Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,409	$ 1,078	$ 2,305	$ 2,228
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	1	(15)	(50)	(16)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2)	227	(236)	535
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax	0	423	0	542
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	1	1	2	(5)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(2)	666	(184)	1,088
Comprehensive income	1,407	1,744	2,121	3,316
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8	10	19	30
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 1,399	$ 1,734	$ 2,102	$ 3,286