SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidation Policy [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation 2012 Business Segment Realignment Effective January 1, 2012, in connection with several key executive appointments made in September 2011, management realigned some of the company's major subsidiaries to better fit its strategic direction and to enhance the management and integration of our assets. This realignment resulted in a change in reportable segments in 2012. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), historical information for Sempra Energy has been restated in its Consolidated Financial Statements and these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements to reflect the effect of this change. All discussions of our operating units and reportable segments in these Notes reflect the new segments and operating structure. Sempra Energy Sempra Energy's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sempra Energy, a California-based Fortune 500 holding company, and its consolidated subsidiaries and a variable interest entity (VIE). Sempra Energy's principal operating units are San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas); Sempra International, which includes our Sempra South American Utilities and Sempra Mexico reportable segments; and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, which includes our Sempra Renewables and Sempra Natural Gas reportable segments. We provide descriptions of each of our segments in Note 16. We refer to SDG&E and SoCalGas collectively as the California Utilities, which do not include the utilities in our Sempra International and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power operating units. Sempra Global is the holding company for most of our subsidiaries that are not subject to California utility regulation. All references in these Notes to “Sempra International,” “Sempra U.S. Gas & Power” and their respective reportable segments are not intended to refer to any legal entity with the same or similar name. Sempra Energy uses the equity method to account for investments in affiliated companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control. We discuss our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries in Notes 3 and 4. SDG&E SDG&E's Consolidated Financial Statements include its accounts and the accounts of a VIE of which SDG&E is the primary beneficiary, as we discuss below under “Variable Interest Entities.” SDG&E's common stock is wholly owned by Enova Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra Energy. SoCalGas SoCalGas' Consolidated Financial Statements include its subsidiaries, which comprise less than one percent of its consolidated financial position and results of operations. SoCalGas' common stock is wholly owned by Pacific Enterprises (PE), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra Energy. Basis of Presentation This is a combined report of Sempra Energy, SDG&E and SoCalGas. We provide separate information for SDG&E and SoCalGas as required. References in this report to “we,” “our” and “Sempra Energy Consolidated” are to Sempra Energy and its consolidated entities, unless otherwise indicated by the context. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions within the consolidated financial statements of each reporting entity. We evaluated events and transactions that occurred after December 31, 2011 through the date the financial statements were issued, and in the opinion of management, the accompanying statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIE) We consolidate a VIE if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is based upon qualitative and quantitative analyses, which assess the purpose and design of the VIE; the nature of the VIE's risks and the risks we absorb; the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE.
Public Utilities Policy [Abstract[
Regulatory Matters, Policy	REGULATORY MATTERS Effects of Regulation The accounting policies of our regulated utility subsidiaries in California, SDG&E and SoCalGas, conform with GAAP for regulated enterprises and reflect the policies of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The California Utilities prepare their financial statements in accordance with GAAP provisions governing regulated operations. Under these provisions, a regulated utility records a regulatory asset if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, the utility will recover that asset from customers. To the extent that recovery is no longer probable, the related regulatory assets are written off. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts collected from customers in advance of the actual expenditure by the utility. If the actual expenditures are less than amounts previously collected from ratepayers, the excess would be refunded to customers, generally by reducing future rates. Our other natural gas distribution utilities, Mobile Gas and Ecogas, also apply GAAP for regulated utilities to their operations. Over- and undercollected regulatory balancing accounts reflect the difference between customer billings and recorded or CPUC-authorized costs, primarily commodity costs. Amounts in the balancing accounts are recoverable or refundable in future rates, subject to CPUC approval. Balancing account treatment eliminates the impact on earnings from variances in the covered costs from authorized amounts. Absent balancing account treatment, variations in the cost of fuel supply and certain operating and maintenance costs from amounts approved by the CPUC would increase volatility in utility earnings. Incentive awards are included in our earnings when we receive any required CPUC approval of the award. We would record penalties for results below the specified benchmarks in earnings when we believe it is more likely than not that the CPUC would assess a penalty.
Fair Value Measurements Policy [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Policy	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS We apply recurring fair value measurements to certain assets and liabilities, primarily nuclear decommissioning and benefit plan trust assets and other miscellaneous derivatives. “Fair value” is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). A fair value measurement reflects the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best available information. These assumptions include the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and the risks inherent in the inputs to the model. Also, we consider an issuer's credit standing when measuring its liabilities at fair value. We establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Our Level 1 financial instruments primarily consist of listed equities, U.S. government treasury securities and exchange-traded derivatives. Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including: quoted forward prices for commodities time value current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments volatility factors other relevant economic measures Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Our financial instruments in this category include the Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts' investments at SDG&E and non-exchange-traded derivatives such as interest rate instruments and over-the-counter (OTC) forwards and options. Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management's best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant.
Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Inventory Policy [Abstract]
Inventories, Policy	Inventories The California Utilities value natural gas inventory by the last-in first-out (LIFO) method. As inventories are sold, differences between the LIFO valuation and the estimated replacement cost are reflected in customer rates. Materials and supplies at the California Utilities are generally valued at the lower of average cost or market. Sempra Mexico, Sempra South American Utilities and Sempra Natural Gas value natural gas inventory and material and supplies at lower of average cost or market. Sempra Natural Gas and Sempra Mexico value liquefied natural gas (LNG) inventory (categorized as natural gas below) by the first-in first-out method.
Income Tax Policy [Abstract]
Income Taxes, Policy	Income Taxes Income tax expense includes current and deferred income taxes from operations during the year. We record deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the book and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Investment tax credits from prior years are amortized to income by the California Utilities over the estimated service lives of the properties as required by the CPUC. At our other businesses, we reduce the book basis of the related asset by the amount of investment tax credit earned. At Sempra Renewables, production tax credits are recognized in income tax expense as earned. The California Utilities and Mobile Gas recognize regulatory assets to offset deferred tax liabilities if it is probable that the amounts will be recovered from customers; and regulatory liabilities to offset deferred tax assets if it is probable that the amounts will be returned to customers. Other than local country withholding tax on current Peruvian earnings, we currently do not record deferred income taxes for basis differences between financial statement and income tax investment amounts in non-U.S. subsidiaries because their cumulative undistributed earnings are indefinitely reinvested. When there are uncertainties related to potential income tax benefits, in order to qualify for recognition, the position we take has to have at least a “more likely than not” chance of being sustained (based on the position's technical merits) upon challenge by the respective authorities. The term “more likely than not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Otherwise, we may not recognize any of the potential tax benefit associated with the position. We recognize a benefit for a tax position that meets the “more likely than not” criterion at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon its effective resolution. Unrecognized tax benefits involve management's judgment regarding the likelihood of the benefit being sustained. The final resolution of uncertain tax positions could result in adjustments to recorded amounts and may affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Property Plant And Equipment Policy [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment primarily represents the buildings, equipment and other facilities used by the California Utilities to provide natural gas and electric utility services, and by Sempra International and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. It also reflects projects included in construction work in progress at these operating units. Our plant costs include labor materials and contract services expenditures for replacement parts incurred during a major maintenance outage of a generating plant In addition, the cost of our utility plant includes an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). We discuss AFUDC below. The cost of non-utility plant includes capitalized interest. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of most retired depreciable utility plant minus salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is based on the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets or, for the California Utilities, a shorter period prescribed by the CPUC. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the asset's estimated original composite useful life, the CPUC-prescribed period or the remaining term of the site leases, whichever is shortest. The California Utilities finance their construction projects with borrowed funds and equity funds. The CPUC and the FERC allow the recovery of the cost of these funds by the capitalization of AFUDC, calculated using rates authorized by the CPUC and the FERC, as a cost component of property, plant and equipment. The California Utilities earn a return on the allowance after the utility property is placed in service and recover the AFUDC from their customers over the expected useful lives of the assets. Sempra International and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power businesses capitalize interest costs incurred to finance capital projects. The California Utilities also capitalize certain interest costs.
Impairment Or Disposal Of Long Lived Assets Policy [Abstract]
Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, Policy	Long-Lived Assets We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that may affect the recoverability or the estimated useful lives of long-lived assets, the definition of which includes intangible assets subject to amortization, but does not include unconsolidated subsidiaries. Impairment of long-lived assets occurs when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets. If that comparison indicates that the assets' carrying value may not be recoverable, the impairment is measured based on the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.
Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Policy [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Text Block]	Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually on October 1 for impairment. Impairment of goodwill occurs when the carrying amount (book value) of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, and the book value of goodwill is greater than its fair value on the test date, we record a goodwill impairment loss.
Asset Retirement Obligations And Environmental Cost Policy [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	Asset Retirement Obligations For tangible long-lived assets, we record asset retirement obligations for the present value of liabilities of future costs expected to be incurred when assets are retired from service, if the retirement process is legally required and if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We also record a liability if a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement exists and can be reasonably estimated, but performance is conditional upon a future event. We record the estimated retirement cost over the life of the related asset by depreciating the present value of the obligation (measured at the time of the asset's acquisition) and accreting the discount until the liability is settled. Rate-regulated entities record regulatory assets or liabilities as a result of the timing difference between the recognition of costs in accordance with GAAP and costs recovered through the rate-making process. We have recorded a regulatory liability to show that the California Utilities have collected funds from customers more quickly and for larger amounts than we would accrete the retirement liability and depreciate the asset in accordance with GAAP.
Commitments And Contingencies Policy [Abstract]
Contingencies, Policy	Contingencies We accrue losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. For loss contingencies, we accrue the loss if an event has occurred on or before the balance sheet date and: information available through the date we file our financial statements indicates it is probable that a loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of uncertain future events; and the amounts of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We do not accrue contingencies that might result in gains. We continuously assess contingencies for litigation claims, environmental remediation and other events.
Legal Costs Policy [Abstract]
Legal Fees, Policy	Legal Fees Legal fees that are associated with a past event for which a liability has been recorded are accrued when it is probable that fees also will be incurred.
Stockholders Equity Policy [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income, Policy	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes all changes in the equity of a business enterprise (except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners), including: foreign-currency translation adjustments changes in unamortized net actuarial gain or loss and prior service cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits plans unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities certain hedging activities
Revenue Recognition Policy [Abstract]
Revenues, Policy	REVENUES Utilities Our California Utilities generate revenues primarily from deliveries to their customers of electricity by SDG&E and natural gas by both SoCalGas and SDG&E and from related services. They record these revenues following the accrual method and recognize them upon delivery and performance. They also record revenue from CPUC-approved incentive awards, some of which require approval by the CPUC prior to being recognized. Energy-Related Businesses Sempra Natural Gas Sempra Natural Gas generates revenues from selling electricity to governmental, public utility and wholesale power marketing entities. These revenues are recognized as the electricity is delivered. In each of 2011, 2010 and 2009, Sempra Natural Gas' electricity sales to the DWR accounted for a significant portion of its revenues. This contract ended September 30, 2011. Sempra Natural Gas recognizes revenues on natural gas storage and transportation operations when services are provided in accordance with contractual agreements for the storage and transportation services. Sempra Natural Gas revenues also include net realized gains and losses and the net change in the fair value of unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for power and natural gas. Related to its LNG terminal and marketing operations, Sempra Natural Gas recognizes revenues from the sale of LNG and natural gas as deliveries are made to counterparties and from reservation and usage fees under terminal capacity agreements. Sempra Mexico Sempra Mexico's pipeline operations recognize revenues from the sale and transportation of natural gas as deliveries are made and from fixed capacity payments. Sempra Mexico also recognizes revenues from (1) the sale of LNG and natural gas as deliveries are made to counterparties and (2) from reservation and usage fees under terminal capacity agreements, nitrogen injection service agreements and tug service agreements. It reports revenue net of value added taxes in Mexico. Sempra Mexico's revenues also include net realized gains and losses and the net change in the fair value of unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for natural gas. Sempra Commodities On April 1, 2008, our commodities-marketing businesses, previously wholly owned subsidiaries of Sempra Energy, were sold into RBS Sempra Commodities LLP (RBS Sempra Commodities), a partnership jointly owned by Sempra Energy and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Therefore, beginning April 1, 2008, we have accounted for our earnings in the partnership under the equity method. In 2010 and early 2011, the partnership divested its principal businesses and assets. We provide more information on these matters in Notes 3 and 4. RBS Sempra Commodities generated most of its revenues from trading and marketing activities in natural gas, electricity, petroleum, petroleum products, base metals and other commodities. RBS Sempra Commodities quoted bid and ask prices to end users and other market makers. It also earned trading profits as a dealer by structuring and executing transactions. Principal transaction revenues were recognized on a trade-date basis and included realized gains and losses and the net change in unrealized gains and losses. RBS Sempra Commodities used derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to unfavorable changes in market prices. Non-derivative contracts were accounted for on an accrual basis and the related profit or loss was recognized as the contracts were settled.
Cost Of Sales Policy [Abstract]
Other Cost of Sales, Policy	OTHER COST OF SALES Other Cost of Sales primarily includes pipeline capacity marketing costs, and pipeline transportation and natural gas marketing costs incurred at Sempra Natural Gas and electrical construction costs at Sempra South American Utilities.
Selling General And Administrative Expenses Policy [Abstract]
Operation and Maintenance Expenses, Policy	OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES Operation and Maintenance includes operating and maintenance costs, and general and administrative costs, which consist primarily of personnel costs, purchased materials and services, and rent.
Foreign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation, Policy	Foreign Currency Translation Our operations in South America and our natural gas distribution utility in Mexico use their local currency as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of their foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates at the end of the reporting period, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting noncash translation adjustments do not enter into the calculation of earnings or retained earnings (unless the operation is being discontinued), but are reflected in Comprehensive Income and in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a component of shareholders' equity.
Noncontrolling Interest Policy [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Policy	Ownership interests that are held by owners other than Sempra Energy and SDG&E in subsidiaries or entities consolidated by them are accounted for and reported as noncontrolling interests. As a result, noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Net income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests is separately identified on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

2012 Business Segment Realignment

Effective January 1, 2012, in connection with several key executive appointments made in September 2011, management realigned some of the company's major subsidiaries to better fit its strategic direction and to enhance the management and integration of our assets. This realignment resulted in a change in reportable segments in 2012. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), historical information for Sempra Energy has been restated in its Consolidated Financial Statements and these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements to reflect the effect of this change. All discussions of our operating units and reportable segments in these Notes reflect the new segments and operating structure.

Sempra Energy

Sempra Energy's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sempra Energy, a California-based Fortune 500 holding company, and its consolidated subsidiaries and a variable interest entity (VIE). Sempra Energy's principal operating units are

San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas);
Sempra International, which includes our Sempra South American Utilities and Sempra Mexico reportable segments; and

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, which includes our Sempra Renewables and Sempra Natural Gas reportable segments.

We provide descriptions of each of our segments in Note 16.

We refer to SDG&E and SoCalGas collectively as the California Utilities, which do not include the utilities in our Sempra International and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power operating units. Sempra Global is the holding company for most of our subsidiaries that are not subject to California utility regulation. All references in these Notes to “Sempra International,” “Sempra U.S. Gas & Power” and their respective reportable segments are not intended to refer to any legal entity with the same or similar name.

Sempra Energy uses the equity method to account for investments in affiliated companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control. We discuss our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries in Notes 3 and 4.

SDG&E

SDG&E's Consolidated Financial Statements include its accounts and the accounts of a VIE of which SDG&E is the primary beneficiary, as we discuss below under “Variable Interest Entities.” SDG&E's common stock is wholly owned by Enova Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra Energy.

SoCalGas

SoCalGas' Consolidated Financial Statements include its subsidiaries, which comprise less than one percent of its consolidated financial position and results of operations. SoCalGas' common stock is wholly owned by Pacific Enterprises (PE), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra Energy.

Basis of Presentation

This is a combined report of Sempra Energy, SDG&E and SoCalGas. We provide separate information for SDG&E and SoCalGas as required. References in this report to “we,” “our” and “Sempra Energy Consolidated” are to Sempra Energy and its consolidated entities, unless otherwise indicated by the context. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions within the consolidated financial statements of each reporting entity.

We evaluated events and transactions that occurred after December 31, 2011 through the date the financial statements were issued, and in the opinion of management, the accompanying statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIE)

We consolidate a VIE if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is based upon qualitative and quantitative analyses, which assess

the purpose and design of the VIE;
the nature of the VIE's risks and the risks we absorb;
the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and

the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE.

Public Utilities Policy [Abstract[

Regulatory Matters, Policy

REGULATORY MATTERS

Effects of Regulation

The accounting policies of our regulated utility subsidiaries in California, SDG&E and SoCalGas, conform with GAAP for regulated enterprises and reflect the policies of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The California Utilities prepare their financial statements in accordance with GAAP provisions governing regulated operations. Under these provisions, a regulated utility records a regulatory asset if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, the utility will recover that asset from customers. To the extent that recovery is no longer probable, the related regulatory assets are written off. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts collected from customers in advance of the actual expenditure by the utility. If the actual expenditures are less than amounts previously collected from ratepayers, the excess would be refunded to customers, generally by reducing future rates.

Our other natural gas distribution utilities, Mobile Gas and Ecogas, also apply GAAP for regulated utilities to their operations.

Over- and undercollected regulatory balancing accounts reflect the difference between customer billings and recorded or CPUC-authorized costs, primarily commodity costs. Amounts in the balancing accounts are recoverable or refundable in future rates, subject to CPUC approval. Balancing account treatment eliminates the impact on earnings from variances in the covered costs from authorized amounts. Absent balancing account treatment, variations in the cost of fuel supply and certain operating and maintenance costs from amounts approved by the CPUC would increase volatility in utility earnings.

Incentive awards are included in our earnings when we receive any required CPUC approval of the award. We would record penalties for results below the specified benchmarks in earnings when we believe it is more likely than not that the CPUC would assess a penalty.

Fair Value Measurements Policy [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements, Policy

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We apply recurring fair value measurements to certain assets and liabilities, primarily nuclear decommissioning and benefit plan trust assets and other miscellaneous derivatives. “Fair value” is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).

A fair value measurement reflects the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best available information. These assumptions include the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and the risks inherent in the inputs to the model. Also, we consider an issuer's credit standing when measuring its liabilities at fair value.

We establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Our Level 1 financial instruments primarily consist of listed equities, U.S. government treasury securities and exchange-traded derivatives.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including:

quoted forward prices for commodities
time value
current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments
volatility factors

other relevant economic measures

Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Our financial instruments in this category include the Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts' investments at SDG&E and non-exchange-traded derivatives such as interest rate instruments and over-the-counter (OTC) forwards and options.

Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management's best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant.

Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Abstract]

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Inventory Policy [Abstract]

Inventories, Policy

Inventories

The California Utilities value natural gas inventory by the last-in first-out (LIFO) method. As inventories are sold, differences between the LIFO valuation and the estimated replacement cost are reflected in customer rates. Materials and supplies at the California Utilities are generally valued at the lower of average cost or market.

Sempra Mexico, Sempra South American Utilities and Sempra Natural Gas value natural gas inventory and material and supplies at lower of average cost or market. Sempra Natural Gas and Sempra Mexico value liquefied natural gas (LNG) inventory (categorized as natural gas below) by the first-in first-out method.

Income Tax Policy [Abstract]

Income Taxes, Policy

Income Taxes

Income tax expense includes current and deferred income taxes from operations during the year. We record deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the book and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Investment tax credits from prior years are amortized to income by the California Utilities over the estimated service lives of the properties as required by the CPUC. At our other businesses, we reduce the book basis of the related asset by the amount of investment tax credit earned. At Sempra Renewables, production tax credits are recognized in income tax expense as earned.

The California Utilities and Mobile Gas recognize

regulatory assets to offset deferred tax liabilities if it is probable that the amounts will be recovered from customers; and

regulatory liabilities to offset deferred tax assets if it is probable that the amounts will be returned to customers.

Other than local country withholding tax on current Peruvian earnings, we currently do not record deferred income taxes for basis differences between financial statement and income tax investment amounts in non-U.S. subsidiaries because their cumulative undistributed earnings are indefinitely reinvested.

When there are uncertainties related to potential income tax benefits, in order to qualify for recognition, the position we take has to have at least a “more likely than not” chance of being sustained (based on the position's technical merits) upon challenge by the respective authorities. The term “more likely than not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Otherwise, we may not recognize any of the potential tax benefit associated with the position. We recognize a benefit for a tax position that meets the “more likely than not” criterion at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon its effective resolution.

Unrecognized tax benefits involve management's judgment regarding the likelihood of the benefit being sustained. The final resolution of uncertain tax positions could result in adjustments to recorded amounts and may affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Property Plant And Equipment Policy [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment primarily represents the buildings, equipment and other facilities used by the California Utilities to provide natural gas and electric utility services, and by Sempra International and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. It also reflects projects included in construction work in progress at these operating units.

Our plant costs include

labor
materials and contract services

expenditures for replacement parts incurred during a major maintenance outage of a generating plant

In addition, the cost of our utility plant includes an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). We discuss AFUDC below. The cost of non-utility plant includes capitalized interest.

Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of most retired depreciable utility plant minus salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation expense is based on the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets or, for the California Utilities, a shorter period prescribed by the CPUC. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the asset's estimated original composite useful life, the CPUC-prescribed period or the remaining term of the site leases, whichever is shortest.

The California Utilities finance their construction projects with borrowed funds and equity funds. The CPUC and the FERC allow the recovery of the cost of these funds by the capitalization of AFUDC, calculated using rates authorized by the CPUC and the FERC, as a cost component of property, plant and equipment. The California Utilities earn a return on the allowance after the utility property is placed in service and recover the AFUDC from their customers over the expected useful lives of the assets.

Sempra International and Sempra U.S. Gas & Power businesses capitalize interest costs incurred to finance capital projects. The California Utilities also capitalize certain interest costs.

Impairment Or Disposal Of Long Lived Assets Policy [Abstract]

Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, Policy

Long-Lived Assets

We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that may affect the recoverability or the estimated useful lives of long-lived assets, the definition of which includes intangible assets subject to amortization, but does not include unconsolidated subsidiaries. Impairment of long-lived assets occurs when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets. If that comparison indicates that the assets' carrying value may not be recoverable, the impairment is measured based on the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Policy [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Text Block]

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually on October 1 for impairment. Impairment of goodwill occurs when the carrying amount (book value) of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, and the book value of goodwill is greater than its fair value on the test date, we record a goodwill impairment loss.

Asset Retirement Obligations And Environmental Cost Policy [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations

For tangible long-lived assets, we record asset retirement obligations for the present value of liabilities of future costs expected to be incurred when assets are retired from service, if the retirement process is legally required and if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We also record a liability if a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement exists and can be reasonably estimated, but performance is conditional upon a future event. We record the estimated retirement cost over the life of the related asset by depreciating the present value of the obligation (measured at the time of the asset's acquisition) and accreting the discount until the liability is settled. Rate-regulated entities record regulatory assets or liabilities as a result of the timing difference between the recognition of costs in accordance with GAAP and costs recovered through the rate-making process. We have recorded a regulatory liability to show that the California Utilities have collected funds from customers more quickly and for larger amounts than we would accrete the retirement liability and depreciate the asset in accordance with GAAP.

Commitments And Contingencies Policy [Abstract]

Contingencies, Policy

Contingencies

We accrue losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. For loss contingencies, we accrue the loss if an event has occurred on or before the balance sheet date and:

information available through the date we file our financial statements indicates it is probable that a loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of uncertain future events; and

the amounts of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

We do not accrue contingencies that might result in gains. We continuously assess contingencies for litigation claims, environmental remediation and other events.

Legal Costs Policy [Abstract]

Legal Fees, Policy

Legal Fees

Legal fees that are associated with a past event for which a liability has been recorded are accrued when it is probable that fees also will be incurred.

Stockholders Equity Policy [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income, Policy

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes in the equity of a business enterprise (except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners), including:

foreign-currency translation adjustments
changes in unamortized net actuarial gain or loss and prior service cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits plans
unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities

certain hedging activities

Revenue Recognition Policy [Abstract]

Revenues, Policy

REVENUES

Utilities

Our California Utilities generate revenues primarily from deliveries to their customers of electricity by SDG&E and natural gas by both SoCalGas and SDG&E and from related services. They record these revenues following the accrual method and recognize them upon delivery and performance. They also record revenue from CPUC-approved incentive awards, some of which require approval by the CPUC prior to being recognized.

Energy-Related Businesses

Sempra Natural Gas

Sempra Natural Gas generates revenues from selling electricity to governmental, public utility and wholesale power marketing entities. These revenues are recognized as the electricity is delivered. In each of 2011, 2010 and 2009, Sempra Natural Gas' electricity sales to the DWR accounted for a significant portion of its revenues. This contract ended September 30, 2011. Sempra Natural Gas recognizes revenues on natural gas storage and transportation operations when services are provided in accordance with contractual agreements for the storage and transportation services. Sempra Natural Gas revenues also include net realized gains and losses and the net change in the fair value of unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for power and natural gas. Related to its LNG terminal and marketing operations, Sempra Natural Gas recognizes revenues from the sale of LNG and natural gas as deliveries are made to counterparties and from reservation and usage fees under terminal capacity agreements.

Sempra Mexico

Sempra Mexico's pipeline operations recognize revenues from the sale and transportation of natural gas as deliveries are made and from fixed capacity payments. Sempra Mexico also recognizes revenues from (1) the sale of LNG and natural gas as deliveries are made to counterparties and (2) from reservation and usage fees under terminal capacity agreements, nitrogen injection service agreements and tug service agreements. It reports revenue net of value added taxes in Mexico. Sempra Mexico's revenues also include net realized gains and losses and the net change in the fair value of unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for natural gas.

Sempra Commodities

On April 1, 2008, our commodities-marketing businesses, previously wholly owned subsidiaries of Sempra Energy, were sold into RBS Sempra Commodities LLP (RBS Sempra Commodities), a partnership jointly owned by Sempra Energy and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Therefore, beginning April 1, 2008, we have accounted for our earnings in the partnership under the equity method. In 2010 and early 2011, the partnership divested its principal businesses and assets. We provide more information on these matters in Notes 3 and 4.

RBS Sempra Commodities generated most of its revenues from trading and marketing activities in natural gas, electricity, petroleum, petroleum products, base metals and other commodities. RBS Sempra Commodities quoted bid and ask prices to end users and other market makers. It also earned trading profits as a dealer by structuring and executing transactions. Principal transaction revenues were recognized on a trade-date basis and included realized gains and losses and the net change in unrealized gains and losses.

RBS Sempra Commodities used derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to unfavorable changes in market prices. Non-derivative contracts were accounted for on an accrual basis and the related profit or loss was recognized as the contracts were settled.

Cost Of Sales Policy [Abstract]

Other Cost of Sales, Policy

OTHER COST OF SALES

Other Cost of Sales primarily includes pipeline capacity marketing costs, and pipeline transportation and natural gas marketing costs incurred at Sempra Natural Gas and electrical construction costs at Sempra South American Utilities.

Selling General And Administrative Expenses Policy [Abstract]

Operation and Maintenance Expenses, Policy

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES

Operation and Maintenance includes operating and maintenance costs, and general and administrative costs, which consist primarily of personnel costs, purchased materials and services, and rent.

Foreign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy [Abstract]

Foreign Currency Translation, Policy

Foreign Currency Translation

Our operations in South America and our natural gas distribution utility in Mexico use their local currency as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of their foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates at the end of the reporting period, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting noncash translation adjustments do not enter into the calculation of earnings or retained earnings (unless the operation is being discontinued), but are reflected in Comprehensive Income and in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a component of shareholders' equity.

Noncontrolling Interest Policy [Abstract]

Noncontrolling Interest Policy

Ownership interests that are held by owners other than Sempra Energy and SDG&E in subsidiaries or entities consolidated by them are accounted for and reported as noncontrolling interests. As a result, noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Net income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests is separately identified on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.