Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 58	$ 54
Common stock, par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	506,891,874	492,025,443
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 58	$ 54
Common stock, par value	$ 5	$ 5
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	264,374,809	264,374,809