Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,145	$ 1,409	$ 2,458	$ 2,305
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	26	1	40	(50)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(172)	(2)	(66)	(236)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	7	1	(28)	2
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(191)	(2)	(134)	(184)
Comprehensive income	954	1,407	2,324	2,121
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8	8	15	19
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 946	$ 1,399	$ 2,309	$ 2,102