Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Millions	Total	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Total Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	Non- controlling interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009		$ 27,082	$ 17,793	$ 86,227	$ 131,102	$ 4,683
Net earnings	5,902			5,601	5,601	301
Other comprehensive income, net			(4,944)		(4,944)	(57)
Issuance of common stock and other transactions		11,016			11,016
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions		(13)	1		(12)	(176)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2010		38,085	12,850	91,828	142,763	4,751
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	162,934	37,541	20,583	99,194	157,318	5,616
Net earnings	5,145			4,928	4,928	217
Other comprehensive income, net			447		447	20
Issuance of common stock and other transactions		377			377
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions		(139)	76		(63)	(2,076)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 166,784	$ 37,779	$ 21,106	$ 104,122	$ 163,007	$ 3,777