Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restricted cash	$ 393	$ 563
Allowance for doubtful accounts	85	81
Regulatory assets	5,714	5,846
Common stock, par value
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	405,169,162	395,227,205
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Restricted cash	393	563
Allowance for doubtful accounts	85	81
Regulatory assets	5,714	5,846
Common stock, par value	$ 5	$ 5
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	264,374,809	264,374,809
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member] | Energy Recovery Bonds [Member]
Restricted cash	39	38
Regulatory assets	435	735
Energy Recovery Bonds [Member]
Restricted cash	39	38
Regulatory assets	$ 435	$ 735