OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - U.S. TREASURY GRANTS RECEIVABLE (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury Grants Receivable [Line Items]
Reduction of grants receivable due to sequestration		$ 23
Reduction in tax benefit due to sequestration		5
Sequestration of U.S. Treasury grants receivable	$ 0	$ 23

Reduction of grants receivable due to sequestration.

No definition available.

Name:	sre_ReductionOfGrantsReceivableDueToSequestration
Namespace Prefix:	sre_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration