EQUITY INVESTMENT INCOME, NET

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

EQUITY INVESTMENT INCOME, NET [Abstract]

EQUITY INVESTMENT INCOME, NET [Text Block]

10. EQUITY INVESTMENT INCOME, NET

Equity investment income includes investment income from Triton of $3.8 million and $11.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $1.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2010.  Nicor received cash distributions from equity investees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 of $4.3 million and $12.5 million, respectively, and $6.1 million and $14.0 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2010.