Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for each of the three years ending December 31, 2022 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized gains (losses) on investments			Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Total
Balance December 31, 2019	$	481		$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income		78			1,264			(385	)		(52	)		905
Reclassifications into net earnings		(23	)		—			109			9			95
Balance December 31, 2020		536			(3,082	)		(1,645	)		(52	)		(4,243	)
Other comprehensive income		(123	)		(1,021	)		1,163			80			99
Reclassifications into net earnings		(44	)		11			135			15			117
Balance December 31, 2021		369			(4,092	)		(347	)		43			(4,027	)
Other comprehensive income		(991	)		(2,045	)		(298	)		283			(3,051	)
Reclassifications into net earnings		435			(3	)		93			(38	)		487
Balance December 31, 2022	$	(187	)	$	(6,140	)	$	(552	)	$	288		$	(6,591	)