Note 8 - Non-Wholly Owned Entities (Detail) - Variable Interest Entities (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets	$ 2,135		$ 2,746		$ 1,801
Long-term assets and other deferred debits	11,460		11,167		5,658
Total assets	13,595	[1]	13,913	[2]	7,459	[1]
Current liabilities	2,764		3,084		1,140
Long-term liabilities and other deferred credits	7,433		7,490		4,438
Total Liabilities	10,197		10,574		5,578
Equity	3,398		3,339		1,881		1,836
Total liabilities and equity	13,595		13,913		7,459
South Star [Member]
Current assets	152	[3]	210	[3]	164	[3]
Long-term assets and other deferred debits	10	[3]	9	[3]	9	[3]
Total assets	162	[3]	219	[3]	173	[3]
Current liabilities	42	[3]	77	[3]	57	[3]
Long-term liabilities and other deferred credits	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]
Total Liabilities	42	[3]	77	[3]	57	[3]
Equity	120	[3]	142	[3]	116	[3]
Total liabilities and equity	$ 162	[3]	$ 219	[3]	$ 173	[3]
South Star Percentage To Consolidated [Member]
Current assets	7.00%	[4]	8.00%	[4]	9.00%	[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]	5.00%	[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	4.00%	[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.