FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 2 (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Net [Line Items]
Fair value of cash collateral receivables not offset against derivatives	$ 46	$ 20
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]
Derivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Net [Line Items]
Fair value of cash collateral receivables not offset against derivatives	20	10
Southern California Gas Company [Member]
Derivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Net [Line Items]
Fair value of cash collateral receivables not offset against derivatives	$ 4	$ 2

The net amount as of the balance sheet date of the fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities that in accordance with the entity's accounting policy were not offset against collateral under a master netting arrangement.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=d3e41678-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FIN39-1

-Paragraph 10B

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant