Consolidated Balance Sheets (MEC) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]
Utility plant, net:
Electric	$ 10,587	$ 9,403
Gas	1,255	1,214
Gross utility plant in service	11,842	10,617
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,120)	(3,849)
Utility plant in service, net	7,722	6,768
Construction work in progress	173	151
Total utility plant, net	7,895	6,919
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1	203
Receivables, net	373	383
Income tax receivables	272	51
Inventories	201	159
Other	57	59
Total current assets	904	855
Other assets:
Investments and nonregulated property, net	503	490
Regulatory assets	831	578
Other	177	168
Total other assets	1,511	1,236
Total assets	10,310	9,010
Capitalization:
MidAmerican Energy common shareholder's equity	3,244	2,931
Preferred securities	27	27
Noncontrolling interests	1	1
Long-term debt	3,115	2,865
Total capitalization	6,387	5,824
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	313	250
Taxes accrued	107	103
Interest accrued	34	44
Other	119	114
Total current liabilities	573	511
Other liabilities:
Deferred income taxes	1,918	1,368
Asset retirement obligations	293	216
Regulatory liabilities	719	721
Other	420	370
Total other liabilities	3,350	2,675
Total capitalization and liabilities	$ 10,310	$ 9,010