SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA - RESTRICTED CASH (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |
Dec. 31, 2016 |
Dec. 31, 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items] | ||
| Restricted cash | $ 76 | $ 47 |
| Restricted cash, current | 66 | 27 |
| Restricted cash, noncurrent | 10 | 20 |
| Restricted Cash, Operating Requirements [Member] | SDG&E [Member] | ||
| Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items] | ||
| Restricted cash | 12 | |
| Restricted cash, current | 11 | 23 |
| Restricted cash, noncurrent | 1 | |
| Restricted Cash, Construction Financing [Member] | Sempra Mexico [Member] | ||
| Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items] | ||
| Restricted cash, current | 52 | |
| Restricted cash, noncurrent | 9 | 20 |
| Restricted Cash, Construction Financing [Member] | Sempra Renewables [Member] | ||
| Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items] | ||
| Restricted cash, current | $ 3 | $ 4 |