New accounting pronouncements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2023

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

Summary of effects from adopting ASU 2018-12 on affected line items consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income

The effects from adopting ASU 2018-12 on affected line items from our Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 follows in millions, except per share amounts.

	First Quarter 2022
	Previously reported			Increase (decrease)			As revised
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned	$	17,492		$	(4	)	$	17,488
Costs and expenses:
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,323			14			1,337
Insurance underwriting expenses		2,767			(163	)		2,604
Earnings before income taxes		6,812			145			6,957
Income tax expense		1,227			25			1,252
Net earnings		5,585			120			5,705
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	5,460		$	120		$	5,580
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation		(316	)		1			(315	)
Long duration insurance contracts		—			2,419			2,419
Other comprehensive income, net		(404	)		2,420			2,016
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	5,059		$	2,540		$	7,599
Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share	$	3,702		$	82		$	3,784
Net earnings per average equivalent Class B share	$	2.47		$	0.05		$	2.52