Equity (Changes in Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Balance at December 31, 2010			$ 11,534
Balance at December 31, 2010			11,282
Net Income	366	337	568	598
Common stock issued			269
Share-based compensation expense			24
Common stock dividends declared			(365)
Preferred stock dividend requirement
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary	(4)	(4)	(7)	(7)
Other comprehensive income			18
Balance at June 30, 2011	12,041		12,041
Balance at June 30, 2011	11,789		11,789
Pacific Gas and Electric Company [Member]
Balance at December 31, 2010			11,721
Net Income			560
Common stock issued
Share-based compensation expense
Common stock dividends declared			(358)
Preferred stock dividend requirement	(4)	(4)	(7)	(7)
Other comprehensive income			18
Equity contribution			255
Balance at June 30, 2011	$ 12,189		$ 12,189