Schedule I Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Schedule I Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 2,370	$ 2,095	$ 1,636
Net income	2,400	2,122	1,676
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(414)	(397)	366
Comprehensive income	1,986	1,725	2,042
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	30	27	40
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	1,956	1,698	2,002
MidAmerican Funding LLC [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	458	409	340
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(7)	(12)	13
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	451	397	353
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	2,370	2,095	1,636
Net income	2,373	2,097	1,637
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(414)	(397)	366
Comprehensive income	1,959	1,700	2,003
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	2	1
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 1,956	$ 1,698	$ 2,002