Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net - BHE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 50,424	$ 47,051	$ 50,589	$ 46,977
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(430)	84	(448)	196
Balance	51,191	49,365	51,191	49,365
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(1,358)	(1,440)	(1,340)	(1,552)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(430)	80	(448)	192
Balance	(1,788)	(1,360)	(1,788)	(1,360)
Unrecognized Amounts on Retirement Benefits
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(318)	(492)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			40	22
Balance	(278)	(470)	(278)	(470)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(1,086)	(1,062)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(591)	159
Balance	(1,677)	(903)	(1,677)	(903)
Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			59	(8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			103	15
Balance	162	7	162	7
Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(5)	(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			0	4
Balance	$ (5)	$ (6)	$ (5)	$ (6)