OTHER CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Environmental Remediation Contingencies Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Amount of environmental loss accrual expected to be recovered	$ 930
Topock Site
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Utility undiscounted future costs	$ 303
Topock Site | Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Remediation cost recovery percentage	90.00%
Hinkley Natural Gas Compressor Station
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Utility undiscounted future costs	$ 141
Former Manufactured Gas Plant
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Utility undiscounted future costs	$ 518
Former Manufactured Gas Plant | Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Remediation cost recovery percentage	90.00%
Utility Owned Generation Facilities and Third Party Disposal Sites
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Utility undiscounted future costs	$ 135
Utility Owned Generation Facilities and Third Party Disposal Sites | Pacific Gas & Electric Co
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Remediation cost recovery percentage	90.00%
Fossil Fuel Fired Generation
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Utility undiscounted future costs	$ 105