Commitments And Contingencies (Gas Supply, Transportation And Storage) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Cost of natural gas purchases	$ 1,351	$ 1,183
Natural Gas [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
2011	284
2012	630
2013	245
2014	201
2015	189
Thereafter	1,121
Total	$ 2,670

Cost of natural gas purchased and associated transportation and storage costs during the period.

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The carrying amount of the long-term purchase obligation as of the balance sheet date, which equals the sum of all payments due.

+ References

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The aggregate remaining amount of payments due after the fifth year after the balance sheet date to extinguish a recorded unconditional purchase obligation.

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The aggregate amount of payments due in the fourth year after the balance sheet date to reduce a recorded unconditional purchase obligation.

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The aggregate amount of payments due in the second year after the balance sheet date to reduce a recorded unconditional purchase obligation.

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The aggregate amount of payments due in the third year after the balance sheet date to reduce a recorded unconditional purchase obligation.

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The aggregate amount of payments due in the first year after the balance sheet date to reduce a recorded unconditional purchase obligation.

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