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, SJI's active interest rate swaps were as follows:

Notional Amount		Fixed Interest Rate	Start Date	Maturity	Type of Debt	Obligor
$	3,900,000	4.795%	12/1/2004	12/1/2014	Taxable	Marina
$	8,000,000	4.775%	11/12/2004	11/12/2014	Taxable	Marina
$	14,500,000	3.905%	3/17/2006	1/15/2026	Tax-exempt	Marina
$	500,000	3.905%	3/17/2006	1/15/2026	Tax-exempt	Marina
$	330,000	3.905%	3/17/2006	1/15/2026	Tax-exempt	Marina
$	7,100,000	4.895%	2/1/2006	2/1/2016	Taxable	Marina
$	12,500,000	3.430%	12/1/2006	2/1/2036	Tax-exempt	SJG
$	12,500,000	3.430%	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 consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 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	$	24,242	$	23,828	$	37,461	$	38,738
Derivatives – Energy Related – Non-Current	12,297		5,403		8,135		7,367
Interest rate contracts:
Derivatives - Other	—		13,462		—		10,684
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under GAAP	36,539		42,693		45,596		56,789
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under GAAP
Interest rate contracts:
Derivatives - Other	—		—		—		3,362
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under GAAP	—		—		—		3,362
Total Derivatives	$	36,539	$	42,693	$	45,596	$	60,151

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

The effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31 is as follows (in thousands):

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2012			2011			2010
Interest Rate Contracts:
Losses recognized in OCI on effective portion	$	(752	)	$	(2,773	)	$	(1,063	)
Losses reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (a)	$	(594	)	$	(1,435	)	$	(1,486	)
Losses recognized in income on ineffective portion (a)	—			—			—

(a) Included in Interest Charges

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under GAAP	2012			2011			2010
(Losses) gains on energy related commodity contracts (a)	$	(193	)	$	5,377		$	(22,624	)
Gains (losses) on interest rate contracts (b)	660			(149		)	(641		)
Total	$	467		$	5,228		$	(23,265	)

(a)  Included in Operating Revenues - Non Utility

(b)  Included in Interest Charges