v3.6.0.2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PROFIT SHARING PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Chilquinta Energia Profit Sharing [Member] |  |  |
Profit Sharing Plans [Line Items] |  |  |
Recorded Annual Profit Sharing Expense | $ 5 | $ 3 | $ 4
Luz del Sur Profit Sharing [Member] |  |  |
Profit Sharing Plans [Line Items] |  |  |
Recorded Annual Profit Sharing Expense | $ 10 | $ 10 | $ 10

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- References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | sre_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Recorded annual profit sharing expense. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | sre_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |