Schedule I Condensed Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating costs and expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	$ 2,591	$ 2,428	$ 2,057
Total operating costs and expenses	13,171	13,552	13,280
Operating loss	4,251	4,328	4,046
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(1,854)	(1,904)	(1,711)
Other, net	36	39	42
Total other income (expense)	(1,401)	(1,593)	(1,444)
Loss before income tax benefit and equity income	2,850	2,735	2,602
Income tax (benefit) expense	403	450	589
Equity income (loss)	123	115	109
Net income	2,570	2,400	2,122
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	28	30	27
Net income (loss) attributable to parent	2,542	2,370	2,095
MidAmerican Funding LLC [Member]
Other income (expense):
Interest Expense, Long-term Debt	22	22	22
Loss before income tax benefit and equity income	(22)	(22)	(22)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(9)	(8)	(9)
Equity income (loss)	545	472	422
Net income (loss) attributable to parent	532	458	409
Parent Company [Member]
Operating costs and expenses:
General and administration	51	58	51
Depreciation and amortization	4	3	3
Total operating costs and expenses	55	61	54
Operating loss	(55)	(61)	(54)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(527)	(556)	(476)
Other, net	37	14	4
Total other income (expense)	(490)	(542)	(472)
Loss before income tax benefit and equity income	(545)	(603)	(526)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(285)	(330)	(221)
Equity income (loss)	2,805	2,646	2,402
Net income	2,545	2,373	2,097
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	3	2
Net income (loss) attributable to parent	$ 2,542	$ 2,370	$ 2,095