Debt and Credit Agreements (Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of long-term debt
Total long-term debt, net	$ 9,231	$ 8,834
Edison International Parent and Other
Schedule of long-term debt
Other long-term debt	4	4
Unamortized debt discount, net	(1)	(1)
Total long-term debt, net	403	403
Southern California Edison
Schedule of long-term debt
Unamortized debt discount, net	(32)	(29)
Total long-term debt, net	8,828	8,431
Debentures and notes | Edison International Parent and Other
Schedule of long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	400	400
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)	3.75%
Debentures and notes | Southern California Edison
Schedule of long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	307	307
Interest rate on debt, minimum (as a percent)	5.06%
Interest rate on debt, maximum (as a percent)	6.65%
First and refunding mortgage bonds | Southern California Edison
Schedule of long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	7,775	7,375
Interest rate on debt, minimum (as a percent)	3.875%
Interest rate on debt, maximum (as a percent)	6.05%
Pollution control bonds | Southern California Edison
Schedule of long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	939	939
Interest rate on debt, minimum (as a percent)	2.875%
Interest rate on debt, maximum (as a percent)	5.00%
Bonds repurchased | Southern California Edison
Schedule of long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	$ (161)	$ (161)