Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net - MEC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	$ (908)
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	19	$ (11)	$ (18)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(603)	(414)	(397)
Ending balance	(1,511)	(908)
MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	(30)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	3	0	1
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	0	(7)	(13)
Dividend, Noncash, Transfer Of Operations	90	0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	3	(7)	(12)
Ending balance	0	(30)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	615	390	524
Beginning balance	7	18	36
Beginning balance	(908)	(494)	(97)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(30)	225	(134)
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	19	(11)	(18)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(603)	(414)	(397)
Ending balance	585	615	390
Ending balance	26	7	18
Ending balance	(1,511)	(908)	(494)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] | MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	(3)	(3)
Beginning balance	(27)	(20)
Beginning balance	(30)	(23)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	3	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	0	(7)
Dividend, Noncash, Transfer Of Operations	27
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	3	(7)	(12)
Ending balance	0	(3)	(3)
Ending balance	0	(27)	(20)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ (30)	$ (23)