Related Party Agreements And Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Current receivables	$ 19	$ 21
Current payables	17	13
Administrative Services Provided To PG&E Corporation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Utility revenues from	7	6	7
Administrative Services Received From PG&E Corporation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Utility expenses from	50	49	55
Utility Employee Benefit Due To PG&E Corporation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Utility expenses from	$ 51	$ 33	$ 27

The aggregate amount of receivables to be collected from related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth, at the financial statement date. which are usually due within one year (or one business cycle).

+ References+ Details

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of such liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount of revenue, fees and commissions earned from transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiaries; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) an entity and trusts for the benefit of employees, for example, but not limited to, pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entity's management; (d) an entity and its principal, owners, management, or members of their immediate families; and (e) affiliates.

+ References+ Details