Equity (Changes In Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Balance at December 31, 2010			$ 11,534
Balance at December 31, 2010			11,282
Net income	203	261	771	859
Common stock issued			409
Share-based compensation expense			30
Common stock dividends declared			(550)
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary	(3)	(3)	(10)	(10)
Other comprehensive income			26
Other			1
Balance at September 30, 2011	12,211		12,211
Balance at September 30, 2011	11,959		11,959
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Balance at December 31, 2010			11,721
Net income	196	265	756	868
Common stock dividends declared			(537)
Preferred stock dividend requirement	(3)	(3)	(10)	(10)
Other comprehensive income			26
Equity contribution			350	170
Other			1
Balance at September 30, 2011	$ 12,307		$ 12,307