Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Net issuances of commercial paper, discount	$ 2	$ 2
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs	6	2
Issuance costs	2	1
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Net issuances of commercial paper, discount	2	2
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs	$ 6	$ 2