| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 12, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | PUBLIC SERVICE ELECTRIC & GAS CO |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000081033 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 12, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | NJ |
| Entity File Number | 001-00973 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-1212800 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 80 Park Plaza |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Newark |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07102 |
| City Area Code | 973 |
| Local Phone Number | 430-7000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Firstand Refunding Mortgage Bonds Nine Point Two Five Percent Series CC Due Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 9.25% First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Series CC, due 2021 |
| Trading Symbol | PEG21 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Firstand Refunding Mortgage Bonds Eight Percent Due Two Thousand Thirty Seven [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 8.00% First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, due 2037 |
| Trading Symbol | PEG37D |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Firstand Refunding Mortgage Bonds Five Percent Due Two Thousand Thirty Seven [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.00% First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, due 2037 |
| Trading Symbol | PEG37J |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
