Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,948	$ 48,186
Investments in fixed maturity securities	29,558	29,353
Investments in equity securities	118,486	117,505
Inventories	10,245	9,860
Goodwill	58,264	57,011
Total assets	494,944	484,931
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	60,001	57,739
Total liabilities	264,655	260,446
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	8	8
Capital in excess of par value	35,465	35,472
Accumulated other comprehensive income	45,049	44,025
Retained earnings	148,453	143,748
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,363)	(1,363)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	227,612	221,890
Noncontrolling interests	2,677	2,595
Total shareholders' equity	230,289	224,485
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	494,944	484,931
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	42,193	42,433
Investments in fixed maturity securities	29,101	28,785
Investments in equity securities	116,160	115,464
Other investments	13,259	12,334
Investments in H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation	12,087	12,111
Receivables	22,717	20,280
Inventories	10,245	9,860
Property, plant and equipment	13,798	13,623
Goodwill	34,237	33,067
Other	20,518	19,113
Total assets	314,315	307,070
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	65,430	64,866
Unearned premiums	12,271	10,770
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	11,958	11,681
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	20,849	21,979
Notes payable and other borrowings	12,448	12,440
Total liabilities	122,956	121,736
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,847	3,400
Property, plant and equipment	103,508	102,482
Goodwill	22,685	22,603
Other	16,904	16,149
Total assets	146,944	144,634
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	14,467	14,557
Notes payable and other borrowings	47,751	46,655
Total liabilities	62,218	61,212
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,908	2,353
Investments in fixed maturity securities	457	568
Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities	1,392	1,506
Investments in equity securities	935	938
Other investments	5,884	5,617
Loans and finance receivables	12,464	12,826
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease	7,774	7,700
Goodwill	1,342	1,341
Other	1,921	1,884
Total assets	33,685	33,227
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,361	1,299
Derivative contract liabilities	5,095	5,331
Notes payable and other borrowings	13,024	13,129
Total liabilities	$ 19,480	$ 19,759