MEHC Subordinated Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

MEHC Subordinated Debt [Abstract]

Subordinated Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

(11) MEHC Subordinated Debt

MEHC subordinated debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments, as of December 31 (in millions):

	Par Value		2011		2010
CalEnergy Capital Trust III-6.5%, due 2027	$	—	$	—	$	150
MidAmerican Capital Trust II-11%, due 2012	22		22		65
MidAmerican Capital Trust III-11%, due 2011	—		—		100
Total MEHC Subordinated Debt	$	22	$	22	$	315

In the fourth quarter of 2011, MEHC called and repaid at par value $191 million of 6.5% CalEnergy Capital Trust III subordinated debt due in September 2027 and recognized a loss on redemption of $40 million. In July 2010, MEHC called and repaid at par value $92 million of 6.25% CalEnergy Capital Trust II subordinated debt due in February 2012. In January 2009, MEHC repaid $500 million to affiliates of Berkshire Hathaway related to redeemable trust preferred securities issued by MidAmerican Capital Trust IV to affiliates of Berkshire Hathaway in September 2008. Interest expense to Berkshire Hathaway for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $13 million, $30 million and $58 million, respectively.