CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 1,403	$ 1,213	$ 3,628	$ 3,632
Operating expenses
Cost of products and services	44	57	135	163
Operation and maintenance	366	327	994	911
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 15)	600		600
Ceiling test charges	152	14	152	16
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	299	239	815	699
Taxes, other than income taxes	63	58	217	181
Total operating expenses	1,524	695	2,913	1,970
Operating income (loss)	(121)	518	715	1,662
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	36	28	98	167
Loss on debt extinguishment	(101)	(104)	(169)	(104)
Other income, net	5	71	186	188
Interest and debt expense	(242)	(255)	(721)	(782)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(423)	258	109	1,131
Income tax expense (benefit)	(130)	75	(73)	343
Net income (loss)	(293)	183	182	788
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(75)	(41)	(226)	(101)
Net income (loss) attributable to El Paso Corporation	(368)	142	(44)	687
Preferred stock dividends of El Paso Corporation		9		28
Net income (loss) attributable to El Paso Corporation's common stockholders	$ (368)	$ 133	$ (44)	$ 659
Basic earnings per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to El Paso Corporation's common stockholders	$ (0.48)	$ 0.19	$ (0.06)	$ 0.95
Diluted earnings per common share
Net income (loss) attributable to El Paso Corporation's common stockholders	$ (0.48)	$ 0.19	$ (0.06)	$ 0.90
Dividends declared per El Paso Corporation's common share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.03	$ 0.03