Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	$ 3,057		$ 2,983		$ 5,912		$ 5,766
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	74		176		167		376
Total Assets:	49,388				49,388				48,039
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0		(1)		(1)		(3)
Electric Utility
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	2,651		2,446		5,063		4,678
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	191		211		373		433
Total Assets:	42,003				42,003				40,315
Competitive Power Generation
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	407		538		851		1,090
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	(110)	[1]	(31)	[1]	(194)	[1]	(51)	[1]
Total Assets:	8,148				8,148				8,392
Parent and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Revenue:	(1)	[2]	(1)	[2]	(2)	[2]	(2)	[2]
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Edison International:	(7)	[2]	(4)	[2]	(12)	[2]	(6)	[2]
Total Assets:	$ (763)	[2]			$ (763)	[2]			$ (668)	[2]

[1] Includes losses from discontinued operations of $(1) million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and $(1) million and $(3) million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

[2] Includes amounts from Edison International (parent) and other Edison International subsidiaries that are not significant as a reportable segment, as well as intercompany eliminations.