The net proceeds or assets obtained in excess of (less than) the net carrying amount of assets recorded, or assets distributed and liabilities assumed less than (in excess of) estimated litigation liability extinguished, in settlement of a litigation matter. Represents (for other than an insurance entity in its normal claims settlement process), the amount of income (expense) recognized in the period to settle pending or threatened litigation and insurance claims.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - LEGAL (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement	$ (26)	$ (37)	$ (169)
Loss from Catastrophes [Member]
Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement			(159)
Loss from Catastrophes [Member] \| S D G E Segment [Member]
Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Loss In Period, Net Of Income Tax Effect	6	13	20
Loss from Catastrophes [Member] \| Sempra Commodities Segment [Member]
Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement		11	(20)
Loss from Catastrophes [Member] \| Sempra Natural Gas Segment [Member]
Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement			$ (139)