Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Debt [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$ 16,220		$ 15,925
Pacific Gas And Electric Company [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, net of current portion		15,872		15,577
Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Less: current portion		700		0
Unamortized discount, net of premium and debt issuance costs		161		156
Total senior notes, net of current portion		14,764		14,469
Less: current portion		0		160
Total pollution control bonds		1,108		1,108
PG&E Corporation [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Unamortized discount, net of premium and debt issuance costs		2		2
Total senior notes, net of current portion		348		348
Total long-term debt, net of current portion		348		348
Senior Notes, 2.40% Due 2019 [Member] | PG&E Corporation [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		350		350
Senior Notes, 5.625% Due 2017 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		700		700
Senior Notes, 8.25% Due 2018 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		800		800
Senior Notes, 3.50% Due 2020 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		800		800
Senior Notes, 3.25% - 4.25% Due 2021[Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		550		550
Senior Notes, 2.45% - 6.35% Due 2022 - 2046 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Senior notes		12,775		11,775
Pollution Control Bonds, Series 1996 C,E,F 1997 B, Variable Rates, Due 2026 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Pollution control bonds		$ 614	[1],[2],[3]	614
Interest rate on bonds, minimum		0.72%
Interest rate on bonds, maximum		0.73%
Pollution Control Bonds, Series 2004 A-D, 4.75%, Due 2023 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Pollution control bonds	[4]	$ 345		345
Pollution Control Bonds, Series 2009 A-D, Variable Rates, Due 2016 And 2026 [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate on bonds, minimum		0.74%
Interest rate on bonds, maximum		0.74%
Pollution Control Bonds, Series 2009 A-D, Variable Rates, Due 2016 And 2026 [Member] | Utility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Pollution control bonds		$ 149	[3],[5]	$ 309

[1] At December 31, 2016, the interest rate on these bonds ranged from 0.72% - 0.73%

[2] Each series of these bonds is supported by a separate direct-pay letter of credit. Subject to certain requirements, the Utility may choose not to provide a credit facility without issuer consent. Series C and D pollution control bonds were redeemed on November 30, 2016.

[3] Each series of these bonds is supported by a separate letter of credit. In December 2015, the letters of credit were extended to December 1, 2020. Although the stated maturity date is 2026, each series will remain outstanding only if the Utility extends or replaces the letter of credit related to the series or otherwise obtains consent from the issuer to the continuation of the series without a credit facility.

[4] The Utility has obtained credit support from an insurance company for these bonds.

[5] At December 31, 2016, interest rates on these bonds were 0.74%.