Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company (Detail) - Kraft Heinz (previously Heinz Holding) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets		$ 36,062		$ 36,062		$ 36,763
Liabilities		20,761		20,761		$ 21,077
Sales		2,616	$ 2,728	5,094	$ 5,528
Net earnings (loss)		(164)	127	112	322
Preferred stock dividends		(180)	(180)	(360)	(360)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders		(344)	(53)	(248)	(38)
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders	[1]	$ 50	$ 116	$ 200	$ 293

[1] Includes dividends earned on Preferred Stock and Berkshire's share of net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders, net of applicable income taxes.