Berkshire Hathaway Energy 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY CO
Entity Central Index Key	1,081,316
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		77,391,144
Entity Public Float			$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,651	$ 617
Trade receivables, net	2,005	1,837
Income taxes receivable	115	1,156
Inventories	859	826
Mortgage loans held for sale	380	286
Other current assets	1,059	1,221
Total current assets	6,069	5,943
Property, plant and equipment, net	60,131	59,248
Goodwill	9,143	9,343
Regulatory assets	4,092	4,000
Investments and restricted cash and investments	3,126	2,803
Other assets	1,198	967
Total assets	83,759	82,304
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,657	1,991
Accrued interest	474	454
Accrued property, income and other taxes	919	366
Accrued employee expenses	368	255
Short-term debt	940	1,445
Current portion of long-term debt	1,574	1,232
Other current liabilities	1,271	1,369
Total current liabilities	7,203	7,112
Regulatory liabilities	2,682	2,669
BHE senior debt	7,860	7,860
BHE junior subordinated debentures	3,194	3,794
Subsidiary debt	25,617	25,763
Deferred income taxes	12,234	11,802
Other long-term liabilities	2,781	2,731
Total liabilities	$ 61,571	$ 61,731
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
BHE shareholders' equity:
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in capital	6,412	6,423
Retained earnings	16,437	14,513
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(797)	(494)
Total BHE shareholders' equity	22,052	20,442
Noncontrolling interests	136	131
Total equity	22,188	20,573
Total liabilities and equity	$ 83,759	$ 82,304

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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 Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating revenue:
Energy	$ 4,324	$ 4,130	$ 11,787	$ 11,507
Real estate	745	644	1,951	1,619
Total operating revenue	5,069	4,774	13,738	13,126
Energy:
Cost of sales	1,354	1,410	3,937	4,328
Operating expense	903	888	2,744	2,567
Depreciation and amortization	609	519	1,794	1,488
Real estate	667	582	1,790	1,518
Total operating costs and expenses	3,533	3,399	10,265	9,901
Operating income	1,536	1,375	3,473	3,225
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(475)	(423)	(1,423)	(1,266)
Capitalized interest	18	20	69	71
Allowance for equity funds	23	23	84	75
Interest and dividend income	27	10	79	28
Other, net	(9)	8	27	31
Total other income (expense)	(416)	(362)	(1,164)	(1,061)
Income before income tax expense and equity income	1,120	1,013	2,309	2,164
Income tax expense	269	266	474	531
Equity income	33	38	89	84
Net income	884	785	1,924	1,717
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	9	23	21
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 874	$ 776	$ 1,901	$ 1,696

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 884	$ 785	$ 1,924	$ 1,717
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $7, $13, $4 and $13	16	40	10	44
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(318)	(214)	(479)	(83)
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $(69), $79, $121 and $158	(103)	119	179	236
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(6), $(5), $(9) and $8	(7)	(6)	(13)	13
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(412)	(61)	(303)	210
Comprehensive income	472	724	1,621	1,927
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	9	23	21
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 462	$ 715	$ 1,598	$ 1,906

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, tax	$ 7	$ 13	$ 4	$ 13
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, tax	(69)	79	121	158
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, tax	$ (6)	$ (5)	$ (9)	$ 8

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		77
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 18,816	$ 0	$ 6,390	$ 12,418	$ (97)	$ 105
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	1,709	0	0	1,696	0	13
Other comprehensive income (loss)	210	0	0	0	210	0
Distributions	(16)	0	0	0	0	(16)
Other equity transactions	53	$ 0	33	0	0	20
Balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2014		77
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 20,772	$ 0	6,423	14,114	113	122
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	77	77
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 20,573	$ 0	6,423	14,513	(494)	131
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	1,914	0	0	1,901	0	13
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(303)	0	0	0	(303)	0
Distributions	(15)	0	0	0	0	(15)
Other equity transactions	(12)	0	(8)	0	0	(4)
Adoption of ASC 853	67	0	0	56	0	11
Common stock purchases	$ (36)	$ 0	(3)	(33)	0	0
Balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2015	77	77
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 22,188	$ 0	$ 6,412	$ 16,437	$ (797)	$ 136

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,924	$ 1,717
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,814	1,511
Allowance for equity funds	(84)	(75)
Equity income, net of distributions	(38)	(60)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities	326	(54)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits	617	1,063
Other, net	41	94
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Trade receivables and other assets	(251)	(74)
Derivative collateral, net	8	(30)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	(9)	(23)
Accrued property, income and other taxes	1,608	201
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(47)	70
Net cash flows from operating activities	5,909	4,340
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(4,251)	(4,060)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(157)	(246)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash and investments	(64)	184
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(132)	(131)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	123	101
Equity method investments	(32)	(22)
Other, net	67	(6)
Net cash flows from investing activities	(4,446)	(4,180)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures	(600)	(550)
Common stock purchases	(36)	0
Proceeds from subsidiary debt	1,468	1,272
Repayments of subsidiary debt	(712)	(884)
Net (repayments of) proceeds from short-term debt	(473)	367
Other, net	(75)	(57)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(428)	148
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1)	(2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1,034	306
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	617	1,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,651	$ 1,481

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	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 eight business segments: 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 Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which consists of Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas") and Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River")), BHE Transmission (which consists of BHE AltaLink Ltd. ("AltaLink") (which primarily consists of AltaLink, L.P. ("ALP")) and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC), BHE Renewables, and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). The Company, through these businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business primarily selling power generated from solar, wind, geothermal and hydro sources under long-term contracts, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States. 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, 2015 and for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . The results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 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, 2014 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, 2015 .

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Accounting Changes [Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 835-30, "Interest - Imputation of Interest." The amendments in this guidance require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability instead of as an asset. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. This guidance must be adopted retrospectively, wherein the balance sheet of each period presented should be adjusted to reflect the new guidance. 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 May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which creates FASB 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. 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 January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-05, which amends FASB ASC Topic 853, "Service Concession Arrangements" ("ASC 853"). The amendments in this guidance require an entity to not account for service concession arrangements as a lease and should also not recognize them as property, plant and equipment. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2015 under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. The adoption resulted in the establishment of a financial asset with a related recognition of interest income, the elimination of a portion of previously recognized property, plant and equipment, the elimination of recognizing guaranteed water and energy delivery fees in operating revenue and increases to retained earnings attributable to the Company of $56 million and noncontrolling interests of $11 million .

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Acquisitions AltaLink Transaction Description On December 1, 2014, BHE completed its acquisition of AltaLink and AltaLink became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE . Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between BHE and SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. ("SNC-Lavalin"), BHE paid C$3.1 billion (US $2.7 billion ) in cash to SNC-Lavalin for 100% of the equity interests of AltaLink. BHE funded the total purchase price with $1.5 billion of junior subordinated debentures issued and sold to subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway, $1.0 billion borrowed under its commercial paper program and cash on hand. ALP is a regulated electric transmission business, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. ALP owns 7,800 miles of transmission lines and 300 substations in Alberta and operates under a cost-of-service regulatory model, including a forward test year, overseen by the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC"). Allocation of Purchase Price The operations of ALP are subject to the rate-setting authority of the AUC and are accounted for pursuant to GAAP, including the authoritative guidance for regulated operations. The rate-setting and cost recovery provisions establish rates on a cost-of-service basis designed to allow ALP an opportunity to recover its costs of providing service and a return on its investment in rate base. Except for certain assets not currently in rates, the fair value of ALP's 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 AltaLink'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 contracts, deferred tax amounts and certain 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, further information regarding the fair value of the contracts and the resolution of contingency related items. AltaLink's non-regulated assets acquired and liabilities assumed consist principally of AltaLink Investments, L.P.'s and AltaLink Holdings, L.P.'s senior bonds and debentures. The fair value of these liabilities was determined based on quoted market prices. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions): Fair Value Current assets, including cash and cash equivalents of $15 $ 174 Property, plant and equipment 5,610 Goodwill 1,731 Other long-term assets 128 Total assets 7,643 Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $79 866 Subsidiary debt, less current portion 3,772 Deferred income taxes 95 Other long-term liabilities 182 Total liabilities 4,915 Net assets acquired $ 2,728 Goodwill The excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed totaled $1.7 billion and is reflected as goodwill in the BHE Transmission reportable segment. The goodwill reflects the value for the opportunities to invest in Alberta's electric transmission infrastructure and to develop solutions to meet the long-term energy needs of Alberta. 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, non-recurring transaction costs incurred by both BHE and AltaLink during 2014 and the amortization of the purchase price adjustments each assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2013 (in millions): Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2014 Operating revenue $ 13,565 Net income attributable to BHE shareholders $ 1,736 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.

Property, Plant and Equipment,

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following (in millions): As of Depreciable September 30, December 31, Life 2015 2014 Regulated assets: Utility generation, distribution and transmission system 5-80 years $ 67,044 $ 64,645 Interstate pipeline assets 3-80 years 6,761 6,660 73,805 71,305 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (22,666 ) (21,447 ) Regulated assets, net 51,139 49,858 Nonregulated assets: Independent power plants 5-30 years 4,737 4,362 Other assets 3-30 years 837 673 5,574 5,035 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (742 ) (839 ) Nonregulated assets, net 4,832 4,196 Net operating assets 55,971 54,054 Construction work-in-progress 4,160 5,194 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 60,131 $ 59,248 Construction work-in-progress includes $3.9 billion and $4.3 billion as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, related to the construction of regulated assets.

Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Regulated Matters [Abstract]
Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]	Regulatory Matters Utah Mine Disposition Due to quality issues with the coal reserves at PacifiCorp's Deer Creek mine in Utah and rising costs at PacifiCorp's wholly owned subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, PacifiCorp believes the Deer Creek coal reserves are no longer able to be economically mined. As a result, in December 2014, PacifiCorp filed applications with the Utah Public Service Commission ("UPSC"), the Oregon Public Utility Commission ("OPUC"), the Wyoming Public Service Commission ("WPSC") and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("IPUC") seeking certain approvals, prudence determinations and accounting orders to close its Deer Creek mining operations, sell certain Utah mining assets, enter into a replacement coal supply agreement, amend an existing coal supply agreement, withdraw from the United Mine Workers of America ("UMWA") 1974 Pension Plan and settle PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit obligation for UMWA participants (collectively, the "Utah Mine Disposition"). In April 2015, PacifiCorp filed all-party settlement stipulations with the UPSC and the WPSC finding that the decision to enter into the Utah Mine Disposition transaction is prudent and in the public interest. The UPSC approved the stipulation in April 2015 and the WPSC approved the stipulation in May 2015. In May 2015, the OPUC issued its final order concluding that the Utah Mine Disposition transaction produces net benefits for customers and is in the public interest. The IPUC also issued an order in May 2015, approving the Utah Mine Disposition and ruling that the decision to enter into the transaction is prudent and in the public interest. Accordingly, in June 2015, PacifiCorp sold the specified Utah mining assets and the replacement and amended coal supply agreements became effective. Refer to Note 13 for discussion of the contractual obligations related to the replacement coal supply agreement. Refer to Note 9 for discussion of the settlement of the other postretirement benefit obligation for UMWA participants. The Deer Creek mine is currently idled and closure activities have begun.

Investments and Restricted Cash

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Text Block]	Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments Investments and restricted cash and investments consists of the following (in millions): As of September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Investments: BYD Company Limited common stock $ 1,186 $ 881 Rabbi trusts 372 386 Other 139 126 Total investments 1,697 1,393 Equity method investments: Electric Transmission Texas, LLC 565 515 Bridger Coal Company 189 192 Other 184 161 Total equity method investments 938 868 Restricted cash and investments: Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds 415 424 Solar Star and Topaz Projects 125 66 Other 153 167 Total restricted cash and investments 693 657 Total investments and restricted cash and investments $ 3,328 $ 2,918 Reflected as: Current assets $ 202 $ 115 Noncurrent assets 3,126 2,803 Total investments and restricted cash and investments $ 3,328 $ 2,918 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"). The fair value of BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock reflects a pre-tax unrealized gain of $954 million and $649 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.

Recent Financing Transactions

Recent Financing Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Recent Financing Transactions Long-Term Debt In October 2015, MidAmerican Energy issued $200 million of its 3.50% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2024 and $450 million of its 4.25% First Mortgage Bonds due May 2046. The net proceeds will be used for the repayment of $426 million of long-term debt maturing December 31, 2015, and for general corporate purposes. In September 2015, TX Jumbo Road Wind, LLC issued a $230 million Term Loan due September 2025. The Term Loan has an underlying variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed credit spread with a one-time increase during the term of the loan. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps that fix the underlying interest rate on 100% of the outstanding debt. In June 2015, BHE repaid at par value $600 million, plus accrued interest, of its junior subordinated debentures due December 2043. In June 2015, PacifiCorp issued $250 million of its 3.35% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2025. The net proceeds were used to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes, including retirement of short-term debt. In June 2015, ALP issued C$350 million of its 4.09% Series 2015-1 Medium-Term Notes due June 2045. The net proceeds were used to repay short-term debt. In April 2015, Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc issued £150 million of its 2.50% Bonds due April 2025. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of short-term debt. In March 2015, Solar Star Funding, LLC issued $325 million of its 3.95% Series B Senior Secured Notes. The principal of the notes amortizes beginning June 2016 with a final maturity in June 2035. The net proceeds were used to fund the repayment or reimbursement of amounts provided by BHE for the costs related to the development, construction and financing of a combined 586-megawatt solar project in California (the "Solar Star Projects"). In March 2015, AltaLink Investments, L.P. issued C$200 million of its 2.244% Series 15-1 Senior Bonds due March 2022. The net proceeds were used to repay short-term debt, provide equity to ALP and for general corporate purposes. Credit Facilities In March 2015, Topaz Solar Farms LLC amended its $345 million letter of credit facility reducing the amount available to $326 million and extending the maturity date to March 2025. As of September 30, 2015 , Topaz had $316 million of letters of credit issued under this facility. In March 2015, PacifiCorp obtained $191 million of letters of credit to support variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations. These letters of credit expire through March 2017 and replace certain letters of credit previously issued under one of the credit facilities. Also, in March 2015, PacifiCorp arranged for the cancellation of $23 million of letters of credit previously issued under one of the credit facilities to support variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations. As of September 30, 2015 , PacifiCorp had $310 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements to support variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations, of which $10 million were issued under credit facilities.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Federal statutory income tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % 35 % Income tax credits (9 ) (10 ) (11 ) (10 ) State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit — 2 1 2 Income tax effect of foreign income and credits (1 ) (2 ) (4 ) (3 ) Equity income 1 1 1 1 Other, net (2 ) — (1 ) — Effective income tax rate 24 % 26 % 21 % 25 % Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits from wind-powered generating facilities owned by MidAmerican Energy, PacifiCorp, Bishop Hill Energy II LLC and Jumbo Road Holdings, LLC. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service. Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its United States federal income tax return. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the Company received net cash payments for income taxes from Berkshire Hathaway totaling $1.8 billion and $764 million , respectively.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Pension: Service cost $ 8 $ 11 $ 24 $ 28 Interest cost 30 32 91 98 Expected return on plan assets (42 ) (41 ) (127 ) (123 ) Net amortization 13 8 41 28 Net periodic benefit cost $ 9 $ 10 $ 29 $ 31 Other postretirement: Service cost $ 2 $ 4 $ 8 $ 11 Interest cost 6 11 22 34 Expected return on plan assets (10 ) (14 ) (33 ) (39 ) Net amortization (1 ) (1 ) (7 ) (3 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (3 ) $ — $ (10 ) $ 3 Employer contributions to the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $34 million and $2 million , respectively, during 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 , $8 million and $2 million of contributions had been made to the domestic pension and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. Utah Mine Disposition and Labor Agreement In conjunction with the Utah Mine Disposition described in Note 5 , in December 2014, Energy West Mining Company reached a labor settlement with the UMWA covering union employees at PacifiCorp's Deer Creek mining operations. As a result of the labor settlement, the UMWA agreed to assume PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit obligation associated with UMWA plan participants in exchange for PacifiCorp transferring $150 million to a fund managed by the UMWA. Transfer of the assets and settlement of this obligation occurred in May 2015 and resulted in a remeasurement of the other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligation. As a result of the remeasurement, PacifiCorp recognized a $9 million settlement loss, with the portion that is probable of recovery deferred as a regulatory asset. 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 6 $ 6 $ 18 $ 18 Interest cost 20 24 60 72 Expected return on plan assets (29 ) (31 ) (87 ) (94 ) Net amortization 17 12 49 39 Net periodic benefit cost $ 14 $ 11 $ 40 $ 35 Employer contributions to the United Kingdom pension plan are expected to be £49 million during 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 , £37 million , or $57 million , of contributions had been made to the United Kingdom pension plan.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	Asset Retirement Obligations In December 2014, the United States Environmental Protection Agency released its final rule regulating the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts resulting from the operation of coal-fueled generating facilities, including requirements for the operation and closure of surface impoundment and ash landfill facilities. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in April 2015 and was effective in October 2015. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company's asset retirement obligations totaled $803 million and $687 million , respectively, and the change was substantially due to the impacts of the final rule.

Risk Management and Hedging Act

Risk Management and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	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, which creates contractual obligations to provide electric and natural gas services. 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, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. Additionally, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk from its business operations and investments in Great Britain and Canada. 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, forward sale commitments, or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, 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 12 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, 2015 Not designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets (1) $ 28 $ 76 $ 12 $ 2 $ 118 Commodity liabilities (1) (4 ) — (115 ) (182 ) (301 ) Interest rate assets 7 — — — 7 Interest rate liabilities — — (6 ) (8 ) (14 ) Total 31 76 (109 ) (188 ) (190 ) Designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets 1 — 2 — 3 Commodity liabilities — — (25 ) (25 ) (50 ) Interest rate assets — 1 — — 1 Interest rate liabilities — — (5 ) (2 ) (7 ) Total 1 1 (28 ) (27 ) (53 ) Total derivatives 32 77 (137 ) (215 ) (243 ) Cash collateral receivable — — 33 62 95 Total derivatives - net basis $ 32 $ 77 $ (104 ) $ (153 ) $ (148 ) Other Other Other Current Other Current Long-term Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities Total As of December 31, 2014 Not designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets (1) $ 47 $ 66 $ 21 $ 1 $ 135 Commodity liabilities (1) (11 ) — (146 ) (134 ) (291 ) Interest rate assets 4 — — — 4 Interest rate liabilities — — (2 ) (4 ) (6 ) Total 40 66 (127 ) (137 ) (158 ) Designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets 1 — 5 2 8 Commodity liabilities — — (27 ) (17 ) (44 ) Interest rate assets — 1 — — 1 Interest rate liabilities — — (4 ) — (4 ) Total 1 1 (26 ) (15 ) (39 ) Total derivatives 41 67 (153 ) (152 ) (197 ) Cash collateral receivable — — 56 19 75 Total derivatives - net basis $ 41 $ 67 $ (97 ) $ (133 ) $ (122 ) (1) The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , a net regulatory asset of $253 million and $223 million , respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $183 million and $156 million , respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables. 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 233 $ 142 $ 223 $ 182 Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets 47 37 104 30 Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue (11 ) 5 (4 ) (30 ) Net losses reclassified to cost of sales (16 ) (11 ) (70 ) (9 ) Ending balance $ 253 $ 173 $ 253 $ 173 Designated as Hedging Contracts The Company uses commodity derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges to hedge electricity and natural gas commodity prices for delivery to nonregulated customers, spring operational sales, natural gas storage and other transactions. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) and summarizes pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income ("OCI"), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions): Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 38 $ (25 ) $ 32 $ 12 Changes in fair value recognized in OCI 20 16 37 (61 ) Net gains reclassified to operating revenue 1 — 4 — Net (losses) gains reclassified to cost of sales (14 ) (5 ) (28 ) 35 Ending balance $ 45 $ (14 ) $ 45 $ (14 ) 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, 2015 and 2014 , hedge ineffectiveness was insignificant. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had cash flow hedges with expiration dates extending through September 2025 and $25 million of pre-tax net unrealized losses are forecasted to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months as contracts settle. Derivative Contract Volumes The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of (in millions): Unit of September 30, December 31, Measure 2015 2014 Electricity purchases Megawatt hours 7 6 Natural gas purchases Decatherms 353 308 Fuel purchases Gallons 3 2 Interest rate swaps US$ 662 443 Mortgage sale commitments, net US$ (341 ) (264 ) Credit Risk The Utilities are exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent the Utilities' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, the Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, 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 further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, 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. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement. 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, 2015 , 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 $290 million and $243 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, for which the Company had posted collateral of $71 million and $28 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company would have been required to post $204 million and $182 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, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	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, 2015 Assets: Commodity derivatives $ — $ 29 $ 92 $ (20 ) $ 101 Interest rate derivatives — 1 7 — 8 Mortgage loans held for sale — 367 — — 367 Money market mutual funds (2) 976 — — — 976 Debt securities: United States government obligations 136 — — — 136 International government obligations — 2 — — 2 Corporate obligations — 40 — — 40 Municipal obligations — 2 — — 2 Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations — 3 — — 3 Auction rate securities — — 44 — 44 Equity securities: United States companies 225 — — — 225 International companies 1,191 — — — 1,191 Investment funds 149 — — — 149 $ 2,677 $ 444 $ 143 $ (20 ) $ 3,244 Liabilities: Commodity derivatives $ (12 ) $ (290 ) $ (49 ) $ 115 $ (236 ) Interest rate derivatives — (21 ) — — (21 ) $ (12 ) $ (311 ) $ (49 ) $ 115 $ (257 ) Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other (1) Total As of December 31, 2014 Assets: Commodity derivatives $ 1 $ 48 $ 94 $ (40 ) $ 103 Interest rate derivatives — 5 — — 5 Mortgage loans held for sale — 279 — — 279 Money market mutual funds (2) 320 — — — 320 Debt securities: United States government obligations 136 — — — 136 International government obligations — 1 — — 1 Corporate obligations — 39 — — 39 Municipal obligations — 2 — — 2 Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations — 2 — — 2 Auction rate securities — — 45 — 45 Equity securities: United States companies 238 — — — 238 International companies 886 — — — 886 Investment funds 137 — — — 137 $ 1,718 $ 376 $ 139 $ (40 ) $ 2,193 Liabilities: Commodity derivatives $ (18 ) $ (274 ) $ (43 ) $ 115 $ (220 ) Interest rate derivatives — (10 ) — — (10 ) $ (18 ) $ (284 ) $ (43 ) $ 115 $ (230 ) (1) Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $95 million and $75 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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 11 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 stated at fair value and are primarily accounted for as available-for-sale securities. 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, Interest Auction Interest Auction Commodity Rate Rate Commodity Rate Rate Derivatives Derivatives Securities Derivatives Derivatives Securities 2015: Beginning balance $ 34 $ 5 $ 45 $ 51 $ — $ 45 Changes included in earnings 6 25 — 17 70 — Changes in fair value recognized in OCI (2 ) — (1 ) (5 ) — (1 ) Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets (4 ) — — (21 ) — — Purchases — — — 1 — — Settlements 9 (23 ) — — (66 ) — Transfers from Level 2 — — — — 3 — Ending balance $ 43 $ 7 $ 44 $ 43 $ 7 $ 44 2014: 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 The Company's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value Long-term debt $ 38,245 $ 42,342 $ 38,649 $ 43,863

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block]	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 a May 2010 ruling on the Plaintiff's petition for reconsideration, the Utah Supreme Court reversed summary judgment and remanded the case back to the Third District Court for further consideration. In May 2012, a 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. 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. 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. 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 were heard in September 2015. As of September 30, 2015 , PacifiCorp had accrued $121 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. Commitments As a result of the Utah Mine Disposition discussed in Note 5 , PacifiCorp's replacement coal supply agreement for one of its generating facilities became effective in June 2015. Also during the three-month period ended June 30, 2015, PacifiCorp entered into several purchased electricity contracts from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. These coal supply and purchased electricity contracts result in minimum future purchases of $70 million in 2016, $112 million in 2017, $127 million in 2018, $127 million in 2019 and $1.6 billion in 2020 and thereafter. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, MidAmerican Energy entered into several contracts totaling $541 million for the construction of wind-powered generating facilities to be placed in-service in 2016, for which all of the purchase obligation is expected to be paid by the end of 2016. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, MidAmerican Energy also entered into non-cancelable easements totaling $115 million with minimum commitments ranging through 2048 and non-cancelable maintenance and service contracts totaling $73 million with minimum commitments ranging through 2021. The easements and maintenance and service contracts relate to MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities being placed in-service in 2015 and 2016. The Solar Star Projects, which are a combined 586-MW solar project in California, achieved commercial operations under the power purchase agreements effective July 2015. BHE committed to provide Solar Star Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries with equity to fund the costs of the Solar Star Projects in an amount up to $2.75 billion , 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, 2015 , the remaining equity commitment for the Solar Star Projects is $69 million . Upon reaching the project completion date of the Solar Star Projects, BHE will have no further obligation to make any equity contributions and any unused equity contribution obligation will be canceled under the equity commitment agreement. In March 2015, the equity commitment for the Topaz Project was canceled as the project reached the project completion date. 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 Other

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Text Block]	Components of 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, 2013 $ (559 ) $ (98 ) $ 524 $ 36 $ (97 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 44 (83 ) 236 13 210 Balance, September 30, 2014 $ (515 ) $ (181 ) $ 760 $ 49 $ 113 Balance, December 31, 2014 $ (490 ) $ (412 ) $ 390 $ 18 $ (494 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 10 (479 ) 179 (13 ) (303 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (480 ) $ (891 ) $ 569 $ 5 $ (797 ) Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were insignificant. For information regarding cash flow hedge reclassifications from AOCI to net income in their entirety, refer to Note 11 . Additionally, refer to the "Foreign Operations" discussion in Note 9 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, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segment Information The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid , whose business is principally in the United Kingdom, BHE Transmission , whose business includes operations in Canada, and BHE 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenue: PacifiCorp $ 1,423 $ 1,438 $ 3,942 $ 3,969 MidAmerican Funding 921 864 2,669 2,869 NV Energy 1,124 1,118 2,665 2,551 Northern Powergrid 265 306 852 947 BHE Pipeline Group 196 188 736 800 BHE Transmission 153 — 428 — BHE Renewables 269 244 583 458 HomeServices 745 644 1,951 1,619 BHE and Other (1) (27 ) (28 ) (88 ) (87 ) Total operating revenue $ 5,069 $ 4,774 $ 13,738 $ 13,126 Depreciation and amortization: PacifiCorp $ 194 $ 189 $ 584 $ 555 MidAmerican Funding 101 89 300 259 NV Energy 103 96 307 283 Northern Powergrid 50 52 148 150 BHE Pipeline Group 51 48 151 146 BHE Transmission 56 — 147 — BHE Renewables 55 47 160 100 HomeServices 8 8 20 23 BHE and Other (1) (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) (5 ) Total depreciation and amortization $ 617 $ 527 $ 1,814 $ 1,511 Operating income: PacifiCorp $ 437 $ 419 $ 1,037 $ 1,054 MidAmerican Funding 211 161 440 365 NV Energy 398 396 697 682 Northern Powergrid 129 158 452 517 BHE Pipeline Group 66 59 322 318 BHE Transmission 62 (4 ) 166 (8 ) BHE Renewables 153 143 225 252 HomeServices 78 62 161 101 BHE and Other (1) 2 (19 ) (27 ) (56 ) Total operating income 1,536 1,375 3,473 3,225 Interest expense (475 ) (423 ) (1,423 ) (1,266 ) Capitalized interest 18 20 69 71 Allowance for equity funds 23 23 84 75 Interest and dividend income 27 10 79 28 Other, net (9 ) 8 27 31 Total income before income tax expense and equity income $ 1,120 $ 1,013 $ 2,309 $ 2,164 Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest expense: PacifiCorp $ 97 $ 96 $ 287 $ 291 MidAmerican Funding 50 50 150 147 NV Energy 67 70 195 211 Northern Powergrid 37 38 108 114 BHE Pipeline Group 16 19 51 57 BHE Transmission 37 — 110 — BHE Renewables 49 46 144 128 HomeServices 1 1 3 3 BHE and Other (1) 121 103 375 315 Total interest expense $ 475 $ 423 $ 1,423 $ 1,266 As of September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets: PacifiCorp $ 23,534 $ 23,466 MidAmerican Funding 16,099 15,368 NV Energy 14,756 14,454 Northern Powergrid 7,282 7,076 BHE Pipeline Group 4,914 4,968 BHE Transmission 7,682 7,992 BHE Renewables 5,867 6,123 HomeServices 1,806 1,629 BHE and Other (1) 1,819 1,228 Total assets $ 83,759 $ 82,304 Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenue by country: United States $ 4,643 $ 4,433 $ 12,444 $ 12,089 United Kingdom 265 306 852 945 Canada 154 3 434 13 Philippines and other 7 32 8 79 Total operating revenue by country $ 5,069 $ 4,774 $ 13,738 $ 13,126 Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Income (loss) before income tax expense and equity income by country: United States $ 962 $ 874 $ 1,785 $ 1,717 United Kingdom 98 126 364 411 Canada 41 (4 ) 119 (8 ) Philippines and other 19 17 41 44 Total income (loss) before income tax expense and equity income by country $ 1,120 $ 1,013 $ 2,309 $ 2,164 (1) The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other , relate to other corporate entities, corporate functions 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, 2015 (in millions): BHE MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other Total December 31, 2014 $ 1,129 $ 2,102 $ 2,369 $ 1,100 $ 127 $ 1,657 $ 95 $ 761 $ 3 $ 9,343 Acquisitions — — — — — 31 — 27 — 58 Foreign currency translation — — — (23 ) — (216 ) — — — (239 ) Other — — — — (19 ) — — — — (19 ) September 30, 2015 $ 1,129 $ 2,102 $ 2,369 $ 1,077 $ 108 $ 1,472 $ 95 $ 788 $ 3 $ 9,143

Business Acquisitions (Tables)

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 $15 $ 174 Property, plant and equipment 5,610 Goodwill 1,731 Other long-term assets 128 Total assets 7,643 Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $79 866 Subsidiary debt, less current portion 3,772 Deferred income taxes 95 Other long-term liabilities 182 Total liabilities 4,915 Net assets acquired $ 2,728
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of BHE, non-recurring transaction costs incurred by both BHE and AltaLink during 2014 and the amortization of the purchase price adjustments each assuming the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2013 (in millions): Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2014 Operating revenue $ 13,565 Net income attributable to BHE shareholders $ 1,736

Property, Plant and Equipment25

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 2015 2014 Regulated assets: Utility generation, distribution and transmission system 5-80 years $ 67,044 $ 64,645 Interstate pipeline assets 3-80 years 6,761 6,660 73,805 71,305 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (22,666 ) (21,447 ) Regulated assets, net 51,139 49,858 Nonregulated assets: Independent power plants 5-30 years 4,737 4,362 Other assets 3-30 years 837 673 5,574 5,035 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (742 ) (839 ) Nonregulated assets, net 4,832 4,196 Net operating assets 55,971 54,054 Construction work-in-progress 4,160 5,194 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 60,131 $ 59,248

Investments and Restricted Ca26

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 Investments: BYD Company Limited common stock $ 1,186 $ 881 Rabbi trusts 372 386 Other 139 126 Total investments 1,697 1,393 Equity method investments: Electric Transmission Texas, LLC 565 515 Bridger Coal Company 189 192 Other 184 161 Total equity method investments 938 868 Restricted cash and investments: Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds 415 424 Solar Star and Topaz Projects 125 66 Other 153 167 Total restricted cash and investments 693 657 Total investments and restricted cash and investments $ 3,328 $ 2,918 Reflected as: Current assets $ 202 $ 115 Noncurrent assets 3,126 2,803 Total investments and restricted cash and investments $ 3,328 $ 2,918

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Federal statutory income tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % 35 % Income tax credits (9 ) (10 ) (11 ) (10 ) State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit — 2 1 2 Income tax effect of foreign income and credits (1 ) (2 ) (4 ) (3 ) Equity income 1 1 1 1 Other, net (2 ) — (1 ) — Effective income tax rate 24 % 26 % 21 % 25 %

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 6 $ 6 $ 18 $ 18 Interest cost 20 24 60 72 Expected return on plan assets (29 ) (31 ) (87 ) (94 ) Net amortization 17 12 49 39 Net periodic benefit cost $ 14 $ 11 $ 40 $ 35 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Pension: Service cost $ 8 $ 11 $ 24 $ 28 Interest cost 30 32 91 98 Expected return on plan assets (42 ) (41 ) (127 ) (123 ) Net amortization 13 8 41 28 Net periodic benefit cost $ 9 $ 10 $ 29 $ 31 Other postretirement: Service cost $ 2 $ 4 $ 8 $ 11 Interest cost 6 11 22 34 Expected return on plan assets (10 ) (14 ) (33 ) (39 ) Net amortization (1 ) (1 ) (7 ) (3 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (3 ) $ — $ (10 ) $ 3

Risk Management and Hedging A29

Risk Management and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 Not designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets (1) $ 28 $ 76 $ 12 $ 2 $ 118 Commodity liabilities (1) (4 ) — (115 ) (182 ) (301 ) Interest rate assets 7 — — — 7 Interest rate liabilities — — (6 ) (8 ) (14 ) Total 31 76 (109 ) (188 ) (190 ) Designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets 1 — 2 — 3 Commodity liabilities — — (25 ) (25 ) (50 ) Interest rate assets — 1 — — 1 Interest rate liabilities — — (5 ) (2 ) (7 ) Total 1 1 (28 ) (27 ) (53 ) Total derivatives 32 77 (137 ) (215 ) (243 ) Cash collateral receivable — — 33 62 95 Total derivatives - net basis $ 32 $ 77 $ (104 ) $ (153 ) $ (148 ) Other Other Other Current Other Current Long-term Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities Total As of December 31, 2014 Not designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets (1) $ 47 $ 66 $ 21 $ 1 $ 135 Commodity liabilities (1) (11 ) — (146 ) (134 ) (291 ) Interest rate assets 4 — — — 4 Interest rate liabilities — — (2 ) (4 ) (6 ) Total 40 66 (127 ) (137 ) (158 ) Designated as hedging contracts: Commodity assets 1 — 5 2 8 Commodity liabilities — — (27 ) (17 ) (44 ) Interest rate assets — 1 — — 1 Interest rate liabilities — — (4 ) — (4 ) Total 1 1 (26 ) (15 ) (39 ) Total derivatives 41 67 (153 ) (152 ) (197 ) Cash collateral receivable — — 56 19 75 Total derivatives - net basis $ 41 $ 67 $ (97 ) $ (133 ) $ (122 ) (1) The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , a net regulatory asset of $253 million and $223 million , respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $183 million and $156 million , respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables.
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 233 $ 142 $ 223 $ 182 Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets 47 37 104 30 Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue (11 ) 5 (4 ) (30 ) Net losses reclassified to cost of sales (16 ) (11 ) (70 ) (9 ) Ending balance $ 253 $ 173 $ 253 $ 173
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 ("OCI"), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings (in millions): Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 38 $ (25 ) $ 32 $ 12 Changes in fair value recognized in OCI 20 16 37 (61 ) Net gains reclassified to operating revenue 1 — 4 — Net (losses) gains reclassified to cost of sales (14 ) (5 ) (28 ) 35 Ending balance $ 45 $ (14 ) $ 45 $ (14 )
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of (in millions): Unit of September 30, December 31, Measure 2015 2014 Electricity purchases Megawatt hours 7 6 Natural gas purchases Decatherms 353 308 Fuel purchases Gallons 3 2 Interest rate swaps US$ 662 443 Mortgage sale commitments, net US$ (341 ) (264 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 Assets: Commodity derivatives $ — $ 29 $ 92 $ (20 ) $ 101 Interest rate derivatives — 1 7 — 8 Mortgage loans held for sale — 367 — — 367 Money market mutual funds (2) 976 — — — 976 Debt securities: United States government obligations 136 — — — 136 International government obligations — 2 — — 2 Corporate obligations — 40 — — 40 Municipal obligations — 2 — — 2 Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations — 3 — — 3 Auction rate securities — — 44 — 44 Equity securities: United States companies 225 — — — 225 International companies 1,191 — — — 1,191 Investment funds 149 — — — 149 $ 2,677 $ 444 $ 143 $ (20 ) $ 3,244 Liabilities: Commodity derivatives $ (12 ) $ (290 ) $ (49 ) $ 115 $ (236 ) Interest rate derivatives — (21 ) — — (21 ) $ (12 ) $ (311 ) $ (49 ) $ 115 $ (257 ) Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other (1) Total As of December 31, 2014 Assets: Commodity derivatives $ 1 $ 48 $ 94 $ (40 ) $ 103 Interest rate derivatives — 5 — — 5 Mortgage loans held for sale — 279 — — 279 Money market mutual funds (2) 320 — — — 320 Debt securities: United States government obligations 136 — — — 136 International government obligations — 1 — — 1 Corporate obligations — 39 — — 39 Municipal obligations — 2 — — 2 Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations — 2 — — 2 Auction rate securities — — 45 — 45 Equity securities: United States companies 238 — — — 238 International companies 886 — — — 886 Investment funds 137 — — — 137 $ 1,718 $ 376 $ 139 $ (40 ) $ 2,193 Liabilities: Commodity derivatives $ (18 ) $ (274 ) $ (43 ) $ 115 $ (220 ) Interest rate derivatives — (10 ) — — (10 ) $ (18 ) $ (284 ) $ (43 ) $ 115 $ (230 ) (1) Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $95 million and $75 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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, Interest Auction Interest Auction Commodity Rate Rate Commodity Rate Rate Derivatives Derivatives Securities Derivatives Derivatives Securities 2015: Beginning balance $ 34 $ 5 $ 45 $ 51 $ — $ 45 Changes included in earnings 6 25 — 17 70 — Changes in fair value recognized in OCI (2 ) — (1 ) (5 ) — (1 ) Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets (4 ) — — (21 ) — — Purchases — — — 1 — — Settlements 9 (23 ) — — (66 ) — Transfers from Level 2 — — — — 3 — Ending balance $ 43 $ 7 $ 44 $ 43 $ 7 $ 44 2014: 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
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, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value Long-term debt $ 38,245 $ 42,342 $ 38,649 $ 43,863

Components of Accumulated Oth31

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2013 $ (559 ) $ (98 ) $ 524 $ 36 $ (97 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 44 (83 ) 236 13 210 Balance, September 30, 2014 $ (515 ) $ (181 ) $ 760 $ 49 $ 113 Balance, December 31, 2014 $ (490 ) $ (412 ) $ 390 $ 18 $ (494 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 10 (479 ) 179 (13 ) (303 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (480 ) $ (891 ) $ 569 $ 5 $ (797 )

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid , whose business is principally in the United Kingdom, BHE Transmission , whose business includes operations in Canada, and BHE 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenue: PacifiCorp $ 1,423 $ 1,438 $ 3,942 $ 3,969 MidAmerican Funding 921 864 2,669 2,869 NV Energy 1,124 1,118 2,665 2,551 Northern Powergrid 265 306 852 947 BHE Pipeline Group 196 188 736 800 BHE Transmission 153 — 428 — BHE Renewables 269 244 583 458 HomeServices 745 644 1,951 1,619 BHE and Other (1) (27 ) (28 ) (88 ) (87 ) Total operating revenue $ 5,069 $ 4,774 $ 13,738 $ 13,126 Depreciation and amortization: PacifiCorp $ 194 $ 189 $ 584 $ 555 MidAmerican Funding 101 89 300 259 NV Energy 103 96 307 283 Northern Powergrid 50 52 148 150 BHE Pipeline Group 51 48 151 146 BHE Transmission 56 — 147 — BHE Renewables 55 47 160 100 HomeServices 8 8 20 23 BHE and Other (1) (1 ) (2 ) (3 ) (5 ) Total depreciation and amortization $ 617 $ 527 $ 1,814 $ 1,511 Operating income: PacifiCorp $ 437 $ 419 $ 1,037 $ 1,054 MidAmerican Funding 211 161 440 365 NV Energy 398 396 697 682 Northern Powergrid 129 158 452 517 BHE Pipeline Group 66 59 322 318 BHE Transmission 62 (4 ) 166 (8 ) BHE Renewables 153 143 225 252 HomeServices 78 62 161 101 BHE and Other (1) 2 (19 ) (27 ) (56 ) Total operating income 1,536 1,375 3,473 3,225 Interest expense (475 ) (423 ) (1,423 ) (1,266 ) Capitalized interest 18 20 69 71 Allowance for equity funds 23 23 84 75 Interest and dividend income 27 10 79 28 Other, net (9 ) 8 27 31 Total income before income tax expense and equity income $ 1,120 $ 1,013 $ 2,309 $ 2,164 Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest expense: PacifiCorp $ 97 $ 96 $ 287 $ 291 MidAmerican Funding 50 50 150 147 NV Energy 67 70 195 211 Northern Powergrid 37 38 108 114 BHE Pipeline Group 16 19 51 57 BHE Transmission 37 — 110 — BHE Renewables 49 46 144 128 HomeServices 1 1 3 3 BHE and Other (1) 121 103 375 315 Total interest expense $ 475 $ 423 $ 1,423 $ 1,266 As of September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets: PacifiCorp $ 23,534 $ 23,466 MidAmerican Funding 16,099 15,368 NV Energy 14,756 14,454 Northern Powergrid 7,282 7,076 BHE Pipeline Group 4,914 4,968 BHE Transmission 7,682 7,992 BHE Renewables 5,867 6,123 HomeServices 1,806 1,629 BHE and Other (1) 1,819 1,228 Total assets $ 83,759 $ 82,304 Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenue by country: United States $ 4,643 $ 4,433 $ 12,444 $ 12,089 United Kingdom 265 306 852 945 Canada 154 3 434 13 Philippines and other 7 32 8 79 Total operating revenue by country $ 5,069 $ 4,774 $ 13,738 $ 13,126 Three-Month Periods Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Income (loss) before income tax expense and equity income by country: United States $ 962 $ 874 $ 1,785 $ 1,717 United Kingdom 98 126 364 411 Canada 41 (4 ) 119 (8 ) Philippines and other 19 17 41 44 Total income (loss) before income tax expense and equity income by country $ 1,120 $ 1,013 $ 2,309 $ 2,164 (1) The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other , relate to other corporate entities, corporate functions 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, 2015 (in millions): BHE MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other Total December 31, 2014 $ 1,129 $ 2,102 $ 2,369 $ 1,100 $ 127 $ 1,657 $ 95 $ 761 $ 3 $ 9,343 Acquisitions — — — — — 31 — 27 — 58 Foreign currency translation — — — (23 ) — (216 ) — — — (239 ) Other — — — — (19 ) — — — — (19 ) September 30, 2015 $ 1,129 $ 2,102 $ 2,369 $ 1,077 $ 108 $ 1,472 $ 95 $ 788 $ 3 $ 9,143

General (Details)

General (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015OperatingSegmentsOwnedAndOperatedCompanies
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | OperatingSegments	8
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
Number of owned and operated electricity transmission companies in Canada	1
Number of owned and operated renewable energy businesses	1
Number of owned and operated residential real estate brokerage firms in the United States	1
Number of owned and operated residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States	1

New Accounting Pronouncements N

New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2015USD ($)
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of ASC 853	$ 56
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of ASC 853	$ 11

Business Acquisitions (Details)

Business Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions, CAD in Billions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)substationmi	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 01, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 01, 2014CAD
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9,343	$ 9,143
Business acquisition, measurement period		12
AltaLink, LP Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, including cash and cash equivalents of $15			$ 174
Property, plant and equipment			5,610
Goodwill			1,731
Other long-term assets			128
Total assets			7,643
Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt of $79			866
Subsidiary debt, less current portion			3,772
Deferred income taxes			95
Other long-term liabilities			182
Total liabilities			4,915
Net assets acquired			2,728	CAD 3.1
Cash and cash equivalents assumed			15
Current portion of long-term debt assumed			$ 79
Transmission line | mi	7,800
Substation | substation	300
Common Stock [Member] | AltaLink, LP Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired			100.00%	100.00%
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] | AltaLink, LP Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, gross	$ 1,500
Commercial Paper [Member] | AltaLink, LP Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, gross	$ 1,000

Business Acquisitions Business

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions - Pro Forma (Details) - AltaLink, LP Transaction [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma operating revenue	$ 13,565
Pro forma net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 1,736

Property, Plant and Equipment37

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment in service, net	$ 55,971	$ 54,054
Construction work-in-progress	4,160	5,194
Property, plant and equipment, net	60,131	59,248
Regulated assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	73,805	71,305
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(22,666)	(21,447)
Property, plant and equipment in service, net	51,139	49,858
Construction work-in-progress	3,900	4,300
Regulated assets [Member] | Utility generation, distribution and transmission system
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 67,044	64,645
Regulated assets [Member] | Utility generation, distribution and transmission system | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	5 years
Regulated assets [Member] | Utility generation, distribution and transmission system | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	80 years
Regulated assets [Member] | Interstate pipeline assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 6,761	6,660
Regulated assets [Member] | Interstate pipeline assets | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	3 years
Regulated assets [Member] | Interstate pipeline assets | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	80 years
Unregulated operation [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 5,574	5,035
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(742)	(839)
Property, plant and equipment in service, net	4,832	4,196
Unregulated operation [Member] | Independent power plants
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 4,737	4,362
Unregulated operation [Member] | Independent power plants | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	5 years
Unregulated operation [Member] | Independent power plants | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	30 years
Unregulated operation [Member] | Other assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 837	$ 673
Unregulated operation [Member] | Other assets | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	3 years
Unregulated operation [Member] | Other assets | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Life	30 years

Investments and Restricted Ca38

Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	$ 1,697	$ 1,393
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investments	938	868
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted cash and investments	693	657
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments	3,328	2,918
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, current	202	115
Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, noncurrent	3,126	2,803
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Decommissioning fund investments, fair value	415	424
Solar Star and Topaz Projects [Member]
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted cash and investments	125	66
Other restricted cash and investments [Member]
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted cash and investments	153	167
ETT [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investments	565	515
Bridger Coal Company [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investments	189	192
Other equity method investments [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investments	184	161
BYD Company Limited common stock [Member]
Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, equity securities	1,186	881
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain (loss)	954	649
Rabbi trusts [Member]
Investments [Abstract]
Rabbi trusts, amount	372	386
Other investments [Member]
Investments [Abstract]
Other investments	$ 139	$ 126

Recent Financing Transactions R

Recent Financing Transactions Recent Financing Transactions - Long-Term Debt (Details) £ in Millions, CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015CAD	Apr. 30, 2015GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015CAD
Jumbo Road [Member] | Term Loan, Due September 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 230
Percent of interest rate swaps that fix the underlying interest rate on outstanding debt		100.00%
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | BHE Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount			$ 600
PacifiCorp [Member] | PacifiCorp First Mortgage Bonds, 3.35%, Due July 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 250
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			3.35%	3.35%
AltaLink, L.P. [Member] | Altalink, L.P. Medium Term Notes 4.09% due June 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | CAD				CAD 350
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			4.09%	4.09%
Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc [Member] | Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) 2.50% Bonds due April 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | £					£ 150
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage					2.50%
Solar Star Funding, LLC [Member] | Solar Star Funding LLC Series B Senior Secured Notes 3.95% due June 2016 through June 2035 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount						$ 325
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						3.95%	3.95%
AltaLink Investments, L.P. [Member] | Altalink Investments 15-1 Series Bonds 2.244% due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | CAD							CAD 200
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						2.244%	2.244%
Subsequent Event [Member] | MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds, 3.50%, Due October 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 200
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.50%
Subsequent Event [Member] | MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] | First Mortgage Bonds, 4.25%, Due May 2046 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 450
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.25%
Subsequent Event [Member] | MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] | Turbine Purchase Obligation, 1.43%, Due December 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 426

Recent Financing Transactions40

Recent Financing Transactions Recent Financings - Credit Facilities (Details) - Letter of Credit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Topaz [Member] | Letter of credit and reimbursement facility, Topaz [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 326
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity replaced	345
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		$ 316
PacifiCorp [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		310
Line of credit facility, amounts supported		$ 10
PacifiCorp [Member] | Letters of credit supporting tax-exempt bond obligations [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit issued during the period	191
PacifiCorp [Member] | Letters of credit supported by credit facility [Member] | Letters of credit supporting tax-exempt bond obligations [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit issued during the period	$ 23

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
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	(9.00%)	(10.00%)	(11.00%)	(10.00%)
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	0.00%	2.00%	1.00%	2.00%
Income tax effect of foreign income and credits	(1.00%)	(2.00%)	(4.00%)	(3.00%)
Equity income	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Other, net	(2.00%)	(0.00%)	(1.00%)	(0.00%)
Effective income tax rate	24.00%	26.00%	21.00%	25.00%
Production Tax Credit Carryforwards [Abstract]
Years eligible for federal renewable energy production tax credit			10 years
Related Party Income Tax Receivable (Payable) [Abstract]
Related party transaction, cash received for income taxes, net			$ 1,800	$ 764

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	May. 31, 2015
Domestic Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 8	$ 11	$ 24	$ 28
Interest cost	30	32	91	98
Expected return on plan assets	(42)	(41)	(127)	(123)
Net amortization	13	8	41	28
Net periodic benefit cost	9	10	29	31
Domestic Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2	4	8	11
Interest cost	6	11	22	34
Expected return on plan assets	(10)	(14)	(33)	(39)
Net amortization	(1)	(1)	(7)	(3)
Net periodic benefit cost	(3)	0	(10)	3
UK Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	6	6	18	18
Interest cost	20	24	60	72
Expected return on plan assets	(29)	(31)	(87)	(94)
Net amortization	17	12	49	39
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 14	$ 11	$ 40	$ 35
PacifiCorp [Member] | Domestic Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, amount to be transferred					$ 150
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not Yet Recognized, Regulatory Deferrals, Before Tax					$ 9

Employee Benefit Plans - Employ

Employee Benefit Plans - Employer Contributions (Details) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2015 £ in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Domestic Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in current fiscal year	$ 34
Employer contributions	8
Domestic Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in current fiscal year	2
UK Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in current fiscal year | £		£ 49
Employer contributions	$ 57	£ 37

Asset Retirement Obligations As

Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligation	$ 803	$ 687

Risk Management and Hedging A45

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Balance Sheet Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	$ (243)		$ (197)
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	95		75
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(148)		(122)
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	32		41
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	0		0
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	32		41
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	77		67
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	0		0
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	77		67
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(137)		(153)
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	33		56
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(104)		(97)
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(215)		(152)
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	62		19
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(153)		(133)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(190)		(158)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	31		40
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	76		66
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(109)		(127)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(188)		(137)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(53)		(39)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	1		1
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	1		1
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(28)		(26)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value, net	(27)		(15)
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	118		135
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(301)		(291)
Derivative, fair value, net	(183)		(156)
Net regulatory asset	253	$ 233	223	$ 173	$ 142	$ 182
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	28		47
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(4)		(11)
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	76		66
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		0
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	12		21
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(115)		(146)
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	2		1
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(182)		(134)
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	3		8
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(50)		(44)
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	1		1
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	0		0
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	2		5
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(25)		(27)
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	0		2
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(25)		(17)
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	7		4
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(14)		(6)
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	7		4
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		0
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	(6)		(2)
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	(8)		(4)
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	1		1
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(7)		(4)
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	1		1
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)		(4)
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	$ (2)		$ 0

Risk Management and Hedging A46

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 ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 233	$ 142	$ 223	$ 182
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	47	37	104	30
Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue	(11)	5	(4)	(30)
Net losses reclassified to cost of sales	(16)	(11)	(70)	(9)
Ending balance	$ 253	$ 173	$ 253	$ 173

Risk Management and Hedging A47

Risk Management and Hedging Activities Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Designated as Hedging Contracts (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	insignificant	insignificant	insignificant	insignificant
Cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified within twelve months			$ 25
Commodity derivative [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 38	$ (25)	32	$ 12
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI	20	16	37	(61)
Net gains reclassified to operating revenue	1	0	4	0
Net (losses) gains reclassified to cost of sales	(14)	(5)	(28)	35
Ending balance	$ 45	$ (14)	$ 45	$ (14)

Risk Management and Hedging A48

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Derivative Contract Volumes (Details) gal in Millions, MWh in Millions, Dth in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)MWhgalDth	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)MWhgalDth
Electricity purchases (in megawatt hours) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount | MWh	7	6
Natural gas purchases (in decatherms) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount | Dth	353	308
Fuel purchases (in gallons) [Member] | Commodity derivative [Member]
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount | gal	3	2
Interest rate swap [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 662	$ 443
Mortgage sale commitments, net [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ (341)	$ (264)

Risk Management and Hedging A49

Risk Management and Hedging Activities - Collateral and Contingent Features (Details) - Commodity derivative [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, net liability position, aggregate fair value	$ 290	$ 243
Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value	71	28
Additional collateral, aggregate fair value	$ 204	$ 182

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	$ 95	$ 75
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	(20)	(40)
Assets, fair value disclosure	3,244	2,193
Derivative liability, fair value, gross asset and right to reclaim cash, offset	115	115
Derivative liabilities	(257)	(230)
Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions	95	75
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure	2,677	1,718
Derivative liabilities	(12)	(18)
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure	444	376
Derivative liabilities	(311)	(284)
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, fair value disclosure	143	139
Derivative liabilities	(49)	(43)
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	367	279
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	367	279
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	976	320
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	976	320
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	0
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	0
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	136
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	136
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	2	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	2	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	40	39
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Corporate obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	40	39
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	3	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	3	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	44	45
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	44	45
United States companies [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	225	238
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	225	238
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	1,191	886
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	1,191	886
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	149	137
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	149	137
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	(20)	(40)
Derivative assets	101	103
Derivative liability, fair value, gross asset and right to reclaim cash, offset	115	115
Derivative liabilities	(236)	(220)
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	1
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(12)	(18)
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	29	48
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(290)	(274)
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	92	94
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(49)	(43)
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	8	5
Derivative liabilities	(21)	(10)
Interest Rate Contract [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 Contract [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	1	5
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	(21)	(10)
Interest Rate Contract [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	7	0
Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Level

Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Commodity derivative [Member]
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 34	$ 9	$ 51	$ 60
Changes included in earnings	6	17	17	(4)
Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income	(2)	0	(5)	4
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	(4)	(3)	(21)	(3)
Purchases	0		1
Settlements	9	(2)	0	(1)
Transfers from Level 2	0	0	0	(35)
Ending balance	43	21	43	21
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5	0	0	0
Changes included in earnings	25	0	70	0
Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets	0	0	0	0
Purchases	0		0
Settlements	(23)	0	(66)	0
Transfers from Level 2	0	0	3	0
Ending balance	7	0	7	0
Auction rate securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	45	46	45	44
Changes included in earnings	0	0	0	0
Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income	(1)	(1)	(1)	1
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	0	0
Ending balance	$ 44	$ 45	$ 44	$ 45

Fair Value Measurements - Debt

Fair Value Measurements - Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, carrying value	$ 38,245	$ 38,649
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 42,342	$ 43,863

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Matters (Details) - PacifiCorp [Member] - USA Power [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
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	121
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 Contingencies54

Commitments and Contingencies - Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Solar Star Projects [Member]
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]
Equity funding and contribution agreement, amount committed	$ 2,750
Equity commitment, outstanding amount	69
MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	115
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments, not commercially operable [Member] | PacifiCorp [Member]
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]
Purchase obligation, due in second year	70
Purchase obligation, due in third year	112
Purchase obligation, due in fourth year	127
Purchase obligation, due in fifth year	127
Purchase obligation, due after fifth year	1,600
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] | MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]
Purchase Obligation	541
Maintenance, service and other contracts [Member] | MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]
ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items]
Purchase Obligation	$ 73

Components of Accumulated Oth55

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net			$ (494)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	$ 16	$ 40	10	$ 44
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment	(318)	(214)	(479)	(83)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	(103)	119	179	236
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	(7)	(6)	(13)	13
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(412)	(61)	(303)	210
Ending balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	(797)		(797)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits			(490)	(559)
Beginning balance - foreign currency translation adjustment			(412)	(98)
Beginning balance - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			390	524
Beginning balance - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges			18	36
Beginning balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net			(494)	(97)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits			10	44
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment			(479)	(83)
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities			179	236
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on cash flow hedges			(13)	13
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(303)	210
Ending balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits	(480)	(515)	(480)	(515)
Ending balance - foreign currency translation adjustment	(891)	(181)	(891)	(181)
Ending balance - unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	569	760	569	760
Ending balance - unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	5	49	5	49
Ending balance - accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders, net	$ (797)	$ 113	$ (797)	$ 113

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 5,069	$ 4,774	$ 13,738	$ 13,126
Sales revenue from energy operations	4,324	4,130	11,787	11,507
Real estate	745	644	1,951	1,619
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	609	519	1,794	1,488
Depreciation and amortization	617	527	1,814	1,511
Operating income	1,536	1,375	3,473	3,225
Interest expense	475	423	1,423	1,266
Capitalized interest	18	20	69	71
Allowance for equity funds	23	23	84	75
Interest and dividend income	27	10	79	28
Other, net	(9)	8	27	31
Income before income tax expense and equity income	1,120	1,013	2,309	2,164
Assets	83,759		83,759		$ 82,304
PacifiCorp [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	1,423	1,438	3,942	3,969
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	194	189	584	555
Operating income	437	419	1,037	1,054
Interest expense	97	96	287	291
Assets	23,534		23,534		23,466
MidAmerican Funding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	921	864	2,669	2,869
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	101	89	300	259
Operating income	211	161	440	365
Interest expense	50	50	150	147
Assets	16,099		16,099		15,368
NV Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	1,124	1,118	2,665	2,551
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	103	96	307	283
Operating income	398	396	697	682
Interest expense	67	70	195	211
Assets	14,756		14,756		14,454
Northern Powergrid [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	265	306	852	947
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	50	52	148	150
Operating income	129	158	452	517
Interest expense	37	38	108	114
Assets	7,282		7,282		7,076
BHE Pipeline Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	196	188	736	800
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	51	48	151	146
Operating income	66	59	322	318
Interest expense	16	19	51	57
Assets	4,914		4,914		4,968
BHE Transmission [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	153	0	428	0
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	56	0	147	0
Operating income	62	(4)	166	(8)
Interest expense	37	0	110	0
Assets	7,682		7,682		7,992
BHE Renewables [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	269	244	583	458
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	55	47	160	100
Operating income	153	143	225	252
Interest expense	49	46	144	128
Assets	5,867		5,867		6,123
HomeServices [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate	745	644	1,951	1,619
Depreciation and amortization	8	8	20	23
Operating income	78	62	161	101
Interest expense	1	1	3	3
Assets	1,806		1,806		1,629
BHE And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue from energy operations	(27)	(28)	(88)	(87)
Depreciation and amortization - energy operations	(1)	(2)	(3)	(5)
Operating income	2	(19)	(27)	(56)
Interest expense	121	103	375	315
Assets	1,819		1,819		$ 1,228
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	4,643	4,433	12,444	12,089
Income before income tax expense and equity income	962	874	1,785	1,717
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	265	306	852	945
Income before income tax expense and equity income	98	126	364	411
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	154	3	434	13
Income before income tax expense and equity income	41	(4)	119	(8)
The Philippines and other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	7	32	8	79
Income before income tax expense and equity income	$ 19	$ 17	$ 41	$ 44

Segment Information - Goodwill

Segment Information - Goodwill (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	$ 9,343
Acquisitions	58
Foreign currency translation	(239)
Other	(19)
9/30/2015	9,143
PacifiCorp [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	1,129
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
9/30/2015	1,129
MidAmerican Funding [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	2,102
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
9/30/2015	2,102
NV Energy [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	2,369
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
9/30/2015	2,369
Northern Powergrid [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	1,100
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	(23)
Other	0
9/30/2015	1,077
BHE Pipeline Group [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	127
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	(19)
9/30/2015	108
BHE Transmission [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	1,657
Acquisitions	31
Foreign currency translation	(216)
Other	0
9/30/2015	1,472
BHE Renewables [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	95
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
9/30/2015	95
HomeServices [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	761
Acquisitions	27
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
9/30/2015	788
Other [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
12/31/2014	3
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation	0
Other	0
9/30/2015	$ 3