | 4,948,000 | 4,798,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (25,000) | (25,000) | (19,000) | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 4,923,000 | 4,923,000 | 4,779,000 | ||
| Allocation | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | ||
|
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Cost | 16,213,000 | 16,213,000 | |||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 3,474,000 | 3,474,000 | |||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (749,000) | (749,000) | |||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 18,938,000 | 18,938,000 | |||
| Allocation | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||
|
Combination Debt and Equity Fund [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Cost | 14,975,000 | ||||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 3,786,000 | ||||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (620,000) | ||||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 18,141,000 | ||||
| Allocation | 10.00% | ||||
|
Alternative Funds [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Cost | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 2,538,000 | 2,538,000 | 1,970,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 17,538,000 | 17,538,000 | 16,970,000 | ||
| Allocation | 10.00% | 10.00% | 9.00% | ||
|
Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Cost | 10,918,000 | 10,918,000 | 10,619,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | (515,000) | (515,000) | (1,071,000) | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | 10,403,000 | 10,403,000 | 9,548,000 | ||
| Allocation | 6.00% | 6.00% | 5.00% | ||
|
Cash Equivalents [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Trading securities | 159,000 | 159,000 | 168,000 | ||
| Cost | 117,000 | 117,000 | 340,000 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Available-for-sale Securities | $ 117,000 | $ 117,000 | $ 340,000 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before tax of unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before tax of unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of investments in debt and equity securities and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests classified as trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) recognized in the income statement for investments in debt and equity securities and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests classified as trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Available-for-sale Securities, Security Type Allocation Percentage No definition available.
|
|
Financial Investments (Fair Value And The Gross Unrealized Losses Of the Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) | $ 1,500,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 800,000 | $ 1,500,000 | |
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 18,106,000 | 18,106,000 | 23,882,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | (948,000) | (948,000) | (576,000) | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 35,120,000 | 35,120,000 | 26,691,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (5,151,000) | (5,151,000) | (3,266,000) | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 53,226,000 | 53,226,000 | 50,573,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (6,099,000) | (6,099,000) | (3,842,000) | ||
|
Domestic Equity [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 564,000 | 564,000 | 263,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (6,000) | (6,000) | (7,000) | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 564,000 | 564,000 | 263,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (6,000) | (6,000) | (7,000) | ||
|
International Equity [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 5,905,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | (413,000) | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 6,236,000 | 6,236,000 | 0 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (1,214,000) | (1,214,000) | 0 | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 6,236,000 | 6,236,000 | 5,905,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (1,214,000) | (1,214,000) | (413,000) | ||
|
Core Bonds [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 13,183,000 | 13,183,000 | 13,198,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | (923,000) | (923,000) | (144,000) | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 13,183,000 | 13,183,000 | 13,198,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (923,000) | (923,000) | (144,000) | ||
|
Emerging Market Bonds [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 11,628,000 | 11,628,000 | 10,988,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (2,667,000) | (2,667,000) | (1,568,000) | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 11,628,000 | 11,628,000 | 10,988,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (2,667,000) | (2,667,000) | (1,568,000) | ||
|
Other Fixed Income [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 4,923,000 | 4,923,000 | 4,779,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | (25,000) | (25,000) | (19,000) | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 4,923,000 | 4,923,000 | 4,779,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (25,000) | (25,000) | (19,000) | ||
|
Combination Debt Equity And Other Fund [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 6,289,000 | 6,289,000 | 5,892,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (749,000) | (749,000) | (620,000) | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 6,289,000 | 6,289,000 | 5,892,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | (749,000) | (749,000) | (620,000) | ||
|
Real Estate Securities [Member]
|
|||||
| Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] | |||||
| Fair Value, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fair Value, 12 Months or Greater | 10,403,000 | 10,403,000 | 9,548,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater | (515,000) | (515,000) | (1,071,000) | ||
| Fair Value, Total | 10,403,000 | 10,403,000 | 9,548,000 | ||
| Gross Unrealized Losses, Total | $ (515,000) | $ (515,000) | $ (1,071,000) | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale that have been in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale in a continuous loss position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the aggregate fair value of investments in debt and equity securities in an unrealized loss position which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale that have been in a continuous loss position for less than twelve months. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the aggregate fair value of investments in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the aggregate fair value of investments in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) recognized in the income statement for investments in debt and equity securities and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests classified as trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Debt Financing (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
|
9 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility Lender One [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility Lender One [Member]
|
Sep. 29, 2011
Revolving Credit Facility Lender One [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]
|
Feb. 01, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]
|
Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]
|
Feb. 18, 2011
Revolving Credit Facility Lender Two [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Westar Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument Three [Member]
Secured Debt [Member]
|
Jan. 31, 2015
Westar Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument Three [Member]
Secured Debt [Member]
|
|
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Long-term Line of Credit | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||||||||
| Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 5.875% | 5.95% | ||||||||||
| Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 730,000,000 | 270,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Line of Credit Facility, Increase(Decrease) in Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 20,700,000 | 20,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount | 19,200,000 | 15,600,000 | 0 | |||||||||
| Repayments of Long-term Debt | $ 275,000,000 | $ 427,500,000 | $ 150,000,000 | $ 125,000,000 | ||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Line of Credit Facility, Increase(Decrease) in Maximum Borrowing Capacity No definition available.
|
|
Taxes Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|
| Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] | |||||
| Income tax expense | $ 66,293,000 | $ 71,532,000 | $ 127,810,000 | $ 132,643,000 | |
| Effective income tax rate | 32.00% | 32.00% | 33.00% | 32.00% | |
| Liability for unrecognized income tax benefits | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 3,200,000 | ||
| Interest on liability related to unrecognized income tax benefits | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Penalties accrued for unrecognized income tax benefits | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Accrual for taxes other than income taxes | $ 1,500,000 | $ 1,500,000 | $ 1,500,000 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for real and property taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of statutory penalties accrued for a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed by the entity, in its tax return. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of interest expense accrued for an underpayment of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Costs And Pension Contributions) (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Pension Contributions | $ 26,400,000 | |||||||||||
|
Pension Benefits [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Service cost | 5,348,000 | 4,055,000 | 16,044,000 | 12,164,000 | ||||||||
| Interest cost | 10,753,000 | 10,400,000 | 32,261,000 | 31,200,000 | ||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (10,059,000) | (9,109,000) | (31,177,000) | (27,328,000) | ||||||||
| Prior service costs | 130,000 | 131,000 | 390,000 | 394,000 | ||||||||
| Actuarial loss, net | 8,033,000 | 5,690,000 | 23,746,000 | 15,371,000 | ||||||||
| Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 14,205,000 | 11,167,000 | 41,264,000 | 31,801,000 | ||||||||
| Regulatory adjustment | 1,548,000 | [1] | 4,002,000 | [1] | 4,880,000 | [2] | 12,005,000 | [2] | ||||
| Net periodic cost | 15,753,000 | 15,169,000 | 46,144,000 | 43,806,000 | ||||||||
|
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Service cost | 361,000 | 345,000 | 1,082,000 | 1,036,000 | ||||||||
| Interest cost | 1,422,000 | 1,588,000 | 4,268,000 | 4,763,000 | ||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (1,654,000) | (1,644,000) | (4,961,000) | (4,932,000) | ||||||||
| Prior service costs | 114,000 | 631,000 | 342,000 | 1,893,000 | ||||||||
| Actuarial loss, net | 95,000 | (185,000) | 284,000 | (556,000) | ||||||||
| Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 338,000 | 735,000 | 1,015,000 | 2,204,000 | ||||||||
| Regulatory adjustment | 1,013,000 | [1] | 1,124,000 | [1] | 3,038,000 | [2] | 3,371,000 | [2] | ||||
| Net periodic cost | $ 1,351,000 | $ 1,859,000 | $ 4,053,000 | $ 5,575,000 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period prior to regulatory adjustment. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Defined Benefit Plan Regulatory Adjustment No definition available.
|
|
Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Wolf Creek Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Costs and Pension Contributions) (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Sep. 30, 2014
|
|||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Pension Contributions | $ 26,400,000 | |||||||||||
|
Wolf Creek [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Pension Contributions | 2,400,000 | |||||||||||
|
KGE [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Subsidiary Interest in Defined Benefit Plans | 47.00% | |||||||||||
|
Pension Benefits [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Service cost | 5,348,000 | 4,055,000 | 16,044,000 | 12,164,000 | ||||||||
| Interest cost | 10,753,000 | 10,400,000 | 32,261,000 | 31,200,000 | ||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (10,059,000) | (9,109,000) | (31,177,000) | (27,328,000) | ||||||||
| Prior service costs | 130,000 | 131,000 | 390,000 | 394,000 | ||||||||
| Actuarial loss, net | 8,033,000 | 5,690,000 | 23,746,000 | 15,371,000 | ||||||||
| Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 14,205,000 | 11,167,000 | 41,264,000 | 31,801,000 | ||||||||
| Regulatory adjustment | 1,548,000 | [1] | 4,002,000 | [1] | 4,880,000 | [2] | 12,005,000 | [2] | ||||
| Net periodic cost | 15,753,000 | 15,169,000 | 46,144,000 | 43,806,000 | ||||||||
|
Pension Benefits [Member] | Wolf Creek [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Service cost | 1,899,000 | 1,424,000 | 5,696,000 | 4,271,000 | ||||||||
| Interest cost | 2,254,000 | 2,117,000 | 6,761,000 | 6,352,000 | ||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (2,261,000) | (2,021,000) | (6,783,000) | (6,063,000) | ||||||||
| Prior service costs | 14,000 | 14,000 | 43,000 | 43,000 | ||||||||
| Actuarial loss, net | 1,482,000 | 747,000 | 4,448,000 | 2,240,000 | ||||||||
| Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 3,388,000 | 2,281,000 | 10,165,000 | 6,843,000 | ||||||||
| Regulatory adjustment | (304,000) | [2] | 501,000 | [2] | (912,000) | [1] | 1,502,000 | [1] | ||||
| Net periodic cost | 3,084,000 | 2,782,000 | 9,253,000 | 8,345,000 | ||||||||
|
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Service cost | 361,000 | 345,000 | 1,082,000 | 1,036,000 | ||||||||
| Interest cost | 1,422,000 | 1,588,000 | 4,268,000 | 4,763,000 | ||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (1,654,000) | (1,644,000) | (4,961,000) | (4,932,000) | ||||||||
| Prior service costs | 114,000 | 631,000 | 342,000 | 1,893,000 | ||||||||
| Actuarial loss, net | 95,000 | (185,000) | 284,000 | (556,000) | ||||||||
| Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 338,000 | 735,000 | 1,015,000 | 2,204,000 | ||||||||
| Regulatory adjustment | 1,013,000 | [1] | 1,124,000 | [1] | 3,038,000 | [2] | 3,371,000 | [2] | ||||
| Net periodic cost | 1,351,000 | 1,859,000 | 4,053,000 | 5,575,000 | ||||||||
|
Post-Retirement Benefits [Member] | Wolf Creek [Member]
|
||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit): | ||||||||||||
| Service cost | 34,000 | 43,000 | 103,000 | 130,000 | ||||||||
| Interest cost | 79,000 | 116,000 | 236,000 | 347,000 | ||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Prior service costs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Actuarial loss, net | 1,000 | 41,000 | 2,000 | 124,000 | ||||||||
| Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment | 114,000 | 200,000 | 341,000 | 601,000 | ||||||||
| Regulatory adjustment | 0 | [2] | 0 | [2] | 0 | [1] | 0 | [1] | ||||
| Net periodic cost | $ 114,000 | $ 200,000 | $ 341,000 | $ 601,000 | ||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period prior to regulatory adjustment. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Defined Benefit Plan Regulatory Adjustment No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Subsidiary's interest in defined benefit plans. No definition available.
|
|
Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
|
| Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] | |
| Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred | $ 48,767 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of asset retirement obligations incurred during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|
| Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] | ||
| Asset Retirement Obligation | $ 286,389 | $ 230,668 |
| Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled | 1,312 | |
| Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense | 9,500 | |
| Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred | 48,767 | |
| Asset Retirement Obligation, Cash Paid to Settle | $ (1,234) |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amount of a liability for an asset retirement obligation. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation associated with the disposal or retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction or development, or the normal operations of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of accretion expense recognized during the period that is associated with an asset retirement obligation. Accretion expense measures and incorporates changes due to the passage of time into the carrying amount of the liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of asset retirement obligations incurred during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of asset retirement obligations settled, or otherwise disposed of, during the period. This may include asset retirement obligations transferred to third parties associated with the sale of a long-lived asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the Increase or Decrease in the amount of the asset retirement obligation during the current period for changes in the amount or timing of the estimated cash flows associated with the settlement of the obligation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Common Stock Common Stock (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
|
| Forward Contract Indexed To Issuers Equity, Indexed Shares For Period | 9.2 |
| Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Actual Proceeds | $ 254.6 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Actual Proceeds No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Forward Contract Indexed To Issuers Equity,Indexed Shares For Period No definition available.
|
|
Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
|
9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2015
|
|
| Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |
| Variable Interest Entity, Initial Consolidation, Gain (Loss) | $ 0 |
|
Jeffrey Energy Center [Member]
|
|
| Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |
| Variable interest entity percentage of asset held | 8.00% |
| Agreement expiration date | Jan. 01, 2019 |
|
La Cygne Generating Station [Member]
|
|
| Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | |
| Variable interest entity percentage of asset held | 50.00% |
| Agreement expiration date | Sep. 01, 2029 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Date which lease or group of leases is set to expire, in CCYY-MM-DD format. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The gain (loss) recognized on initial consolidation of a variable interest entity (VIE) when the VIE is not a business (as defined). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of an asset held by a variable interest entity that is consolidated by the entity. No definition available.
|
|
Variable Interest Entities (Assets And Liabilities In Relation To VIEs) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified |
Sep. 30, 2015
|
Dec. 31, 2014
|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $ 8,379,029 | $ 8,162,908 | ||||||
| Accrued interest | 60,844 | [1] | 79,707 | [1] | ||||
| Long-term debt, net | 2,941,889 | 3,215,539 | ||||||
|
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
|
||||||||
| Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 270,822 | 278,573 | ||||||
| Regulatory assets | 8,777 | [2] | 7,882 | [2] | ||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | 28,309 | 27,933 | ||||||
| Accrued interest | 68 | [1] | 2,961 | [1] | ||||
| Long-term debt, net | $ 138,134 | $ 166,565 | ||||||
|
||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt, after unamortized discount or premium, scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount for the individual regulatory asset as itemized in a table of regulatory assets as of the end of the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|