Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 158	$ 178
Benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation, net of taxes of $2 and $1	3	1
Total Benefit obligations	3	1
Net unrealized gains on investments:
Gains arising during the period, net of taxes of $- and $-	1	0
Net unrealized gains on investments	1	0
Foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $- and $-	1	0
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2	2
Comprehensive income attributable to DTE Energy Company	$ 161	$ 177