Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results - NPC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)									$ 4,328	$ 4,046	$ 2,835
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders									2,370	2,095	1,636
Nevada Power Company [Member]
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Electric Domestic Regulated Revenue	$ 458	$ 878	$ 607	$ 459	$ 458	$ 595	$ 417	$ 867	2,402	2,337	2,092
Operating income (loss)	74	329	136	74	34	145	55	307	613	541	435
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 17	$ 187	$ 60	$ 24	$ (9)	$ 62	$ 6	$ 168	$ 288	$ 227	$ 145