Condensed Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,186	$ 46,992	$ 37,299	$ 38,227
Total assets	484,931	427,452	392,647
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
Total liabilities	260,446	235,864
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	221,890	187,647
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	484,931	427,452
Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	3,412	10,557	7,289	6,616
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities	178	66
Investments in and advances to/from consolidated subsidiaries	215,465	185,996
Investments in H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation	12,111
Other assets	97	51
Total assets	231,263	196,670
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
Accounts payable, accrued interest and other liabilities	209	277
Income taxes	853	423
Notes payable and other borrowings	8,311	8,323
Total liabilities	9,373	9,023
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	221,890	187,647
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 231,263	$ 196,670