OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - GOODWILL (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation	$ (69)	[1]
Goodwill by Segment, Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			1,111
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,042
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra South American Utilities [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			1,014
Foreign currency translation	(69)	[1]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	945
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Mexico [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			25
Goodwill, Ending Balance	25
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Natural Gas [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			72
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 72

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