Income Taxes Income Taxes - Related Party Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term income tax receivable	$ (457)	$ 0
Parent Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable From (Payable To) Related Parties Current	(90)	$ (334)
Long-term income tax receivable	$ 457

The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes receivable from (payable to) related parties (typically the parent company) that are due within one year of the balance sheet date representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes with taxing authorities.

No definition available.

Name:	bhe_IncomeTaxesReceivableFromPayableToRelatedPartiesCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	bhe_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant