Commitments And Contingencies (Environmental Remediation Liability Disclosure) (Details) (Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member], USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Balance at December 31, 2010	$ 612
Transfer to regulatory account for recovery	107
Amounts not recoverable from customers	142
Less: Payments	(98)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$ 763

Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Provision For New Losses Not Recoverable From Customers

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Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Provision For New Losses Recoverable From Customers

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Total costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for environmental loss contingencies.

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The aggregate amount disbursed during the reporting period to settle environmental loss contingencies.

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