Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 36,199	$ (43,242)	$ 71,956	$ (37,537)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(41)	(211)	206	(447)
Applicable income taxes	21	44	(32)	95
Foreign currency translation	383	(1,750)	632	(2,065)
Applicable income taxes	(21)	63	(15)	52
Long-duration insurance contract discount rate changes	487	2,734	120	5,812
Applicable income taxes	(125)	(587)	(49)	(1,246)
Defined benefit pension plans	2	15	52	41
Applicable income taxes	(6)	(4)	(12)	(9)
Other, net	57	68	(63)	155
Other comprehensive income, net	757	372	839	2,388
Comprehensive income	36,956	(42,870)	72,795	(35,149)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	308	350	567	472
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 36,648	$ (43,220)	$ 72,228	$ (35,621)