Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37,299	$ 38,227
Investments in equity securities	76,991	61,513
Inventories	8,975	7,101
Goodwill	53,213	49,006
Total assets	392,647	372,229
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	37,804	36,352
Total liabilities	223,686	209,295
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	8	8
Capital in excess of par value	37,807	37,533
Accumulated other comprehensive income	17,654	20,583
Retained earnings	109,448	99,194
Treasury stock, at cost	(67)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	164,850	157,318
Noncontrolling interests	4,111	5,616
Total shareholders' equity	168,961	162,934
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	392,647	372,229
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	33,513	34,767
Investments in fixed maturity securities	31,222	33,803
Investments in equity securities	76,063	59,819
Other investments	13,111	19,333
Receivables	19,012	20,917
Inventories	8,975	7,101
Property, plant and equipment	18,177	15,741
Goodwill	32,125	27,891
Other	18,121	13,529
Total assets	250,319	232,901
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	63,819	60,075
Unearned premiums	8,910	7,997
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	9,924	8,565
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	18,466	15,826
Notes payable and other borrowings	13,768	12,471
Total liabilities	114,887	104,934
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,246	2,557
Property, plant and equipment	82,214	77,385
Goodwill	20,056	20,084
Other	12,861	13,579
Total assets	117,377	113,605
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	13,016	12,367
Notes payable and other borrowings	32,580	31,626
Total liabilities	45,596	43,993
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,540	903
Investments in fixed maturity securities	966	1,080
Other investments	3,810	3,676
Loans and finance receivables	13,934	15,226
Goodwill	1,032	1,031
Other	3,669	3,807
Total assets	24,951	25,723
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,224	1,168
Derivative contract liabilities	10,139	8,371
Notes payable and other borrowings	14,036	14,477
Total liabilities	$ 25,399	$ 24,016