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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Earnings Per Share
 
The Company computes basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  The Company computes diluted earnings per share using this same formula after giving effect to securities considered to be dilutive potential common stock utilizing the treasury stock method.  The Company has issued no securities that would have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.
 
Reconciliations of the weighted average number of common shares for basic and dilutive purposes are as follows:
 
 
Quarterly
 
Year to Date
In Millions
 
2012

 
2011

 
2012

 
2011

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic
 
130.9

 
128.5

 
130.6

 
128.2

Net effect of dilutive equity forward shares
 
2.2

 
1.2

 
2.1

 
1.2

Weighted Average Shares - Diluted
 
133.1

 
129.7

 
132.7

 
129.4


 
Asset Management and Supply Service Agreements
 
PSNC Energy utilizes asset management and supply service agreements with counterparties for certain natural gas storage facilities.  Such counterparties held 41%  and 45% of PSNC Energy’s natural gas inventory at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, with a carrying value of $14.6 million and $28.7 million, respectively, through either capacity release or agency relationships.  Under the terms of the asset management agreements, PSNC Energy receives storage asset management fees.  No fees are received under supply service agreements.  The agreements expire at various times through March 31, 2013.
 
New Accounting Matters
 
Effective for the first quarter of 2012, the Company adopted accounting guidance that revises how comprehensive income is presented in its financial statements.  The adoption of this guidance has not impacted, and is not expected to impact, the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
 
Effective for the first quarter of 2012, the Company adopted accounting guidance that permits it to make a qualitative assessment about the likelihood of goodwill impairment each year.  Such an assessment was performed with respect to certain goodwill, and that assessment led the Company to determine that performing a two-step quantitative impairment test was unnecessary.  For other goodwill, the two-step quantitative test was performed. The adoption of this guidance has not impacted, and is not expected to impact, the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Effective for the first quarter of 2012, the Company adopted accounting guidance that amended existing requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements.  The adoption of this guidance has not impacted, and is not expected to impact, the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
SCE&G
 
Significant Accounting Policies  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Variable Interest Entity
 
SCE&G has determined that it has a controlling financial interest in GENCO and Fuel Company (which are considered to be VIEs), and accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SCE&G, GENCO and Fuel Company. The equity interests in GENCO and Fuel Company are held solely by SCANA, SCE&G’s parent. Accordingly, GENCO’s and Fuel Company’s equity and results of operations are reflected as noncontrolling interest in Consolidated SCE&G’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
GENCO owns a coal-fired electric generating station with a 605 MW net generating capacity (summer rating). GENCO’s electricity is sold, pursuant to a FERC-approved tariff, solely to SCE&G under the terms of a power purchase agreement and related operating agreement. The effects of these transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Substantially all of GENCO’s property (carrying value of approximately $485 million) serves as collateral for its long-term borrowings. Fuel Company acquires, owns and provides financing for SCE&G’s nuclear fuel, certain fossil fuels and emission allowances. See also Note 4.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
New Accounting Matters
 
Effective for the first quarter of 2012, Consolidated SCE&G adopted accounting guidance that revises how comprehensive income is presented in its financial statements. The adoption of this guidance has not impacted, and is not expected to impact, Consolidated SCE&G's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Effective for the first quarter of 2012, Consolidated SCE&G adopted accounting guidance that amended existing requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements.  The adoption of this guidance has not impacted, and is not expected to impact, Consolidated SCE&G's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.