2.2.0.25falsefalse021600 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (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_EnvironmentalCostPolicyTextBlocksrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Environmental IssuesOur operations are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws. We also are subject to regulations related to hazardous wastes, air and water quality, land use, solid waste disposal and the protection of wildlife. These laws and regulations require that we investigate and correct the effects of the release or disposal of materials at sites associated with our past and our present operations. These sites include those at which we have been identified as a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) under the federal Superfund laws and similar state laws. In addition, we are required to obtain numerous governmental permits, licenses and other approvals to construct facilities and operate our businesses. The related costs of environmental monitoring, pollution control equipment, cleanup costs, and emissions fees are significant. Increasing national and international concerns regarding global warming and mercury, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions could result in requirements for additional pollution control equipment or significant emissions fees or taxes that could adversely affect Sempra Generation. The Sempra Utilities' costs to operate their facilities in compliance with these laws and regulations generally have been recovered in customer rates. We generally capitalize the significant costs we incur to mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination or extend the life, increase the capacity, or improve the safety or efficiency of property used in current operations.At the Sempra Utilities, costs that relate to current operations or an existing condition caused by past operations are generally recorded as a regulatory asset due to the probability that these costs will be recovered in rates.  We record environmental liabilities at undiscounted amounts when our liability is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. In many cases, however, investigations are not yet at a stage where we can determine whether we are liable or, if the liability is probable, to reasonably estimate the amount or range of amounts of the costs. Estimates of our liability are further subject to uncertainties such as the nature and extent of site contamination, evolving cleanup standards and imprecise engineering evaluations. We review our accruals periodically and, as investigations and cleanup proceed, we make adjustments as necessary. Environmental IssuesOur operations are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws. We also are subject to regulations related to hazardous wastes,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseEnvironmental Issues, Policy12COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Policies)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue