Note 8 - Non-Wholly Owned Entities (Detail) - Variable Interest Entities (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets	$ 1,880		$ 2,746		$ 1,603
Long-term assets and other deferred debits	11,394		11,167		5,614
Total assets	13,274	[1]	13,913	[2]	7,217	[1]
Current liabilities	2,460		3,084		1,399
Long-term liabilities and other deferred credits	7,385		7,490		3,904
Total Liabilities	9,845		10,574		5,303
Equity	3,429		3,339		1,914		1,836
Total liabilities and equity	13,274		13,913		7,217
South Star [Member]
Current assets	145	[3]	210	[3]	164	[3]
Long-term assets and other deferred debits	9	[3]	9	[3]	9	[3]
Total assets	154	[3]	219	[3]	173	[3]
Current liabilities	37	[3]	77	[3]	52	[3]
Long-term liabilities and other deferred credits	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Total Liabilities	37	[3]	77	[3]	52	[3]
Equity	117	[3]	142	[3]	121	[3]
Total liabilities and equity	$ 154	[3]	$ 219	[3]	$ 173	[3]
South Star Percentage To Consolidated [Member]
Current assets	8.00%	[4]	8.00%	[4]	10.00%	[4]
Long-term assets and other deferred debits	0.00%	[4]	0.00%	[4]	0.00%	[4]
Total assets	1.00%	[4]	2.00%	[4]	2.00%	[4]
Current liabilities	2.00%	[4]	2.00%	[4]	4.00%	[4]
Long-term liabilities and other deferred credits	0.00%	[4]	0.00%	[4]	0.00%	[4]
Total Liabilities	0.00%	[4]	1.00%	[4]	1.00%	[4]
Equity	3.00%	[4]	4.00%	[4]	6.00%	[4]
Total liabilities and equity	1.00%	[4]	2.00%	[4]	2.00%	[4]

[1] Identifiable assets are those used in each segment's operations.

[2] Identifiable assets are those assets used in each segment's operations.

[3] These amounts reflect information for SouthStar and do not include intercompany eliminations or the balances of our wholly owned subsidiary with an 85% ownership interest in SouthStar.

[4] SouthStar's percentage of the amount on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.