Operating Segments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
After-tax net expense	$ 2,893		$ 2,917	[1]	$ 7,878		$ 8,462	[1]
Net loss from discontinued operations, before income tax	(19)		5		(49)		(34)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	(5)		4	[1]	(22)		(26)	[1]
Income tax expense from discontinued operations	14		(1)	[1]	27	[1]	8	[1]
Corporate and Other
After-tax net expense					388		179
After tax net expenses attributable to operating segments					397		183
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	(5)	[2]	4	[2]	(22)	[2]	(26)	[2]
Dominion Virginia Power
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0		0		0		0
Restoration costs					69		121
Restoration costs, net of tax					42		74
Dominion Generation
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Impairment of long-lived assets held-for-use							57
Impairment of long lived assets held for use, net of tax							34
Brayton Point, Kincaid, and Elwood | Dominion Generation
Net loss from discontinued operations, before income tax					34
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax					45
Brayton Point, Kincaid, and Elwood | Dominion Generation | State and Local Jurisdiction
Income tax expense from discontinued operations					25
Virginia Electric and Power Company
After-tax net expense	1,340		1,609		4,021		4,141
Restoration costs					69		121
Restoration costs, net of tax					42		74
Impairment of long-lived assets held-for-use							43
Impairment of long lived assets held for use, net of tax							26
Virginia Electric and Power Company | Corporate and Other
After-tax net expense					41		126
State Line and Salem Harbor | Dominion Generation
Net loss from discontinued operations, before income tax					49		34
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax					22		26
Kewaunee Power Station | Dominion Generation
Net loss from discontinued operations, before income tax					458		56
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax					$ 297		$ 32

[1] Dominion's Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 have been recast to reflect Salem Harbor and State Line as discontinued operations, as discussed in Note 3.

[2] Dominion's segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 has been recast to reflect Salem Harbor and State Line as discontinued operations, as discussed in Note 3.