Commitments and Guarantees Schdule of Long term contracts for purchase of electric power (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) MW	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Priest Rapids and Wanapum [Member]
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items]
Revenue Bonds issued by the Public Utility Districts	$ 1,190
PGE Share of Output	8.60%
PGE Share of Capacity | MW	163
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power, Date of Contract Expiration	Dec. 31, 2052
commitment costs	$ 16	$ 18	$ 14
Wells [Member]
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items]
Revenue Bonds issued by the Public Utility Districts	$ 177
PGE Share of Output	19.40%
PGE Share of Capacity | MW	150
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power, Date of Contract Expiration	Dec. 31, 2018
commitment costs	$ 10	10	10
Portland Hydro [Member]
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items]
Revenue Bonds issued by the Public Utility Districts	$ 0
PGE Share of Output	100.00%
PGE Share of Capacity | MW	36
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power, Date of Contract Expiration	Dec. 31, 2017
commitment costs	$ 1	$ 2	$ 4