COMMON SHARES (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 5	$ 5
Common Stock Shares Authorized	380,000,000	380,000,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	333,862,615	333,359,172
Treasury Stock Shares	16,671,366	16,375,835
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	317,191,249	316,983,337
Treasury Stock Shares Acquired	532,521
Treasury Stock Acquired Average Cost Per Share	$ 26.02
The Connecticut Light And Power Company [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 10	$ 10
Common Stock Shares Authorized	24,500,000	24,500,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	6,035,205	6,035,205
NSTAR Electric Company [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	100	100
Public Service Company Of New Hampshire [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	301	301
Western Massachusetts Electric Company [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 25	$ 25
Common Stock Shares Authorized	1,072,471	1,072,471
Common Stock Shares Issued	434,653	434,653