Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - BHE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 50,589	$ 46,977
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(18)	112
Balance	50,424	47,051
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(1,340)	(1,552)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(18)	112
Balance	(1,358)	(1,440)
Unrecognized Amounts on Retirement Benefits
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(318)	(492)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	15	7
Balance	(303)	(485)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(1,086)	(1,062)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(110)	91
Balance	(1,196)	(971)
Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	59	(8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	77	14
Balance	136	6
Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(5)	(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Balance	$ (5)	$ (10)