Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$ 16,030	$ 15,050
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, net of current portion		15,680	14,700
Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Unamortized discount, net of premium		(53)	(43)
Total senior notes, net of current portion		14,572	13,432
Less: current portion		160
Total pollution control bonds		1,108	1,268
PG&E Corporation [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, net of current portion		350	350
Senior Notes, 2.40% Due 2019 [Member] | PG&E Corporation [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		350	350
Senior Notes, 3.40% Due 2024 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		350	350
Senior Notes, 5.625% Due 2017 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		700	700
Senior Notes, 8.25% Due 2018 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		800	800
Senior Notes, 3.50% Due 2020 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		800	800
Senior Notes, 4.25% Due 2021[Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		300	300
Senior Notes, 3.25% Due 2021 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		250	250
Senior Notes, 2.45% Due 2022 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		400	400
Senior Notes, 3.25% Due 2023 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		375	375
Senior Notes, 3.85% Due 2023 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		300	300
Senior Notes, 3.75% Due 2024 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		450	450
Senior Notes, 3.50%, Due 2025 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		600	0
Senior Notes, 6.05% Due 2034 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		3,000	3,000
Senior Notes, 5.80% Due 2037 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		950	950
Senior Notes, 6.35% Due 2038 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		400	400
Senior Notes, 6.25% Due 2039 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		550	550
Senior Notes, 5.40% Due 2040 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		800	800
Senior Notes, 4.50% Due 2041 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		250	250
Senior Notes, 4.45% Due 2042 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		400	400
Senior Notes, 3.75% Due 2042 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		350	350
Senior Notes, 4.60% Due 2043 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		375	375
Senior Notes, 5.125% Due 2043 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		500	500
Senior Notes, 4.75% Due 2044 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		675	675
Senior Notes, 4.30% Due 2045 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		600	500
Senior Notes, 4.25%, Due 2046 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		450	0
Pollution Control Bonds, Series 1996 C,E,F 1997 B, Variable Rates, Due 2026 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Pollution control bonds	[1],[2]	614	614
Pollution Control Bonds, Series 2004 A-D, 4.75%, Due 2023 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Pollution control bonds	[3]	345	345
Pollution Control Bonds, Series 2009 A-D, Variable Rates, Due 2016 And 2026 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Pollution control bonds	[1],[4]	$ 309	$ 309
Interest rate on bonds, minimum		0.01%
Interest rate on bonds, maximum		0.01%

[1] At December 31, 2015, interest rates on these bonds were 0.01%.

[2] Each series of these bonds is supported by a separate letter of credit. In December 2015, the letters of credit were extended to December 1, 2020. Although the stated maturity date is 2026, each series will remain outstanding only if the Utility extends or replaces the letter of credit related to the series or otherwise obtains consent from the issuer to the continuation of the series without a credit facility.

[3] The Utility has obtained credit support from an insurance company for these bonds.

[4] Each series of these bonds is supported by a separate direct-pay letter of credit. Series C and D letters of credit expire on December 3, 2016 to coincide with the maturity of the underlying bonds. Subject to certain requirements, the Utility may choose not to provide a credit facility without issuer consent.