Year the debt matures, in CCYY format.

No definition available.

Name:	brka_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear
Namespace Prefix:	brka_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The principal amount of new debt issued during the period, excluding premium or discount, if any.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	brka_DebtIssuedDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	brka_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of short-term and long-term debt and lease obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478546/942-210-S99-1

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(13))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478546/942-210-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The average effective interest rate during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)(a)(1))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482949/835-30-55-8

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(f))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04(a))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-3

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69B

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69C
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69C

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69E
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69E

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69F
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481568/470-20-55-69F

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (h)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1B

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1D

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1E

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1E

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1E
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1E

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1F
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1F

Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1I
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481139/470-20-50-1I

Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482925/835-30-45-2

Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482900/835-30-50-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, before tax, of realized and unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency transaction.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07(7))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479134/946-220-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 35
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482014/830-20-35-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481956/830-20-45-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481926/830-20-50-1

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481839/830-10-45-17

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482425/460-10-50-4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481544/470-10-50-6

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(19)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash inflow during the period from additional borrowings in aggregate debt. Includes proceeds from short-term and long-term debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-14

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for short-term and long-term debt. Excludes payment of lease obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-15

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=srt_ParentCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=brka_BerkshireHathawayFinanceCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=srt_SubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=brka_BerkshireHathawayEnergyCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=brka_InsuranceAndOtherMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis=brka_SubsidiariesExcludingBerkshireHathawayFinanceCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=brka_PilotTravelCentersAndSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=brka_SeniorNotesAndTermLoanDueTwoThousandTwentySevenToTwoThousandFiftyFourMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=brka_RailroadUtilitiesAndEnergyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=brka_BerkshireHathawayEnergySubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=brka_BerkshireHathawayEnergyCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=brka_TermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2025 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024 JPY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2024 JPY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2024 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2024 GBP (£)
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings		$ 1,854		$ 4,310	$ 602
Notes payable and other borrowings		21,091		18,781
Proceeds from borrowings		5,525		2,054	1,970
Gain (loss) attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates		1,376		371	1,401
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings						¥ 1,988.0	€ 5,850	£ 1,750
Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused and available lines of credit		11,400
Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused and available lines of credit		10,100
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		44,885		48,468
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] \| Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation		$ 2,700
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage		4.50%				4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Notes payable and other borrowings		$ 4,564		4,696
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Pilot Travel Centers ("PTC") and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings				5,776
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2025	2025
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2051	2051
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings		$ 1,900
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates		1,500		217	$ 1,700
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes and Term Loan Due 2027 to 2054 [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued		$ 5,500	¥ 837.4
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes and Term Loan Due 2027 to 2054 [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate during period		0.974%	0.974%
Debt maturity year		2027	2027
Insurance and Other [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes and Term Loan Due 2027 to 2054 [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate during period		2.625%	2.625%
Debt maturity year		2054	2054
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		$ 79,877		79,803
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Pilot Travel Centers ("PTC") and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from borrowings		$ 5,700
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage		4.60%				4.60%	4.60%	4.60%
Notes payable and other borrowings		$ 42,150		$ 39,072
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy ("BHE") [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage		4.40%				4.40%	4.40%	4.40%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2025	2025
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy ("BHE") [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2025	2025
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2064	2064
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy ("BHE") [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2053	2053
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Term Debt [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings		$ 5,900
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Term Debt [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued		$ 6,400
Weighted average interest rate, percentage		5.40%				5.40%	5.40%	5.40%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Term Debt [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2029	2029
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Term Debt [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year		2055	2055
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Term Debt [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 1,500
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	6.00%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Term Debt [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2035
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Term Debt [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2055
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] \| Senior Unsecured Debenture [Member] \| Subsidiaries [Member] \| BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings		$ 1,300
Principal amount of debt issued		$ 1,300
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		5.50%				5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Debt maturity year		2055	2055