Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 625	$ 518
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	32	3
Foreign currency translation adjustment	155	73
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(8)	(2)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	115	68
Comprehensive income	740	586
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	5
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 737	$ 581