Investments in The Kraft Heinz Company - Summarized Consolidated Financial Information (Detail) - Kraft Heinz (previously Heinz Holding) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets		$ 121,792		$ 121,792		$ 36,535
Liabilities		54,433		54,433		$ 20,850
Sales		6,120	$ 2,594	11,214	$ 8,123
Net earnings (loss)		(123)	172	(11)	494
Preferred Stock dividends		(180)	(180)	(540)	(540)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders		(303)	(8)	(551)	(46)
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders	[1]	$ 115	$ 198	$ 315	$ 491

[1] Includes dividends earned on Preferred Stock and Berkshire's share of net loss attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders, net of applicable income taxes.