Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 14,173	$ 12,077	$ 35,905	$ 11,006
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	97	(92)	214	(137)
Applicable income taxes	(22)	22	(49)	20
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	(1)	(44)	4	(265)
Applicable income taxes		10	(1)	56
Foreign currency translation	(17)	(1,364)	166	(763)
Applicable income taxes		43	(3)	37
Defined benefit pension plans	26	87	92	63
Applicable income taxes	(6)	(20)	(23)	(3)
Other, net	(32)	(5)	(45)	(36)
Other comprehensive income, net	45	(1,363)	355	(1,028)
Comprehensive income	14,218	10,714	36,260	9,978
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	96	34	189	109
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 14,122	$ 10,680	$ 36,071	$ 9,869