Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Effective Tax Rate
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 254	$ 220		$ 535	$ 612
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%		35.00%	35.00%
Provision for income tax at federal statutory rate	89	77		187	214
Items presented with related state income tax, net
Global Settlement related		(138)			(138)
Change in tax accounting method for asset removal costs		(40)			(40)
State tax - net of federal benefit	4	16		13	23
Health care legislation					39
Production and housing credits	(19)	(19)		(36)	(34)
Property-related and other	(12)	(32)		(37)	(50)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations	62	(136)		127	14
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	24.00%	(62.00%)		24.00%	2.00%
Non-cash charge to reverse previously recognized federal tax benefits			39
Change in Tax Accounting Method for Asset Removal Costs
Asset removal costs relating to prior periods		(28)			(28)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance			664	565	664
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from current period tax positions				26	35
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from prior period tax positions				14	127
Unrecognized tax benefits, decreases resulting from prior period tax positions				(10)	(40)
Unrecognized tax benefits, decreases resulting from settlements with taxing authorities					(82)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	595	704		595	704
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	468			468		455
Accrued Interest and Penalties
Accrued interest and penalties	222			222		213
Net after-tax interest income and penalties recognized in income tax expense (benefit)	(2)	101		(5)	88
Southern California Edison Company | IRS Examination
Settlement of Tax Disputes
Estimated potential future federal tax payment as of the balance sheet date, including interest and penalties, based on a proposed adjustment	91			91
IRS Examination
Settlement of Tax Disputes
Estimated potential future federal tax payment as of the balance sheet date, including interest and penalties, based on a proposed adjustment	$ 189			$ 189
Penalty for understatement of tax liability (as a percent)				40.00%