Segment Information - Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2011	$ 4,996
Foreign currency translation	9
Other	11
Balance, June 30, 2012	5,016
PacifiCorp [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2011	1,126
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, June 30, 2012	1,126
MidAmerican Funding [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2011	2,102
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, June 30, 2012	2,102
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2011	205
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	(13)
Balance, June 30, 2012	192
Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2011	1,097
Foreign currency translation	9
Other	0
Balance, June 30, 2012	1,106
MidAmerican Renewables [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2011	71
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, June 30, 2012	71
HomeServices [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2011	395
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	24
Balance, June 30, 2012	$ 419