Schedule II Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year		$ 31	$ 37	$ 33
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		39	33	37
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments		0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions		(37)	(39)	(33)
Balance at End of Year		33	31	37
Reserves not deducted from assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	[1]	13	11	9
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	[1]	5	7	12
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	[1]	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	[1]	(5)	(5)	(10)
Balance at End of Year	[1]	$ 13	$ 13	$ 11

[1] serves not deducted from assets relate primarily to estimated liabilities for losses retained by BHE for workers compensation, public liability and property damage claims.