Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (MEC) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Common Stock [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Preferred Securities [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] USD ($)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 2,600	$ 561	$ 2,068	$ (60)	$ 30	$ 1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	350		350			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11			11		0
Preferred dividends	(1)		(1)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	2,960	561	2,417	(49)	30	1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	357		357			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	20			20		0
Repurchase of preferred securities	(2)	1			(3)
Common dividends	(375)		(375)
Preferred dividends	(1)		(1)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	2,959	562	2,398	(29)	27	1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	319		319			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5)			(5)		0
Preferred dividends	(1)		(1)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 3,272	$ 562	$ 2,716	$ (34)	$ 27	$ 1