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Regulatory Matters (MEC) (Tables) (MidAmerican Energy Company [Member])
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]
 
Regulatory Matters Disclosure [Line Items]  
Regulatory Assets [Table Text Block]
Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future regulated rates. MidAmerican Energy's regulatory assets reflected on the Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining Life
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes, net(1)
24 years
 
$
649

 
$
640

Asset retirement obligations(2)
19 years
 
34

 
24

Employee benefit plans(3)
10 years
 
26

 
121

Unrealized loss on regulated derivative contracts
1 year
 
10

 
50

Other
Various
 
29

 
41

Total
 
 
$
748

 
$
876

(1)
Amounts primarily represent income tax benefits related to state accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously flowed through to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.
(2)
Amount predominantly relates to asset retirement obligations for fossil-fueled and wind-powered generating facilities. Refer to Note 12 for a discussion of asset retirement obligations.
(3)
Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.

Regulatory Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. MidAmerican Energy's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining Life
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of removal accrual(1)
24 years
 
$
649

 
$
629

Asset retirement obligations(2)
24 years
 
140

 
94

Employee benefit plans(3)
10 years
 
55

 

Other
Various
 
31

 
27

Total
 
 
$
875

 
$
750

(1)
Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing utility plant in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.
(2)
Amount predominantly represents the excess of nuclear decommission trust assets over the related asset retirement obligation. Refer to Note 12 for a discussion of asset retirement obligations.
(3)
Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are to be returned to customers in future periods when recognized.