INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
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 nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, 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 nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, are 13.5 percent and 30.9 percent, respectively. The decrease in the rate is due primarily to the impact of federal investment tax credits (ITC) of $27.2 million and $7.3 million, generated by solar investments placed into service in the nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, 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

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

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 nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, 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 nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, are 13.5 percent and 30.9 percent, respectively. The decrease in the rate is due primarily to the impact of federal investment tax credits (ITC) of $27.2 million and $7.3 million, generated by solar investments placed into service in the nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, 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.