DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES 3 (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Deconsolidation of debt	$ 97
Copper Mountain Solar 3 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Deconsolidation of debt	$ 97

Reduction in Long Term Debt Including Current Portion due to deconsolidation.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	sre_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration