Condensed Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Assets:
Total assets	$ 1,153,881	$ 1,069,978	$ 948,465
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Income taxes, principally deferred	85,870	93,009
Total liabilities	502,226	499,208
Berkshire shareholders' equity	649,368	561,273
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	1,153,881	1,069,978
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	6,337	5,566	$ 2,777	$ 18,797
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills	89,705	16,140
Investments in and advances to consolidated subsidiaries	568,987	546,566
Investment in The Kraft Heinz Company and other assets	13,417	13,246
Total assets	678,446	581,518
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Payable for purchase of U.S. Treasury Bills and other liabilities	6,510	235
Income taxes, principally deferred	1,477	1,229
Notes payable and other borrowings	21,091	18,781
Total liabilities	29,078	20,245
Berkshire shareholders' equity	649,368	561,273
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity	$ 678,446	$ 581,518