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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, PacifiCorp defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in rates occur.

PacifiCorp continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit PacifiCorp's ability to recover its costs. PacifiCorp believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, PacifiCorp had no unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities.

PacifiCorp utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances which demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, PacifiCorp records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by PacifiCorp's proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") of the investee. PacifiCorp records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on PacifiCorp's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to PacifiCorp by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. The change in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
9

 
$
9

 
$
8

Charged to operating costs and expenses, net
13

 
14

 
13

Write-offs, net
(14
)
 
(14
)
 
(12
)
Ending balance
$
8

 
$
9

 
$
9


Derivatives

PacifiCorp employs a number of different derivative contracts, including forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage price risk for electricity, natural gas and other commodities and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or energy costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For PacifiCorp's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in rates are recorded as regulatory assets. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist of materials and supplies, coal stocks, natural gas and fuel oil, which are stated at the lower of average cost or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. PacifiCorp capitalizes all construction related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs, which include debt and equity allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"). The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed on the straight-line method based on composite asset class lives prescribed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory authorities or over the assets' estimated useful lives. Depreciation studies are completed periodically to determine the appropriate composite asset class lives, net salvage and depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the various regulatory authorities. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when PacifiCorp retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represents the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment, is capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, PacifiCorp is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.

Asset Retirement Obligations

PacifiCorp recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. PacifiCorp's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized as electricity is delivered or services are provided. Revenue recognized includes billed, as well as unbilled, amounts. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, unbilled revenue was $258 million and $251 million, respectively, and is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rates charged are established by regulators or contractual arrangements.

The determination of sales to individual customers is based on the reading of the customer's meter, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. The estimate is reversed in the following month and actual revenue is recorded based on subsequent meter readings.

The monthly unbilled revenues of PacifiCorp are determined by the estimation of unbilled energy provided during the period, the assignment of unbilled energy provided to customer classes and the average rate per customer class. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes.

PacifiCorp records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes PacifiCorp in its United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, PacifiCorp's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that PacifiCorp is required to pass on to its customers are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability. These amounts were recognized as regulatory assets of $461 million and $456 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and regulatory liabilities of $21 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and will be included in rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory jurisdictions. Investment tax credits are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $32 million and $34 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In determining PacifiCorp's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory jurisdictions. PacifiCorp's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. PacifiCorp recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more likely than not of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of PacifiCorp's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, PacifiCorp believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. PacifiCorp's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Segment Information

PacifiCorp currently has one segment, which includes its regulated electric utility operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-04, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 405, "Liabilities." The amendments in this guidance require an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay plus any additional amounts the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligor. Additionally, the guidance requires the entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation, as well as other information about those obligations. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on PacifiCorp's disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, which amends FASB ASC Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income." The amendments in this guidance require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required by GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on PacifiCorp's disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, which amends FASB ASC Topic 210, "Balance Sheet." The amendments in this guidance require an entity to provide quantitative disclosures about offsetting financial instruments and derivative instruments. Additionally, this guidance requires qualitative and quantitative disclosures about master netting agreements or similar agreements when the financial instruments and derivative instruments are not offset. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, which also amends FASB ASC Topic 210 to clarify that the scope of ASU No. 2011-11 only applies to derivative instruments, repurchase agreements, reverse purchase agreements and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either being offset or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. PacifiCorp adopted the guidance on January 1, 2013. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on PacifiCorp's disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.