Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 30,413	$ 16,657	$ 7,123	$ 52,562
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments	19	(39)	42	179
Applicable income taxes	(4)	10	(13)	(40)
Foreign currency translation	791	(700)	(77)	(534)
Applicable income taxes	(3)	6	34	3
Defined benefit pension plans	(24)	(45)	86	47
Applicable income taxes	8	7	(14)	(16)
Other, net	16	10	(19)	(35)
Other comprehensive income, net	803	(751)	39	(396)
Comprehensive income	31,216	15,906	7,162	52,166
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	302	112	423	301
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 30,914	$ 15,794	$ 6,739	$ 51,865