Berkshire Hathaway Energy 10-Q 2 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001081316	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	77,466,144	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,292	$1,175
Trade receivables, net	1,896	1,769
Inventories	785	853
Other current assets	1,213	1,105
Total current assets	5,186	4,902
Property, plant and equipment, net	50,675	50,119
Goodwill	7,609	7,527
Regulatory assets	3,456	3,322
Investments and restricted cash and investments	3,324	3,236
Other assets	879	894
Total assets	71,129	70,000
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	1,471	1,636
Accrued interest	419	431
Accrued property, income and other taxes	385	362
Accrued employee expenses	261	228
Short-term debt	211	232
Current portion of long-term debt	1,172	1,188
Other current liabilities	935	887
Total current liabilities	4,854	4,964
Regulatory liabilities	2,534	2,498
Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt	6,366	6,366
Berkshire Hathaway Energy junior subordinated debentures	2,594	2,594
Subsidiary debt	22,053	21,864
Deferred income taxes	10,385	10,158
Other long-term liabilities	2,805	2,740
Total liabilities	51,591	51,184
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	6,390	6,390
Retained earnings	12,921	12,418
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	125	-97
Total Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders' equity	19,436	18,711
Noncontrolling interests	102	105
Total equity	19,538	18,816
Total liabilities and equity	$71,129	$70,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	115	115
Common stock, shares issued	77	77
Common stock, shares outstanding	77	77

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenue:	'	'
Energy	$3,891	$2,786
Real estate	358	281
Total operating revenue	4,249	3,067
Energy:	'	'
Cost of sales	1,632	964
Operating expense	822	668
Depreciation and amortization	475	384
Real estate	370	278
Total operating costs and expenses	3,299	2,294
Operating income	950	773
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense	-418	-290
Capitalized interest	29	21
Allowance for equity funds	27	19
Other, net	16	16
Total other income (expense)	-346	-234
Income before income tax expense and equity income	604	539
Income tax expense	112	109
Equity income	15	14
Net income	507	444
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	6
Net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders	$503	$438

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$507	$444
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $1 and $16	7	47
Foreign currency translation adjustment	29	-212
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $116 and $20	173	27
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $9 and $10	13	16
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	222	-122
Comprehensive income	729	322
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	6
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders	$725	$316

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, tax	$1	$16
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, tax	116	20
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, tax	$9	$10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$15,910	$0	$5,423	$10,782	($463)	$168
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	75	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income	442	0	0	438	0	4
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-122	0	0	0	-122	0
Distributions	-7	0	0	0	0	-7
Other equity transactions	3	0	0	0	0	3
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	16,226	0	5,423	11,220	-585	168
Balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2013	'	75	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	18,816	0	6,390	12,418	-97	105
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	77	77	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income	506	0	0	503	0	3
Other comprehensive (loss) income	222	0	0	0	222	0
Distributions	-6	0	0	0	0	-6
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$19,538	$0	$6,390	$12,921	$125	$102
Balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	77	77	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$507	$444
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	482	389
Allowance for equity funds	-27	-19
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits	150	133
Other, net	6	-5
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:	'	'
Trade receivables and other assets	-16	115
Derivative collateral, net	-21	24
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	-9	-18
Accrued property, income and other taxes	-52	298
Accounts payable and other liabilities	6	-12
Net cash flows from operating activities	1,026	1,349
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-1,183	-891
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and investments	219	-33
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-84	-81
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	59	69
Equity method investments	-4	-17
Other, net	4	-7
Net cash flows from investing activities	-989	-960
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayments of Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior debt	-250	0
Proceeds from subsidiary debt	425	0
Repayments of subsidiary debt	-50	-94
Net repayments of short-term debt	-22	-436
Other, net	-22	-12
Net cash flows from financing activities	81	-542
Effect of exchange rate changes	-1	-5
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	117	-158
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,175	776
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$1,292	$618

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-1	General
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("Berkshire Hathaway Energy"), formerly known as MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, is a holding company that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company"). Berkshire Hathaway Energy is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").
	The Company's operations are organized and managed as ten distinct platforms: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas"), Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River"), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid Holdings") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), MidAmerican Transmission, LLC (which owns a 50% interest in Electric Transmission Texas, LLC ("ETT") and Electric Transmission America, LLC), MidAmerican Renewables, LLC (which owns interests in independent power projects in the United States), CalEnergy Philippines (which owns a majority interest in the Casecnan project in the Philippines), and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). Through these platforms, the Company owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, a 50% interest in electric transmission businesses, a diversified portfolio of independent power projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and the second largest residential real estate brokerage franchise network in the United States. Northern Natural Gas and Kern River have been aggregated in the reportable segment called MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group, MidAmerican Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines have been aggregated in the reportable segment called MidAmerican Renewables and MidAmerican Transmission, LLC has been included in Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other.
	The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2014 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in the Company's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the three-month period ended March 31, 2014.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Accounting Changes [Text Block]	'
	-2	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 405, "Liabilities." The amendments in this guidance require an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay plus any additional amounts the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligor. Additionally, the guidance requires the entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation, as well as other information about those obligations. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-3	Business Acquisitions
	NV Energy, Inc.
	Description of the Transaction
	On December 19, 2013, Berkshire Hathaway Energy completed the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 29, 2013, among Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Silver Merger Sub, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s wholly-owned subsidiary, and NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), whereby Merger Sub was merged into NV Energy and NV Energy became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy ("NV Energy Transaction") for a purchase price of $5.6 billion. NV Energy owns two regulated public utilities, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific (together, the "Nevada Utilities"), that provide electric service to 1.2 million regulated retail electric customers and 0.2 million regulated retail natural gas customers in Nevada.
	Allocation of Purchase Price
	The operations of the Nevada Utilities are subject to the rate-setting authority of the PUCN and the FERC and are accounted for pursuant to GAAP, including the authoritative guidance for regulated operations. The rate-setting and cost recovery provisions establish retail rates on a cost-of-service basis designed to allow the Nevada Utilities an opportunity to recover their costs of providing service and a return on their investments in rate base. Except for regulatory assets not earning a return and certain assets not currently in rates, the fair value of the Nevada Utilities' assets acquired and liabilities assumed subject to these rate-setting provisions are assumed to approximate their carrying values and, therefore, no fair value adjustments have been reflected related to these amounts.
	The fair value of NV Energy's assets acquired and liabilities assumed not subject to the rate-setting provisions discussed above was determined using an income approach. This approach is based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 inputs, which are judgmental in nature. The estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in the future cash flows and future market prices. The fair value of certain assets not currently in rates and certain environmental and other contingencies, among other items, are provisional and are subject to revision for up to 12 months following the acquisition date until the related valuations are completed. These items may be adjusted through regulatory assets or liabilities, to the extent recoverable in rates, or goodwill provided additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Such information includes, but is not limited to, the resolution of matters pertaining to the recovery of certain assets not currently in rates and the resolution of certain environmental and other contingency related items.
	NV Energy's non-regulated assets acquired and liabilities assumed consist principally of NV Energy’s 6.25% senior notes due in 2020 and NV Energy’s variable-rate term loan due in 2014. The fair value of these liabilities was determined based on quoted market prices.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions):
			Fair Value
	Current assets, including cash and cash equivalents of $304		$	1,160
	Property, plant and equipment		9,550
	Goodwill		2,362
	Other long-term assets		1,321
	Total assets		14,393
	Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $218		882
	Subsidiary debt, less current portion		5,124
	Deferred income taxes		1,757
	Other long-term liabilities		1,034
	Total liabilities		8,797
	Net assets acquired		$	5,596
	During the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, the Company made revisions to certain assets not currently in rates and certain environmental and other contingencies based upon the receipt of additional information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Provisional amounts are subject to further revision for up to 12 months following the acquisition date until the related valuations are completed.
	Goodwill
	The excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed totaled $2.4 billion and is reflected as goodwill in the NV Energy reportable segment. The goodwill reflects the value paid primarily for the long-term opportunity to improve operating results through the efficient management of operating expenses and the deployment of capital, as well as the opportunity to improve regulatory relationships and develop customer solutions to meet the long-term needs of the Nevada Utilities. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes, and no deferred income taxes have been recorded related to the goodwill.
	Pro Forma Financial Information
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of Berkshire Hathaway Energy assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2012 (in millions):
		Three-Month Period
		Ended March 31, 2013
	Operating revenue	$	3,634
	Net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders	$	441
	The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved or the future consolidated results of operations of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. The information is provisional in nature and subject to change based on final purchase accounting adjustments.
	AltaLink, L.P.
	On May 1, 2014, Berkshire Hathaway Energy entered into a Share Purchase Agreement whereby Berkshire Hathaway Energy, through a subsidiary, will acquire 100% of AltaLink, L.P. ("AltaLink"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. ("SNC-Lavalin"), for an estimated cash purchase price of C$3.2 billion (approximately US$2.9 billion). The purchase price is subject to adjustments based on certain capital contributions made into AltaLink and the timing of closing. Berkshire Hathaway Energy's shareholders have committed to provide the capital to fund the entire purchase price of AltaLink; however, Berkshire Hathaway Energy expects to fund the purchase price with capital from its shareholders and by issuing senior unsecured debt at Berkshire Hathaway Energy. AltaLink is a regulated transmission-only business, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The transaction has been approved by both the SNC-Lavalin and Berkshire Hathaway Energy boards of directors. The Share Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of both SNC-Lavalin and Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and is subject to customary closing conditions including required approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-4	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following (in millions):
			As of
		Depreciable	March 31,			December 31,
		Life	2014			2013
	Regulated assets:
	Utility generation, distribution and transmission system	5-80 years	$	57,903		$	57,490
	Interstate pipeline assets	3-80 years	6,498			6,448
			64,401			63,938
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(20,258		)	(19,874		)
	Regulated assets, net		44,143			44,064
	Nonregulated assets:
	Independent power plants	5-30 years	2,425			1,994
	Other assets	3-30 years	574			522
			2,999			2,516
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(714		)	(678		)
	Nonregulated assets, net		2,285			1,838
	Net operating assets		46,428			45,902
	Construction work-in-progress		4,247			4,217
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	50,675		$	50,119
	Construction work-in-progress includes $2.9 billion and $2.8 billion as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to the construction of regulated assets.

Investments_and_Restricted_Cas

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Text Block]	'
	-5	Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments
	Investments and restricted cash and investments consists of the following (in millions):
		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Investments:
	BYD Company Limited common stock	$	1,391	$	1,103
	Rabbi trusts	372		373
	Other	145		126
	Total investments	1,908		1,602
	Equity method investments:
	ETT	469		454
	CE Generation, LLC	181		185
	Bridger Coal Company	179		178
	Agua Caliente Solar, LLC(1)	46		41
	Other	87		85
	Total equity method investments	962		943
	Restricted cash and investments:
	Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds	398		394
	Solar Star and Topaz Projects	8		236
	Other	140		126
	Total restricted cash and investments	546		756
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,416	$	3,301
	Reflected as:
	Current assets	$	92	$	65
	Noncurrent assets	3,324		3,236
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,416	$	3,301
	-1	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the equity investment is net of investment tax credits totaling $233 million.
	Investments
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock is accounted for as an available-for-sale security with changes in fair value recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock was $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, which resulted in a pre-tax unrealized gain of $1.2 billion and $871 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Recent_Financing_Transactions

Recent Financing Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-6	Recent Financing Transactions
	Long-Term Debt
	In April 2014, MidAmerican Energy issued $150 million of its 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due March 2019, $300 million of its 3.50% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2024 and $400 million of its 4.40% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2044. The net proceeds will be used for the optional redemption in May 2014 of $350 million of MidAmerican Energy's 4.65% Senior Notes due October 2014, and for general corporate purposes.
	In March 2014, PacifiCorp issued $425 million of its 3.60% First Mortgage Bonds due April 2024. The net proceeds are being used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.
	Credit Facilities
	In March 2014, PacifiCorp arranged for the cancellation of $97 million of letters of credit previously issued to support variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations. As of March 31, 2014, PacifiCorp had $451 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements to support variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations, of which $270 million were issued under revolving credit facilities. As of March 31, 2014, PacifiCorp had $142 million of variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations outstanding supported by its revolving credit facilities.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-7	Income Taxes
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows:
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%	35	%
	Income tax credits	(15	)	(13	)
	State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	1		2
	Income tax effect of foreign income	(3	)	(3	)
	Other, net	1		(1	)
	Effective income tax rate	19	%	20	%
	Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by wind-powered generating facilities owned by PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and Bishop Hill Energy II LLC. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service.
	Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its United States federal income tax return. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company received net cash payments for income taxes from Berkshire Hathaway totaling $- million and $323 million, respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-8	Employee Benefit Plans
	Domestic Operations
	Net periodic benefit cost for the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans included the following components (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Pension:
	Service cost	$	8		$	6
	Interest cost	33			22
	Expected return on plan assets	(41		)	(30		)
	Net amortization	11			15
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	11		$	13
	Other postretirement:
	Service cost	$	3		$	3
	Interest cost	11			8
	Expected return on plan assets	(13		)	(10		)
	Net amortization	(1		)	1
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	2
	Employer contributions to the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $48 million and $5 million, respectively, during 2014. As of March 31, 2014, $9 million and $- million of contributions had been made to the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively.
	Foreign Operations
	Net periodic benefit cost for the United Kingdom pension plan included the following components (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	6		$	5
	Interest cost	24			21
	Expected return on plan assets	(31		)	(25		)
	Net amortization	13			14
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	12		$	15
	Employer contributions to the United Kingdom pension plan are expected to be £56 million during 2014. As of March 31, 2014, £14 million, or $23 million, of contributions had been made to the United Kingdom pension plan.

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac

Risk Management and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-9	Risk Management and Hedging Activities
	The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through Berkshire Hathaway Energy's ownership of PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific (the "Utilities") as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. MidAmerican Energy also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold, and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Additionally, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk from its business operations and investments in Great Britain. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities.
	Each of the Company's business platforms has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in its business. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, the Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices.
	There have been no significant changes in the Company's accounting policies related to derivatives. Refer to Note 10 for additional information on derivative contracts.
	The following table, which reflects master netting arrangements and excludes contracts that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of the Company's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amounts to the amounts presented on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		Other							Other			Other
		Current				Other			Current			Long-term
		Assets				Assets			Liabilities			Liabilities			Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Not designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets(1)	$	14			$	52		$	34		$	1		$	101
	Commodity liabilities(1)	1				(1		)	(99		)	(110		)	(209		)
	Interest rate assets	4				2			—			—			6
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(1		)	—			(1		)
	Total	19				53			(66		)	(109		)	(103		)
	Designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets	17				—			1			(1		)	17
	Commodity liabilities	(1		)		—			(2		)	(4		)	(7		)
	Interest rate assets	—				4			—			—			4
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(6		)	—			(6		)
	Total	16				4			(7		)	(5		)	8
	Total derivatives	35				57			(73		)	(114		)	(95		)
	Cash collateral receivable	—				—			26			1			27
	Total derivatives - net basis	$	35			$	57		$	(47	)	$	(113	)	$	(68	)
		Other							Other			Other
		Current				Other			Current			Long-term
		Assets				Assets			Liabilities			Liabilities			Total
	As of December 31, 2013
	Not designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets(1)	$	16			$	62		$	18		$	2		$	98
	Commodity liabilities(1)	(2		)		(1		)	(78		)	(145		)	(226		)
	Interest rate assets	3				5			—			—			8
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(1		)	—			(1		)
	Total	17				66			(61		)	(143		)	(121		)
	Designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets	1				—			1			—			2
	Commodity liabilities	(1		)		—			(5		)	(8		)	(14		)
	Interest rate assets	—				6			—			—			6
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(6		)	—			(6		)
	Total	—				6			(10		)	(8		)	(12		)
	Total derivatives	17				72			(71		)	(151		)	(133		)
	Cash collateral receivable	(2		)		—			1			13			12
	Total derivatives - net basis	$	15			$	72		$	(70	)	$	(138	)	$	(121	)
	-1	The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a net regulatory asset of $159 million and $182 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $108 million and $128 million, respectively.
	Not Designated as Hedging Contracts
	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's net regulatory assets and summarizes the pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts recognized in net regulatory assets, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Beginning balance	$	182			$	235
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	4				(19		)
	Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue	(30		)		4
	Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales	3				(46		)
	Ending balance	$	159			$	174
	Designated as Hedging Contracts
	The Company uses commodity derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges to hedge electricity and natural gas commodity prices for delivery to nonregulated customers, spring operational sales, natural gas storage and other transactions. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) and summarizes pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income ("OCI"), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Beginning balance	$	12			$	32
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	(59		)		(25		)
	Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales	35				(5		)
	Ending balance	$	(12	)		$	2
Certain derivative contracts, principally interest rate locks, have settled and the fair value at the date of settlement remains in AOCI and is recognized in earnings when the forecasted transactions impact earnings. Realized gains and losses on hedges and hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in income as operating revenue, cost of sales, operating expense or interest expense depending upon the nature of the item being hedged. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, hedge ineffectiveness was insignificant. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had cash flow hedges with expiration dates extending through December 2019 and $14 million of pre-tax net unrealized gains are forecasted to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months as contracts settle.
Derivative Contract Volumes
The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with indexed and fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of (in millions):
	Unit of		March 31,			December 31,
	Measure		2014			2013
Electricity sales	Megawatt hours		(8	)		(5	)
Natural gas purchases	Decatherms		334			322
Fuel purchases	Gallons		6			9
Interest rate swaps	US$		650			650
Mortgage sale commitments, net	US$		(60	)		(121	)
Credit Risk
The Utilities extend unsecured credit to other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants in conjunction with their wholesale energy supply and marketing activities. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that might occur as a result of nonperformance by counterparties on their contractual obligations to make or take delivery of electricity, natural gas or other commodities and to make financial settlements of these obligations. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent that one or more groups of counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in market or other conditions. In addition, credit risk includes not only the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances relating directly to it, but also the risk that a counterparty may default due to circumstances involving other market participants that have a direct or indirect relationship with the counterparty.
The Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty before entering into any transactions, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To mitigate exposure to the financial risks of wholesale counterparties, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. Counterparties may be assessed fees for delayed payments. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.
MidAmerican Energy also has potential indirect credit exposure to other market participants in the regional transmission organization markets where it actively participates, including the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. and the PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
Collateral and Contingent Features
In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale derivative contracts contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These derivative contracts may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of March 31, 2014, the applicable credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade.
The aggregate fair value of the Company's derivative contracts in liability positions with specific credit-risk-related contingent features totaled $128 million and $176 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for which the Company had posted collateral of $- million and $12 million, respectively, in the form of cash deposits. If all credit-risk-related contingent features for derivative contracts in liability positions had been triggered as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company would have been required to post $113 million and $147 million, respectively, of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	-10	Fair Value Measurements
	The carrying value of the Company's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Financial Statements using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:
	•	Level 1 — Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 — Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
	•	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.
	The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
			Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Other(1)			Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Commodity derivatives		$	4			$	58			$	56			$	(36	)	$	82
	Interest rate derivatives		—				10				—				—			10
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—				73				—				—			73
	Money market mutual funds(2)		951				—				—				—			951
	Debt securities:
	United States government obligations		133				—				—				—			133
	International government obligations		—				1				—				—			1
	Corporate obligations		—				40				—				—			40
	Municipal obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Auction rate securities		—				—				45				—			45
	Equity securities:
	United States companies		216				—				—				—			216
	International companies		1,395				—				—				—			1,395
	Investment funds		136				—				—				—			136
			$	2,835			$	186			$	101			$	(36	)	$	3,086
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives		$	—			$	(173	)		$	(43	)		$	63		$	(153	)
	Interest rate derivatives		—				(7		)		—				—			(7		)
			$	—			$	(180	)		$	(43	)		$	63		$	(160	)
	As of December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Commodity derivatives		$	3			$	28			$	69			$	(27	)	$	73
	Interest rate derivatives		—				14				—				—			14
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—				130				—				—			130
	Money market mutual funds(2)		809				—				—				—			809
	Debt securities:
	United States government obligations		134				—				—				—			134
	International government obligations		—				1				—				—			1
	Corporate obligations		—				38				—				—			38
	Municipal obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Auction rate securities		—				—				44				—			44
	Equity securities:
	United States companies		214				—				—				—			214
	International companies		1,107				—				—				—			1,107
	Investment funds		114				—				—				—			114
			$	2,381			$	215			$	113			$	(27	)	$	2,682
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives		$	(1	)		$	(230	)		$	(9	)		$	39		$	(201	)
	Interest rate derivatives		—				(7		)		—				—			(7		)
			$	(1	)		$	(237	)		$	(9	)		$	39		$	(208	)
	-1	Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $27 million and $12 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	-2	Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents; other current assets; and noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.
	Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which the Company transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, the Company uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent the Company's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. The Company bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by the Company. Market price quotations are generally readily obtainable for the applicable term of the Company's outstanding derivative contracts; therefore, the Company's forward price curves reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to the length of the contract. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, the Company uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. Refer to Note 9 for further discussion regarding the Company's risk management and hedging activities.
	The Company's mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on independent quoted market prices, where available, or the prices of other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As necessary, these prices are adjusted for typical securitization activities, including servicing value, portfolio composition, market conditions and liquidity.
	The Company's investments in money market mutual funds and debt and equity securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputs and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics. The fair value of the Company's investments in auction rate securities, where there is no current liquid market, is determined using pricing models based on available observable market data and the Company's judgment about the assumptions, including liquidity and nonperformance risks, which market participants would use when pricing the asset.
	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
						Auction
		Commodity				Rate
		Derivatives				Securities
2014:00:00
Beginning balance	$	60			$	44
Changes included in earnings	(17		)		—
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	3				1
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	2				—
Transfers from level 2	(35		)		—
Ending balance	$	13			$	45
	Three-Month Periods
	Ended March 31,
					Auction
	Commodity				Rate
	Derivatives				Securities
2013:00:00
Beginning balance	$	32			$	41
Changes included in earnings	9				—
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	(3		)		1
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	1				—
Purchases	2				—
Settlements	(5		)		—
Ending balance	$	36			$	42
The Company's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of the Company's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt (in millions):
	As of March 31, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
	Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
	Value				Value				Value				Value
Long-term debt	$	32,185			$	35,761			$	32,012			$	34,881

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block]	'
	-11	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Matters
	The Company is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. The Company does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. The Company is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts and are described below.
	USA Power
	In October 2005, prior to Berkshire Hathaway Energy's ownership of PacifiCorp, PacifiCorp was added as a defendant to a lawsuit originally filed in February 2005 in the Third District Court of Salt Lake County, Utah ("Third District Court") by USA Power, LLC, USA Power Partners, LLC and Spring Canyon Energy, LLC (collectively, the "Plaintiff"). The Plaintiff's complaint alleged that PacifiCorp misappropriated confidential proprietary information in violation of Utah's Uniform Trade Secrets Act and accused PacifiCorp of breach of contract and related claims in regard to the Plaintiff's 2002 and 2003 proposals to build a natural gas-fueled generating facility in Juab County, Utah. In October 2007, the Third District Court granted PacifiCorp's motion for summary judgment on all counts and dismissed the Plaintiff's claims in their entirety. In February 2008, the Plaintiff filed a petition requesting consideration by the Utah Supreme Court. In May 2010, the Utah Supreme Court reversed summary judgment and remanded the case back to the Third District Court for further consideration, which led to a trial that began in April 2012. In May 2012, the jury reached a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff on its claims. The jury awarded damages to the Plaintiff for breach of contract and misappropriation of a trade secret in the amounts of $18 million for actual damages and $113 million for unjust enrichment. In May 2012, the Plaintiff filed a motion seeking exemplary damages. Under the Utah Uniform Trade Secrets law, the judge may award exemplary damages in an additional amount not to exceed twice the original award. The Plaintiff also filed a motion to seek recovery of attorneys' fees in an amount equal to 40% of all amounts ultimately awarded in the case. In October 2012, PacifiCorp filed post-trial motions for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict and a new trial (collectively, "PacifiCorp's post-trial motions"). The trial judge stayed briefing on the Plaintiff's motions, pending resolution of PacifiCorp's post-trial motions. As a result of a hearing in December 2012, the trial judge denied PacifiCorp's post-trial motions with the exception of reducing the aggregate amount of damages to $113 million. In January 2013, the Plaintiff filed a motion for prejudgment interest. In the first quarter of 2013, PacifiCorp filed its responses to the Plaintiff's post-trial motions for exemplary damages, attorneys' fees and prejudgment interest. An initial judgment was entered in April 2013 in which the trial judge denied the Plaintiff's motions for exemplary damages and prejudgment interest and ruled that PacifiCorp must pay the Plaintiff's attorneys' fees based on applying a reasonable rate to hours worked rather than the Plaintiff's request for an amount equal to 40% of all amounts ultimately awarded. In May 2013, a final judgment was entered against PacifiCorp in the amount of $115 million, which includes the $113 million of aggregate damages previously awarded and amounts awarded for the Plaintiff's attorneys' fees. The final judgment also ordered that postjudgment interest accrue beginning as of the date of the April 2013 initial judgment. In May 2013, PacifiCorp posted a surety bond issued by a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway to secure its estimated obligation. PacifiCorp strongly disagrees with the jury's verdict and plans to vigorously pursue all appellate measures. Both PacifiCorp and the Plaintiff filed appeals with the Utah Supreme Court. The parties are briefing their positions before the Utah Supreme Court with briefing expected to be completed and oral arguments held by late 2014. As of March 31, 2014, PacifiCorp had accrued $117 million for the final judgment and postjudgment interest, and believes the likelihood of any additional material loss is remote; however, any additional awards against PacifiCorp could also have a material effect on the consolidated financial results. Any payment of damages will be at the end of the appeals process, which could take as long as several years.
	Commitments
	The Topaz Project, which is a 550-megawatt solar project in California, and the Solar Star Projects, which are a combined 579-megawatt solar project in California, are in construction and are being placed in-service in phases through 2015. Berkshire Hathaway Energy has committed to separately provide Topaz Solar Farms LLC and Solar Star Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries with equity to fund the costs of the projects in an amount up to $2.44 billion for the Topaz Project and $2.75 billion for the Solar Star Projects, less, among other things, the gross proceeds of long-term debt issuances, project revenue prior to completion and the total equity contributions made by Berkshire Hathaway Energy or its subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2014, the remaining equity commitment for the Topaz Project is $911 million and for the Solar Star Projects is $1.65 billion. If Berkshire Hathaway Energy does not maintain a minimum credit rating from two of the following three ratings agencies of at least BBB- from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or Fitch Ratings or Baa3 from Moody's Investors Service, Berkshire Hathaway Energy's obligations under the equity commitment agreements would be supported by cash collateral or a letter of credit issued by a financial institution that meets certain minimum criteria specified in the respective financing documents. Upon reaching the final commercial operation date of the Topaz and Solar Star Projects, respectively, Berkshire Hathaway Energy will have no further obligation to make any equity contributions and any unused equity contribution obligations will be canceled under each project's respective equity commitment agreement.
	Environmental Laws and Regulations
	The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact the Company's current and future operations. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
	Guarantees
	The Company has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results.

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Text Block]	'
	-12	Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
	The following table shows the change in AOCI attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 (in millions):
													AOCI
									Unrealized				Attributable
			Unrecognized			Foreign			Gains on		Unrealized		To Berkshire
			Amounts on			Currency			Available-		Gains on		Hathaway
			Retirement			Translation			For-Sale		Cash Flow		Energy
			Benefits			Adjustment			Securities		Hedges		Shareholders, Net
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	(559	)	$	(98	)	$	524	$	36	$	(97	)
	Other comprehensive income		7			29			173		13		222
	Balance, March 31, 2014		$	(552	)	$	(69	)	$	697	$	49	$	125
	Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were insignificant. For information regarding cash flow hedge reclassifications from AOCI to net income in their entirety, refer to Note 9. Additionally, refer to the "Foreign Operations" discussion in Note 8 for information about unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits reclassifications from AOCI that do not impact net income in their entirety.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-13	Segment Information
	The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid Holdings, whose business is principally in Great Britain, and MidAmerican Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Operating revenue:
	PacifiCorp	$	1,288		$	1,232
	MidAmerican Funding	1,230			921
	NV Energy	638			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	386			300
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	317			300
	MidAmerican Renewables	69			57
	HomeServices	358			281
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	(37		)	(24		)
	Total operating revenue	$	4,249		$	3,067
	Depreciation and amortization:
	PacifiCorp	$	183		$	172
	MidAmerican Funding	84			107
	NV Energy	92			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	48			50
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	48			43
	MidAmerican Renewables	21			15
	HomeServices	7			5
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	(1		)	(3		)
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	482		$	389
	Operating income:
	PacifiCorp	$	292		$	300
	MidAmerican Funding	153			106
	NV Energy	107			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	230			180
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	181			180
	MidAmerican Renewables	29			30
	HomeServices	(12		)	3
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	(30		)	(26		)
	Total operating income	950			773
	Interest expense	(418		)	(290		)
	Capitalized interest	29			21
	Allowance for equity funds	27			19
	Other, net	16			16
	Total income before income tax expense and equity income	$	604		$	539
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense:
	PacifiCorp	$	96		$	97
	MidAmerican Funding	46			41
	NV Energy	70			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	19			20
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	38			35
	MidAmerican Renewables	41			25
	HomeServices	1			—
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	107			72
	Total interest expense	$	418		$	290
		As of
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total assets:
	PacifiCorp	$	22,932		$	22,885
	MidAmerican Funding	14,132			13,992
	NV Energy	14,297			14,233
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	4,936			4,908
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	7,066			6,874
	MidAmerican Renewables	4,049			3,875
HomeServices	1,384			1,381
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	2,333			1,852
Total assets	$	71,129		$	70,000
-1	The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other, relate to corporate functions, MidAmerican Transmission, LLC, other corporate entities and intersegment eliminations.
The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 (in millions):
									MidAmerican
									Energy			Northern
				MidAmerican			NV		Pipeline			Powergrid		MidAmerican		Home-
	PacifiCorp			Funding			Energy		Group			Holdings		Renewables		Services		Other		Total
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,280	$	153		$	1,149	$	15	$	695	$	4	$	7,527
Acquisitions	—			—			82		—			—		—		—		—		82
Foreign currency translation	—			—			—		—			7		—		—		—		7
Other	—			—			—		(7		)	—		—		—		—		(7		)
Balance, March 31, 2014	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,362	$	146		$	1,156	$	15	$	695	$	4	$	7,609

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions):
			Fair Value
	Current assets, including cash and cash equivalents of $304		$	1,160
	Property, plant and equipment		9,550
	Goodwill		2,362
	Other long-term assets		1,321
	Total assets		14,393
	Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $218		882
	Subsidiary debt, less current portion		5,124
	Deferred income taxes		1,757
	Other long-term liabilities		1,034
	Total liabilities		8,797
	Net assets acquired		$	5,596
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of Berkshire Hathaway Energy assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2012 (in millions):
		Three-Month Period
		Ended March 31, 2013
	Operating revenue	$	3,634
	Net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders	$	441

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following (in millions):
			As of
		Depreciable	March 31,			December 31,
		Life	2014			2013
	Regulated assets:
	Utility generation, distribution and transmission system	5-80 years	$	57,903		$	57,490
	Interstate pipeline assets	3-80 years	6,498			6,448
			64,401			63,938
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(20,258		)	(19,874		)
	Regulated assets, net		44,143			44,064
	Nonregulated assets:
	Independent power plants	5-30 years	2,425			1,994
	Other assets	3-30 years	574			522
			2,999			2,516
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(714		)	(678		)
	Nonregulated assets, net		2,285			1,838
	Net operating assets		46,428			45,902
	Construction work-in-progress		4,247			4,217
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	50,675		$	50,119

Investments_and_Restricted_Cas1

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Investments and restricted cash and investments consists of the following (in millions):
		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Investments:
	BYD Company Limited common stock	$	1,391	$	1,103
	Rabbi trusts	372		373
	Other	145		126
	Total investments	1,908		1,602
	Equity method investments:
	ETT	469		454
	CE Generation, LLC	181		185
	Bridger Coal Company	179		178
	Agua Caliente Solar, LLC(1)	46		41
	Other	87		85
	Total equity method investments	962		943
	Restricted cash and investments:
	Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds	398		394
	Solar Star and Topaz Projects	8		236
	Other	140		126
	Total restricted cash and investments	546		756
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,416	$	3,301
	Reflected as:
	Current assets	$	92	$	65
	Noncurrent assets	3,324		3,236
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,416	$	3,301
	-1	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the equity investment is net of investment tax credits totaling $233 million.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows:
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%	35	%
	Income tax credits	(15	)	(13	)
	State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	1		2
	Income tax effect of foreign income	(3	)	(3	)
	Other, net	1		(1	)
	Effective income tax rate	19	%	20	%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	Domestic Operations
	Net periodic benefit cost for the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans included the following components (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Pension:
	Service cost	$	8		$	6
	Interest cost	33			22
	Expected return on plan assets	(41		)	(30		)
	Net amortization	11			15
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	11		$	13
	Other postretirement:
	Service cost	$	3		$	3
	Interest cost	11			8
	Expected return on plan assets	(13		)	(10		)
	Net amortization	(1		)	1
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	2
	Foreign Operations
	Net periodic benefit cost for the United Kingdom pension plan included the following components (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	6		$	5
	Interest cost	24			21
	Expected return on plan assets	(31		)	(25		)
	Net amortization	13			14
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	12		$	15

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac1

Risk Management and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table, which reflects master netting arrangements and excludes contracts that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of the Company's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amounts to the amounts presented on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
		Other							Other			Other
		Current				Other			Current			Long-term
		Assets				Assets			Liabilities			Liabilities			Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Not designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets(1)	$	14			$	52		$	34		$	1		$	101
	Commodity liabilities(1)	1				(1		)	(99		)	(110		)	(209		)
	Interest rate assets	4				2			—			—			6
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(1		)	—			(1		)
	Total	19				53			(66		)	(109		)	(103		)
	Designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets	17				—			1			(1		)	17
	Commodity liabilities	(1		)		—			(2		)	(4		)	(7		)
	Interest rate assets	—				4			—			—			4
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(6		)	—			(6		)
	Total	16				4			(7		)	(5		)	8
	Total derivatives	35				57			(73		)	(114		)	(95		)
	Cash collateral receivable	—				—			26			1			27
	Total derivatives - net basis	$	35			$	57		$	(47	)	$	(113	)	$	(68	)
		Other							Other			Other
		Current				Other			Current			Long-term
		Assets				Assets			Liabilities			Liabilities			Total
	As of December 31, 2013
	Not designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets(1)	$	16			$	62		$	18		$	2		$	98
	Commodity liabilities(1)	(2		)		(1		)	(78		)	(145		)	(226		)
	Interest rate assets	3				5			—			—			8
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(1		)	—			(1		)
	Total	17				66			(61		)	(143		)	(121		)
	Designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets	1				—			1			—			2
	Commodity liabilities	(1		)		—			(5		)	(8		)	(14		)
	Interest rate assets	—				6			—			—			6
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(6		)	—			(6		)
	Total	—				6			(10		)	(8		)	(12		)
	Total derivatives	17				72			(71		)	(151		)	(133		)
	Cash collateral receivable	(2		)		—			1			13			12
	Total derivatives - net basis	$	15			$	72		$	(70	)	$	(138	)	$	(121	)
	-1	The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a net regulatory asset of $159 million and $182 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $108 million and $128 million, respectively.
Schedule of Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Unrealized Loss (Gain), Net, on Derivative Contracts [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's net regulatory assets and summarizes the pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts recognized in net regulatory assets, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Beginning balance	$	182			$	235
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	4				(19		)
	Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue	(30		)		4
	Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales	3				(46		)
	Ending balance	$	159			$	174
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company uses commodity derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges to hedge electricity and natural gas commodity prices for delivery to nonregulated customers, spring operational sales, natural gas storage and other transactions. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) and summarizes pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income ("OCI"), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014				2013
	Beginning balance	$	12			$	32
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	(59		)		(25		)
	Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales	35				(5		)
	Ending balance	$	(12	)		$	2
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with indexed and fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of (in millions):
		Unit of		March 31,			December 31,
		Measure		2014			2013
	Electricity sales	Megawatt hours		(8	)		(5	)
	Natural gas purchases	Decatherms		334			322
	Fuel purchases	Gallons		6			9
	Interest rate swaps	US$		650			650
	Mortgage sale commitments, net	US$		(60	)		(121	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
			Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Other(1)			Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Commodity derivatives		$	4			$	58			$	56			$	(36	)	$	82
	Interest rate derivatives		—				10				—				—			10
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—				73				—				—			73
	Money market mutual funds(2)		951				—				—				—			951
	Debt securities:
	United States government obligations		133				—				—				—			133
	International government obligations		—				1				—				—			1
	Corporate obligations		—				40				—				—			40
	Municipal obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Auction rate securities		—				—				45				—			45
	Equity securities:
	United States companies		216				—				—				—			216
	International companies		1,395				—				—				—			1,395
	Investment funds		136				—				—				—			136
			$	2,835			$	186			$	101			$	(36	)	$	3,086
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives		$	—			$	(173	)		$	(43	)		$	63		$	(153	)
	Interest rate derivatives		—				(7		)		—				—			(7		)
			$	—			$	(180	)		$	(43	)		$	63		$	(160	)
	As of December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Commodity derivatives		$	3			$	28			$	69			$	(27	)	$	73
	Interest rate derivatives		—				14				—				—			14
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—				130				—				—			130
	Money market mutual funds(2)		809				—				—				—			809
	Debt securities:
	United States government obligations		134				—				—				—			134
	International government obligations		—				1				—				—			1
	Corporate obligations		—				38				—				—			38
	Municipal obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Auction rate securities		—				—				44				—			44
	Equity securities:
	United States companies		214				—				—				—			214
	International companies		1,107				—				—				—			1,107
	Investment funds		114				—				—				—			114
			$	2,381			$	215			$	113			$	(27	)	$	2,682
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives		$	(1	)		$	(230	)		$	(9	)		$	39		$	(201	)
	Interest rate derivatives		—				(7		)		—				—			(7		)
			$	(1	)		$	(237	)		$	(9	)		$	39		$	(208	)
	-1	Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $27 million and $12 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	-2	Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents; other current assets; and noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Net Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
						Auction
		Commodity				Rate
		Derivatives				Securities
	2014:00:00
	Beginning balance	$	60			$	44
	Changes included in earnings	(17		)		—
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	3				1
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	2				—
	Transfers from level 2	(35		)		—
	Ending balance	$	13			$	45
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
						Auction
		Commodity				Rate
		Derivatives				Securities
	2013:00:00
	Beginning balance	$	32			$	41
	Changes included in earnings	9				—
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	(3		)		1
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	1				—
	Purchases	2				—
	Settlements	(5		)		—
	Ending balance	$	36			$	42
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of the Company's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt (in millions):
		As of March 31, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
		Value				Value				Value				Value
	Long-term debt	$	32,185			$	35,761			$	32,012			$	34,881

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe1

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table shows the change in AOCI attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 (in millions):
												AOCI
								Unrealized				Attributable
		Unrecognized			Foreign			Gains on		Unrealized		To Berkshire
		Amounts on			Currency			Available-		Gains on		Hathaway
		Retirement			Translation			For-Sale		Cash Flow		Energy
		Benefits			Adjustment			Securities		Hedges		Shareholders, Net
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(559	)	$	(98	)	$	524	$	36	$	(97	)
	Other comprehensive income	7			29			173		13		222
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	(552	)	$	(69	)	$	697	$	49	$	125

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid Holdings, whose business is principally in Great Britain, and MidAmerican Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Operating revenue:
	PacifiCorp	$	1,288		$	1,232
	MidAmerican Funding	1,230			921
	NV Energy	638			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	386			300
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	317			300
	MidAmerican Renewables	69			57
	HomeServices	358			281
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	(37		)	(24		)
	Total operating revenue	$	4,249		$	3,067
	Depreciation and amortization:
	PacifiCorp	$	183		$	172
	MidAmerican Funding	84			107
	NV Energy	92			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	48			50
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	48			43
	MidAmerican Renewables	21			15
	HomeServices	7			5
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	(1		)	(3		)
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	482		$	389
	Operating income:
	PacifiCorp	$	292		$	300
	MidAmerican Funding	153			106
	NV Energy	107			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	230			180
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	181			180
	MidAmerican Renewables	29			30
	HomeServices	(12		)	3
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	(30		)	(26		)
	Total operating income	950			773
	Interest expense	(418		)	(290		)
	Capitalized interest	29			21
	Allowance for equity funds	27			19
	Other, net	16			16
	Total income before income tax expense and equity income	$	604		$	539
		Three-Month Periods
		Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense:
	PacifiCorp	$	96		$	97
	MidAmerican Funding	46			41
	NV Energy	70			—
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	19			20
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	38			35
	MidAmerican Renewables	41			25
	HomeServices	1			—
	Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	107			72
	Total interest expense	$	418		$	290
		As of
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total assets:
	PacifiCorp	$	22,932		$	22,885
	MidAmerican Funding	14,132			13,992
	NV Energy	14,297			14,233
	MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group	4,936			4,908
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	7,066			6,874
	MidAmerican Renewables	4,049			3,875
	HomeServices	1,384			1,381
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other(1)	2,333			1,852
Total assets	$	71,129		$	70,000
-1	The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other, relate to corporate functions, MidAmerican Transmission, LLC, other corporate entities and intersegment eliminations.
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 (in millions):
										MidAmerican
										Energy			Northern
					MidAmerican			NV		Pipeline			Powergrid		MidAmerican		Home-
		PacifiCorp			Funding			Energy		Group			Holdings		Renewables		Services		Other		Total
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,280	$	153		$	1,149	$	15	$	695	$	4	$	7,527
	Acquisitions	—			—			82		—			—		—		—		—		82
	Foreign currency translation	—			—			—		—			7		—		—		—		7
	Other	—			—			—		(7		)	—		—		—		—		(7		)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,362	$	146		$	1,156	$	15	$	695	$	4	$	7,609

General_Details

General (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	OwnedAndOperatedCompanies
	OperatingSegments
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]	'
Number of operating segments	10
Number of owned and operated utility companies in the United States	4
Number of states owned and operated utility companies serve customers	11
Number of owned and operated interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States	2
Number of owned and operated electricity distribution companies in Great Britain	2
Ownership interest in electric transmission businesses, ownership percentage	50.00%
Number of owned and operated eal estate brokerage firms in the United States	1
Number of owned and operated real estate franchise networks in the United States	1
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member]	'
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Electric Transmission America, LLC [Member]	'
Other Ownership Interests [Line Items]	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 19, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	1-May-14	1-May-14
	USD ($)	USD ($)	NV Energy Transaction [Member]	NV Energy, Inc. [Member]	Senior notes, 6.250%, due 2020 [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			USD ($)	electricity_customers	NVE Holdings [Member]	AltaLink, LP [Member]	AltaLink, LP [Member]
				natural_gas_customers	NV Energy, Inc. [Member]	USD ($)	CAD
					Subsidiary Debt [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of electricity customers	'	'	'	1,200,000	'	'	'
Number of natural gas customers	'	'	'	200,000	'	'	'
Business acquisition, measurement period	'12 months	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	'	'	'	'	6.25%	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents assumed	'	'	$304,000,000	'	'	'	'
Current assets, including cash and cash equivalents	'	'	1,160,000,000	'	'	'	'
Property, plant, and equipment	'	'	9,550,000,000	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	7,609,000,000	7,527,000,000	2,362,000,000	'	'	'	'
Other long-term assets	'	'	1,321,000,000	'	'	'	'
Total assets	'	'	14,393,000,000	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt assumed	'	'	218,000,000	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt	'	'	882,000,000	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary debt, less current portion	'	'	5,124,000,000	'	'	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	'	1,757,000,000	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	1,034,000,000	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'	8,797,000,000	'	'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	5,596,000,000	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition expected cash payment	'	'	'	'	'	$2,900,000,000	3,200,000,000

Business_Acquisitions_Business

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions - Pro Forma (Details) (NV Energy Transaction [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
NV Energy Transaction [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Pro forma operating revenue	$3,634
Pro forma net income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders	$441

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Regulated assets [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Unregulated operation [Member]

Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]

Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]

Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]

Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]

Interstate pipeline assets [Member]

Interstate pipeline assets [Member]

Interstate pipeline assets [Member]

Interstate pipeline assets [Member]

Independent power plants [Member]

Independent power plants [Member]

Independent power plants [Member]

Independent power plants [Member]

Other assets [Member]

Other assets [Member]

Other assets [Member]

Other assets [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment

'

'

$64,401

$63,938

$57,903

$57,490

'

'

$6,498

$6,448

'

'

$2,999

$2,516

$2,425

$1,994

'

'

$574

$522

'

'

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

'

'

-20,258

-19,874

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-714

-678

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment in service, net

46,428

45,902

44,143

44,064

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,285

1,838

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction work-in-progress

4,247

4,217

2,900

2,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, net

$50,675

$50,119

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciable Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'80 years

'

'

'3 years

'80 years

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'30 years

'

'

'3 years

'30 years

Investments_and_Restricted_Cas2

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Investments	$1,908		$1,602
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	962		943
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Restricted cash and investments	546		756
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments	3,416		3,301
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, current	92		65
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, noncurrent	3,324		3,236
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds [Member]	'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Decommissioning fund investments, fair value	398		394
Solar Star and Topaz Projects [Member]	'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Restricted cash and investments	8		236
Other restricted cash and investments [Member]	'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Restricted cash and investments	140		126
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	469		454
CE Generation, LLC [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	181		185
Bridger Coal Company [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	179		178
Agua Caliente Solar, LLC [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	46	[1]	41	[1]
Investment tax credit included in equity method investment	233		233
Other equity method investments [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	87		85
BYD Company Limited common stock [Member]	'		'
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities, equity securities	1,391		1,103
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain	1,200		871
Rabbi trusts [Member]	'		'
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Life insurance, corporate or bank owned, amount	372		373
Other investments [Member]	'		'
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Other investments	$145		$126
[1]	As of MarchB 31, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013, the equity investment is net of investment tax credits totaling $233B million.

Recent_Financing_Transactions_

Recent Financing Transactions Recent Financing Transactions - Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	PacifiCorp [Member]
	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	First Mortgage Bonds, 3.60% Due April 2024 [Member]
	First Mortgage Bonds, 2.40%, Due March 2019 [Member]	First Mortgage Bonds, 3.50%, Due October 2024 [Member]	First Mortgage Bonds, 4.40%, Due October 2044 [Member]	Senior Notes, 4.65% Series, due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, face amount	$150	$300	$400	$350	$425
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.40%	3.50%	4.40%	4.65%	3.60%

Recent_Financing_Transactions_1

Recent Financing Transactions Recent Financings - Credit Facilities (Details) (PacifiCorp [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Letters of credit supporting tax-exempt bond obligations [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$451
Letter of Credit [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of credit facility, amounts supported	270
Letter of Credit [Member] | Letters of credit supporting tax-exempt bond obligations [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Credit facility, amount canceled	97
Unenhanced Variable-Rate Tax-Exempt Bond Obligations [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of credit facility, amounts supported	$142

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%
Income tax credits	-15.00%	-13.00%
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	1.00%	2.00%
Income tax effect of foreign income	-3.00%	-3.00%
Other, net	1.00%	-1.00%
Effective income tax rate	19.00%	20.00%
Production Tax Credit Carryforwards [Abstract]	'	'
Years eligible for federal renewable energy production tax credit	'10 years	'
Related Party Income Tax Recievable (Payable) [Abstract]	'	'
Related party transaction, cash received for income taxes, net	'	$323

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Domestic Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$8	$6
Interest cost	33	22
Expected return on plan assets	-41	-30
Net amortization	11	15
Net periodic benefit cost	11	13
Domestic Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	3	3
Interest cost	11	8
Expected return on plan assets	-13	-10
Net amortization	-1	1
Net periodic benefit cost	0	2
UK Pension Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	6	5
Interest cost	24	21
Expected return on plan assets	-31	-25
Net amortization	13	14
Net periodic benefit cost	$12	$15

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Employe

Employee Benefit Plans - Employer Contributions (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
	Domestic Pension Plans [Member]	Domestic Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	UK Pension Plan [Member]	UK Pension Plan [Member]
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in current fiscal year	$48	$5	'	£ 56
Employer contributions	$9	'	$23	£ 14

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac2

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Balance Sheet Location (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	($95)		($133)		'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	27		12		'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	-68		-121		'	'
Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	35		17		'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	0		-2		'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	35		15		'	'
Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	57		72		'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	0		0		'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	57		72		'	'
Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-73		-71		'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	26		1		'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	-47		-70		'	'
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-114		-151		'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	1		13		'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	-113		-138		'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-103		-121		'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	19		17		'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	53		66		'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-66		-61		'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-109		-143		'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	8		-12		'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	16		0		'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	4		6		'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-7		-10		'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-5		-8		'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	101	[1]	98	[1]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	-209	[1]	-226	[1]	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-108		-128		'	'
Net regulatory asset	159		182		174	235
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	14	[1]	16	[1]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	1	[1]	-2	[1]	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	52	[1]	62	[1]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	-1	[1]	-1	[1]	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	34	[1]	18	[1]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	-99	[1]	-78	[1]	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	1	[1]	2	[1]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	-110	[1]	-145	[1]	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	17		2		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-7		-14		'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	17		1		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-1		-1		'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	0		0		'	'
Derivative liabilities	0		0		'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	1		1		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-2		-5		'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	-1		0		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-4		-8		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	6		8		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-1		-1		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	4		3		'	'
Derivative liabilities	0		0		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	2		5		'	'
Derivative liabilities	0		0		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	0		0		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-1		-1		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	0		0		'	'
Derivative liabilities	0		0		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	4		6		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-6		-6		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	0		0		'	'
Derivative liabilities	0		0		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	4		6		'	'
Derivative liabilities	0		0		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	0		0		'	'
Derivative liabilities	-6		-6		'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'		'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Derivative assets	0		0		'	'
Derivative liabilities	$0		$0		'	'
[1]	The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of MarchB 31, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013, a net regulatory asset of $159B million and $182B million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $108B million and $128 million, respectively.

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac3

Risk Management and Hedging Activities Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Not Designated as Hedging Contracts (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Commodity derivative [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$182	$235
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	4	-19
Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue	-30	4
Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales	3	-46
Ending balance	$159	$174

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac4

Risk Management and Hedging Activities Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Designated as Hedging Contracts (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]	'	'
Cash flow hedge gain to be reclassified within twelve months	$14	'
Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	12	32
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	-59	-25
Net gains (losses) reclassified to cost of sales	35	-5
Ending balance	($12)	$2
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	'insignificant	'insignificant

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac5

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Derivative Contract Volumes (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	MWh	MWh
Electricity sales (in megawatt hours) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount	-8,000,000	-5,000,000
Natural gas purchases (in decatherms) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount	334,000,000	322,000,000
Fuel purchases (in gallons) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount	6,000,000	9,000,000
Interest rate swap [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	650	650
Mortgage Sale Commitments, Net [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	-60	-121

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac6

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Collateral and Contingent Features (Details) (Commodity derivative [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, net liability position, aggregate fair value	$128	$176
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value	0	12
Additional collateral, aggregate fair value	$113	$147

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	$27		$12
Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	3,086		2,682
Derivative liabilities	-160		-208
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	2,835		2,381
Derivative liabilities	0		-1
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	186		215
Derivative liabilities	-180		-237
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	101		113
Derivative liabilities	-43		-9
Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	-36	[1]	-27	[1]
Derivative liabilities	63	[1]	39	[1]
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	27		12
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	73		130
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	73		130
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Money market mutual funds [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	951	[2]	809	[2]
Money market mutual funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	951	[2]	809	[2]
Money market mutual funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Money market mutual funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Money market mutual funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
United States government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	133		134
United States government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	133		134
United States government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
United States government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
United States government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
International government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1		1
International government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
International government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1		1
International government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
International government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	40		38
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	40		38
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Municipal obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	2		2
Municipal obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Municipal obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	2		2
Municipal obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Municipal obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	2		2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	2		2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Auction rate securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	45		44
Auction rate securities [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Auction rate securities [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Auction rate securities [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	45		44
Auction rate securities [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
United States companies [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	216		214
United States companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	216		214
United States companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
United States companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
United States companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
International companies [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,395		1,107
International companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,395		1,107
International companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
International companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
International companies [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Investment funds [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	136		114
Investment funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	136		114
Investment funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Investment funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0		0
Investment funds [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	82		73
Derivative liabilities	-153		-201
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	4		3
Derivative liabilities	0		-1
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	58		28
Derivative liabilities	-173		-230
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	56		69
Derivative liabilities	-43		-9
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	-36	[1]	-27	[1]
Derivative liabilities	63	[1]	39	[1]
Interest rate swap [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	10		14
Derivative liabilities	-7		-7
Interest rate swap [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	0		0
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Interest rate swap [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	10		14
Derivative liabilities	-7		-7
Interest rate swap [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	0		0
Derivative liabilities	0		0
Interest rate swap [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative liabilities	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $27B million and $12B million as of MarchB 31, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents; other current assets; and noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Level_

Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$60	$32
Changes included in earnings	-17	9
Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income	3	-3
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	2	1
Transfers from level 2	-35	'
Purchases	'	2
Settlements	'	-5
Ending balance	13	36
Auction rate securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	44	41
Changes included in earnings	0	0
Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income	1	1
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	0	0
Transfers from level 2	0	'
Purchases	'	0
Settlements	'	0
Ending balance	$45	$42

Fair_Value_Measurements_Debt_D

Fair Value Measurements - Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, carrying value	$32,185	$32,012
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, fair value	$35,761	$34,881

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Matters (Details) (PacifiCorp [Member], USA Power [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Loss contingency, damages sought, legal fees as a percentage of damages	40.00%
Loss contingency, damages awarded, value	$113
Loss contingency, damages and attorney fees awarded, value	115
Loss contingency accrual, at carrying value	117
Damages from Breach of Contract, Awarded By Jury [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Loss contingency, damages awarded by jury, value	18
Damages from Unjust Enrichment, Awarded By Jury [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Loss contingency, damages awarded by jury, value	$113

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Topaz [Member]	'
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]	'
Equity funding and contribution agreement, amount committed	$2,440,000,000
Equity commitment, outstanding amount	911,000,000
Solar Star Projects [Member]	'
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]	'
Equity funding and contribution agreement, amount committed	2,750,000,000
Equity commitment, outstanding amount	$1,650,000,000

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe2

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, December 31, 2013 - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders, net	($97)	'
Other comprehensive income, unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	7	47
Other comprehensive income, foreign currency translation adjustment	29	-212
Other comprehensive income, unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	173	27
Other comprehensive income, unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	13	16
Other comprehensive income	222	-122
Balance, March 31, 2014 - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders, net	125	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, December 31, 2013 - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	-559	'
Balance, December 31, 2013 - foreign currency translation adjustment	-98	'
Balance, December 31, 2013 - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	524	'
Balance, December 31, 2013 - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	36	'
Balance, December 31, 2013 - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders, net	-97	'
Other comprehensive income, unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	7	'
Other comprehensive income, foreign currency translation adjustment	29	'
Other comprehensive income, unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	173	'
Other comprehensive income, unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	13	'
Other comprehensive income	222	-122
Balance, March 31, 2014 - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	-552	'
Balance, March 31, 2014 - foreign currency translation adjustment	-69	'
Balance, March 31, 2014 - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	697	'
Balance, March 31, 2014 - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	49	'
Balance, March 31, 2014 - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy shareholders, net	$125	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	$3,891		$2,786		'
Real estate	358		281		'
Total operating revenue	4,249		3,067		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	475		384		'
Depreciation and amortization	482		389		'
Operating income	950		773		'
Interest expense	-418		-290		'
Capitalized interest	29		21		'
Allowance for equity funds	27		19		'
Other, net	16		16		'
Income before income tax expense and equity income	604		539		'
Assets	71,129		'		70,000
PacifiCorp [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	1,288		1,232		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	183		172		'
Operating income	292		300		'
Interest expense	96		97		'
Assets	22,932		'		22,885
MidAmerican Funding [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	1,230		921		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	84		107		'
Operating income	153		106		'
Interest expense	46		41		'
Assets	14,132		'		13,992
NV Energy, Inc. [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	638		0		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	92		0		'
Operating income	107		0		'
Interest expense	70		0		'
Assets	14,297		'		14,233
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	386		300		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	48		50		'
Operating income	230		180		'
Interest expense	19		20		'
Assets	4,936		'		4,908
Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	317		300		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	48		43		'
Operating income	181		180		'
Interest expense	38		35		'
Assets	7,066		'		6,874
MidAmerican Renewables [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	69		57		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	21		15		'
Operating income	29		30		'
Interest expense	41		25		'
Assets	4,049		'		3,875
HomeServices [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Real estate	358		281		'
Depreciation and amortization	7		5		'
Operating income	-12		3		'
Interest expense	1		0		'
Assets	1,384		'		1,381
Berkshire Hathaway Energy And Other [Member]	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	-37	[1]	-24	[1]	'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	-1	[1]	-3	[1]	'
Operating income	-30	[1]	-26	[1]	'
Interest expense	107	[1]	72	[1]	'
Assets	$2,333	[1]	'		$1,852	[1]
[1]	The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Other, relate to corporate functions, MidAmerican Transmission, LLC, other corporate entities andB intersegment eliminations.

Segment_Information_Goodwill_D

Segment Information - Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	$7,527
Acquisitions	82
Foreign currency translation	7
Other	-7
Balance, March 31, 2014	7,609
PacifiCorp [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	1,129
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	1,129
MidAmerican Funding [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	2,102
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	2,102
NV Energy, Inc. [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	2,280
Acquisitions	82
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	2,362
MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	153
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	-7
Balance, March 31, 2014	146
Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	1,149
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	7
Other	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	1,156
MidAmerican Renewables [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	15
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	15
HomeServices [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	695
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	695
Other [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	4
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, March 31, 2014	$4