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Variable-Interest Entities Variable-Interest Entities (Notes)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
PacifiCorp [Member]  
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]  
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]
Variable-Interest Entities

PacifiCorp holds an undivided interest in 50% of the Hermiston generating facility (refer to Note 4). Prior to the expiration of a power purchase agreement in July 2016, PacifiCorp dictated when the generating facility operated, procured 100% of the natural gas for the generating facility and subsequently received 100% of the generated electricity, 50% of which was acquired through a power purchase agreement that expired. As a result, PacifiCorp held a variable interest in the joint owner of the remaining 50% of the facility and was the primary beneficiary. With the expiration of the power purchase agreement, PacifiCorp no longer holds a variable interest in the joint owner. PacifiCorp was unable to obtain the information necessary to previously consolidate the entity because the entity did not supply the information due to the lack of a contractual obligation to do so. Cost of the electricity purchased from the joint owner was $20 million, $39 million and $38 million during each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The entity is operated by the equity owners and PacifiCorp has no risk of loss in relation to the entity in the event of a disaster.

PacifiCorp holds a two-thirds interest in Bridger Coal Company ("Bridger Coal"), which supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating facility that is owned two-thirds by PacifiCorp and one-third by PacifiCorp's joint venture partner in Bridger Coal. PacifiCorp purchases two-thirds of the coal produced by Bridger Coal, while the remaining coal is purchased by the joint venture partner. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bridger Coal's economic performance are shared with the joint venture partner. Each joint venture partner is jointly and severally liable for the obligations of Bridger Coal. Bridger Coal's necessary working capital to carry out its mining operations is financed by contributions from PacifiCorp and its joint venture partner. PacifiCorp's equity investment in Bridger Coal was $165 million and $190 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Refer to Note 18 for information regarding related-party transactions with Bridger Coal.