Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 97,147	$ (21,998)	$ 90,949
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	477	(713)	(217)
Applicable income taxes	(100)	158	50
Foreign currency translation	782	(2,138)	(1,011)
Applicable income taxes	(7)	22	(6)
Long-duration insurance contract discount rate changes	(237)	7,177	2,108
Applicable income taxes	49	(1,540)	(453)
Defined benefit pension plans	578	(253)	1,775
Applicable income taxes	(123)	47	(457)
Other, net	(101)	250	100
Other comprehensive income, net	1,318	3,010	1,889
Comprehensive income	98,465	(18,988)	92,838
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	953	700	1,030
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 97,512	$ (19,688)	$ 91,808