Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2018 |
Dec. 31, 2017 |
Dec. 31, 2016 |
|
| Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | |||
| Net earnings | $ 4,322 | $ 45,353 | $ 24,427 |
| Other comprehensive income: | |||
| Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments | (185) | 30,450 | 13,858 |
| Applicable income taxes | 31 | (10,566) | (4,846) |
| Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings | (253) | (1,399) | (6,820) |
| Applicable income taxes | 53 | 490 | 2,387 |
| Foreign currency translation | (1,531) | 2,364 | (1,541) |
| Applicable income taxes | 62 | (95) | 66 |
| Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans | (571) | 225 | 354 |
| Applicable income taxes | 143 | (45) | (187) |
| Other, net | (12) | (9) | (17) |
| Other comprehensive income, net | (2,263) | 21,415 | 3,254 |
| Comprehensive income | 2,059 | 66,768 | 27,681 |
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 249 | 555 | 291 |
| Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders | $ 1,810 | $ 66,213 | $ 27,390 |