Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 12,832	$ 35,757
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(35)	247
Applicable income taxes	6	(53)
Foreign currency translation	(539)	249
Applicable income taxes		6
Long-duration insurance contract discount rate changes	351	(367)
Applicable income taxes	(67)	76
Defined benefit pension plans	6	50
Applicable income taxes	(2)	(6)
Other, net	(30)	(120)
Other comprehensive income, net	(310)	82
Comprehensive income	12,522	35,839
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	107	259
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 12,415	$ 35,580