Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 688	$ 378	$ 1,313	$ 896
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	(18)	(54)	14	(51)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(49)	(307)	106	(234)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(27)	3	(35)	1
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(58)	(250)	57	(182)
Comprehensive income	630	128	1,370	714
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	6	7	11
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 626	$ 122	$ 1,363	$ 703

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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