Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results - NPC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)									$ 4,251	$ 4,328	$ 4,046
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders									2,542	2,370	2,095
Nevada Power Company [Member]
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Electric Domestic Regulated Revenue	$ 393	$ 766	$ 525	$ 399	$ 458	$ 607	$ 459	$ 878
Operating income (loss)	69	324	141	46	74	136	74	329	580	613	541
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 22	$ 188	$ 66	$ 3	$ 17	$ 60	$ 24	$ 187	$ 279	$ 288	$ 227