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Commitments And Contingencies (Environmental Remediation Contingencies) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Mar. 31, 2015
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]  
Amount of environmental loss accrual expected to be recovered $ 677us-gaap_RecordedThirdPartyEnvironmentalRecoveriesReceivable
Increase in undiscounted future costs in the event other potentially responsible parties are not able to contribute $ 1,800pcg_UndiscountedPotentialFutureEnvironmentalRemediationCosts
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]  
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]  
Remediation cost recovery 90.00%pcg_RemediationCostRecoveryPercentage
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