XML 78 R67.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.24.0.1

Significant business acquisitions - Summary of preliminary values of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2023 | [1] | Jan. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | [1] | Oct. 19, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Assets acquired |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | $ 84,626 |  | $ 78,119 |  | $ 73,875
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Assets acquired |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment |  | $ 8,015 |  |  |
Goodwill |  | 6,605 |  |  |
Other intangible assets |  | 6,853 |  |  |
Other assets |  | 7,047 |  |  |
Assets acquired |  | 28,520 |  |  |
Net assets |  | 14,365 |  |  |
Liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |
Notes payable |  | 5,876 |  |  |
Other liabilities |  | 4,918 |  |  |
Liabilities assumed |  | 10,794 |  |  |
Noncontrolling interests, predominantly redeemable |  | 3,361 |  |  |
Liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests |  | $ 14,155 |  |  |
Alleghany Corporation [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Assets acquired |  |  |  |  |
Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills |  |  |  | $ 3,762 |
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities |  |  |  | 15,982 |
Loans, receivables and other assets |  |  |  | 9,287 |
Goodwill |  |  |  | 3,900 |
Other intangible assets |  |  |  | 2,659 |
Assets acquired |  |  |  | 35,590 |
Net assets |  |  |  | 11,505 |
Liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  |
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses |  |  |  | 15,080 |
Unearned premiums |  |  |  | 3,536 |
Notes payable |  |  |  | 2,169 |
Other liabilities |  |  |  | 3,300 |
Liabilities assumed |  |  |  | $ 24,085 |
[1] | Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.1 billion as of December 31, 2023 and $11.0 billion as of December 31, 2022.

X
- Definition Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, liabilities and noncontrolling interest. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | brka_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAndNoncontrollingInterestAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | brka_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Liabilities and Noncontrolling Interests. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | brka_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAndNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix: | brka_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed loans, receivables and other assets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | brka_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLoansReceivablesAndOtherAssets
Namespace Prefix: | brka_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Business combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | brka_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | brka_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of assets acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, acquired at the acquisition date. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of investments in debt and equity securities, including, but not limited to, held-to-maturity, trading and available-for-sale expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liabilities incurred for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business and related party payables, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred revenue expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount recognized as of the acquisition date for the identifiable assets acquired in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-37 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of other liabilities due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of other assets expected to be realized or consumed after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479303/805-10-55-37 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479907/805-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481372/852-10-55-10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 24 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482548/350-20-55-24 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(15)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482598/350-20-45-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482573/350-20-50-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(10)(1)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479853/942-210-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=brka_PilotTravelCentersLLCMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=brka_AlleghanyCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |