COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - LEGAL 2 (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011 Loss from Catastrophes [Member] S D G E Segment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Loss from Catastrophes [Member] S D G E Segment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Energy Crisis Litigation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Energy Crisis Litigation [Member] Sempra Commodities Segment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Energy Crisis Litigation [Member] Sempra Commodities Segment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Energy Crisis Litigation [Member] Sempra Natural Gas Segment [Member]
Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement			$ (159)	$ 11	$ (20)	$ (139)
Loss Contingency, Loss In Period, Net Of Income Tax Effect	$ 13	$ 20

The net proceeds or assets obtained in excess of (less than) the net carrying amount of assets recorded, or assets distributed and liabilities assumed less than (in excess of) litigation reserves extinguished, in settlement of a litigation matter. Represents (for other than an insurance entity in its normal claims settlement process), the amount of income (expense) recognized in the period to settle pending or threatened litigation and insurance claims.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration