COMMON EQUITY (Tables) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]

Changes in common equity during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

Millions of dollars	2012			2011
Balance at January 1,	$	3,889		$	3,702
Common stock issued	73			73
Dividends declared	(194		)	(188		)
Comprehensive income	327			251
Balance as of September 30,	$	4,095		$	3,838

SCE&G

Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]

Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]

Changes in common equity during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

Millions of dollars	Common Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Equity
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	3,665		$	108		$	3,773
Capital contribution from parent	84			—			84
Dividends declared	(157		)	(5		)	(162		)
Comprehensive income	272			9			281
Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	3,864		$	112		$	3,976
Balance at January 1, 2011	$	3,437		$	104		$	3,541
Capital contribution from parent	73			—			73
Dividends declared	(146		)	(5		)	(151		)
Comprehensive income	244			7			251
Balance as of September 30, 2011	$	3,608		$	106		$	3,714

Dividends

$ (162)

$ (151)

Contributions from parent

84

73

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

112

108

Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

$ 3,976

$ 3,714

$ 3,773

$ 3,541