Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	$ 2,206	$ 2,265	$ 6,480	$ 6,724
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	227	183	529	561
Electric Utility [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	1,543	1,517	4,031	3,950
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	194	157	417	345
Gas Utility [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	160	159	883	1,090
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	4	(11)	60	69
Gas Storage and Pipelines [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	21	21	73	69
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	14	13	48	42
Unconventional Gas Production [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	16	11	38	29
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	0	(2)	(3)	(5)
Power and Industrial Projects [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	477	259	1,375	781
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	22	12	40	27
Energy Trading [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	223	342	723	970
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	1	22	3	36
Corporate and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	0	0	2	2
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to DTE Energy Company	(8)	(8)	(36)	47
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Operating Revenue	$ (234)	$ (44)	$ (645)	$ (167)