Derivative Instruments (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | |
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized gain (loss) | $ 21 | $ 27 | $ (33) | $ 67 |
| Unrealized gain (loss) | 35 | 35 | 42 | (97) |
| Components of mark-to-market activities for realized/unrealized gains (losses) [Abstract] | ||||
| Power contracts included in operating revenues | 18 | 22 | 9 | 34 |
| Natural gas contracts included in fuel and purchased energy expense | 39 | 150 | 61 | 271 |
| Interest rate swaps included in interest expense | 2 | (26) | 4 | (54) |
| Gain (Loss) on interest rate derivatives, net | (3) | (84) | (149) | (87) |
| Total mark-to-market activity | 56 | 62 | (75) | 164 |
Interest Rate Swaps | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized gain (loss) | (44) | (14) | (150) | (26) |
| Unrealized gain (loss) | 43 | (96) | 5 | (115) |
Commodity instruments | ||||
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses) [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized gain (loss) | 65 | 41 | 117 | 93 |
| Unrealized gain (loss) | $ (8) | $ 131 | $ (47) | $ 212 |