Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 30,498	$ 36,199	$ 43,330	$ 71,956
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	10	(41)	(25)	206
Applicable income taxes	(3)	21	3	(32)
Foreign currency translation	(222)	383	(761)	632
Applicable income taxes	(8)	(21)	(8)	(15)
Long-duration insurance contract discount rate changes	508	487	859	120
Applicable income taxes	(108)	(125)	(175)	(49)
Defined benefit pension plans	(5)	2	1	52
Applicable income taxes	1	(6)	(1)	(12)
Other, net	17	57	(13)	(63)
Other comprehensive income, net	190	757	(120)	839
Comprehensive income	30,688	36,956	43,210	72,795
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	145	308	252	567
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 30,543	$ 36,648	$ 42,958	$ 72,228