Asset Retirement Obligations (MEC) By Type (Details) (MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Asset Retirement Obligations By Type [Line Items]
Total asset retirement obligations	$ 318	$ 293	$ 220
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds	337	306
Quad Cities Unit Nos. 1 & 2 [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations By Type [Line Items]
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds	337	306
Quad Cities Unit Nos. 1 & 2 [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations By Type [Line Items]
Total asset retirement obligations	243	230
Thermal facilities [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations By Type [Line Items]
Total asset retirement obligations	24	23
Wind generating facilities [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations By Type [Line Items]
Total asset retirement obligations	48	36
Other [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations By Type [Line Items]
Total asset retirement obligations	3	4
Cost of removal accrual [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligations By Type [Line Items]
Regulatory Liabilities	$ 629	$ 603