Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 563	$ 495
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	(5)	(22)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	87	67
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	38	33
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(4)	(23)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	126	99
Comprehensive income	689	594
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	7	5
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 682	$ 589