Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical) (Class B [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Ratio of earnings per Class B share to earnings per Class A share	0.000667
Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 7.90	$ 5.98	$ 4.14