DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 2 (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives, minimum	$ 4	[1]	$ 15	[1]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives, maximum	369	[1]	305	[1]
Maturities of interest rate derivatives, minimum	2013	[1]	2013	[1]
Maturities of interest rate derivatives, maximum	2028	[1]	2019	[1]
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]
Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives, minimum	285	[1]	285	[1]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives, maximum	$ 350	[1]	$ 355	[1]
Maturities of interest rate derivatives	2019	[1]	2019	[1]

[1] Includes Otay Mesa VIE. All of SDG&E’s interest rate derivatives relate to Otay Mesa VIE.