Schedule II Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year		$ 42	$ 40	$ 33
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		47	43	42
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments		0	0	0
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction		(45)	(41)	(35)
Balance at End of Year		44	42	40
Reserves not deducted from assets [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	[1]	13	13	13
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	[1]	4	6	7
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	[1]	0	0	0
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction	[1]	(5)	(6)	(7)
Balance at End of Year	[1]	$ 12	$ 13	$ 13

[1] serves not deducted from assets relate primarily to estimated liabilities for losses retained by BHE for workers compensation, public liability and property damage claims.