Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 34,776		$ 38,227
Investments in fixed maturity securities	34,048		34,883
Investments in equity securities	68,062		61,513
Inventories	9,265		7,101
Goodwill	53,310		49,006
Total assets	385,494		372,229
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	37,156		36,352
Total liabilities	221,613		209,295
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	8		8
Capital in excess of par value	37,786		37,533
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15,781		20,583
Retained earnings	106,400		99,194
Treasury stock, at cost	(18)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	159,957		157,318
Noncontrolling interests	3,924		5,616
Total shareholders' equity	163,881		162,934
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	385,494		372,229
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	30,587		34,767
Investments in fixed maturity securities	33,031		33,803
Investments in equity securities	67,225		59,819
Other investments	16,633		19,333
Receivables	19,834		20,917
Inventories	9,265		7,101
Property, plant and equipment	17,804		15,741
Goodwill	32,215		27,891
Other	18,062		13,529
Total assets	244,656		232,901
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	63,812		60,075
Unearned premiums	9,609		7,997
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	8,896		8,565
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	17,916		15,826
Notes payable and other borrowings	13,748		12,471
Total liabilities	113,981		104,934
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,965		2,557
Investments in equity securities	381	[1]	1,182	[1]
Property, plant and equipment	80,642		77,385
Goodwill	20,064		20,084
Other	12,347		13,579
Total assets	116,018		113,605
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	12,196		12,367
Notes payable and other borrowings	32,644		31,626
Total liabilities	44,840		43,993
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,224		903
Investments in fixed maturity securities	1,017		1,080
Investments in equity securities	456	[1]	512	[1]
Other investments	3,886		3,676
Loans and finance receivables	14,003		15,226
Goodwill	1,031		1,031
Other	3,659		3,807
Total assets	24,820		25,723
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,123		1,168
Derivative contract liabilities	10,421		8,371
Notes payable and other borrowings	14,092		14,477
Total liabilities	$ 25,636		$ 24,016

[1] Included in Other assets.