Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Roll Forward]
Balance, accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	$ (97)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	69	16	(84)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, foreign currency translation adjustment	(314)	74	135
Other comprehensive (loss) income, unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	(134)	263	119
Other comprehensive (loss) income, unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	(18)	13	8
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(397)	366	178
Balance, accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	(494)	(97)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Roll Forward]
Balance, unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	(559)	(575)	(491)
Balance, foreign currency translation adjustment	(98)	(172)	(307)
Balance, unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	524	261	142
Balance, unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	36	23	15
Balance, accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	(97)	(463)	(641)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	69	16	(84)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, foreign currency translation adjustment	(314)	74	135
Other comprehensive (loss) income, unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	(134)	263	119
Other comprehensive (loss) income, unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	(18)	13	8
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(397)	366	178
Balance, unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	(490)	(559)	(575)
Balance, foreign currency translation adjustment	(412)	(98)	(172)
Balance, unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	390	524	261
Balance, unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	18	36	23
Balance, accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	$ (494)	$ (97)	$ (463)

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Accumulated appreciation or loss, net of tax, in value of the total of available-for-sale securities at the end of an accounting period.

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Accumulated change, net of tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

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The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

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Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

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Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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