<XBRL>
<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="sre_PaymentsOnDebt">
    <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="sre_ScheduleOfCashCollateralNotOffsetWithDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock">
    <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_IncreaseDecreaseInLiquefiedNaturalGasCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <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_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent">
    <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="us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount">
    <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_ProceedsFromDecommissioningFund">
    <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="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsEquitySecurities">
    <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_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetSalesOrGrossRevenue">
    <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="sre_ScheduleOfComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLossIncludedInCostOfElectricFuelAndPurchasedPower">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RenewablePortfolioStandardsNoncomplianceMaximumAnnualPenalty">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet">
    <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="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="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired">
    <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_GuaranteeFairValueAtOrigin">
    <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="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments">
    <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_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsPresentValueOfNetMinimumPayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_GeneralRateCasePercentageAnnualRevenueRequirementIncrease">
    <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_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains">
    <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="sre_NuclearPropertyDamageInsuranceCoverageMaximum">
    <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="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InvestmentInBondsRelatedPartyHistoricalCost">
    <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_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLoss">
    <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="us-gaap_FairValueOfAssetsAcquired">
    <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="sre_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <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_OtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet">
    <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_PaymentsToInvestInDecommissioningFund">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LossContingencySettlementAgreementAmount">
    <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_MaximumLengthOfTimeHedgedInInterestRateCashFlowHedge">
    <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="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationEquityMethodInvestment">
    <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_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAmortizationOfDefinedBenefitPlanNetPriorServiceCostRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostNetOfTax">
    <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="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <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="sre_ScheduleOfRecurringFairValueAssetsLiabilitiesUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock">
    <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_ScheduleOfDueToFromAffiliatesTextBlock">
    <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_TransactionsWithJointVentureDueFromJointVenture">
    <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_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryDesignated">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent">
    <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="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RegulatoryAssetRecoveryOfCostsFromCatastrophe">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_WriteOffOfLongLivedAssetsPortionAttributableToParentNetOfTax">
    <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="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAcquisitionCostExpensed">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestments">
    <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_IncrementalFacilitiesCostsIncurredRelatedToCatastrophe">
    <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="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAssumed">
    <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="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="sre_HistoricalPercentageEarningsFromNorthAmericanPowerAndNaturalGasTradingAndRetailEnergySolutionsBusinessesAverage">
    <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_ContingentRecoveryOfFacilitiesCostsRelatedToCatastrophe">
    <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_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <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_PreferredStockValue">
    <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="sre_InvestmentInBondsRelatedPartyCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRelatedToForeignCurrency">
    <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_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement">
    <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="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_NuclearPropertyDamageInsuranceCoverageWeeklyMinimum">
    <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="sre_IncreaseDecreaseTaxExpenseRelatedToForeignCurrency">
    <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="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent">
    <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_ScheduleOfOtherIncomeExpenseTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ContingentRecoveryOfInsuranceCostsRelatedToCatastrophe">
    <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="sre_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <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_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageOfMinorityPartner">
    <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="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsOtherDebtSecurities">
    <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="sre_NuclearPropertyInsuranceCoverageMaximum">
    <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_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="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared">
    <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="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners">
    <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="us-gaap_LossContingencyRelatedReceivableCarryingValue">
    <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_IndustrialDevelopmentBondsInterestRateStatedPercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtAmount">
    <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_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="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount">
    <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="us-gaap_PensionContributions">
    <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="sre_HistoricalPercentageEarningsFromNorthAmericanPowerAndNaturalGasTradingAndRetailEnergySolutionsBusinessesMaximum">
    <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="sre_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnARecurringBasisNuclearDecommissioningTrustsUSDebtSecurities">
    <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_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_GuarantorObligationsEquityMethodInvestmentLineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity">
    <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_TotalDeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilities">
    <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_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_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets">
    <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="sre_VariableInterestEntitiesConsolidatedCarryingAmountLongTermDebt">
    <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_IncreaseDecreaseInNoncurrentAssets">
    <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_HistoricalPercentageEarningsFromNorthAmericanPowerAndNaturalGasTradingAndRetailEnergySolutionsBusinessesMinimum">
    <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_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <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_DividendsPreferredStock">
    <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_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent">
    <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="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_WriteOffOfLongLivedAssets">
    <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_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual">
    <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="us-gaap_LitigationReserveCurrent">
    <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="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_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsExecutoryCosts">
    <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_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue">
    <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="sre_ProceedsFromSalesByNuclearDecommissioningAndOtherTrusts">
    <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="sre_EnvironmentalMitigationCostsIncludedInEstimatedProjectCost">
    <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_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
    <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_JointVentureMaximumLengthOfTimeHedgedInCashFlowHedge">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_WriteOffOfLongLivedAssetsNetOfTax">
    <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="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization">
    <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="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock">
    <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_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_BusinessAcquisitionCashConsiderationAccrued">
    <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="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
    <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_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeExtraordinaryItemsAndCumulativeEffectOfChangeInAccountingPrinciple">
    <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="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions">
    <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_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgeImpactOnStatementsOfOperationsTextBlock">
    <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="sre_ScheduleOfTaxExpenseBenefitOnComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock">
    <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="sre_ExpedituresForInvestmentsAndAcquisitionOfBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired">
    <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="sre_ProceedsFromSaleOfBusinessesByJointVenture">
    <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_LineOfCreditFacilityLettersOfCreditCapacity">
    <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="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_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
    <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="sre_SecondaryFinancialProtectionMaximum">
    <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_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_RecognizedGasCostIncentiveMechanismAward">
    <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="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="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_PurchasePriceSaleOfBusinessesByJointVenture">
    <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_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <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="sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNonesignated">
    <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_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilitiesOtherLiabilities">
    <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_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_OtherFinancialDataTextBlock">
    <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="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter">
    <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_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_ScheduleOfSummarizedFinancialInformationOfJointVentureTextBlock">
    <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_GuarantorObligationsLiabilitiesOfJointVenture">
    <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_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther">
    <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="sre_ProjectToDateExpenditures">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable">
    <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="us-gaap_MinorityInterest">
    <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="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <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_WriteOffOfLongLivedAssetsPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <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="sre_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueTextBlock">
    <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_ScheduleOfContributionsToBenefitPlansTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred">
    <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="sre_ScheduleOfCapitalizedFinancingCostsTextBlock">
    <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="sre_ProceedsFromSaleOfBusinessesByJointVentureDistributableIncome">
    <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_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <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="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet">
    <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_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets">
    <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="sre_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageOfOperatingPartner">
    <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_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet">
    <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_ContractualCommitmentsPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
    <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_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <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="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions">
    <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_EstimatedProjectCostMinimum">
    <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_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements">
    <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="sre_GrossUnrealizedGainsOnAvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <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="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables">
    <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="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash">
    <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_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt">
    <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="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries">
    <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="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="sre_InvestmentInBondsRelatedPartyRate">
    <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_ScheduleOfShareholdersEquityAndNoncontrollingInterestsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount">
    <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_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent">
    <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_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_EstimatedCapitalInvestment">
    <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="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized">
    <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_LineOfCreditFacilityLettersOfCreditOutstanding">
    <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_SegmentReportingInformationDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationExpense">
    <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_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss">
    <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="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTax">
    <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_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
    <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="sre_GeneralRateCaseAnnualRevenueRequirementIncrease">
    <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="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent">
    <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="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_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_IncreaseDecreaseInNaturalGasContractsCommitmentsPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
    <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_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual">
    <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="sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNonesignated">
    <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="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue">
    <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="us-gaap_AccountsPayableOtherCurrent">
    <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="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="sre_IncrementalInsuranceCostsIncurredRelatedToCatastrophe">
    <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="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod">
    <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>
</XBRL>
