Pension, OPEB and Savings Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 plan	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of PSEG's defined contribution plans	2
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.00%
Historical annualized rate of return	9.30%
Defined benefit plan funded status of plan percentage	83.00%
Rabbi trust assets used to fund nonqualified pension plans	$ 185,000,000
Defined benefit plans, projected benefit and accumulated benefit obligations	4,900,000,000	4,300,000,000
Temporary investment funds in the pension and OPEB fund		23,000,000
PSEG contribution to pension plans for calendar year 2012	145,000,000
PSEG contribution to postretirement healthcare plan for calendar year 2012	$ 14,000,000
Number of 401(K) plans	2
Maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	50.00%
Employers matching contribution, percent of match	50.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest in Master Trust assets percentage	94.00%
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest in Master Trust assets percentage		6.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation percentage of assets	70.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation percentage of assets	30.00%
Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent	7.00%
Thrift Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent	8.00%