Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net - BHE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 49,365	$ 33,785	$ 46,977	$ 32,578
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(163)	242	33	(177)
Balance	49,616	36,869	49,616	36,869
Unrecognized Amounts on Retirement Benefits
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(492)	(417)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			44	38
Balance	(448)	(379)	(448)	(379)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(1,062)	(1,296)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(59)	(195)
Balance	(1,121)	(1,491)	(1,121)	(1,491)
Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(8)	7
Other comprehensive income (loss)			48	(20)
Balance	40	(13)	40	(13)
Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(10)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)			4	0
Balance	(6)	0	(6)	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(1,360)	(2,125)	(1,552)	(1,706)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(163)	242	29	(177)
Balance	$ (1,523)	$ (1,883)	$ (1,523)	$ (1,883)