Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,846	$ 1,145	$ 4,639	$ 2,458
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	6	26	(38)	40
Foreign currency translation adjustment	244	(172)	(195)	(66)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	4	7	(20)	(28)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	242	(191)	(177)	(134)
Comprehensive income	3,088	954	4,462	2,324
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	8	11	15
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 3,084	$ 946	$ 4,451	$ 2,309