Investments And Other Assets [Abstract] Investments And Other Assets [Abstract] Regulatory assets arising from fixed-price contracts and other derivatives - noncurrent Regulatory assets arising from fixed-price contracts and other derivatives - current Regulatory assets arising from pension and other postretirement benefit obligations Investment in RBS Sempra Commodities LLP Investment In Joint Venture Total Investments And Other Assets Total investments and other assets Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Abstract] Regulatory balancing accounts, net Regulatory balancing accounts, net Regulatory liabilities arising from removal obligations Distributions from RBS Sempra Commodities LLP, operating activities Distributions From Joint Venture Distritbutions From Joint Venture Distributions from investments Purchases of nuclear decommissioning and other trust assets Purchases of nuclear decommissioning and other trust assets Proceeds from sales by nuclear decommissioning and other trusts Acquisition Of Business [Abstract] Acquisition Of Business [Abstract] Total deferred credits and other liabilities Total deferred credits and other liabilities Preferred stock of subsidiaries Preferred stock of subsidiary Expenses And Other Income [Abstract] Expenses And Other Income [Abstract] Cost of natural gas, electric fuel and purchased power Cost of natural gas, electric fuel and purchased power RBS Sempra Commodities LLP Equity Earnings (Losses) From Joint Venture Pretax equity earnings (losses) from RBS Sempra Commodities LLP Other Financial Data (Details) [Abstract] Capitalized Financing Costs Disclosure [Abstract] Capitalized Financing Costs Disclosure [Abstract] Capitalized Financing Costs Disclosure [Line Items] Distributable Income Of Joint Venture Distributable 2010 income of RBS Sempra Commodities LLP Preferred dividends paid by subsidiaries Preferred dividends paid by subsidiaries Equity earnings, net of income tax Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Net Of Tax Preferred Stock Dividends Of Subsidiaries Preferred dividends of subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities Disclosure Debt And Credit Facilities Text Block Debt and Credit Facilities Other Financial Data Text Block Other Financial Data Recent Investment Activity Text Block Recent Investment Activity Document and Entity Information [Abstract] San Diego Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiary [Member] Affiliate Of Investee [Member] Due from unconsolidated affiliate - Camuzzi Gas del Sur S.A. Utility Subsidiaries [Member] Pacific Enterprises [Member] Southern California Gas Company [Member] Deferred taxes recoverable in rates Deferred Income Taxes Recoverable In Rates Deferred taxes refundable in rates Changes in other liabilities Increase (Decrease) In Noncurrent Liabilities Increase (Decrease) In Noncurrent Assets Changes in other assets Utility cost of electric fuel and purchased power Utilities Cost Of Electric Fuel And Purchased Power Litigation Expense Litigation expense Proceeds from sale of assets from continuing operations, net of cash sold Proceeds From Sale Of Assets And Businesses Net Of Cash Sold Issuances of debt (maturities greater than 90 days) Proceeds From Issuance Of Debt Payments On Debt Payments on debt (maturities greater than 90 days) Variable Interest Entities Consolidated Carrying Amount Net Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment related to VIE Variable Interest Entities Consolidated Carrying Amount Long Term Debt Long-term debt related to VIE Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Of Subsidiary Contingently redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Tables) [Abstract] Schedule Of Summarized Financial Information Of Joint Venture Text Block Summarized Financial Information of RBS Sempra Commodities Table Other Financial Data (Tables) [Abstract] Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Text Block Net Periodic Benefit Cost Table Schedule Of Contributions To Benefit Plans Text Block Contributions to Benefit Plans Table Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Text Block Earnings Per Share Computations Table Schedule Of Capitalized Financing Costs Text Block Capitalized Financing Costs Table Schedule Of Comprehensive Income Text Block Comprehensive Income Table Schedule Of Tax Expense Benefit On Comprehensive Income Text Block Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Other Comprehensive Income Table Schedule Of Shareholders Equity And Noncontrolling Interests Text Block Shareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests Table Schedule Of Due To From Affiliates Text Block Amounts Due To and From Affiliates at SDG&E and SoCalGas Table Schedule Of Revenues From Affiliates Text Block Revenues From Unconsolidated Affiliates at the Sempra Utilities Table Revenues From Unconsolidated Affiliates at SDG&E and SoCalGas Table Schedule Of Transactions With Joint Venture Text Block Amounts Recorded For Transactions with RBS Sempra Commodities Table Schedule Of Other Income Expense Text Block Other Income and Expense Table Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rate Text Block Income Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rates Table Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables) [Abstract] Schedule Of Commodity Derivative Volumes Text Block Commodity Derivative Volumes Table Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives Text Block Notional Amounts of Interest Rate Derivatives Table Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedge Impact On Statements Of Operations Text Block Cash Flow Hedge Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Table Schedule Of Undesignated Derivative Instruments Impact On Statements Of Operations Text Block Undesignated Derivative Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Table Fair Value Measurements (Tables) [Abstract] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Text Block Fair Value of Financial Instruments Table Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Text Block Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Table Schedule Of Sales Of Available For Sale Securities Text Block Sales of Securities Table Schedule Of Cash Collateral Not Offset With Derivative Instruments Text Block Fair Value of Cash Collateral Receivables Not Offset on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Table Schedule Of Recurring Fair Value Assets Liabilities Text Block Recurring Fair Value Measures Table Schedule Of Recurring Fair Value Assets Liabilities Unobservable Input Reconciliation Text Block Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 3 Rollforward Table Segment Information (Tables) [Abstract] Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Details) [Abstract] Guarantee Fair Value At Origin Fair value of indemnity of certain litigation and tax liabilities related to businesses purchased by RBS Sempra Commodities Purchase Price Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture Purchase price of businesses sold by RBS Sempra Commodities Proceeds From Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture Proceeds from sale of businesses by RBS Sempra Commodities Proceeds From Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture Distributable Income Distributions of partnership income included in proceeds from sale of businesses by RBS Sempra Commodities Secured Debt V I E Secured debt of variable interest entity Defined Benefit Plan Regulatory Adjustment Regulatory adjustment Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract] Out Of The Money Stock Options [Member] Schedule Of Capitalized Financing Costs [Table] Capitalized Financing Costs Total capitalized financing costs Comprehensive Income And Equity Disclosure [Abstract] Comprehensive Income And Equity Disclosure [Abstract] Comprehensive Income And Equity Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule Of Comprehensive Income And Equity [Table] Transactions With Affiliates Disclosure [Abstract] Transactions With Affiliates Disclosure [Abstract] Subsidiary Of Common Parent S D G E [Member] Due to/from SDG&E Subsdiary Of Common Parent So Cal Gas [Member] Due to/from SoCalGas Subsidiary Of Common Parent Other Affiliates [Member] Due to/from Other Affiliates Related Party Tax Expense Due To From Affiliates Current Income taxes due to (from) Sempra Energy Income taxes due from (to) Sempra Energy Investment In Bonds Related Party Carrying Value Investment in bonds of affiliate, carrying value Investment In Bonds Related Party Rate Interest rate on investment in bonds of affiliate Transactions With Joint Venture [Line Items] Transactions With Joint Venture Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule Of Transactions With Joint Venture [Table] S D G E Segment [Member] So Cal Gas Segment [Member] Sempra Commodities Segment [Member] All Other Segments [Member] Intercompany Eliminations Segment [Member] Intersegment Receivables Segment [Member] Revenues From Transactions With Joint Venture Revenues from transactions with RBS Sempra Commodities Cost Of Natural Gas From Transactions With Joint Venture Cost of natural gas from transactions with RBS Sempra Commodities Transactions With Joint Venture Fixed Price Contracts And Other Derivatives Net Asset Liability Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives - Net Asset (Liability) - RBS Sempra Commodities Transactions With Joint Venture Due To Joint Venture Due to RBS Sempra Commodities Transactions With Joint Venture Due From Joint Venture Due from RBS Sempra Commodities Regulatory Interest, Net [Member] Other Income, Sundry [Member] Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates Disclosure [Abstract] ncome Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates [Table] Income Tax Expense Benefit Related To Foreign Currency Income tax expense (benefit) due to Mexican currency translation and inflation adjustments Write Down Of Deferred Tax Assets Related To Other Post Employment Benefits Write-down of deferred tax assets related to other post employment benefits Write-down of deferred tax assets related to other post retirement benefits Debt And Credit Facilities Disclosure [Abstract] Line Of Credit Facility, Borrower [Domain] Line Of Credit Facility, Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member] Line Of Credit Facility, Sempra Energy [Member] Line Of Credit Facility, Sempra Global [Member] Line Of Credit Facility, S D G E [Member] Line Of Credit Facility, So Cal Gas [Member] Line Of Credit Facility, Letters Of Credit Capacity Committed lines of credit, capacity for issuance of letters of credit Line Of Credit Facility Letters Of Credit Outstanding Committed lines of credit, letters of credit outstanding Line Of Credit Facility Other Supported Instruments Other instruments supported by committed lines of credit Guarantees [Abstract] Guarantees [Abstract] Guarantor Obligations Liabilities Of Joint Venture Net trading liabilities of RBS Sempra Commodities supported by Sempra Energy's guarantees Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Of Minority Partner Ownership percentage of minority partner in equity method investee Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Of Operating Partner Ownership percentage of operating partner in equity method investee Guarantor Obligations Equity Method Investment Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Guarantor Obligations Equity Method Investment Long Term Debt Outstanding Long-term debt outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Financial Instruments Disclosure Schedule Of Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items] Schedule Of Commodity Derivative Volumes [Table] Commodity Derivative Volumes Natural Gas Commodity derivative volumes, natural gas (in millions of million British thermal units) Commodity Derivative Volumes Congestion Revenue Rights Commodity derivative volumes, congestion revenue rights (in millions of megawatt hours) Commodity Derivative Volumes Electric Power Commodity derivative volumes, electric power (in millions of megawatt hours) Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives [Line Items] Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table] Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount Minimum Notional amount of interest rate derivatives, minimum Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount Maximum Notional amount of interest rate derivatives, maximum Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount Notional amount of interest rate derivatives Interest Rate Derivatives Maturities Minimum Maturities of interest rate derivatives, minimum Interest Rate Derivatives Maturities Maximum Maturities of interest rate derivatives, maximum Interest Rate Derivatives Maturities Maturities of interest rate derivatives Fixed Price Contracts And Other Derivatives, Current Assets [Member] Fixed Price Contracts And Other Derivatives, Noncurrent Assets [Member] Fixed Price Contracts And Other Derivatives, Current Liabilities [Member] Fixed Price Contracts And Other Derivatives, Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivative Interest Rate Instruments Designated Interest rate instruments designated as hedging instruments Derivative Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Designated Derivative commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery designated as hedging instruments Derivative Interest Rate Instruments Nondesignated Interest rate interest rate instruments not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Derivative commodity contracts subject to rate recovery not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Offsetting Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery Derivative Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Offsetting Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Associated offsetting commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery Revenues, Sempra Global and Parent [Member] Cost of Natural Gas, Electric Fuel and Purchased Power [Member] Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power [Member] Cost of Natural Gas [Member] Reclassification Of Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) [Table] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure Due To Unconsolidated Affiliate Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of financial instruments, Due to unconsolidated affiliate Preferred Stock Of Subsidiaries Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of financial instruments, Preferred stock of subsidiaries Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of financial instruments, Contingently redeemable preferred stock Preferred Stock Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of financial instruments, Preferred stock Gross Unrealized Gains On Available For Sale Securities Gross unrealized gains Gross Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale Securities Gross unrealized losses Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Disclosure [Abstract] Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Postions Net of Cash Collateral [Table] Collateral Netted [Member] Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Equity Securities Nuclear decommissioning trusts - equity securities Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts U S Debt Securities Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Total Total nuclear decommissioning trusts Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery, assets Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery, assets Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Total Assets At Fair Value Total fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis Fair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Interest Rate Instruments Interest rate instruments, liabilities Fair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery, liabilities Fair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery, liabilities Fair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Total Liabilities At Fair Value Total fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basis Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Purchases Purchases Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Issuances Issuances Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Settlements Settlements Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Change In Unrealized Gain Loss Included In Cost Of Electric Fuel And Purchased Power Change in unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at June 30 Segment Information Disclosure [Abstract] Segment Information Disclosure [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information Percentage Of Revenues Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues Segment Reporting Information Percentage Of Depreciation And Amortization Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Segment Reporting Information Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Net Of Income Tax Segment reporting information, Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Net of Tax Segment Reporting Information Percentage Of Expenditures For Property Plant And Equipment Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment Segment Reporting Information Percentage Of Assets Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets Write Off Of Long Lived Assets Write-off of long-lived assets Write-off of long-lived assets Schedule Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share Denominator [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Denominator [Abstract] Cash Assumed In Connection With Initial Consolidation Of Variable Interest Entity Cash assumed in connection with initial consolidation of variable interest entity Intersegment Revenues Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information Percentage Of Earnings Losses Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery [Member] Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Interest Rate Instruments Interest rate instruments, assets Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Municipal Debt Securities Nuclear decomissioning trusts - Municipal debt securities Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Other Debt Securities Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Other debt securities Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Total Debt Securities Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Total debt securities Business Acquisition Cash Consideration Accrued Additional consideration accrued Investment In Joint Venture Disclosure [Abstract] Investment In Joint Venture Disclosure [Abstract] Proceeds From Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture Retained By Joint Venture Proceeds from sale of businesses by RBS Sempra Commodities retained by partnership Rockies Express [Member] Sodigas Pampeana [Member] Sodigas Sur [Member] General (Details) [Abstract] Recent Investment Activity (Details) [Abstract] Business Acquisition Cash Paid Net Of Cash Acquired Business acquisition, Cash paid, net of cash acquired Recent Investment Activity (Tables) [Abstract] Joint Venture Maximum Length Of Time Hedged In Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge at RBS Sempra Commodities Investment In Bonds Related Party Historical Cost Investment in bonds of affiliate, historical cost Increase Decrease Tax Expense Related To Foreign Currency Increase (decrease) in tax expense due to Mexican currency translation and inflation adjustments Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Table] Regulatory Matters Disclosure (Details) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies (Tables) [Abstract] Schedule Of Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due [Text Block] Schedule Of Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Schedule Of Utility Projects [Line Items] Schedule Of Utility Projects [Table] Estimated Project Cost, Maximum Estimated Project Cost, Minimum Estimated Capital Investment Environmental Mitigation Costs Included In Estimated Project Cost Project To Date Expenditures Investment As Percentage Of Total Estimated Project Cost Utility Projects, By Project Name [Axis] Utility Projects, By Project Name [Domain] Sunrise Powerlink [Member] Solar Photovoltaic Program [Member] East County Substation [Member] Advanced Metering Infrastructure [Member] Wind Farm Project [Member] Schedule Of Regulatory Amounts [Line Items] Schedule Of Regulatory Amounts [Table] Renewable Portfolio Standards Noncompliance, Maximum Annual Penalty General Rate Case, Annual Revenue Requirement Increase General Rate Case, Percentage Annual Revenue Requirement Increase Recognized Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism Award Unrecorded Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism Award Contingent Recovery Of Facilities Costs Related To Catastrophe Contingent Recovery Of Insurance Costs Related To Catastrophe Incremental Facilities Costs Incurred Related To Catastrophe Incremental Insurance Costs Incurred Related To Catastrophe Regulatory Recovery, Deductible Per Event Commitments And Contingencies (Details) [Abstract] Loss Contingency Accrual, Settled Matters, At Carrying Value Claims Payments By Insurers To All Claimants Percentage Of Claims Payments Percentage of Total Claims to be Paid by Company Total Individual And Business Claims Total Government Entity Claims Liability Insurance Coverage, Maximum Energy Crisis Litigation [Member] D W R Contract [Member] F E R C Refund Proceedings [Member] F E R C Manipulation Investigation [Member] Loss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss From Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Amount Regulatory Asset, Recovery Of Costs From Catastrophe Schedule Of Nuclear Insurance [Line Items] Schedule Of Nuclear Insurance Amounts [Table] Nuclear Liability Insurance Coverage, Maximum Secondary Financial Protection, Maximum Secondary Financial Protection, Company Contribution, Maximum Secondary Financial Protection, Company Contribution, Annual Maximum Nuclear Property Insurance Coverage, Maximum Nuclear Property Damage Insurance Coverage, Maximum Nuclear Property Damage Insurance Coverage, Weekly Minimum Nuclear Property Damage Insurance Coverage, Weekly Maximum Nuclear Property Damage Insurance, Premium Assessment Nuclear Property Insurance Terrorism Coverage, Maximum Purchased Power Contracts [Member] Nuclear Fuel Fabrication [Member] Sunrise Powerlink Construction [Member] Natural Gas Infrastructure Construction [Member] Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Payments Under Contractual Commitments [Line Items] Payments Under Contractual Commitments [Table] Contractual Commitments, Payments Due, Current Contractual Commitments, Payments Due In Two Years Contractual Commitments, Payments Due In Three Years Contractual Commitments, Payments Due In Four Years Contractual Commitments, Payments Due In Five Years Contractual Commitments, Payments Due Thereafter Increase (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due, Current Increase (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Two Years Increase (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Three Years Increase (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Four Years Increase (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Five Years Increase (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due Thereafter Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Effect Of Forward Prices Increase In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, New Contracts Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due, Current Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due In Two Years Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due In Three Years Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due In Four Years Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due In Five Years Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due Thereafter Increase (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments Distributions From Joint Venture Investing Activities Distributions from RBS Sempra Commodities LLP, investing activities Regulatory Assets Arising From Wildfire Litigation Costs Regulatory assets arising from wildfire litigation costs Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Allocated Transmission Instruments Allocated transmission instruments Other Income, Sundry at Pacific Enterprises [Member] Equity Earnings (Losses) From Joint Venture Before Impairment Charge Pretax equity earnings from RBS Sempra Commodities LLP excluding impairment charge Joint Venture Sales Of Businesses [Line Items] Joint Venture Sales Of Businesses [Table] Joint Venture Sales Of Businesses, By Sale [Axis] Joint Venture Sales Of Businesses [Domain] Estimated Proceeds From Sales Of Joint Venture Businesses Estimated proceeds from announced RBS Sempra Commodities sales transactions Estimated Proceeds From Joint Venture Sales Of Businesses And Related Cash Distributions Minimum Estimated proceeds from sale of RBS Sempra Commodities businesses and related cash distributions, minimum Estimated Proceeds From Joint Venture Sales Of Businesses And Related Cash Distributions Maximum Estimated proceeds from sale of RBS Sempra Commodities businesses and related cash distributions, maximum Estimated Cash Distributions From Joint Venture Related To Sales Of Businesses Minimum Estimated distributions of cash, accounts receivable and net margin, minimum Estimated Cash Distributions From Joint Venture Related To Sales Of Businesses Maximum Estimated distributions of cash, accounts receivable and net margin, maximum Investment In Joint Venture Other Than Temporary Impairment Loss on impairment of RBS Sempra Commodities LLP Investment In Joint Venture Other Than Temporary Impairment After Tax Loss on impairment of RBS Sempra Commodities LLP, after tax Fowler Ridge I I Wind Farm [Member] Proceeds From Return Of Capital Proceeds from return of capital Accelerated Share Repurchases, Initial Share Delivery Accelerated Share Repurchases, Interim Share Delivery Accelerated Share Repurchases, Minimum Share Delivery Accelerated Share Repurchases, Maximum Share Delivery Taxable Gain Related To Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture Taxable gain related to our share of the RBS Sempra Commodities sale to J.P. Morgan Ventures State Tax Expense (Benefit) Related To Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture State income tax expense related to our exit from the RBS Sempra Commodities business Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Ratio Of Indebtedness To Total Capitalization Committed lines of credit, maximum ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization Fair Value At Origin Guarantee Obligation Associated With Cash Flow Requirements Liability for guarantee obligation associated with cash flow requirements Recognized Energy Efficiency Incentive Mechanism Award Unrecorded Energy Efficiency Incentive Mechanism Award Contingent Recovery Of Operation And Maintenance Costs Related To Catastrophe Contingent Recovery Of Capital Costs Related To Catastrophe Capital Cost Cap Per Watt Purchased Power Cost Cap Per Megawatt Hour Line Of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) In Maximum Borrowing Capacity Under New Facility Committed lines of credit, increase (decrease) in maximum borrowing capacity under new facility Renewable Portfolio Standards, Penalty Per Kilowatt Hour Of Renewable Energy Underdelivery Electric Distribution, Advanced Metering And Generation Infrastructure [Member] Derivative Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Line Items] Reclassification Of Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Net [Line Items] Interest Rate And Foreign Exchange Instruments [Member] Chilquinta Energia [Member] Luz Del Sur [Member] Mexican Pipeline And Natural Gas Infrastructure Member Ownership Percentage Before Acquisition Ownership percentage before acquisition Schedule Of Performance Based Restricted Shares Table Schedule Of Performance Based Restricted Shares Axis Schedule Of Performance Based Restricted Shares Domain Restricted Stock Units [Member] Restricted Stock Awards [Member] Schedule Of Performance Based Restricted Shares [Line Items] Schedule of Performance Based Restricted Shares [Line Items] Contractual Vesting Percentage Minimum Contractual vesting percentage minimum Contractual Vesting Percentage Maximum Contractual vesting percentage maximum Estimated Vesting Percentage Minimum Estimated vesting percentage minimum Estimated Vesting Percentage Maximum Estimated vesting percentage maximum Estimated Vesting Percentage Estimated vesting percentage Shares Excluded From Potential Dilutive Shares Shares excluded from potential dilutive shares Shares Included From Potential Dilutive Shares Shares included from potential dilutive shares Accelerated Share Repurchases, Final Share Delivery Accelerated Share Repurchases, Total Share Delivery Other Long Term Debt, Fixed Rate Due 2014 Member Other Long Term Debt, Floating Rate Due 2014 Member Incremental Insurance Costs Incurred Related To Catastrophe 2009 2010 Incremental insurance costs incurred related to catastrophe for 2009-2010 policy period Incremental Insurance Costs Incurred Related To Catastrophe 2010 2011 Incremental insurance costs incurred related to catastrophe for 2010-2011 policy period Rbs Member Equity Method Investment Distribution Percentage Restricted Cash Litigation Settlement Restricted Cash from Cox settlement Loss Contingency Monetary Damages Sought Williams Claim Against Liberty Estimated Gain Loss On Contract Termination Liberty Claim Against Williams Liberty Gas Storage Litigation [Member] Decrease In Restricted Cash Decrease in restricted cash Decrease in restricted cash Increase In Restricted Cash Increase in restricted cash Increase in restricted cash Equity Earnings Net Of Income Tax [Member] Equity Earnings Before Income Tax [Member] Other Operation And Maintenance [Member] Capital Contribution Capital contribution Restricted Stock Awards Granted Restricted stock awards granted Fair Value Measurement Policy Text Block Segment Policy Text Block Legal Settlement Receivable Settlement receivable related to wildfire litigation Gains (losses) on interest rate and foreign exchange instruments [Member] New Accounting Standards Policy Goodwill Disclosure Abstract Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Subject To Translation Adjustment Goodwill By Segment Parent And Other [Member] South America Acquisition [Member] Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Cash And Cash Equivalents Cash Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Other Current Assets Other current assets Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Other Non Current Assets Other noncurrent assets Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Accounts Payable Accounts payable Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Portion Of Long Term Debt Short-term and current portion of long-term debt Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Long Term Debt Long-term debt Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Other Non Current Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Increase (Decrease) In Purchased Power Commitments, Payments Due, Current Increase (Decrease) In Purchased Power Commitments, Payments Due In Two Years Increase (Decrease) In Purchased Power Commitments, Payments Due In Three Years Increase (Decrease) In Purchased Power Commitments, Payments Due In Four Years Increase (Decrease) In Purchased Power Commitments, Payments Due In Five Years Increase (Decrease) In Purchased Power Commitments, Payments Due Thereafter General Rate Case, Decrease In Revenue Requirement Increase Request Other Long Term Debt, Fixed Rate Due 2011 To 2015 Member Other Long Term Debt, Fixed Rate Due 2012 To 2016 Member Other Long Term Debt, Fixed Rate Due 2030 Member Debt Footnote Axis Debt Entity Domain Sempra Energy [Member] Energy Related Businesses Energy-related businesses Energy Related Businesses [Abstract] Energy-related businesses [Abstract] Utilities [Abstract] Utilities [Abstract] Utilities Cost Of Natural Gas Cost of natural gas Fair Value Of Equity Method Investments Immediately Prior To The Acquisition Duration Fair of equity method investments immediately prior to the acquisition Fair Value Of Noncontrolling Interests Duration Fair value of noncontrolling interests Acquisition of South American entities Revenue From Utilities Utilities Cost Of Electric Fuel And Purchased Power From Utilities Cost of electric fuel and purchased power Commitment Footnote Axis Commitment Entity Domain Fair Value Of Businesses Acquired [Abstract] Fair value of businesses acquired [Abstract] Total fair value of businesses acquired Total fair value of businesses acquired Business Combination Pro Forma Information Net Income Of Acquiree Since Acquisition Date Actual Net Income of acquiree since acquisition date Business Combination Acquired Receivables Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable acquired net of collection allowances Allowance for doubtful accounts Business Combination Book Value Of Equity Interests Book value of equity interests Maximum percent of subsidiary minority interests Maximum percent of subsidiary minority interests Maximum percent of Luz del Sur minority interests Consideration Withheld Related To Purchase Consideration withheld related to purchase Preferred Stock (Details) [Abstract] Preferred Stock Redeemed Preferred stock redeemed Preferred Stock Redemption Price Per Share Minimum Preferred stock redemption price per share, minimum Preferred Stock Redemption Price Per Share Maximum Preferred stock redemption price per share, maximum Accrued Preferred Stock Dividends At Redemption Date Accrued preferred stock dividends at redemption date Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification To Net Income Of Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Related To Equity Method Investments Reclassification to net income of foreign currency translation adjustment related to equity method investments Total Shareholder Return Text Block Total Shareholder Return Ranking Table Redemption Of Preferred Stock of Subsidiary Redemption of preferred stock of subidiary Total Shareholder Return Ranking Table Total Shareholder Return Ranking Axis Total Shareholder Return Ranking [Domain] Seventy Fifth Percentile Or Above [Member] 75th Percentile [Member] Fiftieth Percentile [Member] Thirty Fifth Percentile Or Below [Member] Total Shareholder Return Ranking [Line Items] Total Shareholder Return Ranking [Line Items] Common Shares Received For Each Restricted Stock Unit Other Holding Companies [Member] Tender Offer Maximum Cash Expenditure Luz del Sur tender offer, maximum cash expenditure Adjustments and Eliminations [Member] Distributions From Joint Venture Total Distributions from RBS Sempra Commodities LLP Due To Joint Venture Partner Due to RBS Adjustments South America [Member] Preliminary Allocation South America [Member] Adjusted Allocation South America [Member] Ownership Percentage After Tender Offer Ownership percentage after Luz Del Sur tender offer Additional Shares Purchased From Tender Offer Additional shares purchased from Luz de Sur tender offer Public Tender Offer Settlement Luz Del Sur settlement of public tender offer Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill by Segment, Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member] Mobile Gas [Member] Other Long Term Debt, Fixed Rate Due 2021 [Member] Other Long Term Debt, fixed Rate Due 2031 [Member] Non Taxable Gain Related To Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture Non-taxable gain related to our share of the RBS Sempra Commodities sale to J.P. Morgan Ventures Pipeline Safety Phase 1 [Member] Estimated Project Cost Requested Project Funding General Rate Case, Revenue Requirement Request Recognized Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism Award 2009-2010 Recognized Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism Award 2008-2009 Purchase Price Allocation Plant Market Indexed Capital Adjustment Mechanism Benchmark Rate Market Indexed Capital Adjustment Mechanism Floor Rate Market Indexed Capital Adjustment Mechanism Ceiling Rate Decrease In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Fulfillment Debt Instrument Stated Percentage Rate Minimum Debt Instrument Stated Percentage Rate Maximum Debt Instrument Purchased Parent Debt Instrument Purchased By Parent Debt Instrument Net Intercompany Elimination Debt Instrument Net of Intercompany Elimination Revenues: Energy-Related Businesses [Member] Sale of European Natural Gas And Power Businesses [Member] Sale Of U S Retail Commodity Marketing Business [Member] Sale of North American Natural Gas And Power Trading Agreements [Member] Goodwill By Segment, Sempra South American Utilities [Member] Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Mexico [Member] Goodwill By Segment, Sempra Natural Gas [Member] Sempra South American Utilities Segment [Member] Sempra Mexico Segment [Member] Sempra Renewables Segment [Member] Sempra Natural Gas Segment [Member] Foreign Currency Transaction Gains (Losses) [Member] Line Of Credit Facility, California Utilities Combined [Member] Effect of Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Change In Accounting Principle, Depreciation And Amortization Change In Accounting Principle, Income Before Income Taxes And Equity Earnings Of Certain Unconsolidated Subsidiaries Change In Accounting Principle, Income Tax Expense Change In Accounting Principle, Net Income Change In Accounting Principle, Earnings Change In Accounting Principle, Basic Earnings Per Common Share Change In Accounting Principle, Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Change In Accounting Principle, Net Change In Other Working Capital 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revenues Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition Table Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Interest payments, net of amounts capitalized Net change in other working capital components Net change in other working capital components Net change in other working capital components Net change in other working capital components Payments on notes payable to unconsolidated affiliate Outstanding commercial paper supported by committed lines of credit Commercial Paper Commercial Paper Noncurrent Commercial paper noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common stock Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Consolidation Variable Interest Entity Policy Capital contribution Other cost of sales Other cost 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designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments In Hedges At Fair Value Net CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Income tax payments, net of refunds Income taxes receivable Decrease (increase) in notes receivable from unconsolidated affiliates, net Increase (decrease) in loans to affiliates, net Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Other intangible assets Goodwill Interest expense Interest expense Temporary LIFO liquidation Temporary LIFO liquidation Inventories Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust assets Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust assets Other investments Liabilities assumed Liabilities assumed Liabilities and equity Total liabilities and equity LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Franchise fees and other taxes Franchise fees and other taxes Committed lines of credit, outstanding borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Committed lines of credit, maximum 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Value Loss Contingency, Related Receivable Carrying Value Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Loss from Catastrophes [Member] Estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities Other noncontrolling interests Distributions to noncontrolling interests Distributions to noncontrolling interests Equity contributed by noncontrolling interests Transactions With Affiliates By Affiliate [Axis] Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Earnings Earnings Earnings attributable to common shares Earnings attributable to common shares Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents New Accounting Standards Other income (expense), net Utility operating income Utility operating income General Available-for-sale securities Financial instruments Comprehensive income, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Total other comprehensive income (loss) Prior service cost Prior service cost, income tax expense (benefit) Prior service cost, income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Other current assets Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Total Other Income, Net Total Other Income, Net Component Of Other Income, Net [Axis] Component Of Other Income, Net [Axis] Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items] Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items] Schedule of Other Income, Net [Table] Schedule of Other Income, Net [Table] Other Income Disclosure, Nonoperating [Abstract] Other Income Disclosure, Nonoperating [Abstract] Other cash flows from investing activities Other cash flows from investing activities Other cash flows from financing activities Other Postretirement Benefits Contributions to other postretirement benefit plans Fair value of stock received for services rendered Common dividends paid Common dividends paid Preferred dividends paid Preferred dividends paid Payments for Legal Settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Contributions to pension plans Pension Benefits Amortization of actuarial loss Amortization of actuarial loss Amortization of prior service cost Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans Expected return on assets Expected return on assets Interest cost Net periodic benefit cost Total net periodic benefit cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Table] Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred dividend requirements Preferred dividend requirements Issuances of common stock Capital contributions received by variable interest entity Contributions from noncontrolling interests Issuances of long-term debt Proceeds from sales by nuclear decommissioning trusts Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from sale of short-term investments Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Policy Text Block AFUDC related to debt Sempra Utilities' Regulatory Matters Contributions to equity method investees Expenditures for investments Payments To Acquire Investments Purchase of noncontrolling interests Purchase of noncontrolling interests Purchase of bonds issued by unconsolidated affiliate Purchase of bonds issued by unconsolidated affiliate Expenditures for short-term investments Expenditures for short-term investments Total revenues Total revenues Regulatory assets Other regulatory assets Other regulatory liabilities Total Transactions With Affiliates Total Transactions With Affiliates Due from affiliate, current Due from affiliate, noncurrent Interest rate on due from affiliate, noncurrent Transactions With Affiliates Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule Of Transactions With Affiliates [Table] Payments on long-term debt Payments on long-term debt Total Sempra Energy Consolidated Total Sempra Energy Consolidated Repurchases of common stock Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Capital distributions made by variable interest entity Distributions to noncontrolling interests Redemptions of preferred stock Redemption of subsidiary preferred stock Restricted cash Retained earnings Schedule of Business Acquisition Table Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Text Block] Schedule Of Goodwill Text Block Goodwill Table Subsequent Events Segment Information Segment Information Table Segment reporting 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U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies Summarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Gross profit Summarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Income (loss) from continuing operations Summarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Partnership net income (loss) Summarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Gross revenues and fee income Total utility operating expenses Total utility operating expenses Utility depreciation and amortization Utility cost of natural gas Utility operation and maintenance Utility gains on sale of assets Utility franchise fees and other taxes Diluted earnings per common share, weighted-average number of shares outstanding (thousands) Weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS Basic earnings per common share, weighted-average number of shares outstanding (thousands) Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic EPS Restricted cash, noncurrent Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Due to/from Sempra Energy Due to/from Sempra Energy Investment in bonds of unconsolidated affiliate - Chilquinta Energia S.A. 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Disclosure [Member] Carrying Amount Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Statement [Table] Total Antidilutive Securities Fair value of financial instruments, Investments in affordable housing partnerships Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of financial instruments, Total long-term debt Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Equity earnings Equity earnings ASSETS Statement [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Total Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Investments Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Investments Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Total Fair Value of Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Realized and unrealized losses Realized and unrealized gains (losses) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 Increase in capital lease obligations for investments in property, plant and equipment Fair Value Measurements Contingently redeemable preferred stock REVENUES Utility operating expenses Net actuarial gain Net actuarial gain, income tax expense (benefit) Net actuarial gain, income tax expense (benefit) Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract] Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract] Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Allowance for Cost of Equity Funds Used During Construction [Member] Allowance for Cost of Equity Funds Used During Construction [Member] Other operation and maintenance Operation and maintenance Sundry Total other assets Basic earnings per common share: Diluted earnings per common share: Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share Policy Text Block Goodwill Acquired During Period Acquisition of Chilquinta Energia and Luz Del Sur Goodwill Translation And Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation Significant Accounting Policies Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Income before income taxes and equity earnings of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries Income before income taxes and equity earnings of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Parent Company Member Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits Capital Lease Obligations Capital Lease Obligations Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Financial instruments, income tax expense (benefit) Available-for-sale securities, income tax expense (benefit) Total shareholders' equity Total shareholders' equity Income tax (expense) benefit Income tax expense (benefit) Segment reporting information, Interest Income Segment Reporting Information, Interest Income Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract] AFUDC related to equity AFUDC related to equiity Other capitalized financing costs Preferred stock Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Statement Equity Component [Axis] Total Equity Increase (decrease) in short-term debt, net Accrued capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid Gain related to litigation settlement Settlement with Cox, gross amount Litigation Settlement, Gross Legal Costs Policy Text Block Common Stock No Par Value Common stock, no par value Revenues from unconsolidated affiliates Issuance of common stock Common stock released from ESOP Deferred investment tax credits Utility operating revenues Natural gas Operating revenues Total utility operating revenues Repurchases of common stock Repurchases of common stock SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH ACTIVITIES Retained Earnings Cumulative Effect Of Change In Accounting Principle Net Of Tax Common stock dividends declared Common stock dividends declared Preferred stock dividends declared Preferred stock dividends declared Tax benefit related to share-based compensation Business Combination Consideration Transferred Cash consideration (fair value of total consideration) Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Net Abstract Property, plant and equipment Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Net Total identifiable net assets Acquisition-related costs (included in Other Operation and Maintenance expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011) Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed Business Combination Acquisition Of Less Than 100 Percent Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Fair value of noncontrolling interests Business Combination Step Acquisition Equity Interest In Acquiree Fair Value Fair value of equity method investments immediately prior to the acquisition Business Combination Step Acquisition Equity Interest In Acquiree Remeasurement Gain Or Loss Remeasurement of equity method investments Remeasurement of equity method investments Revenue of acquiree since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Earnings of acquiree since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Reserve for wildfire litigation (Note 10) Net income Net income Losses (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests Losses (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interests Cash consideration (fair value of total consideration) Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Income taxes payable Prepayment for shares to be repurchased under Collared Accelerated Share Acquisition Program Insurance receivable related to wildfire litigation (Note 10) Fair value of cash collateral receivables not offset against derivatives Derivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Net Income Taxes Receivable Noncurrent Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Accelerated Share Repurchases Final Price Paid Per Share Accelerated Share Repurchases Weighted Average 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Numerator [Abstract] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Instruments Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense Other Income [Member] Other Income, Net Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedges Nondesignated [Member] Undesignated Derivatives Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Other Comprehensive Income Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Additional Collateral Aggregate Fair Value Fair Value Hedge Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Table Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Schedule Of Derivative Financial Instruments Impact On Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings (effective portion) Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Reclassified From Accumulated OCI Into Income Effective Portion Net Amount of pretax gain (loss) on derivative recognized in OCI (effective portion) Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Net Gain (loss) on derivative recognized in earnings Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Net Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Table Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Sempra Energy Consolidated Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Legal Entity [Axis] Document Type