Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 673	$ 625
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	(34)	32
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(548)	155
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(33)	(8)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(547)	115
Comprehensive income	126	740
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	3
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 123	$ 737