Commitments and Contingencies (MEC) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member])

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements [Line Items]

Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block]

(8) Commitments and Contingencies

Contractual Obligations

In May 2011, MidAmerican Energy signed contracts totaling $427 million for the construction of emissions control equipment at two of its jointly owned generating facilities to address air quality requirements. These contracts resulted in purchase obligations for the years ending December 31 of approximately $143 million in 2012, $194 million in 2013 and $90 million in 2014. As a joint owner of the generating facilities, MidAmerican Energy's share is $238 million.

Legal Matters

MidAmerican Energy is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. MidAmerican Energy does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.