Resolution Of Remaining Chapter 11 Disputed Claims (Changes In The Remaining Net Disputed Claims Liability) (Details) - CAISO And PX [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Resolution Of Remaining Chapter Eleven Disputed Claims [Line Items]
Net disputed claims and customer refunds	$ 454	$ 434
Carrying amounts due from CAISO and PX as of the balance sheet date for disputed claims related to the Chapter 11 Filing	228	$ 291
Settlement Refund	$ 312

Remaining net disputed claims (classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets within accounts payable - disputed claims and customer refunds)

No definition available.

Name:	pcg_DisputedClaimsLiabilityBalance
Namespace Prefix:	pcg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant