Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results - MEC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 17,422	$ 17,880	$ 17,326
Operating income (loss)									4,251	4,328	4,046
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders									2,542	2,370	2,095
MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 621	$ 795	$ 584	$ 625	$ 528	$ 680	$ 572	$ 722	2,625	2,502	2,822
Operating income (loss)	42	284	139	100	29	208	112	100	565	449	394
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent					(3)	233	126	90	542	446	401
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent					6	1	5	4	0	16	16
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 15	$ 320	$ 131	$ 76	$ 3	$ 234	$ 131	$ 94	$ 542	$ 462	$ 417