XML 98 R59.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Contingencies and Commitments (Contractual Commitments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Consumers Energy Company [Member] |  |  |  |
Expiration Date | Various through September 2029 |  |  |
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted | $ 30 |  |  |
Carrying Amount | 1 |  |  |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Capacity Charge Per Mwh | 10.14 |  |  |
Guarantees and put options [Member] |  |  |  |
Expiration Date | Various through March 2021 |  |  |
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted | 63 | [1] |  |
Carrying Amount | 1 | [1] |  |
Indemnity obligations from asset sales and other agreements [Member] |  |  |  |
Expiration Date | Various through September 2029 |  |  |
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted | 512 | [2] |  |
Carrying Amount | 17 |  |  |
CMS Land [Member] |  |  |  |
Carrying Amount | 1 |  |  |
Non-Related Parties [Member] | Consumers Energy Company [Member] |  |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Total | 14,966 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year One | 1,868 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Two | 1,204 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Three | 927 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Four | 1,010 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Five | 1,010 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due After Year Five | 8,947 |  |  |
Related Parties [Member] | Consumers Energy Company [Member] |  |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Total | 1,686 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year One | 92 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Two | 91 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Three | 96 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Four | 101 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due in Year Five | 103 |  |  |
Purchase Obligations Due After Year Five | 1,203 |  |  |
MCV PPA [Member] | Consumers Energy Company [Member] |  |  |  |
Term of Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation | 35-year |  |  |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Minimum Quantity Required | 1,240 |  |  |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Annual Contribution to Renewable Resources Program By Counterparty | 5 |  |  |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Contract Extension Period | five years |  |  |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Purchases | 292 |  | 285 | 246
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Estimated Average Capacity and Energy Charges | 380 |  |  |
Palisades PPA [Member] | Consumers Energy Company [Member] |  |  |  |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Purchases | 311 |  | 286 | 276
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Estimated Average Capacity and Energy Charges | $ 340 |  |  |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Maximum Quantity | 798 |  |  |
[1] | At December 31, 2011, the carrying amount of CMS Land's put option agreements with certain Bay Harbor property owners was $1 million. If CMS Land is required to purchase a Bay Harbor property under a put option agreement, it may sell the property to recover the amount paid under the put option agreement.
[2] | The majority of this amount arises from stock and asset sale agreements under which CMS Energy or a subsidiary of CMS Energy, other than Consumers, indemnified the purchaser for losses resulting from various matters, including claims related to tax disputes, claims related to PPAs, and defects in title to the assets or stock sold to the purchaser by CMS Energy subsidiaries. Except for items described elsewhere in this Note, CMS Energy believes the likelihood of material loss to be remote for the indemnity obligations not recorded as liabilities.

X
- Definition Annual contribution to be paid by counterparty to a renewable resources program. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cms_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationAnnualContributionToRenewableResourcesProgramByCounterparty
Namespace Prefix: | cms_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The price per MWh of available capacity that must be paid, in connection with an unconditional purchase obligation that has not been recognized for financial reporting purposes. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cms_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationCapacityChargePerMwh
Namespace Prefix: | cms_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Specifies length of time the contract can be extended at the end of the contract term. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cms_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationContractExtensionPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | cms_
Data Type: | us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Annual average capacity and energy charges estimated per year under the contract. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cms_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationEstimatedAverageCapacityAndEnergyCharges
Namespace Prefix: | cms_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The current carrying amount of the liability for the freestanding or embedded guarantor's obligations under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 9 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Describe the approximate term of the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsTerm
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Describes the term of the unconditional purchase obligation that is not recorded as a liability on the balance sheet. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TermOfUnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation to be paid in more than four and within five years from the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFifthAnniversary
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation to be paid within one year of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFirstAnniversary
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation to be paid in more than three and within four years from the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnFourthAnniversary
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation to be paid in more than one and within two years from the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnSecondAnniversary
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation to be paid in more than two and within three years from the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceOnThirdAnniversary
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation as of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationBalanceSheetAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The remaining amount of the fixed and determinable portion of an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation to be paid after five years from the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueAfterFiveYears
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum number of units that may be acquired, in connection with an unconditional purchase obligation that has not been recognized for financial reporting purposes. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationMaximumQuantity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The minimum number of units that must be purchased, in connection with an unconditional purchase obligation that has not been recognized for financial reporting purposes. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationMinimumQuantityRequired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount purchased during the period under an unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation (for example, under the take-or-pay or throughput contract). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25336-109308 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationPurchases
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration