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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities:      
Net Income $ 827,065us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss $ 793,689us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss $ 533,077us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation 614,657us-gaap_Depreciation 610,777us-gaap_Depreciation 519,010us-gaap_Depreciation
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 443,259us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit 431,413us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit 292,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense 99,056us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense 195,698us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense 218,540us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
Pension and PBOP Contributions (211,649)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions (342,184)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions (295,028)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net 6,853us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities (24,276)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities (259,853)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net 10,704us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset 206,322us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset 79,762us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
Amortization of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization 42,581us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization 142,019us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
Proceeds from DOE Damages Claim, Net 132,138nu_ProceedsFromDoeDamagesClaimNet    
Other Noncash Income (Expense) 39,523us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense 56,071us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense 42,852us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net (122,139)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables (163,549)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables (20,214)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
Increase Decrease in Fuel, Materials and Supplies (41,310)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories (14,811)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories 34,321us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Taxes Receivable/(Accrued) (323,224)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable (50,950)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable (5,450)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
Accounts Payable 144,743us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable (54,619)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable (128,339)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
Other Current Assets and Liabilities 15,797us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet (22,623)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet 8,532us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities 1,635,473us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities 1,663,539us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities 1,161,229us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment (1,603,744)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment (1,456,787)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment (1,472,272)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities 488,789us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities 627,532us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities 317,294us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
Purchases of Marketable Securities (491,220)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities (679,784)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities (348,629)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities
Other Investing Activities 14,380us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities 67,816us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities 35,683us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities (1,591,795)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities (1,441,223)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities (1,467,924)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock (475,227)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock (462,741)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock (375,047)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock (7,519)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock (7,682)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock (7,029)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
Increase/(Decrease) in Short-Term Debt 285,075us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt (397,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt 825,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
Issuance of Long-Term Debt 725,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt 1,680,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt 850,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
Retirements of Long-Term Debt (576,551)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt (929,885)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt (839,136)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Retirements of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt (82,139)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt (114,433)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
Other Financing Activities 883us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities (25,253)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities 6,529us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities (48,339)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities (224,700)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities 345,884us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash (4,661)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease (2,384)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease 39,189us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Cash - Beginning of Year 43,364us-gaap_Cash 45,748us-gaap_Cash 6,559us-gaap_Cash
Cash - End of Year 38,703us-gaap_Cash 43,364us-gaap_Cash 45,748us-gaap_Cash
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member]      
Operating Activities:      
Net Income 287,754us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
279,412us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
209,725us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation 188,837us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
177,603us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
166,853us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 130,949us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
130,038us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
140,993us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense 14,992us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
24,416us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
24,062us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net (20,502)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
28,298us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(100,505)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net 59,336us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
4,870us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
14,372us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Proceeds from DOE Damages Claim, Net 68,610nu_ProceedsFromDoeDamagesClaimNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
   
Other Noncash Income (Expense) (1,342)us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(3,478)us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(28,952)us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net (78,631)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(56,593)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(7,741)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Increase Decrease in Fuel, Materials and Supplies 13,063us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
9,997us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(4,573)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Taxes Receivable/(Accrued) (126,376)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(41,594)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
15,702us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Accounts Payable 68,891us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(66,225)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(190,240)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Other Current Assets and Liabilities 6,838us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
8,513us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(27,803)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities 612,419us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
495,257us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
211,893us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment (515,710)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(434,934)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(449,137)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Other Investing Activities 12,653us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
2,650us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
32,009us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities (503,057)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(432,284)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(417,128)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock (171,200)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(151,999)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(100,486)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock (5,559)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(5,559)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(5,559)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Increase/(Decrease) in Short-Term Debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(89,000)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
58,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Issuance of Long-Term Debt 250,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
400,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Increase/(Decrease) in Notes Payable to Affiliate (153,900)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(117,800)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
346,575us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Retirements of Long-Term Debt (150,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(125,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(116,400)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Capital Contributions from NU Parent 120,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
40,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
25,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Other Financing Activities (3,584)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(6,379)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(1,895)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities (114,243)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
(55,737)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
205,235us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash (4,881)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
7,236us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Cash - Beginning of Year 7,237us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
1us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
1us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
Cash - End of Year 2,356us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
7,237us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
1us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_TheConnecticutLightAndPowerCompanyMember
NSTAR Electric Company [Member]      
Operating Activities:      
Net Income 303,088us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
268,546us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
190,242us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Bad Debt Expense 24,740us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
28,108us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
40,301us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Depreciation 188,693us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
180,298us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
171,070us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 108,133us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
48,808us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
4,264us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense 6,760us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
35,731us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
66,010us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Pension Contribution (120,306)us-gaap_PensionContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(82,000)us-gaap_PensionContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(25,000)us-gaap_PensionContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net 57,696us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(119,433)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(16,129)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net (6,330)us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
230,148us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
117,682us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Amortization of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
15,054us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
90,322us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Proceeds from DOE Damages Claim, Net 30,193nu_ProceedsFromDoeDamagesClaimNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
   
Other Noncash Income (Expense) (51,478)us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
4,428us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(32,048)us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net (18,853)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(45,405)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(10,496)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Increase Decrease in Fuel, Materials and Supplies (29,943)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
3,227us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
1,813us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Taxes Receivable/(Accrued) (122,746)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(38,003)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
29,899us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Accounts Payable 9,753us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
31,875us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
2,662us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Other Current Assets and Liabilities 38,535us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(6,468)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
22,568us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Accounts Payable Related Parties 115,092us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(44,491)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(61,879)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities 533,027us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
510,423us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
591,281us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment (465,028)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(476,600)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(414,089)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Decrease in Restricted Cash 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
37,604us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
3,060us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Other Investing Activities 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
400us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
400us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities (465,028)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(438,596)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(410,629)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock (253,000)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(56,000)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(217,000)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock (1,961)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(2,123)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(1,960)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Increase/(Decrease) in Short-Term Debt 198,500us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(172,500)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
134,500us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Issuance of Long-Term Debt 300,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
200,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
400,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Retirements of Long-Term Debt (301,650)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(1,650)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(401,650)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Retirements of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(43,493)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(84,367)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Other Financing Activities (5,136)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(1,735)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(5,853)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities (63,247)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(77,501)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(176,330)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash 4,752us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
(5,674)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
4,322us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Cash - Beginning of Year 8,021us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
13,695us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
9,373us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Cash - End of Year 12,773us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
8,021us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
13,695us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_NstarElectricCompanyMember
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member]      
Operating Activities:      
Net Income 113,944us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
111,397us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
96,882us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation 98,436us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
91,581us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
87,602us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 94,813us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
75,693us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
58,552us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense 7,197us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
26,846us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
26,312us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Pension and PBOP Contributions (2,482)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(112,964)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(96,880)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributions
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net (11,875)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(8,481)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(183)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net (29,602)us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(20,387)us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(24,086)us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Amortization of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
19,748us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
56,645us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Proceeds from DOE Damages Claim, Net 14,453nu_ProceedsFromDoeDamagesClaimNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
   
Other Noncash Income (Expense) 10,095us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
16,079us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
11,205us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net (15,576)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
2,412us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(84)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Increase Decrease in Fuel, Materials and Supplies (19,403)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(33,391)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
25,897us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Taxes Receivable/(Accrued) (23,857)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
26,462us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(9,752)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Accounts Payable 17,796us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
2,632us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(15,248)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Other Current Assets and Liabilities (5,972)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(9,520)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
13,436us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities 247,967us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
188,107us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
230,298us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment (256,159)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(186,009)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(203,902)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(Increase) Decrease In Notes Receivable From Affiliated Company   0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
55,900us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Decrease in Restricted Cash (1,013)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
22,040us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
4,200us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Other Investing Activities (139)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(88)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(135)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities (257,311)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(164,057)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(143,937)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock (66,000)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(68,000)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(90,674)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Increase/(Decrease) in Short-Term Debt 4,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
23,200us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Issuance of Long-Term Debt 75,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
250,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Increase/(Decrease) in Notes Payable to Affiliate 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
63,300us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Retirements of Long-Term Debt (50,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(198,235)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Retirements of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(29,294)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(56,074)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Capital Contributions from NU Parent 45,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Other Financing Activities 1,703us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(4,084)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(476)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities 9,703us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(26,413)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(83,924)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash 359us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
(2,363)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
2,437us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Cash - Beginning of Year 130us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
2,493us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
56us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Cash - End of Year 489us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
130us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
2,493us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_PublicServiceCompanyOfNewHampshireMember
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member]      
Operating Activities:      
Net Income 57,819us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
60,438us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
54,503us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation 41,886us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
37,568us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
29,971us-gaap_Depreciation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 34,108us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
87,028us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
53,942us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net 1,925us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
8,458us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(19,152)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net (6,228)us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(3,206)us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
410us-gaap_AmortizationOfRegulatoryAsset
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Amortization of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
7,780us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
17,632us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Proceeds from DOE Damages Claim, Net 18,883nu_ProceedsFromDoeDamagesClaimNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
   
Other Noncash Income (Expense) (2,005)us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
3,381us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(3,954)us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net 39,872us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(53,292)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(8,896)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Increase Decrease in Fuel, Materials and Supplies (627)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
865us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(2,882)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Taxes Receivable/(Accrued) (22,454)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
19,840us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(8,311)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Accounts Payable 1,269us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
7,456us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(19,297)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Other Current Assets and Liabilities (11,169)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
2,491us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
581us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities 153,279us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
178,807us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
94,547us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment (116,205)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(128,786)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(264,175)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities 73,198us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
70,778us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
79,769us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Purchases of Marketable Securities (73,888)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(71,390)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(80,529)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(Increase) Decrease In Notes Receivable From Affiliated Company 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
11,000us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseDueFromAffiliates
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Other Investing Activities 3,200us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
7,401us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(28)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities (113,695)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(121,997)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(253,963)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock (59,999)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(40,001)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(9,432)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Issuance of Long-Term Debt 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
80,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
150,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Increase/(Decrease) in Notes Payable to Affiliate 21,400us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(31,900)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
31,900us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Retirements of Long-Term Debt 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(55,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(53,800)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Retirements of Rate Reduction Bonds 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(9,352)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(17,540)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Capital Contributions from NU Parent 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
50,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Other Financing Activities (985)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(558)us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
8,288us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities (39,584)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(56,811)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
159,416us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
(1)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Cash - Beginning of Year   1us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
1us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember
Cash - End of Year     $ 1us-gaap_Cash
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nu_WesternMassachusettsElectricCompanyMember