DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions

As of December 31, 2012, SJG’s active interest rate swaps were as follows:

Notional Amount		Fixed Interest Rate		Start Date	Maturity	Type of Debt	Obligor
$	12,500,000	3.43	%	12/1/2006	2/1/2036	Tax-exempt	SJG
$	12,500,000	3.43	%	12/1/2006	2/1/2036	Tax-exempt	SJG

Fair value of derivative instruments

The fair values of all derivative instruments, as reflected in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP	2012				2011
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
Energy related commodity contracts:
Derivatives – Energy Related – Current	$	464	$	2,615	$	2,263	$	11,385
Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current	302		80		—		1,122
Interest rate contracts:
Derivatives – Other	—		7,761		—		8,146
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP	$	766	$	10,456	$	2,263	$	20,653

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

The effect of derivative instruments on the statements of income for 2012 , 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended December 31,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2012			2011			2010
Interest Rate Contracts:
Losses reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (a)	$	(46	)	$	(46	)	$	(46	)

(a) Included in Interest Charges