INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES NJR evaluates its tax positions to determine the appropriate accounting and recognition of potential future obligations associated with unrecognized tax benefits. During the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, based on its analysis, the Company determined that there was no need to recognize any liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions. The effective tax rates for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, are 21.9 percent and 36.1 percent, respectively. The decrease in the rate is due primarily to federal investment tax credits (ITC) generated by NJRCEV's solar investments placed into service in the three months ended December 31, 2011, and solar investments forecasted to be completed before the end of the fiscal year. To calculate the estimated annual effective tax rate, NJR considers projects that are probable of being completed and available for use during the current fiscal year based on the best information available at each reporting period. The estimate includes an assessment of various factors, such as board of director approval, status of contractual agreements, permitting and interconnection. Adjustments to the effective tax rate and management's estimates will occur as information and assumptions change.

INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

INCOME TAXES

NJR evaluates its tax positions to determine the appropriate accounting and recognition of potential future obligations associated with unrecognized tax benefits. During the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, based on its analysis, the Company determined that there was no need to recognize any liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions.

The effective tax rates for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, are 21.9 percent and 36.1 percent, respectively. The decrease in the rate is due primarily to federal investment tax credits (ITC) generated by NJRCEV's solar investments placed into service in the three months ended December 31, 2011, and solar investments forecasted to be completed before the end of the fiscal year.

To calculate the estimated annual effective tax rate, NJR considers projects that are probable of being completed and available for use during the current fiscal year based on the best information available at each reporting period. The estimate includes an assessment of various factors, such as board of director approval, status of contractual agreements, permitting and interconnection. Adjustments to the effective tax rate and management's estimates will occur as information and assumptions change.