CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Equity in earnings (loss) of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.	$ 69	$ (9)	$ 340	$ (94)
Income tax expense (benefit)	22	(6)	149	(31)
Net income (loss)	$ 47	$ (3)	$ 191	$ (63)
Loss per share Basic and Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ (0.03)	$ 1.61	$ (0.61)
Number of shares used in computing loss per share, Basic and diluted (in shares)	121	107	118	103