Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 378	$ 587	$ 896	$ 1,150
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	(54)	4	(51)	(1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(307)	221	(234)	308
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax	0	81	0	119
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	3	(2)	1	(6)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(250)	296	(182)	422
Comprehensive income	128	883	714	1,572
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	13	11	20
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 122	$ 870	$ 703	$ 1,552