Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted cash	$ 385	$ 380
Allowance for doubtful accounts	80	81
Regulatory assets current	1,024	1,090
Common stock, par value
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	421,777,738	412,257,082
Energy Recovery Bonds [Member]
Restricted cash	56	51
Regulatory assets current	227	336
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Restricted cash	385	380
Allowance for doubtful accounts	80	81
Regulatory assets current	1,024	1,090
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	56	51
Regulatory assets current	$ 227	$ 336