2.2.0.25truefalse041200 - Disclosure - PREFERRED STOCK (Details)truefalseIn Millions, except Share datafalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$3true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]4false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse5000000050000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5000000050000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized5false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseContingently Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]6true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]7false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse13750001375000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of redeemable preferred shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized8false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse7900000079falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock10false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Five Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FivePercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFive Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FivePercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Five Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FivePercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFive Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FivePercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Five Percent Series [Member]11true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]12false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse375000375000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe number of redeemable preferred shares that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding13false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse24.0024.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalAmount to be paid per share by entity upon redemption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share14false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock15false0sre_RedeemablePreferredStockParValuesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2020falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value17false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Four Point Five Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FourPointFivePercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFour Point Five Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FourPointFivePercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Four Point Five Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FourPointFivePercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFour Point Five Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FourPointFivePercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Four Point Five Percent Series [Member]18true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]19false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse300000300000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe number of redeemable preferred shares that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding20false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse21.2021.20falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalAmount to be paid per share by entity upon redemption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share21false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock22false0sre_RedeemablePreferredStockParValuesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2020falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value24false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Four Point Four Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FourPointFourPercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFour Point Four Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FourPointFourPercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Four Point Four Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FourPointFourPercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFour Point Four Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FourPointFourPercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Four Point Four Percent Series [Member]25true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]26false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse325000325000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe number of redeemable preferred shares that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding27false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse21.0021.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalAmount to be paid per share by entity upon redemption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share28false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock29false0sre_RedeemablePreferredStockParValuesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2020falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value31false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Four Point Six Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FourPointSixPercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFour Point Six Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FourPointSixPercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Four Point Six Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_FourPointSixPercentSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFour Point Six Percent Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_FourPointSixPercentSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Four Point Six Percent Series [Member]32true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]33false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse373770373770falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe number of redeemable preferred shares that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding34false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse20.2520.25falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalAmount to be paid per share by entity upon redemption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share35false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse70000007falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock36false0sre_RedeemablePreferredStockParValuesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2020falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value38false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Contingently Redeemable, No Par Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_ContingentlyRedeemableNoParSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseContingently Redeemable, No Par Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_ContingentlyRedeemableNoParSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Contingently Redeemable, No Par Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_ContingentlyRedeemableNoParSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseContingently Redeemable, No Par Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_ContingentlyRedeemableNoParSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Contingently Redeemable, No Par Series [Member]39true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]40false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1000000010000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of redeemable preferred shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized41false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7900000079falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock42false0sre_RedeemablePreferredStockLiquidationPreferencesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2525falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference44false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : One Seventy Per Share Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_OneSeventyPerShareSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOne Seventy Per Share Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_OneSeventyPerShareSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : One Seventy Per Share Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_OneSeventyPerShareSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOne Seventy Per Share Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_OneSeventyPerShareSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | One Seventy Per Share Series [Member]45true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]46false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse14000001400000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe number of redeemable preferred shares that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding47false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse25.25525.255falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalAmount to be paid per share by entity upon redemption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share48false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse3500000035falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3500000035falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock50false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : One Eighty Two Per Share Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_OneEightyTwoPerShareSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOne Eighty Two Per Share Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_OneEightyTwoPerShareSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$17falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : One Eighty Two Per Share Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_OneEightyTwoPerShareSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseOne Eighty Two Per Share Series [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_OneEightyTwoPerShareSeriesMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | One Eighty Two Per Share Series [Member]51true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]52false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse640000640000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe number of redeemable preferred shares that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding53false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse26.0026.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalAmount to be paid per share by entity upon redemption.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsetrueRedeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share54false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock56false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse18falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Of Subsidiary [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockOfSubsidiaryMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseContingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Of Subsidiary [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockOfSubsidiaryMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis} : Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Of Subsidiary [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxis_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockOfSubsidiaryMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseContingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Of Subsidiary [Member]us-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockOfSubsidiaryMemberus-gaap_SecurityClassOfRedeemablePreferredStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Of Subsidiary [Member]57true0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockLineItemsus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringLine items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock [Line Items]58false0us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse7900000079falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7900000079falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate value of all preferred stock outstanding, that embody an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur, including convertible preferred, excluding additional paid in capital, at the financial statement date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Article 5 falsefalseRedeemable Preferred Stock60false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse20falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : S D G E Series Preference Stock [Member] 12/31/2010 AS_OF_Dec31_2010_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_SDGESeriesPreferenceStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyAndSubsidiaryMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseS D G E Series Preference Stock [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SDGESeriesPreferenceStockMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSan Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] | S D G E Series Preference Stock [Member]62true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]63false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2500000025000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized64false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Preferred Stock, Pacific Enterprises [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PreferredStockPacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePreferred Stock, Pacific Enterprises [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PreferredStockPacificEnterprisesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | Preferred Stock, Pacific Enterprises [Member]66true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]67false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1500000015000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized68false0us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse100100.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalThe per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph d -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 6 falsetruePreferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share69false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse22falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Pacific Enterprises Series Preferred Stock [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PacificEnterprisesSeriesPreferredStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePacific Enterprises Series Preferred Stock [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesSeriesPreferredStockMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$23falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Pacific Enterprises Series Preferred Stock [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PacificEnterprisesSeriesPreferredStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePacific Enterprises Series Preferred Stock [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesSeriesPreferredStockMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | Pacific Enterprises Series Preferred Stock [Member]71true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]72false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1000000010000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized73false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse8000000080falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8000000080falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding74false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Seventy Five Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourSeventyFiveSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Seventy Five Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourSeventyFiveSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Seventy Five Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourSeventyFiveSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Seventy Five Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourSeventyFiveSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | No Par, Four Seventy Five Series [Member]76true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]77false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse200000200000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding78false0sre_PreferredStockCallPricePerSharesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse100.00100.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetruePreferred Stock, Call Price Per Share79false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding80false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse26falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Fifty Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourFiftySeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Fifty Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourFiftySeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Fifty Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourFiftySeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Fifty Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourFiftySeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | No Par, Four Fifty Series [Member]82true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]83false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse300000300000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding84false0sre_PreferredStockCallPricePerSharesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse100.00100.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetruePreferred Stock, Call Price Per Share85false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse3000000030falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3000000030falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding86false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse28falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Forty Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourFortySeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Forty Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourFortySeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$29falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Forty Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourFortySeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Forty Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourFortySeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | No Par, Four Forty Series [Member]88true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]89false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse100000100000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding90false0sre_PreferredStockCallPricePerSharesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse101.50101.50falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetruePreferred Stock, Call Price Per Share91false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1000000010falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1000000010falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding92false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse30falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Thirty Six Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourThirtySixSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Thirty Six Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourThirtySixSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$31falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Thirty Six Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourThirtySixSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Thirty Six Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourThirtySixSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | No Par, Four Thirty Six Series [Member]94true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]95false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse200000200000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding96false0sre_PreferredStockCallPricePerSharesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse101.00101.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetruePreferred Stock, Call Price Per Share97false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding98false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse32falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Seventy Five Dividend Series [Member] 12/31/2010 AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourSeventyFiveDividendSeriesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseNo Par, Four Seventy Five Dividend Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourSeventyFiveDividendSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | No Par, Four Seventy Five Dividend Series [Member]100true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]101false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse253253falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding102false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse33falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Class A [Member] 12/31/2010 AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_ClassAMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass A [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_ClassAMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | Class A [Member]104true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]105false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse50000005000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized106false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse34falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : So Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_SoCalGasPreferredStockOwnedByPacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSo Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SoCalGasPreferredStockOwnedByPacificEnterprisesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$35falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : So Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_SoCalGasPreferredStockOwnedByPacificEnterprisesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSo Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SoCalGasPreferredStockOwnedByPacificEnterprisesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | So Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member]108true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]109false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-2000000-2falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding110false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse36falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Preferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePreferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$37falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Pacific Enterprises [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Preferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_dei_LegalEntityAxis_PacificEnterprisesMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PacificEnterprisesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePreferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePacific Enterprises [Member] | Preferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member]112true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]113false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding114false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse38falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Preferred Stock, So Cal Gas [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PreferredStockSoCalGasMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePreferred Stock, So Cal Gas [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PreferredStockSoCalGasMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member] | Preferred Stock, So Cal Gas [Member]116true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]117false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse50000005000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized118false0us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2525falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalThe per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph d -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 6 falsetruePreferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share119false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse39falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : So Cal Gas Series Preferred Stock [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_SoCalGasSeriesPreferredStockMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSo Cal Gas Series Preferred Stock [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SoCalGasSeriesPreferredStockMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$40falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : So Cal Gas Series Preferred Stock [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_SoCalGasSeriesPreferredStockMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSo Cal Gas Series Preferred Stock [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SoCalGasSeriesPreferredStockMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member] | So Cal Gas Series Preferred Stock [Member]121true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]122false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse10000001000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized123false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2200000022falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2200000022falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding124false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse41falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Twenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTwenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$42falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Twenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTwenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member] | Twenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series [Member]126true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]127false0us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2525falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalFace amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsetruePreferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share128false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse7901179011falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding129false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding130false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse43falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Twenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series A [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesAMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTwenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series A [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesAMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$44falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Twenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series A [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesAMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseTwenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series A [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_TwentyFiveDollarParSixPercentSeriesAMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member] | Twenty Five Dollar Par, Six Percent Series A [Member]132true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]133false0us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShareus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2525falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalFace amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsetruePreferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share134false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse783032783032falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding135false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1900000019falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1900000019falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding136false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse45falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Preference Stock [Member] 12/31/2010 AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PreferenceStockMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePreference Stock [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PreferenceStockMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member] | Preference Stock [Member]138true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]139false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorizedus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse50000005000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesThe maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Authorized140false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse46falsefalsetruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Southern California Gas Company [Member] {sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : So Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member] 12/31/2010 AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_SoCalGasPreferredStockOwnedByPacificEnterprisesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseSo Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_SoCalGasPreferredStockOwnedByPacificEnterprisesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSouthern California Gas Company [Member] | So Cal Gas Preferred Stock Owned By Pacific Enterprises [Member]142true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]143false0us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstandingus-gaaptruenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse5097050970falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseSharesxbrli:sharesItemTypesharesAggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Shares Outstanding144false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse47falsefalseUSDtruefalse{sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : No Par, Four Seventy Five Dividend Series [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_NoParFourSeventyFiveDividendSeriesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseNo Par, Four Seventy Five Dividend Series [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_NoParFourSeventyFiveDividendSeriesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNo Par, Four Seventy Five Dividend Series [Member]146true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]147false0sre_PreferredStockCallPricePerSharesrefalsenainstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse101.00101.00falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseEPSus-types:perShareItemTypedecimalNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsetruePreferred Stock, Call Price Per Share148false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.sempra.com/role/disclosurepreferredstockdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse48falsefalseUSDtruefalse{sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Preferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePreferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$49falsefalseUSDtruefalse{sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis} : Preferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxis_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePreferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member]sre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldisre_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesMembersre_PreferredStockBySeriesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePreferred Stock Of Subsidiaries [Member]150true0sre_PreferredStockLineItemssrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePreferred Stock [Line Items]151false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstandingus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse100000000100falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse100000000100falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by shareholders, which is net of related treasury stock. May be all or a portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the preferred shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalsePreferred Stock, Value, Outstanding2121PREFERRED STOCK (Details) (USD $)MillionsNoRoundingNoRoundingUnKnownfalsetrue