OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - GOODWILL (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill by Segment, Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		$ 1,111
Foreign currency translation	2
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,113
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra South American Utilities [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		1,014
Foreign currency translation	2
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,016
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Mexico [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		25
Goodwill, Ending Balance	25
Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Natural Gas [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		72
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 72