Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$ 1.57

$ 1.61

$ 1.42

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share

$ 1.57

$ 1.61

$ 1.41

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (in shares)

$ 1.57

$ 1.61

$ 1.41

38,658

38,639

37,998

Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares (in shares)

38,880

38,869

38,262

Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)

$ 0.831

$ 0.76

$ 0.635

GSWC

Operating Revenues

Water

326,672

320,131

305,898

Electric

34,387

38,409

37,033

Total operating revenues

361,059

358,540

342,931

Operating Expenses

Water purchased

57,790

58,930

54,010

Power purchased for pumping

10,700

9,518

8,355

Groundwater production assessment

16,450

15,541

14,732

Power purchased for resale

9,649

13,392

12,120

Supply cost balancing accounts

6,346

214

11,709

Other operation

25,548

25,110

26,938

Administrative and general

65,814

64,645

60,139

Depreciation and amortization

39,854

38,952

40,197

Maintenance

13,945

15,823

14,356

Property and other taxes

15,221

14,072

13,835

Net gain on sale of property

(65)

Total operating expenses

261,317

256,197

256,326

Operating Income

99,742

102,343

86,605

Other Income and Expenses

Interest expense

(21,524)

(22,287)

(22,609)

Interest income

894

615

1,293

Other, net

751

1,105

431

Total other income and expenses

(19,879)

(20,567)

(20,885)

Income from operations before income tax expense

79,863

81,776

65,720

Income tax expense

32,006

33,134

26,500

Net Income

$ 47,857

$ 48,642

$ 39,220

[1]	Depreciation computed on GSWC’s transportation equipment is recorded in other operating expenses and totaled $678,000, $877,000 and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	GSWC	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member] GSWC	Earnings Reinvested in the Business	Earnings Reinvested in the Business GSWC
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 408,666	$ 384,806	$ 233,306	$ 228,936	$ 175,360	$ 155,870
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011			37,578,000	146
Add:
Net Income	54,148	39,220			54,148	39,220
Issuance of Common Shares	13,295		13,295
Issuance of Common Shares (in shares)	77,038		896,000
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	819,400
Tax benefit from employee stock-based awards	890	895	890	895
Compensation on stock-based awards	1,710	1,536	1,710	1,536
Dividend equivalent rights on stock-based awards not paid in cash	121	113	121	113
Deduct:
Dividends on Common Shares	24,130	10,200			24,130	10,200
Dividend equivalent rights on stock-based awards	121	113			121	113
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	454,579	416,257	249,322	231,480	205,257	184,777
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			38,474,000	146
Add:
Net Income	62,686	48,642			62,686	48,642
Issuance of Common Shares		943		943
Issuance of Common Shares (in shares)	114,821
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	131,448
Exercise of stock options and other issuance of Common Shares	2,111		2,111
Exercise of stock options and other issuance of Common Shares (in shares)			247,000
Tax benefit from employee stock-based awards	1,026		1,026
Compensation on stock-based awards	1,362	1,171	1,362	1,171
Dividend equivalent rights on stock-based awards not paid in cash	140	127	140	127
Deduct:
Dividends on Common Shares	29,360	29,400			29,360	29,400
Dividend equivalent rights on stock-based awards	140	127			140	127
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	492,404	437,613	253,961	233,721	238,443	203,892
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			38,721,000	146
Add:
Net Income	61,058	47,857			61,058	47,857
Issuance of Common Shares (in shares)	74,145
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	37,006
Exercise of stock options and other issuance of Common Shares	589		589
Exercise of stock options and other issuance of Common Shares (in shares)			111,000
Tax benefit from employee stock-based awards	533	514	533	514
Compensation on stock-based awards	1,508	1,206	1,508	1,206
Dividend equivalent rights on stock-based awards not paid in cash	197	166	197	166
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares			545,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	17,180		3,589		13,591
Deduct:
Dividends on Common Shares	32,111	52,000			32,111	52,000
Dividend equivalent rights on stock-based awards	197	166			197	166
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 506,801	$ 435,190	$ 253,199	$ 235,607	$ 253,602	$ 199,583
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			38,287,000	146

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 61,058,000	$ 62,686,000	$ 54,148,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	41,751,000	40,967,000	43,234,000
Net gain on sale of property	(55,000)	(2,000)	(68,000)
Provision for doubtful accounts	991,000	1,145,000	1,710,000
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits	32,316,000	16,112,000	15,087,000
Stock-based compensation expense	2,222,000	2,009,000	1,931,000
Impairment and other charges	0	0	416,000
Other - net	55,000	(438,000)	(35,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable - customers	3,979,000	(5,306,000)	(1,773,000)
Unbilled revenue	(3,279,000)	(974,000)	3,233,000
Other accounts receivable	1,029,000	2,503,000	5,416,000
Receivables from the U.S. government	397,000	5,799,000	(5,321,000)
Materials and supplies	970,000	790,000	(2,278,000)
Prepayments and other current assets	(264,000)	1,910,000	(432,000)
Other assets (including other regulatory assets)	27,622,000	12,758,000	(8,430,000)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	6,568,000	(15,192,000)	(3,075,000)
Accounts payable	(1,622,000)	1,815,000	4,300,000
Income taxes receivable/payable	(11,648,000)	7,329,000	4,169,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	4,884,000	(5,720,000)	(17,673,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations	(2,356,000)	4,396,000	5,954,000
Other liabilities	(1,348,000)	3,124,000	981,000
Net cash provided	163,270,000	135,711,000	101,494,000
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(72,553,000)	(97,379,000)	(68,104,000)
Payments to Acquire Investments	(1,568,000)	(1,408,000)	0
Proceeds from sale of property	62,000	12,000	68,000
Net cash used	(74,059,000)	(98,775,000)	(68,036,000)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Shares and Stock Option Exercises	589,000	2,111,000	13,295,000
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	(17,180,000)	0	0
Tax benefits from exercise of stock-based awards	533,000	1,026,000	890,000
Receipt of advances for and contributions in aid of construction	7,598,000	12,133,000	9,647,000
Refunds on advances for construction	(3,469,000)	(3,711,000)	(3,614,000)
Retirement or repayments of long-term debt	(21,287,000)	(3,474,000)	(8,303,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs	14,846,000	60,000	3,408,000
Net change in notes payable to banks	0	0	(2,000,000)
Dividends paid	(32,111,000)	(29,360,000)	(24,130,000)
Other	(968,000)	(981,000)	(480,000)
Net cash provided (used)	(51,449,000)	(22,196,000)	(11,287,000)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	37,762,000	14,740,000	22,171,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	38,226,000	23,486,000	1,315,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	75,988,000	38,226,000	23,486,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Income	47,857,000	48,642,000	39,220,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	40,532,000	39,829,000	42,046,000
Net gain on sale of property	0	0	(65,000)
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,054,000	1,056,000	1,668,000
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits	34,352,000	16,051,000	14,713,000
Stock-based compensation expense	1,748,000	1,647,000	1,667,000
Impairment and other charges	0	0	416,000
Other - net	(12,000)	(333,000)	(107,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable - customers	3,979,000	(5,306,000)	(1,773,000)
Unbilled revenue	819,000	(2,405,000)	1,108,000
Other accounts receivable	670,000	3,251,000	1,717,000
Materials and supplies	(932,000)	385,000	(318,000)
Prepayments and other current assets	(289,000)	1,944,000	(452,000)
Other assets (including other regulatory assets)	27,258,000	14,715,000	(8,347,000)
Accounts payable	(1,676,000)	2,916,000	(2,331,000)
Inter-company receivable/payable	219,000	1,790,000	277,000
Income taxes receivable/payable from/to Parent	(19,876,000)	6,738,000	3,472,000
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations	(2,356,000)	4,396,000	5,954,000
Other liabilities	(664,000)	2,854,000	1,035,000
Net cash provided	132,683,000	138,170,000	99,900,000
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(70,888,000)	(96,705,000)	(66,831,000)
Origination of Notes Receivable from Related Parties	(8,300,000)	(18,236,000)	0
Repayment of Notes Receivable from Related Parties	8,800,000	17,736,000	0
Proceeds from sale of property	(1,568,000)	(1,408,000)	65,000
Net cash used	(71,956,000)	(98,613,000)	(66,766,000)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Tax benefits from exercise of stock-based awards	514,000	943,000	895,000
Receipt of advances for and contributions in aid of construction	7,598,000	12,133,000	9,647,000
Refunds on advances for construction	(3,469,000)	(3,711,000)	(3,614,000)
Retirement or repayments of long-term debt	(21,287,000)	(3,474,000)	(8,303,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs	14,846,000	60,000	3,408,000
Net change in inter-company borrowings	0	0	(2,000,000)
Dividends paid	(52,000,000)	(29,400,000)	(10,200,000)
Other	(799,000)	(811,000)	(389,000)
Net cash provided (used)	(54,597,000)	(24,260,000)	(10,556,000)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,130,000	15,297,000	22,578,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	37,875,000	22,578,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 44,005,000	$ 37,875,000	$ 22,578,000

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations: American States Water Company (“AWR”) is the parent company of Golden State Water Company (“GSWC”) and American States Utility Services, Inc. (“ASUS”) (and its subsidiaries, Fort Bliss Water Services Company (“FBWS”), Terrapin Utility Services, Inc. (“TUS”), Old Dominion Utility Services, Inc. (“ODUS”), Palmetto State Utility Services, Inc. (“PSUS”) and Old North Utility Services, Inc. (“ONUS”)). AWR and its subsidiaries may be collectively referred to herein as “Registrant” or “the Company.” The subsidiaries of ASUS may be individually referred to herein as a "Military Utility Privatization Subsidiary" and collectively referred to herein as the “Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries.”

GSWC is a public utility engaged principally in the purchase, production, distribution and sale of water in California serving approximately 258,000 customers. GSWC also distributes electricity in several San Bernardino County Mountain communities in California serving approximately 24,000 electric customers through its Bear Valley Electric Service (“BVES”) division. Although Registrant has a diversified base of residential, industrial and other customers, revenues derived from commercial and residential water customers accounted for approximately 90% of total water revenues in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) regulates GSWC’s water and electric business, in matters including properties, rates, services, facilities and other matters, and transactions by GSWC with its affiliates. AWR’s assets and operating income are primarily those of GSWC.

ASUS, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, operates, maintains and performs construction activities (including renewal and replacement capital work) on water and/or wastewater systems at various United States military bases pursuant to 50-year firm fixed-price contracts. These contracts are subject to periodic price redeterminations and modifications for changes in circumstances and changes in laws and regulations.

There is no direct regulatory oversight by the CPUC over AWR or the operations, rates or services provided by ASUS or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are being presented in a combined report being filed by two separate Registrants: AWR and GSWC. References in this report to “Registrant” are to AWR and GSWC, collectively, unless otherwise specified. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 financial statement presentation.

The consolidated financial statements of AWR include the accounts of AWR and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in the AWR consolidated financial statements.

On May 20, 2013, AWR's Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of the Company's Common Shares. In September 2013, shareholders of record received one additional share for each AWR Common Share they owned. This two-for-one stock split was retroactively applied to the historical financial statements.

Related Party Transactions: GSWC and ASUS provide and receive various support services to and from their parent, AWR, and among themselves. GSWC also allocates certain corporate office administrative and general costs to its affiliate, ASUS, using allocation factors approved by the CPUC. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, GSWC allocated to ASUS approximately $2.7 million, $2.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of corporate office administrative and general costs. In addition, AWR has a $100.0 million syndicated credit facility. AWR borrows under this facility and provides funds to its subsidiaries, including GSWC, in support of their operations. The interest rate charged to GSWC and ASUS is sufficient to cover AWR’s interest cost under the credit facility. Amounts owed to GSWC by its parent, AWR, or for allocated expenses are included in inter-company receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

In May 2013, AWR issued an interest bearing promissory note (the "Note") to GSWC for $20.0 million which expires on May 23, 2018. Under the terms of the Note, AWR may borrow from GSWC amounts up to $20.0 million for working capital purposes. As of December 31, 2014, there were no amounts outstanding under this Note.

AWR owns all of the outstanding Common Shares of GSWC and ASUS. ASUS owns all of the outstanding Common Stock of the Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries.

Utility Accounting: Registrant’s accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), including the accounting principles for rate-regulated enterprises, which reflect the ratemaking policies of the CPUC and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. GSWC has incurred various costs and received various credits reflected as regulatory assets and liabilities. Accounting for such costs and credits as regulatory assets and liabilities is in accordance with the guidance for accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation. This guidance sets forth the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for those companies whose rates are established by or are subject to approval by an independent third-party regulator.

Under such accounting guidance, rate regulated entities defer costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that those costs and credits will be recognized in the ratemaking process in a period different from the period in which they would have been reflected in income by an unregulated company. These regulatory

assets and liabilities are then recognized in the income statement in the period in which the same amounts are reflected in the rates charged for service. The amounts included as regulatory assets and liabilities that will be collected over a period exceeding one year are classified as long-term assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Property and Depreciation: GSWC capitalizes, as utility plant, the cost of construction and the cost of additions, betterments and replacements of retired units of property. Such cost includes labor, material and certain indirect charges. Water systems acquired are recorded at estimated original cost of utility plant when first devoted to utility service and the applicable accumulated depreciation is recorded to accumulated depreciation. The difference between the estimated original cost, less accumulated depreciation, and the purchase price, if recognized by the regulator, is recorded as an acquisition adjustment within utility plant.

Depreciation is computed on the straight-line, remaining-life basis, group method, based on depreciable plant in accordance with the applicable ratemaking process. GSWC's provision for depreciation expressed as a percentage of the aggregate depreciable asset balances was 3.2% for 2014, 3.4% for 2013 and 3.7% for 2012. Depreciation computed on GSWC’s transportation equipment is recorded in other operating expenses and totaled $678,000, $877,000 and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Replaced or retired property costs, including cost of removal, are charged to the accumulated provision for depreciation. Property owned and depreciation recorded by ASUS and its subsidiaries are not material to Registrant’s financial statements.

Estimated useful lives of GSWC’s utility plant, as authorized by the CPUC, are as follows:



	Source of water supply		30 years to 50 years
	Pumping		25 years to 40 years
	Water treatment		20 years to 35 years
	Transmission and distribution		25 years to 55 years
	Generation		40 years
	Other plant		7 years to 40 years

Asset Retirement Obligations: GSWC has a legal obligation for the retirement of its wells, which by law need to be properly capped at the time of removal. As such, GSWC incurs asset retirement obligations. GSWC records the fair value of a liability for these asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, GSWC capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, GSWC either settles the obligation for its recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss upon settlement. Retirement costs have historically been recovered through rates subsequent to the retirement costs being incurred. Accordingly, GSWC’s asset retirement obligations are reflected as a regulatory asset. GSWC also reflects the gain or loss at settlement as a regulatory asset or liability on the balance sheet.

With regards to removal costs associated with certain other long-lived assets, such as water mains, distribution and transmission assets, asset retirement obligations have not been recognized as GSWC believes that it will not be obligated to retire these assets. There are no CPUC rules or regulations that require GSWC to remove any of its other long-lived assets. In addition, GSWC’s water pipelines are not subject to regulation by any federal regulatory agency. GSWC has franchise agreements with various municipalities in order to use the public right of way for utility purposes (i.e., operate water distribution and transmission assets), and if certain events occur in the future, could be required to remove or relocate certain of its pipelines. However, it is not possible to estimate an asset retirement amount since the timing and the amount of assets that may be required to be removed, if any, is not known.

Amounts recorded for asset retirement obligations are subject to various assumptions and determinations, such as determining whether a legal obligation exists to remove assets, and estimating the fair value of the costs of removal, when final removal will occur and the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rates to be utilized on discounting future liabilities. Changes that may arise over time with regard to these assumptions will change amounts recorded in the future. Estimating the fair value of the costs of removal were determined based on third party costs.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable in accordance with accounting guidance for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. Registrant would recognize an impairment loss on its regulated assets only if the carrying value amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable from customer rates authorized by the CPUC. Impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value over the amounts recovered in customer rates. During the year ended December 31, 2012, a $416,000 impairment loss was recorded in operating expenses as a result of the disallowance of certain capital costs by the CPUC. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, no impairment loss was recorded.

Goodwill: At December 31, 2014 and 2013, AWR had approximately $1.1 million of goodwill. The $1.1 million goodwill arose from ASUS’s acquisition of a subcontractor’s business. In accordance with the accounting guidance for testing goodwill, AWR annually assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For 2014, AWR’s assessment of qualitative factors did not indicate that an impairment had occurred for the goodwill amount of $1.1 million at ASUS.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include short-term cash investments with an original maturity of three months or less. At times, cash and cash equivalent balances may be in excess of federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are held with financial institutions with high credit standings.

Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable is reported on the balance sheet net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is Registrant’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in Registrant’s existing accounts receivable from its water and electric customers, and is determined based on historical write-off experience and the aging of account balances. Registrant reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balances are written off against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. When utility customers request extended payment terms, credit is extended based on regulatory guidelines, and collateral is not required. Other accounts receivable consist of amounts due from third parties (non-utility customers) for various reasons, including amounts due from contractors, amounts due under settlement agreements, and amounts due from the U.S. government or other third-party prime government contractors pursuant to contracts or modifications thereto or agreements to operate and maintain, and/or provide construction services for the water and/or wastewater systems at military bases. The allowance for these other accounts receivable is based on Registrant’s evaluation of the receivable portfolio under current conditions and a review of specific problems and such other factors that, in Registrant’s judgment, should be considered in estimating losses. Allowances for doubtful accounts are disclosed in Note 17.

Materials and Supplies: Materials and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using average cost.

Interest: Interest incurred during the construction of capital assets has generally not been capitalized for financial reporting purposes as such policy is not followed in the ratemaking process. Interest expense is generally recovered through the regulatory process. However, the CPUC has authorized certain capital projects to be filed for revenue recovery with advice letters when those projects are completed. During the time that such projects are under development and construction, GSWC may accrue an allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) on the incurred expenditures to offset the cost of financing project construction. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, GSWC recorded $24,000, $270,000 and $299,000, respectively, of AFUDC related to these capital projects based on a weighted cost of capital of 8.64% as approved by the CPUC.

Water and Electric Operating Revenues: GSWC records water and electric utility operating revenues when the service is provided to customers. Revenues include amounts billed to customers on a cycle basis based on meter reading for services provided and unbilled revenues representing estimated amounts to be billed for usage from the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting period. The unbilled revenues are based on historic customer usage to estimate unbilled usage. Flat-rate customers are billed in advance at the beginning of the service period. Revenue from flat-rate customers is deferred and adjustments are calculated to determine the revenue related to the applicable period.

Alternative-Revenue Programs: As authorized by the CPUC, GSWC records in revenues the difference between the adopted level of volumetric revenues as authorized by the CPUC for metered accounts (volumetric revenues) and the actual volumetric revenues recovered in customer rates. If this difference results in an under-collection of revenues, GSWC records the additional revenue only to the extent that they are expected to be collected within 24 months following the year in which they are recorded in accordance with the accounting guidance for alternative-revenue programs.

Contracted Services Revenues: Revenues from ASUS contract operations and maintenance agreements are recognized on a monthly basis when services have been rendered to the customers under such agreements. Revenues from firm, fixed-price construction contracts are recognized based on the percentage-of-completion and cost-plus methods of accounting. In accordance with GAAP, revenue recognition under these methods require ASUS to estimate the progress toward completion on a contract in terms of efforts (such as costs incurred) or, in the case of the percentage of completion method, in terms of results achieved (such as units constructed). These approaches are used because management considers them to be the best available measure of progress on these contracts. Revenues from cost-plus-profit contracts of ASUS are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus the profit earned, measured by the cost-to-cost method. Unbilled receivables from the U.S. government represent amounts to be billed for construction work completed and/or for services rendered pursuant to the 50-year contracts with the U.S government, which are not presently billable but which will be billed under the terms of those contracts.

Construction costs for ASUS include all direct material and labor costs charged by subcontractors and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, and tools. The factors considered in including such costs in revenues and expenses are that ASUS and/or its subsidiaries: (i) are the primary obligor in these arrangements with the U.S. government and the third party prime contractors; (ii) have latitude in establishing pricing, and (iii) bear credit risk in the collection of receivables. Administrative and general costs are charged to expense as incurred. Precontract costs for ASUS, which consist of design and engineering labor costs, are deferred if they are probable of recovery and are expensed as incurred if they are not probable of recovery. Deferred precontract costs have been immaterial to date. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.

Changes in job performance, job conditions, change orders and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions, and final contract settlements may result in revisions to costs and income for ASUS and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.

The asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts,” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized. Amounts expected to be earned/collected in the next 12-months have been classified as current.

Debt Issuance Costs and Redemption Premiums: Original debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the respective issues. Premiums paid on the early redemption of debt, which is reacquired through refunding, are deferred and amortized over the life of the debt issued to finance the refunding as Registrant normally receives recovery of these costs in rates.

Advances for Construction and Contributions in Aid of Construction: Advances for construction represent amounts advanced by developers for the cost to construct water system facilities in order to extend water service to their properties. Advances are generally refundable in equal annual installments, generally over 40 years. In certain instances, GSWC makes refunds on these advances over a specific period of time based on operating revenues related to the main or as new customers are connected to receive service from the main. Utility plant funded by advances and contributions is excluded from rate base. Generally, GSWC depreciates contributed property and amortizes contributions in aid of construction at the composite rate of the related property. Contributions in aid of construction are similar to advances, but require no refunding.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt, the carrying amount is assumed to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the amounts. The table below estimates the fair value of long-term debt issued by GSWC. Rates available to GSWC at December 31, 2014 and 2013 for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities were used to estimate fair value for long-term debt. Changes in the assumptions will produce differing results.



	2014				2013
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Long-term debt—GSWC	$	326,090	$	417,057	$	332,377	$	412,590

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements applies to all financial assets and financial liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. Under the accounting guidance, GSWC makes fair value measurements that are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, or

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

Publicly issued notes, private placement notes and other long-term debt are measured using current U.S. corporate bond yields for similar debt instruments and are classified as Level 2. The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, GSWC’s long-term debt measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014:



(dollars in thousands)	Level 1	Level 2		Level 3	Total
Long-term debt—GSWC	—	$	417,057	—	$	417,057

Stock Awards: AWR has issued stock awards to its employees under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, or 2000 employee plan, and the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, or 2008 employee plan, and to directors under the 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, or 2003 directors plan, and the 2013 Non-Employee Directors Plan, or 2013 directors plan. Registrant applies the provisions in the accounting guidance for share-based payments in accounting for all of its stock-based awards. See Note 12 for further discussion.

Sales and Use Taxes: GSWC bills certain sales and use taxes levied by state or local governments to its customers. Included in these sales and use taxes are franchise fees, which GSWC pays to various municipalities (based on ordinances adopted by these municipalities) in order to use public right of way for utility purposes. GSWC bills these franchise fees to its customers based on a CPUC-authorized rate for each rate-making area as applicable. These franchise fees, which are required to be paid regardless of GSWC’s ability to collect from the customer, are accounted for on a gross basis. GSWC’s franchise fees billed to customers and recorded as operating revenue were approximately $3.7 million, $3.6 million and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. When GSWC acts as an agent, and the tax is not required to be remitted if it is not collected from the customer, the taxes are accounted for on a net basis.

Depending on the state in which the operations are conducted, ASUS and its subsidiaries are also subject to certain state non-income tax assessments generally computed on a “gross receipts” or “gross revenues” basis. These non-income tax assessments are required to be paid regardless of whether the subsidiary is reimbursed by the U.S. government for these assessments under its 50-year contracts. The non-income tax assessments are accounted for on a gross basis and totaled $490,000, $864,000 and $717,000 during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. Under this guidance, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what the entity expects in exchange for the goods or services. This guidance also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early application is not permitted. The guidance allows entities to select one or two methods of adoption, either the full retrospective approach, meaning the guidance would be applied to all periods presented, or modified retrospective approach, meaning the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2017, along with providing certain additional disclosures. Registrant will adopt this guidance in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017. Management has not yet selected a transition method nor has determined the effect of the standard on the Company's ongoing financial reporting.

Regulatory Matters

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Regulated Operations [Abstract]

Regulatory Matters

In accordance with accounting principles for rate-regulated enterprises, Registrant records regulatory assets, which represent probable future recovery of costs from customers through the ratemaking process, and regulatory liabilities, which represent probable future refunds that are to be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. At December 31, 2014, Registrant had approximately $67.5 million of regulatory assets, net of regulatory liabilities, not accruing carrying costs. Of this amount, $40.7 million relates to the underfunded positions of the pension and other post-retirement obligations, $3.3 million relates to a memorandum account authorized by the CPUC to track unrealized gains and losses on GSWC’s purchase power contracts over the life of the contract, and $17.6 million relates to deferred income taxes representing accelerated tax benefits flowed through to customers, which will be included in rates concurrently with recognition of the associated future tax expense. The remainder relates to other items that do not provide for or incur carrying costs.

Regulatory assets are offset against regulatory liabilities within each rate-making area. Amounts expected to be collected or refunded in the next 12-months have been classified as current assets and current liabilities by rate-making area. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC has a total of $125.7 million in net regulatory assets, of which $5.5 million have been included in “Other Current Liabilities”. Regulatory assets, less regulatory liabilities, included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:



	December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
GSWC
Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism, net of Modified Cost Balancing Account	$	9,369		$	16,345
Base Revenue Requirement Adjustment Mechanism	7,761			8,725
Costs deferred for future recovery on Aerojet case	13,629			14,763
Pensions and other post-retirement obligations (Note 11)	43,426			20,241
Derivative unrealized loss (Note 4)	3,339			—
Flow-through taxes, net (Note 10)	17,612			16,189
Low income rate assistance balancing accounts	9,109			9,979
General rate case memorandum accounts	4,731			15,645
Other regulatory assets	17,487			25,086
Various refunds to customers	(759		)	(4,292		)
Total	$	125,704		$	122,681

Alternative-Revenue Programs:

Under the Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (“WRAM”), GSWC records the difference between the adopted level of volumetric revenues as authorized by the CPUC for metered accounts (adopted volumetric revenues) and the actual volumetric revenues recovered in customer rates. While the WRAM tracks volumetric-based revenues, the revenue requirements approved by the CPUC include service charges, flat rate charges, and other items that are not subject to the WRAM. The adopted volumetric revenues consider the seasonality of consumption of water based upon historical averages. The variance between adopted volumetric revenues and actual billed volumetric revenues for metered accounts is recorded as a component of revenue with an offsetting entry to an asset or liability balancing account (tracked individually for each rate making area). The variance amount may be positive or negative and represents amounts that will be billed or refunded to customers in the future. The WRAM only applies to customer classes with conservation rates in place. Currently, the majority of GSWC’s water customers have conservation rate structures.

Under the Modified Cost Balancing Account (“MCBA”), GSWC tracks adopted expense levels for purchased water, purchased power and pump taxes, as established by the CPUC. Variances (which include the effects of changes in both rate and volume) between adopted and actual purchased water, purchased power, and pump tax expenses are recorded as a component of the MCBA to be recovered from or refunded to GSWC’s customers at a later date. This is reflected with an offsetting entry to an asset or liability balancing account (tracked individually for each rate-making area). Unlike the WRAM, the MCBA applies to all customer classes.

The recovery or refund of the WRAM is netted against the MCBA over- or under-collection for the corresponding rate-making area and is interest bearing at the current 90-day commercial paper rate. During the year ended December 31, 2014, surcharges of $14.3 million were billed to customers to decrease previously incurred under-collections in the pre-2014 WRAM, net of MCBA accounts. During the year ended December 31, 2014, GSWC recorded an additional $7.4 million under-collection in the WRAM account, net of the MCBA. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC has a net aggregated regulatory asset of $9.4 million, which is comprised of a $10.5 million under-collection in the WRAM accounts and $1.1 million over-collection in the MCBA accounts.

As required by the accounting guidance for alternative revenue programs, GSWC is required to collect its WRAM, net of its MCBA, within 24 months following the year in which an under-collection is recorded. In April 2012, the CPUC issued a final decision which, among other things, sets the recovery period for under-collected balances that are up to 15% of adopted annual revenues at 18 months or less. For under-collected balances greater than 15%, the recovery period is 19 to 36 months. As of December 31, 2014, the recovery periods for the majority of GSWC's WRAM/MCBA balances were primarily within the 12 to 18 month period. In addition to adopting an amortization schedule, the final decision sets a cap on total net WRAM/MCBA surcharges in any given calendar year of 10% of the last authorized revenue requirement. This cap has not impacted any WRAM/MCBA recoveries to-date. Surcharges are currently in place to recover the WRAM/MCBA balances for 2013.

For BVES, the CPUC approved the Base Revenue Requirement Adjustment Mechanism ("BRRAM") which adjusts certain revenues to adopted levels. In November 2014, the CPUC issued a final decision on BVES's general rate case, setting rates and adopted revenues for years 2013 through 2016. As a result of this decision, GSWC filed with the CPUC for recovery of the 2013 BRRAM under-collection of $2.3 million to be collected over 24 months.

Costs Deferred for Future Recovery:

The CPUC authorized a memorandum account to allow for the recovery of costs incurred by GSWC related to contamination lawsuits brought against Aerojet and the state of California. In July 2005, the CPUC authorized GSWC to recover approximately $21.3 million of the Aerojet litigation memorandum account, through a rate surcharge, which will continue for no longer than 20 years. Beginning in October 2005, a surcharge went into effect to begin amortizing the memorandum account over a 20-year period.

Aerojet also agreed to reimburse GSWC $17.5 million, plus interest accruing from January 1, 2004, for GSWC’s past legal and expert costs, which is included in the Aerojet litigation memorandum account. The reimbursement of the $17.5 million is contingent upon the issuance of land use approvals for development in a defined area within Aerojet property in Eastern Sacramento County and the receipt of certain fees in connection with such development. It is management’s intention to offset any proceeds from the housing development by Aerojet in this area against the balance in this litigation memorandum account.

At this time, management believes the full balance of the Aerojet litigation memorandum account will be collected either from customers or Aerojet.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Obligations:

A regulatory asset has been recorded at December 31, 2014 and 2013 for the costs that would otherwise be charged to “other comprehensive income” within shareholders’ equity for the underfunded status of Registrant’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans because the cost of these plans has historically been recovered through rates. As discussed in Note 11, as of December 31, 2014, Registrant’s underfunded position for these plans that have been recorded as a regulatory asset totaled $40.7 million. Registrant expects this regulatory asset to be recovered through rates in future periods.

The May 2013 CPUC decision in the water general rate case authorized GSWC to continue using a two-way balancing account for its three water regions and the general office to track differences between the forecasted annual pension expenses adopted in rates and the actual annual expense to be recorded by GSWC in accordance with the accounting guidance for pension costs. In November 2014, as part of the BVES general rate case decision, the CPUC also authorized the use of a balancing account for the electric segment. The two-way balancing accounts are interest bearing at the current 90-day commercial paper rate. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC has a net $2.7 million under-collection in the two-way pension balancing accounts, consisting of a $2.8 million under-collection related to the general office and water regions, and a $124,000 over-collection related to BVES. As authorized in the CPUC's final decision on the water rate case, GSWC implemented a twelve-month surcharge in 2013 to recover balances in the water two-way balancing account. Surcharges totaling $748,000 and $1.2 million were billed to customers during 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Low Income Balancing Accounts:

This regulatory asset reflects primarily the costs of implementing and administering the California Alternate Rates for Water program in GSWC’s water regions and the California Alternate Rate for Energy program in GSWC’s BVES division. These programs mandated by the CPUC provide a discount of a fixed dollar amount which is intended to represent a 15% discount based on a typical customer bill for qualified low-income water customers and 20% for qualified low-income electric customers. GSWC accrues interest on its low income balancing accounts at the prevailing rate for 90-day commercial paper. As of December 31, 2014, there is an aggregate $9.1 million under-collection in the low income balancing accounts. Surcharges have been implemented to recover the costs included in these balancing accounts.

General Rate Case Memorandum Accounts:

The balance in the general rate case memorandum accounts represents the revenue differences between interim rates and final rates authorized by the CPUC due to delays in receiving decisions on various general rate case applications. As of December 31, 2014, there is an aggregate $4.7 million in the general rate case memorandum accounts, $4.1 million of which relates to retroactive rate increases resulting from the 2010 water general rate case, and $617,000 of which is for the general rate case approved by the CPUC in May 2013. Surcharges ranging from 12 to 24 months, with the majority being 12 months, were implemented during the third quarter of 2013 to recover the retroactive adopted revenues related to the May 2013 CPUC decision. Unrecovered amounts will be addressed in a future rate case or other filing.

Other Regulatory Assets:

Other regulatory assets represent costs incurred by GSWC for which it has received or expects to receive rate recovery in the future. In determining the probability of costs being recovered in future periods, GSWC considers regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts or circumstances that would indicate if recovery is probable. If the CPUC determines that a portion of GSWC’s regulatory assets are no longer recoverable in customer rates, GSWC would need to determine if it has suffered an asset impairment that would require a write-down in the assets’ valuation.

Other Regulatory Matters:

Procurement Audits:

In December 2011, the CPUC issued a final decision adopting a settlement between GSWC and the CPUC on its investigation of certain work orders and charges paid to a specific contractor used previously for numerous construction projects primarily in one of GSWC’s three main geographic water regions. As part of the settlement reached with the CPUC on this matter, GSWC agreed to be subject to three separate independent audits of its procurement practices over a period of 10 years from the date the settlement was approved by the CPUC. The audits cover GSWC’s procurement practices for contracts with other contractors from 1994 forward. The first audit started in 2014 and covers almost a 20-year period from January 1, 1994 through September 30, 2013.

In December 2014, the accounting firm engaged by the CPUC to conduct the first audit provided its draft report to GSWC for comments. The draft report provides details on the accounting firm's findings and corresponding recommendations. The report asserts that GSWC had not complied, in all material respects, with the CPUC’s requirements and GSWC's procurement policies during the period from 1994 to 2006. Subsequent to 2006, except for certain instances of alleged noncompliance, GSWC was found to be in compliance, in all material respects, with the CPUC’s requirements and GSWC’s procurement policies. The findings and corresponding recommendations in the draft report focused on, among other things, inadequate documentation to support competitive bidding procedures, change orders, and sole source justifications.

In February 2015, management provided to the auditors its responses to the draft report and for each of the findings noted by the auditors. Among other things, GSWC informed the auditors of certain factual inaccuracies in their report, asserted that GSWC has complied, in all material respects, with the CPUC’s requirements throughout the entire audit period and, has been in material compliance with its own procurement policies throughout the audit period. The auditors are finalizing their audit report in light of GSWC’s comments. After the report is finalized, GSWC will meet with the CPUC to discuss what, if any, further action is required. If the CPUC determines that GSWC has violated the CPUC’s or GSWC’s procurement policies during the 20-year audit period, the CPUC may pursue disallowances and/or penalties from GSWC in the pending rate case proceeding or in a new proceeding. GSWC likely will be given an opportunity to defend itself against any such attempt by the CPUC to pursue disallowances and/or penalties. At this time management cannot predict the final outcome of this first audit and cannot determine a possible loss or range of loss, if any, associated with any disallowances and/or penalties that may be pursued by the CPUC against GSWC.

BVES General Rate Case:

In February 2012, BVES filed its general rate case for new rates in years 2013 through 2016. On May 7, 2014, GSWC filed a settlement agreement with the CPUC covering all matters in the rate case which had been approved by all parties. On November 6, 2014, the CPUC issued its final decision, adopting the settlement agreement. The final decision, which was retroactive to January 1, 2013, did not have a significant impact on GSWC's financial statements.

Renewables Portfolio Standard:

In December 2011, a renewables portfolio standard (“RPS”) law went into effect which changed, among other things, annual procurement targets to multi-year procurement targets. In December 2012, GSWC entered into a ten-year agreement with a third party to purchase renewable energy credits (“RECs”) whereby GSWC agreed to purchase approximately 582,000 RECs over a 10 -year period which would be used towards meeting the CPUC’s RPS procurement requirements. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC has purchased sufficient RECs to be in compliance for all periods through 2014. Accordingly, no provision for loss or potential penalties has been recorded in the financial statements as of December 31, 2014. GSWC intends to file its 2014 compliance report with the CPUC by the August 2015 deadline. The cost of these RECs has been included as part of the electric supply cost balancing account as of December 31, 2014.

Cost of Capital Proceeding for Water Regions:

In July 2012, the CPUC issued a final decision on GSWC’s water cost of capital proceeding. The decision authorized, among other things, a return on equity ("ROE") of 9.99% and for GSWC to continue the Water Cost of Capital Mechanism (“WCCM”). The WCCM adjusts ROE and rate of return on rate base between the three-year cost of capital proceedings only if there is a positive or negative change of more than 100 basis points in the average of the Moody’s Aa utility bond rate as measured over the period October 1 through September 30. If the average Moody’s rate for this period changes by over 100 basis points from the benchmark, the ROE will be adjusted by one half of the difference. For the period October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012, the Moody’s rate declined by 112 basis points from the benchmark. As a result, in 2012 GSWC filed an advice letter to lower its water ROE by 56 basis points, from 9.99% to 9.43%, which was incorporated into 2013 water rates. For the period October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, the Moody’s rate increased by 30 basis points from the benchmark. As a result, GSWC's current water ROE of 9.43% remained unchanged for 2014.

GSWC was scheduled to file its next cost of capital application in March 2015 based on an extension previously granted. However, in November 2014 GSWC, along with three other Class A California water companies ("Joint Parties"), filed with the CPUC a request for further extension of the date by which each of them is required to file its 2015 Cost of Capital Application. The Joint Parties requested approval to postpone this filing date one additional year until March 31, 2016, with a corresponding effective date of January 1, 2017 in compliance with the Rate Case Plan. The Joint Parties believe that postponing the filing one year will alleviate administrative processing costs on the four Class A utilities as well as Commission staff, and provide relief for both Commission and utility resources already strained by numerous proceedings. The Joint Parties also believe that the current economic environment is such that a change from the currently adopted return on equity would be small. The CPUC approved this request in January 2015. As a result of the approval, GSWC's current authorized cost of capital will continue in effect through December 2016, and GSWC will forgo a cost of capital adjustment in 2016 in the event that the WCCM mechanism is triggered.

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets

The following table shows Registrant’s utility plant by major asset class:



	GSWC December 31,						AWR December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Water
Land	$	15,423		$	15,423		$	15,423		$	15,423
Intangible assets	34,063			34,001			34,081			34,019
Source of water supply	80,614			75,651			80,614			75,651
Pumping	155,802			147,390			155,802			147,390
Water treatment	71,519			70,947			71,519			70,947
Transmission and distribution	894,789			856,823			894,789			856,823
General	110,864			107,274			121,552			116,346
	1,363,074			1,307,509			1,373,780			1,316,599
Electric
Transmission and distribution	60,035			58,400			60,035			58,400
Generation	12,547			12,547			12,547			12,547
General (1)	9,054			8,413			9,054			8,413
	81,636			79,360			81,636			79,360

Less — accumulated depreciation	(494,000		)	(466,329		)	(500,239		)	(471,665		)
Construction work in progress	48,170			56,754			48,343			57,183
Net utility plant	$	998,880		$	977,294		$	1,003,520		$	981,477

(1) Includes intangible assets of $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 for studies performed in association with the electricity segment of the Registrant’s operations.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, intangible assets consist of the following:



	Weighted Average Amortization	GSWC December 31,						AWR December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	Period	2014			2013			2014			2013
Intangible assets:
Conservation	26 years	$	9,496		$	9,496		$	9,496		$	9,496
Water and service rights (2)	30 years	8,124			8,124			8,695			8,695
Water planning studies	13 years	17,277			17,214			17,277			17,214
Total intangible assets		34,897			34,834			35,468			35,405
Less — accumulated amortization		(24,373		)	(22,459		)	(24,456		)	(22,530		)
Intangible assets, net of amortization		$	10,524		$	12,375		$	11,012		$	12,875

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (3)		$	409		$	409		$	427		$	427

(2) Includes intangible assets of $571,000 for contracted services included in "Other Property and Investments" on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

(3) The intangible assets not subject to amortization primarily consist of organization and consent fees.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, amortization of intangible assets was $1.9 million, $1.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively, for AWR and GSWC. Estimated future consolidated amortization expenses related to intangible assets for the succeeding five years are (in thousands):



	Amortization Expense
2015	$	2,441
2016	1,605
2017	1,491
2018	1,491
2019	1,320
Total	$	8,348

There is no material difference between the consolidated operations of AWR and the operations of GSWC in regards to the future amortization expense of intangible assets.

Asset Retirement Obligations:

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amount of asset retirement obligations, which are included in “Other Credits” on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:



(dollars in thousands)	GSWC
Obligation at December 31, 2012	$	3,018
Additional liabilities incurred	11
Liabilities settled	(126		)
Accretion	192
Obligation at December 31, 2013	$	3,095
Additional liabilities incurred	6
Liabilities settled	(66		)
Accretion	199
Obligation at December 31, 2014	$	3,234

Registrant follows the accounting guidance for asset retirement obligations. Because retirement costs have historically been recovered through rates at the time of retirement, upon implementing this guidance, the cumulative effect of the adoption of the authoritative guidance was reflected as a regulatory asset.

Derivative Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

GSWC’s electric division, BVES, purchases power under long-term contracts at a fixed cost depending on the amount of power and the period during which the power is purchased under such contracts. These contracts are generally subject to the accounting guidance for derivatives and require mark-to-market derivative accounting. However, during 2014 GSWC's power purchases were based on month-to-month arrangements, as the previous long-term contract had expired in 2013. In December 2014, the CPUC approved an application that allowed GSWC to immediately execute new long-term purchased power contracts with energy providers on December 9, 2014. GSWC began taking power under these long-term contracts effective January 1, 2015 at a fixed cost over three and five year terms depending on the amount of power and period during which the power is purchased under the contracts.

The new long-term contracts executed in December 2014 are subject to the accounting guidance for derivatives and require mark-to-market derivative accounting. Among other things, the CPUC approval in December 2014 also authorized GSWC to establish a regulatory asset and liability memorandum account to offset the mark-to-market entries required by the accounting guidance. Accordingly, all unrealized gains and losses generated from the new purchased power contracts executed in December 2014 will be deferred on a monthly basis into a non-interest bearing regulatory memorandum account that tracks the changes in fair value of the derivative throughout the term of the contract. As a result, these unrealized gains and losses will not impact GSWC’s earnings. As of December 31, 2014, there was a $3.3 million unrealized loss in the memorandum account for the new purchased power contracts as a result of the recent drop in energy prices.

As previously discussed in Note 1, the accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in one of three levels. Registrant’s valuation model utilizes various inputs that include quoted market prices for energy over the duration of the contract. The market prices used to determine the fair value for this derivative instrument were estimated based on independent sources such as broker quotes and publications that are not observable in or corroborated by the market. Registrant received one broker quote to determine the fair value of its derivative instrument. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized in Level 3. Accordingly, the valuation of the derivative on Registrant’s purchased power contract has been classified as Level 3 for all periods presented.

The following table presents changes in the fair value of GSWC’s derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.



(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Balance, at beginning of the period	$	—		$	(3,060	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on purchased power contracts	(3,339		)	3,060
Balance, at end of the period	$	(3,339	)	$	—

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

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+ Details

Military Privatization

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Military Privatization

Military Privatization

Each Military Utility Privatization Subsidiary has entered into a service contract with the U.S. government to operate and maintain, as well as perform construction activities to renew and replace the water and/or wastewater systems at a military base or bases. The amounts charged by each Military Utility Privatization Subsidiary for these services are based upon the terms of the 50-year contract between the Military Utility Privatization Subsidiary and the U.S. government. Under the terms of each of these agreements, the Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries agreed to operate and maintain the water and/or wastewater systems for: (i) a monthly net fixed-price for operation and maintenance, and (ii) an amount to cover renewals and replacements. Under the terms of each of these contracts, prices are to be redetermined at the end of the initial two year period and every three years thereafter. In addition, these contracts may also include firm, fixed-priced initial capital upgrade projects to upgrade the existing infrastructure.

Prices may be equitably adjusted for changes in law and other circumstances. These adjustments can be retrospective and/or prospective. The Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries have experienced delays in obtaining price redeterminations as required by the terms of these contracts. Interim rate increases have, at times, been implemented pending the outcome of these price redeterminations. In addition, contract modifications may be issued for other necessary capital upgrades to the existing infrastructure approved by the U.S. government. Each of the contracts may be subject to termination, in whole or in part, prior to the end of the 50-year term for convenience of the U.S. government or as a result of default or nonperformance by the applicable Military Utility Privatization Subsidiary.

In September 2014, the U.S. government approved price redeterminations related to the operations at Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson and Andrews Air Force Base. ASUS received contract modifications from the U.S. government for these price redeterminations, which included retroactive operation and maintenance management fees and retroactive renewal and replacement fees for prior periods. Revenues from operation and maintenance management fees are recognized when services are rendered. Accordingly, ASUS recorded approximately $1.7 million of retroactive revenues and pretax operating income related to periods prior to 2014 in connection with these contract modifications during the third quarter of 2014. In addition, approximately $6.1 million related to renewal and replacement funds was also recorded in "billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts", which will be recognized in construction revenues (along with the related construction costs) when the work is performed.

The receivable from the U.S. government represents amounts billed to the U.S. government that have not yet been collected. Unbilled receivables from the U.S. government represent amounts to be billed for construction work completed and/or for services rendered pursuant to the 50-year contracts with the U.S government, which are not presently billable but which will be billed under the terms of those contracts.

Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts and amounts due from the U.S. government as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Revenues (costs and estimated earnings) recognized on uncompleted contracts	$	91,141		$	78,741
Less: Billings to date on uncompleted contracts	(56,114		)	(32,262		)
	$	35,027		$	46,479

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	46,763		$	53,331
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(11,736		)	(6,852		)
	$	35,027		$	46,479

Receivables from the U.S. government:
Billed receivables from the U.S. government	$	6,709		$	7,106
Unbilled receivables from the U.S. government (current)	3,689			—
Unbilled receivables from the U.S. government (non-current)	3,513			3,104
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	—			—
Total	$	13,911		$	10,210

Earnings Per Share and Capital Stock

The entire disclosure for long-term contracts or programs.

+ References+ Details

Earnings Per Share and Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

In accordance with the accounting guidance for participating securities and earnings per share (“EPS”), Registrant uses the “two-class” method of computing EPS. The “two-class” method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security. AWR has participating securities related to restricted stock units that earn dividend equivalents on an equal basis with AWR’s Common Shares that have been issued under AWR’s 2000 and 2008 employee plans and the 2003 and 2013 directors plans. In applying the “two-class” method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities.

The following is a reconciliation of Registrant’s net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding for calculating basic net income per share reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective September 3, 2013:



Basic	For The Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
Net income	$	61,058	$	62,686	$	54,148
Less: (a) Distributed earnings to common shareholders	32,125		29,366		24,129
Distributed earnings to participating securities	177		171		171
Undistributed earnings	28,756		33,149		29,848

(b) Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders	28,599		32,958		29,638
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	157		191		210
Total income available to common shareholders, basic (a)+(b)	$	60,724	$	62,324	$	53,767

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic	38,658		38,639		37,998

Basic earnings per Common Share:	$	1.57	$	1.61	$	1.42

Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of Common Shares, including both outstanding shares and shares potentially issuable in connection with stock options and restricted stock units granted under AWR’s 2000 and 2008 employee plans, and the 2003 and 2013 directors plans, and net income. At December 31, 2014, there were 222,580 stock options outstanding under these Plans. At December 31, 2014, there were also 221,302 restricted stock units outstanding including performance shares awarded to officers of the Registrant.

The following is a reconciliation of Registrant’s net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding for calculating diluted net income per share reflecting the two-for-one stock split effective September 3, 2013:



Diluted	For The Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
Common shareholders earnings, basic	$	60,724	$	62,324	$	53,767
Undistributed earnings for dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	157		191		210
Total common shareholders earnings, diluted	$	60,881	$	62,515	$	53,977

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic	38,658		38,639		37,998
Stock-based compensation (1)	222		230		264
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, diluted	38,880		38,869		38,262

Diluted earnings per Common Share	$	1.57	$	1.61	$	1.41

(1) In applying the treasury stock method of reflecting the dilutive effect of outstanding stock-based compensation in the calculation of diluted EPS, 222,580 stock options and 221,302 restricted stock units, including performance awards, at December 31, 2014 were deemed to be outstanding in accordance with accounting guidance on earnings per share.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, AWR issued Common Shares totaling 74,145, 114,821 and 77,038, respectively, under AWR’s Common Share Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”), the 2000 and 2008 employee plans and the 2003 and 2013 directors plans. As of December 31, 2014, there are 1,055,948 and 387,300 Common Shares authorized for issuance directly by AWR but unissued under the DRP and the 401(k) Plan, respectively. Shares reserved for the 401(k) Plan are in relation to AWR’s matching contributions and investment by participants. In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, AWR issued 37,006, 131,448 and 819,400 Common Shares for approximately $589,000, $2,111,000 and $13,295,000, respectively, as a result of the exercise of stock options. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, no cash proceeds received by AWR as a result of the exercise of stock options were distributed to any subsidiaries of AWR.

On March 27, 2014, AWR's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, authorizing AWR to repurchase up to 1.25 million shares of its Common Shares from time to time through June 30, 2016. Pursuant to this program, Registrant repurchased 545,218 Common Shares on the open market during the year ended December 31, 2014. The repurchase of Common Shares is restricted by California law under the same standards which apply to dividend distributions. See Note 7 (Dividend Limitations) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2012, AWR filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the sale from time to time of debt and equity securities. As of December 31, 2014, $115 million was available for issuance of additional securities under this registration statement. This Registration Statement expires in August 2015.

GSWC’s outstanding Common Shares are owned entirely by its parent, AWR. To the extent GSWC does not reimburse AWR for stock-based compensation awarded under various stock compensation plans, such amounts increase the value of GSWC’s common shareholder’s equity.

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Dividend Limitations	12 Months Ended
Dividend Limitations	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Restrictions on Dividends, Loans and Advances Disclosure [Abstract]
Dividend Limitations	Dividend Limitations GSWC is subject to contractual restrictions on its ability to pay dividends. GSWC’s maximum ability to pay dividends is restricted by certain Note Agreements to the sum of $21.0 million plus 100% of consolidated net income from various dates plus the aggregate net cash proceeds received from capital stock offerings or other instruments convertible into capital stock from various dates. Under the most restrictive of the Note Agreements, $367.7 million was available to pay dividends to AWR as of December 31, 2014. GSWC is also prohibited from paying dividends if, after giving effect to the dividend, its total indebtedness to capitalization ratio (as defined) would be more than 0.6667 to 1. Dividends in the amount of $52.0 million, $29.4 million and $10.2 million were paid to AWR by GSWC during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. ASUS paid a dividend of $6.7 million to AWR in 2012. The ability of AWR, ASUS and GSWC to pay dividends is also restricted by California law. Effective January 1, 2012, California revised the legal standards applicable to a California corporation seeking to distribute dividends. Under the revised law, AWR, GSWC and ASUS are each permitted to distribute dividends to its shareholders so long as the Board of Directors determines, in good faith, that either: (i) the value of the corporation’s assets equals or exceeds the sum of its total liabilities immediately after the dividend, or (ii) its retained earnings equals or exceeds the amount of the distribution. Under the least restrictive of the California tests, approximately $253.6 million was available to pay dividends to AWR’s shareholders at December 31, 2014. Approximately $199.6 million was available for GSWC to pay dividends to AWR at December 31, 2014. Approximately $41.3 million was available for ASUS to pay dividends to AWR at December 31, 2014.

Bank Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Bank Debt

Bank Debt

AWR has access to a syndicated credit facility which was amended on May 23, 2013 to, among other things, extend the expiration date of the syndicated credit facility to May 23, 2018, reduce the amount of interest and fees paid by AWR, and update certain representations and covenants in the credit agreement. AWR may, under the terms of the fourth amendment, elect to increase the aggregate commitment by up to an additional $50.0 million. The aggregate effective amount that may be outstanding under letters of credit is $25.0 million. AWR has obtained letters of credit, primarily for GSWC, in the aggregate amount of $11.2 million, with fees of 0.65% including: (i) a $6.7 million letter of credit representing a percentage of the outstanding American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”) funds received by GSWC for reimbursement of capital costs related to the installation of meters in GSWC’s Arden-Cordova water system; (ii) letters of credit in an aggregate amount of $340,000 as security for GSWC’s business automobile insurance policy; (iii) a letter of credit, in an amount of $585,000 as security for the purchase of power; (iv) a $15,000 irrevocable letter of credit pursuant to a franchise agreement with the City of Rancho Cordova, and (v) an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $3.6 million, pursuant to a settlement agreement with Southern California Edison Company to cover GSWC’s commitment to pay the settlement amount. Letters of credit outstanding reduce the amount that may be borrowed under the revolving credit facility. There were no compensating balances required.

Loans can be obtained at the option of AWR and bear interest at rates based on credit ratings and Euro rate margins. In July 2014, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) revised its rating outlook on AWR and GSWC from stable to positive. S&P also affirmed the ‘A+’ corporate credit rating on both AWR and GSWC. S&P debt ratings range from AAA (highest rating possible) to D (obligation is in default). In December 2014, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) affirmed its ‘A2’ rating with a stable outlook for GSWC.

At December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility. At times, AWR borrows under this facility and provides loans to its subsidiaries in support of their operations, on terms that are similar to that of the credit facility.

AWR’s short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit) for the last three years were as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Balance Outstanding at December 31,	$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest Rate at December 31,	0.82		%	0.82		%	1.41		%
Average Amount Outstanding	$	6,181		$	—		$	885
Weighted Average Annual Interest Rate	0.81		%	1.02		%	1.49		%
Maximum Amount Outstanding	$	24,000		$	—		$	6,000

All of the letters of credit are issued pursuant to the syndicated revolving credit facility. The syndicated revolving credit facility contains restrictions on prepayments, disposition of property, mergers, liens and negative pledges, indebtedness and guaranty obligations, transactions with affiliates, minimum interest coverage requirements, a maximum debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum debt rating. Pursuant to the credit agreement, AWR must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.25 times interest expense, a maximum total funded debt ratio of 0.65 to 1.00 and a minimum Moody’s Investor Service or S&P debt rating of Baa3 or BBB-, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, AWR was in compliance with these requirements. As of December 31, 2014, AWR had an interest coverage ratio of 7.52 times interest expense, a debt ratio of 0.40 to 1.00 and a debt rating of A+ by S&P.

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Registrant’s long-term debt consists primarily of Notes and Debentures of GSWC. Registrant summarizes its long-term debt in the Statements of Capitalization. GSWC does not currently have any outstanding mortgages or other encumbrances on its properties. GSWC’s leases and other similar financial arrangements are not material.

As of December 31, 2014, GSWC had $100.0 million available for issuance of debt securities under a Registration Statement filed with the SEC. This Registration Statement expires in August 2015.

Private placement notes issued by GSWC in the amount of $28 million contain restrictions on the payment of dividends, minimum interest coverage requirements, a maximum debt to capitalization ratio and a negative pledge. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, GSWC must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of two times interest expense. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC had an interest coverage ratio of over four times interest expense.

On July 15, 2014, GSWC redeemed its $5,000,000, 6.87% Medium-Term Notes Series A due 2023, and $10,000,000, 7.00% Medium-Term Notes Series A, also due 2023. The notes were redeemed at a price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the notes, plus interest. In December 2014, GSWC replaced these notes with lower interest rate debt and issued $15,000,000 in 3.45% Senior Notes due December 23, 2029. Pursuant to the terms of these notes, GSWC must maintain a total indebtedness to capitalization ratio (as defined) of less than 0.6667 to 1 and a total indebtedness to earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of less than 8 to 1. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC had a total indebtedness to capitalization ratio of 0.4367 to 1 and a total indebtedness to EBITDA of 2.4 to 1.

Certain long-term debt issues outstanding as of December 31, 2014 can be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of GSWC subject to redemption schedules embedded in the agreements particular to each redeemable issue. With the exception of the 9.56% Notes and Senior Notes issued to Co-Bank, the redemption premiums in effect for 2014 range up to 0.383% of par value. The 9.56% Notes are subject to a make-whole premium based on 55 basis points above the applicable Treasury Yield if redeemed prior to 2021. After 2021, the maximum redemption premium is 3% of par value. The Senior Notes with Co-Bank are subject to a make-whole premium based on the difference between Co-Bank’s cost of funds on the date of purchase and Co-Bank’s cost of funds on the date of redemption, plus 0.5%. The $15,000,000, 3.45% Senior Notes due December 23, 2029 have similar redemption premiums.

In October 2009, GSWC entered into an agreement with the California Department of Health (“CDPH”) whereby CDPH agreed to provide funds to GSWC of up to $9.0 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Proceeds from the funds received were used to reimburse GSWC for capital costs incurred to install water meters to convert customers in GSWC’s Arden-Cordova district from non-metered service to metered service. GSWC received a total of $8.6 million in reimbursements from the CDPH, half of which was recorded as a contribution in aid of construction and the other half as long-term debt in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The loan portion bears interest at a rate of 2.5% and is payable over 20 years beginning in 2013. A surcharge to recover from customers the debt service cost on this loan was approved by the CPUC and implemented in 2013. Pursuant to the agreement, GSWC also issued letters of credit to CDPH equal to 80% of the amount loaned to GSWC. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC has a total of $6.7 million in letters of credit issued to CDPH.

Annual maturities of all long-term debt, including capitalized leases, are as follows for each fiscal year through December 31, 2019 and thereafter (in thousands):



	Maturity as of December 31,
2015	$	292
2016	311
2017	328
2018	322
2019	40,319
Thereafter	284,518
Total	$	326,090

Taxes on Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Taxes on Income

Registrant provides deferred income taxes for temporary differences under the accounting guidance for income taxes for certain transactions which are recognized for income tax purposes in a period different from that in which they are reported in the financial statements. The most significant items are the tax effects of differences in asset basis (including accelerated depreciation and capitalization methods), certain regulatory balancing accounts and advances for, and contributions in aid of construction. The accounting guidance for income taxes also requires that rate-regulated enterprises record deferred income taxes for temporary differences given flow-through treatment at the direction of a regulatory commission. The resulting deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded at the expected cash flow to be reflected in future rates. Given that the CPUC has consistently permitted the recovery of flowed-through tax effects, GSWC has established regulatory liabilities and assets offsetting such deferred tax assets and liabilities (Note 2). Deferred investment tax credits (“ITC”) are amortized ratably to deferred tax expense over the lives of the property giving rise to the credits.

GSWC is included in AWR’s consolidated federal income tax and combined California state franchise tax returns. California unitary apportionment provides a benefit or detriment to AWR’s state taxes, depending on a combination of the profitability of AWR’s non-California activities as well as the proportion of its California sales to total sales. Consistent with the method adopted for regulatory purposes, GSWC’s tax expense is computed as if GSWC were autonomous and files separate returns. Given that all of GSWC’s activities are conducted within California, GSWC’s state tax expense does not reflect apportionment of its income.

As a regulated utility, GSWC treats certain temporary differences as flow-through adjustments in computing its income tax provision consistent with the income tax approach approved by the CPUC for ratemaking purposes. Flow-through adjustments increase or decrease tax expense in one period, with an offsetting decrease or increase occurring in another period. Giving effect to these temporary differences as flow-through adjustments typically results in a greater variance between the effective tax rate (“ETR”) and the statutory federal income tax rate in any given period than would otherwise exist if GSWC were not required to account for its income taxes as a regulated enterprise. The GSWC ETRs deviate from the statutory rate primarily due to state taxes and differences between book and taxable income that are treated as flow-through adjustments in accordance with regulatory requirements (principally plant-, rate-case- and compensation-related items). The ETR at the AWR consolidated level also fluctuates as a result of ASUS's state income taxes, which vary among the jurisdictions in which it operates, and certain permanent differences.

Changes in Tax Law

During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company reflected a change in its tax method of accounting for certain repair and maintenance expenditures pursuant to regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury Department in September 2013. The Company will file an application for an automatic change in tax accounting method with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for the 2014 tax year to implement the new method effective January 1, 2014. The tax accounting method change will also include a cumulative adjustment for 2013 and prior years, and will permit the expensing of certain utility asset replacement costs that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes. As a result of the change, the Company will deduct a significant amount of linear asset costs, which consist primarily of water mains and connections.

During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company completed its analysis of the cumulative adjustment for 2013 and prior years, and recorded a deferred income tax liability of $22.5 million for federal and state repair-and-maintenance deductions of $47 million and $107 million, respectively. In addition, the 2014 deduction for both federal and state purposes was $20.3 million, creating an $8.3 million deferred income tax liability. Although this change reduced AWR’s current taxes payable, it did not reduce its total 2014 income tax expense or ETR. Furthermore, as a result of the repair-and-maintenance deductions, AWR and GSWC generated state net operating losses (“NOLs”) and, as of December 31, 2014, such NOL carry-forwards total $3.6 million and $9.3 million, respectively, which will expire in 2034. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the benefit from the state income tax NOL carryforwards will be realized and therefore requires no valuation allowance.

In December 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 extended 50% bonus depreciation for qualifying property through 2014. Although this change in law reduced AWR’s current taxes payable, it did not reduce its total income tax expense or ETR.

The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as reflected in the balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are:



	AWR						GSWC
	December 31,						December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Deferred tax assets:
Regulatory-liability-related: ITC	$	1,001		$	1,049		$	1,001		$	1,049
Regulatory-liability-related: California Corp Franchise Tax	4,328			4,337			4,328			4,337
Other non-property-related	2,395			4,125			2,136			3,292
Contributions and advances	8,335			8,655			8,335			8,655
	$	16,059		$	18,166		$	15,800		$	17,333
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$	(163,232	)	$	(131,534	)	$	(164,724	)	$	(131,548	)
Regulatory-asset-related: depreciation and other	(22,941		)	(21,575		)	(22,941		)	(21,575		)
California Corp Franchise Tax	(4,069		)	(2,120		)	(4,831		)	(1,749		)
Other property-related	(59		)	(155		)	(59		)	(155		)
Balancing and memorandum accounts	(4,071		)	(6,663		)	(4,071		)	(6,663		)
Deferred charges	(5,461		)	(6,064		)	(5,461		)	(6,064		)
	(199,833		)	(168,111		)	(202,087		)	(167,754		)
Accumulated deferred income taxes - net	$	(183,774	)	$	(149,945	)	$	(186,287	)	$	(150,421	)

The current and deferred components of income tax expense are as follows:



	AWR
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Current
Federal	$	5,595	$	13,741	$	15,585
State	137		5,930		5,273
Total current tax expense	$	5,732	$	19,671	$	20,858
Deferred
Federal	$	24,815	$	14,769	$	13,088
State	7,501		1,343		1,999
Total deferred tax expense	32,316		16,112		15,087
Total income tax expense	$	38,048	$	35,783	$	35,945



	GSWC
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
Current
Federal	$	408		$	10,768	$	7,957
State	(2,754		)	6,315		3,830
Total current tax expense	$	(2,346	)	$	17,083	$	11,787
Deferred
Federal	$	24,373		$	14,691	$	12,670
State	9,979			1,360		2,043
Total deferred tax expense	34,352			16,051		14,713
Total income tax expense	$	32,006		$	33,134	$	26,500

The reconciliations of the effective tax rates to the federal statutory rate are as follows:



	AWR
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Federal taxes on pretax income at statutory rate	$	34,687		$	34,464		$	31,533
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State income tax, net of federal benefit	4,781			5,111			4,957
Flow-through on fixed assets	651			646			636
Flow-through on pension costs	(507		)	612			10
Flow-through on removal costs	(1,571		)	(2,141		)	(943		)
Domestic production activities deduction	(643		)	(2,944		)	(553		)
Investment tax credit	(91		)	(91		)	(91		)
Other – net	741			126			396
Total income tax expense from operations	$	38,048		$	35,783		$	35,945
Pretax income from operations	$	99,106		$	98,469		$	90,093
Effective income tax rate	38.4		%	36.3		%	39.9		%



	GSWC
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Federal taxes on pretax income at statutory rate	$	27,952		$	28,622		$	23,002
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State income tax, net of federal benefit	4,693			5,372			4,048
Flow-through on fixed assets	651			646			636
Flow-through on pension costs	(507		)	612			10
Flow-through on removal costs	(1,571		)	(2,141		)	(943		)
Domestic production activities deduction	(55		)	(1,316		)	(553		)
Investment tax credit	(91		)	(91		)	(91		)
Other – net	934			1,430			391
Total income tax expense from operations	$	32,006		$	33,134		$	26,500
Pretax income from operations	$	79,863		$	81,776		$	65,720
Effective income tax rate	40.1		%	40.5		%	40.3		%

AWR and GSWC had no unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Registrant’s policy is to classify interest on income tax over/underpayments in interest income/expense and penalties in “other operating expenses.”

At December 31, 2014, AWR and GSWC included $504,000 and $472,000, respectively, of net interest receivables from taxing authorities in other current and noncurrent assets. AWR and GSWC recognized $19,000 and $14,000, respectively, of interest income from taxing authorities during the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, AWR and GSWC included $757,000 and $704,000, respectively, of net interest receivables from taxing authorities in other current and noncurrent assets. AWR and GSWC recognized $99,000 and $21,000 respectively, of interest income from taxing authorities during the year ended December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2012, AWR and GSWC included $2,838,000 and $2,775,000, respectively, of net interest receivables from taxing authorities in other current and noncurrent assets. AWR and GSWC recognized $473,000 and $461,000, respectively, of interest income from taxing authorities during the year ended December 31, 2012.

At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Registrant had no significant accruals for income-tax-related penalties and did not recognize any significant income-tax-related penalties during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Registrant files federal and various state income tax returns. During 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of 2007 and 2008 refund claims and issued refunds for both. AWR’s federal 2010 refund claim came under exam in 2014, and its 2011-2013 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS. AWR has filed protective refund claims with the applicable state taxing authority for the 2002 through 2008 tax years in connection with the matters on the federal claims for these years and other state tax matters. During 2012, the California Franchise Tax Board commenced examining these claims. The 2009-2013 tax years remain subject to examination by state taxing authorities.

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Employee Benefit Plans

Pension and Post-Retirement Medical Plans:

Registrant maintains a defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) that provides eligible employees (those aged 21 and older, hired before January 1, 2011) monthly benefits upon retirement based on average salaries and length of service. The eligibility requirement to begin receiving these benefits is 5 years of vested service. The normal retirement benefit is equal to 2% of the five highest consecutive years’ average earnings multiplied by the number of years of credited service, up to a maximum of 40, reduced by a percentage of primary social security benefits. There is also an early retirement option. Annual contributions are made to the Pension Plan, which comply with the funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). At December 31, 2014, Registrant had 977 participants in the Pension Plan.

In January 2011, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Pension Plan, closing the plan to new employees hired after December 31, 2010. Employees hired or rehired after December 31, 2010 are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan. Registrant's existing 401(k) Investment Incentive Program was amended to include this defined contribution plan. Under this plan, Registrant provides a contribution of 5.25% of eligible pay each pay period into investment vehicles offered by the plan’s trustee. Participants will be fully vested in this plan once the employee attains three years of service. Employees hired before January 1, 2011 continue to participate in and accrue benefits under the terms of the defined benefit plan.

Registrant also provides post-retirement medical benefits for all active employees hired before February of 1995, through a medical insurance plan. Eligible employees, who retire prior to age 65, and/or their spouses, are able to retain the benefits under the plan for active employees until reaching age 65. Eligible employees upon reaching age 65, and those eligible employees retiring at or after age 65, and/or their spouses, receive coverage through a Medicare supplement insurance policy paid for by Registrant subject to an annual cap limit. Registrant’s post-retirement medical plan does not provide prescription drug benefits to Medicare-eligible employees and is not affected by the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.

In accordance with the accounting guidance for the effects of certain types of regulation, Registrant has established a regulatory asset for its underfunded position in its pension and post-retirement medical plans that is expected to be recovered through rates in future periods. The changes in actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs and transition assets or obligations pertaining to the regulatory asset are recognized as an adjustment to the regulatory asset account as these amounts are recognized as components of net periodic pension costs each year.

The following table sets forth the Pension Plan’s and post-retirement medical plan’s funded status and amounts recognized in Registrant’s balance sheets and the components of net pension cost and accrued liability at December 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Pension Benefits						Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	152,680		$	163,230		$	11,388		$	12,296
Service cost	5,643			6,967			348			407
Interest cost	7,520			6,907			495			439
Actuarial loss (gain)	24,339			(19,918		)	437			(1,340		)
Benefits/expenses paid	(4,998		)	(4,506		)	(342		)	(414		)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	185,184		$	152,680		$	12,326		$	11,388

Changes in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	127,534		$	107,638		$	9,873		$	8,359
Actual return on plan assets	9,816			17,846			951			1,320
Employer contributions	8,209			6,556			241			608
Benefits/expenses paid	(4,998		)	(4,506		)	(342		)	(414		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	140,561		$	127,534		$	10,723		$	9,873

Funded Status:
Net amount recognized as accrued pension cost	$	(44,623	)	$	(25,146	)	$	(1,603	)	$	(1,515	)



	Pension Benefits						Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Amounts recognized on the balance sheets:
Current liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Non-current liabilities	(44,623		)	(25,146		)	(1,603		)	(1,515		)
Net amount recognized	$	(44,623	)	$	(25,146	)	$	(1,603	)	$	(1,515	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
Initial net obligation	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	417
Prior service cost (credit)	167			285			(234		)	(433		)
Net (gain) loss	39,003			15,581			(2,891		)	(3,159		)
Regulatory assets (liabilities)	39,170			15,866			(3,125		)	(3,175		)
Unfunded accrued pension cost	5,453			9,280			4,728			4,690
Net liability recognized	$	44,623		$	25,146		$	1,603		$	1,515

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets:
Regulatory asset at beginning of year	$	15,866		$	49,052		$	(3,175	)	$	(685	)
Net loss (gain)	23,422			(30,190		)	(61		)	(2,278		)
Amortization of initial net obligation	—			—			(419		)	(419		)
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	(118		)	(118		)	200			200
Amortization of net gain (loss)	—			(2,878		)	330			7
Total change in regulatory asset	23,304			(33,186		)	50			(2,490		)
Regulatory asset (liability) at end of year	$	39,170		$	15,866		$	(3,125	)	$	(3,175	)

Net periodic pension costs	$	4,383		$	9,296		$	278		$	676
Change in regulatory asset	23,304			(33,186		)	50			(2,490		)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and regulatory asset (liability)	$	27,687		$	(23,890	)	$	328		$	(1,814	)

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory asset over the next fiscal year:
Initial net obligation	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(418	)
Prior service (cost) credit	$	(118	)	$	(118	)	$	200		$	200
Net gain (loss)	$	(1,878	)	$	(29	)	$	213		$	262

Additional year-end information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	185,184		$	152,680		$	12,326		$	11,388
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	160,510		$	131,580		N/A			N/A
Fair value of plan assets	$	140,561		$	127,534		$	10,723		$	9,873

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
Discount rate	4.25		%	5.10		%	3.80		%	4.65		%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%	N/A			N/A

Consistent with decisions from the CPUC and in accordance with regulatory accounting principles, Registrant capitalizes a portion of its pension and other post-retirement costs in the overhead pool included in Utility Plant. The components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefits cost, before allocation to the overhead pool, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:



	Pension Benefits									Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost:
Service cost	$	5,643		$	6,967		$	6,675		$	348		$	407		$	419
Interest cost	7,520			6,907			6,657			495			439			534
Expected return on plan assets	(8,898		)	(7,574		)	(6,540		)	(453		)	(382		)	(357		)
Amortization of transition	—			—			—			418			419			419
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	118			118			118			(200		)	(200		)	(200		)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	—			2,878			3,035			(330		)	(7		)	—
Net periodic pension cost under accounting standards	$	4,383		$	9,296		$	9,945		$	278		$	676		$	815
Regulatory adjustment - over/(under) collection	1,622			(1,920		)	(2,305		)	—			—			—
Total expense recognized, before allocation to overhead pool	$	6,005		$	7,376		$	7,640		$	278		$	676		$	815

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:
Discount rate	5.10		%	4.30		%	4.65		%	4.65		%	3.75		%	4.45		%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.00		%	7.00		%	7.00		%	*			*			*
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%	4.00		%	N/A			N/A			N/A

*7.0% for union plan, 4.2% for non-union, net of income taxes in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Regulatory Adjustment:

As previously discussed in Note 2, the CPUC authorized GSWC to track differences between the forecasted annual pension expenses adopted in rates for its water regions and the general office and the actual annual expense to be recorded by GSWC in accordance with the accounting guidance for pension costs. During the year ended December 31, 2014, GSWC's actual expense was $1.6 million lower than the amounts included in water and electric customer rates. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, GSWC’s actual expense under the accounting standard was greater than the amounts included in customer rates by $1.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively. These over and under-collections have been recorded in the two-way pension balancing accounts included in regulatory assets. As of December 31, 2014, the pension balancing account had a $2.7 million net under-collection included in regulatory assets.

Plan Funded Status:

Registrant’s pension and post-retirement plans were underfunded at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Registrant’s market related value of plan assets is equal to the fair value of plan assets. Past volatile market conditions have affected the value of GSWC’s trust established to fund its future long-term pension benefits. These benefit plan assets and related obligations are measured annually using a December 31 measurement date. Changes in the plan’s funded status will affect the assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet in accordance with accounting guidance on employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans. Due to Registrant’s regulatory recovery treatment, the recognition of the funded status is offset by a regulatory asset pursuant to guidance on accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation.

Plan Assets:

The assets of the pension and post-retirement medical plans are managed by a third party trustee. The investment policy allocation of the assets in the trust was approved by Registrant’s Administrative Committee (the “Committee”) for the pension and post-retirement medical funds, which has oversight responsibility for all retirement plans. The primary objectives underlying the investment of the pension and post-retirement plan assets are: (i) attempt to maintain a fully funded status with a cushion for unexpected developments, possible future increases in expense levels, and/or a reduction in the expected return on investments; (ii) seek to earn long-term returns that compare favorably to appropriate market indexes, peer group universes and the policy asset allocation index; (iii) seek to provide sufficient liquidity to pay current benefits and expenses; (iv) attempt to limit risk exposure through prudent diversification, and (v) seek to limit costs of administering and managing the plans.

The Committee recognizes that risk and volatility are present to some degree with all types of investments. High levels of risk may be avoided through diversification by asset class, style of each investment manager and sector and industry limits. Investment managers are retained to manage a pool of assets and allocate funds in order to achieve an appropriate, diversified and balanced asset mix. The Committee’s strategy balances the requirement to maximize returns using potentially higher return generating assets, such as equity securities, with the need to control the risk of its benefit obligations with less volatile assets, such as fixed income securities.

The Committee approves the target asset allocations. Registrant’s pension and post-retirement plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category are as follows:



	Pension Benefits				Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
Asset Category	2014		2013		2014		2013
Actual Asset Allocations:
Equity securities	61	%	61	%	60	%	61	%
Debt securities	39	%	37	%	38	%	38	%
Cash equivalents	—	%	2	%	2	%	1	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%	100	%

Equity securities did not include AWR’s stock as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.



Target Asset Allocations for 2015:	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Medical Benefits
Equity securities	60	%	60	%
Debt securities	40	%	40	%
Total	100	%	100	%

As previously discussed in Note 4, accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in one of three levels. As required by the accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. All equity investments in the pension and post-retirement plans are Level 1 investments in mutual funds. The fixed income category includes corporate bonds and notes. The majority of fixed income investments range in maturities from less than one to twenty years. The fair values of these investments are based on quoted market prices in active markets.

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and post-retirement plans’ investment assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	497	—	—	$	497
Fixed income securities	54,865		—	—	54,865
Equity securities:
U.S. small cap stocks	7,546		—	—	7,546
U.S. mid cap stocks	14,779		—	—	14,779
U.S. large cap stocks	42,886		—	—	42,886
International funds	11,318		—	—	11,318
Real estate funds	8,670		—	—	8,670
Total equity securities	85,199		—	—	85,199
Total investments measured at fair value	$	140,561	—	—	$	140,561

Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	185	—	—	$	185
Fixed income	4,105		—	—	4,105
U.S. equity securities (large cap stocks)	6,433		—	—	6,433
Total investments measured at fair value	$	10,723	—	—	$	10,723



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	2,096	—	—	$	2,096
Fixed income securities	47,627		—	—	47,627
Equity securities:
U.S. small cap stocks	6,576		—	—	6,576
U.S. mid cap stocks	13,119		—	—	13,119
U.S. large cap stocks	39,280		—	—	39,280
International funds	12,501		—	—	12,501
Real estate funds	6,335		—	—	6,335
Total equity securities	77,811		—	—	77,811
Total investments measured at fair value	$	127,534	—	—	$	127,534

Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	142	—	—	$	142
Fixed income	3,731		—	—	3,731
U.S. equity securities (large cap stocks)	6,000		—	—	6,000
Total investments measured at fair value	$	9,873	—	—	$	9,873

Plan Contributions:

During 2014, Registrant contributed $8.2 million and $241,000 to its pension and post-retirement medical plans, respectively. Registrant currently expects to contribute at least $6.0 million to its pension in 2015. Registrant’s policy is to fund the plans annually at a level which is deductible for income tax purposes and is consistent with amounts recovered in customer rates.

Benefit Payments:

Registrant’s estimated future benefit payments at December 31, 2014 for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Benefits		Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
2015	$	5,468	$	566
2016	5,938		601
2017	6,489		680
2018	7,030		774
2019	7,569		866
Thereafter	48,446		5,247
Total	$	80,940	$	8,734

Assumptions:

Certain actuarial assumptions, such as the discount rate, long-term rate of return on plan assets, life expectancy, and the healthcare cost trend rate have a significant effect on the amounts reported for net periodic benefit cost as well as the related benefit obligation amounts.

Discount Rate — The assumed discount rate for pension and post-retirement medical plans reflects the market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available. Registrant’s discount rates were determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed of a large population of high quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets — The long-term rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of long-term returns on an investment portfolio consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and other investments. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the pension plan, Registrant considered the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. Registrant’s policy is to fund the medical benefit trusts based on actuarially determined amounts as allowed in rates approved by the CPUC. Registrant has invested the funds in the post-retirement trusts that will achieve a desired return and minimize amounts necessary to recover through rates. The mix is expected to provide for a return on assets similar to the Pension Plan and to achieve Registrant’s targeted allocation. This resulted in the selection of the 7.0% long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the union plan and 4.2% (net of income taxes) for the non-union plan portion of the post retirement plan.

Mortality — Mortality assumptions are a critical component of benefit obligation amounts and a key factor in determining the expected length of time for annuity payments. In 2014, the Society of Actuaries released new mortality tables for pension plans. The benefit obligation amounts as of December 31, 2014 assumed a longer life expectancy of participants as a result of the actuarial update to mortality tables, resulting in an increase of approximately 3% in the related benefit obligation amounts.

Healthcare Cost Trend Rate — A sliding scale for assumed health care cost increases was used for the periods presented. In 2014, health care cost increases started at 6.8% grading down to 5.6% in 10 years for those under age 65, and at 7.0% grading down to 5.1% in 10 years for those 65 and over. In 2013, health care cost increases started at 7.8% grading down to 6.3% in 10 years for those under age 65, and at 7.0% grading down to 5.7% in 10 years for those 65 and over. In 2012, health care cost increases started at 8.0% grading down to 7.2% in 10 years for those under age 65, and at 7.0% grading down to 5.8% in 10 years for those 65 and over. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the post-retirement medical plan:



(dollars in thousands)	1-Percentage-Point Increase		1-Percentage-Point Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	80	$	(70	)
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation	$	1,438	$	(1,232	)

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan:

Registrant has a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) that provides additional retirement benefits to certain key employees and officers of Registrant by making up benefits, which are limited by Sections 415 and 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and certain additional benefits. The Board of Directors approved the establishment of a Rabbi Trust created for the SERP. Assets in a Rabbi Trust can be subject to the claims of creditors; therefore, they are not considered as an asset for purposes of computing the SERP’s funded status. As of December 31, 2014, the balance in the Rabbi Trust totaled $8.8 million and is included in Registrant’s other property and investments.

All equity investments in the Rabbi Trust are Level 1 investments in mutual funds. The fixed income category includes corporate bonds and notes. The fair values of these investments are based on quoted market prices in active markets. The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Rabbi Trust investment assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Assets held in Rabbi Trust:
Cash equivalents	$	29	—	—	$	29
Fixed income securities	3,454		—	—	3,454
Equity securities	5,282		—	—	5,282
Total investments measured at fair value	$	8,765	—	—	$	8,765



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Assets held in Rabbi Trust:
Cash equivalents	$	27	—	—	$	27
Fixed income securities	2,587		—	—	2,587
Equity securities	4,202		—	—	4,202
Total investments measured at fair value	$	6,816	—	—	$	6,816

The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, funded status of the SERP, as well as a summary of significant estimates at December 31, 2014 and 2013:



(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,296		$	12,406
Service cost	768			803
Interest cost	615			514
Actuarial (gain) loss	2,497			(1,198		)
Benefits paid	(250		)	(229		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,926		$	12,296
Changes in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	—			—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	—			—

Funded Status:
Net amount recognized as accrued cost	$	(15,926	)	$	(12,296	)



(in thousands)	2014			2013
Amounts recognized on the balance sheets:
Current liabilities	$	(379	)	$	(230	)
Non-current liabilities	(15,547		)	(12,066		)
Net amount recognized	$	(15,926	)	$	(12,296	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
Prior service cost	$	153		$	314
Net loss	4,530			2,172
Regulatory assets	4,683			2,486
Unfunded accrued cost	11,243			9,810
Net liability recognized	$	15,926		$	12,296

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
Regulatory asset at beginning of year	$	2,486		$	4,184
Net (gain) loss	2,497			(1,199		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(161		)	(161		)
Amortization of net loss	(139		)	(338		)
Total change in regulatory asset	2,197			(1,698		)
Regulatory asset at end of year	$	4,683		$	2,486

Net periodic pension cost	$	1,683		$	1,817
Change in regulatory asset	2,197			(1,698		)
Total recognized in net periodic pension and net income	$	3,880		$	119

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory asset over the next fiscal year:
Initial net asset (obligation)	—			—
Prior service cost	$	(117	)	$	(161	)
Net loss	(431		)	(139		)
Additional year-end information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	15,926		$	12,296
Accumulated benefit obligation	13,992			10,116
Fair value of plan assets	—			—
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.15		%	5.05		%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%

The components of SERP expense, before allocation to the overhead pool, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:



(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost:
Service cost	$	768		$	803		$	731
Interest cost	615			514			488
Amortization of prior service cost	161			161			161
Amortization of net loss	139			339			307
Net periodic pension cost	$	1,683		$	1,817		$	1,687

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:
Discount rate	5.05		%	4.20		%	4.65		%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%	4.00		%

Benefit Payments: Registrant’s estimated future benefit payments for the SERP at December 31, 2014 for the next ten years are as follows (in thousands):



2015	$	379
2016	391
2017	472
2018	614
2019	712
Thereafter	5,402
Total	$	7,970

401(k) Investment Incentive Program:

Registrant has a 401(k) Investment Incentive Program under which employees may invest a percentage of their pay, up to a maximum investment prescribed by law, in an investment program managed by an outside investment manager. Registrant’s cash contributions to the 401(k) are based upon a percentage of individual employee contributions and totaled $1.9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. In 2011, this program was amended to incorporate the defined contribution plan previously discussed. Contributions to the defined contribution plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $568,000, $394,000 and $254,000, respectively.

Affordable Care Act:

In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Affordable Care Act") was passed and was to become effective in 2014. In July 2013, compliance with the employer mandate and certain reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act were delayed until 2015. Registrant's health care plan meets the current requirements of the Affordable Care Act. Registrant continues to assess the impact of the Affordable Care Act on its health care benefit costs, but does not expect it to have a material impact in the near future on the Registrant's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Summary Description of Stock Incentive Plans

AWR currently has four stock incentive plans: the 2000 and 2008 employee plans for its employees, and the 2003 and 2013 directors plans for directors, each more fully described below.

2000 and 2008 Employee Plans — AWR adopted the 2000 and 2008 employee plans to provide stock-based incentive awards in the form of stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock to employees as a means of promoting the success of Registrant by attracting, retaining and more fully aligning the interests of employees with those of shareholders generally. The 2008 Employee Plan also provides for the grant of performance awards. No additional grants may be made under the 2000 employee plan.

For stock options, Registrant’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) determines, among other things, the date of grant, the form, term, option exercise price, vesting and exercise terms of each option. Stock options granted by AWR have been in the form of nonqualified stock options, expire ten years from the date of grant, vest over a period of three years and are subject to earlier termination as provided in the form of option agreement approved by the Compensation Committee. The option price per share is determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, but may not be less than the fair market value of Common Shares on the date of grant.

For restricted stock unit awards, the Compensation Committee determines the specific terms, conditions and provisions relating to each restricted stock unit. Each employee who has been granted a time-vested restricted stock unit is entitled to dividend equivalent rights in the form of additional restricted stock units until vesting of the time-vested restricted stock units. In general, time-vested restricted stock units vest over a period of three years. Each restricted stock unit is non-voting and entitles the holder of the restricted stock unit to receive one Common Share.

The Compensation Committee also has the authority to determine the size, number, amount or value of performance awards, the duration of the performance period or performance periods applicable to the award and the performance criteria applicable to each performance award for each performance period. The grant and or vesting of the performance awards are contingent, in whole or in part, upon the attainment of specified performance criteria or the occurrence of any event or events involving a change in control event, death or total disability as the Compensation Committee may determine. In its discretion, the Compensation Committee may grant dividend equivalent rights on performance awards upon the terms and conditions set forth in the award agreement. Each outstanding performance award granted by the Compensation Committee has been in the form of restricted stock units that generally vest over a period of three years as provided in the performance award agreement. Each employee who has been granted a performance award is entitled to dividend equivalent rights in the form of additional restricted stock units until payment of the performance award.

2003 and 2013 Directors Plans — The Board of Directors and shareholders of AWR have approved the 2003 and 2013 directors plans in order to provide the non-employee directors with supplemental stock-based compensation to encourage them to increase their stock ownership in AWR. No more grants may be made under the 2003 directors plan.

Commencing in 2009, non-employee directors have received restricted stock units equal to two times the annual retainer. One-third of the restricted stock units granted in 2009-2012 are payable to each non-employee director at the earlier of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant and the date of termination of service as a director. Each non-employee director is entitled to receive restricted stock units granted after 2012 ninety days after the grant date. Restricted stock units credited to each non-employee director’s restricted stock unit account are at all times fully vested and non-forfeitable.

The stock options granted under the 2003 directors plan are nonqualified stock options which must be exercised within ten years after the date of grant. The exercise price of the stock options is equal to the fair market value of Common Shares on the date of grant. Stock options granted under the 2003 directors plan are fully vested and exercisable upon the date of grant. Restricted stock units with respect to dividend equivalent rights on stock options credited to the non-employee director are payable in Common Shares on the earlier of the date on which the stock option is exercised and three years from the date of grant of the stock option. No stock options have been granted to directors since AWR’s 2006 annual meeting and no stock options may be granted to directors under the 2013 directors plan.

All stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards have been granted with dividend equivalent rights payable in the form of additional restricted stock units.

Recognition of Compensation Expense

Registrant recognizes compensation expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards. Share-based compensation cost is measured by the Registrant at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). Immediate vesting does occur if the employee is at least 55 years old and the sum of the employee’s age and years of employment is equal to or greater than 75. Registrant assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense.

The following table presents share-based compensation expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. These expenses resulting from stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards are included in administrative and general expenses in AWR and GSWC’s statements of income:



	AWR						GSWC
	For The Years Ended December 31,						For The Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Stock-based compensation related to:
Stock options	$	—	$	9	$	150	$	—	$	8	$	147
Restricted stock units	1,354		1,507		1,729		1,113		1,266		1,468
Performance awards	868		493		52		635		373		52
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	2,222	$	2,009	$	1,931	$	1,748	$	1,647	$	1,667

Equity-based compensation cost, capitalized as part of utility plant for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $255,000, $334,000 and $259,000, respectively, for both AWR and GSWC.

Registrant amortizes stock-based compensation over the requisite (vesting) period for the entire award. Options issued pursuant to the 2000 employee plan vest and are exercisable in installments of 33% the first two years and 34% in the third year, starting one year from the date of the grant and expire 10 years from the date of the grant. No stock options have been granted under the 2008 plan. Time-vesting restricted stock units vest and become nonforfeitable in installments of 33% the first two years and 34% in the third year, starting one year from the date of the grant. Outstanding performance awards vest and become nonforfeitable in installments of 33% the first two years and 34% in the third year, and are distributed at the end of the performance period if the performance criteria set forth in the award agreement are satisfied.

Stock Options — There were no stock options granted during the years 2014, 2013 or 2012. A summary of stock option activity as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, are presented below:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2014	264,596		$	17.16
Granted	—
Exercised	(37,006	)	15.93
Forfeited or expired	(5,010	)	12.77
Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	222,580		$	17.47	3	$	4,494,733
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	222,580		$	17.47	3	$	4,494,733

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the closing price of the Common Shares on the last trading day of the 2014 calendar year and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their option on December 31, 2014. This amount changes if the fair market value of the Common Shares changes. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $596,000, $1,402,000 and $4,125,000, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Registrant received approximately $589,000, $2,111,000 and $13,295,000, respectively, in cash proceeds from the exercise of its stock options and realized approximately $533,000, $1,026,000 and $890,000, respectively, of tax benefit for the tax deduction from awards exercised. An immaterial amount of compensation cost related to outstanding stock options was recognized in 2014.

Restricted Stock Units — A restricted stock unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive a share of AWR’s Common Shares and are valued based on the fair market value of AWR's Common Shares on the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs were determined based on the closing trading price of Common Shares on the grant date. A summary of the status of Registrant’s outstanding RSUs, excluding performance awards, to employees and directors as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:



	Number of Restricted Share Units		Weighted Average Grant-Date Value
Restricted share units at January 1, 2014	197,036		$	19.04
Granted	56,059		29.05
Vested	(103,580	)	20.62
Forfeited	(4,040	)	25.08
Restricted share units at December 31, 2014	145,475		$	21.61

As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $666,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units granted under AWR’s employee and director’s stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining period ranging from 0.08 to 2.82 years.

Performance Awards – During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Compensation Committee granted performance awards in the form of restricted stock units to officers of the Registrant. A performance award represents the right to receive a share of AWR's Common Shares if specified performance goals are met over the performance period specified in the grant (generally three years), subject to certain exceptions through the performance period. Each grantee of any outstanding performance award may earn between 0% and 200% of the target amount depending on Registrant's performance against performance goals, which are determined by the Compensation Committee on the date of grant. A summary of the status of Registrant’s outstanding performance awards to officers as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:



	Number of Performance awards		Weighted Average Grant-Date Value
Performance awards at January 1, 2014	40,920		$	25.63
Granted	38,948		29.10
Vested	(4,041	)	18.68
Performance awards at December 31, 2014	75,827		$	27.78

A portion of the fair value of performance awards was estimated at the grant date based on the probability of satisfying the market-based conditions. The portion of the fair value of the performance awards associated with performance-based conditions was based on the fair market value of AWR's stock at the grant date. The fair value of each outstanding performance award grant is amortized into compensation expense in installments of 33% the first two years and 34% in the third year of their respective vesting periods, which is generally over 3 years unless earlier vested pursuant to the terms of the agreement. The accrual of compensation costs is based on the estimate of the final expected value of the award, and is adjusted as required for the portion based on the performance-based condition. As of December 31, 2014, $635,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to performance awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period ranging from 0.41 to 2.08 years.

Restricted Stock - AWR has no restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References+ Details

Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Commitments

GSWC’s Water Supply:

GSWC obtains its water supply from its operating wells and purchases from others, principally member agencies of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“MWD”). MWD is a public agency and quasi-municipal corporation created in 1928 by a vote of the electorates of several Southern California cities. MWD’s primary purpose was and is to provide a supplemental supply of water for domestic and municipal uses and purposes at wholesale rates to its member public agencies. GSWC has connections to MWD’s water distribution facilities and those of other member water agencies. MWD’s principal sources of water are the State Water Project and the Colorado River.

GSWC has contracts to purchase water or water rights for an aggregate amount of $5.3 million as of December 31, 2014. Included in the $5.3 million is a commitment of $3.1 million to lease water rights from a third party under an agreement which expires in 2028. The remaining $2.2 million are commitments for purchased water with other third parties which expire through 2038.

GSWC’s estimated future minimum payments under these purchased water supply commitments at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):



2015	$	447
2016	319
2017	319
2018	319
2019	319
Thereafter	3,541
Total	$	5,264

Bear Valley Electric:

Generally, GSWC’s electric division purchases power at a fixed cost, under long-term purchased power contracts, depending on the amount of power and the period during which the power is purchased under such contracts. During 2014, GSWC's power purchases were based on month-to-month arrangements, as the previous long-term purchase power contract expired in 2013. However, in December 2014 the CPUC approved an application that allowed GSWC to immediately execute new purchased power contracts with energy providers on December 9, 2014. GSWC began taking power effective January 1, 2015 at a fixed cost over three and five year terms depending on the amount of power and period during which the power is purchased under the contracts. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC's commitment under these contracts totaled approximately $31.1 million.

The minimum load at GSWC’s BVES customer service area has been approximately 11 MWs. The average winter load has been 20 MWs with a winter peak of 45 MWs when the snowmaking machines at the ski resorts are operating. In addition to the purchased power contracts, GSWC buys additional energy to meet demand on the spot market. GSWC owns a natural gas-fueled 8.4 MW generation facility, which assists GSWC in meeting peak demand.

The ability of GSWC to deliver purchased power to customers in its BVES service area is limited by the ability of the transmission facilities owned by Southern California Edison Company to transmit this power.

Operating Leases:

Registrant leases equipment and facilities primarily for its Regional and District offices and ASUS operations under non-cancelable operating leases with varying terms, provisions and expiration dates. Rent expense for leases that contain scheduled rent increases are recorded on a straight-line basis. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, Registrant’s consolidated rent expense was approximately $2,982,000, $2,982,000 and $3,098,000, respectively. Registrant’s future minimum payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):



2015	$	2,345
2016	2,130
2017	1,895
2018	1,508
2019	1,232
Thereafter	1,904
Total	$	11,014

There is no material difference between the consolidated operations of AWR and the operations of GSWC in regards to the future minimum payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases.

The entire disclosure for significant arrangements with third parties, which includes operating lease arrangements and arrangements in which the entity has agreed to expend funds to procure goods or services, or has agreed to commit resources to supply goods or services, and operating lease arrangements. Descriptions may include identification of the specific goods and services, period of time covered, minimum quantities and amounts, and cancellation rights.

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Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies Condemnation of Properties: The laws of the State of California provide for the acquisition of public utility property by governmental agencies through their power of eminent domain, also known as condemnation, where doing so is necessary and in the public interest. In addition, these laws provide: (i) that the owner of utility property may contest whether the condemnation is actually necessary and in the public interest, and (ii) that the owner is entitled to receive the fair market value of its property if the property is ultimately taken. Claremont System: On November 4, 2014, voters in the City of Claremont approved a measure authorizing the issuance of $135.0 million in water revenue bonds by the City to finance the acquisition of the Claremont water system. On December 9, 2014, the City filed an eminent domain lawsuit against GSWC. GSWC has the ability to legally challenge the government's right to take its property. GSWC does not believe the seizure is necessary and intends to vigorously defend against the potential condemnation. At this time, management cannot predict the outcome of the eminent domain proceeding. The Claremont water system has a net book value of approximately $47.7 million. GSWC serves approximately 11,000 customers in Claremont. Ojai System: In March 2013, Casitas Municipal Water District ("CMWD") passed resolutions under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities District Act of 1982 (“Mello-Roos Act”) authorizing the establishment of a Community Facilities District, and the issuance of bonds to finance the potential acquisition of GSWC’s Ojai system by eminent domain. In August 2013, Ojai residents approved the levying of a special tax to satisfy the planned bond obligations. GSWC filed a petition in the Superior Court, Ventura County, which, among other things, challenged the legality of CMWD’s effort to utilize the Mello-Roos Act to acquire property by eminent domain and to fund legal and expert costs of the planned condemnation. Ojai FLOW ("Friends of Locally Owned Water") members filed a motion with the Superior Court asking that all residents of GSWC’s Ojai service area be certified as class defendants in GSWC's pending action. They contend that the class would later be entitled to sue GSWC for damages if GSWC's challenge is denied. Without deciding whether such a lawsuit would be permitted, the Court granted the motion for class certification. On March 13, 2014, the Court denied GSWC's petition. On April 9, 2014, GSWC filed a Notice of Appeal. GSWC is unable to predict the outcome of the appeal at this time. GSWC serves approximately 3,000 customers in Ojai. Apple Valley System: In recent years the Town of Apple Valley has considered a potential condemnation of the water systems serving its area, including GSWC's Apple Valley system. In August 2014, Apple Valley's Town Council issued a request for proposal for an updated feasibility study on the potential acquisition of the water systems. The feasibility study has been completed, however, the Town of Apple Valley has not taken any action against GSWC. GSWC serves approximately 2,900 customers in the Town of Apple Valley. Artesia System: On October 13, 2014, the City of Artesia's City Council approved the funding of a feasibility study on the potential acquisition of GSWC's water system in Artesia. GSWC serves approximately 3,300 customers in Artesia. Environmental Clean-Up and Remediation: GSWC has been involved in environmental remediation and clean-up at a plant site (“Chadron Plant”) that contained an underground storage tank which was used to store gasoline for its vehicles. This tank was removed from the ground in July 1990 along with the dispenser and ancillary piping. Since then, GSWC has been involved in various remediation activities at this site. Recent analysis indicates that offsite monitoring wells may also be necessary to document effectiveness of remediation. As of December 31, 2014, the total spent to clean-up and remediate GSWC’s plant facility was approximately $4.5 million, of which $1.5 million has been paid by the State of California Underground Storage Tank Fund. Amounts paid by GSWC have been included in rate base and approved by the CPUC for recovery. As of December 31, 2014, GSWC has a regulatory asset and an accrued liability for the estimated additional cost of $1.4 million to complete the clean-up at the site. The estimate includes costs for two years of continued activities of groundwater cleanup and monitoring, future soil treatment and site closure related activities. The ultimate cost may vary as there are many unknowns in remediation of underground gasoline spills and this is an estimate based on currently available information. Management also believes it is probable that the estimated additional costs will be approved in rate base by the CPUC. Other Litigation: Registrant is also subject to other ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. Management believes that the opportunity for rate recovery, proper insurance coverage and reserves are in place to insure against property, general liability and workers’ compensation claims incurred in the ordinary course of business. Registrant is unable to predict an estimate of the loss, if any, resulting from any pending suits or administrative proceedings.

Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segments

AWR has 3 reportable segments, water, electric and contracted services, whereas GSWC has 2 segments, water and electric. AWR has no material assets other than its investments in its subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis.

All activities of GSWC, a rate-regulated utility, are geographically located within California. Activities of ASUS and its subsidiaries are conducted in California, Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Each of ASUS’s wholly-owned subsidiaries is regulated by the state in which the subsidiary primarily conducts water and/or wastewater operations. Fees charged for operations and maintenance and renewal and replacement services are based upon the terms of the contracts with the U.S. government which have been filed with the commissions in the states in which ASUS’s subsidiaries are incorporated.

The tables below set forth information relating to GSWC’s operating segments, ASUS and its subsidiaries and other matters. Total assets by segment are not presented below, as certain of Registrant’s assets are not tracked by segment. The utility plants are net of respective accumulated provisions for depreciation. Capital additions reflect capital expenditures paid in cash and exclude government-funded capital expenditures for ASUS and property installed by developers and conveyed to GSWC.



	As Of And For The Year Ended December 31, 2014
	GSWC				ASUS		AWR			Consolidated
(dollars in thousands)	Water		Electric		Contracts (2)		Parent			AWR
Operating revenues	$	326,672	$	34,387	$	104,732	$	—		$	465,791
Operating income (loss)	94,014		5,728		19,351		(48		)	119,045
Interest expense, net	19,370		1,260		142		(82		)	20,690
Utility Plant	953,678		45,202		4,640		—			1,003,520
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)	38,388		1,466		1,219		—			41,073
Income tax expense/(benefit)	30,410		1,596		7,038		(996		)	38,048
Capital additions	66,304		4,584		1,665		—			72,553



	As Of And For The Year Ended December 31, 2013
	GSWC				ASUS		AWR			Consolidated
(dollars in thousands)	Water		Electric		Contracts		Parent			AWR
Operating revenues	$	320,131	$	38,409	$	113,537	$	—		$	472,077
Operating income (loss)	95,932		6,411		16,737		(8		)	119,072
Interest expense, net	20,236		1,436		264		(228		)	21,708
Utility Plant	936,386		40,908		4,183		—			981,477
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)	36,636		2,316		1,138		—			40,090
Income tax expense/(benefit)	30,679		2,455		4,911		(2,262		)	35,783
Capital additions	94,581		2,124		674		—			97,379



	As Of And For The Year Ended December 31, 2012
	GSWC				ASUS		AWR			Consolidated
(dollars in thousands)	Water		Electric		Contracts		Parent			AWR
Operating revenues	$	305,898	$	37,033	$	123,977	$	—		$	466,908
Operating income (loss)	78,104		8,501		24,608		(119		)	111,094
Interest expense, net	19,783		1,533		179		(63		)	21,432
Utility Plant	871,756		41,381		4,654		—			917,791
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)	37,905		2,292		1,188		—			41,385
Income tax expense	24,231		2,269		9,437		8			35,945
Capital additions	62,500		4,331		1,273		—			68,104

The following table reconciles total utility plant (a key figure for rate-making) to total consolidated assets (in thousands):



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Total utility plant	$	1,003,520	$	981,477	$	917,791
Other assets	374,778		328,706		363,152
Total consolidated assets	$	1,378,298	$	1,310,183	$	1,280,943

(1) Depreciation computed on GSWC’s transportation equipment is recorded in other operating expenses and totaled $678,000, $877,000 and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(2) ASUS recorded approximately $1.6 million of additional revenues during the fourth quarter of 2014 in conjunction with the close-out of a large construction project.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The table below presents Registrant’s provision for doubtful accounts charged to expense and accounts written off, net of recoveries. Provisions included in 2014, 2013 and 2012 for AWR and GSWC are as follows:



	AWR
	December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,187		$	1,228		$	1,048
Provision charged to expense	991			1,145			1,710
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1,286		)	(1,186		)	(1,530		)
Balance at end of year	$	892		$	1,187		$	1,228

Allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable-customer	$	803		$	755		$	797
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to receivable from U.S. government	—			—			8
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to other accounts receivable	89			432			423
Total allowance for doubtful accounts	$	892		$	1,187		$	1,228



	GSWC
	December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,114		$	1,177		$	1,005
Provision charged to expense	1,055			1,056			1,668
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1,277		)	(1,119		)	(1,496		)
Balance at end of year	$	892		$	1,114		$	1,177

Allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable-customer	$	803		$	755		$	797
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to other accounts receivable	89			359			380
Total allowance for doubtful accounts	$	892		$	1,114		$	1,177

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table sets forth non-cash financing and investing activities and other cash flow information (in thousands).



	AWR						GSWC
	December 31,						December 31,
	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Taxes and Interest Paid:
Income taxes paid	$	15,984	$	10,880	$	19,411	$	16,500	$	7,083	$	11,027
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	22,236		22,144		22,495		22,184		22,144		22,495

Non-Cash Transactions:
Accrued payables for investment in utility plant	$	13,147	$	19,515	$	12,113	$	13,141	$	19,515	$	12,113
Property installed by developers and conveyed	800		2,819		2,069		800		2,819		2,069

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2014		2013
Assets

Cash and equivalents	$	31,629	$	107
Inter-company note receivables	1,445		21,113
Deferred tax assets	503		388
Income taxes receivable and other receivables	44		1,733
Total current assets	33,621		23,341

Investments in subsidiaries	478,677		468,568
Other assets	4,948		3,364
Total assets	$	517,246	$	495,273

Liabilities and Capitalization

Note payable to GSWC	$	—	$	500
Income taxes payable	9,902		1,851
Deferred taxes and other liabilities	154		84
Total current liabilities	10,056		2,435

Deferred taxes	100		146
Income taxes payable and other liabilities	289		288
Total other liabilities	389		434

Common shareholders’ equity	506,801		492,404
Total capitalization	506,801		492,404

Total liabilities and capitalization	$	517,246	$	495,273

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	For the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2012
Operating revenues and other income	$	81		$	227		$	64
Operating expenses and other expenses	48			8			120
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries and income taxes	33			219			(56		)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	60,029			60,205			54,212

Income before income taxes	60,062			60,424			54,156

Income tax expense (benefit)	(996		)	(2,262		)	8

Net income	$	61,058		$	62,686		$	54,148

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding	38,658			38,639			37,998
Basic Earnings Per Common Share	$	1.57		$	1.61		$	1.42

Weighted Average Number of Diluted Common Shares Outstanding	38,880			38,869			38,262
Fully Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	1.57		$	1.61		$	1.41

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	$	61,092		$	32,645		$	16,885

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Loans (made to)/repaid from, wholly-owned subsidiaries	19,668			(6,100		)	(4,720		)
Net cash provided (used) in investing activities	19,668			(6,100		)	(4,720		)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Repurchase of Common Shares	(17,180		)	—			—
Proceeds from note payable to GSWC	8,300			18,236			—
Repayment of note payable to GSWC	(8,800		)	(17,736		)	—
Proceeds from stock option exercises	589			2,111			13,295
Net change in notes payable to banks	—			—			(2,000		)
Dividends paid	(32,111		)	(29,360		)	(24,130		)
Other	(36		)	—			—
Net cash used in financing activities	(49,238		)	(26,749		)	(12,835		)

Change in cash and equivalents	31,522			(204		)	(670		)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	107			311			981

Cash and equivalents at the end of period	$	31,629		$	107		$	311

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements of AWR (parent) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of American States Water Company and subsidiaries (“Registrant”) included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. AWR’s (parent) significant accounting policies are consistent with those of Registrant and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Golden State Water Company (“GSWC”) and American States Utility Services, Inc. ("ASUS"), except that all subsidiaries are accounted for as equity method investments.

Related Party Transactions:

As further discussed in Note 2 — Notes Payable to Banks, AWR (parent) has access to a $100.0 million syndicated credit facility. AWR (parent) borrows under this facility and provides funds to its subsidiaries, in support of their operations. Any amounts owed to AWR (parent) for borrowings under this facility are reflected as inter-company receivables on the condensed balance sheets. The interest rate charged to the subsidiaries is sufficient to cover AWR (parent)’s interest cost under the credit facility.

During 2013, AWR (parent) issued an interest bearing promissory note (the "Note") to GSWC for $20.0 million which expires on May 23, 2018. Under the terms of the Note, AWR (parent) may borrow from GSWC amounts up to $20.0 million for working capital purposes. As of December 31, 2014, no amounts were outstanding under this Note.

AWR (parent) guarantees performance of ASUS's military privatization contracts and agrees to provide necessary resources, including financing, which are necessary to assure the complete and satisfactory performance of such contracts.

Note Payable to Banks

AWR (parent) has access to a syndicated credit facility which was amended on May 23, 2013 to, among other things, extend the expiration date of the syndicated credit facility to May 23, 2018, reduce the amount of interest and fees paid by AWR, and update certain representations and covenants in the credit agreement. AWR may, under the terms of the fourth amendment, elect to increase the aggregate commitment by up to an additional $50.0 million. The aggregate effective amount that may be outstanding under letters of credit is $25.0 million. AWR has obtained letters of credit, primarily for GSWC, in the aggregate amount of $11.2 million , with fees of 0.65% including: (i) a $6.7 million letter of credit representing a percentage of the outstanding American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”) funds received by GSWC for reimbursement of capital costs related to the installation of meters in GSWC’s Arden-Cordova water system; (ii) letters of credit , in an aggregate amount of $340,000 as security for GSWC’s business automobile insurance policy; (iii) a letter of credit , in an amount of $585,000 as security for the purchase of power; (iv) a $15,000 irrevocable letter of credit pursuant to a franchise agreement with the City of Rancho Cordova, and (v) an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $3.6 million, pursuant to a settlement agreement with Southern California Edison Company to cover GSWC’s commitment to pay the settlement amount. Letters of credit outstanding reduce the amount that may be borrowed under the revolving credit facility. There were no compensating balances required.

Loans can be obtained at the option of AWR and bear interest at rates based on credit ratings and Euro rate margins. In July 2014, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) revised its rating outlook on AWR from stable to positive. S&P also affirmed the ‘A+’ corporate credit rating on AWR. S&P debt ratings range from AAA (highest rating possible) to D (obligation is in default).

At December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility. At times, AWR (parent) borrows under this facility and provides loans to its subsidiaries in support of its operations, under terms that are similar to that of the credit facility.

AWR’s (parent) short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit) for the last three years were as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Balance Outstanding at December 31,	$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest Rate at December 31,	0.82		%	0.82		%	1.41		%
Average Amount Outstanding	$	6,181		$	—		$	885
Weighted Average Annual Interest Rate	0.81		%	1.02		%	1.49		%
Maximum Amount Outstanding	$	24,000		$	—		$	6,000

All of the letters of credit are issued pursuant to the syndicated revolving credit facility. The syndicated revolving credit facility contains restrictions on prepayments, disposition of property, mergers, liens and negative pledges, indebtedness and guaranty obligations, transactions with affiliates, minimum interest coverage requirements, a maximum debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum debt rating. Pursuant to the credit agreement, AWR must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.25 times interest expense, a maximum total funded debt ratio of 0.65 to 1.00 and a minimum debt rating from Moody’s or S&P of Baa3 or BBB-, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, AWR was in compliance with these covenants with an interest coverage ratio of 7.52 times interest expense, a debt ratio of 0.40 to 1.00 and a debt rating of A+.

Income Taxes

AWR (parent) receives a tax benefit for expenses incurred at the parent-company level. AWR (parent) also recognizes the effect of AWR’s consolidated California unitary apportionment, which is beneficial or detrimental depending on a combination of the profitability of AWR’s consolidated non-California activities as well as the proportion of its consolidated California sales to total sales.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, AWR (parent) recorded a cumulative tax benefit of $1.5 million related to an employee benefit plan for deductions taken on recently filed tax returns and amounts taken, and to be taken, on amended income tax returns.

Dividend from Subsidiaries

Dividends in the amount of $52.0 million, $29.4 million and $16.9 million were paid to AWR (parent) by its wholly-owned subsidiaries during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

The entire disclosure for condensed financial information, including the financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations of the registrant (parent company) as of the same dates or for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are being presented. Alternatively, the details of this disclosure can be reported by the specific parent company taxonomy elements, indicating the appropriate date and period contexts in an instance document.

+ References+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

There is no direct regulatory oversight by the CPUC over AWR or the operations, rates or services provided by ASUS or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Related Party Transactions:

AWR owns all of the outstanding Common Shares of GSWC and ASUS. ASUS owns all of the outstanding Common Stock of the Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries.

Utility Accounting:

Property and Depreciation:

Estimated useful lives of GSWC’s utility plant, as authorized by the CPUC, are as follows:



	Source of water supply		30 years to 50 years
	Pumping		25 years to 40 years
	Water treatment		20 years to 35 years
	Transmission and distribution		25 years to 55 years
	Generation		40 years
	Other plant		7 years to 40 years

Asset Retirement Obligations:

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

Goodwill:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Accounts Receivable:

Materials and Supplies:

Materials and Supplies: Materials and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using average cost.

Interest:

Water and Electric Operating Revenues:

Alternative-Revenue Program:

Other Operating Revenues:

Debt Issuance Costs and Redemption Premiums:

Advances for Construction and Contributions in aid of Constructions:

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:



	2014				2013
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Long-term debt—GSWC	$	326,090	$	417,057	$	332,377	$	412,590

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, or

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).



(dollars in thousands)	Level 1	Level 2		Level 3	Total
Long-term debt—GSWC	—	$	417,057	—	$	417,057

Stock Awards

Sales and Use Taxes:

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) (GSWC)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

GSWC

Summary of significant accounting policies

Schedule of estimated useful lives of utility plant, as authorized by the CPUC

Estimated useful lives of GSWC’s utility plant, as authorized by the CPUC, are as follows:



	Source of water supply		30 years to 50 years
	Pumping		25 years to 40 years
	Water treatment		20 years to 35 years
	Transmission and distribution		25 years to 55 years
	Generation		40 years
	Other plant		7 years to 40 years

Schedule of estimates of the fair value of long-term debt

Changes in the assumptions will produce differing results.



	2014				2013
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Long-term debt—GSWC	$	326,090	$	417,057	$	332,377	$	412,590

Schedule of long-term debt measured at fair value

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, GSWC’s long-term debt measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014:



(dollars in thousands)	Level 1	Level 2		Level 3	Total
Long-term debt—GSWC	—	$	417,057	—	$	417,057

Schedule of Registrant's utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

Tabular disclosure of liabilities, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, by class that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Where the quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, the Level 1 input is the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset.

+ References+ Details

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets

The following table shows Registrant’s utility plant by major asset class:



	GSWC December 31,						AWR December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Water
Land	$	15,423		$	15,423		$	15,423		$	15,423
Intangible assets	34,063			34,001			34,081			34,019
Source of water supply	80,614			75,651			80,614			75,651
Pumping	155,802			147,390			155,802			147,390
Water treatment	71,519			70,947			71,519			70,947
Transmission and distribution	894,789			856,823			894,789			856,823
General	110,864			107,274			121,552			116,346
	1,363,074			1,307,509			1,373,780			1,316,599
Electric
Transmission and distribution	60,035			58,400			60,035			58,400
Generation	12,547			12,547			12,547			12,547
General (1)	9,054			8,413			9,054			8,413
	81,636			79,360			81,636			79,360

Less — accumulated depreciation	(494,000		)	(466,329		)	(500,239		)	(471,665		)
Construction work in progress	48,170			56,754			48,343			57,183
Net utility plant	$	998,880		$	977,294		$	1,003,520		$	981,477

(1) Includes intangible assets of $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 for studies performed in association with the electricity segment of the Registrant’s operations.

Schedule of components of intangible assets

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, intangible assets consist of the following:



	Weighted Average Amortization	GSWC December 31,						AWR December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	Period	2014			2013			2014			2013
Intangible assets:
Conservation	26 years	$	9,496		$	9,496		$	9,496		$	9,496
Water and service rights (2)	30 years	8,124			8,124			8,695			8,695
Water planning studies	13 years	17,277			17,214			17,277			17,214
Total intangible assets		34,897			34,834			35,468			35,405
Less — accumulated amortization		(24,373		)	(22,459		)	(24,456		)	(22,530		)
Intangible assets, net of amortization		$	10,524		$	12,375		$	11,012		$	12,875

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (3)		$	409		$	409		$	427		$	427

Schedule of estimated future consolidated amortization expenses related to intangible assets

Estimated future consolidated amortization expenses related to intangible assets for the succeeding five years are (in thousands):



	Amortization Expense
2015	$	2,441
2016	1,605
2017	1,491
2018	1,491
2019	1,320
Total	$	8,348

Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amount of the asset retirement obligations



(dollars in thousands)	GSWC
Obligation at December 31, 2012	$	3,018
Additional liabilities incurred	11
Liabilities settled	(126		)
Accretion	192
Obligation at December 31, 2013	$	3,095
Additional liabilities incurred	6
Liabilities settled	(66		)
Accretion	199
Obligation at December 31, 2014	$	3,234

Derivative Instruments (Tables) (GSWC)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

GSWC

Derivative instruments

Schedule of changes in the fair value of the derivative

The following table presents changes in the fair value of GSWC’s derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.



(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Balance, at beginning of the period	$	—		$	(3,060	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on purchased power contracts	(3,339		)	3,060
Balance, at end of the period	$	(3,339	)	$	—

Schedule of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts and amounts due from the U.S. government

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs), by class of asset.

+ References+ Details

Military Privatization (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Military Privatization

Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts and amounts due from the U.S. government as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Revenues (costs and estimated earnings) recognized on uncompleted contracts	$	91,141		$	78,741
Less: Billings to date on uncompleted contracts	(56,114		)	(32,262		)
	$	35,027		$	46,479

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	46,763		$	53,331
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(11,736		)	(6,852		)
	$	35,027		$	46,479

Receivables from the U.S. government:
Billed receivables from the U.S. government	$	6,709		$	7,106
Unbilled receivables from the U.S. government (current)	3,689			—
Unbilled receivables from the U.S. government (non-current)	3,513			3,104
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	—			—
Total	$	13,911		$	10,210

Earnings Per Share and Capital Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of reconciliation of Registrant's net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding for calculating basic net income per share



Basic	For The Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
Net income	$	61,058	$	62,686	$	54,148
Less: (a) Distributed earnings to common shareholders	32,125		29,366		24,129
Distributed earnings to participating securities	177		171		171
Undistributed earnings	28,756		33,149		29,848

(b) Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders	28,599		32,958		29,638
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	157		191		210
Total income available to common shareholders, basic (a)+(b)	$	60,724	$	62,324	$	53,767

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic	38,658		38,639		37,998

Basic earnings per Common Share:	$	1.57	$	1.61	$	1.42

Schedule of reconciliation of Registrant's net income and weighted average Common Shares outstanding for calculating diluted net income per share



Diluted	For The Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
Common shareholders earnings, basic	$	60,724	$	62,324	$	53,767
Undistributed earnings for dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	157		191		210
Total common shareholders earnings, diluted	$	60,881	$	62,515	$	53,977

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic	38,658		38,639		37,998
Stock-based compensation (1)	222		230		264
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, diluted	38,880		38,869		38,262

Diluted earnings per Common Share	$	1.57	$	1.61	$	1.41

Schedule of short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)

Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on an entity's diluted earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Bank Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Bank Debt

AWR’s short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit) for the last three years were as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Balance Outstanding at December 31,	$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest Rate at December 31,	0.82		%	0.82		%	1.41		%
Average Amount Outstanding	$	6,181		$	—		$	885
Weighted Average Annual Interest Rate	0.81		%	1.02		%	1.49		%
Maximum Amount Outstanding	$	24,000		$	—		$	6,000

Taxes on Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities from continuing operations

The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as reflected in the balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are:



	AWR						GSWC
	December 31,						December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Deferred tax assets:
Regulatory-liability-related: ITC	$	1,001		$	1,049		$	1,001		$	1,049
Regulatory-liability-related: California Corp Franchise Tax	4,328			4,337			4,328			4,337
Other non-property-related	2,395			4,125			2,136			3,292
Contributions and advances	8,335			8,655			8,335			8,655
	$	16,059		$	18,166		$	15,800		$	17,333
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$	(163,232	)	$	(131,534	)	$	(164,724	)	$	(131,548	)
Regulatory-asset-related: depreciation and other	(22,941		)	(21,575		)	(22,941		)	(21,575		)
California Corp Franchise Tax	(4,069		)	(2,120		)	(4,831		)	(1,749		)
Other property-related	(59		)	(155		)	(59		)	(155		)
Balancing and memorandum accounts	(4,071		)	(6,663		)	(4,071		)	(6,663		)
Deferred charges	(5,461		)	(6,064		)	(5,461		)	(6,064		)
	(199,833		)	(168,111		)	(202,087		)	(167,754		)
Accumulated deferred income taxes - net	$	(183,774	)	$	(149,945	)	$	(186,287	)	$	(150,421	)

Schedule of current and deferred components of income tax expense from continuing operations

The current and deferred components of income tax expense are as follows:



	AWR
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
Current
Federal	$	5,595	$	13,741	$	15,585
State	137		5,930		5,273
Total current tax expense	$	5,732	$	19,671	$	20,858
Deferred
Federal	$	24,815	$	14,769	$	13,088
State	7,501		1,343		1,999
Total deferred tax expense	32,316		16,112		15,087
Total income tax expense	$	38,048	$	35,783	$	35,945



	GSWC
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
Current
Federal	$	408		$	10,768	$	7,957
State	(2,754		)	6,315		3,830
Total current tax expense	$	(2,346	)	$	17,083	$	11,787
Deferred
Federal	$	24,373		$	14,691	$	12,670
State	9,979			1,360		2,043
Total deferred tax expense	34,352			16,051		14,713
Total income tax expense	$	32,006		$	33,134	$	26,500

Schedule of reconciliations of the effective tax rates to the federal statutory rate

The reconciliations of the effective tax rates to the federal statutory rate are as follows:



	AWR
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Federal taxes on pretax income at statutory rate	$	34,687		$	34,464		$	31,533
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State income tax, net of federal benefit	4,781			5,111			4,957
Flow-through on fixed assets	651			646			636
Flow-through on pension costs	(507		)	612			10
Flow-through on removal costs	(1,571		)	(2,141		)	(943		)
Domestic production activities deduction	(643		)	(2,944		)	(553		)
Investment tax credit	(91		)	(91		)	(91		)
Other – net	741			126			396
Total income tax expense from operations	$	38,048		$	35,783		$	35,945
Pretax income from operations	$	99,106		$	98,469		$	90,093
Effective income tax rate	38.4		%	36.3		%	39.9		%



	GSWC
	Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Federal taxes on pretax income at statutory rate	$	27,952		$	28,622		$	23,002
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State income tax, net of federal benefit	4,693			5,372			4,048
Flow-through on fixed assets	651			646			636
Flow-through on pension costs	(507		)	612			10
Flow-through on removal costs	(1,571		)	(2,141		)	(943		)
Domestic production activities deduction	(55		)	(1,316		)	(553		)
Investment tax credit	(91		)	(91		)	(91		)
Other – net	934			1,430			391
Total income tax expense from operations	$	32,006		$	33,134		$	26,500
Pretax income from operations	$	79,863		$	81,776		$	65,720
Effective income tax rate	40.1		%	40.5		%	40.3		%

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Pension and Post-Retirement Medical Plans:

Employee benefit plans

Schedule of Pension Plan's funded status and amounts recognized in balance sheets and the components of net pension cost and accrued post-retirement liability



	Pension Benefits						Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	152,680		$	163,230		$	11,388		$	12,296
Service cost	5,643			6,967			348			407
Interest cost	7,520			6,907			495			439
Actuarial loss (gain)	24,339			(19,918		)	437			(1,340		)
Benefits/expenses paid	(4,998		)	(4,506		)	(342		)	(414		)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	185,184		$	152,680		$	12,326		$	11,388

Changes in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	127,534		$	107,638		$	9,873		$	8,359
Actual return on plan assets	9,816			17,846			951			1,320
Employer contributions	8,209			6,556			241			608
Benefits/expenses paid	(4,998		)	(4,506		)	(342		)	(414		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	140,561		$	127,534		$	10,723		$	9,873

Funded Status:
Net amount recognized as accrued pension cost	$	(44,623	)	$	(25,146	)	$	(1,603	)	$	(1,515	)



	Pension Benefits						Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Amounts recognized on the balance sheets:
Current liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Non-current liabilities	(44,623		)	(25,146		)	(1,603		)	(1,515		)
Net amount recognized	$	(44,623	)	$	(25,146	)	$	(1,603	)	$	(1,515	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
Initial net obligation	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	417
Prior service cost (credit)	167			285			(234		)	(433		)
Net (gain) loss	39,003			15,581			(2,891		)	(3,159		)
Regulatory assets (liabilities)	39,170			15,866			(3,125		)	(3,175		)
Unfunded accrued pension cost	5,453			9,280			4,728			4,690
Net liability recognized	$	44,623		$	25,146		$	1,603		$	1,515

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets:
Regulatory asset at beginning of year	$	15,866		$	49,052		$	(3,175	)	$	(685	)
Net loss (gain)	23,422			(30,190		)	(61		)	(2,278		)
Amortization of initial net obligation	—			—			(419		)	(419		)
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	(118		)	(118		)	200			200
Amortization of net gain (loss)	—			(2,878		)	330			7
Total change in regulatory asset	23,304			(33,186		)	50			(2,490		)
Regulatory asset (liability) at end of year	$	39,170		$	15,866		$	(3,125	)	$	(3,175	)

Net periodic pension costs	$	4,383		$	9,296		$	278		$	676
Change in regulatory asset	23,304			(33,186		)	50			(2,490		)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and regulatory asset (liability)	$	27,687		$	(23,890	)	$	328		$	(1,814	)

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory asset over the next fiscal year:
Initial net obligation	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(418	)
Prior service (cost) credit	$	(118	)	$	(118	)	$	200		$	200
Net gain (loss)	$	(1,878	)	$	(29	)	$	213		$	262

Additional year-end information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	185,184		$	152,680		$	12,326		$	11,388
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	160,510		$	131,580		N/A			N/A
Fair value of plan assets	$	140,561		$	127,534		$	10,723		$	9,873

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
Discount rate	4.25		%	5.10		%	3.80		%	4.65		%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%	N/A			N/A

Schedule of components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefits cost, before allocation to the overhead pool

The components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefits cost, before allocation to the overhead pool, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:



	Pension Benefits									Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost:
Service cost	$	5,643		$	6,967		$	6,675		$	348		$	407		$	419
Interest cost	7,520			6,907			6,657			495			439			534
Expected return on plan assets	(8,898		)	(7,574		)	(6,540		)	(453		)	(382		)	(357		)
Amortization of transition	—			—			—			418			419			419
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	118			118			118			(200		)	(200		)	(200		)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	—			2,878			3,035			(330		)	(7		)	—
Net periodic pension cost under accounting standards	$	4,383		$	9,296		$	9,945		$	278		$	676		$	815
Regulatory adjustment - over/(under) collection	1,622			(1,920		)	(2,305		)	—			—			—
Total expense recognized, before allocation to overhead pool	$	6,005		$	7,376		$	7,640		$	278		$	676		$	815

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:
Discount rate	5.10		%	4.30		%	4.65		%	4.65		%	3.75		%	4.45		%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.00		%	7.00		%	7.00		%	*			*			*
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%	4.00		%	N/A			N/A			N/A

*7.0% for union plan, 4.2% for non-union, net of income taxes in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Schedule of pension and post-retirement plan weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category



	Pension Benefits				Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
Asset Category	2014		2013		2014		2013
Actual Asset Allocations:
Equity securities	61	%	61	%	60	%	61	%
Debt securities	39	%	37	%	38	%	38	%
Cash equivalents	—	%	2	%	2	%	1	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%	100	%

Schedule of pension and post-retirement plan target asset allocations

Equity securities did not include AWR’s stock as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.



Target Asset Allocations for 2015:	Pension Benefits		Post-retirement Medical Benefits
Equity securities	60	%	60	%
Debt securities	40	%	40	%
Total	100	%	100	%

Schedule of pension and post-retirement plans' investment assets measured at fair value

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the pension and post-retirement plans’ investment assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	497	—	—	$	497
Fixed income securities	54,865		—	—	54,865
Equity securities:
U.S. small cap stocks	7,546		—	—	7,546
U.S. mid cap stocks	14,779		—	—	14,779
U.S. large cap stocks	42,886		—	—	42,886
International funds	11,318		—	—	11,318
Real estate funds	8,670		—	—	8,670
Total equity securities	85,199		—	—	85,199
Total investments measured at fair value	$	140,561	—	—	$	140,561

Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	185	—	—	$	185
Fixed income	4,105		—	—	4,105
U.S. equity securities (large cap stocks)	6,433		—	—	6,433
Total investments measured at fair value	$	10,723	—	—	$	10,723



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	2,096	—	—	$	2,096
Fixed income securities	47,627		—	—	47,627
Equity securities:
U.S. small cap stocks	6,576		—	—	6,576
U.S. mid cap stocks	13,119		—	—	13,119
U.S. large cap stocks	39,280		—	—	39,280
International funds	12,501		—	—	12,501
Real estate funds	6,335		—	—	6,335
Total equity securities	77,811		—	—	77,811
Total investments measured at fair value	$	127,534	—	—	$	127,534

Fair Value of Post-Retirement Plan Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	142	—	—	$	142
Fixed income	3,731		—	—	3,731
U.S. equity securities (large cap stocks)	6,000		—	—	6,000
Total investments measured at fair value	$	9,873	—	—	$	9,873

Schedule of estimated future benefit payments

Registrant’s estimated future benefit payments at December 31, 2014 for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):



	Pension Benefits		Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
2015	$	5,468	$	566
2016	5,938		601
2017	6,489		680
2018	7,030		774
2019	7,569		866
Thereafter	48,446		5,247
Total	$	80,940	$	8,734

Schedule of effects of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates

A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the post-retirement medical plan:



(dollars in thousands)	1-Percentage-Point Increase		1-Percentage-Point Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	80	$	(70	)
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation	$	1,438	$	(1,232	)

SERP

Employee benefit plans

Schedule of Pension Plan's funded status and amounts recognized in balance sheets and the components of net pension cost and accrued post-retirement liability

The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, funded status of the SERP, as well as a summary of significant estimates at December 31, 2014 and 2013:



(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	12,296		$	12,406
Service cost	768			803
Interest cost	615			514
Actuarial (gain) loss	2,497			(1,198		)
Benefits paid	(250		)	(229		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,926		$	12,296
Changes in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	—			—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	—			—

Funded Status:
Net amount recognized as accrued cost	$	(15,926	)	$	(12,296	)



(in thousands)	2014			2013
Amounts recognized on the balance sheets:
Current liabilities	$	(379	)	$	(230	)
Non-current liabilities	(15,547		)	(12,066		)
Net amount recognized	$	(15,926	)	$	(12,296	)
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
Prior service cost	$	153		$	314
Net loss	4,530			2,172
Regulatory assets	4,683			2,486
Unfunded accrued cost	11,243			9,810
Net liability recognized	$	15,926		$	12,296

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
Regulatory asset at beginning of year	$	2,486		$	4,184
Net (gain) loss	2,497			(1,199		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(161		)	(161		)
Amortization of net loss	(139		)	(338		)
Total change in regulatory asset	2,197			(1,698		)
Regulatory asset at end of year	$	4,683		$	2,486

Net periodic pension cost	$	1,683		$	1,817
Change in regulatory asset	2,197			(1,698		)
Total recognized in net periodic pension and net income	$	3,880		$	119

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory asset over the next fiscal year:
Initial net asset (obligation)	—			—
Prior service cost	$	(117	)	$	(161	)
Net loss	(431		)	(139		)
Additional year-end information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	15,926		$	12,296
Accumulated benefit obligation	13,992			10,116
Fair value of plan assets	—			—
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.15		%	5.05		%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%

Schedule of components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefits cost, before allocation to the overhead pool

The components of SERP expense, before allocation to the overhead pool, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:



(dollars in thousands, except percent)	2014			2013			2012
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost:
Service cost	$	768		$	803		$	731
Interest cost	615			514			488
Amortization of prior service cost	161			161			161
Amortization of net loss	139			339			307
Net periodic pension cost	$	1,683		$	1,817		$	1,687

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:
Discount rate	5.05		%	4.20		%	4.65		%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00		%	4.00		%	4.00		%

Schedule of pension and post-retirement plans' investment assets measured at fair value

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Rabbi Trust investment assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Assets held in Rabbi Trust:
Cash equivalents	$	29	—	—	$	29
Fixed income securities	3,454		—	—	3,454
Equity securities	5,282		—	—	5,282
Total investments measured at fair value	$	8,765	—	—	$	8,765



	Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
Fair Value of Assets held in Rabbi Trust:
Cash equivalents	$	27	—	—	$	27
Fixed income securities	2,587		—	—	2,587
Equity securities	4,202		—	—	4,202
Total investments measured at fair value	$	6,816	—	—	$	6,816

Schedule of estimated future benefit payments

Registrant’s estimated future benefit payments for the SERP at December 31, 2014 for the next ten years are as follows (in thousands):



2015	$	379
2016	391
2017	472
2018	614
2019	712
Thereafter	5,402
Total	$	7,970

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of share-based compensation expenses

These expenses resulting from stock options, restricted stock units and performance awards are included in administrative and general expenses in AWR and GSWC’s statements of income:



	AWR						GSWC
	For The Years Ended December 31,						For The Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Stock-based compensation related to:
Stock options	$	—	$	9	$	150	$	—	$	8	$	147
Restricted stock units	1,354		1,507		1,729		1,113		1,266		1,468
Performance awards	868		493		52		635		373		52
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	2,222	$	2,009	$	1,931	$	1,748	$	1,647	$	1,667

Schedule of assumptions used to estimate fair value of each option grant on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model

A summary of the status of Registrant’s outstanding performance awards to officers as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:



	Number of Performance awards		Weighted Average Grant-Date Value
Performance awards at January 1, 2014	40,920		$	25.63
Granted	38,948		29.10
Vested	(4,041	)	18.68
Performance awards at December 31, 2014	75,827		$	27.78

Summary of stock option activity

A summary of stock option activity as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, are presented below:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2014	264,596		$	17.16
Granted	—
Exercised	(37,006	)	15.93
Forfeited or expired	(5,010	)	12.77
Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	222,580		$	17.47	3	$	4,494,733
Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	222,580		$	17.47	3	$	4,494,733

Summary of the status of Registrant's outstanding restricted stock units to employees and directors

A summary of the status of Registrant’s outstanding RSUs, excluding performance awards, to employees and directors as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:



	Number of Restricted Share Units		Weighted Average Grant-Date Value
Restricted share units at January 1, 2014	197,036		$	19.04
Granted	56,059		29.05
Vested	(103,580	)	20.62
Forfeited	(4,040	)	25.08
Restricted share units at December 31, 2014	145,475		$	21.61

Commitments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Schedule of estimated future minimum payments under purchased water supply commitments

GSWC’s estimated future minimum payments under these purchased water supply commitments at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):



2015	$	447
2016	319
2017	319
2018	319
2019	319
Thereafter	3,541
Total	$	5,264

Schedule of future minimum payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases

Registrant’s future minimum payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):



2015	$	2,345
2016	2,130
2017	1,895
2018	1,508
2019	1,232
Thereafter	1,904
Total	$	11,014

Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of reporting segments information

Capital additions reflect capital expenditures paid in cash and exclude government-funded capital expenditures for ASUS and property installed by developers and conveyed to GSWC.



	As Of And For The Year Ended December 31, 2014
	GSWC				ASUS		AWR			Consolidated
(dollars in thousands)	Water		Electric		Contracts (2)		Parent			AWR
Operating revenues	$	326,672	$	34,387	$	104,732	$	—		$	465,791
Operating income (loss)	94,014		5,728		19,351		(48		)	119,045
Interest expense, net	19,370		1,260		142		(82		)	20,690
Utility Plant	953,678		45,202		4,640		—			1,003,520
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)	38,388		1,466		1,219		—			41,073
Income tax expense/(benefit)	30,410		1,596		7,038		(996		)	38,048
Capital additions	66,304		4,584		1,665		—			72,553



	As Of And For The Year Ended December 31, 2013
	GSWC				ASUS		AWR			Consolidated
(dollars in thousands)	Water		Electric		Contracts		Parent			AWR
Operating revenues	$	320,131	$	38,409	$	113,537	$	—		$	472,077
Operating income (loss)	95,932		6,411		16,737		(8		)	119,072
Interest expense, net	20,236		1,436		264		(228		)	21,708
Utility Plant	936,386		40,908		4,183		—			981,477
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)	36,636		2,316		1,138		—			40,090
Income tax expense/(benefit)	30,679		2,455		4,911		(2,262		)	35,783
Capital additions	94,581		2,124		674		—			97,379



	As Of And For The Year Ended December 31, 2012
	GSWC				ASUS		AWR			Consolidated
(dollars in thousands)	Water		Electric		Contracts		Parent			AWR
Operating revenues	$	305,898	$	37,033	$	123,977	$	—		$	466,908
Operating income (loss)	78,104		8,501		24,608		(119		)	111,094
Interest expense, net	19,783		1,533		179		(63		)	21,432
Utility Plant	871,756		41,381		4,654		—			917,791
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)	37,905		2,292		1,188		—			41,385
Income tax expense	24,231		2,269		9,437		8			35,945
Capital additions	62,500		4,331		1,273		—			68,104

Schedule of reconciliation of total utility plant (a key figure for rate-making) to total consolidated assets

The following table reconciles total utility plant (a key figure for rate-making) to total consolidated assets (in thousands):



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Total utility plant	$	1,003,520	$	981,477	$	917,791
Other assets	374,778		328,706		363,152
Total consolidated assets	$	1,378,298	$	1,310,183	$	1,280,943

(2) ASUS recorded approximately $1.6 million of additional revenues during the fourth quarter of 2014 in conjunction with the close-out of a large construction project.

Schedule of provision for doubtful accounts charged to expense and accounts written off, net of recoveries

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References+ Details

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts



	AWR
	December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,187		$	1,228		$	1,048
Provision charged to expense	991			1,145			1,710
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1,286		)	(1,186		)	(1,530		)
Balance at end of year	$	892		$	1,187		$	1,228

Allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable-customer	$	803		$	755		$	797
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to receivable from U.S. government	—			—			8
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to other accounts receivable	89			432			423
Total allowance for doubtful accounts	$	892		$	1,187		$	1,228



	GSWC
	December 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,114		$	1,177		$	1,005
Provision charged to expense	1,055			1,056			1,668
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1,277		)	(1,119		)	(1,496		)
Balance at end of year	$	892		$	1,114		$	1,177

Allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable-customer	$	803		$	755		$	797
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to other accounts receivable	89			359			380
Total allowance for doubtful accounts	$	892		$	1,114		$	1,177

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 20, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014 registrant	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of significant accounting policies
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction		$ 2,700,000	$ 2,600,000	$ 2,400,000
Basis of Presentation:
Number of registrants filing combined report		2
Stock split ratio	2
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of long-lived assets		0		416,000
Goodwill
Goodwill arose from acquisition of subcontractor's business		1,100,000
Sales and Use Taxes:
Non-income tax assessments accounted on a gross basis		16,722,000	15,865,000	15,381,000
Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries
Summary of significant accounting policies
Period of Fixed Price Contracts to Maintain Water Systems at Various Military Bases		50 years
GSWC
Related Party Transactions
Balance outstanding		0	500,000
Property and Depreciation
Aggregate composite rate for depreciation (as a percent)		3.20%	3.40%	3.70%
Depreciation on transportation equipment		678,000	877,000	1,800,000
Estimated useful lives of utility plant, as authorized by the CPUC
Generation		40 years
Interest
Amount recorded in AFUDC		24,000	270,000	299,000
Weighted cost of capital (as a percent)		8.64%
Alternative-Revenue Programs
Number of months within which expected additional revenue collection is recorded		24 months
Advances for Construction and Contributions in aid of Constructions
Period for refund of advances for construction		40 years
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt-GSWC		417,057,000
Sales and Use Taxes:
Franchise fees billed to customers and recorded as operating revenue		3,700,000	3,600,000	3,400,000
Non-income tax assessments accounted on a gross basis		15,221,000	14,072,000	13,835,000
GSWC \| Carrying Amount
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt-GSWC		326,090,000	332,377,000
GSWC \| Fair Value
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt-GSWC			412,590,000
GSWC \| Fair Value \| Level 2
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Long-term debt-GSWC		417,057,000
GSWC \| Minimum
Estimated useful lives of utility plant, as authorized by the CPUC
Source of water supply		30 years
Pumping		25 years
Water treatment		20 years
Transmission and distribution		25 years
Other plant		7 years
GSWC \| Maximum
Estimated useful lives of utility plant, as authorized by the CPUC
Source of water supply		50 years
Pumping		40 years
Water treatment		35 years
Transmission and distribution		55 years
Other plant		40 years
GSWC \| Purchase, production, distribution and sale of water
Nature of Operations:
Number of customers served		258,000
GSWC \| Electric
Nature of Operations:
Number of customers served		24,000
American States Utility Services [Member]
Sales and Use Taxes:
Non-income tax assessments accounted on a gross basis		490,000	864,000	717,000
American States Utility Services [Member] \| Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries
Nature of Operations:
Period of fixed price contracts to operate and maintain the water and/or wastewater systems at various military bases		50 years
AWR
Related Party Transactions
Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit		100,000,000.0
AWR \| Syndicated Credit Facility
Related Party Transactions
Maximum borrowing capacity on line of credit		100,000,000.0
AWR \| Promissory note
Related Party Transactions
Maximum borrowing capacity on debt instrument		20,000,000.0
Notes Receivable \| AWR \| Promissory note
Related Party Transactions
Balance outstanding		$ 0
Sales [Member] \| GSWC \| Purchase, production, distribution and sale of water
Nature of Operations:
Percentage of total revenues		90.00%

Regulatory Matters (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory asset not accruing carrying costs	$ 67,500,000
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory asset not accruing carrying costs	40,700,000
Derivative unrealized loss
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory asset not accruing carrying costs	3,300,000
Flow-through taxes, net
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory asset not accruing carrying costs	17,600,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY
Regulatory matters:
Total	125,704,000	122,681,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Various refunds to customers
Regulatory matters:
Total	(759,000)	(4,292,000)
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| WRAM, net of MCBA
Regulatory matters:
Total	(9,400,000)	16,345,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism
Regulatory matters:
Total	7,761,000	8,725,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Costs deferred for future recovery on Aerojet case
Regulatory matters:
Total	13,629,000	14,763,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]
Regulatory matters:
Total	43,426,000	20,241,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Derivative unrealized loss
Regulatory matters:
Total	3,339,000	0
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Flow-through taxes, net
Regulatory matters:
Total	17,612,000	16,189,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Low income rate assistance balancing accounts
Regulatory matters:
Total	9,109,000	9,979,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| General rate case memorandum accounts
Regulatory matters:
Total	4,731,000	15,645,000
GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY \| Other regulatory assets, net
Regulatory matters:
Total	$ 17,487,000	$ 25,086,000

Regulatory Matters (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
Regulatory Matters (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014 WRAM	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC	Apr. 30, 2012 GSWC WRAM, net of MCBA	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC WRAM, net of MCBA	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC WRAM, net of MCBA	Apr. 30, 2012 GSWC WRAM, net of MCBA Minimum	Apr. 30, 2012 GSWC WRAM, net of MCBA Maximum	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC WRAM, net of MCBA Maximum	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC WRAM	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC Modified Cost Balancing Account	Nov. 30, 2014 GSWC Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism	Nov. 30, 2014 GSWC Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism Maximum
Regulatory matters:
Commercial paper, term					90 days
Amount billed to customers as surcharges					$ 14,300,000
Over collection	7,400,000
Under (over) collection		125,704,000	122,681,000		(9,400,000)	16,345,000				10,500,000	1,100,000		7,761,000	8,725,000
Alternative revenue program									24 months						24 months
Under-collection balances as a percentage of adopted annual revenues				15.00%
Recovery period for under-collection balances that are up to 15% of adopted annual revenues								36 months
Recovery period for under-collection balances greater than 15% of adopted annual revenues							19 months		18 months
Annual surcharges as a percentage of the last authorized revenue requirement				10.00%
Period of surcharge approved													12 months
Increase in Revenue Requirement, Recoverable through Surcharges												$ 2,300,000

Regulatory Matters (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Regulatory Matters (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory matters:
Other Liabilities, Current	$ 18,760,000	$ 12,962,000
GSWC
Regulatory matters:
Under (over) collection	125,704,000	122,681,000
Other Liabilities, Current	18,659,000	12,880,000
Other Regulatory Assets Net [Member]
Regulatory matters:
Other Liabilities, Current	5,500,000
Other Regulatory Assets Net [Member] \| GSWC
Regulatory matters:
Under (over) collection	17,487,000	25,086,000
Low income rate assistance balancing accounts \| GSWC
Regulatory matters:
Increase in Revenue Requirement, Recoverable through Surcharges	700,000	1,200,000
Under (over) collection	9,109,000	9,979,000
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] \| GSWC
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory Assets	40,700,000
Under (over) collection	43,426,000	20,241,000
Two-way pension balancing account \| Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] \| GSWC
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory Assets	2,700,000
Two-way pension balancing account \| Purchase, production, distribution and sale of water \| Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] \| GSWC
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory Assets	2,800,000
Two-way pension balancing account \| Electric \| Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] \| GSWC
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory Assets	$ (124,000)

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

Aggregate carrying amount of current liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Includes costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and of liabilities not separately disclosed.

+ References+ Details

Regulatory Matters (Details 4) (GSWC, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2005 Costs deferred for future recovery on Aerojet case	Dec. 31, 2014 Costs deferred for future recovery on Aerojet case	Oct. 31, 2005 Costs deferred for future recovery on Aerojet case Maximum	Dec. 31, 2014 Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism Net of Modified Cost Balancing Account [Member]
Regulatory matters:
Increase in Revenue Requirement, Recoverable through Surcharges	$ 21.3
Recovery period	20 years		20 years
Amount billed to customers as surcharges				14.3
Reimbursement to recover costs		$ 17.5

Regulatory Matters (Details 5) (GSWC, USD $)			12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Regulatory Matters (Details 5) (GSWC, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014 Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] water_region	Dec. 31, 2013 Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] Two-way pension balancing account	Dec. 31, 2014 Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism Net of Modified Cost Balancing Account [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism Net of Modified Cost Balancing Account [Member]	Nov. 30, 2014 Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism	Dec. 31, 2014 Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism	Dec. 31, 2013 Base revenue requirement adjustment mechanism	Dec. 31, 2014 Low income rate assistance balancing accounts	Dec. 31, 2013 Low income rate assistance balancing accounts
Regulatory matters:
Regulatory asset			$ 40,700,000		$ 2,700,000
Period of surcharge approved									12 months
Number of water regions for which two-way balancing account was established			3
Commercial paper, term						90 days					90 days
Increase in Revenue Requirement, Recoverable through Surcharges								2,300,000			700,000	1,200,000
Discount percentage for qualified low-income water customers											15.00%
Discount percentage for qualified low-income electric customers											20.00%
Total	$ 125,704,000	$ 122,681,000	$ 43,426,000	$ 20,241,000		$ (9,400,000)	$ 16,345,000		$ 7,761,000	$ 8,725,000	$ 9,109,000	$ 9,979,000

Regulatory Matters (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
Regulatory Matters (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013 General rate case memorandum accounts	Dec. 31, 2010 General rate case memorandum accounts	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC	Sep. 30, 2013 GSWC General rate case memorandum accounts	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC General rate case memorandum accounts	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC General rate case memorandum accounts	Sep. 30, 2013 Minimum GSWC General rate case memorandum accounts	Sep. 30, 2013 Maximum GSWC General rate case memorandum accounts
Regulatory matters:
Net regulatory assets			$ 125,704,000	$ 122,681,000		$ 4,731,000	$ 15,645,000
Effect of retroactive increase in rate	$ 600,000	$ 4,100,000
Regulatory Asset Recovery Periods					12 months			12 months	24 months

Regulatory Matters (Details 7) (GSWC, CPUC Subpoena)	1 Months Ended
Regulatory Matters (Details 7) (GSWC, CPUC Subpoena)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011 Audit
GSWC \| CPUC Subpoena
Regulatory matters:
Number of separate independent audits of procurement practices agreed as a part of the settlement agreement		3
Period of separate independent audits of procurement practices agreed as a part of settlement agreement		10 years
Period of Separate Independent Audits of Procurement Practices Covered by Report	20 years

Regulatory Matters (Details 9) (GSWC, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012 Renewables Portfolio Standard renewable_energy
Regulatory matters:
Net regulatory assets	$ 125,704	$ 122,681
Agreement period to purchase renewable energy credits			10 years
Number of renewable energy credits that would be purchased			582,000

Regulatory Matters (Details 10) (GSWC, Cost of Capital Proceeding for Water Regions)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
GSWC \| Cost of Capital Proceeding for Water Regions
Regulatory matters:
Authorized return on equity percentage	9.43%				9.99%
Period of cost of capital proceedings considered for adjustment of R O E and rate of return on rate base	3 years
Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage			56.00%
Change in average of the Moody's Aa utility bond rate (as a percent)		0.30%
Decrease in Moody's rate from benchmark (as a percent)				1.12%
Proposed authorized ROE under the settlement agreement (as a percent)					9.43%

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Less - accumulated depreciation

$ 1,455,416

$ 1,395,959

(500,239)

(471,665)

Construction work in progress

48,343

57,183

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

1,003,520

981,477

917,791

Water

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

1,373,780

1,316,599

Water | Land

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

15,423

Water | Intangible Assets [Member]

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

34,081

34,019

Water | Source of water supply

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

80,614

75,651

Water | Pumping

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

155,802

147,390

Water | Water treatment

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

71,519

70,947

Water | Transmission and distribution

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

894,789

856,823

Water | General

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

121,552

116,346

Electric

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

81,636

79,360

Electric | Intangible Assets [Member]

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

1,200

Electric | Transmission and distribution

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

60,035

58,400

Electric | Generation

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

12,547

Electric | General

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

9,054

^[1]

8,413

^[1]

GSWC

Less - accumulated depreciation

1,444,710

1,386,869

(494,000)

(466,329)

Construction work in progress

48,170

56,754

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

998,880

977,294

GSWC | Water

1,363,074

1,307,509

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

953,678

936,386

871,756

GSWC | Water | Land

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

15,423

GSWC | Water | Intangible Assets [Member]

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

34,063

34,001

GSWC | Water | Source of water supply

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

80,614

75,651

GSWC | Water | Pumping

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

155,802

147,390

GSWC | Water | Water treatment

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

71,519

70,947

GSWC | Water | Transmission and distribution

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

894,789

856,823

GSWC | Water | General

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

110,864

107,274

GSWC | Electric

81,636

79,360

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

45,202

40,908

41,381

GSWC | Electric | Transmission and distribution

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

60,035

58,400

GSWC | Electric | Generation

Utility plant utilized in continuing operations by major asset class

12,547

GSWC | Electric | General

$ 9,054

^[1]

$ 8,413

^[1]

[1]	Includes intangible assets of $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 for studies performed in association with the electricity segment of the Registrant’s operations.

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross

$ 1,455,416,000

$ 1,395,959,000

Less - accumulated amortization

35,468,000

35,405,000

(24,456,000)

(22,530,000)

Intangible assets, net of amortization

11,012,000

12,875,000

Unamortized intangible assets

427,000

^[1]

427,000

^[1]

Amortization of intangible assets

1,900,000

2,400,000

Estimated future consolidated amortization expenses related to intangible assets

2,441,000

1,605,000

1,491,000

1,491,000

1,320,000

8,348,000

Conservation

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

26 years

9,496,000

Water and water service rights

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

30 years

8,695,000

^[2]

8,695,000

^[2]

Water planning studies

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

13 years

17,277,000

17,214,000

GSWC

Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross

1,444,710,000

1,386,869,000

Less - accumulated amortization

34,897,000

34,834,000

(24,373,000)

(22,459,000)

Intangible assets, net of amortization

10,524,000

12,375,000

Unamortized intangible assets

409,000

^[1]

409,000

^[1]

GSWC | Conservation

9,496,000

GSWC | Water and water service rights

8,124,000

^[2]

8,124,000

^[2]

GSWC | Water planning studies

17,277,000

17,214,000

Intangible Assets [Member] | American States Utility Services [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross

$ 600,000

[1]	The intangible assets not subject to amortization primarily consist of organization and consent fees.
[2]	Includes intangible assets of $571,000 for contracted services included in "Other Property and Investments" on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Utility Plant and Intangible Assets (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amount of the asset retirement obligations
Obligation at the beginning of the period	$ 3,095	$ 3,018
Additional liabilities incurred	6	11
Liabilities settled	(66)	(126)
Accretion	199	192
Obligation at the end of the period	$ 3,234	$ 3,095

Derivative Instruments (Details) (Purchase power contract, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative instruments
Number of broker quotes received to determine fair value of derivative instrument	1
GSWC
Changes in the fair value of the derivative
Balance, at beginning of the period	$ 0	$ (3,060)
Unrealized gain (loss) on purchased power contracts	(3,339)	3,060
Balance, at end of the period	$ (3,339)	$ 0
Minimum \| GSWC
Derivative instruments
Derivative, Term of Contract	3 years
Maximum \| GSWC
Derivative instruments
Derivative, Term of Contract	5 years

Military Privatization (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Military Privatization
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 11,736	$ 6,852
Receivables from the U.S. government:
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(892)	(1,187)	(1,228)	(1,048)
Pretax income
Increase in pretax operating income	119,045	119,072	111,094
Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries
Military Privatization
Period of fixed price contracts to maintain water systems at various military bases	50 years
Initial contract period	2 years
Price redetermination interval	3 years
Revenues recognized net of billings to date
Revenues (costs and estimated earnings) recognized on uncompleted contracts	91,141	78,741
Less: Billings to date	(56,114)	(32,262)
Total	35,027	46,479
Amount included in accompanying balance sheets
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	46,763	53,331
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(11,736)	(6,852)
Total	35,027	46,479
Receivables from the U.S. government:
Billed receivables from the U.S. government	6,709	7,106
Unbilled Contract Receivables, Current	3,689	0
Unbilled Contract Receivables, Non-current	3,513	3,104
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0
Pretax income
Government Contract Receivable	13,911	10,210
American States Utility Services [Member] \| Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries
Pretax income
Increase in pretax operating income	19,351	16,737	24,608
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] \| American States Utility Services [Member] \| Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries
Military Privatization
Revenue Recognition, Retrospective Rate-Setting Systems, Amount	1,700
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	$ 6,100

Earnings Per Share and Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Basic

Net Income

$ 61,058

$ 62,686

$ 54,148

Less: Distributed earnings to common shareholders

32,125

29,366

24,129

Less: Distributed earnings to participating securities

177

171

Undistributed earnings

28,756

33,149

29,848

Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders

28,599

32,958

29,638

Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

191

210

Total income available to common shareholders, basic

60,724

62,324

53,767

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic

38,658,000

38,639,000

37,998,000

Basic earnings per Common Share:

Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$ 1.57

$ 1.61

$ 1.42

Total income available to common shareholders, basic

$ 1.57

$ 1.61

$ 1.42

Diluted

60,724

62,324

53,767

Undistributed earnings for dilutive stock options

157

191

210

Total common shareholders earnings, diluted

$ 60,881

$ 62,515

$ 53,977

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding, basic

38,658,000

38,639,000

37,998,000

Stock-based compensation (in shares)

222,000

^[1]

230,000

^[1]

264,000

^[1]

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

38,880,000

38,869,000

38,262,000

Diluted earnings per Common Share:

Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)

$ 1.57

$ 1.61

$ 1.41

Stock option and restricted stock option outstanding

$ 1.57

$ 1.61

$ 1.41

Options outstanding (in shares)

222,580

Restricted Stock Units

Share based compensation arrangement

Restricted stock units outstanding (in shares)

221,302

[1]

Earnings Per Share and Capital Stock (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 27, 2014 AWR	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Common Stock [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 AWR
Capital stock
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic		$ (191,000)	$ (210,000)
Additional disclosure
Common Shares issued under DRP and the 2000 and 2008 Employee Plans	74,145	114,821	77,038				896,000
Value of Common Shares issued under DRP and the 2000 and 2008 Employee Plans			13,295,000		943,000		13,295,000	943,000
Common Shares authorized for issuance but unissued under DRP	1,055,948
Common Shares authorized for issuance but unissued under 401(k) Plan	387,300
Common Shares issued as a result of the exercise of stock options	37,006	131,448	819,400
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised, Distributed to Subsidiaries	0
Common Shares repurchased in the open market under DRP and 401(k) Plan						545,000			545,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased				1,250,000.00
Amount available for issuance of securities under registration statement	$ 115,000,000

Dividend Limitations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dividend Limitations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Dividend limitations
Common shareholder’s equity	$ 506,801,000	$ 492,404,000	$ 454,579,000	$ 408,666,000
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	253,602,000	238,443,000
GSWC
Dividend limitations
Fixed amount in computing maximum ability to pay dividends	21,000,000.0
Percentage of consolidated net income plus the aggregate net cash proceeds received from capital stock offerings or other instruments convertible into capital stock	100.00%
Amount available to pay dividends under the most restrictive of the Note Agreements	367,700,000
Dividends paid	52,000,000	29,400,000	10,200,000
Common shareholder’s equity	435,190,000	437,613,000	416,257,000	384,806,000
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.4367
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	199,583,000	203,892,000
GSWC \| Maximum
Dividend limitations
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.6667
AWR
Dividend limitations
Dividends paid			(16,900,000)
Common shareholder’s equity	506,801,000	492,404,000
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	199,600,000
American States Utility Services [Member]
Dividend limitations
Dividends paid			6,700,000
American States Utility Services [Member] \| Maximum
Dividend limitations
Amount available to pay dividends	$ 41,300,000

+ References+ Details

Bank Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Bank Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	$ 0
Short-term borrowing (excluding letters of credit)
Short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)
Balance outstanding at the end of the period	0	0	0
Interest Rate at the end of the period (as a percent)	0.82%	0.82%	1.41%
Average amount outstanding	6,181,000	0	885,000
Weighted Average Annual Interest Rate (as a percent)	0.81%	1.02%	1.49%
Maximum Amount Outstanding	24,000,000	0	6,000,000
Syndicated revolving credit facility
Bank debt
Increase in additional aggregate bank commitments	50,000,000.0
Variable rate basis	Euro rate
Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Minimum
Short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)
Interest coverage ratio	325.00%
Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Maximum
Short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)
Total funded debt ratio	65.00%
Letters of credit \| Letter of Credit Irrevocable Franchise Agreement with City of Rancho Cordova [Member]
Bank debt
Letter of credit, amount	15,000,000
AWR
Bank debt
Maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000.0
AWR \| Syndicated revolving credit facility
Bank debt
Increase in additional aggregate bank commitments	50,000,000.0
Short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)
Interest coverage ratio	752.00%
Total funded debt ratio	40.00%
AWR \| Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Minimum
Short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)
Interest coverage ratio	325.00%
AWR \| Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Maximum
Short-term borrowing activities (excluding letters of credit)
Total funded debt ratio	65.00%
AWR \| Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Letters of credit
Bank debt
Maximum borrowing capacity	25,000,000
Letter of credit, amount	11,200,000
Letter of credit fee (as a percent)	0.65%
AWR \| Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Letter of Credit - Purchase of power
Bank debt
Letter of credit, amount	585,000,000
AWR \| Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Letter of Credit - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Bank debt
Letter of credit, amount	6,700,000
AWR \| Syndicated revolving credit facility \| Irrevocable Letter of Credit - Edison Settlement agreement
Bank debt
Letter of credit, amount	$ 3,600,000

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended												0 Months Ended					0 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 16, 2014 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC Maximum	Dec. 31, 2014 Private Placement Notes [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Private Placement Notes [Member] GSWC Minimum	Dec. 31, 2014 Private placement notes	Dec. 31, 2013 Private placement notes	Dec. 31, 2014 Private placement notes GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 Private placement notes GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Private placement notes GSWC Maximum	Dec. 31, 2014 Debt issues other than 9.56% Notes and Senior Notes issued to Co-Bank GSWC Maximum	Dec. 31, 2014 Senior Notes issued to Co-Bank GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Obligation due 2033 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 23, 2014 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member] GSWC	Mar. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 6.87 Percent Due 2023 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Notes Payable 6.87 Percent Due 2023 [Member]	Jul. 16, 2014 Notes Payable 6.87 Percent Due 2023 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 6.87 Percent Due 2023 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 Notes Payable 6.87 Percent Due 2023 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 7 Percent Due 2023 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Notes Payable 7 Percent Due 2023 [Member]	Jul. 16, 2014 Notes Payable 7 Percent Due 2023 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 7 Percent Due 2023 [Member] GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 Notes Payable 7 Percent Due 2023 [Member] GSWC
Long-term debt
Face amount of debt								$ 28,000,000									$ 15,000,000
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital		0.4367	0.6667
Ratio of Indebtedness to EBITDA		2.3695	8.0000
Interest coverage ratio				400.00%	200.00%
Redemption price of debt instrument, as a percentage of principal amount	100.00%
Principal amount of notes redeemed																						5,000,000					10,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)						9.56%	9.56%	9.56%	9.56%				2.50%	3.45%	3.45%	3.45%		3.45%	3.45%	6.87%	6.87%		6.87%	6.87%	7.00%	7.00%		7.00%	7.00%
Debt Instrument Redemption Premium above Treasury Yield								5500.00%
Redemption premium (as a percent)											0.383%
Redemption premium after 2021 (as a percent)										3.00%
Additional spread on premium (as a percent)												0.50%
Amount available for issuance of debt securities		$ 100,000,000.0

Long-Term Debt (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Annual maturities of all long-term debt, including capitalized leases
Total	$ 326,090	$ 332,377
GSWC
Annual maturities of all long-term debt, including capitalized leases
2014	292
2015	311
2016	328
2017	322
2018	40,319
Thereafter	284,518
Total	$ 326,090	$ 332,377

Long-Term Debt (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2012 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC Maximum	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC Private Placement Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC Private Placement Notes [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Dec. 23, 2014 GSWC Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 GSWC Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC Notes Payable 3.45 Percent Due 2029 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Obligation due 2033	Oct. 31, 2009 GSWC American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Obligation due 2033	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Obligation due 2033 Letters of credit to CDHP
Long-term debt
Ratio of Indebtedness to EBITDA						2.3695			8.0000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													$ 15,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant Interest Coverage Ratio										400.00%	200.00%
Maximum amount of loan that can be borrowed																	9,000,000.0
Interest rate (as a percent)				3.45%	3.45%							3.45%		3.45%	3.45%	2.50%
Maturity term																20 years
Letters of credit issued, percentage of maximum available under facility																		80.00%
Loan proceeds received for reimbursement of costs of conversion	14,846,000	60,000	3,408,000			14,846,000	60,000	3,408,000								8,600,000
Amount of debt issued																		$ 6,700,000.0

Taxes on Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Taxes on Income (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Taxes on income
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 0
Deferred tax assets:
Regulatory-liability-related: ITC and excess deferred taxes	1,001,000	1,049,000
Regulatory-liability-related: California Corp Franchise Tax	4,328,000	4,337,000
Other nonproperty-related	2,395,000	4,125,000
Contributions and advances	8,335,000	8,655,000
Deferred tax assets	16,059,000	18,166,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	(163,232,000)	(131,534,000)
Regulatory-asset-related: depreciation and other	(22,941,000)	(21,575,000)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Related to State Franchise Tax	(4,069,000)	(2,120,000)
Other nonproperty-related	(59,000)	(155,000)
Balancing and memorandum accounts	(4,071,000)	(6,663,000)
Deferred charges	(5,461,000)	(6,064,000)
Deferred tax liabilities	(199,833,000)	(168,111,000)
Accumulated deferred income taxes - net	(183,774,000)	(149,945,000)
Current
Federal	5,595,000	13,741,000	15,585,000
State	137,000	5,930,000	5,273,000
Total current tax expense	5,732,000	19,671,000	20,858,000
Deferred
Federal	24,815,000	14,769,000	13,088,000
State	7,501,000	1,343,000	1,999,000
Total deferred tax expense	32,316,000	16,112,000	15,087,000
Reconciliations of the effective tax rates to the federal statutory rate
Federal taxes on pretax income at statutory rate	34,687,000	34,464,000	31,533,000
Flow-through on removal costs	(643,000)	(2,944,000)	(553,000)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Investment, Amount	(91,000)	(91,000)	(91,000)
Income tax expense/(benefit)	38,048,000	35,783,000	35,945,000
Pretax income from continuing operations	99,106,000	98,469,000	90,093,000
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	38.40%	36.30%	39.90%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:	4,781,000	5,111,000	4,957,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Depreciation, Amount	651,000	646,000	636,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Flow Through on Pension Costs	(507,000)	612,000	10,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Cost of Removal	(1,571,000)	(2,141,000)	(943,000)
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	0
Income Tax Examination, Penalties Accrued	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount	741,000	126,000	396,000
Tax Authorities
Taxes on income
Net interest receivable	504,000	757,000	2,838,000
Recognized interest income	19,000	99,000	473,000
AWR Parent
Reconciliations of the effective tax rates to the federal statutory rate
Income tax expense/(benefit)	(996,000)	(2,262,000)	8,000
Pretax income from continuing operations	60,062,000	60,424,000	54,156,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	3,600,000
GSWC
Deferred tax assets:
Regulatory-liability-related: ITC and excess deferred taxes	1,001,000	1,049,000
Regulatory-liability-related: California Corp Franchise Tax	4,328,000	4,337,000
Other nonproperty-related	2,136,000	3,292,000
Contributions and advances	8,335,000	8,655,000
Deferred tax assets	15,800,000	17,333,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	(164,724,000)	(131,548,000)
Regulatory-asset-related: depreciation and other	(22,941,000)	(21,575,000)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Related to State Franchise Tax	(4,831,000)	(1,749,000)
Other nonproperty-related	(59,000)	(155,000)
Balancing and memorandum accounts	(4,071,000)	(6,663,000)
Deferred charges	(5,461,000)	(6,064,000)
Deferred tax liabilities	(202,087,000)	(167,754,000)
Accumulated deferred income taxes - net	(186,287,000)	(150,421,000)
Current
Federal	408,000	10,768,000	7,957,000
State	(2,754,000)	6,315,000	3,830,000
Total current tax expense	(2,346,000)	17,083,000	11,787,000
Deferred
Federal	24,373,000	14,691,000	12,670,000
State	9,979,000	1,360,000	2,043,000
Total deferred tax expense	34,352,000	16,051,000	14,713,000
Reconciliations of the effective tax rates to the federal statutory rate
Federal taxes on pretax income at statutory rate	27,952,000	28,622,000	23,002,000
Flow-through on removal costs	(55,000)	(1,316,000)	(553,000)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Investment, Amount	(91,000)	(91,000)	(91,000)
Income tax expense/(benefit)	32,006,000	33,134,000	26,500,000
Pretax income from continuing operations	79,863,000	81,776,000	65,720,000
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	40.10%	40.50%	40.30%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:	4,693,000	5,372,000	4,048,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Depreciation, Amount	651,000	646,000	636,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Flow Through on Pension Costs	(507,000)	612,000	10,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Cost of Removal	(1,571,000)	(2,141,000)	(943,000)
Operating Loss Carryforwards	9,300,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount	934,000	1,430,000	391,000
GSWC \| Tax Authorities
Taxes on income
Net interest receivable	472,000	704,000	2,775,000
Recognized interest income	14,000	21,000	461,000
Tax Year 2013 [Member]
Taxes on income
Deferred Tax Liabilities Related to Repair-And-Maintenance Deductions	22,500,000
Tax Year 2013 [Member] \| US Treasury and Government [Member]
Taxes on income
Other Deductions or Allowable Credits	47,000,000
Tax Year 2013 [Member] \| State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Taxes on income
Other Deductions or Allowable Credits	107,000,000
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Taxes on income
Deferred Tax Liabilities Related to Repair-And-Maintenance Deductions	20,300,000
Other Deductions or Allowable Credits	$ 8,300,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined contribution plan
Employer contribution to the plan	$ 1.9
Pension Plan
Employee benefit plans
Minimum age for eligibility under the Pension Plan	21
Minimum period of service for eligibility under the Pension Plan	5 years
Normal retirement benefit (as a percent)	2.00%
Number of highest consecutive years' average earnings used in computing retirement benefit	5 years
Maximum number of years of credited service considered in determining retirement benefit	40 years
Number of participants in the Pension Plan	977
Pension Plan
Defined contribution plan
Percentage of participant's eligible pay contributed to the plan by the employer	5.25%
Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service	3 years

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

$ (61,773)

$ (38,726)

GSWC

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:

(61,773)

(38,726)

Pension Benefits

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

152,680

163,230

5,643

6,967

6,675

7,520

6,907

6,657

Actuarial loss (gain)

24,339

(19,918)

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

(4,998)

(4,506)

185,184

152,680

163,230

Changes in Plan Assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

127,534

107,638

Actual return on plan assets

9,816

17,846

8,209

6,556

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

(4,998)

(4,506)

140,561

127,534

107,638

Funded Status:

Net amount recognized as accrued pension cost

44,623

25,146

Current liabilities

Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:

(44,623)

(25,146)

Net amount recognized

(44,623)

(25,146)

Prior service cost (credit)

(167)

(285)

Unfunded accrued pension cost

(39,003)

(15,581)

Regulatory assets

(39,170)

(15,866)

(49,052)

(5,453)

(9,280)

Net liability recognized

44,623

25,146

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets:

Regulatory asset at beginning of year

(15,866)

(49,052)

Net loss (gain)

(23,422)

30,190

Amortization of initial net obligation

Amortization of prior service (cost) credit

118

Amortization of net loss

2,878

Total change in regulatory asset

23,304

(33,186)

Regulatory asset at end of year

(39,170)

(15,866)

(49,052)

Change in regulatory asset

4,383

9,296

9,945

(23,304)

33,186

Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and regulatory asset

27,687

(23,890)

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory asset over the next fiscal year:

Prior service cost

(118)

118

Additional year-end information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

(1,878)

(29)

Projected benefit obligation

185,184

152,680

Accumulated benefit obligation

160,510

131,580

Fair value of plan assets

140,561

127,534

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at year end:

4.25%

5.10%

4.00%

5,643

6,967

6,675

Expected return on plan assets

7,520

6,907

6,657

(8,898)

(7,574)

(6,540)

Amortization of transition

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

118

Amortization of actuarial loss

2,878

3,035

Regulatory adjustment - deferred

(4,383)

(9,296)

(9,945)

1,622

(1,920)

(2,305)

Total expense recognized, before allocation to overhead pool

6,005

7,376

7,640

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:

Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent)

5.10%

4.30%

4.65%

7.00%

4.00%

Pension Benefits | GSWC

Regulatory adjustment - deferred

(1,600)

1,900

2,300

Post-Retirement Medical Benefits

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

11,388

12,296

348

407

419

495

439

534

Actuarial loss (gain)

437

(1,340)

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

(342)

(414)

12,326

11,388

12,296

Changes in Plan Assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

9,873

8,359

Actual return on plan assets

951

1,320

241

608

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

(342)

(414)

10,723

9,873

8,359

Funded Status:

Net amount recognized as accrued pension cost

1,603

1,515

Current liabilities

Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:

(1,603)

(1,515)

Net amount recognized

(1,603)

(1,515)

Prior service cost (credit)

417

234

433

Unfunded accrued pension cost

2,891

3,159

Regulatory assets

3,125

3,175

685

(4,728)

(4,690)

Net liability recognized

1,603

1,515

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets:

Regulatory asset at beginning of year

3,175

685

Net loss (gain)

2,278

Amortization of initial net obligation

(419)

Amortization of prior service (cost) credit

(200)

Amortization of net loss

(330)

(7)

Total change in regulatory asset

(2,490)

Regulatory asset at end of year

3,125

3,175

685

Change in regulatory asset

278

676

815

(50)

2,490

Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and regulatory asset

328

(1,814)

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory asset over the next fiscal year:

(418)

Prior service cost

(200)

Additional year-end information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

213

262

Projected benefit obligation

12,326

11,388

Fair value of plan assets

10,723

9,873

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at year end:

3.80%

4.65%

348

407

419

Expected return on plan assets

495

439

534

(453)

(382)

(357)

Amortization of transition

418

419

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

(200)

Amortization of actuarial loss

(330)

(7)

Regulatory adjustment - deferred

(278)

(676)

(815)

Total expense recognized, before allocation to overhead pool

278

676

815

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:

4.65%

3.75%

4.45%

Union plan

Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent)

7.00%

^[1]

7.00%

Non-union plan

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:

Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent)

4.20%

^[1]

4.20%

SERP

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

12,296

12,406

768

803

731

615

514

488

Actuarial loss (gain)

(2,497)

1,198

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

(250)

(229)

15,926

12,296

12,406

Changes in Plan Assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

(250)

(229)

Funded Status:

Net amount recognized as accrued pension cost

(15,926)

(12,296)

Current liabilities

(379)

(230)

Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:

(15,547)

(12,066)

Net amount recognized

(15,926)

(12,296)

Prior service cost (credit)

153

314

Unfunded accrued pension cost

4,530

2,172

Regulatory assets

4,683

2,486

4,184

11,243

9,810

Net liability recognized

(15,926)

(12,296)

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets:

Regulatory asset at beginning of year

2,486

4,184

Net loss (gain)

2,497

(1,199)

Amortization of prior service (cost) credit

(161)

Amortization of net loss

(139)

(338)

Total change in regulatory asset

2,197

(1,698)

Regulatory asset at end of year

4,683

2,486

4,184

Change in regulatory asset

1,683

1,817

1,687

(2,197)

1,698

Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and regulatory asset

3,880

119

Estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory asset over the next fiscal year:

Prior service cost

117

161

Additional year-end information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

(431)

(139)

Accumulated benefit obligation

13,992

10,116

Fair value of plan assets

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at year end:

4.15%

5.05%

4.00%

768

803

731

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

615

514

488

161

Amortization of actuarial loss

139

339

307

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost:

$ (1,683)

$ (1,817)

$ (1,687)

5.05%

4.20%

4.65%

Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount

4.00%

[1]	*7.0% for union plan, 4.2% for non-union, net of income taxes in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Employee benefit plans

$ 568,000

$ 394,000

$ 254,000

Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations

(2,356,000)

4,396,000

5,954,000

Healthcare Cost Trend Rate

Initial health care cost for employees under age of 65 (as a percent)

6.80%

7.80%

8.00%

Ultimate health care cost for employees under age of 65 (as a percent)

5.60%

6.30%

7.20%

Period within which rate reaches ultimate trend rate

10 years

Initial Health care cost for employees of age 65 and over (as a percent)

7.00%

Ultimate health care cost for employees of age 65 and over (as a percent)

5.10%

5.70%

5.80%

Effects of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates

Effect on total of service and interest cost components -1 Percentage Point Increase

80,000

Effect on total of service and interest cost components -1 Percentage Point Decrease

(70,000)

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation -1 Percentage Point Increase

1,438,000

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation -1 Percentage Point Decrease

(1,232,000)

Defined contribution plan

Employer's contribution

1,900,000

Fixed income securities | Maximum

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Maturity period of investments

20 years

Fixed income securities | Minimum

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Maturity period of investments

1 year

GSWC

Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations

(2,356,000)

4,396,000

5,954,000

Pension Benefits

Amount of under-collection included in the two-way pension balancing account

(1,622,000)

1,920,000

2,305,000

Target Asset Allocation for 2013, Total (as a percent)

100.00%

100.00%

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

140,561,000

127,534,000

107,638,000

Expected employer's contribution in 2013

8,209,000

6,556,000

6,000,000

Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percentage)

5,468,000

5,938,000

6,489,000

7,030,000

7,569,000

48,446,000

80,940,000

7.00%

Pension Benefits | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

140,561,000

127,534,000

Pension Benefits | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Total

140,561,000

127,534,000

Pension Benefits | Cash equivalents

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

0.00%

2.00%

Pension Benefits | Cash equivalents | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

497,000

2,096,000

Pension Benefits | Cash equivalents | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Cash equivalents | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Cash equivalents | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

497,000

2,096,000

Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

54,865,000

47,627,000

Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Fixed income securities | Total

54,865,000

47,627,000

Pension Benefits | Equity securities

Target Asset Allocation for 2013, Total (as a percent)

61.00%

60.00%

Pension Benefits | Equity securities | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

85,199,000

77,811,000

Pension Benefits | Equity securities | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Equity securities | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Equity securities | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

85,199,000

77,811,000

Pension Benefits | U.S. small cap stocks | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

7,546,000

6,576,000

Pension Benefits | U.S. small cap stocks | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | U.S. small cap stocks | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | U.S. small cap stocks | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

7,546,000

6,576,000

Pension Benefits | U.S. mid cap stocks | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

14,779,000

13,119,000

Pension Benefits | U.S. mid cap stocks | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | U.S. mid cap stocks | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | U.S. mid cap stocks | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

14,779,000

13,119,000

Pension Benefits | U.S. large cap stocks | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

42,886,000

39,280,000

Pension Benefits | U.S. large cap stocks | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | U.S. large cap stocks | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | U.S. large cap stocks | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

42,886,000

39,280,000

Pension Benefits | International funds | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

11,318,000

12,501,000

Pension Benefits | International funds | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | International funds | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | International funds | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

11,318,000

12,501,000

Pension Benefits | Real estate funds | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

8,670,000

6,335,000

Pension Benefits | Real estate funds | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Real estate funds | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Pension Benefits | Real estate funds | Total

8,670,000

6,335,000

Pension Benefits | Debt securities

Target Asset Allocation for 2013, Total (as a percent)

39.00%

37.00%

40.00%

Pension Benefits | GSWC

Amount of under-collection included in the two-way pension balancing account

1,600,000

(1,900,000)

(2,300,000)

Post-Retirement Medical Plans

Amount of under-collection included in the two-way pension balancing account

Target Asset Allocation for 2013, Total (as a percent)

100.00%

100.00%

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

10,723,000

9,873,000

8,359,000

241,000

608,000

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

566,000

601,000

680,000

774,000

866,000

5,247,000

8,734,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

10,723,000

9,873,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Total

10,723,000

9,873,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Cash equivalents

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

2.00%

1.00%

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Cash equivalents | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

185,000

142,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Cash equivalents | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Cash equivalents | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Cash equivalents | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

185,000

142,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Fixed income securities | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

4,105,000

3,731,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Fixed income securities | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Fixed income securities | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Fixed income securities | Total

4,105,000

3,731,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Equity securities

Target Asset Allocation for 2013, Total (as a percent)

60.00%

61.00%

100.00%

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | U.S. large cap stocks | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

6,433,000

6,000,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | U.S. large cap stocks | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | U.S. large cap stocks | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | U.S. large cap stocks | Total

6,433,000

6,000,000

Post-Retirement Medical Plans | Debt securities

Target Asset Allocation for 2013, Total (as a percent)

38.00%

40.00%

Union plan

Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percentage)

7.00%

^[1]

7.00%

Non-union plan

Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percentage)

4.20%

^[1]

4.20%

SERP

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

379,000

391,000

472,000

614,000

712,000

5,402,000

7,970,000

Balance in Rabbi Trust

Balance in Rabbi Trust

8,800,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

8,765,000

6,816,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

8,765,000

6,816,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Cash equivalents | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

29,000

27,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Cash equivalents | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Cash equivalents | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Cash equivalents | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

29,000

27,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Fixed income securities | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

3,454,000

2,587,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Fixed income securities | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Fixed income securities | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Fixed income securities | Total

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

3,454,000

2,587,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Equity securities | Level 1

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

5,282,000

4,202,000

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Equity securities | Level 2

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Equity securities | Level 3

Employer's contribution and fair value of plan assets

SERP | Rabbi Trust | Equity securities | Total

5,282,000

4,202,000

Mortality [Member]

Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations

0.03

Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] | GSWC

Number of water regions for which two-way balancing account was established

Regulatory asset authorized under settlement

40,700,000

Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member] | Two-way pension balancing account | GSWC

Regulatory asset authorized under settlement

$ 2,700,000

[1]	*7.0% for union plan, 4.2% for non-union, net of income taxes in 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 stock_plan	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 GSWC	Dec. 31, 2012 GSWC	Mar. 31, 2013 Nonqualified stock options	Mar. 31, 2012 Nonqualified stock options	Dec. 31, 2014 Nonqualified stock options	Dec. 31, 2014 Nonqualified stock options Employees and directors	Dec. 31, 2013 Nonqualified stock options Employees and directors	Dec. 31, 2012 Nonqualified stock options Employees and directors	Dec. 31, 2014 Nonqualified stock options Employees and directors GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 Nonqualified stock options Employees and directors GSWC	Dec. 31, 2012 Nonqualified stock options Employees and directors GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Restricted Stock Units Employees	Dec. 31, 2013 Restricted Stock Units Employees	Dec. 31, 2012 Restricted Stock Units Employees	Dec. 31, 2014 Restricted Stock Units Employees GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 Restricted Stock Units Employees GSWC	Dec. 31, 2012 Restricted Stock Units Employees GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 Performance awards	Dec. 31, 2014 Performance awards Officer	Dec. 31, 2013 Performance awards Officer	Dec. 31, 2012 Performance awards Officer	Dec. 31, 2014 Performance awards Officer GSWC	Dec. 31, 2013 Performance awards Officer GSWC	Dec. 31, 2012 Performance awards Officer GSWC	Dec. 31, 2014 2000 and 2008 Employee Plans Nonqualified stock options	Dec. 31, 2014 2000 and 2008 Employee Plans Restricted Stock Units	Dec. 31, 2014 2000 and 2008 Employee Plans Performance awards	Dec. 31, 2014 2003 Directors Plan Nonqualified stock options
Stock compensation plans
Number of stock incentive plans	4
Expiration term																													10 years			10 years
Vesting period																						3 years							3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Common stock entitled to be received under each award																														1
Stock-based compensation recognized in the income statement, before taxes	$ 2,222	$ 2,009	$ 1,931	$ 1,748	$ 1,647	$ 1,667				$ 0	$ 9	$ 150	$ 0	$ 8	$ 147	$ 1,354	$ 1,507	$ 1,729	$ 1,113	$ 1,266	$ 1,468		$ 868	$ 493	$ 52	$ 635	$ 373	$ 52
Capitalized equity-based compensation cost				$ 255	$ 334	$ 259
Percentage of rights vesting in the first two years from the date of grant																													33.00%	33.00%	33.00%
Percentage of rights vesting in the third year from the date of grant																													34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Immediate vesting for employees of certain age and above	55 years
Granted (in shares)							0	0	0

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Number of Options
Exercised (in shares)			(37,006)	(131,448)	(819,400)
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)			222,580
Additional disclosure
Cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options			$ 589,000	$ 2,111,000	$ 13,295,000
Tax benefit for the tax deduction from awards exercised			533,000	1,026,000	890,000
Unrecognized compensation cost			635,000
Weighted Average Grant-Date Value
Restricted Stock, Units, Outstanding			0
Maximum
Additional disclosure
Expected recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost			2 years 29 days
Percentage of target amount of performance shares			200.00%
Minimum
Additional disclosure
Expected recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost			4 months 28 days
Percentage of target amount of performance shares			0.00%
Stock options
Number of Options
Options Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)			264,596
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Exercised (in shares)			(37,006)
Forfeited or expired (in shares)			(5,010)
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)			222,580	264,596
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)			222,580
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 17.16
Granted (in dollars per share)
Exercised (in dollars per share)			$ 15.93
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share)			$ 12.77
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 17.47	$ 17.16
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 17.47
Additional disclosure
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Options outstanding			3 years
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Options Exercisable			3 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding			4,494,733
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable			4,494,733
Total intrinsic value of options exercised			596,000	1,402,000	4,125,000
Tax benefit for the tax deduction from awards exercised			533,000	1,026,000	890,000
Restricted Stock Units
Additional disclosure
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance awards			$ 666,000
Number of Restricted/Performance Share Units
Restricted share units at the beginning of the period (in shares)			197,036
Granted (in shares)			56,059
Vested (in shares)			(103,580)
Forfeited (in shares)			(4,040)
Restricted share units at the end of the period (in shares)			145,475
Weighted Average Grant-Date Value
Restricted share units at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 19.04
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 29.05
Vested (in dollars per share)			$ 20.62
Forfeited (in dollars per share)			$ 25.08
Restricted share units at the end of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 21.61
Restricted Stock Units \| Maximum
Additional disclosure
Expected recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost			2 years 9 months 26 days
Restricted Stock Units \| Minimum
Additional disclosure
Expected recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost			29 days
Performance awards
Additional disclosure
Vesting period			3 years
Period to meet the performance goals			3 years
Number of Restricted/Performance Share Units
Restricted share units at the beginning of the period (in shares)			40,920
Granted (in shares)			38,948
Vested (in shares)			(4,041)
Restricted share units at the end of the period (in shares)			75,827
Weighted Average Grant-Date Value
Restricted share units at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 25.63
Granted (in dollars per share)			$ 29.10
Vested (in dollars per share)			$ 18.68
Restricted share units at the end of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 27.78

Commitments (Details 2) (GSWC, Water Supply, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Estimated future minimum payments
2014	$ 447,000
2015	319,000
2016	319,000
2017	319,000
2018	319,000
Thereafter	3,541,000
Total	5,264,000
City of Claremont
Purchase commitments
Remaining amount of commitment	3,100,000
Various third parties
Estimated future minimum payments
Total	$ 2,200,000

Commitments (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 MW
Water Purchase Commitments [Member] \| GSWC
Purchase commitments
Total commitment under agreement	$ 5,264
Bear Valley Electric \| GSWC
Purchase commitments
Average load at customer service area (in MWs)	11
Average winter load (in MWs)	20
Winter peak load (in MWs)	45
Maximum capacity fo natural gas-fuled generation facility (in megawatts)	8.4
Bear Valley Electric \| Electric Service Utility Operations [Member]
Purchase commitments
Total commitment under agreement	$ 31,100

Commitments (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leases:
Consolidated rent expense	$ 2,982	$ 2,982	$ 3,098
Future minimum payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases
2014	2,345
2015	2,130
2016	1,895
2017	1,508
2018	1,232
Thereafter	1,904
Total	$ 11,014

Contingencies (Details) (GSWC, USD $)	12 Months Ended
Contingencies (Details) (GSWC, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014 customer	Nov. 04, 2014
Environmental Clean-Up and Remediation
Contingencies
Amount spent in clean-up and remediation activities	$ 4,500,000
Amount paid by the State of California Underground Storage Tank Fund for clean-up and remediation of plant facilities	1,500,000
Accrued liability for the estimated additional cost to complete the clean-up at the site	1,400,000
City of Claremont \| Condemnation of Properties
Contingencies
Amount of Water Revenue Bonds Authorized to Finance Acquisition of the System		135,000,000
Number of customers served through water systems	11,000
Ojai FLOW \| Condemnation of Properties
Contingencies
Number of customers served through water systems	3,000
City of Apple Valley [Member] \| Condemnation of Properties
Contingencies
Number of customers served through water systems	2,900
City of Artesia [Member] \| Condemnation of Properties
Contingencies
Number of customers served through water systems	3,300
Transmission and distribution \| City of Claremont \| Condemnation of Properties
Contingencies
Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 47,700,000

Business Segments (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

$ 465,791

$ 472,077

$ 466,908

119,045

119,072

111,094

(20,690)

(21,708)

(21,432)

1,003,520

981,477

917,791

41,073

^[1]

40,090

^[1]

41,385

^[1]

38,048

35,783

35,945

72,553

97,379

68,104

GSWC

Number of reportable segments

361,059

358,540

342,931

99,742

102,343

86,605

998,880

977,294

39,854

38,952

40,197

32,006

33,134

26,500

GSWC | Water

326,672

320,131

305,898

94,014

95,932

78,104

(19,370)

(20,236)

(19,783)

953,678

936,386

871,756

38,388

^[1]

36,636

^[1]

37,905

^[1]

30,410

30,679

24,231

66,304

94,581

62,500

GSWC | Electric

34,387

38,409

37,033

5,728

6,411

8,501

(1,260)

(1,436)

(1,533)

45,202

40,908

41,381

1,466

^[1]

2,316

^[1]

2,292

^[1]

1,596

2,455

2,269

4,584

2,124

4,331

American States Utility Services [Member] | Military Utility Privatization Subsidiaries

104,732

113,537

123,977

19,351

16,737

24,608

(142)

(264)

(179)

4,640

4,183

4,654

1,219

^[1]

1,138

^[1]

1,188

^[1]

7,038

4,911

9,437

1,665

674

1,273

AWR Parent

Number of reportable segments

(48)

(8)

(119)

228

^[1]

(996)

(2,262)