RATES AND REGULATORY ACTIONS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Additional capital spending into 2012 related to CIRT II	$ 40.0
Additional capital spending into 2013 related to CIRT II	50.0
Investment requested to be recoverd through CIRT II	40.0
Increase in base rates effective 2013 requested	0.91%
Requested amount to increase base rates through petition filed by entity	0.50%
Requested increase through EET petition	0.50%
South Jersey Gas Company [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Amount of capital spending accelerated to current year	60.3
Amount of customer refunds	$ 21.1
Conservation Incentive Program [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Reduction in rates (in hundredths)	2.50%
Basic Gas Supply Service [Member]
Schedule of Capitalization [Line Items]
Reduction in rates (in hundredths)	2.90%