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Significant business acquisitions - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 31, 2023 USD ($) | Jan. 31, 2024 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($) Location Store | Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  | $ 61,291 | $ 59,745
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders |  |  | 12,702 | 35,504
Equity method earnings |  |  | $ 493 | $ 688
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Percentage of additional interest acquired | 41.40% |  |  |
Business acquisition, cash consideration | $ 8,200 | $ 2,600 |  |
Economic interest | 38.60% |  |  | 38.60%
One-time, non-cash remeasurement gain recognized |  |  |  | $ 3,000
Economic interest after subsequent acquisition | 80.00% | 100.00% |  |
Excess consideration paid for acquiring noncontrolling Interest |  | $ 517 |  |
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Canadian Provinces [Member] | Travel Center Locations [Member] |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Number of places retail locations located | Location |  |  | 5 |
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | U.S. States [Member] | Travel Center Locations [Member] |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Number of places retail locations located | Location |  |  | 44 |
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | U.S. and Canada [Member] |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Number of fuel only retail locations | Location |  |  | 75 |
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | U.S. and Canada [Member] | Travel Center Locations [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Number of retail | Store |  |  | 650 |

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