CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (293)	$ 183	$ 182	$ 788
Pension and postretirement obligations:
Unrealized actuarial gains on postretirement benefit plans (net of income taxes of $6 and $6 in 2011	13		13
Reclassification of net actuarial losses during period (net of income taxes of $8 and $22 in 2011 and $6 and $18 in 2010)	15	11	46	35
Cash flow hedging activities:
Unrealized mark-to-market losses arising during period (net of income taxes of $27 and $40 in 2011 and $20 and $45 in 2010)	(42)	(31)	(66)	(71)
Recognition of loss associated with interest rate swaps upon deconsolidation of subsidiary (net of income taxes of $46 and $46 in 2011)	79		79
Reclassification adjustments for changes in initial value to the settlement date (net of income taxes of $6 and $8 in 2011 and $1 and $3 in 2010)	7	1	14	5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	72	(19)	86	(31)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(221)	164	268	757
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(79)	(41)	(230)	(101)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to El Paso Corporation	$ (300)	$ 123	$ 38	$ 656