Schedule II Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year		$ 37	$ 33	$ 22
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		33	37	23
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments		0	0	9
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions		(39)	(33)	(21)
Balance at End of Year		31	37	33
Reserves not deducted from assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	[1]	11	9	9
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	[1]	7	12	6
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	[1]	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	[1]	(5)	(10)	(6)
Balance at End of Year	[1]	$ 13	$ 11	$ 9

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