Resolution Of Remaining Chapter 11 Disputed Claims (Detail) (CAISO And PX [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
CAISO And PX [Member]
Resolution Of Remaining Chapter Eleven Disputed Claims [Line Items]
Disputed Claims Liability Balance	$ 154	$ 437
Interest payable	710
Carrying amounts due from CAISO and PX as of the balance sheet date for disputed claims related to the Chapter 11 Filing	291	291
Electric supplier settlement refund		$ 312

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