Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Sempra South American Utilities [Member] Sempra South American Utilities Segment [Member] Sempra Mexico [Member] Sempra Mexico Segment [Member] Sempra Natural Gas [Member] Sempra Natural Gas Segment [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] San Diego Gas and Electric Company [Member] San Diego Gas and Electric Company [Member] Southern California Gas Company [Member] Southern California Gas Company [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Eletrans [Member] Eletrans [Member] Joint venture with PEMEX [Member] Joint venture with PEMEX [Member] PEMEX Three year loan A [Member] PEMEX Three year loan A [Member] PEMEX Four year loan A [Member] PEMEX Four year loan A [Member] PEMEX Four year loan B [Member] PEMEX Four year loan B [Member] PEMEX Four year loan C [Member] PEMEX Four year loan C [Member] ESJ joint venture [Member] ESJ joint venture [Member] Due to/from Sempra Energy [Member] Majority Shareholder [Member] Due to/from Other Affiliates [Member] Subsidiary Of Common Parent Other Affiliates [Member] Due to/from SoCalGas [Member] Subsdiary Of Common Parent So Cal Gas [Member] Due to/from Other affiliates [Member] Affiliate Of Investee [Member] Due to/from SDG&E [Member] Subsidiary Of Common Parent S D G E [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Due from unconsolidated affiliates - current Due from Affiliate, Current Due from unconsolidated affiliates - noncurrent Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Due to unconsolidated affiliates, current Due to Affiliate, Current Income taxes due to Sempra Energy Related Party Tax Expense, Due to Affiliates, Current Income taxes due from Sempra Energy Related Party Tax Expense, Due from Affiliates, Current Spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate on due from affiliate, noncurrent Related Party Transaction, Rate Loan to unconsolidated affiliate, principal Loan to unconsolidated affiliate, principal Loan to unconsolidated affiliate, principal Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Sempra South American Utilities [Member] Sempra South American Utilities [Member] Sempra Mexico [Member] Sempra Mexico [Member] Sempra Renewables [Member] Sempra Renewables Segment [Member] Sempra LNG & Midstream [Member] Sempra Natural Gas [Member] Otay Mesa VIE [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others, Otay Mesa VIE [Member] Chilquinta Energía subsidiaries [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others, Chilquinta Energia [Member] Luz del Sur [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others, Luz Del Sur [Member] Tecsur [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others, Tecsur [Member] IEnova [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others IEnova [Member] Tax equity arrangement – wind [Member] Noncontrolling Tax Equity Investors, Wind [Member] Noncontrolling Tax Equity Investors, Wind [Member] Tax equity arrangement – solar [Member] Noncontrolling Tax Equity Investors, Solar [Member] Noncontrolling Tax Equity Investors, Solar [Member] Bay Gas Storage Company, Ltd. [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others, Bay Gas Storage Company [Member] Liberty Gas Storage, LLC [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others, Liberty Gas Storage [Member] Southern Gas Transmission Company [Member] Ownership Interests Held By Others, Southern Gas Transmission [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Percent ownership held by noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling interests Other Noncontrolling Interests Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Commodity Derivative Volumes Table Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Notional Amounts of Interest Rate Derivatives Table Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Table Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Cash Flow Hedge Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Table Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value Hedge Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Table Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Regulated Operations [Abstract] Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Net Ownership Amount [Abstract] Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Table] Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Table] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Axis] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Axis] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Domain] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Domain] Jointly Owned Nuclear Power Plant [Member] Jointly Owned Nuclear Power Plant [Member] Sempra Energy [Member] Sempra Energy [Member] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] Jointly owned utility plant, proportionate ownership share Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Percent of arbitration expenses reduction of award Litigation Settlement, Percent of Arbitration Expenses Litigation Settlement, Percent of Arbitration Expenses Settlement amount net of arbitration expense Litigation Settlement Amount, Net of Arbitration Expense Litigation Settlement Amount, Net of Arbitration Expense Arbitration expense Arbitration Expense Arbitration Expense Legal costs Legal Fees Litigation settlement amount allocated to ratepayers and shareholders Litigation Settlement Amount Allocated to Ratepayers and Shareholders Litigation Settlement Amount Allocated to Ratepayers and Shareholders Loss from plant closure, after tax Loss From Plant Closure, After Tax Loss from plant closure, after-tax. Regulatory asset Regulatory Asset, Nuclear Plant Closure Regulatory Asset, Nuclear Plant Closure. Regulatory asset, current Regulatory Assets, Current Regulatory asset, noncurrent Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period Anticipated term of dismantlement work Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Term Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Term Percent of dismantlement work expense Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost, Percentage Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost, Percentage Nuclear decommissioning trusts Decommissioning Fund Investments Environmental exit costs, anticipated cost Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost Authorized recovery amount, nuclear decommissioning trust funding Authorized Recovery Amount, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funding Authorized Recovery Amount, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funding. Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Otay Mesa VIE [Member] Otay Mesa VIE [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Losses on cash flow hedges to be reclassified from AOCI within 12 months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Maximum remaining term of cash flow hedges Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates [Table] Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates [Table] Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rates Disclosure [Line Items] Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory, Current [Table] SDG&E [Member] S D G E Segment [Member] SoCalGas [Member] So Cal Gas Segment [Member] Sempra LNG & Midstream [Member] Sempra LNG & Midstream [Member] Sempra LNG & Midstream [Member] Inventory [Line Items] Inventory [Line Items] Natural gas Energy Related Inventory, Natural Gas in Storage Liquefied natural gas Energy Related Inventory, Liquefied Natural Gas Energy related inventory, Liquefied Natural Gas. Materials and supplies Energy Related Inventory, Materials And Supplies Energy related inventory, materials and supplies. Total Inventory, Net Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] South American Utilities [Member] South America Utilities [Member] Luz Del Sur [Member] Luz Del Sur [Member] Luz Del Sur [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Corporate Bonds Maturing in 2023 [Member] Corporate Bonds Maturing in Twenty Twenty Three [Member] Corporate Bonds Maturing in Twenty Twenty Three [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt amount offered and sold Debt Instrument, Face Amount Stated rate of debt offered and sold Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Recurring Fair Value Measures Table Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 3 Rollforward Table Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Table Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE ACTIVITY Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Public Utilities Disclosure [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension benefits [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Other postretirement benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Regulatory adjustment Increase (Decrease) in Other Regulatory Assets Total net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Contributions by employer Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Expected contributions in current fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Schedule of Capitalization [Table] Schedule of Capitalization [Table] Capitalized Financing Costs Disclosure [Line Items] Capitalized Financing Costs Disclosure [Line Items] Total capitalized financing costs Capitalized Financing Costs Total capitalized financing costs from both debt and equity instruments. Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow hedges [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Gain (Loss) on Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign exchange instruments [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Interest rate instruments [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery [Member] Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Interest expense Interest Expense Equity earnings (losses), before income tax Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity (losses) earnings, net of income tax Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Net Of Tax Equity earnings, net of income tax. Revenues: Energy-Related Businesses Unregulated Operating Revenue Income before income taxes and equity (losses) earnings of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Expense Net of income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings (losses) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Reclassification from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Income tax expense Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Total reclassifications for the period Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] As previously reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Effect of adoption [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] Effect of Early Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Cumulative-effect adjustment Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income tax expense Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings Earnings attributable to common shares Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Increase in weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS (in shares) Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive income Total Comprehensive Income Before Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Total comprehensive income before preferred stock dividend requirements. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Other Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Tax benefit related to share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] All other [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Intersegment eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues INTEREST EXPENSE INTEREST INCOME Investment Income, Interest DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) Equity earnings (losses), before tax Equity earnings (losses) net of tax 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, Additional Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] EXPENDITURES FOR PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment ASSETS Assets EQUITY METHOD AND OTHER INVESTMENTS Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Natural gas [Member] Natural Gas Derivative [Member] Natural Gas Derivative [Member] Electricity [Member] Electric Energy Derivative [Member] Electric Energy Derivative [Member] Congestion revenue rights [Member] Congestion Revenue Rights Derivative [Member] Congestion Revenue Rights Derivative [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Net derivative energy volumes Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization Equity losses Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Net change in other working capital components Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Insurance receivable for Aliso Canyon costs Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Settlements Receivable Changes in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Changes in other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Expenditures for property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Expenditures for investments Payments to Acquire Investments Distributions from investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Purchases of nuclear decommissioning and other trust assets Purchases of nuclear decommissioning and other trust assets The cash outflow for the purchase of nuclear decommissioning and other trust assets. Proceeds from sales by nuclear decommissioning and other trusts Proceeds from sales by nuclear decommissioning and other trusts The cash inflow for the sales of nuclear decommissioning and other trust assets. Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust assets Payments to Acquire Investments to be Held in Decommissioning Trust Fund Proceeds from sales by nuclear decommissioning trusts Proceeds from Decommissioning Trust Fund Assets Increases in restricted cash Increase in Restricted Cash Decreases in restricted cash Decrease in Restricted Cash Advances to unconsolidated affiliates Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties Repayments of advances to unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Collection of (Payments to Fund) Long-term Loans to Related Parties (Increase) decrease in loans to affiliate, net Increase (Decrease) in Due to Related Parties Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Common dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Issuances of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Issuances of debt (maturities greater than 90 days) Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments on debt (maturities greater than 90 days) Repayments of Long-term Debt (Decrease) increase in short-term debt, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Capital distributions made by VIE Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, January 1 Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, March 31 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest payments, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Income tax payments, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Accrued capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Equitization of note receivable due from unconsolidated affiliate Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Common dividends issued in stock Common Stock Issued, Employee Stock Trust Dividends declared but not paid Dividends Payable Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncement Impact New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table Text Block] Investments, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Total debt securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Other securities [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Equity securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Cash and cash equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross unrealized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Estimated fair value Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Gross realized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross realized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Public Utilities General Disclosures [Table] Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] California Public Utilities Commission [Member] California Public Utilities Commission [Member] California Public Utilities Commission [Member] Capital Structure Category [Axis] Capital Structure Category [Axis] Capital Structure [Domain] Capital Structure [Domain] Capital Structure, Common Equity [Member] Capital Structure, Common Equity [Member] Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] Refund of 2015 memorandum account, After-tax Adjustment To Revenue, Refund Of Tax Memorandum Account, Net of Tax Adjustment To Revenue, Refund Of Tax Memorandum Account, Net of Tax Liability Associated With Tracked Income Tax Expense Differences Liability Associated With Tracked Income Tax Expense Differences Liability Associated With Tracked Income Tax Expense Differences Return on equity Cost Of Capital Authorized Rate Of Recovery Cost Of Capital Authorized Rate Of Recovery Reduced return on equity Cost Of Capital Potential Reduced Return On Equity Cost Of Capital Potential Reduced Return On Equity Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Property, plant and equipment, net related to VIE Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Long term debt related to VIE Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, No par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, No Par Value Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Table] IENova Plans [Member] IENova Plans [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] RSUs [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance-based RSUs [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Performance-based [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Performance-based [Member] Service-based RSUs [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Service-based [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Service-based [Member] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Earnings attributable to common shares Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic EPS (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Vested RSUs included in basic WASO Vested RSUs included in basic WASO Vested restricted stock units included in basic weighted average shares outstanding. Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS (in shares) Antidilutive securities excluded from earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Equity awards, granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Rockies Express [Member] Rockies Express [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Proceeds from sale of equity method investment Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Carrying value of equity method investment Equity Method Investments Fair value of equity method investment Investments in Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Fair Value Disclosure Impairment of equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Impairment of equity method investment after-tax Equity Method Investment Other Than Temporary Impairment Net Of Tax Benefit Equity Method Investment Other Than Temporary Impairment Net Of Tax Benefit Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] TdM [Member] Termoelectrica de Mexicali [Member] Assets Held for Sale [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Power generating capacity Power Plant, Energy Generating Capacity Power Plant, Energy Generating Capacity Deferred tax expense from the outside basis difference Deferred Tax Expense From The Outside Basis Difference Deferred Tax Expense From The Outside Basis Difference on our Investment Assets Held for Sale, Assets [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract] Cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Inventories Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Deferred income taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Assets, Noncurrent Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Total assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Assets Held for Sale, Liabilities [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Asset retirement obligations Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Asset Retirement Obligations Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale, Asset Retirement Obligations Other noncurrent liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Policy Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Policy Noncontrolling Interest Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Policy Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interim period effective tax rate policy Income Taxes, Interim Period Effective Tax Rate Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes, Interim Period Effective Tax Rate Policy Flow-through rate-making treatment tax policy Regulatory Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Policy Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Policy Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Policy Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Legal Costs Policy Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Table Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Greenhouse Gas Allowances and Obligations Table Schedule of Greenhouse Gas Allowances and Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Greenhouse Gas Allowances and Obligations [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Table Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Net Periodic Benefit Cost Table Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Contributions to Benefit Plans Table Schedule Of Contributions To Benefit Plans [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of contributions to benefit plans. Earnings Per Share Computations Table Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Capitalized Financing Costs Table Schedule of Capitalization [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Table Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications out of AOCI Table Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Shareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests Table Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Ownership Interests Held By Others Table Schedule of Other Ownership Interests [Table Text Block] Transactions with Affiliates Table Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Other Income and Expense Table Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Income Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rates Table Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Total Ownership [Member] Total Ownership [Member] SDG&E Ownership [Member] Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] Spent nuclear fuel damages awarded Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Decrease In SONGS regulatory asset Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Decrease In nuclear decommissioning balancing account Increase (Decrease) in Balancing Account, Utility Decrease In operation and maintenance cost balancing account Increase Decrease In Operation And Maintenance Cost Balancing Account Increase (Decrease) In Operation And Maintenance Cost Balancing Account. Filed claims amount Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Legal Reserves [Member] Legal Reserve [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Consolidated Class Action Complaints [Member] Consolidated Class Action Complaints [Member] Consolidated Class Action Complaints [Member] Property Class Action [Member] Property Class Action [Member] Property Class Action [Member] Complaints Filed by Public Entities [Member] Complaints Filed by Public Entities [Member] Complaints Filed by Public Entities [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Wildfire [Member] Wildfire [Member] Lawsuit Against MHI [Member] Lawsuit Against MHI [Member] Lawsuit Against MHI [Member] Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility Gas Leak [Member] Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility Gas Leak [Member] Health Study [Member] Health Study [Member] Health Study [Member] Damages from Product Defects [Member] Damages from Product Defects [Member] Property Disputes [Member] Property Disputes [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Regulatory assets arising from wildfire litigation costs Regulatory Assets Arising From Wildfire Litigation Costs Regulatory assets arising from wildfire litigation costs. Portion of regulatory assets arising from wildfire litigation related to CPUC operations Portion of Regulatory Assets Arising From Wildfire Litigation Related To CPUC Operations Portion of Regulatory Assets Arising From Wildfire Litigation Related To CPUC Operations. Portion of regulatory assets arising from wildfire litigation related to FERC operations Portion of Regulatory Assets Arising From Wildfire Litigation Related To FERC-Regulated Operations Portion of Regulatory Assets Arising From Wildfire Litigation Related To FERC-Regulated Operations Potential after-tax charge for nonrecovery of CPUC regulatory assets Potential After-Tax Earnings Impact Potential After-Tax Earnings Impact. Settlement credit to ratepayers Estimated costs related to temporary relocation (percentage) Estimated Costs Related To Temporary Relocation Percentage Estimated Costs Related To Temporary Relocation Percentage. Estimated costs related to controlling well and stopping leak and emissions (percentage) Estimated Costs Related To Controlling Well And Stopping Leak And Emissions Percentage Estimated Costs Related To Controlling Well And Stopping Leak And Emissions Percentage. Reserve for Aliso Canyon costs Payable Related To Natural Gas Leak Reserve for Aliso Canyon costs. Insurance receivable for Aliso Canyon costs Insurance Settlements Receivable, Noncurrent Insurance proceeds Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities Liability insurance coverage Liability Insurance Coverage Liability Insurance Coverage Number of lawsuits filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Maximum occupational safety and health fines Maximum Occupational Safety And Health Fines Maximum occupational safety and health fines Penalty assessments Penalty Assessments Penalty Assessments Maximum other assessments in settlement of criminal complaint Maximum Other Assessments Maximum Other Assessments Period of required climate reductions Loss Contingency, Period Of Required Climate Reductions Loss Contingency, Period Of Required Climate Reductions Period of required regulatory climate reductions Loss Contingency, Period Of Required Regulatory Climate Reductions Loss Contingency, Period Of Required Regulatory Climate Reductions Target emissions level (in metric tons) Loss Contingency, Target Emissions Level Loss Contingency, Target Emissions Level Environmental mitigation period Loss Contingency, Environmental Mitigation Period Loss Contingency, Environmental Mitigation Period Loss Contingency, Total Actual Emissions, Floor (in metric tons) Loss Contingency, Total Actual Emissions, Floor Loss Contingency, Total Actual Emissions, Floor Loss Contingency, Total Actual Emissions, Ceiling (in metric tons) Loss Contingency, Total Actual Emissions, Ceiling Loss Contingency, Total Actual Emissions, Ceiling Mitigation requirements (in metric tons) Loss Contingency, Mitigation Requirement Loss Contingency, Mitigation Requirement Amount of natural gas released Amount of Natural Gas Released Amount of Natural Gas Released Storage facility capacity Storage Facility Maximum Capacity Natural Gas Storage Facility Maximum Capacity Proportion of total gas storage capacity (percentage) Proportion Of Total Gas Storage Capacity, Percentage Proportion Of Total Gas Storage Capacity Percentage Net book value of Aliso Canyon facility Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Property, Plant and Equipment Construction work in progress of new compressor station Construction in Progress, Gross Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Liquefied Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Liquefied Natural Gas Contracts [Member] Purchased Power Contracts [Member] Purchased Power Contracts [Member] Intermediate Stage Power Plant Facility [Member] Intermediate Stage Power Plant Facility [Member] Intermediate Stage Power Plant Facility [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Increase (decrease) in commitment amount Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Increase (decrease) in commitment amount, 2017 Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Remainder of Fiscal Year Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Remainder of Fiscal Year Increase (decrease) in commitment amount, 2018 Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Two Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Two Increase (decrease) in commitment amount, 2019 Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Three Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Three Increase (decrease) in commitment amount, 2020 Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Four Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Four Increase (decrease) in commitment amount, 2021 Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Five Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Year Five Increase (decrease) in commitment amount, thereafter Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, After Five Years Increase (Decrease) in Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, After Five Years Term of power purchase agreement Power Purchase Agreement, Term Power Purchase Agreement, Term 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less: interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Net liability position for derivatives with credit limits Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Additional collateral that wil be required if credit rating falls below investment grade Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Schedule Of Nuclear Insurance Amounts [Table] Schedule Of Nuclear Insurance Amounts [Table] Schedule Of Nuclear Insurance [Line Items] Schedule Of Nuclear Insurance [Line Items] Maximum nuclear liability insurance coverage Nuclear Liability Insurance Coverage, Maximum Maximum secondary financial protection Secondary Financial Protection, Maximum Maximum company contribution to secondary financial protection Secondary Financial Protection, Company Contribution, Maximum Annual maximum secondary financial protection contribution by company Secondary Financial Protection, Company Contribution, Annual Maximum Maximum nuclear property insurance coverage Nuclear Property Insurance Coverage, Maximum Deductible per loss Deductible Loss Maximum premium assessment under nuclear property damage insurance Nuclear Property Damage Insurance, Premium Assessment Maximum nuclear property insurance terrorism coverage Nuclear Property Insurance Terrorism Coverage, Maximum Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying amount [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Long-term amounts due from unconsolidated affiliates Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value Total long-term debt Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Accumulated interest outstanding Interest Receivable Unamortized discount (net of premium) and debt issuance costs Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Build-to-suit and capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations and Build-To-Suit Capital Lease Obligations and Build-To-Suit Long-term debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations REVENUES Regulated and Unregulated Operating Revenue [Abstract] Utilities Regulated Operating Revenue Energy-related businesses Total revenues Regulated and Unregulated Operating Revenue Operating revenues Electric and Gas Revenue [Abstract] Electric Electric Revenue Natural gas Gas Domestic Regulated Revenue Total operating revenues Electric and Gas Revenue Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Utilities: Utilities [Abstract] Cost of electric fuel and purchased power Cost of Domestic Regulated Electric Cost of natural gas Cost of Natural Gas Purchases Energy-related businesses: Energy Related Businesses [Abstract] Cost of natural gas, electric fuel and purchased power Cost of natural gas, electric fuel and purchased power Energy-related businesses cost of electric fuel and purchased power recorded during the period. Other cost of sales Gas Gathering, Transportation, Marketing and Processing Costs Operation and maintenance Other Cost and Expense, Operating Depreciation and amortization Franchise fees and other taxes Taxes, Other Operating expenses Utilities Operating Expense [Abstract] Cost of electric fuel and purchased power Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power Cost of natural gas Utilities Operating Expense, Gas and Petroleum Purchased Operation and maintenance Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance and Operations Depreciation and amortization Franchise fees and other taxes Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes Total operating expenses Utilities Operating Expense Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Other income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest income Income before income taxes and equity (losses) earnings of certain unconsolidated subsidiaries Net income Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest Earnings Net income/Earnings attributable to common shares Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, basic Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Costs of sales to related parties Costs and Expenses, Related Party Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Financial instruments [Member] Pension and other postretirement benefits [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent AOCI, ending balance Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Sempra Renewables [Member] Sempra Renewables [Member] Cameron LNG Holdings [Member] Cameron LNG Holdings [Member] Tax Equity Investors [Member] Noncontrolling Tax Equity Investors [Member] Noncontrolling Tax Equity Investors [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Conditional purchase obligation Contractual Obligation, Conditional Purchase Obligation Contractual Obligation, Conditional Purchase Obligation Equity of variable interest entity Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net Secured debt of variable interest entity Secured Debt Property, plant and equipment, net Other noncontrolling interests Cost of electric fuel and purchased power Utility Operating Revenue, Fuel Utility Operating Revenue, Fuel Operation and maintenance Depreciation and amortization Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Income before income taxes Income before income taxes/Net income Investments [Abstract] Investments [Abstract] Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Investments Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Sales of Securities By Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Securities Owned Not Readily Marketable [Table Text Block] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Equity, beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity, beginning of period Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Cumulative-effect adjustment from change in accounting principle Comprehensive income (loss) Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Common stock dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock Issuances of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Repurchases of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Equity, end of period Equity, end of period Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable – trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable – other, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Due from unconsolidated affiliates Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Inventories Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Regulatory balancing accounts – undercollected Regulatory Balancing Accounts, Undercollected Regulatory balancing amounts, undercollected. Regulatory assets Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives Derivative Asset, Current Assets held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Other Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Due from unconsolidated affiliates Deferred income taxes recoverable in rates Deferred Income Taxes Recoverable In Rates Deferred taxes refundable in rates, noncurrent asset. Regulatory assets arising from pension obligations Regulatory assets arising from pension and other postretirement benefit obligations Regulatory assets arising from pension and other posretirement benefit obligations. Regulatory assets Investments Other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Dedicated assets in support of certain benefit plans Assets Held-in-trust, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Sundry Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Total Investments And Other Assets Total investments and other assets. Property, plant and equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Total assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term debt Short-term Debt Accounts payable – trade Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accounts payable – other Accounts Payable, Other, Current Due to unconsolidated affiliates Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Dividends and interest payable Interest and Dividends Payable, Current Interest payable Interest Payable, Current Accrued compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Regulatory balancing accounts – overcollected Regulatory Balancing Accounts, Overcollected Regulatory balancing accounts, overcollected. Accrued franchise fees Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Current Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives Derivative Liability, Current Customer deposits Customer Deposits, Current Liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Other Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Deferred credits and other liabilities: Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities [Abstract] Customer advances for construction Customer Advances for Construction Pension obligation, net of plan assets Pension obligation, net of plan assets Pension obligation, net of plan assets. Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations, net of plan assets Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred investment tax credits Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credit Regulatory liabilities arising from removal obligations Decommissioning Liability, Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Deferred credits and other Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities Total deferred credits and other liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total shareholders’ equity Preferred stock of subsidiary Noncontrolling Interest, Amount Represented by Preferred Stock Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member] Sempra Energy Consolidated [Member] Sempra U.S. Businesses [Member] Sempra U.S. Businesses [Member] Sempra U.S. Businesses [Member] Foreign Operations [Member] South American Utilities and Mexico Combined [Member] South American Utilities and Mexico Combined [Member] Sempra Global [Member] Sempra Global [Member] Sempra Global [Member] California Utilities Combined [Member] California Utilities Combined [Member] California Utilities Combined [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Peru [Member] PERU Chile [Member] CHILE Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Number of primary lines of credit Number of Primary Lines of Credit Number of Primary Lines of Credit Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Limit on facility borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Limit Reduction Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Limit Reduction Adjustment for combined limit Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Limit Adjustment Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Limit Adjustment Total adjustment for combined limit Line of Credit Facility, Adjustment to Borrowing Limit Line of Credit Facility, Adjustment to Borrowing Limit Limit on borrowings available Line of Credit Facility, Available Unused Credit Limit Reduction Line of Credit Facility, Available Unused Credit Limit Reduction Available unused credit Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Capacity for issuance of letters of credit Line Of Credit Facility, Letters Of Credit Capacity Committed lines of credit, capacity for issuance of letters of credit. Maximum ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Ratio Of Indebtedness To Total Capitalization Committed lines of credit, maximum ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization. Committed lines of credit, maximum ratio of debt to equity Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Ratio Of Debt To Equity Committed lines of credit, maximum ratio of debt to equity. Bank guarantee Bank Guarantee An agreement (contract) that requires the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to pay specified obligations, such as debt, to a lender. Weighted average interest rate on total short-term debt outstanding Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Term of debt instrument Debt Instrument, Term Number of lenders Number of Lenders Number of Lenders Joint Venture [Member] Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Infraestructura Marina del Golfo [Member] Infraestructura Marina del Golfo [Member] Infraestructura Marina del Golfo [Member] Cameron LNG [Member] Cameron LNG [Member] Investments made during period Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Maximum exposure under guarantor obligations Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Aggregate carrying value of guarantor obligations Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cross currency swaps [Member] Other foreign currency derivatives [Member] Foreign Exchange [Member] Notional amount of derivative Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Maturity date Derivative, Maturity Date Notional amount of derivatives acquired Derivatives Acquired, Notional Amount Derivatives Acquired, Notional Amount Other Income, Nonoperating [Abstract] Other Income [Table] Other Income [Table] Other Income [Line Items] Other Income [Line Items] Other Income [Line Items] Allowance for equity funds used during construction Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Cost of Equity Investment gains Gain (Loss) on Investments Gains on interest rate and foreign exchange instruments, net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Sale of other investments Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments Electrical infrastructure relocation income Electrical infrastructure relocation income Electrical infrastrucure reclocation income at Peru Regulatory Interest, net Regulatory Interest, net Regulatory interest, net. Sundry, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Other Income, Net [Member] Other Income [Member] Equity Earnings, Before Income Tax [Member] Equity Earnings Before Income Tax [Member] Equity Earnings, Net of Income Tax [Member] Equity Earnings Net Of Income Tax [Member] Revenues: Energy- Related Businesses [Member] Sales [Member] Operation and Maintenance [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power [Member] Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power [Member] Cost of Natural Gas [Member] Cost of Natural Gas [Member] Foreign exchange instruments [Member] Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery [Member] Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery [Member] Pretax gain on derivatives recognized in earnings Pretax gain (loss) recognized in OCI Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Pretax gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Hedge ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Pretax amount [Member] Before-Tax Amount [Member] Income tax (expense) benefit [Member] Income Tax (Expense) Benefit [Member] Net-of-tax amount [Member] Net-of-Tax Amount [Member] Noncontrolling Interests (after-tax) [Member] Total [Member] Total Equity [Member] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Financial instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Pension and other postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Debt and Credit Facilities Debt Disclosure [Text Block] HMRC VAT Claim [Member] HMRC VAT Claim [Member] VAT tax claim paid upon appeal VAT Tax Claim Amount VAT Tax Claim Amount. Investment in RBS Sempra commodities LLP Investment In Joint Venture Investment in RBS Sempra Commodities LLP. Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assets Held for Sale and Deconsolidation of Subsidiary Table Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current assets: Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other assets: Sundry [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Current liabilities: Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Deferred credits and other liabilities: Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments Derivative Interest Rate And Foreign Exchange Instruments Designated Interest rate instruments designated as hedging instruments. Interest rate instruments Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Designated Derivative commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Foreign exchange instruments DerivativeForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated Derivative Foreign Exchange Instruments Nondesignated Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery Derivative Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Derivative commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery, nondesignated. Associated offsetting commodity contracts Derivative Offsetting Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Associated offsetting commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery. Associated offsetting cash collateral Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery. Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery Derivative Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Derivative commodity contracts subject to rate recovery, nondesignated. Associated offsetting commodity contracts Derivative Offsetting Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesignated Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery. Associated offsetting cash collateral Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery. Net amounts presented on the balance sheet Other Derivatives As Hedging Instruments At Fair Value Net Before Cash Collateral Other derivatives as hedging instruments at fair value net before cash collateral. Additional cash collateral for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery Additional Margin Posted For Commodity Contracts Not Subject to Rate Recovery Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery. Additional cash collateral for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery Additional Margin Posted For Commodity Contracts Subject to Rate Recovery Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery. Total Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Regulatory Liabilities [Table] Regulatory Liability [Axis] Regulatory Liability [Axis] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Greenhouse Gas Obligation [Member] Greenhouse Gas Obligation [Member] Greenhouse Gas Obligation [Member] Greenhouse Gas Allowance [Member] Greenhouse Gas Allowance [Member] Greenhouse Gas Allowance [Member] Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] Regulatory Assets [Abstract] Regulatory Assets [Abstract] Regulatory Assets [Abstract] Other current assets Sundry Total assets Regulatory Assets Regulatory LIabilities [Abstract] Regulatory LIabilities [Abstract] Regulatory LIabilities [Abstract] Other current liabilities Regulatory Liability, Current Deferred credits and other Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Total liabilities Regulatory Liabilities Other Financial Data Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Beginning of period Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Realized and unrealized losses Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Settlements Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements End of period Change in unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at the end of the period Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Congestion revenue rights (in dollars per MWH) Congestion Revenue Rights Congestion revenue rights. Market electricity forward price inputs ( in dollars per MWH) Market Electricity Forward Price Inputs Market electricity forward price inputs. Rabbi trust Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments [Member] Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery [Member] Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Nuclear decommissioning trusts - equity securities Financial Instruments, Owned, Corporate Equities, at Fair Value Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies Financial Instruments, Owned, US Government and Agency Obligations, at Fair Value Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Municipal bonds Financial Instruments, Owned, State and Municipal Government Obligations, at Fair Value Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Other securities Financial Instruments, Owned, Other, at Fair Value Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Total debt securities Fair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Total Debt Securities Fair value assets measured on a recurring basis nuclear decommissioning trusts, total debt securities. Nuclear decommissioning trusts - Netting Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset and Not Offset Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset and Not Offset Total nuclear decommissioning trusts Decommissioning Fund Investments, Fair Value Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative asset netting Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset and Not Offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset and Not Offset Total Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative liability netting Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset and Not Offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset and Not Offset Total Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring