Consolidated Statements of Capitalization (MEC) (Parentheticals) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member], USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Weighted average interest rate for variable-rate bonds, end of period	0.15%	0.43%
Notes, 5.65% Series, due 2012 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.65%	5.65%
Notes, 5.125% Series, due 2013 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.125%	5.125%
Notes, 4.65% Series, due 2014 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.65%	4.65%
Notes, 5.95% Series, due 2017 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.95%	5.95%
Notes, 5.3% Series, due 2018 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.30%	5.30%
Notes, 6.75% Series, due 2031 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
Notes, 5.75% Series, due 2035 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.75%	5.75%
Notes, 5.8% Series, due 2036 [Member]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.80%	5.80%
Turbine purchase obligation, 1.46%, due 2013 [Member]
Vendor financing, discount rate applied	1.46%	1.46%
Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value per share	0.00	0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	70,980,203	70,980,203
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), available-for-sale adjustment, tax	(6)	(6)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), cumulative changes in net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, tax	(17)	(14)
Preferred Securities [Member]
Preferred securities, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred securities, $3.30 Series, 49,451 shares [Member]
Preferred securities, dividend rate, per-dollar-amount	3.30	3.30
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	49,451	49,451
Preferred securities, $3.75 Series, 38,305 shares [Member]
Preferred securities, dividend rate, per-dollar-amount	3.75	3.75
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	38,305	38,305
Preferred securities, $3.90 Series, 32,630 shares [Member]
Preferred securities, dividend rate, per-dollar-amount	3.90	3.90
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	32,630	32,630
Preferred securities, $4.20 Series, 22,461 shares [Member]
Preferred securities, dividend rate, per-dollar-amount	4.20	4.20
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	22,461	22,461
Preferred securities, $4.35 Series, 39,775 shares [Member]
Preferred securities, dividend rate, per-dollar-amount	4.35	4.35
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	39,775	39,775
Preferred securities, $4.40 Series, 35,697 shares [Member]
Preferred securities, dividend rate, per-dollar-amount	4.40	4.40
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	35,697	35,697
Preferred securities, $4.80 Series, 49,898 shares [Member]
Preferred securities, dividend rate, per-dollar-amount	4.80	4.80
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	49,898	49,898