OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - RESTRICTED CASH (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 46	$ 24
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	22	22
Restricted cash, current and noncurrent	68	46
Restricted Cash, Construction Financing [Member] \| Sempra Renewables Segment [Member]
Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash	35
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]
Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash	10	21
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	22	22
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] \| Restricted Cash, Operating Requirements [Member] \| S D G E Segment [Member]
Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash	10	7
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	22	22
Restricted cash, current and noncurrent	32	29
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] \| Restricted Cash, Power Plant Purchase [Member] \| S D G E Segment [Member]
Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items]
Restricted cash		$ 14

- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations.

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