v2.4.1.9
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 3 (Details) (USD $)
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
OtherCurrentAssetsMember    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments $ 10,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1],[2] $ 10,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery   25,000,000sre_CommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments 11,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] 8,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 129,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] 143,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Associated offsetting commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery (123,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] (129,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] (11,000,000)sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 28,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] 36,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery (1,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] (3,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Net amount presented on balance sheet 54,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] 79,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 16,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 19,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1] 14,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1]
Total 89,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1],[3] 93,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember		 [1],[3]
OtherCurrentAssetsMember | San Diego Gas and Electric Company [Member]    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments 0sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [2] 0sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 26,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 32,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery   0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet 26,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 32,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 1,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 17,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 12,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Total 44,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3] 44,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3]
OtherCurrentAssetsMember | Southern California Gas Company [Member]    
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 2,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1] 4,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1]
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery (1,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1] (3,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1]
Net amount presented on balance sheet 1,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1] 1,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1]
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 1,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1]  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 2,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1] 2,000,000sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1]
Total 4,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1] 3,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [1]
OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments 3,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 [2] 3,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery   0sre_CommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments 28,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 27,000,000sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 25,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 32,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery (21,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 (27,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 76,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 76,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 (1,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet 111,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 110,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Total 111,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 [3] 110,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember		 [3]
OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember | San Diego Gas and Electric Company [Member]    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments 0sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [2] 0sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 76,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 76,000,000sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery   (1,000,000)sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet 76,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 75,000,000sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Total 76,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3] 75,000,000us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3]
OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember | Southern California Gas Company [Member]    
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet 0sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Total 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments (17,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [2],[4] (17,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery   0sre_CommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments (7,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] (7,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery (137,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] (135,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Associated offsetting commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 123,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] 129,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 10,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery (35,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] (36,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 27,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] 23,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 1,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] 3,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Net amount presented on balance sheet (35,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] (40,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4] 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [4]
Total (35,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [3],[4] (40,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [3],[4]
OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember | San Diego Gas and Electric Company [Member]    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments (16,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [2] (16,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery (1,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 1,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery (34,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 (32,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 27,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 23,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery   0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet (23,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 (25,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Total (23,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3] (25,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3]
OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember | Southern California Gas Company [Member]    
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery (2,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 2,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery (1,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4] (4,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4]
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 1,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4] 3,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4]
Net amount presented on balance sheet 0sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4] (1,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4]
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4]  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4] 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4]
Total 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4] (1,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 [4]
OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments (130,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [2] (109,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery   0sre_CommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments (25,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 (22,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery (22,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 (29,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 21,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 27,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 1,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery (33,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 (20,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 27,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 13,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 1,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet (161,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 (139,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Total (161,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [3] (139,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember		 [3]
OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember | San Diego Gas and Electric Company [Member]    
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]    
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments (32,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [2] (31,000,000)sre_DerivativeInterestRateAndForeignExchangeInstrumentsDesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery (33,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 (20,000,000)sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 27,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 13,000,000sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery   1,000,000sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet (38,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 (37,000,000)sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember
Total (38,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3] (37,000,000)us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SanDiegoGasAndElectricCompanyMember		 [3]
OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember | Southern California Gas Company [Member]    
Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]    
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Associated cash collateral commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AssociatedCashCollateralCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_DerivativeCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Associated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_DerivativeOffsettingCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecoveryNondesignated
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Net amount presented on balance sheet 0sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_OtherDerivativesAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNetBeforeCashCollateral
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsNotSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		  
Additional margin posted for commodity contracts subject to rate recovery 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 0sre_AdditionalMarginPostedForCommodityContractsSubjectToRateRecovery
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
Total $ 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember		 $ 0us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNet
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= sre_SouthernCaliforniaGasCompanyMember
[1]
Included in Current Assets: Other for SoCalGas.
[2]
Includes Otay Mesa VIE. All of SDG&E’s amounts relate to Otay Mesa VIE.
[3]
Normal purchase contracts previously measured at fair value are excluded.
[4]
Included in Current Liabilities: Other for SoCalGas.