Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (MEC) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Common Stock [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Preferred Securities [Member] USD ($)	MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] USD ($)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 2,959	$ 562	$ 2,398	$ (29)	$ 27	$ 1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	74		74			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3			3		0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2011	3,036	562	2,472	(26)	27	1
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,272	562	2,716	(34)	27	1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	74		74			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14)			(14)		0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 3,332	$ 562	$ 2,790	$ (48)	$ 27	$ 1