Resolution Of Remaining Chapter 11 Disputed Claims (Detail) (CAISO And PX [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CAISO And PX [Member]
Resolution Of Remaining Chapter Eleven Disputed Claims [Line Items]
Disputed Claims Liability Balance	$ 870	$ 864
Carrying amounts due from CAISO and PX as of the balance sheet date for disputed claims related to the Chapter 11 Filing	$ 291	$ 291

Remaining net disputed claims (classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets within accounts payable - disputed claims and customer refunds)

No definition available.

Name:	pcg_DisputedClaimsLiabilityBalance
Namespace Prefix:	pcg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant