Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] PacifiCorp [Member] PacifiCorp [Member] Represents PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries. Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Regulatory assets Regulatory Assets, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Regulatory assets Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued employee expenses Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued property, income and other taxes Taxes Payable, Current Short-term debt Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Regulatory liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total BHE shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract] Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract] Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments Investments Including Equity Method And Restricted Cash and Investments [Table Text Block] A tabular disclosure for investments and restricted cash and investments. It contains: (a) investments in debt and equity securities categorized as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, (b) restricted cash and investments primarily related to funds held in trust for nuclear decommissioning and debt service reserve requirements that are restricted by certain project debt agreements to be used only for the related project, (c) equity method investments and (d) Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain key executives and directors and represents the cash surrender value, net of any amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value. Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Regulated Utility Retail Customer Type [Axis] Regulated Utility Retail Customer Type [Axis] Regulated Utility Retail Customer Type [Axis] Regulated Utility Retail Customer Type [Domain] Regulated Utility Retail Customer Type [Domain] [Domain] for Regulated Utility Retail Customer Type [Axis] Fully bundled customer [Member] Fully bundled customer [Member] Fully bundled customer [Member] Distribution only service [Member] Distribution only service [Member] Distribution only service [Member] Regulation Status [Axis] Regulation Status [Axis] Regulated and Unregulated Operation [Domain] Regulated and Unregulated Operation [Domain] Regulated Operation [Member] Regulated Operation [Member] Nevada Power Company [Member] Nevada Power Company [Member] Represents Nevada Power Company. Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Regulated retail electric [Member] Regulated retail electric [Member] Regulated retail electric [Member] Regulated wholesale [Member] Regulated wholesale [Member] Regulated wholesale [Member] Non-contracts with customer revenue [Member] Non-contracts with customer revenue [Member] Non-contracts with customer revenue [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Residential [Member] Residential [Member] Residential [Domain] Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Industrial [Member] Other [Member] Other [Member] Other retail electric customer [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Unbilled Contracts Receivable Unbilled Contracts Receivable Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Revenues Revenues Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Sierra Pacific Power Company [Member] Sierra Pacific Power Company [Member] Represents Sierra Pacific Power Company. Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Long-term debt, carrying value Long-term Debt Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Regulated Operations [Abstract] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table] A schedule of the entire disclosure for detailed information about regulatory assets and liabilities, including current and noncurrent assets created when regulatory agencies permit the deferral of costs to the balance sheet that would otherwise be required to appear on the company's income statement and would be charged against current expenses or revenues, as well as current and noncurrent liabilities created when regulatory agencies permit. Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis] Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Axis] Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain] Public Utilities, Regulatory Proceeding [Domain] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 [Member] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 [Member] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 [Member] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule Of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Percentage Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Percentage Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amended, Percentage Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amended, Percentage Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Electricity Generation Plant, Non-Nuclear [Member] Electricity Generation Plant, Non-Nuclear [Member] MidAmerican Energy Company [Member] MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] MidAmerican Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] Property Plant And Equipment By Business Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment By Business Type [Axis] Information by regulated and nonregulated businesses of long-lived, physical assets used to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Property Plant and Equipment By Business Type [Domain] Property Plant and Equipment By Business Type [Domain] Listing of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of regulated and nonregulated businesses to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furnitre and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Unregulated Operation [Member] Unregulated Operation [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems Utility Generation, Distribution and Transmission System [Member] Long-Lived, depreciable assets used for the primary purpose of generating, distributing and transmitting electricity and natural gas to the consumer. Interstate natural gas pipeline assets Pipelines [Member] Independent power plants Independent Power Plants [Member] Long-lived, depreciable assets of independent power plants used for the primary purpose of generating electricity. Other assets Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment in service, net Property, Plant and Equipment In Service, Net The period end amount of property, plant and equipment in service, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Construction in Progress, Gross Construction in Progress, Gross Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Depreciable Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Change in Accounting Estimates, Impact on Future Periods Change in Accounting Estimates, Impact on Future Periods Disclosure of the financial effect on future periods from a change in accounting estimate. Change in Accounting Estimates, Impact on Current Period From Prior Year Change Change in Accounting Estimates, Impact on Current Period from Prior Year Change Disclosure of the impact on the current period of a change in accounting estimate effective in the preceding year. Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table] A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense. Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items] Regulated Operation [Member] Unregulated Operation [Member] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] MidAmerican Funding [Member] MidAmerican Funding [Member] Represents MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries, which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company NV Energy, Inc. [Member] NV Energy, Inc. [Member] Represents NV Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member] Northern Powergrid Holdings [Member] Represents Northern Powergrid Holdings Company, which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc. BHE Pipeline Group [Member] MidAmerican Energy Pipeline Group [Member] Represents Northern Natrual Gas Company and Kern River Gas Transmission Company. BHE Transmission [Member] BHE Transmission [Member] Represents BHE AltaLink Ltd. and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC. BHE Renewables [Member] MidAmerican Renewables [Member] Represents MidAmerican Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines. Berkshire Hathaway Energy And Other [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Energy And Other [Member] Represents remaining differences between the segment amounts and the consolidated amounts and relates principally to intersegment eliminations for operating revenue and, for the other items presented, to (a) corporate functions, including administrative costs, interest expense, corporate cash and investments and related interest income and (b) intersegment eliminations. Regulated retail gas [Member] Regulated retail gas [Member] Regulated retail gas [Member] Regulated transmission and distribution [Member] Regulated transmission and distribution [Member] Regulated transmission and distribution [Member] Regulated interstate pipeline [Member] Regulated interstate pipeline [Member] Regulated interstate pipeline [Member] Nonregulated products and services [Member] Nonregulated products and services [Member] Nonregulated products and services [Member] Energy Sales Revenue from Energy Commodities and Services Recent Financings [Abstract] Recent Financings [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Subsidiary Debt [Member] Subsidiary Debt [Member] Represents Subsidiary Debt [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] NVE Holdings [Member] NVE Holdings [Member] Represents NVE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries. BHE [Member] BHE [Member] BHE [Member] HomeServices [Member] HomeServices [Member] Represents HomeServices of America, Inc. and its subsidiaries. MidAmerican Energy Company [Member] MidAmerican Energy Company [Member] Represents MidAmerican Energy Company and its subsidiaries. Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] Represents Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company. Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series BB [Member] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series BB [Member] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series BB MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.10%, Due May 2027 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.10%, Due May 2027 [Member] Represents MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.10%, Due May 2027 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.95%, Due 2047 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.95%, Due 2047 [Member] Represents MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.95%, Due 2047 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.65%, Due August 2048 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.65%, Due August 2048 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.65%, Due August 2048 [Member] Senior Notes, 2.375%, due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 2.375%, due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 2.375%, due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 2.800%, due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 2.800%, due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 2.800%, due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 3.250%, due 2028 [Member] Senior Notes, 3.250%, due 2028 [Member] Senior Notes, 3.250%, due 2028 [Member] Senior Notes, 3.80%, due 2048 [Member] Senior Notes, 3.80%, due 2048 [Member] Senior Notes, 3.80%, due 2048 [Member] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series O [Member] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series O [Member] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series O NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series S [Member] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series S [Member] NPC General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series S MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.65, Due 2048 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.65, Due 2048 [Member] MEC First Mortgage Bonds, 3.65, Due 2048 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Debt Disclosure [Abstract] MEC Notes, 5.3% Series, due 2018 [Member] MEC Notes, 5.3% Series, due 2018 [Member] Represents 5.3% Series MEC Notes due 2018 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Domestic Plan [Member] Domestic Plan [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Other Pension Plan [Member] Other Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Regulatory Matters [Abstract] Regulatory Matters [Abstract] Regulatory Proceeding [Axis] Regulatory Proceeding [Axis] Information by name of regulatory proceeding. Regulatory Proceeding [Domain] Regulatory Proceeding [Domain] [Domain] for Information by name of regulatory proceeding. Immediate Tariff Relief [Axis] Immediate Tariff Relief [Axis] Immediate Tariff Relief [Axis] Immediate Tariff Rate Relief Immediate Tariff Relief [Domain] [Domain] for Immediate Tariff Relief [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Axis] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Agency [Domain] Regulatory Proceeding Time Period [Axis] Regulatory Proceeding Time Period [Axis] Regulatory Proceeding Time Period [Axis] Regulatory Proceeding Time Period [Domain] Regulatory Proceeding Time Period [Domain] [Domain] for Regulatory Proceeding Time Period [Axis] Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Allowance for equity funds Increase (Decrease) in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Deferred Energy Change Deferred Energy Change Deferred Energy Change Amortization of Deferred Charges Amortization Income (Expense) of Deferred Energy Amortization Income (Expense) of Deferred Energy Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Noncash Income (Expense) Trade receivables and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable and Other Operating Assets Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accrued property, income and other taxes Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Accounts payable and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Other Operating Liabilities Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investments [Domain] Money market mutual funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Investment funds [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity derivative [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] 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 Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset Derivative assets Derivative Asset Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities Trading Securities Trading Securities Assets, fair value disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative liability, fair value, gross asset and right to reclaim cash, offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Cash collateral, net receivable, offset against derivative positions Cash Collateral, Net Receivable (Payable), Offset Against Derivative Positions The net amount of the rights to reclaim, or the obligations to return, cash collateral under master netting arrangements that have been offset against derivative instrument positions as of the balance sheet date. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transaction, cash received for income taxes, net Related Party Transaction, Cash Received for Income Taxes, Net The amount of cash received during the current period from affiliates for refunds for the overpayment of taxes on income, net of any amounts paid during the current period. Business Acquisitions [Abstract] Business Acquisitions [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Real estate brokerage franchise business [Member] Real estate brokerage franchise business [Member] Real estate brokerage franchise business [Member] Real estate franchise [Member] Real estate franchise [Member] Real estate franchise [Member] Other acquisitions [Member] Other acquisitions [Member] Represents various acquisitions completed during the period. Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Ownership Percentage Acquired Ownership Percentage Acquired Ownership Percentage Acquired Business acquisition, acquisition of remaining noncontrolling interest Business acquisition, acquisition of remaining noncontrolling interest Business acquisition, acquisition of remaining noncontrolling interest Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contractual Obligation Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule Table [Table] ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Table] Disclosure of the aggregate amount of payments due on known contractual obligations for the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet and the combined aggregate amount of maturities of known contractual obligations. Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Natural Gas Contracts For Resale [Member] Natural Gas Contracts For Resale [Member] Natural gas supply and transportation contracts for resale to customers. Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member] Hydroelectric System Name [Axis] Hydroelectric System Name [Axis] Information by hydroelectric system. Hydroelectric System Name [Domain] Hydroelectric System Name [Domain] Name of hydroelectric system. Klamath Hydroelectric System [Member] Klamath Hydroelectric System [Member] Represents the Klamath Hydroelectric System. Cost recovered, from customers, by state [Axis] Cost recovered, from customers, by state [Axis] Information of cost recovered from customers by state. Cost recovered, from customers, by state [Domain] Cost recovered, from customers, by state [Domain] Cost recovered from customers by state. OREGON OREGON CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items] ContractualObligationFiscalYearMaturityScheduleTable [Line Items] [Line Items] for Disclosure of the aggregate amount of payments due on known contractual obligations for the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet and the combined aggregate amount of maturities of known contractual obligations. Purchase Obligation, Due Through Fifth Year Purchase Obligation, Due Through Fifth Year Minimum amount of purchase arrangement maturing through the fifth fiscal year following the latest completed fiscal year. Includes, but not limited to, recorded and unrecorded purchase obligations, long-term purchase commitments, and short-term purchase commitments. Purchase Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Purchase Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Purchase Obligation Purchase Obligation Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase Obligation, Due in Second Year Purchase Obligation, Due in Second Year Purchase Obligation, Due in Third Year Purchase Obligation, Due in Third Year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Dam removal cost limit Dam removal cost limit The maximum amount of dam removal costs. Additional dam removal costs, California bond measure Additional dam removal costs, California bond measure The additional amount for dam removal costs expected to be raised through a California bond measure. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative, fair value, net Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Net Regulatory Asset (Liability), Unrealized Loss (Gain) On Derivative Contracts Net Regulatory Asset (Liability), Unrealized Loss (Gain) On Derivative Contracts The net amount of regulatory assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date representing the net effective portion of unrealized losses and gains on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used for domestic regulated operations. Unrealized losses and gains on derivatives used for domestic regulated operations are generally recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities due to the realized losses and gains on such derivatives being included in regulated rates. Electric Operations [Member] Electric Operations [Member] Electric Operations [Member] Natural Gas Operations [Member] Natural Gas Operations [Member] Natural Gas Operations [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Regulated retail [Member] Regulated retail [Member] Regulated retail [Member] Electricity Transmission [Member] Electricity Transmission [Member] Electricity Transmission [Member] Other customer revenue [Member] Other customer revenue [Member] Other customer revenue [Member] Natural gas distribution, transportation-only services [Member] Natural gas distribution, transportation-only services [Member] Natural gas distribution, transportation-only services [Member] Multi value transmission projects [Member] Multi value transmission projects [Member] Multi value transmission projects [Member] Common stock, par value Common Stock, No Par Value Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] MidAmerican Funding, LLC and Subsidiaries [Domain] MidAmerican Funding, LLC and Subsidiaries [Domain] MidAmerican Funding LLC and Subsidiaries [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Fair Value Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Schedule of information required and determined to be provided for purposes of reconciling beginning and ending balances of fair value measurements of assets and liabilities, net using significant unobservable inputs (level 3). Such reconciliation, separately presenting changes during the period, at a minimum, may include, but is not limited to: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income and gains or losses recognized in net regulatory assets and liabilities, and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs), by class of asset. Fair Value, Information By Class of Asset (Liability), Net [Axis] Fair Value, Information By Class of Asset (Liability), Net [Axis] Information by class of asset and liability on a net basis. Fair Value, Information By Class of Asset (Liability), Net [Domain] Fair Value, Information By Class of Asset (Liability), Net [Domain] Information by class of asset and liability on a net basis. Derivative [Member] Derivative [Member] Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities), Net, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Beginning balance Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset (Liability), Net, Value This element represents assets and liabilities, net measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. Fair value, level 3, transferred to affiliate Fair Value, Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Transferred To Affiliate Amount transferred to an affiliate of financial instrument classified as an asset measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Changes included in earnings Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets Fair Value, Measurements with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included In Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Net Amount of gain (loss) recognized in regulatory assets or liabilities, net, arising from assets, liabilities and financial instruments classified in shareholders' equity measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3). Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fair value, level 3, asset, sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Settlements Fair Value, Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Assets and Liability, Net, Settlements Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to assets and liabilities, net measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Ending balance Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Unrealized Loss (Gain), Net, on Derivative Contracts Schedule of Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Unrealized Loss (Gain), Net, on Derivative Contracts [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure related to regulatory assets and liabilities (shown net) established for the effective portion of unrealized losses and gains on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used for domestic regulated operations, including changes in fair values of the related derivatives and amounts reclassified into earnings during the current period. Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments Investments, including equity method and restricted cash and investments [Text Block] The entire disclosure for investments and restricted cash and investments. It contains: (a) investments in debt and equity securities categorized as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, (b) restricted cash and investments primarily related to funds held in trust for nuclear decommissioning and debt service reserve requirements that are restricted by certain project debt agreements to be used only for the related project, (c) equity method investments and (d) Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain key executives and directors and represents the cash surrender value, net of any amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value. Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Public Utility [Axis] Public Utility [Axis] Utility Plant [Domain] Utility Plant [Domain] Natural Gas Processing Plant [Member] Natural Gas Processing Plant [Member] Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Generation or Processing Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Generation or Processing Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Transmission Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Transmission Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Distribution Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Distribution Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Plant in Service, Excluding Construction Work In Progress Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Plant in Service, Excluding Construction Work In Progress Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Plant in Service, Excluding Construction Work In Progress Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Construction Work In Progress Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Construction Work In Progress Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Excluding Construction Work In Progress Gross public utility property, plant and equipment in service Gross public utility property, plant and equipment in service Sum of the carrying amounts at the balance sheet date of long-lived assets that are classified as in-service, used in the normal conduct of the regulated public utility business and not intended for resale. This line item does not include amounts for construction in progress or accumulated depreciation and amortization. Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Construction Work in Progress Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Construction Work in Progress Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in current fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Current Fiscal Year Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table] Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table] Disclosure of the notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions. Notional Amount, By Type [Axis] Notional Amount, By Type [Axis] Information by type of commodity that identifies the notional amount of a derivative or a group of derivatives. Notional Amount, By Type [Domain] Notional Amount, By Type [Domain] The name that identifies the notional amount of a derivative or a group of derivatives by commodity type. Electricity purchases (in megawatt hours) [Member] Electricity purchases (sales), net, in megawatt hours [Member] Derivative instrument involving a notional amount of electricity purchases (sales), net (in megawatt hours). Natural gas purchases (in decatherms) [Member] Natural gas purchases, in decatherms [Member] Derivative instrument involving a notional amount of natural gas purchases (in decatherms). Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items] Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Regulated Electric [Member] Regulated Electric [Member] Represents the regulated electric reportable segment. Regulated Gas [Member] Regulated Gas [Member] Represents the regulated gas reportable segment. Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Electric Domestic Regulated Revenue Electric Domestic Regulated Revenue Gas Domestic Regulated Revenue Gas Domestic Regulated Revenue Other Revenue, Net Other Revenue, Net Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment Allowance for equity funds Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Cost of Equity Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Assets Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Balance (shares) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Balance (shares) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case, Name [Axis] Litigation Case, Name [Axis] Information by name of case currently being litigated. Litigation Case, Name [Domain] Litigation Case, Name [Domain] Name of case currently being litigated. Loss Contingency, Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Table] Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Table] A schedule of the entire disclosure of asset retirement obligations and related investment and asset retirement information. Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items] Line Items represent financial concepts included in a table. Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Hydroelectric Relicensing Costs [Table] Hydroelectric Relicensing Costs [Table] Disclosure of hydroelectric relicensing costs. Hydroelectric [Line Items] Hydroelectric [Line Items] Hydroelectric [Line Items] Schedule of Corporate Income Tax Rate, Enacted and Effective Date [Axis] Schedule of Corporate Income Tax Rate, Enacted and Effective Date [Axis] A schedule showing the date corporate income tax rates were enacted and effective. Schedule of Corporate Income Tax Rate, Effective Date [Domain] Schedule of Corporate Income Tax Rate, Enacted and Effective Date [Domain] A schedule showing the date corporate income tax rates were enacted and effective. Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Income tax effect of foreign income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Effects of ratemaking Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Regulatory Differences The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by the tax effect of certain temporary differences due to state utility rate regulation. Equity income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Subsidiary, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Recognized production tax credits Recognized production tax credits Recognized production tax credits Production Tax Credit Carryforwards [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards [Abstract] Years eligible for federal renewable energy production tax credit Years Eligible For Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit The number of years from its in-service date that each wind-powered generating facility is eligible for federal renewable energy production tax credits. Related Party Tax Expense [Abstract] Related Party Tax Expense [Abstract] Recent Financing Transactions - SPPC [Abstract] Recent Financing Transactions - SPPC [Abstract] Secured credit facility, $250 million, expiring June 2021 [Domain] Secured credit facility, $250 million, expiring June 2021 [Domain] Secured credit facility, $250 million, expiring June 2021 [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Commodity [Member] Commodity [Member] Fair Value, Measurements with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included In Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Net State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective income tax rate Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Property, Plant and Equipment Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Property, Plant and Equipment Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Accumulated Depreciation Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Generation, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Generation, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Distribution, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Distribution, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Transmission, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Transmission, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Property Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Property Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Change in Accounting Estimates, Impact on Period of Change Change in Accounting Estimates, Impact on Period of Change Disclosure of the financial effect on the period of change from a change in accounting estimate. Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments Investments, including equity method and restricted cash and investments, noncurrent Carrying amount of investments in debt and equity securities categorized as available-for-sale securities, reported at fair value and not expected to be used in operations within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes restricted cash and investments primarily related to (a) funds held in trust for nuclear decommissioning and (b) debt service requirements that are restricted by certain project debt agreements to be used only for the related project. Includes equity method investments. Includes Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain key executives and directors and represents the cash surrender value, net of any amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value. Total assets Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Total BHE shareholders' equity Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Unrealized Loss (Gain), Net, on Derivative Instruments [Table] Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Unrealized Loss (Gain), Net, on Derivative Instruments [Table] A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the period of regulatory assets and liabilities (shown net) reflecting the effective portion of unrealized losses and gains on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used for domestic regulated operations, including changes in fair values of the related derivatives and amounts reclassified into earnings during the current period. Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Unrealized Loss (Gain), Net, on Derivative Instruments [Line Items] Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Unrealized Loss (Gain), Net, on Derivative Instruments [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward] Regulatory Assets (Liabilities), Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Beginning balance Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets Changes In Fair Value Derivatives Recognized In Regulatory Assets Or Liabilities, Net The net change during the period recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used for domestic regulated operations as a result of changes in the fair value of those derivatives. Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified To Operating Revenue The net change in regulatory assets and liabilities related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used for domestic regulated operations as a result of losses and gains on those derivatives that were reclassified to operating revenue during the period. Ending balance Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES CANADA CANADA The Philippines and other [Member] The Philippines and other [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sales revenue from energy operations Real estate Real Estate Revenue, Net Depreciation and amortization - energy operations Depreciation and Amortization Energy Operations The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets used in energy operations that are not intended for resale and to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Interest expense Interest and dividend income Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, net Gain (Loss) on Investments Gain on Sale of Investments Gain on Sale of Investments Income before income tax expense and equity income Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Derivative collateral, net Increase (Decrease) in Counterparty Collateral, Net The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in cash placed with or received from a broker or counterparty. Pension and other postretirement benefit plans Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from sales of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Related Parties, Current Increase (Decrease) in Notes Payable, Related Parties, Current Net (repayments of) proceeds from short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period Regulated Matters [Abstract] Regulated Matters [Abstract] Regulatory Matters Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Text Block] Fair Value, Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Assets and Liability, Net, Settlements Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified To Cost Of Domestic Regulated Electric Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified To Cost Of Domestic Regulated Electric The net change in regulatory assets and liabilities related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and used for regulated utility operations as a result of losses and gains on those derivatives that were reclassified to regulated cost of fuel, energy and capacity during the period. Return On Equity Range [Axis] Return On Equity Range [Axis] Information by Return On Equity Range. Return On Equity Range [Domain] Return On Equity Range [Domain] [Domain] for Information by Return On Equity Range. Prior to September 2016 [Member] Prior to September 2016 [Member] Effective prior to September 2016 [Member] November 2013 to February 2015 [Member] November 2013 to February 2015 [Member] November 2013 to February 2015 [Member] February 2015 through May 2016 [Member] February 2015 through May 2016 [Member] February 2015 through May 2016 [Member] Electric Transmission [Member] Electric Transmission [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage Public Utilities, Intervenor Proposed Return On Equity, Percentage Public Utilities, Intervenor Proposed Return On Equity, Percentage Percentage of public utility's return on equity as proposed by intervenor(s) to a proceeding. Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity Adder, Percentage Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity Adder, Percentage Percentage of public utility's approved return on equity adder. Accrued liability for estimated transmission billings refunds Loss Contingency Accrual Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical [Abstract] Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans [Member] Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans [Member] Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement and Curtailment Net amortization Defined Benefit Plan Net Amortization This element may include amortization costs associated with defined benefit plans that are not otherwise separately disclosed. For example, amortization of prior year gain (loss), prior service costs (credits) and transition obligations (assets). Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) United States government obligations [Member] US Treasury Securities [Member] International government obligations [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Corporate obligations [Member] Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Municipal obligations [Member] Municipal Bonds [Member] Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations [Member] US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] Auction rate securities [Member] Auction Rate Securities [Member] United States companies [Member] Domestic Equity Securities [Member] This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in domestic corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable no redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants. International companies [Member] Foreign Equity Securities [Member] This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in foreign corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable no redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants. Public Utilities Commission, Nevada [Member] Public Utilities Commission, Nevada [Member] Public Utilities Commission, Nevada [Member] Tax Rate Reduction Rider [Member] Tax Rate Reduction Rider [Member] Tax Rate Reduction Rider [Member] Caesars Entertainment Corporation [Member] Caesars Entertainment Corporation [Member] Caesars Entertainment Corporation Peppermill Resort Spa Casino [Member] Peppermill Resort Spa Casino [Member] Peppermill Resort Spa Casino [Member] Total impact fee Total impact fee Total impact fee Total current assets Property, plant and equipment, net Goodwill Goodwill Notes Payable, Related Parties, Current Notes Payable, Related Parties, Current Total member's equity Total liabilities and equity Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Other Noncash Income (Expense) Income Statement [Abstract] Operating costs and expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of Domestic Regulated Electric Cost of Domestic Regulated Electric Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance and Operations Utilities Operating Expense, Maintenance and Operations Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes Utilities Operating Expense, Taxes Utilities Operating Expense Utilities Operating Expense Operating income Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Capitalized Interest Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income attributable to BHE shareholders Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 [Abstract] Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Derivative, net liability position, aggregate fair value Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Additional collateral, aggregate fair value Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Other comprehensive income (loss) Operating revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Total operating revenue Energy: Costs and Expenses Energy Operations [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Cost of sales Cost of Services, Energy Services Operating expense Operating Expense Energy Operations Generally recurring costs associated with normal energy operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. Depreciation and amortization Real estate Real Estate Operations Costs and Expenses Costs and expenses incurred by the real estate operation to provide residential real estate services, including commissions, operating expenses, and depreciation and amortization. Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, net Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income Equity income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to BHE shareholders Total operating revenue Cost of Purchased Oil and Gas Cost of Purchased Oil and Gas Total other income (expense) Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Net cash flows from operating activities Purchases of marketable securities Net cash flows from investing activities Net cash flows from financing activities Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Table] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Table] A schedule of the entire disclosure of asset retirement obligations and related investment and asset retirement information. Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Line Items] [Line Items] for A schedule of the entire disclosure of asset retirement obligations and related investment and asset retirement information. Regulatory Matters (NPC) [Abstract] Regulatory Matters (NPC) [Abstract] General Rate Case [Member] General Rate Case [Member] General Rate Case [Member] Public Utilities, Filed Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Public Utilities, Filed Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Public Utilities, Filed Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount Public Utilities, Filed Rate Increase (Decrease), Percent Public Utilities, Filed Rate Increase (Decrease), Percent Public Utilities, Filed Rate Increase (Decrease), Percent Public Utilities, Revenue Sharing, Percent Public Utilities, Revenue Sharing, Percent Public Utilities, Revenue Sharing, Percent Public Utilities, Return on Equity, Percentage Public Utilities, Return on Equity, Percentage Public Utilities, Return on Equity, Percentage Expense Related to Regulatory Rate Review Expense Related to Regulatory Rate Review Expense Related to Regulatory Rate Review Trade receivables, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Mortgage loans held for sale Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Net, Not Part of Disposal Group, Mortgage Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities BHE senior debt Senior Notes, Noncurrent BHE junior subordinated debentures Junior Subordinated Notes, Noncurrent Subsidiary debt Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent BHE shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Net Income Net Income (Loss), Excluding Portion Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, excluding the portion attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest. New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Distributions Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Common stock purchases Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Other equity transactions Balance Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Residential real estate brokerage and mortgage businesses [Member] Residential real estate brokerage and mortgage businesses [Member] Represents residential real estate brokerage and mortgage businesses. [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Table] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Beginning balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Beginning balance - foreign currency translation adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Beginning balance - unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Beginning balance - unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Beginning balance - Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net Other comprehensive income (loss), unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Ending balance - unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits Ending balance - foreign currency translation adjustment Ending balance - unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Ending balance - unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Ending balance - Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Changes [Text Block] Revenue from Contracts with Customer Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Dividend, noncash, transfer of operations Dividend, Noncash, Transfer Of Operations Amount of noncash dividend related to the transfer of certain operations to the parent company. Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Net Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Net Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities, net using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and gains or losses recognized in net regulatory assets and liabilities, and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs), by class of asset. Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Related Party Income Tax Receivable (Payable) [Abstract] Secured credit facility, $400 million, expiring June 2021 [Member] Secured credit facility, $400 million, expiring June 2021 [Member] Secured credit facility, $400 million, expiring June 2021 [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment [Table Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Facilities [Member] Common Facilities [Member] Common Facilities [Member] Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Common Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Common Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Common, Useful Life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Common, Useful Life Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring September 2022 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring September 2022 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring September 2022 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $2 billion, expiring June 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $2 billion, expiring June 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $2 billion, expiring June 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $3.5 billion, expiring June 2021 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $3.5 billion, expiring June 2021 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $3.5 billion, expiring June 2021 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $400 million, expiring June 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $400 million, expiring June 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $400 million, expiring June 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring March 2018 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring March 2018 [Member] Represents a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring March 2018. Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring June 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring June 2021 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $600 million, expiring June 2021 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $900 million, expiring March 2020 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $900 million, expiring June 2021 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $900 million, expiring June 2021 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $1 billion, expiring May 2018 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $1 billion, expiring May 2018 [Member] Unsecured credit facility, $1 billion, expiring May 2018 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$750 million, expiring December 2019 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$750 million, expiring December 2019 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$750 million, expiring December 2019 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$500 million, expiring December 2022 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$500 million, expiring December 2022 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$500 million, expiring December 2022 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$75 million, expiring December 2022 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$75 million, expiring December 2022 [Member] Secured credit facility, C$75 million, expiring December 2022 [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity replaced Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity replaced The borrowing capacity under a credit facility that has been replaced by a new credit facility. Debt to capitalization ratio Debt to capitalization ratio The ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization required by the debt agreement. New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Gas Domestic Regulated Revenue And Other Revenue Gas Domestic Regulated Revenue And Other Revenue Revenue derived from the regulated (by federal, state, or local agency) generation, transmission or distribution of natural gas and other revenue not specifically identified in the statement, table or description. Cost of gas sold and other Cost of Natural Gas Purchases And Cost of Other Goods And Services Sold The cost of natural gas purchases and associated transportation and storage costs, and the cost of other goods and services sold that relate to revenue other than regulated electric or regulated gas. Total operating costs and expenses Allowance for borrowed funds Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital and Financial Lease Obligations, Current Long-term Debt and Capital and Financial Lease Obligations, Current Customer deposits Customer Deposits, Current Total current liabilities Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital and Financial Lease Obligations Long-term Debt and Capital and Financial Lease Obligations Total liabilities Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Cost of Natural Gas Purchases And Cost of Other Goods And Services Sold Other Interest and Dividend Income Dividend, unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, transfer of operations Net periodic benefit cost Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member] Mortgages [Member] Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset (Liability), Net, Value Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability including not subject to master netting arrangement Derivative liabilities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Increase (Decrease) in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] General/Organization and Operations Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Cash Flow Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Cash Flow Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the period of the effective portion of gains and losses on derivative instruments (and nonderivative instruments) designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the term of the hedging relationship and reclassified into earnings during the current period. Cash Flow Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Cash Flow Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net, Derivatives [Roll Forward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, cummulative net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, effect before taxes Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, cummulative net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, effect before taxes The cummulative balance of net gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedging instruments. Changes in fair value recognized in OCI Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, cummulative net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges, effect before taxes Risk Management and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fully bundled and distribution services only customer [Member] Fully bundled and distribution services only customer [Member] Fully bundled and distribution services only customer [Member] Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments [Table] Investments Including Equity Method And Restricted Cash and Investments [Table] Disclosure for investments and restricted cash and investments. It contains: (a) investments in debt and equity securities categorized as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, (b) restricted cash and investments primarily related to funds held in trust for nuclear decommissioning and debt service reserve requirements that are restricted by certain project debt agreements to be used only for the related project, (c) equity method investments and (d) Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain key executives and directors and represents the cash surrender value, net of any amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value. BYD Company Limited common stock [Member] BYD Company Limited Common Stock [Member] Represents a common stock investment in BYD Company Limited. Rabbi trusts [Member] Rabbi Trust [Member] Represents rabbi trusts established to hold investments used to fund obligations of various nonqualified executive and director compensation plans and to pay the costs of the trusts. Other investments [Member] Investments, Other [Member] Represents other investments which may include available-for-sale and cost method investments. Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Equity Method Investments, tax equity investments [Member] Equity Method Investments, tax equity investments [Member] Represents an equity method investment in tax equity investments. ETT [Member] Equity Method Investments, Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member] Represents an equity method investment in Electric Transmission Texas, LLC Bridger Coal Company [Member] Equity Method Investments, Bridger Coal Company [Member] Represents an equity method investment in Bridger Coal Company Other equity method investments [Member] Equity Method Investments, Other [Member] Represents other equity method investments not otherwise identified. Restricted Cash and Investments [Axis] Restricted Cash and Investments [Axis] Information by category of cash and investment items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restricted Cash and Investments [Domain] Restricted Cash and Investments [Domain] Information by category of cash and investment items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds [Member] Nuclear decommissioning trust funds [Member] Represents Nuclear Decommission Trust Funds. Other restricted cash and investments [Member] Restricted Cash and Investments, Other [Member] Represents other restricted cash and investments. Investments And Restricted Cash And Investments [Line Items] Investments, Including Equity Method And Restricted Cash And Investments [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Investments [Abstract] Investments [Abstract] Available-for-sale securities, equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain (loss) available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized gain (loss)2 Amount of unrealized gain (loss) on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities. Rabbi trusts, amount Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Amount Other investments Other Investments Investments Investments Equity Method Investments [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Financial Statement, Reported Amounts [Abstract] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract] Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract] Decommissioning fund investments, fair value Decommissioning Fund Investments, Fair Value Restricted cash and investments Cash and Investments, Restricted Cash and investments whose use in whole or in part is restricted, generally by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments Investments, Including Equity Method And Restricted Cash And Investments Carrying amount of all investments in debt and equity securities categorized as available-for-sale securities, reported at fair value. Includes restricted cash and investments primarily related to (a) funds held in trust for nuclear decommissioning and (b) debt service requirements that are restricted by certain project debt agreements to be used only for the related project. Includes equity method investments. Includes Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain key executives and directors and represents the cash surrender value, net of any amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value. Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, current Investments, Including Equity Method And Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Carrying amount of investments in debt and equity securities categorized as available-for-sale securities, reported at fair value and expected to be used in operations within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes restricted cash and investments primarily related to (a) funds held in trust for nuclear decommissioning and (b) debt service requirements that are restricted by certain project debt agreements to be used only for the related project. Includes equity method investments. Includes Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain key executives and directors and represents the cash surrender value, net of any amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value. Investments, including equity method investments and restricted cash and investments, noncurrent Gain on Sale of Investments Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract] Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract] Number of owned and operated utility companies in the United States Number of owned and operated utility companies in the United States Number of owned and operated utility companies in the United States. Number of states owned and operated utility companies serve customers Number of states owned and operated utility companies serve customers Number of states owned and operated utility companies serve customers. Number of owned and operated interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States Number of owned and operated interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States Number of owned and operated interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States. Number of owned and operated electricity distribution companies in Great Britain Number of owned and operated electricity distribution companies in Great Britain Number of owned and operated electricity distribution companies in Great Britain. Number of owned and operated electricity transmission companies in Canada Number of owned and operated electricity transmission companies in Canada Represents the number of owned and operated electricity transmission companies in Canada. Number of owned and operated renewable energy businesses Number of owned and operated renewable energy businesses Represents the number of owned and operated renewable energy businesses. Number of owned and operated residential real estate brokerage firms in the United States Number of Owned and Operated Residential Real Estate Brokerage Firms In the United States Number of owned and operated residential real estate brokerage firms in the United States. Number of owned and operated residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States Number of Owned and Operated Real Estate Franchise Networks In the United States Represents the number of owned and operated real estate franchise networks In the United States. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Other Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease) Ending balance Electric Distribution [Member] Electric Distribution [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Electric Property Plant And Equipment In Service Gross Electric Property Plant And Equipment In Service Gross The carrying amount at the balance sheet date of long-lived assets classified as in-service, used in the normal conduct of the regulated electric utility business, and not intended for resale. This line item does not include construction in progress or accumulated depreciation and amortization. Public utility accumulated depreciation and amortization Public utility accumulated depreciation and amortization Period end book value of accumulated depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment that is owned by the regulated operations of the public utility. Public Utilities Property, Plant And Equipment In Service, Net Public Utilities Property, Plant And Equipment In Service, Net The period end amount of public utility property plant and equipment in service, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Recent Financing Transactions Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Regulated common assets [Member] Regulated common assets [Member] Regulated common assets [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Transmission [Member] Transmission [Member] Contractual obligation for the right to transmit electricity. Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities, net Equity income, net of distributions Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Other, net Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Increase in restricted cash and investments Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Equity method investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Net cash flows from investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Common stock purchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from subsidiary debt Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt Repayments of subsidiary debt Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Net cash flows from financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Fuel purchases (in gallons) [Member] Fuel purchases, in gallons [Member] Derivative instrument involving a notional amount of fuel purchases (in gallons). Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount Fair Value Measurements - Debt [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements - Debt [Abstract] Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders