v2.4.1.9
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue $ 2,682us-gaap_Revenues $ 2,795us-gaap_Revenues  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues  
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 134us-gaap_InterestExpense 136us-gaap_InterestExpense  
Segment reporting information, Interest Income 7us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest 4us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation and Amortization 303us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization 286us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 163us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit 127us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit  
Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Before Tax 19us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments 17us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments  
Segment reporting information, Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Net of Tax 15sre_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfIncomeTax 6sre_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfIncomeTax  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) 437sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses 247sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 780sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment 801sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment  
Segment reporting information, Assets 39,551us-gaap_Assets   39,732us-gaap_Assets [1]
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets   100.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
Segment Reporting Information Investments In Equity Method Investees 2,772sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees   2,848sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
S D G E Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue 966us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 987us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues 36.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 35.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 52us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 50us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation 145us-gaap_Depreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 130us-gaap_Depreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation 48.00%sre_Segmentreportinginformationpercentageofdepreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 45.00%sre_Segmentreportinginformationpercentageofdepreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 88us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 83us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) 147sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 99sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) 34.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 40.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 355sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 294sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 46.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 37.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Assets 16,485us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		   16,296us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 42.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		   41.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenues 2sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		 3sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SDGESegmentMember		  
So Cal Gas Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue 1,048us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 1,085us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues 39.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 39.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 19us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 17us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation 113us-gaap_Depreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 105us-gaap_Depreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation 37.00%sre_Segmentreportinginformationpercentageofdepreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 37.00%sre_Segmentreportinginformationpercentageofdepreciation
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 95us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 38us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) 214sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 [2] 78sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 [2]  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) 49.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 32.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 315sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 260sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 40.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 33.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Assets 10,563us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		   10,461us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 27.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		   26.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenues 19sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		 18sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SoCalGasSegmentMember		  
Sempra South American Utilities Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue 389us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 378us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues 15.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 14.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 5us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 8us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Income 4us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 3us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation and Amortization 13us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 14us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization 4.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 5.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 16us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 15us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Net of Tax (1)sre_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 (2)sre_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) 41sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 35sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) 9.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 14.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 31sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 32sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 4.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		 4.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Assets 3,350us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		   3,379us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 8.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		   9.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information Investments In Equity Method Investees (8)sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember		   (8)sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraSouthAmericanUtilitiesSegmentMember
Sempra Mexico Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue 163us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 201us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues 6.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 7.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 5us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 4us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Income 2us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation and Amortization 17us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 16us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization 6.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 6.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 8us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 12us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Net of Tax 16sre_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 8sre_SegmentReportingInformationIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) 47sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 42sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) 11.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 17.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 55sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 75sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 7.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 9.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Assets 3,502us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		   3,488us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 9.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		   9.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information Investments In Equity Method Investees 439sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		   434sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenues 25sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		 22sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraMexicoSegmentMember		  
Sempra Renewables Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue 8us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 6us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues 0.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 0.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 1us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 0us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation and Amortization 2us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 1us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization 1.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 0.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (17)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 (6)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Before Tax 2us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 2us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) 13sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 28sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) 3.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 11.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 3sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 99sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 1.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		 12.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Assets 1,277us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		   1,338us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 3.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		   3.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information Investments In Equity Method Investees 859sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember		   911sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraRenewablesSegmentMember
Sempra Natural Gas Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue 197us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 260us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues 7.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 9.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 21us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 32us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Income 19us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 31us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation and Amortization 12us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 17us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization 4.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 6.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 2us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 6us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Before Tax 17us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 15us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) 2sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 9sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) 0.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 4.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 10sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 40sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 1.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 5.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Assets 6,032us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		   6,436us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 15.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		   16.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information Investments In Equity Method Investees 1,319sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		   1,347sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenues 43sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		 79sre_IntersegmentRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_SempraNaturalGasSegmentMember		  
Intercompany Eliminations Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense (32)us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntercompanyEliminationsSegmentMember		 (33)us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntercompanyEliminationsSegmentMember		  
Segment reporting information, Interest Income (18)us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntercompanyEliminationsSegmentMember		 (30)us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntercompanyEliminationsSegmentMember		  
Intersegment Revenues Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Revenue (89)us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentRevenuesSegmentMember		 [3] (122)us-gaap_Revenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentRevenuesSegmentMember		 [3]  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated Revenues (3.00%)sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentRevenuesSegmentMember		 (4.00%)sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfRevenues
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentRevenuesSegmentMember		  
Intersegment Receivables Segment [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Assets (2,618)us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentReceivablesSegmentMember		   (2,561)us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentReceivablesSegmentMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets (6.00%)sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentReceivablesSegmentMember		   (6.00%)sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= sre_IntersegmentReceivablesSegmentMember
All Other Segments [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Interest Expense 63us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 58us-gaap_InterestExpense
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment reporting information, Depreciation and Amortization 1us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 3us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization 0.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 1.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfDepreciationAndAmortization
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (29)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 (21)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses) (27)sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 (44)sre_SegmentReportingInformationEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses) (6.00%)sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 (18.00%)sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfEarningsLosses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]      
Segment reporting information, Expenditures for property plant and equipment 11sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 1sre_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & Equipment 1.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		 0.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfExpendituresForPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		  
Segment reporting information, Assets 960us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		   895us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember
Segment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Assets 2.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		   2.00%sre_SegmentReportingInformationPercentageOfAssets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember
Segment Reporting Information Investments In Equity Method Investees $ 163sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember		   $ 164sre_SegmentReportingInformationInvestmentsInEquityMethodInvestees
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember
[1]
Derived from audited financial statements.
[2]
After preferred dividends.
[3]
Revenues for reportable segments include intersegment revenues of $2 million, $19 million, $25 million and $43 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $3 million, $18 million, $22 million and $79 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 for SDG&E, SoCalGas, Sempra Mexico and Sempra Natural Gas, respectively.