The cash inflow from parent as a source of financing that is recorded as additional paid in capital.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 18

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 14

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3255-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	May 09, 2011	Nov. 04, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Stock issued during period for stock options exercised and under 401(K) plan and DRSPP	5,332,780
Equity distribution agreement amount		$ 288	$ 400
Equity distribution agreement, shares issued	4,388,034
Cash proceeds on issuance of common stock under equity distribution agreement	185
Fees and commission	2
Common equity ratio percentage	52.00%
Equity contribution				$ 350	$ 170