Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 40,661	$ 37,299
Investments in equity securities	86,216	76,991
Inventories	9,525	8,975
Goodwill	53,145	53,213
Total assets	411,356	392,647
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	42,721	37,804
Total liabilities	229,641	223,686
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	8	8
Capital in excess of par value	37,856	37,807
Accumulated other comprehensive income	23,781	17,654
Retained earnings	115,801	109,448
Treasury stock, at cost	(67)	(67)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	177,379	164,850
Noncontrolling interests	4,336	4,111
Total shareholders' equity	181,715	168,961
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	411,356	392,647
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	36,812	33,513
Investments in fixed maturity securities	30,512	31,222
Investments in equity securities	85,270	76,063
Other investments	14,297	13,111
Receivables	21,192	19,012
Inventories	9,525	8,975
Property, plant and equipment	18,388	18,177
Goodwill	32,037	32,125
Other	17,799	18,121
Total assets	265,832	250,319
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	63,049	63,819
Unearned premiums	10,603	8,910
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	10,158	9,924
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	17,750	18,466
Notes payable and other borrowings	13,531	13,768
Total liabilities	115,091	114,887
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,598	2,246
Property, plant and equipment	84,443	82,214
Goodwill	20,076	20,056
Other	13,329	12,861
Total assets	120,446	117,377
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	12,877	13,016
Notes payable and other borrowings	34,148	32,580
Total liabilities	47,025	45,596
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,251	1,540
Investments in fixed maturity securities	923	966
Other investments	4,388	3,810
Loans and finance receivables	13,664	13,934
Goodwill	1,032	1,032
Other	3,820	3,669
Total assets	25,078	24,951
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,214	1,224
Derivative contract liabilities	10,137	10,139
Notes payable and other borrowings	13,453	14,036
Total liabilities	$ 24,804	$ 25,399