Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net issuances of commercial paper, discount	$ 2	$ 2
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, discount and issuance costs	6	12
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net issuances of commercial paper, discount	2	2
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, discount and issuance costs	$ 6	$ 12