| Document and Entity Information Document | Feb. 26, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 26, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EL PASO ELECTRIC CO /TX/ |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000031978 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TX |
| Entity File Number | 001-14206 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 74-0607870 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 100 North Stanton Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | El Paso, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 79901 |
| City Area Code | 915 |
| Local Phone Number | 543-5711 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, No Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | EE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
