SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies
Share-based Compensation, Policy	Share-Based Awards and Compensation Expense We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors based on estimated fair values on the date of grant. We recognize compensation costs net of an estimated forfeiture rate (based on historical experience) and recognize the compensation costs for non-qualified stock options and restricted stock and stock units on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally four years. However, in the year that an employee becomes eligible for retirement, the remaining expense related to the employee's awards is recognized immediately. Substantially all awards outstanding are classified as equity instruments, therefore we recognize additional paid in capital as we recognize the compensation expense associated with the awards. Sempra Energy Non-Qualified Stock Options We use a Black-Scholes option-pricing model (Black-Scholes model) to estimate the fair value of each non-qualified stock option grant. The use of a valuation model requires us to make certain assumptions about selected model inputs. Expected volatility is calculated based on the historical volatility of Sempra Energy's stock price. We base the average expected life for options on the contractual term of the option and expected employee exercise and post-termination behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of the grant. Sempra Energy Restricted Stock Awards and Units We use a Monte-Carlo simulation model to estimate the fair value of the restricted stock awards and units. Our determination of fair value is affected by the volatility of the stock price and the dividend yields for Sempra Energy and its peer group companies. The valuation also is affected by the risk-free rates of return, and a number of other variables.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Share-Based Awards and Compensation Expense

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors based on estimated fair values on the date of grant. We recognize compensation costs net of an estimated forfeiture rate (based on historical experience) and recognize the compensation costs for non-qualified stock options and restricted stock and stock units on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally four years. However, in the year that an employee becomes eligible for retirement, the remaining expense related to the employee's awards is recognized immediately. Substantially all awards outstanding are classified as equity instruments, therefore we recognize additional paid in capital as we recognize the compensation expense associated with the awards.

Sempra Energy Non-Qualified Stock Options

We use a Black-Scholes option-pricing model (Black-Scholes model) to estimate the fair value of each non-qualified stock option grant. The use of a valuation model requires us to make certain assumptions about selected model inputs. Expected volatility is calculated based on the historical volatility of Sempra Energy's stock price. We base the average expected life for options on the contractual term of the option and expected employee exercise and post-termination behavior.

The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of the grant.

Sempra Energy Restricted Stock Awards and Units

We use a Monte-Carlo simulation model to estimate the fair value of the restricted stock awards and units. Our determination of fair value is affected by the volatility of the stock price and the dividend yields for Sempra Energy and its peer group companies. The valuation also is affected by the risk-free rates of return, and a number of other variables.