| Cover | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SEMPRA ENERGY |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | CA |
| Entity File Number | 1-14201 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0732627 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 488 8th Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Diego |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92101 |
| City Area Code | (619) |
| Local Phone Number | 696-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001032208 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Sempra Energy Common Stock, without par value |
| Trading Symbol | SRE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Convertible Preferred Stock Series A [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Sempra Energy 6% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, $100 liquidation preference |
| Trading Symbol | SREPRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Convertible Preferred Stock Series B | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Sempra Energy 6.75% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B, $100 liquidation preference |
| Trading Symbol | SREPRB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Sempra Energy 5.75% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2079 [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Sempra Energy 5.75% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2079, $25 par value |
| Trading Symbol | SREA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
