Condensed Financial Information - Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
From consolidated subsidiaries:
Equity method earnings	$ 1,841	$ 1,973	$ 1,863
Total revenues	371,433	364,482	302,020
Cost and expense items:
Interest expense	5,200	5,003	4,352
Income tax expense	20,815	23,019	(8,502)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire shareholders	88,995	96,223	(22,759)
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire shareholders	89,174	97,512	(19,688)
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
From consolidated subsidiaries:
Equity method earnings	745	758	628
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
From consolidated subsidiaries:
Dividends and distributions	72,607	9,717	15,724
Undistributed earnings (losses)	14,314	85,550	(39,579)
Total income from consolidated subsidiaries	86,921	95,267	(23,855)
Other income	1,441	899	379
Total revenues	89,107	96,924	(22,848)
Cost and expense items:
General and administrative	381	244	131
Interest expense	535	636	513
Foreign exchange gains on non-U.S. Dollar denominated debt	(1,376)	(371)	(1,401)
Income tax expense	572	192	668
Total costs and expenses	112	701	(89)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire shareholders	88,995	96,223	(22,759)
Other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire shareholders	179	1,289	3,071
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire shareholders	89,174	97,512	(19,688)
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
From consolidated subsidiaries:
Equity method earnings	$ 745	$ 758	$ 628