Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Tangible Equity Units [Member] Tangible Equity Units [Member] Tangible Equity Units [Member] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Annual Report Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Auditor Firm ID Auditor Location Auditor Name Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets Property, plant and equipment, at cost Total property, plant and equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Net property, plant and equipment Net property, plant and equipment Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Unbilled Receivables, Current Unbilled revenues Inventory - materials and supplies Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage Inventory - gas stored Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepayments and other current assets Regulatory Assets, Current Regulatory assets Total current assets Total current assets Regulatory Assets Noncurrent Regulatory assets Deferred Costs and Other Assets Deferred charges and other assets, net Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Funds restricted for construction activity Funds restricted for construction activity Goodwill Balance Balance Goodwill Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Net Operating lease right-of-use assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity Essential Utilities stockholders' equity: Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares ,issued 142,225,713 and 140,943,621 in 2013 and 2012 Common stock at $0.50 par value, authorized 600,000,000 shares, issued 248,571,355 and 223,871,284 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 Common stock, $.50 par value Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Capital in excess of par value Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Aqua Pennsylvania's retainied earnings including minority interest Treasury stock, at cost Treasury stock, at cost, 3,180,887 and 3,112,565 shares as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 Treasury stock, at cost Total Aqua America stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' equity Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Noncurrent Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Noncurrent Long-term debt, excluding current portion Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Less: debt issuance costs Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term debt, excluding current portion, net of debt issuance costs Long-term debt, excluding current portion, net of debt issuance costs Long-term debt, excluding current portion, net of debt issuance costs Commitments and contingencies 2009 Commitments and contingencies (See Note 9) Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt Loans Payable, Current, Not Included In Current Portion Of Long Term Debt Loans Payable, Current, Not Included In Current Portion Of Long Term Debt Loans payable Accounts payable Bank Overdrafts Book overdraft Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Accrued taxes Regulatory Liability, Current Regulatory liabilities Accrued Liabilities Current Other accrued liabilities Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Deferred credits and other liabilities: Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits Customers' advances for construction Customers' advances for construction Regulatory Liability Noncurrent Regulatory liabilities Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Operating lease liabilities Postemployment Benefits Liability, Noncurrent Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other Other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt Including Operating Lease, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt Including Operating Lease, Noncurrent Total deferred credits and other liabilities Contributions in aid of construction Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and equity Common stock, par value Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, authorized Common stock, shares issued Treasury stock, shares Treasury shares Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Operating revenues Revenue Cost and expenses: Operating expenses: Utilities Operating Expense Maintenance And Operations Operations and maintenance Operations and maintenance expense Utilities Operating Expense, Gas and Petroleum Purchased Purchased gas Depreciation Amortization Total taxes other than income taxes Taxes other than income taxes Total expenses Total operating expenses Operating income Operating income (loss) Operating income Other expense (income): Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest Income, Operating Interest income Public Utilities Allowance For Funds Used During Construction Additions Allowance for funds used during construction Allowance for funds used during construction Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Loss on interest rate swap agreements Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on debt extinguishment Gain Loss On Sale Of Other Assets Gain on sale of other assets Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Joint Venture Partners Equity loss (earnings) in joint venture Other Nonoperating incomeExpense Other Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes Income before income taxes Provision for income tax benefit Provision for income taxes (benefit) Total tax expense (benefit) Net income attributable to common shareholders Net income Net income (loss) Net income Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Net Income Per Common Share and Equity per Commn Share [Abstract] Net income per common share: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Abstract Average common shares outstanding during the period: Basic Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation Diluted Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation Consolidated Statements of Capitalization [Abstract] Consolidated Statements Of Capitalization [Abstract] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries One [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries One [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 0.00% to 0.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Two [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Two [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 1.00% to 1.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Three [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Three [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 2.00% to 2.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Four [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Four [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 3.00% to 3.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Five [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Five [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 4.00% to 4.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Six [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Six [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 5.00% to 5.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Seven [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Seven [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 6.00% to 6.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Eight [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Eight [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 7.00% to 7.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Nine [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Nine [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 8.00% to 8.99% [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries Ten [Member] Long Term Debt Of Subsidiaries Ten [Member] Long Term Debt of Subsidiaries 9.00% to 9.99% [Member] Notes Payable Under Revolving Credit [Member] Notes Payable Under Revolving Credit [Member] Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2023 [Member] Amortizing Notes [Member] Amortizing Notes [Member] Amortizing Notes at 3.00% due 2022 [Member] Bank Notes B [Member] Bank Notes B [Member] Bank note at 2.40% due 2031 [Member] Bank Notes C [Member] Bank Notes C [Member] Notes at 2.704% due 2030 [Member] Unsecured Notes B [Member] Unsecured Notes B [Member] Notes Ranging From 3.01% and 3.59% due 2029 and 2050 [Member] Bank Notes D [Member] Bank Notes D [Member] Notes at 4.28%, due 2049 [Member] Notes Ranging From Five Point Zero One Percentage To Five Point Nine Five Percentage [Member] Notes Ranging From Five Point Zero One Percentage To Five Point Nine Five Percentage [Member] Notes Ranging From 5.64% To 5.95%, due 2020 through 2034 [Member] Long-term debt of subsidiaries (substantially collateralized by utility plant): Debt Instrument, Principal Outstanding Debt instrument principal outstanding Long-term debt1 Long-term debt Other Notes Payable, Noncurrent Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2023 Notes ranging from 4.62% to 4.87%, due 2013 through 2024 Unsecured notes payable Long-term debt and capital lease obligations Total long-term debt Total capitalization Total capitalization Statistical Measurement [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Mortgage Bonds, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest Rate Range Interest rate Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Year Maturity date Consolidated Statements Of Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Total equity Balance Balance Dividends Dividends declared Stock split Issuance of common stock from private placement Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Stock issued to finance acquisition Proceeds from stock purchase contracts issued under tangible equity units Common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, Purchase of Assets Issuance of common stock from stock purchase contracts Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan Common stock sold under dividend reinvestment plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Forward Equity Sale Agreement Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Forward Equity Sale Agreement Issuance of common stock from forward equity sale agreement Repurchase of stock (414,869 shares) Repurchase of stock Stock granted during period, value share-based compensation Equity compensation plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Treasury Stock Reissued At Lower Than Repurchase Price Share Based Compensation Treasury Stock Reissued At Lower Than Repurchase Price Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Other Consolidated Statement Of Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Cash dividends declared per common share Dividend declared per common share Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Issuance of common stock from private placement, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Stock issued for acquisition, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Purchase of Assets Issuance of common stock from stock purchase contracts, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Issue of common shares under dividend reinvestment plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues, Forward Equity Sale Agreement Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues, Forward Equity Sale Agreement Sale Of Stock, Shares Sale of stock, shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchase of stock, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted, Number of Share Units Equity compensation plan, shares Exercise Of Stock Options, Shares Exercised, Shares Exercise of stock options, shares Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Deferred income taxes Total deferred income taxes Provision for doubtful accounts Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation Gain (Loss) On Sale Of Utility System And Other Assets Gain (Loss) On Sale Of Utility System And Other Assets Gain on sale of utility system and other assets Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Settlement of interest rate swap agreements interest rate swaps settled Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Receivables, And Prepayments Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Receivables, And Prepayments Net change in receivables, inventory, deferred purchased gas costs and prepayments Net decrease in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities Net change in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and other postretirement benefits contributions Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Other Net cash flows from operating activities Operating cash flows from continuing operations Net cash flows from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment additions, including the debt component of allowance for funds used during construction of $4,434, $4,231, and $3,332 Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Waste Water Systems Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net Proceeds from sale of utility system and other Proceeds from sale of utility system and other Net proceeds from the sale of utility systems and other assets Other Other Net cash flows used in investing activities Net cash flows used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from Advances for Construction, Financing Activities Proceeds from Advances for Construction, Financing Activities Customers' advances and contributions in aid of construction Repayments of Advances for Construction, Financing Activities Repayments of Advances for Construction, Financing Activities Repayments of customers' advances Net proceeds (repayments) of short-term debt Net repayments of short-term debt Net proceeds (repayments) of short-term debt Proceeds from long-term debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of long-term debt Redemption of debt Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Extinguishment of long-term debt Make whole payment Proceeds From Repayments Of Bank Overdrafts, Less Short Term Debt Proceeds From Repayments Of Bank Overdrafts, Less Short Term Debt Change in cash overdraft position Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Proceeds from issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan Stock Issued For Acquisition Stock Issued For Acquisition Proceeds from stock issued to finance acquisition Proceeds from stock issued to finance pending acquisition Proceeds From Private Placement Proceeds From Private Placement Proceeds from issuance of common stock from private placement Proceeds from Forward Equity Sale Agreement Proceeds from Forward Equity Sale Agreement Proceeds from issuance of common stock from forward equity sale agreement Proceeds from Other Equity Proceeds from equity unit issuance Proceeds from tangible equity unit issuance Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from exercised stock options Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Payments Of Dividends Common Stock Dividends paid on common stock Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other Net cash flows from financing activities Net cash flows from financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash paid during the year for: Interest, net of amounts capitalized Income taxes Non-cash investing activities: Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Property, plant and equipment additions purchased at the period end, but not yet paid Liabilities Assumed Non-cash utility property contributions Debt Component Of Allowance For Funds Used During Construction Debt Component Of Allowance For Funds Used During Construction Debt component of allowance for funds used during construction Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Acquisitions [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Dispositions [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Dispositions Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant And Equipment Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Financing Receivables [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Abstract] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Text Block] Regulatory Assets And Liabilities Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure Text Block Income Taxes Taxes Other than Income Taxes Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Abstract] Utilities Operating Expenses, Taxes As In Annual Report [Text Block] Utilities Operating Expenses, Taxes As In Annual Report [Text Block] Taxes Other Than Income Taxes Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Leases [Abstract] Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt And Loans Payable Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Stockholders’ Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders’ Equity Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income per Common Share and Equity per Common Share Employee Stock and Incentive Plan [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Text Block Employee Stock and Incentive Plan Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension Plans And Other Post-Retirement Benefits Water and Wastewater Rates Rate Activity [Abstract] Public Utilities Disclosure [Text Block] Rate Activity Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Schedule 1 - Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature Of Operations Regulation [Policy Text Block] Regulation [Policy Text Block] Regulation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use Of Estimates In Preparation Of Consolidated Financial Statements Basis Of Financial Statement Presentation [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Financial Statement Presentation [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant And Equipment And Depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance For Funds Used During Construction Separation of Lease and Nonlease Components [Policy Text Block] Lease Accounting Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recognition Of Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenues from Contracts with Customers Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash And Cash Equivalents Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Inventory Raw Materials, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Interest in Unincorporated Joint Ventures or Partnerships, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment In Joint Venture Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Intangible Assets Arising from Insurance Contracts Acquired in Business Combination, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Regulatory Assets, Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Regulatory Assets, Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Deferred Charges and Other Assets Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Customers advances for construction and contributions in aid of construction [Policy Text Block] Customers advances for construction and contributions in aid of construction [Policy Text Block] Customers' Advances For Construction And Contributions in Aid Of Construction Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Disaggregation Of Revenue Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Summary Of Changes In Goodwill Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Summary Schedule of Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment Schedule Of Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block] Net Accounts Receivable Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table Text Block] Components Of Regulatory Assets And Regulatory Liabilities Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Provision For Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Reasons For Differences Between Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate To Income Before Income Tax Expense Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Table Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Utilities Operating Expenses, Taxes As In Annual Report [Table Text Block] Utilities Operating Expenses, Taxes As In Annual Report [Table Text Block] Components Of Taxes Other Than Income Taxes Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Purchase Obligations Schedule Of Long Term Agreements [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Long Term Agreements [Table Text Block] Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Components Of Lease Expense Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Maturities Of Operating Lease Liabilities Long Term Debt And Loans Payable [Abstract] Long Term Debt And Loans Payable [Abstract] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Future Sinking Fund Payments And Debt Maturities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary Of Amounts Recognized In Earnings Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Summary Of Unrealized Gains And Losses On Equity Securities Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Shares Outstanding And Treasury Shares Held Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Performance Share Units [Member] Performance Share Units [Member] Performance Share Units [Member] Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member] Restricted Stock Units [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Stock Awards [Member] Stock Awards [Member] Stock Awards [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Performance Goals Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Summary Of Compensation Costs Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Other Than Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Other Than Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value [Table Text Block] Summary Of Value Of Stock Awards Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Nonvested PSU Transactions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Assumptions Used In The Pricing Model Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Nonvested RSU Transactions Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Value Of Restricted Stock Units [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Value Of Restricted Stock Units [Table Text Block] Summary Of Value Of Restricted Stock Units Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Stock Option Transactions Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value [Table Text Block] Summary Of Stock Options Exercised And Vested Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Summary Of Options Outstanding And Options Excercisable Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Value Of Restricted Stock Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Value Of Restricted Stock Awards [Table Text Block] Summary Of Value Of Restricted Stock Awards Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Nonvested Share Activity Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Pension Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Benefit Payments Of Expected Future Service Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Changes In Benefit Obligation And Fair Value Of Plan Assets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Net Liability Recognized On Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Accumulated And Projected Benefit Obligations Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not Yet Recognized Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Assumptions Related To Pension And Other Postretirement benefit Plans Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Plan Assets Schedule Of Target Asset Allocations [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Target Asset Allocations [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Target Asset Allocations Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Text Block] Company's Segment Information, Continuing Operations Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Customer [Axis] Name Of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Customer Rate Credits [Member] Customer Rate Credits [Member] Customer Rate Credits [Member] Regulation Status [Axis] Regulated And Unregulated Operation [Domain] Regulated and Unregulated Operation [Domain] Regulated Operation [Member] Regulated [Member] Geographical [Axis] Segment Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] P [A] Pennsylvania [Member] Western Pennsylvania [Member] Western Pennsylvania [Member] Western Pennsylvania [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Joint Venture [Member] Joint Venture [Member] Joint Venture [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Percentage Of Operating Revenue From Largest Operating Subsidiary Percentage Of Operating Revenue From Largest Operating Subsidiary Percentage of operating revenue from largest operating subsidiary Number of counties providing operating services to in Pennsylvania other than north and west of Philadelphia. Number of counties providing operating services Number of counties providing operating services Number Of States Providing Services In Other Than Pennsylvania Number Of States Providing Services In Other Than Pennsylvania Number of states providing services in other than Pennsylvania Number of customers. Number of customers Number of customers Percentage of customers served Percentage of customers served Number of Operating Segments Operating Segments Number of operating segments Number of Reportable Segments Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Amount of Acquisition Adjustments Net utility plant acquisition adjustment Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Amortized Period Public Utilities Property Plant And Equipment Amortization Of Acquisition Adjustments Public Utilities Property Plant And Equipment Amortization Of Acquisition Adjustments Amortization of the acquisition adjustments Capitalized Costs Included In Property Plant And Equipment Capitalized Costs Included In Property Plant And Equipment Utility expenditures expected to be recovered Deferred Costs Deferred cost reported as a component of net property, plant and equipment Public Utilities, Amount of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Equity Costs Capitalized Only for Rate-making Purposes Amount of AFUDC related to equity funds Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Interest Capitalized interest Bank Acceptances Executed and Outstanding Overdraft for certain disbursement cash accounts Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Joint venture ownership percentage Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Joint Venture Distributions Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Loss on sale of joint venture Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Gain (loss) on sale Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Number Of Onsitee Natural Gas Plants Number Of Onsitee Natural Gas Plants Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Useful Lives Construction Expenses Construction Expenses Deferred Charges And Other Assets Deferred Charges And Other Assets Prepayment And Other Current Assets Prepayment And Other Current Assets Interest Income, Rate Interest Income, Rate Interest Income Interest Income Assets, Net Total net assets Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Revenues from contracts with customers Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] Fire Protection [Member] Fire Protection [Member] Fire Protection [Member] Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Gas Transportation [Member] Gas Transportation [Member] Gas Transportation [Member] Other Water [Member] Other Water [Member] Other Water [Member] Other Wastewater [Member] Other Wastewater [Member] Other Wastewater [Member] Other Utility [Member] Other Utility [Member] Other Utility [Member] Alternative Revenue Program [Member] Alternative Revenue Program [Member] Alternative Revenue Program [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Products And Services [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Water [Member] Water [Member] Water [Member] Wastewater [Member] Wastewater [Member] Wastewater [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Other [Member] Other [Member] Other [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Eliminations [Member] Other And Eliminations [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Other Segment [Member] Other Segment [Member] Other Segment [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill acquired Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Reclassification Of Goodwill, Acquisition Adjustment Reclassification Of Goodwill, Acquisition Adjustment Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Water And Wastewater [Member] Water And Wastewater [Member] Water And Wastewater [Member] Commitment [Member] Commitment [Member] Commitment [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Two Thousand Nineteen Acquisition [Member] Two Thousand Nineteen Acquisition [Member] 2019 Acquisitions [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Acquisition [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Acquisition [Member] 2020 Acquisitions [Member] Acquisition, 2021 [Member] Acquisition2021 [Member] Acquisition, 2021 [Member] Water Utility System [Member] Water Utility System [Member] Water Utility System [Member] Water And Wastewater Utility Systems [Member] Water And Wastewater Utility Systems [Member] Water And Wastewater Utility Systems [Member] LDC Funding LLC [Member] Ldc Funding Llc [Member] LDC Funding LLC [Member] Wastewater Utility System [Member] Wastewater Utility System [Member] Wastewater Utility System [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Geographical Location, Number Of Municipalities Business Acquisition, Geographical Location, Number Of Municipalities Number of municipalities Number Of Business Acquisitions Completed Number of acquisitions completed Number Of Retail Customers Number Of Retail Customers Retail customers Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Base purchase price Cash paid for acquisitions Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current And Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current And Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Indebtedness Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Assumption of debt, long term Outstanding debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Assumption of debt, short term short-term debt Business Acquisition, Geographical Location, Number Of States Business Acquisition, Geographical Location, Number Of States Number of states Business Combination, Liabilities Arising from Contingencies, Amount Recognized Fair value of debt Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed Transaction-related expenses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Costs, Pre Tax Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Costs, Pre Tax Acquisition-related costs, pre-tax Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain (Loss), Net Fair value adjustment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Adjustments to acquisition financing Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities, Pre-Tax Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities, Pre-Tax Adjustments to acquisition financing, Pre-tax Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred, Pre-Tax Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred, Pre-Tax Adjustments to debt, pre-tax Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Adjustments to debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Fee Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Fee Elimination of management fee Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Fee, Pre-Tax Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Management Fee, Pre-Tax Elimination of management fee, pre-tax Mortgage Bonds, Face Amount Debt instrument, issued Business Combination, Pipeline Term Business Combination, Pipeline Term Pipeline term Business Combination, Pipeline Cost Business Combination, Pipeline Cost Pipeline cost Business Combination, Customer Rate Credits Business Combination, Customer Rate Credits Customer rate credits Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Acquired property, plant and equipment Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) Adjustment to goodwill Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Operating revenues included in the consolidated financial statements Operating revenues Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Interest rate swap Peoples Gas Acquisition [Member] Peoples Gas Acquisition [Member] Peoples Gas Acquisition [Member] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Estimated change in working capital Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Capital Expenditures Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Capital Expenditures Certain estimated capital expenditures Assumption Of Indebtedness Assumption Of Indebtedness Assumption of indebtedness Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash consideration Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Regulatory Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Regulatory Assets Regulatory assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Other long-term assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Net Current portion of long-term debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Loans payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Other current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Net Long-term debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Regulatory Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other long-term liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Total liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Net assets acquired Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income Disposal Group By Location [Table] Disposal Group By Location [Table] V [A] Virginia [Member] Discontinued Operations And Other Dispositions [Line Items] Discontinued Operations And Other Dispositions [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Total proceeds Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Net gain (loss) Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Weighted Average [Member] Weighted Average [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Mains And Accessories [Member] Mains And Accessories [Member] Mains And Accessories [Member] Services, Hydrants, Treatment Plants And Reservoirs [Member] Services Hydrants Treatment Plants And Reservoirs [Member] Services, Hydrants, Treatment Plants And Reservoirs [Member] Operations structures and water tanks [Member] Operations Structures And Water Tanks [Member] Operations Structures And Water Tanks [Member] Miscellaneous Pumping And Purification Equipment [Member] Miscellaneous Pumping And Purification Equipment [Member] Miscellaneous Pumping And Purification Equipment [Member] Natural Gas Transmission [Member] Natural Gas Transmission [Member] Natural Gas Transmission [Member] Natural Gas Storage, PPE [Member] Natural Gas Storage Ppe [Member] Natural Gas Storage [Member] Natural Gas Gathering And Processing [Member] Natural Gas Gathering And Processing [Member] Natural Gas Gathering And Processing [Member] Natural Gas Distribution [Member] Natural Gas Distribution [Member] Natural Gas Distribution [Member] Meters, Data Processing, Transportation And Operating Equipment [Member] Meters Data Processing Transportation And Operating Equipment [Member] Meters, Transportation And Operating Equipment [Member] Land [Member] Land And Other Non-Depreciable Assets [Member] Utility Plant And Equipment [Member] Utility Plant And Equipment [Member] Utility Plant And Equipment [Member] Construction In Progress [Member] Utility Construction Work In progress [Member] Net Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member] Net Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member] Net Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustment [Member] Non Utility Plant And Equipment [Member] Non Utility Plant And Equipment [Member] Non-Utility Plant And Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Equipment Utility plant and equipment Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Construction Work in Progress Utility construction work in progress Non-utility plant and equipment Non-Utility Plant And Equipment Non-utility plant and equipment Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] O [H] Ohio [Member] N [C] North Carolina [Member] T [X] Texas [Member] I [L] Illinois [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Utility Customers By Geographic Operating Segment, Percentage Utility Customers By Geographic Operating Segment, Percentage utility customers by geographic operating segment, percentage Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Recoveries Recoveries of accounts written off and other Billed Contracts Receivable Billed utility revenue Other Receivables Other Accounts Receivable, Gross Gross accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Balance at December 31 Balance at January 1 Less allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable After Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Net accounts receivable Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Provision Charged to Expense Amounts charged to expense Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Write Offs Against Allowance Accounts written off Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Deferred Income Tax Charges [Member] Income Taxes [Member] Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] Utility Plant Retirement Costs [Member] Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] Postretirement Benefits [Member] Recoverable Vacation Pay [Member] Accrued Vacation [Member] Water Tank Painting [Member] Water Tank Painting [Member] Water Tank Painting [Member] Fair Value Adjustment Of Long-Term Debt Assumed In Acquisition [Member] Fair Value Adjustment Of Long Term Debt Assumed In Acquisition [Member] Fair Value Adjustment Of Long-Term Debt Assumed In Acquisition [Member] Rate Case Filing Expenses And Other [Member] Rate Case Filing Expenses And Other [Member] Rate Case Filing Expenses And Other [Member] Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Regulatory Asset Recovery Period Regulatory Asset Recovery Period Regulatory asset recovery period Amortization of deferred repair tax adjustment Amortization of deferred repair tax adjustment Tax Adjustment, Amortization Period Tax Adjustment, Amortization Period Amortization period Water tank painting costs amortized over a period. Water Tank Painting Costs Amortized Over A Period Water tank painting costs amortization period Amortizataion period of rate case filing expense Rate case filing expense amortization period Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Statutory federal tax rate Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Redemption percentage Regulatory Assets Regulatory Liabilities Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities [Table] Purchased Gas Costs [Member] Purchased Gas Costs [Member] Purchased Gas Costs [Member] Debt Refinancing [Member] Debt Refinancing [Member] Debt Refinancing [Member] Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Regulatory Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Income Tax Authority [Table] Income Tax Authority [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Internal Revenue Service I R S [Member] Federal [Member] State And Local Jurisdiction [Member] State [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlements, State and Local State corporate net income tax rates Other Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income tax benefits Deferred Income Tax Benefit, Catch-Up Bonus Deferred Income Tax Benefit, Catch-Up Bonus Catch-up adjustment Contribution To Customer Bill Payment Assistance Program Contribution To Customer Bill Payment Assistance Program Contribution To Covid Relief Program Contribution To Covid Relief Program Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate Decrease In Current Taxes Payable Decrease In Current Taxes Payable Decrease in current taxes payable State Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Increase State Income Tax Expense Benefit Increase Decrease Reduction in state income tax expense Tax Benefit, Target Tax Benefit, Target Target Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Deferred tax assets operating loss carryforward Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Amount Tax deduction Amortization Of Income Tax Benefit Amortization Of Income Tax Benefit Amortization of benefit Amortization Period, Tax Benefit Amortization Period, Tax Benefit Term Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance Operating loss carryforwards prior to being reduced by the unrecognized tax position Operating loss carryforwards before unrecognized tax position Balance at September 30, Balance at December 31, Balance at January 1, Unrecognized tax benefits Net deferred tax liability Deferred income tax liabilities Net deferred tax liability Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued Interest and penalties Accrued Interest, Uncertain Tax Positions Accrued Interest, Uncertain Tax Positions Current: Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current income taxes Deferred: Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Computed Federal tax expense at statutory rate Income Tax Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other Decrease in Federal tax expense related to an income tax accounting change for qualifying utility asset improvement costs Income Tax Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit Income Tax Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Depreciation Increase in tax expense for depreciation expense to be recovered in future rates Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation Income tax benefit Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Tax Benefit of Dividends Paid to Plan Deduction for Essential Utilities common dividends paid under employee benefit plan Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Investment Amortization of deferred investment tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Impact of Federal rate change and amortization of excess deferred income tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Acquisitions And Reorganizations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Acquisitions And Reorganizations Other, net Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Impact of current year activity on tax provision Deferred tax assets, customers’ advances for construction Deferred Tax Assets, Customers’ Advances For Construction Customers’ advances for construction Deferred tax assets, costs expensed for book not deducted for tax, principally accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Costs Expensed For Book Not Deducted For Tax, Principally Accrued Expenses Costs expensed for book not deducted for tax, principally accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Post-retirement benefits Deferred Tax Assets Tax Effect Of Regulatory Asset For Postretirement Benefits Deferred Tax Assets Tax Effect Of Regulatory Asset For Postretirement Benefits Tax effect of regulatory liabilities for post-retirement benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Other Loss Carryforwards Tax attribute and credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent Operating lease liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs Deferred Tax Assets, Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs Unrecovered purchased gas costs Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Total gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Less valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities, utility plant, principally due to depreciation and differences in the basis of fixed assets due to variation in tax and book accounting Deferred Tax Liabilities, Utility Plant, Principally Due To Depreciation And Differences In The Basis Of Fixed Assets Due To Variation In Tax And Book Accounting Utility plant, principally due to depreciation and differences in the basis of fixed assets due to variation in tax and book accounting Deferred tax liabilities, deferred taxes associated with the gross-up of revenues necessary to recover, in rates, the effect of temporary differences Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Taxes Associated With The Gross-Up Of Revenues Necessary To Recover, In Rates, The Effect Of Temporary Differences Deferred taxes associated with the gross-up of revenues necessary to recover, in rates, the effect of temporary differences Deferred tax liabilities, tax effect of regulatory asset for postretirement benefits Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Effect Of Regulatory Asset For Postretirement Benefits Tax effect of regulatory asset for post-retirement benefits Deferred Tax Liabilities, Regulatory Assets Utility plant acquisition adjustment basis differences Deferred tax liabilities, deferred investment tax credit Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Investment Tax Credit Deferred investment tax credit Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements Operating lease right-of-use assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs Over-recovered purchased gas costs Total gross deferred tax liabilities Total gross deferred tax liabilities Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Table] Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Property [Member] Property [Member] Property [Member] Gross Receipts, Excise and Franchise [Member] Gross Receipts Excise And Franchise [Member] Gross Receipts, Excise And Franchise [Member] Payroll [Member] Payroll [Member] Payroll [Member] Regulatory Assessments [Member] Regulatory Assessments [Member] Regulatory Assessments [Member] Pumping Fees [Member] Pumping Fees [Member] Pumping Fees [Member] Other taxes [Member] Other Taxes [Member] Other [Member] Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items] Taxes Other Than Income Taxes [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Estimated Annual Commitments To Purchase Water Through The Next Five Years Estimated Annual Commitments To Purchase Water Through The Next Five Years Estimated annual commitments to purchase water through the next five years Aggregate long term water purchase commitment, remaining years. Long Term Purchase Aggregate Commitment, Remaining Years Aggregate amount of the commitments for the remaining years Purchase Obligation Term Purchase Obligation Term Estimated Insurance Recoveries Amount probable of recovery through insurance Contingent liability for self-insured employee medical benefit program Contingent liability for self-insured employee medical benefit program Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One Through Five Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, to be Paid, Year One Through Five Estimated commitments through 2025 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due after Fifth Year Thereafter Loss Contingency Accrual Insurance Proceeds Insurance Proceeds Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due within One Year 2021 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Second Year 2022 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Third Year 2023 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Fourth Year 2024 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Due in Fifth Year 2025 Long Term Purchase Agreement Long Term Purchase Agreement Purchased water under long-term agreements. Purchased Water Under Long-Term Agreements Purchased water under long-term agreements Water treatment expense under contractual agreement. Water Treatment Expense Under Contractual Agreement Water treatment expense under contractual agreement Leases [Table] Leases [Table] Leases [Line Items] Leases [Line Items] Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Lease term Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Renewal term Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Total operating lease payments lease obligation Operating Lease, Impairment Loss Assets, Fair Value Adjustment Operating Lease, Cost Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Liability, Current Other accrued liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Total operating lease liabilities Less operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average remaining lease term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted average discount rate: 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2025 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five 2026 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value adjustment Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc [Member] Aqua Pennsylvania Inc [Member] Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc [Member] Swing Line Commitment [Member] Swing Line Commitment [Member] Swing-Line Commitment [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility With Four Banks [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility With Four Banks [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility With Four Banks [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Year A [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Year [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Maturity Year 2017 [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility With Two Banks [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility With Two Banks [Member] Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility With Two Banks [Member] Short Term Line Of Credit [Member] Short Term Line Of Credit [Member] Short-Term Line Of Credit [Member] First Mortgage Bonds [Member] First Mortgage Bonds [Member] First Mortgage Bonds [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year A [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2053 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year B [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year B [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2057 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year Z [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year Z [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2058 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year D [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year D [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2052 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year E [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year E [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2053 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year C [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year C [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2051 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year J [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year J [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2055 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year F [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year F [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2056 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year G [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year G [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2054 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year H [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year H [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2058 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year I [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year I [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2059 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year K [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year K [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2049 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year L [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year L [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2054 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year2 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2059 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 3 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year3 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity 2031 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 4 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year4 [Member] First Mortgage Bonds Maturity Year 2051 [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year A [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year B [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year B [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year 2029 [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year C [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year C [Member] Senior Notes Maturity Year 2049 [Member] Long Debt [Member] Long Debt [Member] Long-Term Debt [Member] Long Debt B [Member] Long Debt B [Member] Long-Term Debt Due 2030 [Member] Long Debt C [Member] Long Debt C [Member] Long-Term Debt Due 2050 [Member] Long Debt D [Member] Long Debt D [Member] Long Debt D [Member] Fixed Rate Long Term Debt [Member] Fixed Rate Long Term Debt [Member] Fixed Rate Long Term Debt [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Short Term Debt B [Member] Short Term Debt B [Member] Short Term Debt B [Member] Amended Unsecured Facility [Member] Amended Unsecured Facility [Member] Amended Unsecured Facility [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member] Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member] Aqua Pennsylvanias [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Letter Of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Retained earnings included in non controlling interest Retained Earnings Included In Non Controlling Interest Aqua Pennsylvania retained earning excluding minority interest Other Restricted Assets Restricted assets Amount of Restricted Net Assets for Consolidated and Unconsolidated Subsidiaries Restricted net assets Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Revolving credit agreement Debt Instrument, Term Term of debt Debt Intrument Maturity Year Debt Intrument Maturity Year Debt maturity Repayments of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Debt issued Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average cost of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Weighted average cost of fixed rate long-term debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Assumption of debt Sublimit For Daily Demand Loans Sublimit For Daily Demand Loans Sublimit for daily demand loans Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Trade Purchases Letters of credit capacity available Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of credit Available capacity borrowed Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period Average borrowings cost percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Month-end Outstanding Amount Maximum amount outstanding at the end of any one month Line of Credit, Current Short-term lines of credit Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Funds borrowed under credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount Average borrowing amount Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest income Interest Expense, Debt Interest cost Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Capitalized amount Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Commitment fee Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Debt redeemed Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Due Date, Year Original maturity Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Debt issuance costs Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Zero Point Zero Zero Percentage To Zero Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Zero Point Zero Zero Percentage To Zero Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 0.00% To 0.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range One Point Zero Zero Percentage To One Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range One Point Zero Zero Percentage To One Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 1.00% To 1.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Two Point Zero Zero Percentage To Two Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Two Point Zero Zero Percentage To Two Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 2.00% To 2.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Three Point Zero Zero Percentage To Three Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Three Point Zero Zero Percentage To Three Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 3.00% To 3.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Four Point Zero Zero Percentage To Four Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Four Point Zero Zero Percentage To Four Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 4.00% To 4.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Five Point Zero Zero Percentage To Five Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Five Point Zero Zero Percentage To Five Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 5.00% To 5.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Six Point Zero Zero Percentage To Six Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Six Point Zero Zero Percentage To Six Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 6.00% To 6.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Seven Point Zero Zero Percentage To Seven Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Seven Point Zero Zero Percentage To Seven Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 7.00% To 7.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Eight Point Zero Zero Percentage To Eight Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Eight Point Zero Zero Percentage To Eight Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 8.00% To 8.99% [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Nine Point Zero Zero Percentage To Nine Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long Term Debt Interest Rate Range Nine Point Zero Zero Percentage To Nine Point Nine Nine Percentage [Member] Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Range 9.00% To 9.99% [Member] Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2024 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2025 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2025 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Thereafter Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Nondesignated [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Operating Income Expense [Member] Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Gain (Loss) Net gain (loss) recognized during the period on equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized gain (loss) recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Portion At Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Amount [Member] Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimated Fair Value [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Long Term Debt Fair Value Long-term debt Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Investor [Member] Investor [Member] Long-Term [Member] Long Term [Member] Long-Term [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Aggregate Common And Preferred Shares Authorized Value Aggregate Common And Preferred Shares Authorized Value Common and preferred shares authorized Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Private Placement expenses Share Price Shares Issued, Discount Shares Issued, Discount Discount Available For Sale Securities, Equity Shares Available For Sale Securities, Equity Shares Equity, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of equity instruments Tangible Equity Unit, Settle Tangible Equity Unit, Settle Settle Stock Purchase Contracts Settled Stock Purchase Contracts Settled Stock Purchase Contracts Settled, Issuance Of Common Shares Stock Purchase Contracts Settled, Issuance Of Common Shares Stock Purchase Contracts, Initial Principal Amount Stock Purchase Contracts, Initial Principal Amount Stock Purchase Contracts, Aggregate Initial Principal Amount Stock Purchase Contracts, Aggregate Initial Principal Amount Stock Purchase Contracts, Interest Rate Stock Purchase Contracts, Interest Rate Stock Purchase Contracts, Quarterly Cash Installments Stock Purchase Contracts, Quarterly Cash Installments Stock Purchase Contracts, Cash Installments Stock Purchase Contracts, Cash Installments Stock Purchase Contracts, Interest And Partial Repayment Stock Purchase Contracts, Interest And Partial Repayment Stock Purchase Contracts, Initial Forward Price Stock Purchase Contracts, Initial Forward Price Stock Purchase Contracts Stock Purchase Contracts Proceeds From Shares Issued, Gross Proceeds From Shares Issued, Gross Proceeds From Shares Issued, Issuance Costs Proceeds From Shares Issued, Issuance Costs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date Direct Stock Purchase Plan discount from current market value Business Combination, Shares Available For Issuance Business Combination, Shares Available For Issuance Shares available for issuance under acquisition shelf registration Shares, Outstanding Shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares, Contingently Issuable Weighted average impact Equity Per Common Share Equity Per Common Share Equity per common share Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Equity Forward Agreements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreements Issuance of common stock from private placement Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] The Plan [Member] Plan [Member] The Plan [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share Based Compensation Award Tranche One [Member] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of shares authorized for issuance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Maximum Number Of Shares Available For Issuance May Be Issued As Restricted Stock Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Maximum Number Of Shares Available For Issuance May Be Issued As Restricted Stock Maximum number of shares available for issuance may be issued as restricted stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Shares Per Employee Maximum number of shares subject to grants to any one individual in any one year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Underlying stock option and restricted stock awards available for grant Performance Period Specified In Grant Performance Period Specified In Grant Performance period specified in grant, in years Percentage of target award amount the participant may earn Percentage Of Target Award Amount The Participant May Earn Percentage of target award amount the grantee may earn Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award amortization period of fair value of shares Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award Amortization Period Of Fair Value of Shares Amortization period of fair value of shares, in months Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Period over which unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period, in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting percentage Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage Return on equity Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Total Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Total Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Granted Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics 1 Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics 1 Metric 1 Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics 2 Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics 2 Metric 2 Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics 3 Share Based Compensation, Performance Goals, Metrics 3 Metric 3 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost Stock-based compensation within opertions and maintenance expense Matching contribution, annual profit sharing compensation expense Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options vested in period total intrinsic value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Total Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of restricted stock awards vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value Weighted average fair value of stock awards granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Nonvested stock units at end of period, Number of Share Units Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, Number of Share Units Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options performance criteria adjustment Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Performance Criteria Adjustment Performance criteria adjustment, Number of Share Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited, Number of Share Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share units vested in prior period and issued in current period, Number of Share Units Stock units vested and issued, Number of Share Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Share units issued, Number of Share Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested stock units at end of period, Weighted Average Fair Value Nonvested stock units at beginning of period, Weighted Average Fair Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options performance criteria adjustment, weighted 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Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Paid Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Paid Stock units vested and paid, Number of Share Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Paid, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Paid, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock units vested and paid, Weighted Average Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation 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Value Assumptions Fair Value Of Vested Shares Fair value of vested PSUs Fair value of vested RSUs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at end of period, Shares Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Expired / Cancelled, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at end of period, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired / Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at end of period, Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Range Of Prices, A [Member] Range Of Prices [Member] $15.00 - 33.99 [Member] Range Of Prices, B [Member] Range Of Prices B [Member] $34.00 - 34.99 [Member] Range Of Prices, Seventeen To Nineteen Point Nine Nine [Member] Range Of Prices Seventeen To Nineteen Point Nine Nine [Member] $35.00 - 35.99 [Member] Range Of Prices, C [Member] Range Of Prices C [Member] $36.00 - 37.99 [Member] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Range of prices, Lower limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Range of prices, Upper limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Options Outstanding, Shares Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Options Exercisable, Shares Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of options exercised Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options vested period total fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested Period Total Fair Value Fair value of options vested Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Aqua America Common Stock [Member] Aqua America Common Stock [Member] Aqua America Common Stock [Member] Four Zero One K Savings Plans [Member] Four Zero One K Savings Plans [Member] 401(k) Savings Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits Lump sum paid Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets Fair value of plan assets at December 31 Fair value of plan assets at January 1 Total assets Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Percentage Of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Percentage Of Plan Assets Percentage of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year 2022 expected contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2025 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2026 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter 2027 - 2031 Change in benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation at December 31 Benefit obligation at January 1 Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Actuarial loss Actuarial (gain)/loss Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Plan participants' contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Acquisition Change in plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets Acquisition Funded status of plan: Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Net liability recognized at December 31, Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Non-Current Asset Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Current liability Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent liability Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities Net liability recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined benefit plan amortization of actuarial loss. Defined Benefit Plan Amortization of actuarial loss Amortization of actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Gain Loss, Not Included In Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Gain Loss, Not Included In Periodic Benefit Cost Net actuarial loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Prior service cost (credit) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Total recognized in regulatory assets Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Obligations [Member] Obligations [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan Ultimate Trend Rate Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate Return Seeking Assets [Member] Return Seeking Assets [Member] Return Seeking Assets [Member] Hedge Funds [Member] Liability Hedging Assets [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Target Allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Percentage of Plan Assets Equity Securities Common Stocks [Member] Equity Securities Common Stocks [Member] Common stocks [Member] International equities [Member] International Equities [Member] International equities [Member] Real Estate Funds [Member] Real estate [Member] Hedge Funds Multistrategy [Member] Hedge / Diversifying Strategies [Member] Credit [Member] Credit [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Measured At Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Assets Measured At NAV [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] N [J] New Jersey [Member] Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items] Water And Wastewater Rates [Line Items] Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Percentage Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Authorized increase in revenue from utility service on an annualized basis. Authorized increase in revenue from utility service Increase in annual revenue due to rate filings Distribution System Improvement Charges Distribution System Improvement Charges Distribution system improvement charges Distribution System Improvement Charges Percent Over Base Rate Distribution System Improvement Charges Percent Over Base Rate Distribution system improvement charges over base rate Base rate increase designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis Base rate increase designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis Revenues Realized Revenues Realized Revenues realized Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges capped percentage Infrastructure Rehabilitation Surcharges Capped Percentage Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges, capped percentage Infrastructure Rehabilitation Surcharge Percentage, Reset Level Upon New Base Rates Infrastructure Rehabilitation Surcharge Percentage, Reset Level Upon New Base Rates Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharge percentage, reset level upon new base rates Infrastructure Rehabilitation Surcharges Infrastructure Rehabilitation Surcharges Infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Other And Eliminations [Member] Other And Eliminations [Member] Other And Eliminations [Member] Interest expense, net of AFUDC which represents capitalized costs used to finance the construction of utility plants. Interest expense, net Other Nonoperating Income Other Nonoperating Expense Other Nonoperating Expense Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries Dividends paid to parent by wholly-owned subsidiaries Accounts receivable - affiliates Accounts receivable - affiliates Notes Receivable, Related Parties Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Notes receivable - affiliates Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent Deferred income tax asset Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment in subsidiaries Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Accounts payable - affiliates Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Other Operating Income Other income Other Cost and Expense, Operating Operating expense and other expenses Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Payments to Acquire Oil and Gas Property and Equipment Acquisition of natural gas system and other, net (Increase) decrease in investment of subsidiary. Increase decrease in investment of subsidiary Decrease (increase) in investment of subsidiary Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Natural Gas Utility [Member] Natural Gas Utility [Member] Natural Gas Utility [Member] Deferred Compensation Plan [Member] Deferred Compensation Plan [Member] Deferred Compensation Plan [Member] Prepaid Pension [Member] Prepaid Pension [Member] Prepaid Pension [Member] Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Assets [Member] Other Post Retirement Benefit Plan Assets [Member] Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Assets [Member] D [E] Delaware [Member] Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania [Member] Beaver Falls Pennsylvania [Member] Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania [Member] Shenandoah Borough, Pennsylvania [Member] Shenandoah Borough Pennsylvania [Member] Shenandoah Borough, Pennsylvania [Member] Oak Brook, Illinois [Member] Oak Brook Illinois [Member] Oak Brook, Illinois [Member] Harris County, Texas [Member] Harris County Texas [Member] Harris County, Texas [Member] Kankakee County, Illinois [Member] Kankakee County Illinois [Member] Kankakee County, Illinois [Member] Oaks Water System [Member] Oaks Water System [Member] Oaks Water System [Member] Amounts Previously Recognized [Member] Amounts Previously Recognized [Member] Amounts Previously Recognized [Member] Measurement Period Adjustments [Member] Measurement Period Adjustments [Member] Measurement Period Adjustments [Member] Regulatory Liability [Axis] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Catch-Up Adjustment [Member] Catch Up Adjustment [Member] Catch-Up Adjustment [Member] Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation Category Of Goods Or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Public Utilities Inventory Fuel [Member] Public Utilities, Inventory, Fuel [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Additional [Member] Additional [Member] Additional [Member] Restriction Free [Member] Restriction Free [Member] Restriction Free [Member] Transfer Agent [Member] Transfer Agents [Member] Transfer Agents [Member] Expected Issue Date [Member] Expected Issue Date [Member] Expected Issue Date [Member] K [Y] Kentucky [Member] All Other Segments [Member] Other Segments [Member]