Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Unrecognized prior service credit income tax	$ 5	$ 6	$ 10	$ 11
Unrecognized net gain income tax	15	5	26	11
Unrecognized net transition obligation income tax	2	2	4	4
Transfer to regulatory account of income	15	8	30	18
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Unrecognized prior service credit income tax	5	6	10	11
Unrecognized net gain income tax	15	5	26	11
Unrecognized net transition obligation income tax	2	2	4	4
Transfer to regulatory account of income	$ 15	$ 8	$ 30	$ 18