2.2.0.25falsefalse020800 - Disclosure - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Policies)truefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_GeneralPoliciesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseSignificant Accounting Policies3false0sre_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansPolicyTextBlocksrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00We are required by applicable GAAP to: <ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">recognize an asset for a plan's overfunded status or a liability for a plan's underfunded status in the statement of financial position;</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">measure a plan's assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the fiscal year (with limited exceptions); and</li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan in the year in which the changes occur. Generally, those changes are reported in other comprehensive income and as a separate component of shareholders' equity.</li></ul>The information presented below covers the employee benefit plans of Sempra Energy and its principal subsidiaries. Sempra Energy has funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit plans, including separate plans for SDG&E and SoCalGas, which together cover substantially all employees and Sempra Energy's board of directors. The plans generally provide defined benefits based on years of service and either final average or career salary.Sempra Energy also has other postretirement benefit plans (PBOP), including separate plans for SDG&E and SoCalGas, which together cover substantially all employees and Sempra Energy's board of directors. The life insurance plans are both contributory and noncontributory, and the health-care plans are contributory. Participants' contributions are adjusted annually. Other postretirement benefits include medical benefits for retirees' spouses. Pension and other postretirement benefits costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include<ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">discount rates </li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">expected return on plan assets</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">health-care cost trend rates</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">mortality rates</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">compensation increase rates</li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">payout elections (lump sum or annuity)</li></ul>We review these assumptions on an annual basis prior to the beginning of each year and update them as appropriate. We consider current market conditions, including interest rates, in making these assumptions. We use a December 31 measurement date for all of our plans. We are required by applicable GAAP to: recognize an asset for a plan's overfunded status or a liability for a plan's underfunded status in the statement offalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseEmployee Benefit Plans, Policy12EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Policies)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue