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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Text Block]

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is calculated by dividing earnings attributable to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

The dilution from unvested restricted stock awards (RSAs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) is also based on the treasury stock method. Proceeds equal to the unearned compensation and windfall tax benefits recognized, minus tax shortfalls recognized, related to the awards and units are assumed to be used to repurchase shares on the open market at the average market price for the period. The windfall tax benefits recognized or tax shortfalls recognized are the difference between tax deductions we would receive upon the assumed vesting of RSAs or RSUs and the deferred income taxes we recorded related to the compensation expense on such awards and units.

The dilution from common stock options is based on the treasury stock method. Under this method, proceeds based on the exercise price plus unearned compensation and windfall tax benefits recognized, minus tax shortfalls recognized, are assumed to be used to repurchase shares on the open market at the average market price for the period. The windfall tax benefits are tax deductions we would receive upon the assumed exercise of stock options in excess of the deferred income taxes we recorded related to the compensation expense on the stock options. Tax shortfalls occur when the assumed tax deductions are less than recorded deferred income taxes. The calculation excludes options for which the exercise price on common stock was greater than the average market price during the period (out-of-the-money options).

RSAs and those RSUs that are solely service-based have a maximum potential of 100 percent vesting and have the same dividend equivalent rights as performance-based RSUs. We include our performance-based RSUs in potential dilutive shares at zero to 150 percent to the extent that they currently meet the performance requirements for vesting, subject to the application of the treasury stock method. Due to market fluctuations of both Sempra Energy stock and the comparative index, dilutive performance-based RSU shares may vary widely from period-to-period. We include our RSAs, which are solely service-based, and those RSUs that are solely service-based in potential dilutive shares at 100 percent.

RSUs and RSAs may be excluded from potential dilutive shares by the application of unearned compensation in the treasury stock method, as we discuss above, or because performance goals are currently not met.