Income Taxes (Income Tax Expense for Continuing Operations Including Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Current:
Federal	$ (117)	[1]	$ 3	[1]	$ 894	[1]
State	80	[1]	9	[1]	309	[1]
Total current expense (benefit)	(37)	[1]	12	[1]	1,203	[1]
Deferred:
Federal	214	[1]	694	[1]	818	[1]
State	(30)	[1]	50	[1]	93	[1]
Total deferred expense	184	[1]	744	[1]	911	[1]
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits	(1)	[1]	(2)	[1]	(2)	[1]
Total income tax expense	146	[1]	754	[1],[2]	2,112	[1],[2]
Virginia Electric and Power Company
Current:
Federal	70	[3]	(35)	[3]	(78)	[3]
State	81	[3]	79	[3]	10	[3]
Total current expense (benefit)	151	[3]	44	[3]	(68)	[3]
Deferred:
Federal	482	[3]	484	[3]	537	[3]
State	21	[3]	13	[3]	74	[3]
Total deferred expense	503	[3]	497	[3]	611	[3]
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits	(1)	[3]	(1)	[3]	(1)	[3]
Total income tax expense	$ 653	[3]	$ 540	[3]	$ 542	[3]

[1] In 2012, Dominion's current federal income tax benefit includes a benefit related to the carryback of its current year operating loss, and deferred state income tax benefit reflects the impact of Brayton Point, Kincaid and Kewaunee impairment charges. In 2011, Dominion's federal income tax expense includes a benefit related to its current year operating loss that is expected to be used in future years, and state income tax expense reflects changes in the amount of income apportioned among states, higher tax credits, claims for refunds and previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of statutes of limitations.

[2] Recast to reflect Salem Harbor and State Line as discontinued operations as described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. EPS amounts reflect the per share impact of the recast.

[3] In 2011, Virginia Power's federal income tax expense includes a benefit related to a portion of its current year operating loss that is expected to be used in future years. Also, in 2011 and 2010, Virginia Power's federal income tax expense reflects the amounts of current year operating losses realized through its participation in a tax sharing agreement with Dominion and its subsidiaries.