Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net			$ (494)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	$ 16	$ 40	10	$ 44
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment	(318)	(214)	(479)	(83)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	(103)	119	179	236
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	(7)	(6)	(13)	13
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(412)	(61)	(303)	210
Ending balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	(797)		(797)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits			(490)	(559)
Beginning balance - foreign currency translation adjustment			(412)	(98)
Beginning balance - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			390	524
Beginning balance - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges			18	36
Beginning balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net			(494)	(97)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits			10	44
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment			(479)	(83)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			179	236
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on cash flow hedges			(13)	13
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(303)	210
Ending balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	(480)	(515)	(480)	(515)
Ending balance - foreign currency translation adjustment	(891)	(181)	(891)	(181)
Ending balance - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	569	760	569	760
Ending balance - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	5	49	5	49
Ending balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	$ (797)	$ 113	$ (797)	$ 113