COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	$ 625,000,000		$ 625,000,000
Litigation Settlement, Gross		48,000,000		48,000,000
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Loss from Catastrophes [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	584,000,000		584,000,000
Payments for Legal Settlements	14,750,000
Claims Payments By Insurers To All Claimants	1,600,000,000
Percentage of Total Claims to be Paid by Company	57.50%
Total Individual And Business Claims	900,000,000
Total Government Entity Claims	130,000,000
Liability Insurance Coverage, Maximum	1,100,000,000		1,100,000,000
Restricted Cash Litigation Settlement	97,000,000		97,000,000
Litigation Settlement, Gross	444,000,000
S D G E Segment [Member] | Loss from Catastrophes [Member]
Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	5,000,000	7,000,000	7,000,000	17,000,000
Liberty Gas Storage Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Monetary Damages Sought	56,700,000		56,700,000
Estimated Gain Loss On Contract Termination	215,000,000		215,000,000
San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	585,000,000		585,000,000
Southern California Gas Company [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	$ 34,000,000		$ 34,000,000