Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (12,567)	$ (2,698)	$ 59,389	$ (40,235)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	11	(527)	217	(974)
Applicable income taxes	(7)	113	(39)	208
Foreign currency translation	(801)	(1,727)	(169)	(3,792)
Applicable income taxes	(7)	(38)	(22)	14
Applicable income taxes	(204)	(380)	(253)	(1,626)
Long-duration insurance contract discount rate changes	920	1,782	1,040	7,594
Defined benefit pension plans	14	29	66	70
Applicable income taxes	(1)	(7)	(13)	(16)
Other, net	23	44	(40)	199
Other comprehensive income, net	(52)	(711)	787	1,677
Comprehensive income	(12,619)	(3,409)	60,176	(38,558)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	180	46	747	518
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ (12,799)	$ (3,455)	$ 59,429	$ (39,076)