Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net earnings	$ 5,153	$ 4,054	$ 14,782	$ 10,651
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	1,598	5,034	12,650	14,888
Applicable income taxes	(527)	(1,703)	(4,371)	(5,170)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	(360)	(718)	(1,135)	(693)
Applicable income taxes	126	252	397	243
Foreign currency translation	549	446	(304)	128
Applicable income taxes	(56)	(16)	37	(9)
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans	(17)	(2)	95	47
Applicable income taxes	4	(3)	(26)	(19)
Other, net	46	17	66	(2)
Other comprehensive income, net	1,363	3,307	7,409	9,413
Comprehensive income	6,516	7,361	22,191	20,064
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	131	172	296	395
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 6,385	$ 7,189	$ 21,895	$ 19,669