XML 152 R139.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.25.0.1

Business segment data - Reconciliations of Revenues and Earnings (loss) before income taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | $ 371,433 | $ 364,482 | $ 302,020
Investment gains (losses) | 52,799 | 74,855 | (67,899)
Interest expense, not allocated to segments | (5,200) | (5,003) | (4,352)
Non-controlled businesses | 1,841 | 1,973 | 1,863
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 110,376 | 120,166 | (30,500)
Operating Businesses [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 370,892 | 364,653 | 301,884
Interest expense, not allocated to segments | (4,982) | (4,630) | (3,946)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 53,936 | 43,637 | 34,775
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Investment gains (losses) | 52,799 | 74,855 | (67,899)
Interest expense, not allocated to segments | (427) | (426) | (420)
Non-controlled businesses | 1,841 | 1,973 | 1,863
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Revenues | 541 | (171) | 136
Interest expense, not allocated to segments | 209 | 53 | 14
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses | $ 2,227 | $ 127 | $ 1,181

X
- Definition Amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(9)(a)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(7)(c)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/recommendedDisclosureRef -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(11)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-31 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477314/942-235-S99-1 Reference 11: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(10)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 Reference 12: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(15)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478524/942-220-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) for proportionate share of equity method investee's income (loss). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 230 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(10)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481664/323-10-45-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (g) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(12)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(13)(f)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478524/942-220-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest expense classified as operating and nonoperating. Includes, but is not limited to, cost of borrowing accounted for as interest expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 49 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-49 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 24 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-24 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483013/835-20-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-31 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 48 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482785/280-10-55-48 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-41 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 270 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (ee) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1A Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480097/470-10-S99-1B Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-30 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-42 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-40 Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22 Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477314/942-235-S99-1 Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=brka_CorporateReconcilingItemsAndEliminationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |