<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="sre_PaymentsOnDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PensionContributions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestIncreaseFromStockIssuance">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaidNetOfCashAcquired">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DebtAndCreditFacilitiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InvestmentAsPercentageOfTotalEstimatedProjectCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestAndDividendsPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryRecoveryDeductiblePerEvent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NuclearPropertyDamageInsuranceCoverageMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAllocatedTransmissionInstruments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommercialPaper">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxExpenseAndEffectiveIncomeTaxRateTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInLiquefiedNaturalGasCommitmentsPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_VariableInterestCarryingAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_WriteDownOfDeferredTaxAssetsRelatedToOtherPostEmploymentBenefits">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DistributableIncomeOfJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesInitialShareDelivery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DistributionsFromJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsTotalDebtSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PercentageOfClaimsPayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GasDomesticRegulatedRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NuclearPropertyDamageInsurancePremiumAssessment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableTradeCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TaxesOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_GuarantorObligationsEquityMethodInvestmentLongTermDebtOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DueToUnconsolidatedAffiliateFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxEffectPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ClaimsPaymentsByInsurersToAllClaimants">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DeferredTaxesRefundableInRates">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_VariableInterestEntitiesConsolidatedCarryingAmountNetPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfRecurringFairValueAssetsLiabilitiesUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LossContingencyAccrualSettledMattersAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnARecurringBasisCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueMeasurementPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsEquitySecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_CapitalContribution">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncrementalInsuranceCostsIncurredRelatedToCatastrophe20092010">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SharesExcludedFromPotentialDilutiveShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_CapitalizedFinancingCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LiabilityInsuranceCoverageMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EstimatedGainLossOnContractTermination">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfRecurringFairValueAssetsLiabilitiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DecommissioningFundInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ValuingAcquiredAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromAffiliatesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PreferredDividendsPaidBySubsidiaries">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EquityMethodInvestmentDistributionPercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationIntersegmentRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForAdditionsToLongLivedAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EstimatedVestingPercentageMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisInterestRateInstruments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LitigationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NuclearPropertyDamageInsuranceCoverageWeeklyMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsOtherDebtSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfOtherIncomeExpenseTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseGasAndPetroleumPurchased">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InterestRateDerivativesNotionalAmountMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentInEquityMethodInvestees">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DecreaseInRestrictedCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RecognizedEnergyEfficiencyIncentiveMechanismAward">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfSalesOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateAtPeriodEnd">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NuclearPropertyInsuranceCoverageMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CustomerDepositsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InterestRateDerivativesMaturities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualVestingPercentageMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnARecurringBasisCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfUndesignatedDerivativeInstrumentsImpactOnStatementsOfOperationsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EstimatedProjectCostMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfCashCollateralNotOffsetWithDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_TotalInvestmentsAndOtherAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryAssetsArisingFromPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitObligations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DeferredIncomeTaxesRecoverableInRates">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesFinalPricePaidPerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CustomerAdvancesForConstruction">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNoncurrentLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedParties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NuclearPropertyDamageInsuranceCoverageWeeklyMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsMunicipalDebtSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LitigationSettlementGross">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RestrictedStockAwardsGranted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryBalancingAccountsNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfContributionsToBenefitPlansTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SegmentPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RelatedPartyTaxExpenseDueToFromAffiliatesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryLiabilitiesArisingFromRemovalObligations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LegalSettlementReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_VariableInterestEntitiesConsolidatedCarryingAmountLongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsUSDebtSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LineOfCreditFacilityOtherSupportedInstruments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SecondaryFinancialProtectionCompanyContributionMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DueToJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LineOfCreditFacilityLettersOfCreditCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_GrossUnrealizedGainsOnAvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInLiquefiedNaturalGasCommitmentsPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_CommodityDerivativeVolumesNaturalGas">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnregulatedOperatingRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfIncomeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumRatioOfIndebtednessToTotalCapitalization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryAssetsArisingFromWildfireLitigationCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_OtherFinancialDataTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationEquityInNetIncomeOfEquityMethodInvesteesOfSegment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_GuaranteeFairValueAtOrigin">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_TotalIndividualAndBusinessClaims">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnARecurringBasisInterestRateInstruments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InterestRateDerivativesMaturitiesMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PreferredStockOfSubsidiariesFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryAssetsArisingFromFixedPriceContractsAndOtherDerivativesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InvestmentInJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ProceedsFromSalesByNuclearDecommissioningAndOtherTrusts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfInterestRateDerivativesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RestrictedCashLitigationSettlement">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsNewContracts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_CommodityDerivativeVolumesElectricPower">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfCapitalizedFinancingCostsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueGrossAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateralNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NewAccountingStandardsPolicy">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryLIFOReserve">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_TransactionsWithJointVentureDueToJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ProceedsFromReturnOfCapital">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgeImpactOnStatementsOfOperationsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributedCapital">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RecentInvestmentActivityTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseInRestrictedCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnARecurringBasisTotalLiabilitiesAtFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncrementalInsuranceCostsIncurredRelatedToCatastrophe20102011">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsPayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesInterimShareDelivery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsPayableAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SecondaryFinancialProtectionMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfShareholdersEquityAndNoncontrollingInterestsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAtOriginGuaranteeObligationAssociatedWithCashFlowRequirements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EstimatedVestingPercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfDueToFromAffiliatesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PreferredStockOfSubsidiaries">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EstimatedVestingPercentageMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_UtilitiesCostOfElectricFuelAndPurchasedPower">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_GrossUnrealizedLossesOnAvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DerivativeInterestRateInstrumentsNondesignated">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableOtherCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_GuarantorObligationsLiabilitiesOfJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInLiquefiedNaturalGasCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostOfDomesticRegulatedElectric">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisTotalAssetsAtFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfCommodityDerivativeVolumesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInLiquefiedNaturalGasCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LossContingencyMonetaryDamagesSought">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSubsequentEventsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SecuredDebtVIE">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesSettlementPaymentOrReceipt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InterestRateDerivativesNotionalAmountMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SharesIncludedFromPotentialDilutiveShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LegalCostsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RenewablePortfolioStandardsPenaltyPerKilowattHourOfRenewableEnergyUnderdelivery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UtilityRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PreferredStockFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommercialPaperNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DerivativeInterestRateInstrumentsDesignated">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_UnrecordedGasCostIncentiveMechanismAward">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PurchasesOfNuclearDecommissioningAndOtherTrustAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryAssetsArisingFromFixedPriceContractsAndOtherDerivativesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_OwnershipPercentageAfterAcquisition">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatedCostOfNaturalGas">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_TransactionsWithJointVentureFixedPriceContractsAndOtherDerivativesNetAssetLiability">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InterestRateDerivativesNotionalAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNoncurrentAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestIncome">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesFinalShareDelivery">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PreferredStockDividendsOfSubsidiaries">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContingentlyRedeemablePreferredStockOfSubsidiary">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_CostOfNaturalGasElectricFuelAndPurchasedPower">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NuclearPropertyInsuranceTerrorismCoverageMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SecondaryFinancialProtectionCompanyContributionAnnualMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_NuclearLiabilityInsuranceCoverageMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DistributionsFromInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RevenuesFromTransactionsWithJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ElectricUtilityRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualVestingPercentageMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInLiquefiedNaturalGasCommitmentsPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfTransactionsWithJointVentureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_WorkingCapitalAdjustmentOnPurchasePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsTotal">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EquityEarningsLossesFromJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_TotalDeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_OwnershipPercentageBeforeAcquisition">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsEffectOfForwardPrices">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_CommodityDerivativeVolumesCongestionRevenueRights">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LitigationReserveCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_CostOfNaturalGasFromTransactionsWithJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_TransactionsWithJointVentureDueFromJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_TotalGovernmentEntityClaims">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInLiquefiedNaturalGasCommitmentsPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockDividends">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InterestRateDerivativesMaturitiesMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>
