Short-term and Long-term Borrowings (Details) (Revolving Credit Facility, USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Mar. 10, 2015
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Mar. 31, 2014
Short-term borrowings        
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 450      
Debt maturity period 5 years      
LIBOR
       
Short-term borrowings        
Basis of interest rate   LIBOR    
Minimum
       
Short-term borrowings        
Commitment fee (as a percent)   0.08%    
Minimum | LIBOR
       
Short-term borrowings        
Interest rate margin (as a percent)   0.725%    
Maximum
       
Short-term borrowings        
Commitment fee (as a percent)   0.125%    
Maximum | LIBOR
       
Short-term borrowings        
Interest rate margin (as a percent)   0.95%    
Parent Company        
Short-term borrowings        
Maximum borrowing capacity 150      
Amount outstanding under line of credit   61.7 61.7  
Average borrowing rate (as a percent)   1.09%   1.31%
Cal Water        
Short-term borrowings        
Maximum borrowing capacity 300      
Period within which borrowings are to be repaid 12 months      
Additional capacity available   50    
Amount outstanding under line of credit   47.4 $ 17.4  
Average borrowing rate (as a percent)   1.09%   1.31%