Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 6,067	$ 41	$ 0	$ 4,254	$ 1,694	$ (2)	$ 80
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	550				542		8
Other comprehensive loss	(4)					(4)
Contributions - PacifiCorp's shareholders' equity	125			125
Contributions - noncontrolling interest	28						28
Distributions - noncontrolling interest	(38)						(38)
Preferred stock dividends declared	(2)				(2)
Other equity transactions	6						6
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	6,732	41	0	4,379	2,234	(6)	84
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Deconsolidation of Bridger Coal	(84)						(84)
Net income	566				566
Other comprehensive loss	(1)					(1)
Contributions - PacifiCorp's shareholders' equity	100			100
Preferred stock dividends declared	(2)				(2)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	7,311	41	0	4,479	2,798	(7)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	555				555
Other comprehensive loss	(2)					(2)
Contributions - PacifiCorp's shareholders' equity	0
Preferred stock dividends declared	(2)				(2)
Common stock dividends declared	(550)				(550)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 7,312	$ 41	$ 0	$ 4,479	$ 2,801	$ (9)	$ 0