Consolidated Balance Sheets (MEC) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]
Utility plant, net:
Electric	$ 10,648	$ 10,587
Gas	1,259	1,255
Gross utility plant in service	11,907	11,842
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,201)	(4,120)
Utility plant in service, net	7,706	7,722
Construction work in progress	200	173
Total utility plant, net	7,906	7,895
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	42	1
Receivables, net	352	373
Income taxes receivable	296	272
Inventories	183	201
Other	62	57
Total current assets	935	904
Other assets:
Investments and nonregulated property, net	529	503
Regulatory assets	828	831
Other	168	177
Total other assets	1,525	1,511
Total assets	10,366	10,310
Capitalization:
MidAmerican Energy common shareholder's equity	3,304	3,244
Preferred securities	27	27
Noncontrolling interests	1	1
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	2,843	3,115
Total capitalization	6,175	6,387
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	275	0
Accounts payable	269	313
Taxes accrued	87	107
Interest accrued	32	34
Other	142	119
Total current liabilities	805	573
Other liabilities:
Deferred income taxes	1,931	1,918
Asset retirement obligations	296	293
Regulatory liabilities	743	719
Other	416	420
Total other liabilities	3,386	3,350
Total capitalization and liabilities	$ 10,366	$ 10,310