Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net earnings	$ 4,773	$ 5,017
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	2,591	9,641
Applicable income taxes	(898)	(3,326)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	(1,041)	(504)
Applicable income taxes	364	176
Foreign currency translation	26	(650)
Applicable income taxes	7	51
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans	7	87
Applicable income taxes		(23)
Other, net	(4)	16
Other comprehensive income, net	1,052	5,468
Comprehensive income	5,825	10,485
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	96	101
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 5,729	$ 10,384