OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - GOODWILL (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill by Segment, Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			$ 1,036
Foreign currency translation	63	[1]
Acquisition of subsidiary	10
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,109
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra South American Utilities [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			949
Foreign currency translation	63	[1]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,012
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Mexico [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			25
Goodwill, Ending Balance	25
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Natural Gas [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			62
Acquisition of subsidiary	10
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 72

[1] We record the offset of this fluctuation to other comprehensive income.