OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - GOODWILL (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 819	[1]
Acquisition of business	1,375
Sale of business	(72)
Foreign currency translation	28
Goodwill, ending balance	2,150
Sempra South American Utilities [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	722
Acquisition of business	0
Sale of business	0
Foreign currency translation	28
Goodwill, ending balance	750
Sempra Mexico [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	25
Acquisition of business	1,375
Sale of business	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,400
Sempra Natural Gas [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	72
Acquisition of business	0
Sale of business	(72)
Foreign currency translation	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 0

[1] Derived from audited financial statements.