CALIFORNIA UTILITIES' REGULATORY MATTERS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]
Schedule Of Regulatory Amounts [Line Items]
General Rate Case, Annual Revenue Requirement Increase	$ 235
General Rate Case, Percentage Annual Revenue Requirement Increase	14.60%
Regulatory Recovery, Deductible Per Event	5
Incremental insurance costs incurred related to catastrophe for 2009-2010 policy period	29
Incremental insurance costs incurred related to catastrophe for 2010-2011 policy period	63
General Rate Case, Revenue Requirement Request	1,849
Incremental Insurance Premiums Cost Recovery In GRC	67
Incremental Insurance Premiums Included In 2011 Earnings	28
Authorized Return On Equity	11.10%
Authorized Return On Rate Base	8.40%
Authorized Capital Structure, Common Equity	49.00%
Requested Return On Equity	11.00%
Requested Return On Rate Base	8.20%
Requested Capital Structure, Common Equity	52.00%
Southern California Gas Company [Member]
Schedule Of Regulatory Amounts [Line Items]
General Rate Case, Annual Revenue Requirement Increase	268
General Rate Case, Percentage Annual Revenue Requirement Increase	14.50%
General Rate Case, Revenue Requirement Request	2,112
Market Indexed Capital Adjustment Mechanism Floor Rate	3.88%
Recognized Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism Award 2010-2011	6.2
Authorized Return On Equity	10.82%
Authorized Return On Rate Base	8.68%
Authorized Capital Structure, Common Equity	48.00%
Requested Return On Equity	10.90%
Requested Return On Rate Base	8.42%
Requested Capital Structure, Common Equity	52.00%
Pro Forma MICAM Adjusted Return On Rate Base	7.99%
Pro Forma MICAM Adjusted Return On Equity	10.02%
South Orange County Reliability Enhancement [Member] | San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]
Schedule Of Utility Projects [Line Items]
Estimated Project Cost	473
Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Compressor Replacement [Member] | Southern California Gas Company [Member]
Schedule Of Utility Projects [Line Items]
Estimated Project Cost	$ 200