OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - GOODWILL (Details) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill By Segment Sempra Pipelines And Storage [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			$ 81
Foreign currency translation	(44)	[1]
Acquisition of Chilquinta Energia and Luz Del Sur	970
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,007
Goodwill By Segment Parent And Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			6
Goodwill, Ending Balance	6
Goodwill by Segment, Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			87
Foreign currency translation	(44)	[1]
Acquisition of Chilquinta Energia and Luz Del Sur	970
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 1,013

[1] (1) We record the offset of this fluctuation to other comprehensive income.