BHE Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, value, issued			$ 1,000
Common stock, value, repurchased		$ (36)
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, value, issued			$ 1,000
Common stock issuances (shares)			2,857,143
Common stock repurchased (shares)	75,000
Common stock, value, repurchased	$ 36