Consolidated Statements of Operations (MEC) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]
Operating revenue:
Regulated electric	$ 1,662	$ 1,779	$ 1,715
Regulated gas	769	852	857
Nonregulated	1,070	1,179	1,121
Total operating revenue	3,501	3,810	3,693
Regulated operating costs and expenses:
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity	491	566	522
Cost of gas sold	519	602	611
Other operating expenses	413	421	417
Maintenance	197	204	183
Depreciation and amortization	336	344	335
Property and other taxes	115	112	105
Total regulated operating costs and expenses	2,071	2,249	2,173
Nonregulated operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	972	1,076	1,025
Other	29	26	27
Total nonregulated operating costs and expenses	1,001	1,102	1,052
Total operating costs and expenses	3,072	3,351	3,225
Operating income	429	459	468
Non-operating income:
Interest income	1	1	0
Allowance for equity funds	16	4	0
Other, net	7	(2)	12
Total non-operating income	24	3	12
Fixed charges:
Interest on long-term debt	157	155	155
Other interest expense	1	1	3
Allowance for borrowed funds	(7)	(2)	(1)
Total fixed charges	151	154	157
Income before income tax benefit	302	308	323
Income tax benefit	(17)	(49)	(27)
Net income	319	357	350
Preferred dividends	1	0	1
Earnings on common stock	$ 318	$ 357	$ 349