Schedule II Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year		$ 40	$ 33	$ 31
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		43	42	39
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments		0	0	0
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction		(41)	(35)	(37)
Balance at End of Year		42	40	33
Reserves not deducted from assets [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	[1]	13	13	13
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	[1]	6	7	5
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	[1]	0	0	0
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction	[1]	(6)	(7)	(5)
Balance at End of Year	[1]	$ 13	$ 13	$ 13

[1] serves not deducted from assets relate primarily to estimated liabilities for losses retained by BHE for workers compensation, public liability and property damage claims.