XML 1129 R85.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion $ 533,346,000 $ 763,338,000
Long-Term Debt 7,776,833,000 7,200,156,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]    
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 576,700,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 216,700,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 200,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 745,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 810,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five 5,031,600,000  
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalTotal 7,580,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Description On January 15, 2013, CL&P issued $400 million of 2.50 percent Series A First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds with a maturity date of January 15, 2023. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to pay short-term borrowings outstanding under the CL&P credit agreement of $89 million and the NU commercial paper program of $305.8 million. As a result and in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, these amounts were classified as Long-Term Debt on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. In April 2012, CL&P remarketed $62 million of tax-exempt PCRBs for a three-year period. The PCRBs, which mature on May 1, 2031, carry a coupon rate of 1.55 percent during the current three-year fixed rate period and are subject to mandatory tender for purchase on April 1, 2015. On September 3, 2013, CL&P redeemed at par $125 million of 1.25 percent Series B 2011 PCRBs, which were subject to mandatory tender for purchase, using short-term debt. On May 17, 2013, NSTAR Electric issued $200 million of three-year floating rate debentures due in May 2016. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes. The debentures have a coupon rate reset quarterly based on 3-month LIBOR plus a credit spread of 0.24 percent. The interest rate as of December 31, 2013 was 0.478 percent. On May 1, 2013, PSNH redeemed at par approximately $109 million of the 2001 Series C PCRBs that were due to mature in 2021 using short-term debt. On November 14, 2013, PSNH issued $250 million of 3.50 percent Series S First Mortgage Bonds due in 2023. On December 23, 2013, PSNH redeemed approximately $89 million of the Series B PCRBs that were due to mature in 2021. The proceeds of the Series S issuance were used to repay the short term debt used to redeem the $109 million 2001 Series C PCRBs and to redeem the $89 million Series B PCRBs and pay the associated call premium. The remaining proceeds of the offering were used to refinance short-term debt. On September 1, 2013, WMECO repaid at maturity the $55 million Series A Senior Notes using short-term debt. On November 15, 2013, WMECO issued $80 million of 3.88 percent Series G Senior Notes due in 2023. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to pay short-term borrowings and for other working capital purposes. On January 2, 2014, Yankee Gas issued $100 million of 4.82 percent Series L First Mortgage Bonds due to mature in 2044. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay the Series G $75 million First Mortgage Bonds that matured on January 1, 2014 and to pay $25 million in short-term borrowings. As a result and in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, these amounts were classified as Long-Term Debt on NU’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. On May 13, 2013, NU parent issued $750 million of Senior Notes, consisting of $300 million of 1.45 percent Series E Senior Notes due to mature in 2018 and $450 million of 2.80 percent Series F Senior Notes due to mature in 2023. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay the NU parent $250 million Series C Senior Notes at a coupon rate of 5.65 percent that matured on June 1, 2013 and the NU parent $300 million floating rate Series D Senior Notes that matured on September 20, 2013. The remaining net proceeds were used to repay commercial paper program borrowings and for working capital purposes. The DOE is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. For nuclear fuel used to generate electricity prior to April 7, 1983 (Prior Period Spent Nuclear Fuel) for CL&P and WMECO, an accrual has been recorded for the full liability, and payment must be made by CL&P and WMECO to the DOE prior to the first delivery of spent fuel to the DOE. After the sale of Millstone, CL&P and WMECO remained responsible for their share of the disposal costs associated with the Prior Period Spent Nuclear Fuel. Until such payment to the DOE is made, the outstanding liability will continue to accrue interest at the 3-month Treasury bill yield rate. In addition, as a result of consolidating CYAPC, NU has consolidated $179.4 million in additional spent nuclear fuel obligations, including interest, as of December 31, 2013. Fees due to the DOE for the disposal of CL&P's and WMECO's Prior Period Spent Nuclear Fuel and CYAPC's spent nuclear fuel obligation include accumulated interest costs of $350.3 million and $350 million ($177.9 million and $177.8 million for CL&P and $41.7 million and $41.7 million for WMECO) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion 150,000,000 125,000,000
Long-Term Debt 2,591,208,000 2,737,790,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]    
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 150,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 162,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 250,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 300,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five 1,640,300,000  
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalTotal 2,502,300,000  
Long-term Debt, Description On January 15, 2013, CL&P issued $400 million of 2.50 percent Series A First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds with a maturity date of January 15, 2023. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to pay short-term borrowings outstanding under the CL&P credit agreement of $89 million and the NU commercial paper program of $305.8 million. As a result and in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, these amounts were classified as Long-Term Debt on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012. In April 2012, CL&P remarketed $62 million of tax-exempt PCRBs for a three-year period. The PCRBs, which mature on May 1, 2031, carry a coupon rate of 1.55 percent during the current three-year fixed rate period and are subject to mandatory tender for purchase on April 1, 2015. On September 3, 2013, CL&P redeemed at par $125 million of 1.25 percent Series B 2011 PCRBs, which were subject to mandatory tender for purchase, using short-term debt. CL&P’s obligation to repay each series of PCRBs is secured by first mortgage bonds. Each such series of first mortgage bonds contains similar terms and provisions as the applicable series of PCRBs. If CL&P fails to meet its obligations under the first mortgage bonds, then the holder of the first mortgage bonds (the issuer of the PCRBs) would have rights under the first mortgage bonds. CL&P’s $62 million tax-exempt PCRBs, which is subject to mandatory tender for purchase on April 1, 2015, cannot be redeemed prior to its tender date. CL&P’s $120.5 million tax-exempt PCRBs will be subject to redemption at par on or after September 1, 2021. All other long-term debt securities are subject to make-whole provisions.  
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series D 1994 Due 2024 7.875 % [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 139,800,000 139,800,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series A 2004 Due 2014 4.800% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 150,000,000 150,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series B 2004 Due 2034 5.750% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 130,000,000 130,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series A 2005 Due 2015 5.000% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 100,000,000 100,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series B 2005 Due 2035 5.625% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 100,000,000 100,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series A 2006 Due 2036 6.350% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 250,000,000 250,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series A 2007 Due 2017 5.375% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 150,000,000 150,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series B 2007 Due 2037 5.750% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 150,000,000 150,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series D 2007 Due 2037 6.375% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 100,000,000 100,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series A 2008 Due 2018 5.650% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 300,000,000 300,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series A 2009 Due 2019 5.500% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 250,000,000 250,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | One-Year Fixed Rate Tax Exempt Due 2031 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 62,000,000 62,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Fees And Interest Due For Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal Costs [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 244,400,000 244,300,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Total First Mortgage Bonds [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 2,319,800,000 1,919,800,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Total Pollution Control Bonds [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 182,500,000 307,500,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Total First Mortgage Bonds and Pollution Control Notes [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 2,502,300,000 2,227,300,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Unamortized Premiums and Discounts, Net [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt (5,500,000) (3,600,000)
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Serires C 2007 5.750% Due 2017 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 100,000,000 100,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Fixed Rate 4.375% due 2028 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 120,500,000 120,500,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Fixed Rate 1.25% due 2028 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 0 125,000,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Commerical Paper and Revolver Borrowings [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 0 394,800,000
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member] | Series A Due 2023 2.5 percent [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 400,000,000  
NSTAR Electric Company [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion 301,650,000 1,650,000
Long-Term Debt 1,499,417,000 1,600,911,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]    
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 301,700,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 4,700,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 200,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 400,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five 900,000,000  
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalTotal 1,806,400,000  
Long-term Debt, Description On May 17, 2013, NSTAR Electric issued $200 million of three-year floating rate debentures due in May 2016. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes. The debentures have a coupon rate reset quarterly based on 3-month LIBOR plus a credit spread of 0.24 percent. The interest rate as of December 31, 2013 was 0.478 percent. On May 1, 2013, PSNH redeemed at par approximately $109 million of the 2001 Series C PCRBs that were due to mature in 2021 using short-term debt. On November 14, 2013, PSNH issued $250 million of 3.50 percent Series S First Mortgage Bonds due in 2023. On December 23, 2013, PSNH redeemed approximately $89 million of the Series B PCRBs that were due to mature in 2021. The proceeds of the Series S issuance were used to repay the short term debt used to redeem the $109 million 2001 Series C PCRBs and to redeem the $89 million Series B PCRBs and pay the associated call premium. The remaining proceeds of the offering were used to refinance short-term debt.  
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Unamortized Premiums and Discounts, Net [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt (5,300,000) (5,400,000)
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Total Other [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 1,800,000,000 1,600,000,000
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Due 2014 4.875% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 300,000,000 300,000,000
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Due 2022 2.375% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 400,000,000 400,000,000
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Due 2017 5.625% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 400,000,000 400,000,000
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Due 2036 5.75% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 200,000,000 200,000,000
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Due 2040 5.5% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 300,000,000 300,000,000
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | TaxExempt Sewage Facility Revenue Bonds Due 2015 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 6,400,000 8,000,000
NSTAR Electric Company [Member] | Variable Due 2016 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 200,000,000  
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion 50,000,000  
Long-Term Debt 999,006,000 997,932,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]    
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 50,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 70,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 110,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five 821,300,000  
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalTotal 1,051,300,000  
Long-term Debt, Description On May 1, 2013, PSNH redeemed at par approximately $109 million of the 2001 Series C PCRBs that were due to mature in 2021 using short-term debt. On November 14, 2013, PSNH issued $250 million of 3.50 percent Series S First Mortgage Bonds due in 2023. On December 23, 2013, PSNH redeemed approximately $89 million of the Series B PCRBs that were due to mature in 2021. The proceeds of the Series S issuance were used to repay the short term debt used to redeem the $109 million 2001 Series C PCRBs and to redeem the $89 million Series B PCRBs and pay the associated call premium. The remaining proceeds of the offering were used to refinance short-term debt. PSNH's obligation to repay the PCRBs is secured by first mortgage bonds and bond insurance. The first mortgage bonds contain similar terms and provisions as the PCRBs. If PSNH fails to meet its obligations under the first mortgage bonds, then the holder of the first mortgage bonds (the issuer of the PCRBs) would have rights under the first mortgage bonds. The PSNH Series A tax-exempt PCRBs are currently callable at 100 percent of par. The PCRBs bear interest at a rate that is periodically set pursuant to auctions. PSNH is not obligated to purchase these PCRBs, which mature in 2021, from the remarketing agent. The interest rate as of December 31, 2013 was 0.088 percent.  
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series L 2004 Due 2014 5.25% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 50,000,000 50,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series M 2005 Due 2035 5.60% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 50,000,000 50,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series N 2007 Due 2017 6.15% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 70,000,000 70,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series O 2008 Due 2018 6.00% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 110,000,000 110,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series P 2009 Due 2019 4.50% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 150,000,000 150,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Adjustablerateseriesadue 2021 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 89,300,000 89,300,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Total First Mortgage Bonds [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 962,000,000 712,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Total Pollution Control Bonds [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 89,300,000 287,500,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Unamortized Premiums and Discounts, Net [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt (2,300,000) (1,600,000)
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series Q 4.05% 2011 Due 2021 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 122,000,000 122,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series R 2011 3.30% due 2021 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 160,000,000 160,000,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Tax Exempt Series B and C Due 2021 4.75% to 5.45% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 0 198,200,000
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member] | Series2013due2023member [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 250,000,000  
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion 0 55,000,000
Long-Term Debt 629,389,000 550,270,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]    
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 50,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 0  
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five 515,000,000  
LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalTotal 565,000,000  
Long-term Debt, Description On September 1, 2013, WMECO repaid at maturity the $55 million Series A Senior Notes using short-term debt. On November 15, 2013, WMECO issued $80 million of 3.88 percent Series G Senior Notes due in 2023. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to pay short-term borrowings and for other working capital purposes.  
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Senior Note Series A 5.00% Due 2013 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 0 55,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Senior Notes Series B 5.90% Due 2034 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 50,000,000 50,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Senior Notes Series C 5.24% Due 2015 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 50,000,000 50,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Senior Notes Series D 6.70% Due 2037 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 40,000,000 40,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Senior Notes Series E 5.10% Due 2020 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 95,000,000 95,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Fees And Interest Due For Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal Costs [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 57,300,000 57,300,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Unamortized Premiums and Discounts, Net [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 7,100,000 8,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Senior Notes Series F 3.50% due 2021 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 250,000,000 250,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Total Pollution Control Notes and Other Notes [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 565,000,000 540,000,000
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member] | Series g 2013 due 2023 member [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 80,000,000  
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 345,700,000 345,800,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Total First Mortgage Bonds [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 345,000,000 345,000,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Unamortized Premiums and Discounts, Net [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 700,000 800,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Series B due 2022 8.48% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 20,000,000 20,000,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Series G due 2014 4.80% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 75,000,000 75,000,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Series H due 2019 5.26% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 50,000,000 50,000,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Series I due 2035 5.35% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 50,000,000 50,000,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Series J due 2018 6.90% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 100,000,000 100,000,000
Yankee Gas Services Company [Member] | Series K due 2020 4.87% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 50,000,000 50,000,000
NSTAR Gas Company [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 210,000,000 210,000,000
NSTAR Gas Company [Member] | Series J Due 202 9.95% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 25,000,000 25,000,000
NSTAR Gas Company [Member] | Series K Due 2033 7.11% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 35,000,000 35,000,000
NSTAR Gas Company [Member] | Series M Due 2017 7.04% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 25,000,000 25,000,000
NSTAR Gas Company [Member] | Series N Due 2020 4.46% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 125,000,000 125,000,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Unamortized Premiums and Discounts, Net [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt (1,300,000)  
Subsidiaries [Member] | Fair Value Adjustment [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 230,700,000 259,900,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Total Other [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 1,304,400,000 1,079,300,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Series C due 2013 5.65% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt   250,000,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Commerical Paper and Revolver Borrowings [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 25,000,000  
Subsidiaries [Member] | Debentures Due 2019 4.50% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 350,000,000 350,000,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Spent Nuclear Fuel Obilgation CY [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 179,400,000 179,300,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | FairValueAdjustmentMemberCurrentPortion [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 31,700,000 31,700,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Variable Rates Series D Due 2013 [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt   300,000,000
Subsidiaries [Member] | Series F Due 2023 2.8% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt 450,000,000  
Subsidiaries [Member] | Series E Due 2018 1.45% [Member]
   
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt $ 300,000,000