Schedule I Condensed Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating costs and expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	$ 2,428	$ 2,057	$ 1,560
Total operating costs and expenses	13,552	13,280	9,800
Operating loss	4,328	4,046	2,835
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(1,904)	(1,711)	(1,222)
Other, net	39	42	51
Total other income (expense)	(1,593)	(1,444)	(994)
Loss before income tax benefit and equity income	2,735	2,602	1,841
Income tax (benefit) expense	450	589	130
Equity income (loss)	115	109	(35)
Net income	2,400	2,122	1,676
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	30	27	40
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	2,370	2,095	1,636
MidAmerican Funding LLC [Member]
Other income (expense):
Interest Expense, Long-term Debt	22	22	22
Loss before income tax benefit and equity income	(22)	(22)	(22)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(8)	(9)	(9)
Equity income (loss)	472	422	353
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	458	409	340
Parent Company [Member]
Operating costs and expenses:
General and administration	58	51	64
Depreciation and amortization	3	3	1
Total operating costs and expenses	61	54	65
Operating loss	(61)	(54)	(65)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(556)	(476)	(347)
Other, net	14	4	25
Total other income (expense)	(542)	(472)	(322)
Loss before income tax benefit and equity income	(603)	(526)	(387)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(330)	(221)	(345)
Equity income (loss)	2,646	2,402	1,679
Net income	2,373	2,097	1,637
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	2	1
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 2,370	$ 2,095	$ 1,636