Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results - NPC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)									$ 4,072	$ 4,522	$ 4,247
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders									2,568	2,870	2,542
Nevada Power Company [Member]
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Electric Domestic Operating Revenue, Quarterly	$ 407	$ 820	$ 562	$ 395	$ 421	$ 819	$ 574	$ 392
Operating income (loss)	37	247	122	40	37	317	157	52	446	565	583
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ (2)	$ 164	$ 64	$ 0	$ (8)	$ 176	$ 77	$ 10	$ 226	$ 255	$ 279