Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted cash	$ 418	$ 380
Allowance for doubtful accounts	85	81
Regulatory assets current	567	1,090
Common stock, par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	429,357,175	412,257,082
Energy Recovery Bonds [Member]
Restricted cash	88	51
Regulatory assets current	0	336
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Restricted cash	418	380
Allowance for doubtful accounts	85	81
Regulatory assets current	567	1,090
Common stock, par value	$ 5	$ 5
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	264,374,809	264,374,809
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member] \| Energy Recovery Bonds [Member]
Restricted cash	88	51
Regulatory assets current	$ 0	$ 336

Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation.

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs of regulated entities that are expected to be recovered through revenue sources within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Such costs are capitalized if they meet both of the following criteria: a. It is probable that future revenue in an amount at least equal to the capitalized cost will result from inclusion of that cost in allowable costs for rate-making purposes. b. Based on available evidence, the future revenue will be provided to permit recovery of the previously incurred cost rather than to provide for expected levels of similar future costs. If the revenue will be provided through an automatic rate-adjustment clause, this criterion requires that the regulator's intent clearly be to permit recovery of the previously incurred cost.

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- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations.

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