Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	$ 4,070		$ 3,822		$ 9,800		$ 9,337
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	190		426		357		802
Total Assets:	50,545				50,545				48,039
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(76)		15		(129)		(3)
Electric Utility
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	3,731		3,386		8,794		8,063
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	363		406		736		838
Total Assets:	43,059				43,059				40,315
Competitive Power Generation
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	340		437		1,009		1,277
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	(137)	[1]	33	[1]	(331)	[1]	(17)	[1]
Total Assets:	7,934				7,934				8,392
Parent and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	(1)	[2]	(1)	[2]	(3)	[2]	(3)	[2]
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	(36)	[2]	(13)	[2]	(48)	[2]	(19)	[2]
Total Assets:	$ (448)	[2]			$ (448)	[2]			$ (668)	[2]

[1] Includes earnings (losses) from discontinued operations of $(76) million and $15 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $(129) million and $(3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

[2] Includes amounts from Edison International (parent) and other Edison International subsidiaries that are not significant as a reportable segment, as well as intercompany eliminations.