Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway:
Net earnings	$ 3,417	$ 1,968	$ 4,928	$ 5,601
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	(54)	(9,032)	598	(5,902)
Applicable income taxes	40	3,179	(177)	2,069
Reclassification of investment appreciation in earnings	(1,353)	(376)	(920)	(711)
Applicable income taxes	474	132	322	249
Foreign currency translation	205	(466)	644	(901)
Applicable income taxes	(22)	24	(35)	24
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit plans	15	12	11	63
Applicable income taxes	(4)	(1)	(4)	(14)
Other, net	(39)	71	8	179
Other comprehensive income, net	(738)	(6,457)	447	(4,944)
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway	2,679	(4,489)	5,375	657
Comprehensive income of noncontrolling interests	$ 138	$ 45	$ 237	$ 244

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