Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
BHE shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue	$ 0us-gaap_CommonStockNoParValue
Common stock, shares authorized	115us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized	115us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized
Common stock, shares issued	77us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued	77us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued
Common stock, shares outstanding	77us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding	77us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding

Face amount per share of no-par value common stock.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury.

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Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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