Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net earnings	$ 4,721	$ 5,153	$ 15,952	$ 14,782
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	(601)	1,598	4,629	12,650
Applicable income taxes	174	(527)	(1,662)	(4,371)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	417	(360)	(3,032)	(1,135)
Applicable income taxes	(146)	126	1,061	397
Foreign currency translation	(1,226)	549	(846)	(304)
Applicable income taxes	101	(56)	31	37
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans	39	(17)	30	95
Applicable income taxes	(7)	4	(2)	(26)
Other, net	2	46	(27)	66
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,247)	1,363	182	7,409
Comprehensive income	3,474	6,516	16,134	22,191
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	92	131	256	296
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 3,382	$ 6,385	$ 15,878	$ 21,895