Segment Information - Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	$ 5,120
Acquisitions	154
Foreign currency translation	(3)
Other	(20)
Balance, September 30, 2013	5,251
PacifiCorp [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	1,126
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	3
Balance, September 30, 2013	1,129
MidAmerican Funding [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	2,102
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2013	2,102
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	179
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	(20)
Balance, September 30, 2013	159
Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	1,135
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	(3)
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2013	1,132
MidAmerican Renewables [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	71
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	(3)
Balance, September 30, 2013	68
HomeServices [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	507
Acquisitions	150
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2013	657
Other [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2012	0
Acquisitions	4
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2013	$ 4