Berkshire Hathaway Energy 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,481	$1,175
Trade receivables, net	1,932	1,769
Inventories	826	853
Deferred income taxes	297	211
Other current assets	922	894
Total current assets	5,458	4,902
Property, plant and equipment, net	53,036	50,119
Goodwill	7,706	7,527
Regulatory assets	3,449	3,322
Investments and restricted cash and investments	3,335	3,236
Other assets	1,038	894
Total assets	74,022	70,000
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	1,649	1,636
Accrued interest	434	431
Accrued property, income and other taxes	527	362
Accrued employee expenses	361	228
Short-term debt	594	232
Current portion of long-term debt	728	1,188
Other current liabilities	1,430	887
Total current liabilities	5,723	4,964
Regulatory liabilities	2,576	2,498
BHE senior debt	6,366	6,366
BHE junior subordinated debentures	2,294	2,594
Subsidiary debt	22,676	21,864
Deferred income taxes	11,050	10,158
Other long-term liabilities	2,565	2,740
Total liabilities	53,250	51,184
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
BHE shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	6,423	6,390
Retained earnings	14,114	12,418
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	113	-97
Total BHE shareholders' equity	20,650	18,711
Noncontrolling interests	122	105
Total equity	20,772	18,816
Total liabilities and equity	$74,022	$70,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
BHE 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		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating revenue:	'	'	'	'
Energy	$4,130	$2,778	$11,507	$8,048
Real estate	644	555	1,619	1,340
Total operating revenue	4,774	3,333	13,126	9,388
Energy:	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	1,410	949	4,328	2,753
Operating expense	888	686	2,567	2,037
Depreciation and amortization	519	378	1,488	1,143
Real estate	582	502	1,518	1,223
Total operating costs and expenses	3,399	2,515	9,901	7,156
Operating income	1,375	818	3,225	2,232
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-423	-309	-1,266	-893
Capitalized interest	20	18	71	58
Allowance for equity funds	23	17	75	55
Other, net	18	14	59	54
Total other income (expense)	-362	-260	-1,061	-726
Income before income tax expense and equity income	1,013	558	2,164	1,506
Income tax expense	266	49	531	272
Equity income	38	28	84	68
Net income	785	537	1,717	1,302
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9	12	21	28
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$776	$525	$1,696	$1,274

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$785	$537	$1,717	$1,302
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $13, $(8), $13 and $11	40	-21	44	36
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-214	212	-83	-1
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $79, $105, $158 and $136	119	156	236	200
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(5), $(1), $8 and $4	-6	-2	13	5
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-61	345	210	240
Comprehensive income	724	882	1,927	1,542
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9	12	21	28
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$715	$870	$1,906	$1,514

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, tax	$13	($8)	$13	$11
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, tax	79	105	158	136
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, tax	($5)	($1)	$8	$4

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	1,290	0	0	1,274	0	16
Other comprehensive income	240	0	0	0	240	0
Distributions	-16	0	0	0	0	-16
Redemption of preferred securities of subsidiaries	-32	0	0	0	0	-32
Other equity transactions	-29	0	-33	0	0	4
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	17,363	0	5,390	12,056	-223	140
Balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 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	1,709	0	0	1,696	0	13
Other comprehensive income	210	0	0	0	210	0
Distributions	-16	0	0	0	0	-16
Other equity transactions	53	0	33	0	0	20
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$20,772	$0	$6,423	$14,114	$113	$122
Balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	77	77	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$1,717	$1,302
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,511	1,166
Allowance for equity funds	-75	-55
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits	1,063	650
Other, net	-20	-25
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:	'	'
Trade receivables and other assets	-74	134
Derivative collateral, net	-30	49
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	-23	-45
Accrued property, income and other taxes	201	407
Accounts payable and other liabilities	70	100
Net cash flows from operating activities	4,340	3,683
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-4,060	-2,885
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-246	-210
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and investments	184	-464
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-131	-128
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	101	114
Equity method investments	-22	-58
Other, net	-6	10
Net cash flows from investing activities	-4,180	-3,621
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures	-550	0
Proceeds from subsidiary debt	1,272	2,496
Repayments of subsidiary debt	-884	-437
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt	367	-919
Other, net	-57	-93
Net cash flows from financing activities	148	1,047
Effect of exchange rate changes	-2	-3
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	306	1,106
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,175	776
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$1,481	$1,882

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 ("BHE") is a holding company that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company"). BHE 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 Pipelines, MidAmerican Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines have been aggregated in the reportable segment called MidAmerican Renewables and MidAmerican Transmission, LLC has been included in BHE 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 unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2014 and for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 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 nine-month period ended September 30, 2014.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Accounting Changes [Text Block]	'
	-2	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, which creates FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and supersedes ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaces industry-specific guidance and establishes a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally, the guidance requires the entity to disclose further quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature and amount of revenues arising from contracts with customers, as well as other information about the significant judgments and estimates used in recognizing revenues from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. This guidance may be adopted retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, which amends FASB ASC 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. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-3	Business Acquisitions
	NV Energy, Inc.
	Description of the Transaction
	On December 19, 2013, BHE completed the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 29, 2013, among BHE, Silver Merger Sub, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), BHE's wholly-owned subsidiary, and NV Energy, whereby Merger Sub was merged into NV Energy and NV Energy became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BHE ("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 Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN") and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("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 long-term debt, which fair value 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		$	1,158
	Property, plant and equipment		9,518
	Goodwill		2,363
	Other long-term assets		1,347
	Total assets		14,386
	Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $218		880
	Subsidiary debt, less current portion		5,116
	Deferred income taxes		1,757
	Other long-term liabilities		1,037
	Total liabilities		8,790
	Net assets acquired		$	5,596
	During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company made revisions to regulatory assets not earning a return, 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 BHE assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2012 (in millions):
		Nine-Month Period
		Ended September 30, 2013
	Operating revenue	$	11,660
	Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$	1,506
	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 BHE. The information is provisional in nature and subject to change based on final purchase accounting adjustments.
	AltaLink, L.P.
	On May 1, 2014, BHE entered into a Share Purchase Agreement whereby BHE, 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 as of September 30, 2014). The purchase price is subject to adjustments based on certain capital contributions made into AltaLink and an interest component that will change based on the timing of closing. BHE's shareholders have committed to provide the capital to fund the entire purchase price of AltaLink; however, BHE expects to fund the purchase price with capital from Berkshire Hathaway and by issuing senior unsecured debt at BHE. AltaLink is a regulated transmission-only business, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The transaction has been approved by both the SNC-Lavalin and BHE boards of directors. In June 2014, an Advance Ruling Certificate was received from the Commissioner of Competition, providing clearance for the AltaLink acquisition. On July 25, 2014, the Canadian Minister of Industry approved the transaction under the Investment Canada Act, determining that the AltaLink transaction constitutes a net benefit to Canada. The Share Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of both SNC-Lavalin and BHE, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including one remaining governmental approval by the Alberta Utilities Commission. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
	Other
	The Company completed various acquisitions totaling $246 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which related primarily to property, plant and equipment of $641 million, goodwill of $93 million, long-term debt of $231 million and noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities of $183 million for the remaining 50% interest in CE Generation, LLC ("CE Generation"), development and construction costs for the 300-megawatt ("MW") TX Jumbo Road Wind, LLC wind-powered generation project ("Jumbo Road Project") and a residential real estate brokerage business. There were no other material assets acquired or liabilities assumed.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	September 30,			December 31,
		Life	2014			2013
	Regulated assets:
	Utility generation, distribution and transmission system	5-80 years	$	59,864		$	57,490
	Interstate pipeline assets	3-80 years	6,508			6,448
			66,372			63,938
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(21,223		)	(19,874		)
	Regulated assets, net		45,149			44,064
	Nonregulated assets:
	Independent power plants	5-30 years	3,847			1,994
	Other assets	3-30 years	704			522
			4,551			2,516
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(790		)	(678		)
	Nonregulated assets, net		3,761			1,838
	Net operating assets		48,910			45,902
	Construction work-in-progress		4,126			4,217
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	53,036		$	50,119
	Construction work-in-progress includes $2.8 billion as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 related to the construction of regulated assets.

Investments_and_Restricted_Cas

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Investments:
	BYD Company Limited common stock	$	1,494	$	1,103
	Rabbi trusts	380		373
	Other	144		126
	Total investments	2,018		1,602
	Equity method investments:
	ETT	498		454
	Bridger Coal Company	182		178
	Agua Caliente Solar, LLC	61		41
	CE Generation(1)	—		185
	Other	93		85
	Total equity method investments	834		943
	Restricted cash and investments:
	Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds	410		394
	Solar Star and Topaz Projects	32		236
	Other	139		126
	Total restricted cash and investments	581		756
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,433	$	3,301
	Reflected as:
	Current assets	$	98	$	65
	Noncurrent assets	3,335		3,236
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,433	$	3,301
	-1	In June 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in CE Generation. Refer to Note 3 for additional information.
	Investments
	BHE'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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock was $1.5 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, which resulted in a pre-tax unrealized gain of $1.3 billion and $871 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Recent_Financing_Transactions

Recent Financing Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	-6	Recent Financing Transactions
	Long-Term Debt
	In July 2014, NV Energy redeemed its $195 million variable-rate term loan due October 2014.
	In June 2014, BHE repaid at par value $300 million, plus accrued interest, of its junior subordinated debentures due December 2043.
	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 were 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 were used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.
	Credit Facilities
	In June 2014, BHE entered into a $1.4 billion senior unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2017. This credit facility has a variable interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or a base rate, at BHE's option, plus a spread that varies based on BHE's senior unsecured long-term debt credit ratings. This credit facility is for general corporate purposes and also supports BHE's commercial paper program and provides for the issuance of letters of credit. The credit facility requires that BHE's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.70 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.
	In June 2014, Nevada Power amended its $500 million secured credit facility expiring in March 2017, reducing the amount available to $400 million and extending the maturity date to March 2018. The amended facility has a variable interest rate based on LIBOR or a base rate, at Nevada Power's option, plus a spread that varies based on Nevada Power's secured debt credit rating. The amended facility requires that Nevada Power's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.68 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.
	In June 2014, Sierra Pacific amended its $250 million secured credit facility expiring in March 2017, extending the maturity date to March 2018. The amended facility has a variable interest rate based on LIBOR or a base rate, at Sierra Pacific's option, plus a spread that varies based on Sierra Pacific's secured debt credit rating. The amended facility requires that Sierra Pacific's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.68 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.
	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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2014, PacifiCorp had $142 million of variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations outstanding supported by its revolving credit facilities.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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				Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%	35	%	35	%	35	%
	Income tax credits	(10	)	(17	)	(10	)	(13	)
	State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	2		1		2		2
	Income tax effect of foreign income	(2	)	(12	)	(3	)	(6	)
	Equity income	1		2		1		2
	Other, net	—		—		—		(2	)
	Effective income tax rate	26	%	9	%	25	%	18	%
	Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by wind-powered generating facilities owned by MidAmerican Energy, PacifiCorp 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.
	In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized $54 million of deferred income tax benefits upon the enactment of a reduction in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate from 23% to 21% effective April 1, 2014, and a further reduction to 20% effective April 1, 2015.
	Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its United States federal income tax return. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company received net cash payments for income taxes from Berkshire Hathaway totaling $764 million and $825 million, respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension:
	Service cost	$	11		$	5		$	28		$	17
	Interest cost	32			23			98			66
	Expected return on plan assets	(41		)	(31		)	(123		)	(90		)
	Net amortization	8			15			28			44
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	10		$	12		$	31		$	37
	Other postretirement:
	Service cost	$	4		$	4		$	11		$	10
	Interest cost	11			8			34			25
	Expected return on plan assets	(14		)	(10		)	(39		)	(32		)
	Net amortization	(1		)	1			(3		)	4
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	3		$	3		$	7
	Employer contributions to the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $48 million and $2 million, respectively, during 2014. As of September 30, 2014, $14 million and $1 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						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	6		$	5		$	18		$	16
	Interest cost	24			21			72			63
	Expected return on plan assets	(31		)	(25		)	(94		)	(75		)
	Net amortization	12			14			39			41
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	11		$	15		$	35		$	45
	Employer contributions to the United Kingdom pension plan are expected to be £56 million during 2014. As of September 30, 2014, £42 million, or $70 million, of contributions had been made to the United Kingdom pension plan.

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac

Risk Management and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 BHE'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 September 30, 2014
	Not designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets(1)	$	16			$	58		$	26		$	—		$	100
	Commodity liabilities(1)	(3		)		(1		)	(111		)	(101		)	(216		)
	Interest rate assets	3				—			—			—			3
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(1		)	(1		)	(2		)
	Total	16				57			(86		)	(102		)	(115		)
	Designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets	14				—			6			5			25
	Commodity liabilities	(5		)		—			(1		)	(9		)	(15		)
	Interest rate assets	—				4			—			—			4
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(5		)	—			(5		)
	Total	9				4			—			(4		)	9
	Total derivatives	25				61			(86		)	(106		)	(106		)
	Cash collateral receivable	—				—			41			5			46
	Total derivatives - net basis	$	25			$	61		$	(45	)	$	(101	)	$	(60	)
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a net regulatory asset of $173 million and $182 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $116 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							Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,							Ended September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	142			$	172		$	182		$	235
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	37				18			30			12
	Net gains (losses) reclassified to operating revenue	5				7			(30		)	9
	Net losses reclassified to cost of sales	(11		)		(53		)	(9		)	(112		)
	Ending balance	$	173			$	144		$	173		$	144
	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 (loss) ("OCI"), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods							Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,							Ended September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	(25	)		$	26		$	12		$	32
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	16				1			(61		)	1
	Net (losses) gains reclassified to cost of sales	(5		)		(1		)	35			(7		)
	Ending balance	$	(14	)		$	26		$	(14	)	$	26
	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- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, hedge ineffectiveness was insignificant. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had cash flow hedges with expiration dates extending through December 2019 and $13 million of pre-tax net unrealized gains are forecasted to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months as contracts settle.
	Derivative Contract Volumes
	The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with indexed and fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of (in millions):
	Unit of		September 30,			December 31,
	Measure		2014			2013
Electricity sales	Megawatt hours		—			(5	)
Natural gas purchases	Decatherms		346			322
Fuel purchases	Gallons		1			9
Interest rate swaps	US$		446			650
Mortgage sale commitments, net	US$		(94	)		(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 September 30, 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 $145 million and $176 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for which the Company had posted collateral of $8 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company would have been required to post $116 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Commodity derivatives		$	—			$	55			$	70			$	(46	)	$	79
	Interest rate derivatives		—				7				—				—			7
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—				112				—				—			112
	Money market mutual funds(2)		744				—				—				—			744
	Debt securities:
	United States government obligations		136				—				—				—			136
	International government obligations		—				1				—				—			1
	Corporate obligations		—				37				—				—			37
	Municipal obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Auction rate securities		—				—				45				—			45
	Equity securities:
	United States companies		226				—				—				—			226
	International companies		1,499				—				—				—			1,499
	Investment funds		139				—				—				—			139
			$	2,744			$	216			$	115			$	(46	)	$	3,029
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives		$	(2	)		$	(180	)		$	(49	)		$	92		$	(139	)
	Interest rate derivatives		—				(7		)		—				—			(7		)
			$	(2	)		$	(187	)		$	(49	)		$	92		$	(146	)
			Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Other(1)			Total
	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 $46 million and $12 million as of September 30, 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								Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
						Auction								Auction
	Commodity				Rate				Commodity				Rate
	Derivatives				Securities				Derivatives				Securities
2014:00:00
Beginning balance	$	9			$	46			$	60			$	44
Changes included in earnings	17				—				(4		)		—
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	—				(1		)		4				1
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	(3		)		—				(3		)		—
Settlements	(2		)		—				(1		)		—
Transfers from level 2	—				—				(35		)		—
Ending balance	$	21			$	45			$	21			$	45
2013:00:00
Beginning balance	$	27			$	42			$	32			$	41
Changes included in earnings	12				—				16				—
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	—				1				(5		)		2
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	(1		)		—				1				—
Purchases	—				—				2				—
Settlements	1				—				(7		)		—
Ending balance	$	39			$	43			$	39			$	43
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 September 30, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
	Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
	Value				Value				Value				Value
Long-term debt	$	32,064			$	36,421			$	32,012			$	34,881

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 BHE'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 is vigorously pursuing all appellate measures. Both PacifiCorp and the Plaintiff filed appeals with the Utah Supreme Court. Briefing before the Utah Supreme Court is complete and oral arguments will most likely be held in 2015. As of September 30, 2014, PacifiCorp had accrued $118 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-MW solar project in California, and the Solar Star Projects, which are a combined 579-MW solar project in California, are in construction and are being placed in-service in phases in 2014 and 2015. BHE 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 BHE or its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining equity commitment for the Topaz Project is $550 million and for the Solar Star Projects is $1.19 billion. If BHE 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, BHE'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, BHE 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 BHE shareholders by each component of OCI, net of applicable income taxes (in millions):
									Unrealized
			Unrecognized			Foreign			Gains on		Unrealized		AOCI
			Amounts on			Currency			Available-		Gains on		Attributable
			Retirement			Translation			For-Sale		Cash Flow		To BHE
			Benefits			Adjustment			Securities		Hedges		Shareholders, Net
	Balance, December 31, 2012		$	(575	)	$	(172	)	$	261	$	23	$	(463	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		36			(1		)	200		5		240
	Balance, September 30, 2013		$	(539	)	$	(173	)	$	461	$	28	$	(223	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	(559	)	$	(98	)	$	524	$	36	$	(97	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		44			(83		)	236		13		210
	Balance, September 30, 2014		$	(515	)	$	(181	)	$	760	$	49	$	113
	Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the periods ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Operating revenue:
	PacifiCorp	$	1,438		$	1,398		$	3,969		$	3,845
	MidAmerican Funding	864			828			2,869			2,508
	NV Energy	1,118			—			2,551			—
	Pipelines	188			194			800			685
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	306			243			947			796
	MidAmerican Renewables	244			116			458			246
	HomeServices	644			555			1,619			1,340
	BHE and Other(1)	(28		)	(1		)	(87		)	(32		)
	Total operating revenue	$	4,774		$	3,333		$	13,126		$	9,388
	Depreciation and amortization:
	PacifiCorp	$	189		$	173		$	555		$	518
	MidAmerican Funding	89			98			259			309
	NV Energy	96			—			283			—
	Pipelines	48			45			146			142
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	52			44			150			129
	MidAmerican Renewables	47			18			100			51
	HomeServices	8			12			23			23
	BHE and Other(1)	(2		)	—			(5		)	(6		)
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	527		$	390		$	1,511		$	1,166
	Operating income:
	PacifiCorp	$	419		$	392		$	1,054		$	1,005
	MidAmerican Funding	161			130			365			279
	NV Energy	396			—			682			—
	Pipelines	59			71			318			309
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	158			112			517			424
	MidAmerican Renewables	143			81			252			151
	HomeServices	62			53			101			117
	BHE and Other(1)	(23		)	(21		)	(64		)	(53		)
	Total operating income	1,375			818			3,225			2,232
	Interest expense	(423		)	(309		)	(1,266		)	(893		)
	Capitalized interest	20			18			71			58
	Allowance for equity funds	23			17			75			55
	Other, net	18			14			59			54
	Total income before income tax expense and equity income	$	1,013		$	558		$	2,164		$	1,506
		Three-Month Periods						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest expense:
	PacifiCorp	$	96		$	98		$	291		$	293
	MidAmerican Funding	50			42			147			124
	NV Energy	70			—			211			—
	Pipelines	19			19			57			60
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	38			35			114			105
	MidAmerican Renewables	46			40			128			96
	HomeServices	1			—			3			1
	BHE and Other(1)	103			75			315			214
	Total interest expense	$	423		$	309		$	1,266		$	893
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total assets:
	PacifiCorp	$	23,068		$	22,885
	MidAmerican Funding	15,013			13,992
	NV Energy	14,672			14,233
	Pipelines	4,845			4,908
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	7,151			6,874
	MidAmerican Renewables	5,517			3,875
HomeServices	1,469			1,381
BHE and Other(1)	2,287			1,852
Total assets	$	74,022		$	70,000
-1	The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE 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 nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 (in millions):
													Northern
				MidAmerican			NV						Powergrid			MidAmerican		Home-
	PacifiCorp			Funding			Energy			Pipelines			Holdings			Renewables		Services		Other			Total
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,280		$	153		$	1,149		$	15	$	695	$	4		$	7,527
Acquisitions	—			—			83			—			—			93		39		—			215
Foreign currency translation	—			—			—			—			(16		)	—		—		—			(16		)
Other	—			—			—			(19		)	—			—		—		(1		)	(20		)
Balance, September 30, 2014	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,363		$	134		$	1,133		$	108	$	734	$	3		$	7,706

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [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		$	1,158
	Property, plant and equipment		9,518
	Goodwill		2,363
	Other long-term assets		1,347
	Total assets		14,386
	Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $218		880
	Subsidiary debt, less current portion		5,116
	Deferred income taxes		1,757
	Other long-term liabilities		1,037
	Total liabilities		8,790
	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 BHE assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2012 (in millions):
		Nine-Month Period
		Ended September 30, 2013
	Operating revenue	$	11,660
	Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$	1,506

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	September 30,			December 31,
		Life	2014			2013
	Regulated assets:
	Utility generation, distribution and transmission system	5-80 years	$	59,864		$	57,490
	Interstate pipeline assets	3-80 years	6,508			6,448
			66,372			63,938
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(21,223		)	(19,874		)
	Regulated assets, net		45,149			44,064
	Nonregulated assets:
	Independent power plants	5-30 years	3,847			1,994
	Other assets	3-30 years	704			522
			4,551			2,516
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(790		)	(678		)
	Nonregulated assets, net		3,761			1,838
	Net operating assets		48,910			45,902
	Construction work-in-progress		4,126			4,217
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	53,036		$	50,119

Investments_and_Restricted_Cas1

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Investments:
	BYD Company Limited common stock	$	1,494	$	1,103
	Rabbi trusts	380		373
	Other	144		126
	Total investments	2,018		1,602
	Equity method investments:
	ETT	498		454
	Bridger Coal Company	182		178
	Agua Caliente Solar, LLC	61		41
	CE Generation(1)	—		185
	Other	93		85
	Total equity method investments	834		943
	Restricted cash and investments:
	Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds	410		394
	Solar Star and Topaz Projects	32		236
	Other	139		126
	Total restricted cash and investments	581		756
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,433	$	3,301
	Reflected as:
	Current assets	$	98	$	65
	Noncurrent assets	3,335		3,236
	Total investments and restricted cash and investments	$	3,433	$	3,301
	-1	In June 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in CE Generation. Refer to Note 3 for additional information.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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				Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Federal statutory income tax rate	35	%	35	%	35	%	35	%
	Income tax credits	(10	)	(17	)	(10	)	(13	)
	State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	2		1		2		2
	Income tax effect of foreign income	(2	)	(12	)	(3	)	(6	)
	Equity income	1		2		1		2
	Other, net	—		—		—		(2	)
	Effective income tax rate	26	%	9	%	25	%	18	%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	Foreign Operations
	Net periodic benefit cost for the United Kingdom pension plan included the following components (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	6		$	5		$	18		$	16
	Interest cost	24			21			72			63
	Expected return on plan assets	(31		)	(25		)	(94		)	(75		)
	Net amortization	12			14			39			41
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	11		$	15		$	35		$	45
	Domestic Operations
	Net periodic benefit cost for the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans included the following components (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension:
	Service cost	$	11		$	5		$	28		$	17
	Interest cost	32			23			98			66
	Expected return on plan assets	(41		)	(31		)	(123		)	(90		)
	Net amortization	8			15			28			44
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	10		$	12		$	31		$	37
	Other postretirement:
	Service cost	$	4		$	4		$	11		$	10
	Interest cost	11			8			34			25
	Expected return on plan assets	(14		)	(10		)	(39		)	(32		)
	Net amortization	(1		)	1			(3		)	4
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	3		$	3		$	7

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac1

Risk Management and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014
	Not designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets(1)	$	16			$	58		$	26		$	—		$	100
	Commodity liabilities(1)	(3		)		(1		)	(111		)	(101		)	(216		)
	Interest rate assets	3				—			—			—			3
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(1		)	(1		)	(2		)
	Total	16				57			(86		)	(102		)	(115		)
	Designated as hedging contracts:
	Commodity assets	14				—			6			5			25
	Commodity liabilities	(5		)		—			(1		)	(9		)	(15		)
	Interest rate assets	—				4			—			—			4
	Interest rate liabilities	—				—			(5		)	—			(5		)
	Total	9				4			—			(4		)	9
	Total derivatives	25				61			(86		)	(106		)	(106		)
	Cash collateral receivable	—				—			41			5			46
	Total derivatives - net basis	$	25			$	61		$	(45	)	$	(101	)	$	(60	)
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a net regulatory asset of $173 million and $182 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $116 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							Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,							Ended September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	142			$	172		$	182		$	235
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	37				18			30			12
	Net gains (losses) reclassified to operating revenue	5				7			(30		)	9
	Net losses reclassified to cost of sales	(11		)		(53		)	(9		)	(112		)
	Ending balance	$	173			$	144		$	173		$	144
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	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 (loss) ("OCI"), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions):
		Three-Month Periods							Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,							Ended September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	(25	)		$	26		$	12		$	32
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	16				1			(61		)	1
	Net (losses) gains reclassified to cost of sales	(5		)		(1		)	35			(7		)
	Ending balance	$	(14	)		$	26		$	(14	)	$	26
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		September 30,			December 31,
		Measure		2014			2013
	Electricity sales	Megawatt hours		—			(5	)
	Natural gas purchases	Decatherms		346			322
	Fuel purchases	Gallons		1			9
	Interest rate swaps	US$		446			650
	Mortgage sale commitments, net	US$		(94	)		(121	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Commodity derivatives		$	—			$	55			$	70			$	(46	)	$	79
	Interest rate derivatives		—				7				—				—			7
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—				112				—				—			112
	Money market mutual funds(2)		744				—				—				—			744
	Debt securities:
	United States government obligations		136				—				—				—			136
	International government obligations		—				1				—				—			1
	Corporate obligations		—				37				—				—			37
	Municipal obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations		—				2				—				—			2
	Auction rate securities		—				—				45				—			45
	Equity securities:
	United States companies		226				—				—				—			226
	International companies		1,499				—				—				—			1,499
	Investment funds		139				—				—				—			139
			$	2,744			$	216			$	115			$	(46	)	$	3,029
	Liabilities:
	Commodity derivatives		$	(2	)		$	(180	)		$	(49	)		$	92		$	(139	)
	Interest rate derivatives		—				(7		)		—				—			(7		)
			$	(2	)		$	(187	)		$	(49	)		$	92		$	(146	)
			Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements
			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Other(1)			Total
	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 $46 million and $12 million as of September 30, 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								Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
						Auction								Auction
		Commodity				Rate				Commodity				Rate
		Derivatives				Securities				Derivatives				Securities
	2014:00:00
	Beginning balance	$	9			$	46			$	60			$	44
	Changes included in earnings	17				—				(4		)		—
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	—				(1		)		4				1
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	(3		)		—				(3		)		—
	Settlements	(2		)		—				(1		)		—
	Transfers from level 2	—				—				(35		)		—
	Ending balance	$	21			$	45			$	21			$	45
	2013:00:00
	Beginning balance	$	27			$	42			$	32			$	41
	Changes included in earnings	12				—				16				—
	Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	—				1				(5		)		2
	Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	(1		)		—				1				—
	Purchases	—				—				2				—
	Settlements	1				—				(7		)		—
	Ending balance	$	39			$	43			$	39			$	43
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt (in millions):
		As of September 30, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
		Value				Value				Value				Value
	Long-term debt	$	32,064			$	36,421			$	32,012			$	34,881

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe1

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 BHE shareholders by each component of OCI, net of applicable income taxes (in millions):
								Unrealized
		Unrecognized			Foreign			Gains on		Unrealized		AOCI
		Amounts on			Currency			Available-		Gains on		Attributable
		Retirement			Translation			For-Sale		Cash Flow		To BHE
		Benefits			Adjustment			Securities		Hedges		Shareholders, Net
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	(575	)	$	(172	)	$	261	$	23	$	(463	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	36			(1		)	200		5		240
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$	(539	)	$	(173	)	$	461	$	28	$	(223	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(559	)	$	(98	)	$	524	$	36	$	(97	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	44			(83		)	236		13		210
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	(515	)	$	(181	)	$	760	$	49	$	113

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Operating revenue:
	PacifiCorp	$	1,438		$	1,398		$	3,969		$	3,845
	MidAmerican Funding	864			828			2,869			2,508
	NV Energy	1,118			—			2,551			—
	Pipelines	188			194			800			685
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	306			243			947			796
	MidAmerican Renewables	244			116			458			246
	HomeServices	644			555			1,619			1,340
	BHE and Other(1)	(28		)	(1		)	(87		)	(32		)
	Total operating revenue	$	4,774		$	3,333		$	13,126		$	9,388
	Depreciation and amortization:
	PacifiCorp	$	189		$	173		$	555		$	518
	MidAmerican Funding	89			98			259			309
	NV Energy	96			—			283			—
	Pipelines	48			45			146			142
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	52			44			150			129
	MidAmerican Renewables	47			18			100			51
	HomeServices	8			12			23			23
	BHE and Other(1)	(2		)	—			(5		)	(6		)
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	527		$	390		$	1,511		$	1,166
	Operating income:
	PacifiCorp	$	419		$	392		$	1,054		$	1,005
	MidAmerican Funding	161			130			365			279
	NV Energy	396			—			682			—
	Pipelines	59			71			318			309
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	158			112			517			424
	MidAmerican Renewables	143			81			252			151
	HomeServices	62			53			101			117
	BHE and Other(1)	(23		)	(21		)	(64		)	(53		)
	Total operating income	1,375			818			3,225			2,232
	Interest expense	(423		)	(309		)	(1,266		)	(893		)
	Capitalized interest	20			18			71			58
	Allowance for equity funds	23			17			75			55
	Other, net	18			14			59			54
	Total income before income tax expense and equity income	$	1,013		$	558		$	2,164		$	1,506
		Three-Month Periods						Nine-Month Periods
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest expense:
	PacifiCorp	$	96		$	98		$	291		$	293
	MidAmerican Funding	50			42			147			124
	NV Energy	70			—			211			—
	Pipelines	19			19			57			60
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	38			35			114			105
	MidAmerican Renewables	46			40			128			96
	HomeServices	1			—			3			1
	BHE and Other(1)	103			75			315			214
	Total interest expense	$	423		$	309		$	1,266		$	893
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Total assets:
	PacifiCorp	$	23,068		$	22,885
	MidAmerican Funding	15,013			13,992
	NV Energy	14,672			14,233
	Pipelines	4,845			4,908
	Northern Powergrid Holdings	7,151			6,874
	MidAmerican Renewables	5,517			3,875
	HomeServices	1,469			1,381
BHE and Other(1)	2,287			1,852
Total assets	$	74,022		$	70,000
-1	The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE 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 nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 (in millions):
														Northern
					MidAmerican			NV						Powergrid			MidAmerican		Home-
		PacifiCorp			Funding			Energy			Pipelines			Holdings			Renewables		Services		Other			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,280		$	153		$	1,149		$	15	$	695	$	4		$	7,527
	Acquisitions	—			—			83			—			—			93		39		—			215
	Foreign currency translation	—			—			—			—			(16		)	—		—		—			(16		)
	Other	—			—			—			(19		)	—			—		—		(1		)	(20		)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	1,129		$	2,102		$	2,363		$	134		$	1,133		$	108	$	734	$	3		$	7,706

General_Details

General (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 real 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 19, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	1-May-14	Sep. 30, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	NV Energy Transaction [Member]	NV Energy [Member]	AltaLink, LP Transaction [Member]	AltaLink, LP Transaction [Member]	CE Generation Transaction [Member]
				USD ($)	electricity_customers	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)
					natural_gas_customers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of electricity customers	'	'	'	'	1,200,000	'	'	'
Number of natural gas customers	'	'	'	'	200,000	'	'	'
Business acquisition, measurement period	'12 months	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets, including cash and cash equivalents of $304	'	'	'	$1,158,000,000	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	9,518,000,000	'	'	'	641,000,000
Goodwill	7,706,000,000	'	7,527,000,000	2,363,000,000	'	'	'	93,000,000
Other long-term assets	'	'	'	1,347,000,000	'	'	'	'
Total assets	'	'	'	14,386,000,000	'	'	'	'
Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $218	'	'	'	880,000,000	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary debt, less current portion	'	'	'	5,116,000,000	'	'	'	231,000,000
Deferred income taxes	'	'	'	1,757,000,000	'	'	'	183,000,000
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	1,037,000,000	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'	'	8,790,000,000	'	'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	5,596,000,000	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests, expected to be acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'
Business acquisition expected cash payment	'	'	'	'	'	2,900,000,000	3,200,000,000	'
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	246,000,000	210,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%
Cash and cash equivalents assumed	'	'	'	304,000,000	'	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt assumed	'	'	'	$218,000,000	'	'	'	'

Business_Acquisitions_Business

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions - Pro Forma (Details) (NV Energy Transaction [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
NV Energy Transaction [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Pro forma operating revenue	$11,660
Pro forma net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$1,506

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

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

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 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

'

'

$66,372

$63,938

$59,864

$57,490

'

'

$6,508

$6,448

'

'

$4,551

$2,516

$3,847

$1,994

'

'

$704

$522

'

'

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

'

'

-21,223

-19,874

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-790

-678

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment in service, net

48,910

45,902

45,149

44,064

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,761

1,838

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction work-in-progress

4,126

4,217

2,800

2,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, net

$53,036

$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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Investments	$2,018		$1,602
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	834		943
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Restricted cash and investments	581		756
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments	3,433		3,301
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, current	98		65
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, noncurrent	3,335		3,236
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds [Member]	'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Decommissioning fund investments, fair value	410		394
Solar Star and Topaz Projects [Member]	'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Restricted cash and investments	32		236
Other restricted cash and investments [Member]	'		'
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Restricted cash and investments	139		126
ETT [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	498		454
Bridger Coal Company [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	182		178
Agua Caliente Solar, LLC [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	61		41
CE Generation [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	0	[1]	185	[1]
Other equity method investments [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Equity method investments	93		85
BYD Company Limited common stock [Member]	'		'
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities, equity securities	1,494		1,103
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain (loss)	1,300		871
Rabbi trusts [Member]	'		'
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Rabbi trusts, amount	380		373
Other investments [Member]	'		'
Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Other investments	$144		$126
CE Generation Transaction [Member]	'		'
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]	'		'
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired	50.00%		'
[1]	(1)In JuneB 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in CE Generation. Refer to NoteB 3 for additional information.

Recent_Financing_Transactions_

Recent Financing Transactions Recent Financing Transactions - Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	NV Energy [Member]	Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]	PacifiCorp [Member]
	Variable rate term loan due 2014 [Member]	BHE Junior Subordinated Debentures [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]	First Mortgage Bonds, 3.60% Due April 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount	$195	$300	'	'	'	$350	'
Debt instrument, face amount	'	'	$150	$300	$400	'	$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) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]	Nevada Power Company [Member]	Nevada Power Company [Member]	Sierra Pacific Power Company [Member]	PacifiCorp [Member]	PacifiCorp [Member]	PacifiCorp [Member]	PacifiCorp [Member]
	Senior unsecured credit facility, $1.4 billion, expiring June 2017 [Member]	Secured credit facility, $500 million, expiring March 2017 [Member]	Senior unsecured credit facility, $400 million, expiring March 2018 [Member]	Senior unsecured credit facility, $250 million, expiring March 2018 [Member]	Letters of credit supporting tax-exempt bond obligations [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]	Unenhanced Variable-Rate Tax-Exempt Bond Obligations [Member]
	Line of Credit [Member]	Line of Credit [Member]	Line of Credit [Member]	Line of Credit [Member]			Letters of credit supporting tax-exempt bond obligations [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$1,400	'	$400	$250	'	'	'	'
Debt to capitalization ratio	0.7	'	0.68	0.68	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity replaced	'	500	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility, amount canceled	'	'	'	'	'	'	97	'
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	'	'	'	'	451	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, amounts supported	'	'	'	'	'	$270	'	$142

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Income tax credits	-10.00%	-17.00%	-10.00%	-13.00%
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	2.00%	1.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Income tax effect of foreign income	-2.00%	-12.00%	-3.00%	-6.00%
Equity income	1.00%	2.00%	1.00%	2.00%
Other, net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	-2.00%
Effective income tax rate	26.00%	9.00%	25.00%	18.00%
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	'	'	$764	$825

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Unit

Income Taxes Income Taxes - United Kingdom Tax Rate Changes (Details) (UNITED KINGDOM, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Corporate income tax rate enacted July 2012, effective April 1, 2013 [Member]	Corporate income tax rate enacted July 2013, effective April 1, 2014 [Member]	Corporate income tax rate enacted July 2013, effective April 1, 2015 [Member]
United Kingdom Corporate Income Tax Rate Change [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in enacted tax rate, amount	$54	'	'	'
Corporate income tax rate, foreign	'	23.00%	21.00%	20.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Domestic Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$11	$5	$28	$17
Interest cost	32	23	98	66
Expected return on plan assets	-41	-31	-123	-90
Net amortization	8	15	28	44
Net periodic benefit cost	10	12	31	37
Domestic Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	4	4	11	10
Interest cost	11	8	34	25
Expected return on plan assets	-14	-10	-39	-32
Net amortization	-1	1	-3	4
Net periodic benefit cost	0	3	3	7
UK Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	6	5	18	16
Interest cost	24	21	72	63
Expected return on plan assets	-31	-25	-94	-75
Net amortization	12	14	39	41
Net periodic benefit cost	$11	$15	$35	$45

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Employe

Employee Benefit Plans - Employer Contributions (Details)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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	$2	'	£ 56
Employer contributions	$14	$1	$70	£ 42

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac2

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Balance Sheet Location (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	($106)		'	($133)		'	'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	46		'	12		'	'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	-60		'	-121		'	'	'
Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	25		'	17		'	'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	0		'	-2		'	'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	25		'	15		'	'	'
Other Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	61		'	72		'	'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	0		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	61		'	72		'	'	'
Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-86		'	-71		'	'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	41		'	1		'	'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	-45		'	-70		'	'	'
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-106		'	-151		'	'	'
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	5		'	13		'	'	'
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	-101		'	-138		'	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-115		'	-121		'	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	16		'	17		'	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	57		'	66		'	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-86		'	-61		'	'	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-102		'	-143		'	'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	9		'	-12		'	'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	9		'	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	0		'	-10		'	'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-4		'	-8		'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	100	[1]	'	98	[1]	'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-216	[1]	'	-226	[1]	'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	-116		'	-128		'	'	'
Net regulatory asset	173		142	182		144	172	235
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	16	[1]	'	16	[1]	'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-3	[1]	'	-2	[1]	'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	58	[1]	'	62	[1]	'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-1	[1]	'	-1	[1]	'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	26	[1]	'	18	[1]	'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-111	[1]	'	-78	[1]	'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0	[1]	'	2	[1]	'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-101	[1]	'	-145	[1]	'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	25		'	2		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-15		'	-14		'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	14		'	1		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-5		'	-1		'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	6		'	1		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-1		'	-5		'	'	'
Commodity derivative [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	5		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-9		'	-8		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	3		'	8		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-2		'	-1		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	3		'	3		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	5		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-1		'	-1		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-1		'	0		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	4		'	6		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-5		'	-6		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	4		'	6		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-5		'	-6		'	'	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		'	0		'	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	$0		'	$0		'	'	'
[1]	The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of SeptemberB 30, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013, a net regulatory asset of $173B million and $182B million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $116B 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		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$142	$172	$182	$235
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	37	18	30	12
Net gains (losses) reclassified to operating revenue	5	7	-30	9
Net losses reclassified to cost of sales	-11	-53	-9	-112
Ending balance	$173	$144	$173	$144

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		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Cash flow hedge gain to be reclassified within twelve months	'	'	$13	'
Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-25	26	12	32
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	16	1	-61	1
Net (losses) gains reclassified to cost of sales	-5	-1	35	-7
Ending balance	($14)	$26	($14)	$26
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	'insignificant	'insignificant	'insignificant	'insignificant

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac5

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Derivative Contract Volumes (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	0	-5,000,000
Natural gas purchases (in decatherms) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount	346,000,000	322,000,000
Fuel purchases (in gallons) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount	1,000,000	9,000,000
Interest rate swap [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, notional amount	446	650
Mortgage sale commitments, net [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'	'
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, notional amount	-94	-121

Risk_Management_and_Hedging_Ac6

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Collateral and Contingent Features (Details) (Commodity derivative [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, net liability position, aggregate fair value	$145	$176
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value	8	12
Additional collateral, aggregate fair value	$116	$147

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	$46		$12
Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross liability and obligation to return cash, offset	-46	[1]	-27	[1]
Assets, fair value disclosure	3,029		2,682
Derivative liability, fair value, gross asset and right to reclaim cash, offset	92	[1]	39	[1]
Derivative liabilities	-146		-208
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	46		12
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	2,744		2,381
Derivative liabilities	-2		-1
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	216		215
Derivative liabilities	-187		-237
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, fair value disclosure	115		113
Derivative liabilities	-49		-9
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	112		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	112		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
Money market mutual funds [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	744	[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	744	[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]
United States government obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	136		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	136		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
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
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	37		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	37		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
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
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
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
United States companies [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	226		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	226		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
International companies [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	1,499		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	1,499		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
Investment funds [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	139		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	139		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
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross liability and obligation to return cash, offset	-46	[1]	-27
Derivative assets	79		73
Derivative liability, fair value, gross asset and right to reclaim cash, offset	92	[1]	39	[1]
Derivative liabilities	-139		-201
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		3
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-2		-1
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	55		28
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-180		-230
Commodity derivative [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	70		69
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-49		-9
Interest rate swap [Member] | Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative assets	7		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 asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		0
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	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 asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	7		14
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	-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 asset, fair value, gross asset including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		0
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	$0		$0
[1]	Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $46B million and $12B million as of SeptemberB 30, 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		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Commodity derivative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$9	$27	$60	$32
Changes included in earnings	17	12	-4	16
Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	4	-5
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	-3	-1	-3	1
Purchases	'	0	'	2
Settlements	-2	1	-1	-7
Transfers from level 2	0	'	-35	'
Ending balance	21	39	21	39
Auction rate securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	46	42	44	41
Changes included in earnings	0	0	0	0
Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income	-1	1	1	2
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	0	0	0	0
Purchases	'	0	'	0
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Transfers from level 2	0	'	0	'
Ending balance	$45	$43	$45	$43

Fair_Value_Measurements_Debt_D

Fair Value Measurements - Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, carrying value	$32,064	$32,012
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, fair value	$36,421	$34,881

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Matters (Details) (PacifiCorp [Member], USA Power [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 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	118
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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Topaz [Member]	'
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]	'
Equity funding and contribution agreement, amount committed	$2,440,000,000
Equity commitment, outstanding amount	550,000,000
Solar Star Projects [Member]	'
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]	'
Equity funding and contribution agreement, amount committed	2,750,000,000
Equity commitment, outstanding amount	$1,190,000,000

Components_of_Accumulated_Othe2

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	'	'	($97)	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	40	-21	44	36
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment	-214	212	-83	-1
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	119	156	236	200
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	-6	-2	13	5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-61	345	210	240
Ending balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	113	'	113	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	'	'	-559	-575
Beginning balance - foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-98	-172
Beginning balance - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	'	'	524	261
Beginning balance - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	'	'	36	23
Beginning balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	'	'	-97	-463
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	'	'	44	36
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-83	-1
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	'	'	236	200
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	'	'	13	5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	210	240
Ending balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	-515	-539	-515	-539
Ending balance - foreign currency translation adjustment	-181	-173	-181	-173
Ending balance - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	760	461	760	461
Ending balance - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	49	28	49	28
Ending balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	$113	($223)	$113	($223)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	$4,130		$2,778		$11,507		$8,048		'
Real estate	644		555		1,619		1,340		'
Total operating revenue	4,774		3,333		13,126		9,388		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	519		378		1,488		1,143		'
Depreciation and amortization	527		390		1,511		1,166		'
Operating income	1,375		818		3,225		2,232		'
Interest expense	423		309		1,266		893		'
Capitalized interest	20		18		71		58		'
Allowance for equity funds	23		17		75		55		'
Other, net	18		14		59		54		'
Income before income tax expense and equity income	1,013		558		2,164		1,506		'
Assets	74,022		'		74,022		'		70,000
PacifiCorp [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	1,438		1,398		3,969		3,845		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	189		173		555		518		'
Operating income	419		392		1,054		1,005		'
Interest expense	96		98		291		293		'
Assets	23,068		'		23,068		'		22,885
MidAmerican Funding [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	864		828		2,869		2,508		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	89		98		259		309		'
Operating income	161		130		365		279		'
Interest expense	50		42		147		124		'
Assets	15,013		'		15,013		'		13,992
NV Energy [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	1,118		0		2,551		0		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	96		0		283		0		'
Operating income	396		0		682		0		'
Interest expense	70		0		211		0		'
Assets	14,672		'		14,672		'		14,233
Pipelines [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	188		194		800		685		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	48		45		146		142		'
Operating income	59		71		318		309		'
Interest expense	19		19		57		60		'
Assets	4,845		'		4,845		'		4,908
Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	306		243		947		796		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	52		44		150		129		'
Operating income	158		112		517		424		'
Interest expense	38		35		114		105		'
Assets	7,151		'		7,151		'		6,874
MidAmerican Renewables [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	244		116		458		246		'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	47		18		100		51		'
Operating income	143		81		252		151		'
Interest expense	46		40		128		96		'
Assets	5,517		'		5,517		'		3,875
HomeServices [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Real estate	644		555		1,619		1,340		'
Depreciation and amortization	8		12		23		23		'
Operating income	62		53		101		117		'
Interest expense	1		0		3		1		'
Assets	1,469		'		1,469		'		1,381
BHE And Other [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Sales revenue from energy operations	-28	[1]	-1	[1]	-87	[1]	-32	[1]	'
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	-2	[1]	0	[1]	-5	[1]	-6	[1]	'
Operating income	-23	[1]	-21	[1]	-64	[1]	-53	[1]	'
Interest expense	103	[1]	75	[1]	315	[1]	214	[1]	'
Assets	$2,287	[1]	'		$2,287	[1]	'		$1,852	[1]
[1]	The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate to corporate functions, MidAmerican Transmission, LLC, other corporate entities andB intersegment eliminations.

Segment_Information_Goodwill_D

Segment Information - Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	$7,527
Acquisitions	215
Foreign currency translation	-16
Other	-20
Balance, September 30, 2014	7,706
PacifiCorp [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	1,129
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2014	1,129
MidAmerican Funding [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	2,102
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2014	2,102
NV Energy [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	2,280
Acquisitions	83
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2014	2,363
Pipelines [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	153
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	-19
Balance, September 30, 2014	134
Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	1,149
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	-16
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2014	1,133
MidAmerican Renewables [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	15
Acquisitions	93
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2014	108
HomeServices [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	695
Acquisitions	39
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
Balance, September 30, 2014	734
Other [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	4
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	-1
Balance, September 30, 2014	$3