| Statement of Financial Position, Classified (Unaudited, USD $) | ||
| In Millions | Dec. 31, 2008
| Dec. 31, 2007
|
| Assets, Current [Abstract] | ||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total | $16 | $19 |
| Energy Marketing Receivables | 549 | 598 |
| Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] | ||
| Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current | 472 | 405 |
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current | (16) | (14) |
| Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total | 456 | 391 |
| Inventory, Net, Total | 663 | 551 |
| Energy Marketing and Risk Management Assets | 207 | 69 |
| Unrecovered Pipeline Replacement Program Costs - Current Portion | 41 | 31 |
| Unrecovered Environmental Remediation Costs - Current Portion | 18 | 23 |
| Other Assets, Current | 92 | 115 |
| Assets, Current, Total | 2,042 | 1,797 |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total | 5,500 | 5,177 |
| Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment | (1,684) | (1,611) |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total | 3,816 | 3,566 |
| Goodwill | 418 | 420 |
| Unrecovered Pipeline Replacement Program Costs | 196 | 254 |
| Unrecovered Environmental Remediation Costs | 125 | 135 |
| Other Assets, Noncurrent | 113 | 86 |
| Assets, Noncurrent, Total | 4,668 | 4,461 |
| Assets, Total | 6,710 | 6,258 |
| Liabilities, Current [Abstract] | ||
| Energy Marketing Trade Payables | 539 | 578 |
| Accounts Payable - Trade | 202 | 172 |
| Accrued Liabilities | 113 | 86 |
| Short-term Borrowings, Total | 866 | 580 |
| Customer Deposits, Current | 50 | 35 |
| Accrued Pipeline Replacement Program Costs - Current Portion | 49 | 55 |
| Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs - Current Portion | 17 | 10 |
| Energy Marketing and Risk Management Liabilities | 50 | 16 |
| Deferred Gas Purchases, Current | 25 | 28 |
| Other Liabilities, Current | 72 | 74 |
| Liabilities, Current, Total | 1,983 | 1,634 |
| Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] | ||
| Long-term Debt, Noncurrent, Total | 1,675 | 1,675 |
| Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Liabilities | 199 | 43 |
| Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Liabilities | 46 | 24 |
| Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent | 571 | 566 |
| Accumulated Removal Costs | 178 | 169 |
| Accrued Pipeline Replacement Program Costs | 140 | 190 |
| Accrued Environmental Remediation Costs | 89 | 97 |
| Other Liabilities, Noncurrent | 145 | 152 |
| Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total | 3,043 | 2,916 |
| Minority Interest | 32 | 47 |
| Liabilities, Total | 5,058 | 4,597 |
| Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] | ||
| Stockholders' Equity | 1,652 | 1,661 |
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total | $6,710 | $6,258 |
| Statement of Income (Including Gross Margin) (Unaudited, USD $) | |||
| In Millions, except Share data | 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2007 | 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2006 |
| Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] | |||
| Revenues, Total | $2,800 | $2,494 | $2,621 |
| Costs and Expenses [Abstract] | |||
| Cost of Gas, Total | 1,654 | 1,369 | 1,482 |
| Depreciation and Amortization | 152 | 144 | 138 |
| Operation and Maintenance expense | 472 | 451 | 473 |
| Taxes Other than Income Taxes | 44 | 41 | 40 |
| Costs and Expenses, Total | 2,322 | 2,005 | 2,133 |
| Operating Income (Loss), Total | 478 | 489 | 488 |
| Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total | 6 | 4 | (1) |
| Minority Interest | (20) | (30) | (23) |
| Interest Expense, Net | (115) | (125) | (123) |
| Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes | 349 | 338 | 341 |
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 132 | 127 | 129 |
| Net Income (Loss) | $217 | $211 | $212 |
| Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total | 2.85 | 2.74 | 2.73 |
| Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic | 76.3 | 77.1 | 77.6 |
| Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total | 2.84 | 2.72 | 2.72 |
| Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares Outstanding | 76.6 | 77.4 | 78 |
| Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid | 1.68 | 1.64 | 1.48 |
| Statement of Shareholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (USD $) | ||||||
| In Millions, except Share data | Common Stock [Member]
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
| Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
| Retained Earnings [Member]
| Treasury Stock [Member]
| Total
|
| Shares, Issued, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2005 | 77,800,000 | |||||
| Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2005 | $389 | ($53) | $655 | $508 | $0 | $1,499 |
| Net Income (Loss) | 212 | 212 | ||||
| Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) | 11 | 11 | ||||
| Other Comprehensive Income, unrealized gain (loss) from hedging | 10 | 10 | ||||
| Dividends, Common Stock | 1 | (115) | 3 | (111) | ||
| Benefits stock compensation, dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans, Value | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Benefits stock compensation, dividend reinvestment and stock purchse plans, Shares | 300,000 | |||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued | (3) | (4) | 21 | 14 | ||
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued | 600,000 | |||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation | 9 | 9 | ||||
| Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | (1,000,000) | |||||
| Repurchase of common stock/purchase of treasury shares | (38) | (38) | ||||
| Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2006 | 77,700,000 | |||||
| Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2006 | 390 | (32) | 664 | 601 | (14) | 1,609 |
| Net Income (Loss) | 211 | 211 | ||||
| Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) | 24 | 24 | ||||
| Other Comprehensive Income, unrealized gain (loss) from hedging | (5) | (5) | ||||
| Dividends, Common Stock | 0 | (127) | 4 | (123) | ||
| Benefits stock compensation, dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans, Value | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Benefits stock compensation, dividend reinvestment and stock purchse plans, Shares | 0 | |||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued | (6) | (5) | 27 | 16 | ||
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued | 700,000 | |||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation | 9 | 9 | ||||
| Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | (2,000,000) | |||||
| Repurchase of common stock/purchase of treasury shares | (80) | (80) | ||||
| Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2007 | 76,400,000 | |||||
| Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2007 | 390 | (13) | 667 | 680 | (63) | 1,661 |
| Net Income (Loss) | 217 | 217 | ||||
| Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) | (111) | (111) | ||||
| Other Comprehensive Income, unrealized gain (loss) from hedging | (10) | (10) | ||||
| Dividends, Common Stock | 0 | (128) | 4 | (124) | ||
| Benefits stock compensation, dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans, Value | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Benefits stock compensation, dividend reinvestment and stock purchse plans, Shares | 0 | |||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued | (1) | (6) | 16 | 9 | ||
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued | 500,000 | |||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation | 10 | 10 | ||||
| Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | 0 | |||||
| Repurchase of common stock/purchase of treasury shares | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2008 | 76,900,000 | |||||
| Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2008 | $390 | ($134) | $676 | $763 | ($43) | $1,652 |
| Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited, USD $) | |||
| In Millions | 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2007 | 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2006 |
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] | |||
| Net Income (Loss) | $217 | $211 | $212 |
| Change in Energy Marketing and Risk Management Assets and Liabilities | (129) | 74 | (112) |
| Depreciation and Amortization | 152 | 144 | 138 |
| Minority Interest | 20 | 30 | 23 |
| Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 89 | 30 | 133 |
| Gas, Unbilled and Other Receivables | (65) | (15) | 170 |
| Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total | (112) | 46 | (54) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade | 30 | (35) | (53) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities | 26 | (34) | 15 |
| Energy Marketing Receivables and Payables, Net | 10 | (26) | (95) |
| Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Capital, Net | (11) | (48) | (26) |
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total | 227 | 377 | 351 |
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] | |||
| Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment | (372) | (259) | (253) |
| (Payments for) Proceeds from Other Investing Activities | 0 | 6 | 5 |
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities | (372) | (253) | (248) |
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] | |||
| Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Total | 286 | 52 | 6 |
| Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt | 161 | 125 | 175 |
| Repayments of Long-term Debt | (161) | (86) | (150) |
| Proceeds from (Payments to) Minority Shareholders, Total | (30) | (23) | (22) |
| Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock | 9 | 16 | 14 |
| Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock | 0 | (80) | (38) |
| Payments of Dividends, Common Stock | (124) | (123) | (111) |
| Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities | 1 | (3) | 8 |
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Total | 142 | (122) | (118) |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Total | (3) | 2 | (15) |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Beginning Balance | 19 | 17 | 32 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| Cash Paid For Interest | 115 | 127 | 109 |
| Cash Paid for Income Taxes | $27 | $118 | $37 |
| Interim Reporting (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] | Our quarterly financial data for 2008, 2007 and 2006 are summarized below. The variance in our quarterly earnings is the result of the seasonal nature of our primary business. In millions, except per share amounts March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31 2008 Operating revenues $ 1,012 $ 444 $ 539 $ 805 Operating income 188 6 126 158 Net income (loss) 89 (11 ) 65 74 Basic earnings (loss) per share 1.17 (0.15 ) 0.85 0.97 Diluted earnings (loss) per share 1.16 (0.15 ) 0.85 0.97 2007 Operating revenues $ 973 $ 467 $ 369 $ 685 Operating income 216 78 55 140 Net income 102 30 13 66 Basic earnings per share 1.31 0.40 0.17 0.86 Diluted earnings per share 1.30 0.40 0.17 0.86 2006 Operating revenues $ 1,044 $ 436 $ 434 $ 707 Operating income 228 60 90 110 Net income 110 19 36 47 Basic earnings per share 1.42 0.25 0.46 0.60 Diluted earnings per share 1.41 0.25 0.46 0.60 Our basic and diluted earnings per common share are calculated based on the weighted daily average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the quarter. Those totals differ from the basic and diluted earnings per share shown in the statements of consolidated income, which are based on the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the entire year. |
| Accounting Policies (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| General Policies [Abstract] | |
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] | General AGL Resources Inc. is an energy services holding company that conducts substantially all its operations through its subsidiaries. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to we, us, our, the company, or AGL Resources mean consolidated AGL Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries. We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements under the rules of the SEC. For a glossary of key terms and referenced accounting standards, see pages 4 and 5. Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2008, include our accounts, the accounts of our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and the accounts of variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. This means that our accounts are combined with the subsidiaries accounts. We have eliminated any intercompany profits and transactions in consolidation; however, we have not eliminated intercompany profits when such amounts are probable of recovery under the affiliates rate regulation process. Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified and revised to conform to the current period presentation. We currently own a noncontrolling 70% financial interest in SouthStar and Piedmont owns the remaining 30%. Our 70% interest is noncontrolling because all significant management decisions require approval by both owners. We record the earnings allocated to Piedmont as a minority interest in our consolidated statements of income and we record Piedmonts portion of SouthStars capital as a minority interest in our consolidated balance sheets. We are the primary beneficiary of SouthStars activities and have determined that SouthStar is a variable interest entity as defined by FIN 46 revised in December 2003, FIN 46R. We determined that SouthStar was a variable interest entity because our equal voting rights with Piedmont are not proportional to our economic obligation to absorb 75% of any losses or residual returns from SouthStar, except those losses and returns related to customers in Ohio and Florida. Earnings related to SouthStars customers in Ohio and Florida are allocated 70% to us and 30% to Piedmont. The nature of restrictions on SouthStars assets are immaterial. The primary risks associated with SouthStar include weather, government regulation, competition, market risk, natural gas prices, economic conditions, inflation and bad debt. See Note 9 for income statement, balance sheet and capital expenditure information related to the retail energy operations segment. In addition, SouthStar obtains substantially all its transportation capacity for delivery of natural gas through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Atlanta Gas Light. Cash and Cash Equivalents Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash on deposit, money market accounts and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less. Receivables and Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Our receivables consist of natural gas sales and transportation services billed to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers. We bill customers monthly, and accounts receivable are due within 30 days |
| Commitment and Contingencies (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] | We have incurred various contractual obligations and financial commitments in the normal course of our operating and financing activities that are reasonably likely to have a material affect on liquidity or the availability of requirements for capital resources. Contractual obligations include future cash payments required under existing contractual arrangements, such as debt and lease agreements. These obligations may result from both general financing activities and from commercial arrangements that are directly supported by related revenue-producing activities. As we do for other subsidiaries, we provide guarantees to certain gas suppliers for SouthStar in support of payment obligations. The following table illustrates our expected future contractual payments such as debt and lease agreements, and commitment and contingencies as of December 31, 2008. 2010 2012 2014 In millions Total 2009 2011 2013 thereafter Recorded contractual obligations: Long-term debt $ 1,675 $ - $ 302 $ 242 $ 1,131 Short-term debt 866 866 - - - Environmental remediation liabilities (1) 106 17 41 38 10 PRP costs (1) 189 49 91 49 - Total $ 2,836 $ 932 $ 434 $ 329 $ 1,141 Unrecorded contractual obligations and commitments (2): Interest charges (3) $ 975 $ 94 $ 168 $ 137 $ 576 Pipeline charges, storage capacity and gas supply (4) 1,713 491 573 299 350 Operating leases (5) 137 30 45 25 37 Standby letters of credit, performance / surety bonds 52 48 3 1 - Asset management agreements (6) 32 12 19 1 - Pension contribution (7) 7 7 - - - Total $ 2,916 $ 682 $ 808 $ 463 $ 963 (1) Includes charges recoverable through rate rider mechanisms. (2) In accordance with GAAP, these items are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. (3) Floating rate debt is based on the interest rate as of December 31, 2008 and the maturity of the underlying debt instrument. As of December 31, 2008, we have $35 million of accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheet that will be paid in 2009. (4) Charges recoverable through a natural gas cost recovery mechanism or alternatively billed to Marketers. Also includes demand charges associated with Sequent. A subsidiary of NUI entered into two 20-year agreements for the firm transportation and storage of natural gas during 2003 with annual aggregate demand charges of approximately $5 million. As a result of our acquisition of NUI and in accordance with SFAS 141, we valued the contracts at fair value and established a long-term liability of $38 million for the excess liability that will be amortized to our consolidated statements of income over the remaining lives of the contracts of $2 million annually through November 2023 and |
| Debt (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Debt Disclosure [Text Block] | Our issuance of various securities, including long-term and short-term debt, is subject to customary approval or authorization by state and federal regulatory bodies, including state public service commissions, the SEC and the FERC as granted by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The following table provides more information on our various securities. Weighted average Outstanding as of December 31, In millions Year(s) due Interest rate (1) interest rate (2) 2008 2007 Short-term debt Credit Facilities 2009 0.8 % 2.9 % $ 500 $ - Commercial paper 2009 2.2 3.6 273 566 SouthStar line of credit 2009 1.1 2.9 75 - Sequent lines of credit 2009 0.9 2.3 17 1 Capital leases 2009 4.9 4.9 1 1 Pivotal Utility line of credit - - - - 12 Total short-term debt 1.3 % 3.3 % $ 866 $ 580 Long-term debt - net of current portion Senior notes 2011-2034 4.5-7.1 % 5.9 % $ 1,275 $ 1,275 Gas facility revenue bonds 2022-2033 0.7-5.3 3.2 200 200 Medium-term notes 2012-2027 6.6-9.1 7.8 196 196 Capital leases 2013 4.9 4.9 4 6 AGL Capital interest rate swaps - - - (2 ) Total long-term debt 5.6 % 5.7 % $ 1,675 $ 1,675 Total debt 4.1 % 5.2 % $ 2,541 $ 2,255 (1) As of December 31, 2008. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2008. Short-term Debt Our short-term debt at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was composed of borrowings under our commercial paper program; Credit Facilities; current portions of our capital lease obligations; and lines of credit for Sequent, SouthStar and Pivotal Utility. Commercial Paper and Credit FacilitiesOur commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured promissory notes with maturities ranging from 2 to 16 days. These unsecured promissory notes are supported by our $1 billion Credit Facility which expires in August 2011 and a supplemental $140 million Credit Facility that expires in September 2009. We have the option to request an increase in the aggregate principal amount available for borrowing under the $1 billion Credit Facility to $1.25 billion on not more than three occasions during each calendar year. The $140 million Credit Facility allows for the option to request an increase in the borrowing capacity to $150 million. Several of our subsidiaries, including SouthStar participate in our commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2008, we had $273 million of commercial paper borrowings and $500 million outstanding under the Credit Facilities. As of December 31, 2007, we did not have any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facilities. SouthStar Credit Facility SouthStars five-year $75 million unsecured credit facility expires in November 2011. SouthStar will use thi |
| Equity (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] | |
| Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] | Treasury Shares Our Board of Directors has authorized us to purchase up to 8 million treasury shares through our repurchase plans. These plans are used to offset shares issued under our employee and non-employee director incentive compensation plans and our dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans. Stock purchases under these plans may be made in the open market or in private transactions at times and in amounts that we deem appropriate. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we will purchase, and we can terminate or limit the program at any time. We will hold the purchased shares as treasury shares and account for them using the cost method. As of December 31, 2008 we had 5 million remaining authorized shares available for purchase. The following table provides more information on our treasury share activity. In millions, except per share amounts Total amount purchased Shares purchased Weighted average price per share 2006 $ 38 1 $ 36.67 2007 80 2 39.56 2008 - - - Dividends Our common shareholders may receive dividends when declared at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Dividends may be paid in cash, stock or other form of payment, and payment of future dividends will depend on our future earnings, cash flow, financial requirements and other factors. Additionally, we derive a substantial portion of our consolidated assets, earnings and cash flow from the operation of regulated utility subsidiaries, whose legal authority to pay dividends or make other distributions to us is subject to regulation. As with most other companies, the payment of dividends are restricted by laws in the states where we do business. In certain cases, our ability to pay dividends to our common shareholders is limited by the following: our ability to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business, satisfy our obligations under certain financing agreements, including debt-to-capitalization covenants our total assets are less than our total liabilities, and our ability to satisfy our obligations to any preferred shareholders |
| Compensation Related Costs, Share Based Payments (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] | General We currently sponsor the following stock-based and other incentive compensation plans and agreements: Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and / or SARs (1) Shares issuable and / or SARs available for issuance (1) Details 2007 Omnibus Performance Incentive Plan 280,200 4,561,386 Grants of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance cash awards to key employees. Long-Term Incentive Plan (1999) (2) 2,221,407 - Grants of incentive and nonqualified stock options, shares of restricted stock and performance units to key employees. Officer Incentive Plan 76,224 211,409 Grants of nonqualified stock options and shares of restricted stock to new-hire officers. 2006 Non-Employee Directors Equity Compensation Plan not applicable 173,433 Grants of stock to non-employee directors in connection with non-employee director compensation (for annual retainer, chair retainer and for initial election or appointment). 1996 Non-Employee Directors Equity Compensation Plan 42,924 13,304 Grants of nonqualified stock options and stock to non-employee directors in connection with non-employee director compensation (for annual retainer and for initial election or appointment). The plan was amended in 2002 to eliminate the granting of stock options. Employee Stock Purchase Plan not applicable 321,912 Nonqualified, broad-based employee stock purchase plan for eligible employees (1) As of December 31, 2008 (2) Following shareholder approval of the Omnibus Performance Incentive Plan, no further grants will be made except for reload options that may be granted under the plans outstanding options. Accounting Treatment and Compensation Expense Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS 123R, using the modified prospective application transition method. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for our share-based payment transactions in accordance with SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS 148. This allowed us to rely on APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for our stock-based compensation plans under the intrinsic value method. SFAS 123Rrequires us to measure and recognize stock-based compensation expense in our financial statements based on the estimated fair value at the date of grant for our stock-based awards, which include: stock options stock awards, and performance units (restricted stock units and performance cash units) Performance-based stock awards and performance units contain market conditions. Stock options, restricted stock awards and performance units also contain a service condition. In accordance with SFAS 123R, we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period for: awards granted on or after January 1, 2006 and unvested awards previously granted and outstanding as of January 1, 2006 In addition, we estimate forfeitures over the requisite service period when recognizing compensation exp |
| Compensation Related Costs, Retirement Benefits (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] | Oversight of Plans The Retirement Plan Investment Committee (the Committee) appointed by our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investments of the retirement plans. Further, we have an Investment Policy (the Policy) for the retirement and postretirement benefit plans that aims to preserve these plans capital and maximize investment earnings in excess of inflation within acceptable levels of capital market volatility. To accomplish this goal, the retirement and postretirement benefit plans assets are actively managed to optimize long-term return while maintaining a high standard of portfolio quality and proper diversification. The Policys risk management strategy establishes a maximum tolerance for risk in terms of volatility to be measured at 75% of the volatility experienced by the SP 500. We will continue to diversify retirement plan investments to minimize the risk of large losses in a single asset class. The Policys permissible investments include domestic and international equities (including convertible securities and mutual funds), domestic and international fixed income (corporate and U.S. government obligations), cash and cash equivalents and other suitable investments. The asset mix of these permissible investments is maintained within the Policys target allocations as included in the preceding tables, but the Committee can vary allocations between various classes or investment managers in order to improve investment results. Equity market performance and corporate bond rates have a significant effect on our reported unfunded ABO, as the primary factors that drive the value of our unfunded ABO are the assumed discount rate and the actual return on plan assets. Additionally, equity market performance has a significant effect on our market-related value of plan assets (MRVPA), which is a calculated value and differs from the actual market value of plan assets. The MRVPA recognizes the difference between the actual market value and expected market value of our plan assets and is determined by our actuaries using a five-year moving weighted average methodology. Gains and losses on plan assets are spread through the MRVPA based on the five-year moving weighted average methodology, which affects the expected return on plan assets component of pension expense. Pension Benefits We sponsor two tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plans for our eligible employees, the AGL Resources Inc. Retirement Plan (AGL Retirement Plan) and the Employees Retirement Plan of NUI Corporation (NUI Retirement Plan). A defined benefit plan specifies the amount of benefits an eligible participant eventually will receive using information about the participant. We generally calculate the benefits under the AGL Retirement Plan based on age, years of service and pay. The benefit formula for the AGL Retirement Plan is a career average earnings formula, except for participants who were employees as of July 1, 2000, and who were at least 50 years of age as of that date. For those participants, we use a final average earnings benefit formula, and will continue to use this benefit formula for such participants until June 2010, at wh |
| Income Taxes (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] | We have two categories of income taxes in our statements of consolidated income: current and deferred. Current income tax expense consists of federal and state income tax less applicable tax credits related to the current year. Deferred income tax expense generally is equal to the changes in the deferred income tax liability and regulatory tax liability during the year. Investment and Other Tax Credits Deferred investment tax credits associated with distribution operations are included as a regulatory liability in our consolidated balance sheets (see Note 1, Accounting Policies and Methods of Application). These investment tax credits are being amortized over the estimated life of the related properties as credits to income in accordance with regulatory requirements. In 2007, we invested in a guaranteed affordable housing tax credit fund. We reduce income tax expense in our statements of consolidated income for the investment tax credits and other tax credits associated with our nonregulated subsidiaries, including the affordable housing credits. Components of income tax expense shown in the statements of consolidated income are shown in the following table. Income Tax Expense The relative split between current and deferred taxes is due to a variety of factors including true ups of prior year tax returns, and most importantly, the timing of our property-related deductions. In millions 2008 2007 2006 Current income taxes Federal $ 37 $ 86 $ (4 ) State 7 12 2 Deferred income taxes Federal 77 23 115 State 12 7 18 Amortization of investment tax credits (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) Total $ 132 $ 127 $ 129 The reconciliations between the statutory federal income tax rate, the effective rate and the related amount of tax for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented in the following table. 2008 2007 2006 In millions Amount % of pretax income Amount % of pretax income Amount % of pretax income Computed tax expense at statutory rate $ 122 35.0 % $ 118 35.0 % $ 119 35.0 % State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit 14 4.0 13 3.8 12 3.6 Amortization of investment tax credits (1 ) (0.4 ) (1 ) (0.3 ) (2 ) (0.5 ) Affordable housing credits (2 ) (0.5 ) (1 ) (0.3 ) - - Flexible dividend deduction (2 ) (0.5 ) (2 ) (0.6 ) (2 ) (0.5 ) Other net 1 0.2 - - 2 0.2 Total income tax expense at effective rate $ 132 37.8 % $ 127 37.6 % $ 129 37.8 % Accumulated Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities We report some of our assets and liabilities differently for financial accounting purposes than we do for income tax purposes. We report the tax effects of the differences in those items as deferred income tax assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance |
| Segment Reporting (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] | We are an energy services holding company whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas in six states - Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia. We generate nearly all our operating revenues through the sale, distribution, transportation and storage of natural gas. We are involved in several related and complementary businesses, including retail natural gas marketing to end-use customers primarily in Georgia; natural gas asset management and related logistics activities for each of our utilities as well as for nonaffiliated companies; natural gas storage arbitrage and related activities; and the development and operation of high-deliverability natural gas storage assets. We manage these businesses through four operating segments distribution operations, retail energy operations, wholesale services and energy investments and a nonoperating corporate segment which includes intercompany eliminations. We evaluate segment performance based primarily on the non-GAAP measure of EBIT, which includes the effects of corporate expense allocations. EBIT is a non-GAAP measure that includes operating income, other income and expenses and minority interest. Items we do not include in EBIT are financing costs, including interest and debt expense and income taxes, each of which we evaluate on a consolidated level. We believe EBIT is a useful measurement of our performance because it provides information that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of our businesses from an operational perspective, exclusive of the costs to finance those activities and exclusive of income taxes, neither of which is directly relevant to the efficiency of those operations. You should not consider EBIT an alternative to, or a more meaningful indicator of, our operating performance than operating income or net income as determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our EBIT may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of another company. The reconciliations of EBIT to operating income, earnings before income taxes and net income for 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented below. In millions 2008 2007 2006 Operating revenues $ 2,800 $ 2,494 $ 2,621 Operating expenses 2,322 2,005 2,133 Operating income 478 489 488 Minority interest (20 ) (30 ) (23 ) Other income (expense) 6 4 (1 ) EBIT 464 463 464 Interest expense 115 125 123 Earnings before income taxes 349 338 341 Income taxes 132 127 129 Net income $ 217 $ 211 $ 212 Summarized income statement, balance sheet and capital expenditure information by segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is shown in the following tables. 2008 In millions Distribution operations Retail energy operations Wholesale services Energy investments Corporate andintercompany eliminations Consolidated AGL Resources Operating revenues from external parties $ 1,581 $ 987 $ 170 |
| Fair Value Measures and Disclosures (Unaudited) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] | Netting of Cash Collateral and Derivative Assets and Liabilities under Master Netting Arrangements We maintain accounts with brokers to facilitate financial derivative transactions in support of our energy marketing and risk management activities. Based on the value of our positions in these accounts and the associated margin requirements, we may be required to deposit cash into these broker accounts. On January 1, 2008, we adopted FIN 39-1, which required that we offset cash collateral held in these broker accounts on our condensed consolidated balance sheets with the associated fair value of the instruments in the accounts. Prior to the adoption of FIN 39-1, we presented such cash collateral on a gross basis within other current assets and liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our cash collateral amounts are provided in the following table. As of December 31, In millions 2008 2007 Right to reclaim cash collateral $ 128 $ 3 Obligations to return cash collateral (4 ) (10 ) Total cash collateral $ 124 $ (7 ) Fair value measurements In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements; however, it eliminates inconsistencies in the guidance provided in previous accounting pronouncements. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, other current liabilities and accrued interest approximate fair value. The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of our long-term debt including any current portions included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. In millions Carrying amount Estimated fair value As of December 31, 2008 $ 1,675 $ 1,647 As of December 31, 2007 1,675 1,710 We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using a discounted cash flow technique that incorporates a market interest yield curve with adjustments for duration, optionality and risk profile. In determining the market interest yield curve, we considered our currently assigned ratings for unsecured debt of BBB+ by SP, Baa1 by Moodys and A- by Fitch. SFAS 157 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. In December 2007, the FASB provided a one-year deferral of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, at least annually. We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008, for our financial assets and liabilities, which primarily consist of derivatives we record in accordance with SFAS 133. The adoption of SFAS 157 primarily impacts our disclosures and did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. We will adopt SFAS 157 for our nonfinancial assets and liabilities on January 1, 2009, and are currently evaluating the impact to our cond |
| Document Information (Form10-K [Member]) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 10-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Amendment Description | none |
| Document Period End Date | 2008-12-31 |
| Entity Information (AGL [Member], USD $) | |
| 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2008 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AGL RESOURCES INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001004155 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes |
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No |
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes |
| Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer |
| Entity Public Float | $2,651,161,320 |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 76,902,777 |
