Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 110	$ 673
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax	7	34
Foreign currency translation adjustment	91	(548)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	14	(33)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	112	(547)
Comprehensive income	222	126
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	106	3
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders	$ 116	$ 123