Property, Plant and Equipment (Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Merchant Generation Other Due To Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entity	$ 957
Other-including plant under construction	957		0
Total property, plant and equipment	42,033		39,855
Dominion [Member]
Generation	11,793		11,381
Transmission	6,604		5,793
Distribution	10,401		9,883
Storage	2,060		1,892
Nuclear fuel	1,193		1,058
Gas gathering and processing	727		535
General and other	778		730
Other-including plant under construction	3,597		3,933
Total utility	37,153		35,205
Proved E&P properties being amortized	104		103
Merchant generation-nuclear	1,108		1,217
Merchant generation-other	2,780	[1]	1,451	[1]
Nuclear fuel	847		762
Other-including plant under construction	998		1,117
Total nonutility	5,837		4,650
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 42,990		$ 39,855

[1] 2011 amount includes $957 million due to consolidation of a VIE.