Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 24,414	$ 20,170	$ 19,845
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	(8,520)	5,831	25,111
Applicable income taxes	3,014	(2,062)	(8,691)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	(2,332)	(3,360)	(2,447)
Applicable income taxes	816	1,176	856
Foreign currency translation	(1,931)	(2,032)	(82)
Applicable income taxes	(43)	183	34
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans	424	(1,703)	2,602
Applicable income taxes	(140)	624	(950)
Other, net	(94)	8	138
Other comprehensive income, net	(8,806)	(1,335)	16,571
Comprehensive income	15,608	18,835	36,416
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	275	256	394
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 15,333	$ 18,579	$ 36,022