Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results - NPC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 19,844	$ 19,787	$ 18,614
Operating income (loss)									4,150	4,072	4,522
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders									2,950	2,568	2,870
Nevada Power Company [Member]
Quarterly Operating Results [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 420	$ 806	$ 527	$ 395	$ 407	$ 820	$ 562	$ 395	2,148	2,184	2,206
Operating income (loss)	67	244	123	45	37	247	122	40	479	446	565
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 24	$ 165	$ 69	$ 6	$ (2)	$ 164	$ 64	$ 0	$ 264	$ 226	$ 255