10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission file number 001-14905

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	47-0813844
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131

(Address of principal executive office)

(Zip Code)

(402) 346-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 25, 2013:

Class A —	891,193
Class B —	1,128,427,972

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

		Page No.
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets— March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012		2
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings— First Quarter 2013 and 2012		3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income— First Quarter 2013 and 2012		4
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity— First Quarter 2013 and 2012		4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows— First Quarter 2013 and 2012		5
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		6-21
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		22-37
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		38
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		38
Part II – Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		39
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		39
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities		39
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		39
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		39
Item 5.	Other Information		39
Item 6.	Exhibits		39
Signature			40

1

Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,984		$	42,358
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities		30,601			31,449
Equity securities		95,878			86,467
Other		16,779			16,057
Receivables		23,470			21,753
Inventories		9,673			9,675
Property, plant and equipment		19,148			19,188
Goodwill		33,207			33,274
Other		19,270			17,875
		292,010			278,096
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents		3,003			2,570
Property, plant and equipment		88,119			87,684
Goodwill		20,164			20,213
Other		13,535			13,441
		124,821			123,908
Finance and Financial Products:
Cash and cash equivalents		2,102			2,064
Investments in fixed maturity securities		782			842
Other investments		5,152			4,952
Loans and finance receivables		12,751			12,809
Goodwill		1,036			1,036
Other		3,648			3,745
		25,471			25,448
	$	442,302		$	427,452
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance and Other:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	64,345		$	64,160
Unearned premiums		11,504			10,237
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		10,393			10,943
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		20,746			21,149
Notes payable and other borrowings		13,399			13,535
		120,387			120,024
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		12,571			13,113
Notes payable and other borrowings		36,890			36,156
		49,461			49,269
Finance and Financial Products:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		1,068			1,099
Derivative contract liabilities		6,721			7,933
Notes payable and other borrowings		12,960			13,045
		20,749			22,077
Income taxes, principally deferred		49,599			44,494
Total liabilities		240,196			235,864
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8			8
Capital in excess of par value		37,270			37,230
Accumulated other comprehensive income		32,992			27,500
Retained earnings		129,164			124,272
Treasury stock, at cost		(1,363	)		(1,363	)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		198,071			187,647
Noncontrolling interests		4,035			3,941
Total shareholders’ equity		202,106			191,588
	$	442,302		$	427,452

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

	First Quarter
	2013		2012
	(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance premiums earned	$	9,377	$	8,065
Sales and service revenues		22,418		19,264
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,011		1,067
Investment gains/losses		434		(107	)
		33,240		28,289
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Operating revenues		8,351		7,849
Other		49		47
		8,400		7,896
Finance and Financial Products:
Interest, dividend and other investment income		341		375
Investment gains/losses		71		1
Derivative gains/losses		1,206		1,002
Other		609		584
		2,227		1,962
		43,867		38,147
Costs and expenses:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		5,144		4,771
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,261		1,092
Insurance underwriting expenses		1,583		2,117
Cost of sales and services		18,284		15,596
Selling, general and administrative expenses		2,854		2,428
Interest expense		101		103
		29,227		26,107
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cost of sales and operating expenses		6,111		5,870
Interest expense		447		428
		6,558		6,298
Finance and Financial Products:
Interest expense		138		160
Other		649		651
		787		811
		36,572		33,216
Earnings before income taxes		7,295		4,931
Income tax expense		2,278		1,565
Net earnings		5,017		3,366
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		125		121
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway	$	4,892	$	3,245
Average common shares outstanding *		1,643,181		1,650,944
Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders *	$	2,977	$	1,966

* Average shares outstanding include average Class A common shares and average Class B common shares determined on an equivalent Class A common stock basis. Net earnings per common share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shown above represents net earnings per equivalent Class A common share. Net earnings per Class B common share is equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such amount.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Net earnings	$	5,017		$	3,366
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments		9,641			11,642
Applicable income taxes		(3,326	)		(4,051	)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings		(504	)		132
Applicable income taxes		176			(46	)
Foreign currency translation		(650	)		219
Applicable income taxes		51			1
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans		87			12
Applicable income taxes		(23	)		(6	)
Other, net		16			(20	)
Other comprehensive income, net		5,468			7,883
Comprehensive income		10,485			11,249
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		101			141
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	10,384		$	11,108

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

	Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity												Total
	Common stock and capital in excess of par value		Accumulated other comprehensive income		Retained earnings		Treasury stock			Non- controlling interests
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	37,815	$	17,654	$	109,448	$	(67	)	$	4,111		$	168,961
Net earnings		—		—		3,245		—			121			3,366
Other comprehensive income, net		—		7,863		—		—			20			7,883
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock		39		—		—		—			—			39
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions		—		—		—		—			20			20
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	37,854	$	25,517	$	112,693	$	(67	)	$	4,272		$	180,269
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	37,238	$	27,500	$	124,272	$	(1,363	)	$	3,941		$	191,588
Net earnings		—		—		4,892		—			125			5,017
Other comprehensive income, net		—		5,492		—		—			(24	)		5,468
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock		39		—		—		—			—			39
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions		1		—		—		—			(7	)		(6	)
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	37,278	$	32,992	$	129,164	$	(1,363	)	$	4,035		$	202,106

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	5,017		$	3,366
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses		(505	)		106
Depreciation		1,337			1,253
Other		248			262
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before business acquisitions:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		547			(299	)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		(389	)		103
Unearned premiums		1,306			2,078
Receivables and originated loans		(1,475	)		(2,043	)
Derivative contract assets and liabilities		(1,117	)		(1,061	)
Income taxes		1,793			1,048
Other assets		(378	)		(228	)
Other liabilities		(329	)		65
Net cash flows from operating activities		6,055			4,650
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturity securities		(1,807	)		(2,080	)
Purchases of equity securities		(1,411	)		(3,424	)
Sales of fixed maturity securities		675			1,068
Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities		1,426			1,307
Sales of equity securities		673			820
Purchases of loans and finance receivables		(57	)		(231	)
Collections of loans and finance receivables		69			151
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(92	)		(339	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(2,207	)		(2,160	)
Other		(1,225	)		(653	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		(3,956	)		(5,541	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses		2,579			1,736
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		1,500			2,849
Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses		519			1
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses		(2,691	)		(1,791	)
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		(152	)		(160	)
Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses		(605	)		(333	)
Change in short term borrowings, net		(496	)		(904	)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests and other		(597	)		(55	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		57			1,343
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes		(59	)		75
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		2,097			527
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year *		46,992			37,299
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter *	$	49,089		$	37,826
* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year—
Insurance and Other	$	42,358		$	33,513
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		2,570			2,246
Finance and Financial Products		2,064			1,540
	$	46,992		$	37,299
End of first quarter—
Insurance and Other	$	43,984		$	33,594
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,003			2,658
Finance and Financial Products		2,102			1,574
	$	49,089		$	37,826

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2013

Note 1. General

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire” or “Company”) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates in which Berkshire holds controlling financial interests as of the financial statement date. In these notes the terms “us,” “we,” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) that included information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire’s businesses and financial statement presentations. Our significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report. Certain immaterial amounts in 2012 have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Financial information in this Report reflects any adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

For a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be relatively more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Variations in the amount and timing of investment gains/losses can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings. Investment gains/losses are recorded when investments are disposed or are other-than-temporarily impaired. In addition, changes in the fair value of derivative assets/liabilities associated with derivative contracts can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2013-02 requires disclosure of the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net earnings during the reporting period. We adopted ASU 2013-02 on January 1, 2013 and included the required disclosures in Note 17.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU 2011-11, as clarified, enhances disclosures surrounding offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities. The standard applies to derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions and requires companies to disclose gross and net information about financial instruments and derivatives eligible for offset and to disclose financial instruments and derivatives subject to master netting arrangements in financial statements. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” ASU 2012-02 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity determines that it is not more-likely-than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to perform a quantitative impairment test. ASU’s 2011-11 and 2012-02 were adopted on January 1, 2013 and had an immaterial effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date.” ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay plus additional amounts the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance further provides for disclosure of the nature and amount of the obligation. ASU 2013-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 3. Significant business acquisitions

Our long-held acquisition strategy is to acquire businesses with consistent earning power, good returns on equity and able and honest management and at sensible prices. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed several smaller-sized business acquisitions, most of which we consider as “bolt-on” acquisitions to several of our existing business operations. Aggregate consideration paid in 2012 for acquisitions was approximately $3.2 billion, which included $438 million for entities that will develop, construct and subsequently operate renewable energy generation facilities. We do not believe that these acquisitions are material, individually or in the aggregate, to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,886	$	31	$	(1	)	$	2,916
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,654		169		(1	)		2,822
Foreign governments		10,846		252		(61	)		11,037
Corporate bonds		10,054		2,129		(3	)		12,180
Mortgage-backed securities		2,128		304		(4	)		2,428
	$	28,568	$	2,885	$	(70	)	$	31,383
December 31, 2012
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,742	$	33	$	—		$	2,775
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,735		178		—			2,913
Foreign governments		11,098		302		(45	)		11,355
Corporate bonds		10,410		2,254		(3	)		12,661
Mortgage-backed securities		2,276		318		(7	)		2,587
	$	29,261	$	3,085	$	(55	)	$	32,291

Investments in fixed maturity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	30,601	$	31,449
Finance and financial products		782		842
	$	31,383	$	32,291

Investments in foreign government securities include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of March 31, 2013, approximately 96% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies and securities issued or guaranteed by Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and The Netherlands represented approximately 80% of the investments. Unrealized losses on all fixed maturity investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $10 million as of March 31, 2013 and $9 million as of December 31, 2012.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at March 31, 2013 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers of certain of the securities retain early call or prepayment rights. Amounts are in millions.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage- backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	6,633	$	12,839	$	4,531	$	2,437	$	2,128	$	28,568
Fair value		6,818		13,937		5,298		2,902		2,428		31,383

7

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2013
Banks, insurance and finance	$	19,360	$	18,216	$	—		$	37,576
Consumer products		7,374		17,458		—			24,832
Commercial, industrial and other		24,341		10,536		(122	)		34,755
	$	51,075	$	46,210	$	(122	)	$	97,163
December 31, 2012
Banks, insurance and finance	$	18,600	$	14,753	$	(2	)	$	33,351
Consumer products		7,546		14,917		—			22,463
Commercial, industrial and other		24,361		7,687		(200	)		31,848
	$	50,507	$	37,357	$	(202	)	$	87,662

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we concluded that there were no unrealized losses that were other-than-temporary. Our conclusions were based on: (a) our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery; (b) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of each of these issuers was favorable; (c) our opinion that the relative price declines were not significant; and (d) our belief that it was reasonably possible that market prices will increase to and exceed our cost in a relatively short period of time. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $83 million and $45 million, respectively.

Investments in equity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	95,878	$	86,467
Railroad, utilities and energy *		717		675
Finance and financial products *		568		520
	$	97,163	$	87,662

* Included in other assets.

8

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6. Other investments

Other investments include fixed maturity and equity securities of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“GS”), General Electric Company (“GE”), Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (“Wrigley”), The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) and Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). A summary of other investments follows (in millions).

	Cost		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Carrying Value
March 31, 2013
Other fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,561	$	4,048	$	17,609	$	16,779
Finance and financial products		3,218		1,934		5,152		5,152
	$	16,779	$	5,982	$	22,761	$	21,931
December 31, 2012
Other fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,109	$	3,823	$	16,932	$	16,057
Finance and financial products		3,148		1,804		4,952		4,952
	$	16,257	$	5,627	$	21,884	$	21,009

In 2008, we acquired 50,000 shares of 10% Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of GS (“GS Preferred”) and warrants to purchase 43,478,260 shares of common stock of GS (“GS Warrants”) for a combined cost of $5 billion. The GS Preferred was fully redeemed by GS on April 18, 2011. The GS Warrants remain outstanding and expire on October 1, 2013 and when originally issued were exercisable for an aggregate cost of $5 billion ($115/share).

In 2008, we acquired 30,000 shares of 10% Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of GE (“GE Preferred”) and warrants to purchase 134,831,460 shares of common stock of GE (“GE Warrants”) for a combined cost of $3 billion. The GE Preferred was fully redeemed by GE on October 17, 2011. The GE Warrants remain outstanding and expire on October 16, 2013 and when originally issued were exercisable for an aggregate cost of $3 billion ($22.25/share).

In the first quarter of 2013, the GE Warrants and GS Warrants agreements were amended to provide solely for cashless exercises. Upon exercise, we will receive shares of GE and GS based on the excess, if any, of the market price, as defined, over the exercise price, without payment of additional consideration. As of March 31, 2013, the costs of these warrants include $520 million of unrealized gains and losses, which were included in earnings.

In 2008, we acquired $4.4 billion par amount of 11.45% Wrigley subordinated notes due in 2018 and $2.1 billion of 5% Wrigley preferred stock. The subordinated notes may be called prior to maturity at par plus the prepayment premium applicable at that time. In 2009, we also acquired $1.0 billion par amount of Wrigley senior notes due in December 2013 and 2014. We currently own $800 million and an unconsolidated joint venture in which we hold a 50% economic interest owns $200 million of the Wrigley senior notes. The Wrigley subordinated and senior notes are classified as held-to-maturity and we carry these investments at cost, adjusted for foreign currency exchange rate changes that apply to certain of the senior notes. The Wrigley preferred stock is classified as available-for-sale and recorded in our financial statements at fair value.

In 2009, we acquired 3,000,000 shares of Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock of Dow (“Dow Preferred”) for a cost of $3 billion. Under certain conditions, we can convert each share of the Dow Preferred into 24.201 shares of Dow common stock (equivalent to a conversion price of $41.32 per share). Beginning in April 2014, if Dow’s common stock price exceeds $53.72 per share for any 20 trading days in a consecutive 30-day window, Dow, at its option, at any time, in whole or in part, may convert the Dow Preferred into Dow common stock at the then applicable conversion rate. The Dow Preferred is entitled to dividends at a rate of 8.5% per annum.

On September 1, 2011, we acquired 50,000 shares of 6% Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of BAC (“BAC Preferred”) and warrants to purchase 700,000,000 shares of common stock of BAC (“BAC Warrants”) for a combined cost of $5 billion. The BAC Preferred is redeemable at any time by BAC at a price of $105,000 per share ($5.25 billion in aggregate). The BAC Warrants expire in 2021 and are exercisable for an additional aggregate cost of $5 billion ($7.142857/share).

9

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7. Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses, including other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses, are summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Fixed maturity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	$	15		$	33
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(54	)		(16	)
Equity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals		109			188
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(1	)		—
OTTI losses		(85	)		(337	)
Other		521			26
	$	505		$	(106	)

Investment gains/losses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows.

Insurance and other	$	434	$	(107	)
Finance and financial products		71		1
	$	505	$	(106	)

We record investments in equity and fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value and record the difference between fair value and cost in other comprehensive income. OTTI losses recognized in earnings represent reductions in the cost basis of the investment, but not the fair value. Accordingly, the OTTI losses that are included in earnings are generally offset by a corresponding credit to other comprehensive income and therefore have no net effect on shareholders’ equity as of the balance sheet date. In the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, the OTTI losses related to bonds issued by Texas Competitive Electric Holdings. In recognizing these OTTI losses, we concluded that we were unlikely to receive all of the remaining contractual interest and principal amounts when due.

Note 8. Receivables

Receivables of insurance and other businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Insurance premiums receivable	$	9,589		$	7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,972			2,925
Trade and other receivables		11,287			11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(378	)		(386	)
	$	23,470		$	21,753

10

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8. Receivables (Continued)

Loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	$	12,591		$	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables		509			469
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(349	)		(361	)
	$	12,751		$	12,809

Allowances for uncollectible loans predominantly relate to consumer installment loans. Provisions for consumer loan losses for the first quarter were $66 million in 2013 and $80 million in 2012. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, for the first quarter were $78 million in 2013 and $83 million in 2012. Consumer loan amounts are net of unamortized acquisition discounts of $448 million at March 31, 2013 and $459 million at December 31, 2012. At March 31, 2013, approximately 97% of consumer installment loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment whereas about 71% of commercial loan balances were evaluated individually for impairment. As a part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At March 31, 2013, approximately 98% of consumer installment and commercial loan balances were determined to be performing and approximately 94% of those balances were current as to payment status.

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Raw materials	$	1,693	$	1,699
Work in process and other		855		883
Finished manufactured goods		3,266		3,187
Goods acquired for resale		3,859		3,906
	$	9,673	$	9,675

Note 10. Goodwill and other intangible assets

A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,523		$	53,213
Acquisitions of businesses		14			1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation		(130	)		(132	)
Balance at end of period	$	54,407		$	54,523

Intangible assets other than goodwill are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are summarized by type as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	11,669	$	3,143	$	11,737	$	2,994
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,163		990		2,163		913
	$	13,832	$	4,133	$	13,900	$	3,907
Trademarks and trade names	$	2,799	$	293	$	2,819	$	278
Patents and technology		5,005		2,179		5,014		2,059
Customer relationships		4,532		1,241		4,565		1,155
Other		1,496		420		1,502		415
	$	13,832	$	4,133	$	13,900	$	3,907

11

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued)

Amortization expense was $264 million for the first quarter of 2013 and $254 million for the first quarter of 2012. Intangible assets with indefinite lives as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $2,325 million and $2,328 million, respectively.

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses is comprised of the following (in millions).

	Ranges of estimated useful life		March 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
Land		—	$	1,058		$	1,048
Buildings and improvements		2 – 40 years		6,074			6,074
Machinery and equipment		3 – 20 years		15,509			15,436
Furniture, fixtures and other		2 – 20 years		2,863			2,736
Assets held for lease		12 – 30 years		6,844			6,731
				32,348			32,025
Accumulated depreciation				(13,200	)		(12,837	)
			$	19,148		$	19,188

Depreciation expense of insurance and other businesses for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 was $496 million and $477 million, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment of our railroad, utilities and energy businesses is comprised of the following (in millions).

	Ranges of estimated useful life		March 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
Railroad:
Land		—	$	5,957		$	5,950
Track structure and other roadway		5 – 100 years		38,488			38,255
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		5 – 37 years		6,657			6,528
Construction in progress		—		1,014			963
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system		5 – 80 years		42,490			42,682
Interstate pipeline assets		3 – 80 years		6,371			6,354
Independent power plants and other assets		3 – 30 years		2,110			1,860
Construction in progress		—		2,859			2,647
				105,946			105,239
Accumulated depreciation				(17,827	)		(17,555	)
			$	88,119		$	87,684

Railroad property, plant and equipment includes the land, other roadway, track structure and rolling stock (primarily locomotives and freight cars) of BNSF. The utility generation, distribution and transmission system and interstate pipeline assets are the regulated assets of public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries. Depreciation expense of the railroad, utilities and energy businesses for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 was $795 million and $732 million, respectively.

12

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 12. Derivative contracts

Derivative contracts are used primarily in our finance and financial products and energy businesses. Substantially all of the derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses are not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes. Changes in the fair values of such contracts are reported in earnings as derivative gains/losses. We entered into these contracts with the expectation that the premiums received would exceed the amounts ultimately paid to counterparties. A summary of derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value			Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value
Equity index put options	$	—	$	6,264	$	31,789	(1)	$	—	$	7,502	$	33,357	(1)
Credit default		27		445		11,076	(2)		41		429		11,691	(2)
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		50		12					130		2
	$	77	$	6,721				$	171	$	7,933

⁽¹⁾ Represents the aggregate undiscounted amount payable at the contract expiration dates assuming that the value of each index is zero at the contract expiration date.

⁽²⁾ Represents the maximum undiscounted future value of losses payable under the contracts, if all underlying issuers default and the residual value of the specified obligations is zero.

⁽³⁾ Included in other assets of finance and financial products businesses.

Derivative gains/losses of our finance and financial products businesses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Equity index put options	$	1,246		$	689
Credit default		(14	)		340
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		(26	)		(27	)
	$	1,206		$	1,002

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written on four major equity indexes. Future payments, if any, under these contracts will be required if the underlying index value is below the strike price at the contract expiration dates. We received the premiums on these contracts in full at the contract inception dates and therefore have no counterparty credit risk. We have written no new contracts since February 2008.

The aggregate intrinsic value (which is the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $3.0 billion at March 31, 2013 and $3.9 billion at December 31, 2012. However, these contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates which occur between June 2018 and January 2026. Therefore, the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined for many years. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 7.75 years at March 31, 2013.

Our credit default contracts were written on various indexes of non-investment grade (or “high yield”) corporate issuers, as well as investment grade corporate and state/municipal debt issuers. These contracts cover the loss in value of specified debt obligations of the issuers arising from default events, which are usually from their failure to make payments or bankruptcy. Loss amounts are subject to contract limits. We have written no new contracts since February 2009.

13

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 12. Derivative contracts (Continued)

State/municipality credit contract exposures currently relate to more than 500 debt issues with maturities ranging from 2019 to 2054. The aggregate notional value of these issues is approximately $7.8 billion and the debt issues have a weighted average maturity of approximately 18.5 years. Pursuant to the contract terms, future loss payments, if any, cannot be settled before the maturity dates of the underlying obligations. In August 2012, state/municipality credit contracts with notional values of $8.25 billion were terminated. We have no further obligations with respect to the terminated contracts.

Individual investment grade and high-yield corporate contracts in-force as of March 31, 2013 had an aggregate notional value of approximately $3.3 billion. All of these contracts will expire in 2013. Premiums under individual corporate credit default contracts are, generally, due from counterparties on a quarterly basis over the terms of the contracts. Otherwise, we have no counterparty credit risk under our credit default contracts because all premiums were received at the inception of the contracts.

With limited exceptions, our equity index put option and credit default contracts contain no collateral posting requirements with respect to changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts and/or a downgrade of Berkshire’s credit ratings. As of March 31, 2013, our collateral posting requirement under contracts with collateral provisions was $10 million compared to $40 million at December 31, 2012. If Berkshire’s credit ratings (currently AA+ from Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 from Moody’s) are downgraded below either A- by Standard & Poor’s or A3 by Moody’s, additional collateral of up to $1.1 billion could be required to be posted.

Our regulated utility subsidiaries are exposed to variations in the prices of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity purchased and sold and natural gas supplied for customers. Derivative instruments, including forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options, are used to manage a portion of these price risks. Derivative contract assets are included in other assets of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $49 million and $49 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Derivative contract liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $157 million and $234 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses under the contracts of our regulated utilities that are probable of recovery through rates are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Unrealized gains or losses on contracts accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or in net earnings, as appropriate.

Note 13. Supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013		2012
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	241	$	199
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		121		138
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		505		465
Finance and financial products businesses		137		158

14

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of March 31, 2013.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate
				March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire parent company due 2013-2047		2.7	%	$	8,309	$	8,323
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		0.3	%		1,354		1,416
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2013-2035		6.0	%		3,736		3,796
				$	13,399	$	13,535

In January 2013, Berkshire issued $2.6 billion of senior notes with interest rates ranging from 0.8% to 4.5% and maturities that range from 2016 to 2043. In February 2013, Berkshire repaid $2.6 billion of maturing senior notes.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate
				March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”) and its subsidiaries:
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt due 2014-2037		6.3	%	$	4,621	$	4,621
Subsidiary and other debt due 2013-2042		5.0	%		16,318		17,002
Issued by BNSF due 2013-2097		5.3	%		15,951		14,533
				$	36,890	$	36,156

MidAmerican subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. All, or substantially all, of the assets of certain MidAmerican subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure the debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. In March 2013, BNSF issued $1.5 billion in new debentures consisting of $700 million of 3.0% debentures due in 2023 and $800 million of 4.45% debentures due in 2043. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily unsecured. As of March 31, 2013, BNSF and MidAmerican and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt or other borrowings of BNSF, MidAmerican or their subsidiaries.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31,		December 31,
				2013		2012
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2013-2042		4.0	%	$	11,194	$	11,186
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2013-2036		4.9	%		1,766		1,859
				$	12,960	$	13,045

The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In January 2013, BHFC issued $500 million of new senior notes and repaid $500 million of maturing senior notes.

Certain of our subsidiaries have approximately $4.7 billion in the aggregate of unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity at March 31, 2013, to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. In addition to borrowings of BHFC, as of March 31, 2013, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $4.4 billion of other subsidiary borrowings. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all present and future payment obligations.

15

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with fair value shown according to the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2013
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,916	$	2,916	$	1,067	$	1,848	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,822		2,822		—		2,822		—
Foreign governments		11,037		11,037		4,417		6,620		—
Corporate bonds		12,180		12,180		—		11,532		648
Mortgage-backed securities		2,428		2,428		—		2,428		—
Investments in equity securities		97,163		97,163		97,064		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		16,669		16,669		—		—		16,669
Other investments carried at cost		5,262		6,092		—		—		6,092
Loans and finance receivables		12,751		11,939		—		389		11,550
Derivative contract assets (1)		126		126		—		52		74
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		157		157		2		149		6
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		6,264		6,264		—		—		6,264
Credit default		445		445		—		—		445
Other		12		12		—		12		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,399		14,118		—		14,118		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,890		42,422		—		42,422		—
Finance and financial products		12,960		13,780		—		13,007		773
December 31, 2012
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,775	$	2,775	$	1,225	$	1,549	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,913		2,913		—		2,912		1
Foreign governments		11,355		11,355		4,571		6,784		—
Corporate bonds		12,661		12,661		—		12,011		650
Mortgage-backed securities		2,587		2,587		—		2,587		—
Investments in equity securities		87,662		87,662		87,563		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		15,750		15,750		—		—		15,750
Other investments carried at cost		5,259		6,134		—		—		6,134
Loans and finance receivables		12,809		11,991		—		304		11,687
Derivative contract assets (1)		220		220		1		128		91
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		234		234		10		217		7
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		7,502		7,502		—		—		7,502
Credit default		429		429		—		—		429
Other		2		2		—		2		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,535		14,284		—		14,284		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,156		42,074		—		42,074		—
Finance and financial products		13,045		14,005		—		13,194		811

(1) Assets are included in other assets and liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities.

16

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Fair value measurements (Continued)

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use of alternative market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value.

The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets. Substantially all of our investments in equity securities are traded on an exchange in active markets and fair values are based on the closing prices as of the balance sheet date.

Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Fair values of investments in fixed maturity securities and notes payable and other borrowings are primarily based on price evaluations which incorporate market prices for identical instruments in inactive markets and market data available for instruments with similar characteristics. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit rating, estimated duration and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and we may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing assets or liabilities. Fair value measurements of non-exchange traded derivative contracts and certain other investments are based primarily on valuation models, discounted cash flow models or other valuation techniques that are believed to be used by market participants.

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 follow (in millions).

	Investments in fixed maturity securities			Investments in equity securities			Other investments		Net derivative contract liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	784		$	22		$	11,669	$	(9,908	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			(1	)		—		1,022
Other comprehensive income		6			11			2,489		(3	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—		9
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(6	)		—			—		31
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		(129	)		—			—		—
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	655		$	32		$	14,158	$	(8,849	)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	652		$	35		$	15,750	$	(7,847	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			—			520		1,235
Other comprehensive income		(2	)		—			399		(3	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—		1
Dispositions		(1	)		—			—		—
Settlements, net		—			—			—		(27	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		—			—			—		—
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	649		$	35		$	16,669	$	(6,641	)

17

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Fair value measurements (Continued)

Gains and losses included in earnings are included as components of investment gains/losses, derivative gains/losses and other revenues, as appropriate and are related to changes in valuations of derivative contracts and settlement transactions. Gains and losses included in other comprehensive income are included as components of the net change in unrealized appreciation of investments and the reclassification of investment appreciation in earnings, as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2013, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair value		Principal valuation techniques	Unobservable Input	Weighted Average
Other investments:
Preferred stocks	$	11,912	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	7 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	97 basis points
Common stock warrants		4,757	Warrant pricing model	Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	15%
Net derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		6,264	Option pricing model	Volatility	20%
Credit default-states/municipalities		427	Discounted cash flow	Credit spreads	82 basis points

For certain credit default and other derivative contracts where we could not corroborate that the fair values or the inputs were observable in the market, fair values were based on non-binding price indications obtained from third party sources. Management reviewed these values relative to the terms of the contracts, the current facts, circumstances and market conditions, and concluded they were reasonable. We did not adjust these prices and therefore, they have been excluded from the preceding table.

Our other investments that are carried at fair value consist of a few relatively large private placement transactions and include perpetual preferred stocks and common stock warrants. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and/or provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. In applying discounted estimated cash flow techniques in valuing the perpetual preferred stocks, we made assumptions regarding the expected durations of the investments, as the issuers may have the right to redeem or convert these investments. We also made estimates regarding the impact of subordination, as the preferred stocks have a lower priority in liquidation than investment grade debt instruments of the issuers, which affected the discount rates. In valuing the common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we are subject to the aforementioned contractual restrictions. We have applied discounts with respect to the contractual restrictions. Increases or decreases to these inputs would result in decreases or increases to the fair values.

Our equity index put option and credit default contracts are not exchange traded and certain contract terms are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts and many contracts have long durations, and therefore are illiquid. For these and other reasons, we classified these contracts as Level 3. The methods we use to value these contracts are those that we believe market participants would use in determining exchange prices with respect to our contracts.

We value equity index put option contracts based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Inputs to this model include current index price, contract duration, dividend and interest rate inputs (which include a Berkshire non-performance input) which are observable. However, the valuation of long-duration options is inherently subjective, given the lack of observable transactions and prices, and acceptable values may be subject to wide ranges. Expected volatility inputs represent our expectations after considering the remaining duration of each contract and that the contracts will remain outstanding until the expiration dates without offsetting transactions occurring in the interim. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values.

Our state and municipality credit default contract values reflect credit spreads, contract durations, interest rates, bond prices and other inputs believed to be used by market participants in estimating fair value. We utilize discounted cash flow valuation models, which incorporate the aforementioned inputs as well as our own estimates of credit spreads for states and municipalities where there is no observable input. Increases or decreases to the credit spreads will produce increases or decreases in the fair values.

18

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 16. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued and outstanding common stock during the first quarter of 2013 are shown in the table below.

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2012		904,528			(9,573	)		894,955			1,123,393,956		(1,408,484	)		1,121,985,472
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(2,898	)		—			(2,898	)		5,024,428		—			5,024,428
Balance at March 31, 2013		901,630			(9,573	)		892,057			1,128,418,384		(1,408,484	)		1,127,009,900

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equivalent to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Unless otherwise required under Delaware General Corporation Law, Class A and Class B common shares vote as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock. On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 1,643,397 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and 1,642,945 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none of which are issued and outstanding.

In 2011, Berkshire’s Board of Directors (“Berkshire’s Board”) approved a common stock repurchase program. Under the program, as amended in December 2012, Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Berkshire’s Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash equivalent holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program is expected to continue indefinitely and the amount of repurchases will depend entirely upon the level of cash available, the attractiveness of investment and business opportunities either at hand or on the horizon, and the degree of discount of the market price relative to management’s estimate of intrinsic value. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares. In December 2012, Berkshire repurchased 9,475 Class A shares and 606,499 Class B shares for approximately $1.3 billion through a privately negotiated transaction and market purchases.

19

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income and significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	29,254		$	(120	)	$	(1,601	)	$	(33	)	$	27,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		6,308			(560	)		24			12			5,784
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(328	)		—			34			2			(292	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—
Net current period other comprehensive income		5,980			(560	)		58			14			5,492
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	35,234		$	(680	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(19	)	$	32,992
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings for the first quarter of 2013 are included on the following line items:
Insurance and Other
Investment gains/losses	$	(436	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(436	)
Finance and Financial Products
Investment gains/losses		(68	)		—			—			—			(68	)
Other (1)		—			—			46			3			49
Reclassifications before income taxes		(504	)		—			46			3			(455	)
Applicable income taxes		(176	)		—			12			1			(163	)
	$	(328	)	$	—		$	34		$	2		$	(292	)

⁽¹⁾ Amounts are included on various line items, and are immaterial individually and in the aggregate.

Note 18. Contingencies and Commitments

On February 13, 2013, Berkshire and an affiliate of the global investment firm 3G Capital (“3G”), through a newly formed holding company (“Holdco”) entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire H.J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”). Under the terms of the agreement, Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock (approximately $23.25 billion in the aggregate.) Berkshire and 3G have committed to make equity investments in Holdco, which together with debt financing to be obtained by Holdco will be used to acquire Heinz. Berkshire’s commitment is for the purchase of $4.12 billion of Holdco common stock and $8 billion of its preferred stock that will pay a 9% dividend. 3G has committed to purchase $4.12 billion of Holdco common stock. Berkshire and 3G will each possess a 50% voting interest in Holdco and following the acquisition, a 50% voting interest in Heinz. The acquisition was approved by the shareholders of Heinz on April 30, 2013. The closing will occur following the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions, and is expected to occur in the latter part of the second quarter or in the third quarter of 2013.

Heinz Company is one of the world’s leading marketers and producers of healthy, convenient and affordable foods specializing in ketchup, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant nutrition. Heinz is a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz^® Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing over one third of Heinz’s total sales), Ore-Ida^® potato products, Weight Watchers^® Smart Ones^® entrées, T.G.I. Friday’s^® snacks, and Plasmon infant nutrition.

We have owned a controlling interest in Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”) since 2008 and currently own about 90% of the outstanding common stock. We are contractually required to acquire substantially all of the remaining noncontrolling interests of Marmon no later than March 31, 2014, for an amount that will be based on Marmon’s 2013 operating results. On April 29, 2013, Berkshire acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V., the parent company of Iscar, for consideration of $2.05 billion. Berkshire now owns 100% of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V.

20

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 19. Business segment data

Revenues by segment for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Premiums earned:
GEICO	$	4,399		$	4,016
General Re		1,469			1,471
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		2,796			2,071
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		713			507
Investment income		1,001			1,056
Total insurance group		10,378			9,121
BNSF		5,284			5,002
Finance and financial products		950			959
Marmon		1,730			1,793
McLane Company		10,785			8,073
MidAmerican		3,116			2,894
Other businesses		9,945			9,296
		42,188			37,138
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		1,711			896
Eliminations and other		(32	)		113
	$	43,867		$	38,147

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Underwriting gain (loss):
GEICO	$	266		$	124
General Re		95			81
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		974			(191	)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		54			71
Net investment income		996			1,052
Total insurance group		2,385			1,137
BNSF		1,289			1,115
Finance and financial products		169			163
Marmon		266			269
McLane Company		132			102
MidAmerican		553			483
Other businesses		1,091			1,069
		5,885			4,338
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		1,711			896
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses		(72	)		(66	)
Eliminations and other		(229	)		(237	)
	$	7,295		$	4,931

21

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

Net earnings attributable to Berkshire are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are after deducting income taxes and exclude earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Insurance – underwriting	$	901		$	54
Insurance – investment income		799			791
Railroad		798			701
Utilities and energy		394			338
Manufacturing, service and retailing		944			854
Finance and financial products		109			104
Other		(163	)		(177	)
Investment and derivative gains/losses		1,110			580
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire	$	4,892		$	3,245

Through our subsidiaries, we engage in a number of diverse business activities. Our operating businesses are managed on an unusually decentralized basis. There are essentially no centralized or integrated business functions (such as sales, marketing, purchasing, legal or human resources) and there is minimal involvement by our corporate headquarters in the day-to-day business activities of the operating businesses. Our senior corporate management team participates in and is ultimately responsible for significant capital allocation decisions, investment activities and the selection of the Chief Executive to head each of the operating businesses. It also is responsible for coordinating Berkshire’s corporate governance efforts, including, but not limited to, communicating the appropriate “tone at the top” messages to its employees and associates, monitoring governance efforts, including those at the operating businesses, and participating in the resolution of governance-related issues as needed. The business segment data (Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

Our insurance underwriting businesses generated significant underwriting gains in the first quarter of 2013, reflecting no significant losses from catastrophes and our railroad and utilities and energy businesses continued to generate significant earnings in 2013. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses in 2013 were mixed, but as indicated in the table above increased about 10% in the aggregate.

Investment and derivative gains/losses in the first quarter included after-tax gains from derivative contracts of $784 million in 2013 and $650 million in 2012, which were primarily attributable to fair value changes to our equity index put option derivative contracts in both 2013 and 2012 as well as our credit default derivative contracts in 2012. We believe that realized investment gains/losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported results or evaluating our economic performance. These gains and losses and changes in the equity and credit markets from period to period have caused and will likely continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

Insurance—Underwriting

We engage in both primary insurance and reinsurance of property/casualty, life and health risks. In primary insurance activities, we assume defined portions of the risks of loss from persons or organizations that are directly subject to the risks. In reinsurance activities, we assume defined portions of similar or dissimilar risks that other insurers or reinsurers have subjected themselves to in their own insuring activities. Our insurance and reinsurance businesses are: (1) GEICO, (2) General Re, (3) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) and (4) Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group.

Our management views insurance businesses as possessing two distinct operations – underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers; investing decisions, with limited exceptions, are the responsibility of Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett. Accordingly, we evaluate the performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income.

22

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

The timing and amount of catastrophe losses can also produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to BHRG and General Re. In the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, losses from catastrophes were not significant. For the purposes of this discussion, we consider catastrophe losses significant if the pre-tax losses incurred from a single event (or series of related events) exceed $75 million on a consolidated basis. Our periodic underwriting results are affected significantly by changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years. Periodic underwriting results may also include significant foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuations of certain non-U.S. Dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. BHRG’s underwriting results included pre-tax gains of $223 million in the first quarter of 2013 and pre-tax losses of $146 million in the first quarter of 2012 from such foreign currency exchange rate changes, which were included in underwriting expenses. In addition, BHRG’s results for the first quarter of 2013 included a one-time pre-tax gain of $255 million arising from amendments to a life reinsurance contract.

A key marketing strategy followed by all of our insurance businesses is the maintenance of extraordinary capital strength. Statutory surplus of our insurance businesses was approximately $106 billion at December 31, 2012. This superior capital strength creates opportunities, especially with respect to reinsurance activities, to negotiate and enter into insurance and reinsurance contracts specially designed to meet the unique needs of insurance and reinsurance buyers.

A summary follows of underwriting results from our insurance businesses. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	2013		2012
Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to:
GEICO	$	266	$	124
General Re		95		81
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		974		(191	)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		54		71
Pre-tax underwriting gain		1,389		85
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		488		31
Net underwriting gain	$	901	$	54

GEICO

Through GEICO, we primarily write private passenger automobile insurance, offering coverages to insureds in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO’s policies are marketed mainly by direct response methods in which customers apply for coverage directly to the company via the Internet or over the telephone. This is a significant element in our strategy to be a low-cost auto insurer. In addition, we strive to provide excellent service to customers, with the goal of establishing long-term customer relationships. GEICO’s underwriting results are summarized below. Dollars are in millions.

	First Quarter
	2013				2012
	Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums earned	$	4,399		100.0	$	4,016		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		3,353		76.2		2,933		73.0
Underwriting expenses		780		17.8		959		23.9
Total losses and expenses		4,133		94.0		3,892		96.9
Pre-tax underwriting gain	$	266			$	124

Premiums written in the first quarter of 2013 were $4,841 million, an increase of 11.3% as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 increased $383 million (9.5%) to $4,399 million. The growth in premiums earned for voluntary auto was 9.5%, as policies-in-force increased 7.4% during the past year. The increase in policies-in-force reflects a 13.6% increase in voluntary auto new business sales. Voluntary auto policies-in-force at March 31, 2013 were approximately 402,000 greater than at December 31, 2012. In recent years, the growth in voluntary auto policies-in-force has been the greatest during the first quarter.

23

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Insurance —Underwriting (Continued)

GEICO (Continued)

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2013 were $3,353 million, an increase of $420 million (14.3%) versus the first quarter of 2012. The loss ratio (the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to premiums earned) was 76.2% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 73.0% in 2012. In the first quarter of 2013 claims frequencies for property damage and collision coverages increased in the two to three percent range compared to the first quarter of 2012 due to more severe winter weather. In addition, physical damage severities increased in the three to five percent range and average bodily injury severities increased in the two to three percent range, although expected severities for personal injury protection coverage declined, primarily in Florida.

Underwriting expenses in the first quarter of 2013 declined $179 million (18.7%), despite the aforementioned increase in premiums earned. Underwriting expenses in the first quarter of 2012 were impacted by a change in U.S. GAAP concerning deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”). DPAC represents the underwriting costs that are eligible to be capitalized and expensed as premiums are earned over the policy period. Policy acquisition costs related to policies written and renewed after December 31, 2011 are being deferred at lower levels than before that date. The new accounting standard essentially accelerates the timing of when certain underwriting costs are recognized in earnings. The new accounting standard was adopted on a prospective basis on January 1, 2012. As a result, DPAC recorded as of December 31, 2011 was amortized to expense over the remainder of the related policy periods in 2012. Excluding the effects of the accounting change in 2012, the ratio of underwriting expenses to premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 (17.8%) was relatively unchanged from the ratio in first quarter of 2012. The new accounting standard for DPAC does not impact the cash basis periodic underwriting costs or our assessment of GEICO’s underwriting performance.

General Re

Through General Re, we conduct a reinsurance business offering property and casualty and life and health coverages to clients worldwide. We write property and casualty reinsurance in North America on a direct basis through General Reinsurance Corporation and internationally through Germany-based General Reinsurance AG and other wholly-owned affiliates. Property and casualty reinsurance is also written through brokers with respect to Faraday in London. Life and health reinsurance is written in North America through General Re Life Corporation and internationally through General Reinsurance AG. General Re strives to generate underwriting profits in essentially all of its product lines. Our management does not evaluate underwriting performance based upon market share and our underwriters are instructed to reject inadequately priced risks. General Re’s underwriting results are summarized in the following table. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)
	2013		2012		2013			2012
Property/casualty	$	758	$	735	$	96		$	46
Life/health		711		736		(1	)		35
	$	1,469	$	1,471	$	95		$	81

Property/casualty

Property/casualty premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 were $758 million, an increase of $23 million (3.1%) compared to 2012. Excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes, premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 increased $37 million (5.0%), which was primarily due to increases in international treaty business. However, price competition in most property and casualty lines persists. Our underwriters continue to exercise discipline by not accepting offers to write business where prices are deemed inadequate. We remain prepared to increase premium volumes should market conditions improve.

Underwriting results in the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 included gains of $96 million and $46 million, respectively, comprised of net underwriting gains from property business, partially offset by net underwriting losses from casualty/workers’ compensation business. Property business generated underwriting gains of $110 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to $66 million in the first quarter of 2012. Property results in each period were absent significant catastrophe losses and included favorable development of prior years’ business ($46 million in 2013 versus $59 million in 2012). The favorable development in each period was primarily attributable to lower than expected losses reported by clients. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe and large individual losses has produced and is expected to continue to produce significant volatility in periodic underwriting results.

24

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Insurance —Underwriting (Continued)

General Re (Continued)

Property/casualty (Continued)

In the first quarter, we incurred net underwriting losses from casualty/workers’ compensation business of $14 million in 2013 and $20 million in 2012. The underwriting losses in our casualty/workers’ compensation business were net of gains of $75 million in 2013 and $72 million in 2012 from the run-off of prior years’ losses, reflecting lower than anticipated reported losses from ceding companies. Casualty losses tend to be long-tail and it should not be assumed that favorable loss experience in a given period means that the loss reserve estimates currently established will continue to develop favorably.

Life/health

Premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 were $711 million, a decrease of $25 million (3.4%) compared to 2012. Adjusting for the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes, premiums earned were relatively unchanged compared to the first quarter of 2012. The life/health operations produced an underwriting loss of $1 million in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to an underwriting gain of $35 million in 2012. The first quarter of 2013 underwriting loss was primarily due to higher than expected mortality in both Europe and the U.S. and discount accretion on the U.S. long-term care business. The gains in the first quarter of 2012 were primarily due to lower than expected mortality in the both the U.S. and international life businesses.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”)

Through BHRG, we underwrite excess-of-loss reinsurance and quota-share coverages on property and casualty risks for insurers and reinsurers worldwide. BHRG’s business includes catastrophe excess-of-loss reinsurance and excess primary insurance and facultative reinsurance for large or otherwise unusual property risks referred to as individual risk. BHRG also writes retroactive reinsurance, which provides indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events. Other multi-line property/casualty refers to various coverages written on both a quota-share and excess basis and includes a 20% quota-share contract with Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd. (“Swiss Re”) covering substantially all of Swiss Re’s property/casualty risks that incepted between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012. The Swiss Re quota-share contract was not renewed in 2013 and is now in run-off. BHRG’s underwriting activities also include life reinsurance and annuity businesses. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)
	2013		2012		2013			2012
Catastrophe and individual risk	$	173	$	134	$	178		$	82
Retroactive reinsurance		319		298		(68	)		(73	)
Other multi-line property/casualty		1,322		1,125		551			(130	)
Life and annuity		982		514		313			(70	)
	$	2,796	$	2,071	$	974		$	(191	)

Premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 from catastrophe and individual risk contracts increased $39 million (29%) versus the first quarter of 2012. The level of business written in a given period will vary significantly due to changes in market conditions and management’s assessment of the adequacy of premium rates. We have generally constrained the volume of business written in recent years as premium rates have not been attractive enough to warrant increasing volume. However, we have the capacity and desire to write substantially more business when appropriate pricing can be obtained.

Catastrophe and individual risk contracts may provide exceptionally large limits of indemnification. The timing and magnitude of losses produces extraordinary volatility in periodic underwriting results of this business. Catastrophe and individual risk underwriting results for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 reflected no significant losses from catastrophe events during those periods. In the first quarter, underwriting results of the catastrophe and individual risk business included a gain of $16 million in 2013 and a loss of $45 million in 2012 from changes in estimates of prior years’ catastrophe losses.

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to past loss events, and related claims are generally expected to be paid over long periods of time. Premiums and limits of indemnification are often very large in amount. Substantially all of the premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 were attributed to a single contract covering workers’ compensation exposures expected to have a very long duration.

25

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Insurance —Underwriting (Continued)

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) (Continued)

Underwriting results attributable to retroactive reinsurance include the recurring periodic amortization of deferred charges that are established with respect to these contracts. At the inception of a contract, deferred charges represent the difference between the premium received and the estimated ultimate losses payable. Deferred charges are subsequently amortized over the estimated claims payment period using the interest method, which reflects estimates of the timing and amount of loss payments. The original estimates of the timing and amount of loss payments are periodically analyzed against actual experience and revised based on an actuarial evaluation of the expected remaining losses. Amortization charges and deferred charge adjustments resulting from changes to the estimated timing and amount of future loss payments are included as a component of losses and loss adjustment expenses.

The underwriting losses from retroactive policies for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 primarily represent the amortization of deferred charges. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unamortized deferred charges for retroactive contracts were approximately $4.3 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively. Gross unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of retroactive reinsurance contracts were approximately $18.5 billion at March 31, 2013 compared to approximately $18.0 billion as of December 31, 2012.

Premiums earned from other multi-line property and casualty business in the first quarter included $556 million in 2013 and $746 million in 2012 from the Swiss Re 20% quota-share contract. As previously noted, the Swiss Re quota-share contract expired on December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013, unearned premiums related to this contract were $942 million, which will be earned as the contract runs off, with a majority of that amount to be earned in 2013. Premiums earned from this contract for the entire year in 2012 were approximately $3.4 billion. Premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 from multi-line business, other than from the Swiss Re quota-share contract increased $387 million over the first quarter of 2012, which was primarily attributable to an increase in property quota-share business.

Other multi-line property and casualty underwriting generated a pre-tax underwriting gain of $551 million in 2013 compared to a pre-tax loss of $130 million in the first quarter of 2012. Multi-line property/casualty underwriting results regularly include foreign currency transaction gains or losses associated with the changes in the valuation of certain reinsurance liabilities of U.S. based subsidiaries (including liabilities arising under retroactive reinsurance contracts), which are denominated in foreign currencies.

Multi-line property/casualty underwriting results included foreign currency exchange rate gains of $189 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to losses of $135 million in the first quarter of 2012. The gains and losses in each period primarily related to movements in the Swiss Franc and U.K. Pound Sterling relative to the U.S. Dollar. Underwriting results can be significantly impacted by the timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses, although there were no significant catastrophe loss events in the first quarter of 2013 or 2012. In the first quarter of 2013 the Swiss Re quota-share contract produced an underwriting gain of $235 million, an increase of $186 million over the first quarter of 2012. In the first quarter, underwriting results attributable to the Swiss Re quota-share contract included gains of $210 million in 2013 and $22 million in 2012 from decreases in estimated liabilities for prior years’ losses.

Life and annuity premiums earned in the first quarter of 2013 were $982 million, an increase of $468 million over 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, premiums of $1.7 billion were earned in connection with a new reinsurance contract under which BHRG assumed certain guaranteed minimum death benefit coverages on a portfolio of variable annuity reinsurance contracts that have been in run-off for a number of years. Substantially all of the premiums expected under this contract were earned at the inception of the contract. In addition, BHRG agreed in the first quarter of 2013 to amend certain provisions of its reinsurance agreement with Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (“SRLHA”) covering yearly renewable life insurance business. The amendments essentially commuted coverage with respect to a number of the underlying contracts in exchange for payments to SRLHA of $675 million. The amendments resulted in a reversal of previously recorded premiums of approximately $1.3 billion, which was exceeded by the reversal of life benefits incurred, generating a one-time pre-tax gain of $255 million.

In the first quarter of 2013, the life and annuity business produced a pre-tax underwriting gain of $313 million versus an underwriting loss of $70 million in 2012. The underwriting gain in 2013 was primarily due to the impact of the aforementioned amendments to the SRLHA contract. Underwriting results also included foreign currency exchange gains of $34 million in 2013 and losses of $11 million in 2012. These gains and losses are associated with the conversion of non-U.S. denominated annuity liabilities into U.S. Dollars. At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, annuity liabilities were approximately $4.1 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively.

26

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Insurance —Underwriting (Continued)

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) consists of a wide variety of independently managed insurance businesses that principally write liability coverages for commercial accounts. These businesses include: Medical Protective Company (“MedPro”) and Princeton Insurance Company, providers of healthcare malpractice insurance to physicians, dentists and other healthcare providers and healthcare facilities; National Indemnity Company’s primary group, writers of commercial motor vehicle and general liability coverages; U.S. Investment Corporation, whose subsidiaries underwrite specialty insurance coverages; a group of companies referred to internally as “Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies,” providers of commercial multi-line insurance, including workers’ compensation; Central States Indemnity Company, a provider of credit and disability insurance to individuals nationwide through financial institutions; Applied Underwriters, a provider of integrated workers’ compensation solutions; and BoatU.S., a writer of insurance for owners of boats and small watercraft. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we acquired Clal U.S. Holdings, which owns GUARD Insurance Group (“GUARD”), a provider of commercial property and casualty insurance coverage to small and mid-sized businesses.

Premiums earned in the first quarter by BH Primary aggregated $713 million in 2013 and $507 million in 2012. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of GUARD and increased workers’ compensation insurance volume from the Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies. Premium volume of certain of our other primary insurers continues to be constrained by market conditions. We have the capacity and desire to write substantially more volume if market conditions improve. For the first quarter, our primary insurers produced underwriting gains of $54 million in 2013 and $71 million in 2012. Underwriting gains as a percentage of premiums earned for the first quarter were 8% in 2013 and 14% in 2012. The decline in comparative first quarter underwriting gains was primarily due to unfavorable loss experience with respect to certain general liability business of the National Indemnity Company’s primary group.

Insurance—Investment Income

A summary of net investment income of our insurance operations follows. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	2013		2012
Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	$	996	$	1,052
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		197		261
Net investment income	$	799	$	791

Investment income consists of interest and dividends earned on cash and investments of our insurance businesses. Pre-tax investment income in the first quarter of 2013 was $996 million, a decline of $56 million (5%) from 2012. The decline in pre-tax investment income in 2013 was attributable to a decline in interest earned from fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by slightly higher dividends earned from equity securities. We continue to hold significant cash and cash equivalents balances currently earning near zero yields, which will continue to negatively impact our earnings from investments. However, our management believes that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and strongly insists on safety over yield with respect to cash and cash equivalents.

Invested assets derive from shareholder capital and reinvested earnings as well as net liabilities under insurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses, life, annuity and health benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities to policyholders less premiums and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float approximated $73 billion at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, the cost of float, as represented by the ratio of our underwriting gain or loss to average float, was negative as our insurance group generated a net underwriting gain.

27

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Insurance—Investment Income (Continued)

A summary of cash and investments held in our insurance businesses follows. Other investments include our investments in Wrigley, Dow Chemical and Bank of America as well as warrants to acquire common shares of Goldman Sachs, General Electric and Bank of America (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Amounts are in millions.

	March 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,325	$	26,458
Equity securities		95,435		86,080
Fixed maturity securities		28,935		29,984
Other		16,779		16,057
	$	168,474	$	158,579

Fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2013 were as follows. Amounts are in millions.

	Amortized cost		Unrealized gains/losses		Fair value
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,886	$	30	$	2,916
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,654		168		2,822
Foreign governments		9,182		191		9,373
Corporate bonds, investment grade		5,624		792		6,416
Corporate bonds, non-investment grade		4,014		1,314		5,328
Mortgage-backed securities		1,822		258		2,080
	$	26,182	$	2,753	$	28,935

All U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies and approximately 85% of all state, municipal and political subdivisions, foreign government obligations and mortgage-backed securities were rated AA or higher. Non-investment grade securities represent securities that are rated below BBB- or Baa3. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities.

Railroad (“BNSF”)

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (“BNSF”) operates one of the largest railroad systems in North America with approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF’s major business groups are classified by product/commodity shipped and include consumer products, coal, industrial products and agricultural products. Earnings of BNSF are summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013		2012
Revenues	$	5,284	$	5,002
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,139		1,117
Fuel		1,122		1,095
Purchased services		617		569
Depreciation and amortization		483		463
Equipment rents		198		202
Materials and other		258		293
Total operating expenses		3,817		3,739
Interest expense		178		148
		3,995		3,887
Pre-tax earnings		1,289		1,115
Income taxes		491		414
Net earnings	$	798	$	701

28

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Railroad (“BNSF”) (Continued)

Revenues for the first quarter of 2013 were approximately $5.3 billion, an increase of $282 million (6%) over 2012. The overall increase in revenues reflected a 3% increase in cars/units handled and a 2% increase in average revenue per car/unit, attributable to rates and business mix. In the first quarter of 2013, BNSF generated higher revenues from industrial products and consumer products, partially offset by lower revenues from coal and agricultural products. The increase in industrial products revenues was driven by a 14% increase in volume, due primarily to significantly higher petroleum products volumes. The increase in consumer products revenues reflected a 5% increase in volume, which was due primarily to increased domestic intermodal volume. In the first quarter of 2013, coal volume declined 3% versus 2012, primarily due to a decrease in coal demand as a result of utilities’ focus on reducing stockpiles. Agricultural products volume in the first quarter of 2013 declined about 7% compared with the prior year period, and was mainly attributable to a decrease in corn and soybean exports as a result of the drought conditions in the U.S. in 2012. Revenues (and revenues per car/unit) in each period include fuel surcharges to customers under programs intended to recover incremental fuel costs when fuel prices exceed threshold fuel prices. Surcharges vary by product/commodity, and therefore amounts earned in a given period are impacted by business mix and volume as well as fuel costs. Fuel surcharges in the first quarter of 2013 increased by 6% as compared to 2012.

Operating expenses in the first quarter of 2013 were approximately $3.8 billion, an increase of $78 million (2%) over 2012. Fuel expenses increased $27 million (2%) in 2013 primarily due to higher fuel prices and volumes, partially offset by improved fuel efficiency. Compensation and benefits expenses increased $22 million, reflecting volume-related costs and inflation, partially offset by cost savings initiatives. Purchased services expenses in 2013 increased $48 million compared to 2012 due primarily to volume-related costs, including purchased transportation for BNSF Logistics, a wholly owned, third party logistics company. In 2013, materials and other expenses declined $35 million versus 2012, which included a charge of $55 million recorded in the prior year for an unfavorable arbitration ruling.

Utilities and Energy (“MidAmerican”)

We hold an 89.8% ownership interest in MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”), which operates an international energy business. MidAmerican’s domestic regulated energy interests are comprised of two regulated utility companies, PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”) and two interstate natural gas pipeline companies. In Great Britain, MidAmerican operates two regulated electricity distribution businesses, owned by Northern Powergrid Holdings Company (“Northern Powergrid”). The rates that our regulated businesses charge customers for energy and services are based in large part on the costs of business operations, including a return on capital, and are subject to regulatory approval. To the extent these operations are not allowed to include such costs in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. In addition, MidAmerican also operates a diversified portfolio of independent power projects and the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm and franchise network in the United States.

Revenues and earnings of MidAmerican are summarized below. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Earnings
	2013		2012		2013			2012
PacifiCorp	$	1,249	$	1,209	$	228		$	208
MidAmerican Energy Company		931		881		76			56
Natural gas pipelines		301		302		160			160
Northern Powergrid		300		263		145			124
Real estate brokerage		284		213		6			(1	)
Other		51		26		9			18
	$	3,116	$	2,894
Earnings before corporate interest and income taxes						624			565
Corporate interest						(71	)		(82	)
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						(159	)		(145	)
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire					$	394		$	338

29

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Utilities and Energy (“MidAmerican”) (Continued)

PacifiCorp’s revenues in the first quarter of 2013 were $1,249 million, an increase of $40 million (3%) over the first quarter of 2012. The increase was primarily due to higher retail revenue of $77 million, partially offset by a decrease in wholesale and other revenue. The increase in retail revenue was primarily due to higher prices approved by regulators and, to a lesser degree, by higher customer loads in certain states. The decrease in wholesale and other revenue was due to a decline in renewable energy credit revenue and a decline in wholesale volumes, partially offset by higher average prices. PacifiCorp’s earnings before corporate interest and income taxes (“EBIT”) in the first quarter of 2013 were $228 million, an increase of $20 million (10%) over the first quarter of 2012. The increase in EBIT reflected the overall increase in revenues, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $11 million (due to increased plant in service) and higher energy costs of $8 million.

MEC’s revenues in the first quarter of 2013 were $931 million, an increase of $50 million (6%) over the first quarter of 2012. The overall increase in revenues was mainly attributable to higher regulated electric and natural gas revenues, partially offset by lower nonregulated and other revenues. In 2013, regulated retail electric operating revenues increased $35 million, due to rate adjustment clauses in Iowa and Illinois and an increase in customer load primarily from cooler weather conditions in 2013 compared to an unseasonably warm first quarter in 2012. Regulated natural gas operating revenue increased $52 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 2012, due to higher volumes and an increase in recoveries through adjustment clauses as a result of a higher average per-unit cost of gas sold. The increase in volumes reflected the comparatively colder weather conditions in 2013. In the first quarter of 2013, nonregulated and other operating revenues declined $40 million compared to 2012 due to lower electricity volumes and lower electricity and natural gas prices, partially offset by an increase in natural gas volumes.

MEC’s EBIT of $76 million increased $20 million (36%) over the first quarter of 2012, due primarily to a $15 million increase in regulated natural gas operating earnings and as a result of lower interest expenses and higher allowances for equity funds used during construction of energy generation assets. The increase in regulated natural gas operating earnings was attributable to higher volumes from the colder temperatures in 2013.

Natural gas pipeline revenues and EBIT in the first quarter of 2013 were relatively unchanged compared to 2012. Northern Powergrid’s revenues increased $37 million (14%) in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012, primarily due to higher distribution revenue. EBIT of Northern Powergrid in the first quarter of 2013 was $145 million, an increase of $21 million (17%) over 2012. The increase was mainly due to the higher operating revenue, partially offset by higher distribution operating expenses.

Revenues and EBIT of the real estate brokerage business in the first quarter of 2013 increased by $71 million and $7 million, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2012. The increase in revenues was from businesses acquired subsequent to the end of the first quarter of 2012 and from higher revenues from pre-existing businesses, reflecting a 9% increase in closed brokerage units and a 7% increase in average home sale prices. The increase in EBIT was attributed to higher revenues, partially offset by increased commissions and other operating expenses.

30

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing

A summary of revenues and earnings of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Earnings
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Marmon	$	1,730	$	1,793	$	266	$	269
McLane Company		10,785		8,073		132		102
Other manufacturing		6,854		6,504		809		815
Other service		2,104		1,939		209		198
Retailing		987		853		73		56
	$	22,460	$	19,162
Pre-tax earnings						1,489		1,440
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						545		586
					$	944	$	854

Marmon

Through Marmon, we operate over 150 manufacturing and service businesses within eleven diverse business sectors that are further organized in three separate companies. Those companies and constituent sectors are:

Company	Sector
Marmon Engineered Industrial & Metal Components (“Engineered Components”)	Electrical & Plumbing Products, Distribution Services, Industrial Products
Marmon Natural Resources & Transportation Services (“Natural Resources”)	Transportation Services & Engineered Products, Engineered Wire & Cable, Crane Services
Marmon Retail & End User Technologies (“Retail Technologies”)	Highway Technologies, Water Treatment, Retail Store Fixtures, Food Service Equipment, Retail Home Improvement Products

Marmon’s first quarter of 2013 consolidated revenues were $1.7 billion, a decrease of $63 million (4%) as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Consolidated pre-tax earnings were $266 million in the first quarter of 2013, a decrease of $3 million (1%) as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Pre-tax earnings as a percent of revenues was 15.4% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 15.0% in the first quarter of 2012. The revenues and earnings information in the following paragraphs is before intercompany eliminations and miscellaneous unallocated items.

Overall, two of the three companies saw revenue decreases as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Engineered Components’ first quarter of 2013 revenues were $594 million, a decline of $54 million (8%) as compared to the first quarter of 2012. The decline was primarily due to a reduction in volume and lower copper prices. Natural Resources’ revenues were $612 million, a decline of $21 million (3%) as compared to the first quarter of 2012. This decline reflected lower external tank car sales and one-time prior year projects in the Transportation Services & Engineered Products and several large projects in the Engineered Wire & Cable sectors, partially offset by an increase in leasing revenue attributable to higher lease rates and new tank car fleet additions, as well as growth in the Crane Services Canadian operations. Retail Technologies’ revenues of $555 million increased $16 million (3.0%) as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Rebounding demand from a major customer in the Retail Store Fixtures sector is the primary driver for the quarter-over-quarter increase.

Engineered Components’ pre-tax earnings were $50 million, a decrease of $13 million (20%) as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Both the Electrical & Plumbing Products and Distribution Services sectors’ pre-tax earnings declined in the first quarter of 2013 primarily due to lower volumes, offset slightly by improved product mix and lower overhead costs in the Industrial Products sector and a $3 million gain on sale of land and machinery and equipment during the first quarter of 2013. Natural Resources’ pre-tax earnings were $157 million, an increase of $4 million (3%) as compared to the prior year comparable quarter. The increase in pre-tax earnings was primarily driven by higher margins on specialty and utility cable products and higher rail leasing rates and new tank car fleet additions, partially offset by higher rail wheel repairs. Retail Technologies’ pre-tax earnings were $67 million, an increase of $3 million (5%) as compared to the first quarter of 2012. Pre-tax earnings increased primarily due to strong revenue growth in the Retail Store Fixtures sector and cost savings relating to 2012 restructuring actions. Corporate overhead expenses were reduced by $3 million due to lower salary and legacy (litigation and environmental) costs.

31

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

McLane Company

Through McLane, we operate a wholesale distribution business that provides grocery and non-food products to retailers, convenience stores and restaurants. Through its subsidiaries, McLane also operates as a wholesale distributor of distilled spirits, wine and beer. On August 24, 2012, McLane acquired Meadowbrook Meat Company, Inc. (“MBM”). MBM, based in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is a large customized foodservice distributor for national restaurant chains with annual revenues of approximately $6 billion. MBM’s revenues and earnings are included in McLane’s results beginning as of the acquisition date. McLane’s grocery and foodservice businesses are marked by high sales volume and very low profit margins and have several significant customers, including Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven and Yum! Brands. A curtailment of purchasing by Wal-Mart or another of its significant customers could have a material adverse impact on McLane’s periodic revenues and earnings.

Revenues for the first quarter of 2013 were $10.8 billion, an increase of $2.7 billion (34%) over 2012. The increase in revenues reflected the inclusion of MBM, as well as 11% increases in revenues of the grocery and other foodservice businesses, which were primarily related to several new large customers at each of the businesses. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2013 were $132 million, an increase of $30 million (29%) over 2012. The increase in pre-tax earnings was primarily attributable to increased sales and relatively stable net operating margins of the pre-existing business operations and to a lesser degree from the inclusion of MBM.

Other manufacturing

Our other manufacturing businesses include several manufacturers of building products (Acme Building Brands, Benjamin Moore, Johns Manville, Shaw and MiTek) and apparel (led by Fruit of the Loom which includes Russell athletic apparel and Vanity Fair Brands women’s intimate apparel). Also included in this group are Forest River, a leading manufacturer of leisure vehicles, IMC International Metalworking Companies (“Iscar”), an industry leader in the metal cutting tools business with operations worldwide and CTB, a manufacturer of equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries. Other manufacturing businesses also include The Lubrizol Corporation (“Lubrizol”), a specialty chemical manufacturer that we acquired in 2011.

Revenues from our other manufacturing activities for the first quarter of 2013 were $6.9 billion, an increase of $350 million (5%) over 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, Forest River generated a significant increase in revenues, due to increased volume and average sales prices. First quarter of 2013 revenues also benefited from several bolt-on business acquisitions in 2012. We also experienced revenue increases from our building products and apparel businesses.

Pre-tax earnings of our other manufacturing businesses in the first quarter of 2013 were $809 million, a slight decline from 2012. Forest River, as well as our building products and apparel businesses generated higher earnings in 2013. However a decline in Iscar’s earnings in 2013 versus 2012 attributable to intensifying price competition and sluggish customer demand, more than offset the aforementioned increases in pre-tax earnings. Lubrizol’s earnings in the first quarter of 2013 were unchanged compared to 2012.

Other service

Our other service businesses include NetJets, the world’s leading provider of fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft and FlightSafety, a provider of high technology training to operators of aircraft. Among the other businesses included in this group are: TTI, a leading electronic components distributor; Business Wire, a leading distributor of corporate news, multimedia and regulatory filings; Dairy Queen, which licenses and services a system of over 6,200 stores that offer prepared dairy treats and food; Buffalo News and the BH Media Group, which includes the Omaha World-Herald, as well as 27 other daily newspapers and numerous other publications; and businesses that provide management and other services to insurance companies.

First quarter of 2013 revenues of our other service businesses were $2.1 billion, an increase of $165 million (8.5%) compared to 2012. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2013 were $209 million, an increase of $11 million (6%) versus 2012. The increases reflected increased revenues and earnings from NetJets, BH Media Group and TTI. The increase in revenues at NetJets was primarily due to increased sales of fractional aircraft shares. Earnings at NetJets increased primarily due to improved flight operations margins, fractional sales margins and reduced net financing costs. The revenues and earnings increases from BH Media Group and TTI were primarily a result of bolt-on business acquisitions in 2012.

32

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Retailing

Our retailing operations consist of four home furnishings businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), three jewelry businesses (Borsheims, Helzberg and Ben Bridge), See’s Candies, Pampered Chef, a direct seller of high quality kitchen tools and Oriental Trading Company (“OTC”), a direct retailer of party supplies, school supplies and toys and novelties, which we acquired on November 27, 2012. Revenues and pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2013 from the retailing businesses increased $134 million (16%) and $17 million (30%), respectively, over the first quarter of 2012. Most of these comparative increases were attributed to the inclusion of OTC and increases at See’s Candies, due primarily to the timing of Easter.

Finance and Financial Products

Our finance and financial products businesses include manufactured housing and finance (Clayton Homes), transportation equipment leasing (XTRA), furniture leasing (CORT) as well as various miscellaneous financing activities. A summary of earnings from our finance and financial products businesses follows. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	Earnings
	2013		2012
Manufactured housing and finance	$	71	$	40
Furniture/transportation equipment leasing		29		26
Other		69		97
Pre-tax earnings		169		163
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		60		59
	$	109	$	104

Clayton Homes’ earnings were $71 million for the first quarter of 2013, an increase of $31 million (78%) compared to 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, the earnings benefitted from lower loan loss provisions and an increase in net interest income due to the reduction in interest income on Clayton Homes’ loan portfolio being more than offset by lower interest expense due to a decline in average borrowings and lower interest rates. Clayton Homes’ manufactured housing business continues to operate at a competitive disadvantage compared to traditional single family housing markets, which receive significant interest rate subsidies from the U.S. government through government agency insured mortgages. For the most part, these subsidies are not available to factory built homes. Nevertheless, Clayton Homes remains the largest manufactured housing business in the United States and we believe that it will continue to operate profitably, even under the prevailing conditions.

Earnings of our furniture/transportation leasing businesses increased slightly in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 2012. The increases primarily reflected increased lease revenues and earnings of XTRA, which benefitted from slight increases in working units and average rental rates and relatively stable operating expenses.

Earnings from our other finance business activities include interest and dividends from a portfolio of fixed maturity and equity investments, our share of the earnings of a commercial mortgage servicing business in which we own a 50% joint venture interest and earnings from a small portfolio of long-held commercial real estate loans, which were repaid in full during the third and fourth quarters of 2012. In addition, other earnings includes income from interest rate spreads charged to Clayton Homes on borrowings by a Berkshire financing subsidiary that are used to fund loans to Clayton Homes and guaranty fees charged to NetJets. Corresponding expenses are included in Clayton Homes’ and NetJets’ results.

33

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

A summary of investment and derivative gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments follows. Amounts are in millions.

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Investment gains/losses	$	590		$	231
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments		(85	)		(337	)
Derivative gains/losses		1,206			1,002
Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		1,711			896
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		601			316
Net gains/losses	$	1,110		$	580

Pre-tax investment gains/losses in the first quarter were $590 million in 2013 and $231 million in 2012. The net gains in 2013 included $520 million related to our investments in General Electric and Goldman Sachs common stock warrants, which beginning in 2013 are carried at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss included in earnings. In 2012 investment gains were primarily attributable to sales of equity securities.

Investment gains/losses arise primarily from the sale or redemption of investments or when investments are carried at fair value with the periodic changes in fair values recorded in earnings. The timing of investment gains or losses can have a material effect on periodic earnings. Investment gains and losses usually have a minimal impact on the periodic changes in our consolidated shareholders’ equity since most of our investments are regularly recorded at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

We believe the amount of investment gains/losses included in earnings in any given period typically has little analytical or predictive value. Our decisions to sell securities are not motivated by the impact that the resulting gains or losses will have on our reported earnings. Although our management does not consider investment gains and losses in a given period as necessarily meaningful or useful in evaluating periodic earnings, we are providing information to explain the nature of such gains and losses when they are reflected in earnings.

Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses in the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were related to our investments in Texas Competitive Electric Holdings bonds. As of March 31, 2013, unrealized losses on our investments in equity and fixed maturity securities (determined on an individual purchase lot basis) were relatively insignificant. Although we have periodically recorded OTTI losses in earnings in the past, we continue to hold positions in certain of the related securities. In cases where the market values of these investments have increased since the dates the OTTI losses were recorded in earnings, these increases are not reflected in earnings but are instead included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. When recorded, OTTI losses have no impact whatsoever on the asset values otherwise recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets or on our consolidated shareholders’ equity. In addition, the recognition of such losses in earnings rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income does not necessarily indicate that sales are imminent or planned and sales ultimately may not occur for a number of years. Furthermore, the recognition of OTTI losses does not necessarily indicate that the loss in value of the security is permanent or that the market price of the security will not subsequently increase to and ultimately exceed our original cost.

Derivative gains/losses primarily represent the changes in fair value of our credit default and equity index put option contracts. Periodic changes in the fair values of these contracts are reflected in earnings and can be significant, reflecting the volatility of underlying credit and equity markets. We have written essentially no new equity index put option or credit default derivative contracts since 2008. We have not actively traded into and out of credit default and equity index put option contract positions. Under many of the remaining contracts, no settlements will occur until the contract expiration dates, which may occur many years from now.

In the first quarter, our derivative contracts generated gains of $1,206 million in 2013 and $1,002 million in 2012. In 2013, the gains were primarily attributed to changes in fair values of our equity index put option contracts while the gains in 2012 also included gains attributable to our credit default contracts.

34

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses (Continued)

In the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, our equity index put option contracts produced gains of $1,246 million and $689 million, respectively. In 2013, the gains reflected higher equity prices and the favorable foreign currency exchange rate movements from effects of a stronger U.S. Dollar. In 2012, the gains were due primarily to higher equity prices, partially offset by lower interest rate assumptions. Our credit default contracts generated losses of $14 million in the first quarter of 2013 compared to a gain of $340 million in the first quarter of 2012. Our remaining credit default contract exposures associated with corporate issuers will expire in 2013 and at the end of 2013 our credit default derivative contract exposures will be limited to municipality/state issues. In 2012, the gain was primarily due to the narrowing of credit default spreads as well as the passage of time.

Financial Condition

Our balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2013 was $198.1 billion, an increase of $10.4 billion since December 31, 2012. Consolidated cash and investments of our insurance and other businesses approximated $187.2 billion at March 31, 2013 including cash and cash equivalents of $44.0 billion, of which about $11.7 billion was held by the parent company. Otherwise, invested assets are held predominantly in our insurance businesses. In January 2013, we issued $2.6 billion of parent company senior unsecured notes with maturities ranging from 2016 to 2043, the proceeds of which were used to fund the repayment of $2.6 billion of notes that matured in February 2013.

In September 2011, our Board of Directors authorized Berkshire Hathaway to repurchase Class A and Class B shares of Berkshire at prices no higher than a 10% premium over the book value of the shares. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Board of Directors increased the 10% premium limitation to 20%. Berkshire may repurchase shares at management’s discretion. The repurchase program is expected to continue indefinitely, but does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares. Repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash equivalent holdings below $20 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, we acquired 10% of the outstanding shares of Marmon held by noncontrolling interests for aggregate consideration of approximately $1.4 billion. Approximately $800 million of the consideration was paid in the fourth quarter, and the remainder was paid in March 2013. On April 29, 2013, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V., the parent company of Iscar for consideration of $2.05 billion.

As discussed in Note 18 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, on February 13, 2013, we committed to invest $12.12 billion in a newly formed holding company that entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire H.J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”). Our investment will consist of common and preferred stock and we will hold 50% of the voting interests in the holding company. The acquisition of Heinz was approved by the Heinz shareholders on April 30, 2013. The closing will occur following receipt of certain regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions, and is expected to occur in the latter part of the second quarter or in the third quarter of 2013. We expect to use cash on hand to fund our investments.

Our railroad, utilities and energy businesses (conducted by BNSF and MidAmerican) maintain very large investments in capital assets (property, plant and equipment) and will regularly make capital expenditures in the normal course of business. In the first quarter of 2013, aggregate capital expenditures of these businesses were $1.6 billion, including $891 million by MidAmerican and $732 million by BNSF. BNSF and MidAmerican forecast aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $6.6 billion over the remainder of 2013. Future capital expenditures are expected to be funded from cash flows from operations and debt issuances. In March 2013, BNSF issued $1.5 billion in new debentures consisting of $700 million of 3.0% debentures due in 2023 and $800 million of 4.45% debentures due in 2043. BNSF’s outstanding debt was $15.95 billion as of March 31, 2013. In the first quarter of 2013, MidAmerican repaid borrowings of $530 million and its aggregate outstanding borrowings were $20.9 billion as of March 31, 2013. BNSF and MidAmerican have aggregate debt and capital lease maturities over the remainder of 2013 of about $1.9 billion. Berkshire has committed until February 28, 2014 to provide up to $2 billion of additional capital to MidAmerican to permit the repayment of its debt obligations or to fund its regulated utility subsidiaries. Berkshire does not guarantee the repayment of debt issued by BNSF, MidAmerican or any of their subsidiaries.

35

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Financial Condition (Continued)

Assets of the finance and financial products businesses, which consisted primarily of loans and finance receivables, cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturity investments and equity investments, were approximately $25.5 billion as of March 31, 2013 and $25.4 billion as of December 31, 2012. Liabilities were $20.7 billion as of March 31, 2013 and $22.1 billion as of December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013, notes payable and other borrowings of finance and financial products businesses were $13.0 billion and included approximately $11.2 billion of notes issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”). In January 2013, $500 million of notes matured and BHFC issued new debt of $500 million with maturities in 2017 and 2022. Over the remainder of 2013, an additional $2.95 billion of BHFC debt will mature. We currently intend to issue additional new debt through BHFC to replace some or all of the upcoming debt maturities. The proceeds from the BHFC notes are used to finance originated loans and acquired loans of Clayton Homes. The full and timely payment of principal and interest on the BHFC notes is guaranteed by Berkshire.

We regularly access the credit markets, particularly through our railroad, utilities and energy and finance and financial products businesses. Restricted access to credit markets at affordable rates in the future could have a significant negative impact on our operations.

We are party to several equity index put option and credit default contracts as described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. With limited exception, these contracts contain no collateral posting requirements under any circumstances, including changes in either the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts or a downgrade in Berkshire’s credit ratings. Substantially all of these contracts were entered into prior to December 31, 2008. At March 31, 2013, the net liabilities recorded for such contracts were approximately $6.7 billion and our collateral posting requirements were $10 million.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law financial regulatory reform legislation, known as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Reform Act”). The Reform Act reshapes financial regulations in the United States by creating new regulators, regulating new markets and market participants and providing new enforcement powers to regulators. Virtually all major areas of the Reform Act are subject to extensive rulemaking proceedings being conducted both jointly and independently by multiple regulatory agencies, some of which have been completed and others that are expected to be finalized during the remainder of 2013. Although the Reform Act may adversely affect some of our business activities, it is not currently expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial results or financial condition.

Contractual Obligations

We are party to contracts associated with ongoing business and financing activities, which will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods. Certain obligations reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, such as notes payable, require future payments on contractually specified dates and in fixed and determinable amounts. The timing and/or amount of the payment of other obligations, such as losses arising from unpaid property and casualty loss insurance contracts and credit default and equity index put option derivatives contracts, are contingent upon the outcome of future events. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps significantly, from the liability estimates currently recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Other obligations pertain to the acquisition of goods or services in the future, which are not currently reflected in the financial statements, such as minimum rentals under operating leases. Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2013 were, in the aggregate, not materially different from those disclosed in the “Contractual Obligations” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Reference is also made to Note 18 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

We are party to contracts associated with ongoing business and financing activities, which will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods. Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments regarding transactions that have occurred and ultimately will be settled several years in the future or concerning the recoverability of assets. Amounts recognized in the financial statements from such estimates are necessarily based on assumptions about numerous factors involving varying, and possibly significant, degrees of judgment and uncertainty. Accordingly, the amounts currently recorded in the financial statements may prove, with the benefit of hindsight, to be inaccurate. Reference is made to “Critical Accounting Policies” discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for additional discussion regarding these estimates.

36

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

Critical Accounting Policies (Continued)

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2013 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $64.3 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing loss reserve amounts, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts. A very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude will result in a material effect on reported earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of losses incurred in the period of the change.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2013 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $54.4 billion. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2012. Although we believe that the goodwill reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2013 is not impaired, goodwill may subsequently become impaired as a result of changes in facts and circumstances affecting the valuation of the reporting unit. A goodwill impairment charge could have a material effect on periodic net earnings.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include significant amounts of derivative contract liabilities that are measured at fair value. As of March 31, 2013 our most significant derivative contract exposures relate to equity index put option contracts written between 2004 and 2008. These contracts were entered into in over-the-counter markets and certain elements in the terms and conditions of such contracts are not standard. In particular, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts. Furthermore, there is no source of independent data available to us showing trading volume and actual prices of completed transactions. As a result, the values of these liabilities are based on valuation models that are believed to be used by market participants. Such models or other valuation techniques may use inputs that are observable in the marketplace, while others are unobservable. Unobservable inputs require us to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in establishing prices. Changes in assumptions may have a significant effect on values.

Information concerning new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of Berkshire officials during presentations about Berkshire or its subsidiaries are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, which include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects and possible future Berkshire actions, which may be provided by management, are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Berkshire and its subsidiaries, economic and market factors and the industries in which we do business, among other things. These statements are not guaranties of future performance and we have no specific intention to update these statements.

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The principal important risk factors that could cause our actual performance and future events and actions to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in market prices of our investments in fixed maturity and equity securities, losses realized from derivative contracts, the occurrence of one or more catastrophic events, such as an earthquake, hurricane or act of terrorism that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries, changes in laws or regulations affecting our insurance, railroad, utilities and energy and finance subsidiaries, changes in federal income tax laws, and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in which we do business.

37

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report and in particular the “Market Risk Disclosures” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of March 31, 2013, there were no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President (Chief Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman (Chief Executive Officer) and the Senior Vice President (Chief Financial Officer) concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Corporation (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Corporation’s periodic SEC filings. During the quarter, there have been no significant changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting.

38

Part II Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are party in a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. In particular, such legal actions affect our insurance and reinsurance businesses. Such litigation generally seeks to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 to which reference is made herein.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

In September 2011, Berkshire’s Board of Directors (“Berkshire’s Board”) approved a common stock repurchase program under which Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 10% premium over the book value of the shares. In December 2012, Berkshire’s Board amended the repurchase program by raising the price limit to no higher than a 20% premium over book value. Berkshire’s Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be purchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash equivalent holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program is expected to continue indefinitely and the amount of purchases will depend entirely upon the level of cash available, the attractiveness of investment and business opportunities either at hand or on the horizon, and the degree of discount from management’s estimate of intrinsic value. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares. There were no share repurchases in the first three months of 2013.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Information regarding the Company’s mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.

Item 5. Other Information

None

Item 6. Exhibits

a. Exhibits

12	Calculation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Consolidated Fixed Charges
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
32.1	Section 1350 Certifications
32.2	Section 1350 Certifications
95	Mine Safety Disclosures
101	The following financial information from Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

39

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC. (Registrant)
Date: May 3, 2013	/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG
	(Signature) Marc D. Hamburg, Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer

40

EX-12

Exhibit 12

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

Calculation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Consolidated Fixed Charges

(Dollars in millions)

	Three Months  Ended March 31, 2013		Year Ended December 31,
			2012		2011		2010			2009			2008
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	4,892	$	14,824	$	10,254	$	12,967		$	8,055		$	4,994
Income tax expense		2,278		6,924		4,568		5,607			3,538			1,978
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		125		488		492		527			386			602
Earnings from equity method investments		—		—		—		(50	)		(427	)		—
Dividends from equity method investees		—		—		—		20			132			—
Fixed charges		835		3,304		3,219		3,084			2,279			2,276
Earnings available for fixed charges	$	8,130	$	25,540	$	18,533	$	22,155		$	13,963		$	9,850
Fixed charges
Interest on indebtedness (including amortization of debt discount and expense)	$	686	$	2,744	$	2,664	$	2,558		$	1,992		$	1,963
Rentals representing interest and other		149		560		555		526			287			313
	$	835	$	3,304	$	3,219	$	3,084		$	2,279		$	2,276
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		9.74x		7.73x		5.76x		7.18x			6.13x			4.33x

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Quarter ended March 31, 2013

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Warren E. Buffett, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 3, 2013

/S/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Chairman—Principal Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Quarter ended March 31, 2013

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Marc D. Hamburg, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 3, 2013

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Senior Vice President—Principal Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended March 31, 2013

I, Warren E. Buffett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended March 31, 2013 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 3, 2013

/S/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Warren E. Buffett

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended March 31, 2013

I, Marc D. Hamburg, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended March 31, 2013 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 3, 2013

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Marc D. Hamburg

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-95

EXHIBIT 95

MINE SAFETY VIOLATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL MATTER DISCLOSURES

PURSUANT TO SECTION 1503(a) OF THE DODD-FRANK WALL STREET

REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries operate coal mines and coal processing facilities and Acme Brick and its affiliates operate 20 clay, shale and limestone excavation facilities (collectively, the “mining facilities”) that are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Safety Act”). MSHA inspects mining facilities on a regular basis. The total number of reportable Mine Safety Act citations, orders, assessments and legal actions for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 are summarized in the table below and are subject to contest and appeal. The severity and assessment of penalties may be reduced or, in some cases, dismissed through the contest and appeal process. Amounts are reported regardless of whether PacifiCorp or Acme has challenged or appealed the matter. Coal, clay and other reserves that are not yet mined and mines that are closed or idled are not included in the information below as no reportable events occurred at those locations during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013. There were no mining-related fatalities during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013. PacifiCorp and Acme have not received any notice of a pattern, or notice of the potential to have a pattern, of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that are of such nature as could have significantly and substantially contributed to the cause and effect of coal or other mine health or safety hazards under Section 104(e) of the Mine Safety Act during the three-month period ended March 31, 2013.

	Mine Safety Act												Legal Actions
Mining Facilities	Section 104 Significant and Substantial Citations(1)		Section 104(b) Orders(2)		Section 104(d) Citations/ Orders(3)		Section 110(b)(2) Violations(4)		Section 107(a) Imminent Danger Orders(5)		Total Value of Proposed MSHA Assessments (in thousands)		Pending as of Last Day of Period(6)		Instituted During Period		Resolved During Period
Coal:
Deer Creek		8		—		—		—		—	$	15		6		2		1
Bridger (surface)		1		—		—		—		—		—		3		1		—
Bridger (underground)		7		—		—		—		—		71		23		4		7
Cottonwood Preparatory Plant		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Wyodak Coal Crushing Facility		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Clay, shale and limestone:
Minnesota		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Malvern		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Wheeler		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Eureka		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Fort Smith		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Kanopolis		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Oklahoma City		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Tulsa		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denver		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Bennett		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denton		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Elgin		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
McQueeney		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Garrison		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Sealy		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Texas Clay		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Leeds		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Montgomery		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Lueders		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Cordova		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

(1) Citations for alleged violations of mandatory health and safety standards that could significantly or substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a safety or health hazard under Section 104 of the Mine Safety Act.

(2) For alleged failure to totally abate the subject matter of a Mine Safety Act Section 104(a) citation within the period specified in the citation.

(3) For alleged unwarrantable failure (i.e., aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence) to comply with a mandatory health or safety standard.

(4) For alleged flagrant violations (i.e., reckless or repeated failure to make reasonable efforts to eliminate a known violation of a mandatory health or safety standard that substantially and proximately caused, or reasonably could have been expected to cause, death or serious bodily injury).

(5) For the existence of any condition or practice in a coal or other mine which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm before such condition or practice can be abated.

(6) Amounts include contests of 31 proposed penalties under Subpart C and contests of four citations or orders under Subpart B of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission’s procedural rules. The pending legal actions are not exclusive to citations, notices, orders and penalties assessed by MSHA during the reporting period.

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with fair value shown according to the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2013
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,916	$	2,916	$	1,067	$	1,848	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,822		2,822		—		2,822		—
Foreign governments		11,037		11,037		4,417		6,620		—
Corporate bonds		12,180		12,180		—		11,532		648
Mortgage-backed securities		2,428		2,428		—		2,428		—
Investments in equity securities		97,163		97,163		97,064		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		16,669		16,669		—		—		16,669
Other investments carried at cost		5,262		6,092		—		—		6,092
Loans and finance receivables		12,751		11,939		—		389		11,550
Derivative contract assets (1)		126		126		—		52		74
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		157		157		2		149		6
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		6,264		6,264		—		—		6,264
Credit default		445		445		—		—		445
Other		12		12		—		12		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,399		14,118		—		14,118		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,890		42,422		—		42,422		—
Finance and financial products		12,960		13,780		—		13,007		773
December 31, 2012
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,775	$	2,775	$	1,225	$	1,549	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,913		2,913		—		2,912		1
Foreign governments		11,355		11,355		4,571		6,784		—
Corporate bonds		12,661		12,661		—		12,011		650
Mortgage-backed securities		2,587		2,587		—		2,587		—
Investments in equity securities		87,662		87,662		87,563		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		15,750		15,750		—		—		15,750
Other investments carried at cost		5,259		6,134		—		—		6,134
Loans and finance receivables		12,809		11,991		—		304		11,687
Derivative contract assets (1)		220		220		1		128		91
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		234		234		10		217		7
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		7,502		7,502		—		—		7,502
Credit default		429		429		—		—		429
Other		2		2		—		2		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,535		14,284		—		14,284		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,156		42,074		—		42,074		—
Finance and financial products		13,045		14,005		—		13,194		811

(1) Assets are included in other assets and liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities.

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 follow (in millions).

	Investments in fixed maturity securities			Investments in equity securities			Other investments		Net derivative contract liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	784		$	22		$	11,669	$	(9,908	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			(1	)		—		1,022
Other comprehensive income		6			11			2,489		(3	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—		9
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(6	)		—			—		31
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		(129	)		—			—		—
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	655		$	32		$	14,158	$	(8,849	)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	652		$	35		$	15,750	$	(7,847	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			—			520		1,235
Other comprehensive income		(2	)		—			399		(3	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—		1
Dispositions		(1	)		—			—		—
Settlements, net		—			—			—		(27	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		—			—			—		—
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	649		$	35		$	16,669	$	(6,641	)

Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis, unobservable inputs, additional information

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2013, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair value		Principal valuation techniques	Unobservable Input	Weighted Average
Other investments:
Preferred stocks	$	11,912	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	7 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	97 basis points
Common stock warrants		4,757	Warrant pricing model	Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	15%
Net derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		6,264	Option pricing model	Volatility	20%
Credit default-states/municipalities		427	Discounted cash flow	Credit spreads	82 basis points

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Receivables (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance and Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Insurance premiums receivable	$ 9,589	$ 7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	2,972	2,925
Trade and other receivables	11,287	11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts	(378)	(386)
Receivables	23,470	21,753
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	12,591	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables	509	469
Allowances for uncollectible loans	(349)	(361)
Total loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses	$ 12,751	$ 12,809

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Investments in equity securities - Narrative (Detail) (Equity Securities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Unrealized losses related to securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months	$ 83	$ 45

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Fair value measurements - Other information (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Discounted Cash Flow Method [Member] | Net Derivative Contract Liabilities [Member] | Credit Default Contracts - States and Municipalities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, credit spreads	0.82%
Fair value of liability	$ 427
Pricing Model, Option [Member] | Net Derivative Contract Liabilities [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, volatility	20.00%
Fair value of liability	6,264
Other Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Method [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, expected duration	7 years
Fair value, unobservable input, discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	0.97%
Fair value of asset	11,912
Other Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Pricing Model, Warrant [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	15.00%
Fair value of asset	$ 4,757

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Receivables - Narrative (Detail) (Finance and Financial Products [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provisions for consumer loan losses	$ 66	$ 80
Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries	78	83
Unamortized acquisition discounts on consumer loans	$ 448		$ 459
Percent of loan balances evaluated collectively for impairment	97.00%
Commercial loans and finance receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of loan balances evaluated individually for impairment	71.00%
Loans and finance receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of loan balances that are performing	98.00%
Percent of loan balances that are current as to payment status	94.00%

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities (Detail) (Fixed Maturities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Due in one year or less - amortized cost	$ 6,633
Due after one year through five years - amortized cost	12,839
Due after five years through ten years - amortized cost	4,531
Due after ten years - amortized cost	2,437
Total - amortized cost	28,568
Due in one year or less - fair value	6,818
Due after one year through five years - fair value	13,937
Due after five years through ten years - fair value	5,298
Due after ten years - fair value	2,902
Fair Value of Investments	31,383	32,291
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities - amortized cost	2,128
Mortgage-backed securities - fair value	2,428
Fair Value of Investments	$ 2,428	$ 2,587

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Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Raw materials	$	1,693	$	1,699
Work in process and other		855		883
Finished manufactured goods		3,266		3,187
Goods acquired for resale		3,859		3,906
	$	9,673	$	9,675

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Common stock - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 Vote
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Ratio of net earnings per equivalent common share and dividend and distribution rights of Class B shares to Class A shares		0.000667
Number of votes entitled per share, number		0.0001
Number of shares of Class B stock obtainable from converting one Class A share		1,500
Shares repurchased	606,499
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number		1
Class A equivalent shares outstanding	1,642,945	1,643,397
Shares repurchased	9,475
Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, shares authorized		1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued		0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding		0
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchase, authorization description		In 2011, Berkshire's Board of Directors ("Berkshire's Board") approved a common stock repurchase program. Under the program, as amended in December 2012, Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Berkshire's Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased.
Minimum cash equivalent threshold after repurchase of common stock shares, amount		20,000,000,000
Payment for repurchase of common shares	1,300,000,000

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Goodwill and other intangible assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 54,523	$ 53,213
Acquisitions of businesses	14	1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation	(130)	(132)
Balance at end of period	$ 54,407	$ 54,523

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Contingencies and Commitments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Billions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended						0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Marmon Holdings [Member]	Apr. 29, 2013 Subsequent Event [Member] IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V. [Member]	Feb. 13, 2013 Holdco (investee created to acquire Heinz) [Member] Definitive Merger Agreement to Acquire H.J. Heinz Company [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Feb. 13, 2013 Holdco (investee created to acquire Heinz) [Member] Definitive Merger Agreement to Acquire H.J. Heinz Company [Member] 3G Capital (venture partner) [Member]	Feb. 13, 2013 Holdco (investee created to acquire Heinz) [Member] Definitive Merger Agreement to Acquire H.J. Heinz Company [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Feb. 13, 2013 Holdco (investee created to acquire Heinz) [Member] Definitive Merger Agreement to Acquire H.J. Heinz Company [Member] Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Feb. 13, 2013 Holdco (investee created to acquire Heinz) [Member] Definitive Merger Agreement to Acquire H.J. Heinz Company [Member] Common Stock [Member] 3G Capital (venture partner) [Member]	Feb. 13, 2013 Holdco (investee created to acquire Heinz) [Member] Definitive Merger Agreement to Acquire H.J. Heinz Company [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential business acquisition, cash price per share					$ 72.50
Cash committed to be paid for a potential acquiree's equity securities					$ 23.25
Commitment to purchase equity securities of an investee						4.12	4.12	8.00
Investment in preferred stock, stated dividend rate								9.00%
Voting interest in investee			50.00%	50.00%
Percentage of shares owned after stock transactions	90.00%	100.00%
Payment to acquire remaining noncontrolling interest		$ 2.05

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Business segment data (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 42,188	$ 37,138
Total revenues	43,867	38,147
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	5,885	4,338
Total earnings before income taxes	7,295	4,931
Geico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,399	4,016
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	266	124
General Re [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	1,469	1,471
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	95	81
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,796	2,071
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	974	(191)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	713	507
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	54	71
Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group Investment Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,001	1,056
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	996	1,052
Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,378	9,121
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	2,385	1,137
BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	5,284	5,002
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,289	1,115
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	950	959
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	169	163
Marmon [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,730	1,793
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	266	269
McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,785	8,073
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	132	102
MidAmerican [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,116	2,894
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	553	483
Other Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	9,945	9,296
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,091	1,069
Not Allocated to Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative gains/losses	1,711	896
Interest expense	(72)	(66)
Intersegment Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	(32)	113
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	$ (229)	$ (237)

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Common stock (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning of year (in shares)	904,528
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition	(2,898)
Shares issued, end of period (in shares)	901,630
Treasury shares, beginning of year	(9,573)
Treasury shares, end of period	(9,573)
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)	894,955
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	892,057
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning of year (in shares)	1,123,393,956
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition	5,024,428
Shares issued, end of period (in shares)	1,128,418,384
Treasury shares, beginning of year	(1,408,484)
Treasury shares, end of period	(1,408,484)
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)	1,121,985,472
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	1,127,009,900

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Contingencies and Commitments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Contingencies and Commitments

Note 18. Contingencies and Commitments

On February 13, 2013, Berkshire and an affiliate of the global investment firm 3G Capital (“3G”), through a newly formed holding company (“Holdco”) entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire H.J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”). Under the terms of the agreement, Heinz shareholders will receive $72.50 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock (approximately $23.25 billion in the aggregate.) Berkshire and 3G have committed to make equity investments in Holdco, which together with debt financing to be obtained by Holdco will be used to acquire Heinz. Berkshire’s commitment is for the purchase of $4.12 billion of Holdco common stock and $8 billion of its preferred stock that will pay a 9% dividend. 3G has committed to purchase $4.12 billion of Holdco common stock. Berkshire and 3G will each possess a 50% voting interest in Holdco and following the acquisition, a 50% voting interest in Heinz. The acquisition was approved by the shareholders of Heinz on April 30, 2013. The closing will occur following the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions, and is expected to occur in the latter part of the second quarter or in the third quarter of 2013.

Heinz Company is one of the world’s leading marketers and producers of healthy, convenient and affordable foods specializing in ketchup, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant nutrition. Heinz is a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz^® Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing over one third of Heinz’s total sales), Ore-Ida^® potato products, Weight Watchers^® Smart Ones^® entrées, T.G.I. Friday’s^® snacks, and Plasmon infant nutrition.

We have owned a controlling interest in Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”) since 2008 and currently own about 90% of the outstanding common stock. We are contractually required to acquire substantially all of the remaining noncontrolling interests of Marmon no later than March 31, 2014, for an amount that will be based on Marmon’s 2013 operating results. On April 29, 2013, Berkshire acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V., the parent company of Iscar, for consideration of $2.05 billion. Berkshire now owns 100% of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V.

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Other investments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 16,779	$ 16,057
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying Value	5,152	4,952
Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost	16,779	16,257
Net Unrealized Gains	5,982	5,627
Fair Value	22,761	21,884
Carrying Value	21,931	21,009
Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost	13,561	13,109
Net Unrealized Gains	4,048	3,823
Fair Value	17,609	16,932
Carrying Value	16,779	16,057
Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost	3,218	3,148
Net Unrealized Gains	1,934	1,804
Fair Value	5,152	4,952
Carrying Value	$ 5,152	$ 4,952

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Business segment data (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of revenues and earnings by segment

Revenues by segment for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Premiums earned:
GEICO	$	4,399		$	4,016
General Re		1,469			1,471
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		2,796			2,071
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		713			507
Investment income		1,001			1,056
Total insurance group		10,378			9,121
BNSF		5,284			5,002
Finance and financial products		950			959
Marmon		1,730			1,793
McLane Company		10,785			8,073
MidAmerican		3,116			2,894
Other businesses		9,945			9,296
		42,188			37,138
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		1,711			896
Eliminations and other		(32	)		113
	$	43,867		$	38,147

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Underwriting gain (loss):
GEICO	$	266		$	124
General Re		95			81
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		974			(191	)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		54			71
Net investment income		996			1,052
Total insurance group		2,385			1,137
BNSF		1,289			1,115
Finance and financial products		169			163
Marmon		266			269
McLane Company		132			102
MidAmerican		553			483
Other businesses		1,091			1,069
		5,885			4,338
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		1,711			896
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses		(72	)		(66	)
Eliminations and other		(229	)		(237	)
	$	7,295		$	4,931

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Accumulated other comprehensive income - Reclassified Amounts (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	$ 505		$ (106)
Reclassifications before income taxes	7,295		4,931
Applicable income taxes	2,278		1,565
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings	5,017		3,366
Insurance and Other [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	434		(107)
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	71		1
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other	49	[1]
Reclassifications before income taxes	(455)
Applicable income taxes	(163)
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings	(292)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	(436)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	(68)
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] | Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications before income taxes	(504)
Applicable income taxes	(176)
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings	(328)
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] | Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	(436)
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] | Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	(68)
Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans [Member] | Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other	46	[1]
Reclassifications before income taxes	46
Applicable income taxes	12
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings	34
Other AOCI transactions [Member] | Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other	3	[1]
Reclassifications before income taxes	3
Applicable income taxes	1
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings	$ 2

[1] Amounts are included on various line items, and are immaterial individually and in the aggregate.

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Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures

A summary of supplemental cash flow information for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013		2012
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	241	$	199
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		121		138
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		505		465
Finance and financial products businesses		137		158

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Investment gains/losses (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
OTTI losses	$ (85)	$ (337)
Investment gains/losses	505	(106)
Insurance and Other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	434	(107)
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	71	1
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	15	33
Gross losses from sales and other disposals	(54)	(16)
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	109	188
Gross losses from sales and other disposals	(1)
Other Types of Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	$ 521	$ 26

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Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Maximum [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Insurance and Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures Due 2023 at 3% [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures Due 2043 at 4.45% [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Subsidiaries [Member] Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued								$ 2,600,000,000					$ 1,500,000,000		$ 700,000,000	$ 800,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Issuance date									January 2013					March 2013
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage										0.80%	4.50%				3.00%	4.45%
Maturity date, range, start									2016
Maturity date, range, end									2043
Repayment of long-term debt	2,691,000,000	1,791,000,000	152,000,000	160,000,000	605,000,000	333,000,000						2,600,000,000
Repayment of debt																	500,000,000
Unused lines of credit available																		4,700,000,000
Guarantee obligation							$ 4,400,000,000

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Property, plant and equipment - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 1,337	$ 1,253
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	496	477
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 795	$ 732

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Investments in equity securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	$ 51,075	$ 50,507
Unrealized Gains on Investments	46,210	37,357
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(122)	(202)
Fair Value of Investments	97,163	87,662
Banks, insurance and finance [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	19,360	18,600
Unrealized Gains on Investments	18,216	14,753
Unrealized Losses on Investments		(2)
Fair Value of Investments	37,576	33,351
Consumer products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	7,374	7,546
Unrealized Gains on Investments	17,458	14,917
Fair Value of Investments	24,832	22,463
Commercial, industrial and other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	24,341	24,361
Unrealized Gains on Investments	10,536	7,687
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(122)	(200)
Fair Value of Investments	$ 34,755	$ 31,848

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New accounting pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

New accounting pronouncements

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2013-02 requires disclosure of the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net earnings during the reporting period. We adopted ASU 2013-02 on January 1, 2013 and included the required disclosures in Note 17.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU 2011-11, as c1arified, enhances disclosures surrounding offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities. The standard applies to derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions and requires companies to disclose gross and net information about financial instruments and derivatives eligible for offset and to disclose financial instruments and derivatives subject to master netting arrangements in financial statements. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” ASU 2012-02 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity determines that it is not more-likely-than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to perform a quantitative impairment test. ASU’s 2011-11 and 2012-02 were adopted on January 1, 2013 and had an immaterial effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date.” ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay plus additional amounts the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance further provides for disclosure of the nature and amount of the obligation. ASU 2013-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Derivative contracts (Detail) (Finance and Financial Products [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 6,721		$ 7,933
Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	6,264		7,502
Notional Value	31,789	[1]	33,357	[1]
Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	445		429
Notional Value	11,076	[2]	11,691	[2]
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	12		2
Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	77	[3]	171	[3]
Other Assets [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	27	[3]	41	[3]
Other Assets [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	$ 50	[3]	$ 130	[3]

[1] Represents the aggregate undiscounted amount payable at the contract expiration dates assuming that the value of each index is zero at the contract expiration date.

[2] Represents the maximum undiscounted future value of losses payable under the contracts, if all underlying issuers default and the residual value of the specified obligations is zero.

[3] Included in other assets of finance and financial products businesses.

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Significant business acquisitions - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Renewable Energy Generation Entities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate consideration paid for acquisitions	$ 92	$ 339	$ 3,200	$ 438

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Investments in equity securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2013
Banks, insurance and finance	$	19,360	$	18,216	$	—		$	37,576
Consumer products		7,374		17,458		—			24,832
Commercial, industrial and other		24,341		10,536		(122	)		34,755
	$	51,075	$	46,210	$	(122	)	$	97,163
December 31, 2012
Banks, insurance and finance	$	18,600	$	14,753	$	(2	)	$	33,351
Consumer products		7,546		14,917		—			22,463
Commercial, industrial and other		24,361		7,687		(200	)		31,848
	$	50,507	$	37,357	$	(202	)	$	87,662

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we concluded that there were no unrealized losses that were other-than-temporary. Our conclusions were based on: (a) our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery; (b) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of each of these issuers was favorable; (c) our opinion that the relative price declines were not significant; and (d) our belief that it was reasonably possible that market prices will increase to and exceed our cost in a relatively short period of time. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $83 million and $45 million, respectively.

Investments in equity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	95,878	$	86,467
Railroad, utilities and energy *		717		675
Finance and financial products *		568		520
	$	97,163	$	87,662

* Included in other assets.

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of investments in securities with fixed maturities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,886	$	31	$	(1	)	$	2,916
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,654		169		(1	)		2,822
Foreign governments		10,846		252		(61	)		11,037
Corporate bonds		10,054		2,129		(3	)		12,180
Mortgage-backed securities		2,128		304		(4	)		2,428
	$	28,568	$	2,885	$	(70	)	$	31,383
December 31, 2012
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,742	$	33	$	—		$	2,775
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,735		178		—			2,913
Foreign governments		11,098		302		(45	)		11,355
Corporate bonds		10,410		2,254		(3	)		12,661
Mortgage-backed securities		2,276		318		(7	)		2,587
	$	29,261	$	3,085	$	(55	)	$	32,291

Investments in fixed maturity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	30,601	$	31,449
Finance and financial products		782		842
	$	31,383	$	32,291

Schedule of amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at March 31, 2013 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers of certain of the securities retain early call or prepayment rights. Amounts are in millions.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage- backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	6,633	$	12,839	$	4,531	$	2,437	$	2,128	$	28,568
Fair value		6,818		13,937		5,298		2,902		2,428		31,383

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Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 1,693	$ 1,699
Work in process and other	855	883
Finished manufactured goods	3,266	3,187
Goods acquired for resale	3,859	3,906
Total inventory	$ 9,673	$ 9,675

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Unrealized Gains on Investments	$ 46,210	$ 37,357
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(122)	(202)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	28,568	29,261
Unrealized Gains on Investments	2,885	3,085
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(70)	(55)
Fair Value of Investments	31,383	32,291
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	2,886	2,742
Unrealized Gains on Investments	31	33
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(1)
Fair Value of Investments	2,916	2,775
Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	2,654	2,735
Unrealized Gains on Investments	169	178
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(1)
Fair Value of Investments	2,822	2,913
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	10,846	11,098
Unrealized Gains on Investments	252	302
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(61)	(45)
Fair Value of Investments	11,037	11,355
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	10,054	10,410
Unrealized Gains on Investments	2,129	2,254
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(3)	(3)
Fair Value of Investments	12,180	12,661
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	2,128	2,276
Unrealized Gains on Investments	304	318
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(4)	(7)
Fair Value of Investments	$ 2,428	$ 2,587

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Other investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of other investments

A summary of other investments follows (in millions).

	Cost		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Carrying Value
March 31, 2013
Other fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,561	$	4,048	$	17,609	$	16,779
Finance and financial products		3,218		1,934		5,152		5,152
	$	16,779	$	5,982	$	22,761	$	21,931
December 31, 2012
Other fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,109	$	3,823	$	16,932	$	16,057
Finance and financial products		3,148		1,804		4,952		4,952
	$	16,257	$	5,627	$	21,884	$	21,009

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Investment gains/losses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Investment gains/losses including other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments

Investment gains/losses, including other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses, are summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Fixed maturity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	$	15		$	33
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(54	)		(16	)
Equity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals		109			188
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(1	)		—
OTTI losses		(85	)		(337	)
Other		521			26
	$	505		$	(106	)

Investment gains/losses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows.

Insurance and other	$	434	$	(107	)
Finance and financial products		71		1
	$	505	$	(106	)

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General

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

General

Note 1. General

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire” or “Company”) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates in which Berkshire holds controlling financial interests as of the financial statement date. In these notes the terms “us,” “we,” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) that included information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire’s businesses and financial statement presentations. Our significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report. Certain immaterial amounts in 2012 have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Financial information in this Report reflects any adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

For a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be relatively more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Variations in the amount and timing of investment gains/losses can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings. Investment gains/losses are recorded when investments are disposed or are other-than-temporarily impaired. In addition, changes in the fair value of derivative assets/liabilities associated with derivative contracts can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

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Receivables (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of receivables

Receivables of insurance and other businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Insurance premiums receivable	$	9,589		$	7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,972			2,925
Trade and other receivables		11,287			11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(378	)		(386	)
	$	23,470		$	21,753

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Schedule of receivables

Loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	$	12,591		$	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables		509			469
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(349	)		(361	)
	$	12,751		$	12,809

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Common stock (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Changes in issued and outstanding Berkshire common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued and outstanding common stock during the first quarter of 2013 are shown in the table below.

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2012		904,528			(9,573	)		894,955			1,123,393,956		(1,408,484	)		1,121,985,472
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(2,898	)		—			(2,898	)		5,024,428		—			5,024,428
Balance at March 31, 2013		901,630			(9,573	)		892,057			1,128,418,384		(1,408,484	)		1,127,009,900

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Investment gains/losses - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
OTTI losses	$ 85	$ 337
Bonds [Member] | Texas Competitive Electric Holdings [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
OTTI losses	$ 85	$ 337

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Common stock (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share	$ 5.0000
Common Stock, shares authorized	1,650,000
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share	$ 0.0033
Common Stock, shares authorized	3,225,000,000

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 49,089	$ 46,992
Investments in equity securities	97,163	87,662
Inventories	9,673	9,675
Goodwill	54,407	54,523
Total assets	442,302	427,452
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	49,599	44,494
Total liabilities	240,196	235,864
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	8	8
Capital in excess of par value	37,270	37,230
Accumulated other comprehensive income	32,992	27,500
Retained earnings	129,164	124,272
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,363)	(1,363)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	198,071	187,647
Noncontrolling interests	4,035	3,941
Total shareholders' equity	202,106	191,588
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	442,302	427,452
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	43,984	42,358
Investments in fixed maturity securities	30,601	31,449
Investments in equity securities	95,878	86,467
Other investments	16,779	16,057
Receivables	23,470	21,753
Inventories	9,673	9,675
Property, plant and equipment	19,148	19,188
Goodwill	33,207	33,274
Other	19,270	17,875
Total assets	292,010	278,096
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	64,345	64,160
Unearned premiums	11,504	10,237
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	10,393	10,943
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	20,746	21,149
Notes payable and other borrowings	13,399	13,535
Total liabilities	120,387	120,024
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,003	2,570
Property, plant and equipment	88,119	87,684
Goodwill	20,164	20,213
Other	13,535	13,441
Total assets	124,821	123,908
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	12,571	13,113
Notes payable and other borrowings	36,890	36,156
Total liabilities	49,461	49,269
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,102	2,064
Investments in fixed maturity securities	782	842
Other investments	5,152	4,952
Loans and finance receivables	12,751	12,809
Goodwill	1,036	1,036
Other	3,648	3,745
Total assets	25,471	25,448
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,068	1,099
Derivative contract liabilities	6,721	7,933
Notes payable and other borrowings	12,960	13,045
Total liabilities	$ 20,749	$ 22,077

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail) (Fixed Maturities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Unrealized losses related to securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months	$ 10	$ 9
Foreign governments [Member] | Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and The Netherlands [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by geographic location	80.00%
Foreign governments [Member] | AA or Higher Credit Rating [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by credit rating	96.00%

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Treasury stock	Non- controlling interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 168,961	$ 37,815	$ 17,654	$ 109,448	$ (67)	$ 4,111
Net earnings	3,366			3,245		121
Other comprehensive income, net	7,883		7,863			20
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock	39	39
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions	20					20
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	180,269	37,854	25,517	112,693	(67)	4,272
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	191,588	37,238	27,500	124,272	(1,363)	3,941
Net earnings	5,017			4,892		125
Other comprehensive income, net	5,468		5,492			(24)
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock	39	39
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions	(6)	1				(7)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 202,106	$ 37,278	$ 32,992	$ 129,164	$ (1,363)	$ 4,035

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 264	$ 254
Unclassified Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding goodwill	$ 2,325	$ 2,328

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Property, plant and equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses is comprised of the following (in millions).

	Ranges of estimated useful life		March 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
Land		—	$	1,058		$	1,048
Buildings and improvements		2 – 40 years		6,074			6,074
Machinery and equipment		3 – 20 years		15,509			15,436
Furniture, fixtures and other		2 – 20 years		2,863			2,736
Assets held for lease		12 – 30 years		6,844			6,731
				32,348			32,025
Accumulated depreciation				(13,200	)		(12,837	)
			$	19,148		$	19,188

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment of our railroad, utilities and energy businesses is comprised of the following (in millions).

	Ranges of estimated useful life		March 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
Railroad:
Land		—	$	5,957		$	5,950
Track structure and other roadway		5 – 100 years		38,488			38,255
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		5 – 37 years		6,657			6,528
Construction in progress		—		1,014			963
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system		5 – 80 years		42,490			42,682
Interstate pipeline assets		3 – 80 years		6,371			6,354
Independent power plants and other assets		3 – 30 years		2,110			1,860
Construction in progress		—		2,859			2,647
				105,946			105,239
Accumulated depreciation				(17,827	)		(17,555	)
			$	88,119		$	87,684

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Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 241	$ 199
Insurance and Other [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	121	138
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	505	465
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 137	$ 158

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Fair value measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair value measurements

Note 15. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with fair value shown according to the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2013
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,916	$	2,916	$	1,067	$	1,848	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,822		2,822		—		2,822		—
Foreign governments		11,037		11,037		4,417		6,620		—
Corporate bonds		12,180		12,180		—		11,532		648
Mortgage-backed securities		2,428		2,428		—		2,428		—
Investments in equity securities		97,163		97,163		97,064		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		16,669		16,669		—		—		16,669
Other investments carried at cost		5,262		6,092		—		—		6,092
Loans and finance receivables		12,751		11,939		—		389		11,550
Derivative contract assets (1)		126		126		—		52		74
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		157		157		2		149		6
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		6,264		6,264		—		—		6,264
Credit default		445		445		—		—		445
Other		12		12		—		12		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,399		14,118		—		14,118		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,890		42,422		—		42,422		—
Finance and financial products		12,960		13,780		—		13,007		773
December 31, 2012
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,775	$	2,775	$	1,225	$	1,549	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,913		2,913		—		2,912		1
Foreign governments		11,355		11,355		4,571		6,784		—
Corporate bonds		12,661		12,661		—		12,011		650
Mortgage-backed securities		2,587		2,587		—		2,587		—
Investments in equity securities		87,662		87,662		87,563		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		15,750		15,750		—		—		15,750
Other investments carried at cost		5,259		6,134		—		—		6,134
Loans and finance receivables		12,809		11,991		—		304		11,687
Derivative contract assets (1)		220		220		1		128		91
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		234		234		10		217		7
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		7,502		7,502		—		—		7,502
Credit default		429		429		—		—		429
Other		2		2		—		2		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,535		14,284		—		14,284		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,156		42,074		—		42,074		—
Finance and financial products		13,045		14,005		—		13,194		811

(1) Assets are included in other assets and liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities.

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in an actual current market exchange. The use of alternative market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value.

The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets. Substantially all of our investments in equity securities are traded on an exchange in active markets and fair values are based on the closing prices as of the balance sheet date.

Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets or liabilities, such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Fair values of investments in fixed maturity securities and notes payable and other borrowings are primarily based on price evaluations which incorporate market prices for identical instruments in inactive markets and market data available for instruments with similar characteristics. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit rating, estimated duration and yields for other instruments of the issuer or entities in the same industry sector.

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and we may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing assets or liabilities. Fair value measurements of non-exchange traded derivative contracts and certain other investments are based primarily on valuation models, discounted cash flow models or other valuation techniques that are believed to be used by market participants.

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 follow (in millions).

	Investments in fixed maturity securities			Investments in equity securities			Other investments		Net derivative contract liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	784		$	22		$	11,669	$	(9,908	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			(1	)		—		1,022
Other comprehensive income		6			11			2,489		(3	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—		9
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(6	)		—			—		31
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		(129	)		—			—		—
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	655		$	32		$	14,158	$	(8,849	)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	652		$	35		$	15,750	$	(7,847	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			—			520		1,235
Other comprehensive income		(2	)		—			399		(3	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—		1
Dispositions		(1	)		—			—		—
Settlements, net		—			—			—		(27	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		—			—			—		—
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	649		$	35		$	16,669	$	(6,641	)

Gains and losses included in earnings are included as components of investment gains/losses, derivative gains/losses and other revenues, as appropriate and are related to changes in valuations of derivative contracts and settlement transactions. Gains and losses included in other comprehensive income are included as components of the net change in unrealized appreciation of investments and the reclassification of investment appreciation in earnings, as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2013, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair value		Principal valuation techniques	Unobservable Input	Weighted Average
Other investments:
Preferred stocks	$	11,912	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	7 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	97 basis points
Common stock warrants		4,757	Warrant pricing model	Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	15%
Net derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		6,264	Option pricing model	Volatility	20%
Credit default-states/municipalities		427	Discounted cash flow	Credit spreads	82 basis points

For certain credit default and other derivative contracts where we could not corroborate that the fair values or the inputs were observable in the market, fair values were based on non-binding price indications obtained from third party sources. Management reviewed these values relative to the terms of the contracts, the current facts, circumstances and market conditions, and concluded they were reasonable. We did not adjust these prices and therefore, they have been excluded from the preceding table.

Our other investments that are carried at fair value consist of a few relatively large private placement transactions and include perpetual preferred stocks and common stock warrants. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and/or provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. In applying discounted estimated cash flow techniques in valuing the perpetual preferred stocks, we made assumptions regarding the expected durations of the investments, as the issuers may have the right to redeem or convert these investments. We also made estimates regarding the impact of subordination, as the preferred stocks have a lower priority in liquidation than investment grade debt instruments of the issuers, which affected the discount rates. In valuing the common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we are subject to the aforementioned contractual restrictions. We have applied discounts with respect to the contractual restrictions. Increases or decreases to these inputs would result in decreases or increases to the fair values.

Our equity index put option and credit default contracts are not exchange traded and certain contract terms are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts and many contracts have long durations, and therefore are illiquid. For these and other reasons, we classified these contracts as Level 3. The methods we use to value these contracts are those that we believe market participants would use in determining exchange prices with respect to our contracts.

We value equity index put option contracts based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Inputs to this model include current index price, contract duration, dividend and interest rate inputs (which include a Berkshire non-performance input) which are observable. However, the valuation of long-duration options is inherently subjective, given the lack of observable transactions and prices, and acceptable values may be subject to wide ranges. Expected volatility inputs represent our expectations after considering the remaining duration of each contract and that the contracts will remain outstanding until the expiration dates without offsetting transactions occurring in the interim. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values.

Our state and municipality credit default contract values reflect credit spreads, contract durations, interest rates, bond prices and other inputs believed to be used by market participants in estimating fair value. We utilize discounted cash flow valuation models, which incorporate the aforementioned inputs as well as our own estimates of credit spreads for states and municipalities where there is no observable input. Increases or decreases to the credit spreads will produce increases or decreases in the fair values.

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Derivative contracts (Tables) (Finance and Financial Products [Member])

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Derivative contracts outstanding

A summary of derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value			Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value
Equity index put options	$	—	$	6,264	$	31,789	(1)	$	—	$	7,502	$	33,357	(1)
Credit default		27		445		11,076	(2)		41		429		11,691	(2)
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		50		12					130		2
	$	77	$	6,721				$	171	$	7,933

⁽¹⁾ Represents the aggregate undiscounted amount payable at the contract expiration dates assuming that the value of each index is zero at the contract expiration date.

⁽²⁾ Represents the maximum undiscounted future value of losses payable under the contracts, if all underlying issuers default and the residual value of the specified obligations is zero.

⁽³⁾ Included in other assets of finance and financial products businesses.

Derivative gains/losses included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Derivative gains/losses of our finance and financial products businesses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Equity index put options	$	1,246		$	689
Credit default		(14	)		340
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		(26	)		(27	)
	$	1,206		$	1,002

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Accumulated other comprehensive income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Note 17. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income and significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	29,254		$	(120	)	$	(1,601	)	$	(33	)	$	27,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		6,308			(560	)		24			12			5,784
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(328	)		—			34			2			(292	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—
Net current period other comprehensive income		5,980			(560	)		58			14			5,492
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	35,234		$	(680	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(19	)	$	32,992
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings for the first quarter of 2013 are included on the following line items:
Insurance and Other
Investment gains/losses	$	(436	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(436	)
Finance and Financial Products
Investment gains/losses		(68	)		—			—			—			(68	)
Other (1)		—			—			46			3			49
Reclassifications before income taxes		(504	)		—			46			3			(455	)
Applicable income taxes		(176	)		—			12			1			(163	)
	$	(328	)	$	—		$	34		$	2		$	(292	)

⁽¹⁾ Amounts are included on various line items, and are immaterial individually and in the aggregate.

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Fair value measurements - Financial assets and liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 97,163		$ 87,662
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	36,890		36,156
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	782		842
Other investments carried at cost	5,152		4,952
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value	12,751		12,809
Derivative contract liabilities	6,721		7,933
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	12,960		13,045
Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	30,601		31,449
Investments in equity securities	95,878		86,467
Other investments carried at cost	16,779		16,057
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	13,399		13,535
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	31,383		32,291
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,916		2,775
Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,822		2,913
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	11,037		11,355
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	12,180		12,661
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,428		2,587
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	97,064		87,563
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets			1	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	2	[1]	10	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	64		64
Loans and finance receivables - fair value	389		304
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	42,422		42,074
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	13,007		13,194
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	12		2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	14,118		14,284
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	52	[1]	128	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	149	[1]	217	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	35		35
Loans and finance receivables - fair value	11,550		11,687
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	773		811
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	6,264		7,502
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	445		429
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	74	[1]	91	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	6	[1]	7	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	16,669		15,750
Other investments carried at cost	6,092		6,134
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	1,067		1,225
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	4,417		4,571
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	1,848		1,549
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,822		2,912
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	6,620		6,784
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	11,532		12,011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,428		2,587
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	1		1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities			1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	648		650
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	97,163		87,662
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value	12,751		12,809
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	36,890		36,156
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	12,960		13,045
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	6,264		7,502
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	445		429
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	12		2
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	13,399		13,535
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	126	[1]	220	[1]
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	157	[1]	234	[1]
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	16,669		15,750
Other investments carried at cost	5,262		5,259
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,916		2,775
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,822		2,913
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	11,037		11,355
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	12,180		12,661
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,428		2,587
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	97,163		87,662
Loans and finance receivables - fair value	11,939		11,991
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	42,422		42,074
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	13,780		14,005
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	6,264		7,502
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	445		429
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	12		2
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	14,118		14,284
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	126	[1]	220	[1]
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	157	[1]	234	[1]
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	16,669		15,750
Other investments carried at cost	6,092		6,134
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,916		2,775
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,822		2,913
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	11,037		11,355
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	12,180		12,661
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	$ 2,428		$ 2,587

[1] Assets are included in other assets and liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 5,017	$ 3,366
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(505)	106
Depreciation	1,337	1,253
Other	248	262
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before business acquisitions:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	547	(299)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed	(389)	103
Unearned premiums	1,306	2,078
Receivables and originated loans	(1,475)	(2,043)
Derivative contract assets and liabilities	(1,117)	(1,061)
Income taxes	1,793	1,048
Other assets	(378)	(228)
Other liabilities	(329)	65
Net cash flows from operating activities	6,055	4,650
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(1,807)	(2,080)
Purchases of equity securities	(1,411)	(3,424)
Sales of fixed maturity securities	675	1,068
Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities	1,426	1,307
Sales of equity securities	673	820
Purchases of loans and finance receivables	(57)	(231)
Collections of loans and finance receivables	69	151
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(92)	(339)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(2,207)	(2,160)
Other	(1,225)	(653)
Net cash flows from investing activities	(3,956)	(5,541)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in short term borrowings, net	(496)	(904)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests and other	(597)	(55)
Net cash flows from financing activities	57	1,343
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes	(59)	75
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,097	527
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	46,992	37,299
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	49,089	37,826
Insurance and Other [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(434)	107
Depreciation	496	477
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	2,579	1,736
Repayments of borrowings	(2,691)	(1,791)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	42,358	33,513
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	43,984	33,594
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Depreciation	795	732
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	1,500	2,849
Repayments of borrowings	(152)	(160)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,570	2,246
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	3,003	2,658
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(71)	(1)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	519	1
Repayments of borrowings	(605)	(333)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,064	1,540
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	$ 2,102	$ 1,574

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Investment gains/losses	$ 505		$ (106)
Total revenues	43,867		38,147
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses	36,572		33,216
Earnings before income taxes	7,295		4,931
Income tax expense	2,278		1,565
Net earnings	5,017		3,366
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	125		121
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway	4,892		3,245
Average common shares outstanding	1,643,181	[1]	1,650,944	[1]
Class A [Member]
Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders:
Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 2,977	[1]	$ 1,966	[1]
Insurance and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned	9,377		8,065
Sales and service revenues	22,418		19,264
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,011		1,067
Investment gains/losses	434		(107)
Total revenues	33,240		28,289
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,144		4,771
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	1,261		1,092
Insurance underwriting expenses	1,583		2,117
Cost of sales and services	18,284		15,596
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,854		2,428
Interest expense	101		103
Total costs and expenses	29,227		26,107
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Operating revenues	8,351		7,849
Other	49		47
Total revenues	8,400		7,896
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	6,111		5,870
Interest expense	447		428
Total costs and expenses	6,558		6,298
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Revenues:
Interest, dividend and other investment income	341		375
Investment gains/losses	71		1
Derivative gains/losses	1,206		1,002
Other	609		584
Total revenues	2,227		1,962
Costs and expenses:
Interest expense	138		160
Other	649		651
Total costs and expenses	$ 787		$ 811

[1] Average shares outstanding include average Class A common shares and average Class B common shares determined on an equivalent Class A common stock basis. Net earnings per common share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shown above represents net earnings per equivalent Class A common share. Net earnings per Class B common share is equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such amount.

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Note 10. Goodwill and other intangible assets

A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,523		$	53,213
Acquisitions of businesses		14			1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation		(130	)		(132	)
Balance at end of period	$	54,407		$	54,523

Intangible assets other than goodwill are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are summarized by type as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	11,669	$	3,143	$	11,737	$	2,994
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,163		990		2,163		913
	$	13,832	$	4,133	$	13,900	$	3,907
Trademarks and trade names	$	2,799	$	293	$	2,819	$	278
Patents and technology		5,005		2,179		5,014		2,059
Customer relationships		4,532		1,241		4,565		1,155
Other		1,496		420		1,502		415
	$	13,832	$	4,133	$	13,900	$	3,907

Amortization expense was $264 million for the first quarter of 2013 and $254 million for the first quarter of 2012. Intangible assets with indefinite lives as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $2,325 million and $2,328 million, respectively.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 25, 2013 Class A [Member]	Apr. 25, 2013 Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	BRKA
Entity Registrant Name	BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001067983
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		891,193	1,128,427,972

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Property, plant and equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Property, plant and equipment

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses is comprised of the following (in millions).

	Ranges of estimated useful life		March 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
Land		—	$	1,058		$	1,048
Buildings and improvements		2 – 40 years		6,074			6,074
Machinery and equipment		3 – 20 years		15,509			15,436
Furniture, fixtures and other		2 – 20 years		2,863			2,736
Assets held for lease		12 – 30 years		6,844			6,731
				32,348			32,025
Accumulated depreciation				(13,200	)		(12,837	)
			$	19,148		$	19,188

Depreciation expense of insurance and other businesses for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 was $496 million and $477 million, respectively.

Property, plant and equipment of our railroad, utilities and energy businesses is comprised of the following (in millions).

	Ranges of estimated useful life		March 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
Railroad:
Land		—	$	5,957		$	5,950
Track structure and other roadway		5 – 100 years		38,488			38,255
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		5 – 37 years		6,657			6,528
Construction in progress		—		1,014			963
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system		5 – 80 years		42,490			42,682
Interstate pipeline assets		3 – 80 years		6,371			6,354
Independent power plants and other assets		3 – 30 years		2,110			1,860
Construction in progress		—		2,859			2,647
				105,946			105,239
Accumulated depreciation				(17,827	)		(17,555	)
			$	88,119		$	87,684

Railroad property, plant and equipment includes the land, other roadway, track structure and rolling stock (primarily locomotives and freight cars) of BNSF. The utility generation, distribution and transmission system and interstate pipeline assets are the regulated assets of public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries. Depreciation expense of the railroad, utilities and energy businesses for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 was $795 million and $732 million, respectively.

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical) (Class B [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Class B [Member]
Ratio of earnings per Class B share to earnings per Class A share	0.000667

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Investments in equity securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Investments in equity securities

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2013
Banks, insurance and finance	$	19,360	$	18,216	$	—		$	37,576
Consumer products		7,374		17,458		—			24,832
Commercial, industrial and other		24,341		10,536		(122	)		34,755
	$	51,075	$	46,210	$	(122	)	$	97,163
December 31, 2012
Banks, insurance and finance	$	18,600	$	14,753	$	(2	)	$	33,351
Consumer products		7,546		14,917		—			22,463
Commercial, industrial and other		24,361		7,687		(200	)		31,848
	$	50,507	$	37,357	$	(202	)	$	87,662

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we concluded that there were no unrealized losses that were other-than-temporary. Our conclusions were based on: (a) our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery; (b) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of each of these issuers was favorable; (c) our opinion that the relative price declines were not significant; and (d) our belief that it was reasonably possible that market prices will increase to and exceed our cost in a relatively short period of time. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $83 million and $45 million, respectively.

Investments in equity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	95,878	$	86,467
Railroad, utilities and energy *		717		675
Finance and financial products *		568		520
	$	97,163	$	87,662

* Included in other assets.

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Investments in fixed maturity securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Investments in fixed maturity securities

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,886	$	31	$	(1	)	$	2,916
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,654		169		(1	)		2,822
Foreign governments		10,846		252		(61	)		11,037
Corporate bonds		10,054		2,129		(3	)		12,180
Mortgage-backed securities		2,128		304		(4	)		2,428
	$	28,568	$	2,885	$	(70	)	$	31,383
December 31, 2012
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,742	$	33	$	—		$	2,775
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,735		178		—			2,913
Foreign governments		11,098		302		(45	)		11,355
Corporate bonds		10,410		2,254		(3	)		12,661
Mortgage-backed securities		2,276		318		(7	)		2,587
	$	29,261	$	3,085	$	(55	)	$	32,291

Investments in fixed maturity securities are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	30,601	$	31,449
Finance and financial products		782		842
	$	31,383	$	32,291

Investments in foreign government securities include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of March 31, 2013, approximately 96% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies and securities issued or guaranteed by Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and The Netherlands represented approximately 80% of the investments. Unrealized losses on all fixed maturity investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $10 million as of March 31, 2013 and $9 million as of December 31, 2012.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at March 31, 2013 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers of certain of the securities retain early call or prepayment rights. Amounts are in millions.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage- backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	6,633	$	12,839	$	4,531	$	2,437	$	2,128	$	28,568
Fair value		6,818		13,937		5,298		2,902		2,428		31,383

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Common stock

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Common stock

Note 16. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued and outstanding common stock during the first quarter of 2013 are shown in the table below.

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2012		904,528			(9,573	)		894,955			1,123,393,956		(1,408,484	)		1,121,985,472
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(2,898	)		—			(2,898	)		5,024,428		—			5,024,428
Balance at March 31, 2013		901,630			(9,573	)		892,057			1,128,418,384		(1,408,484	)		1,127,009,900

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equivalent to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Unless otherwise required under Delaware General Corporation Law, Class A and Class B common shares vote as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock. On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 1,643,397 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and 1,642,945 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none of which are issued and outstanding.

In 2011, Berkshire’s Board of Directors (“Berkshire’s Board”) approved a common stock repurchase program. Under the program, as amended in December 2012, Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Berkshire’s Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash equivalent holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program is expected to continue indefinitely and the amount of repurchases will depend entirely upon the level of cash available, the attractiveness of investment and business opportunities either at hand or on the horizon, and the degree of discount of the market price relative to management’s estimate of intrinsic value. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares. In December 2012, Berkshire repurchased 9,475 Class A shares and 606,499 Class B shares for approximately $1.3 billion through a privately negotiated transaction and market purchases.

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Derivative contracts

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Derivative contracts

Note 12. Derivative contracts

Derivative contracts are used primarily in our finance and financial products and energy businesses. Substantially all of the derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses are not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes. Changes in the fair values of such contracts are reported in earnings as derivative gains/losses. We entered into these contracts with the expectation that the premiums received would exceed the amounts ultimately paid to counterparties. A summary of derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value			Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value
Equity index put options	$	—	$	6,264	$	31,789	(1)	$	—	$	7,502	$	33,357	(1)
Credit default		27		445		11,076	(2)		41		429		11,691	(2)
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		50		12					130		2
	$	77	$	6,721				$	171	$	7,933

⁽¹⁾ Represents the aggregate undiscounted amount payable at the contract expiration dates assuming that the value of each index is zero at the contract expiration date.

⁽²⁾ Represents the maximum undiscounted future value of losses payable under the contracts, if all underlying issuers default and the residual value of the specified obligations is zero.

⁽³⁾ Included in other assets of finance and financial products businesses.

Derivative gains/losses of our finance and financial products businesses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Equity index put options	$	1,246		$	689
Credit default		(14	)		340
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		(26	)		(27	)
	$	1,206		$	1,002

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written on four major equity indexes. Future payments, if any, under these contracts will be required if the underlying index value is below the strike price at the contract expiration dates. We received the premiums on these contracts in full at the contract inception dates and therefore have no counterparty credit risk. We have written no new contracts since February 2008.

The aggregate intrinsic value (which is the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $3.0 billion at March 31, 2013 and $3.9 billion at December 31, 2012. However, these contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates which occur between June 2018 and January 2026. Therefore, the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined for many years. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 7.75 years at March 31, 2013.

Our credit default contracts were written on various indexes of non-investment grade (or “high yield”) corporate issuers, as well as investment grade corporate and state/municipal debt issuers. These contracts cover the loss in value of specified debt obligations of the issuers arising from default events, which are usually from their failure to make payments or bankruptcy. Loss amounts are subject to contract limits. We have written no new contracts since February 2009.

State/municipality credit contract exposures currently relate to more than 500 debt issues with maturities ranging from 2019 to 2054. The aggregate notional value of these issues is approximately $7.8 billion and the debt issues have a weighted average maturity of approximately 18.5 years. Pursuant to the contract terms, future loss payments, if any, cannot be settled before the maturity dates of the underlying obligations. In August 2012, state/municipality credit contracts with notional values of $8.25 billion were terminated. We have no further obligations with respect to the terminated contracts.

Individual investment grade and high-yield corporate contracts in-force as of March 31, 2013 had an aggregate notional value of approximately $3.3 billion. All of these contracts will expire in 2013. Premiums under individual corporate credit default contracts are, generally, due from counterparties on a quarterly basis over the terms of the contracts. Otherwise, we have no counterparty credit risk under our credit default contracts because all premiums were received at the inception of the contracts.

With limited exceptions, our equity index put option and credit default contracts contain no collateral posting requirements with respect to changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts and/or a downgrade of Berkshire’s credit ratings. As of March 31, 2013, our collateral posting requirement under contracts with collateral provisions was $10 million compared to $40 million at December 31, 2012. If Berkshire’s credit ratings (currently AA+ from Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 from Moody’s) are downgraded below either A- by Standard & Poor’s or A3 by Moody’s, additional collateral of up to $1.1 billion could be required to be posted.

Our regulated utility subsidiaries are exposed to variations in the prices of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity purchased and sold and natural gas supplied for customers. Derivative instruments, including forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options, are used to manage a portion of these price risks. Derivative contract assets are included in other assets of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $49 million and $49 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Derivative contract liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $157 million and $234 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses under the contracts of our regulated utilities that are probable of recovery through rates are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Unrealized gains or losses on contracts accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or in net earnings, as appropriate.

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Receivables

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Receivables

Note 8. Receivables

Receivables of insurance and other businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Insurance premiums receivable	$	9,589		$	7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,972			2,925
Trade and other receivables		11,287			11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(378	)		(386	)
	$	23,470		$	21,753

Loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	$	12,591		$	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables		509			469
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(349	)		(361	)
	$	12,751		$	12,809

Allowances for uncollectible loans predominantly relate to consumer installment loans. Provisions for consumer loan losses for the first quarter were $66 million in 2013 and $80 million in 2012. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, for the first quarter were $78 million in 2013 and $83 million in 2012. Consumer loan amounts are net of unamortized acquisition discounts of $448 million at March 31, 2013 and $459 million at December 31, 2012. At March 31, 2013, approximately 97% of consumer installment loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment whereas about 71% of commercial loan balances were evaluated individually for impairment. As a part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At March 31, 2013, approximately 98% of consumer installment and commercial loan balances were determined to be performing and approximately 94% of those balances were current as to payment status.

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Property, plant and equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified																															36 Months Ended				3 Months Ended					36 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Land [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Land [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad [Member] Land [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Land [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 32,348	$ 32,025	$ 6,074	$ 6,074	$ 15,509	$ 15,436	$ 2,863	$ 2,736	$ 6,844	$ 6,731	$ 1,058	$ 1,048	$ 5,957	$ 5,950	$ 38,488	$ 38,255	$ 6,657	$ 6,528	$ 1,014	$ 963	$ 42,490	$ 42,682	$ 6,371	$ 6,354	$ 2,110	$ 1,860	$ 2,859	$ 2,647	$ 105,946	$ 105,239
Accumulated depreciation	(13,200)	(12,837)																											(17,827)	(17,555)
Total Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 19,148	$ 19,188																											$ 88,119	$ 87,684
Estimated useful life (in years)																															2 years	3 years	2 years	12 years	5 years	5 years	5 years	3 years	3 years	40 years	20 years	20 years	30 years	100 years	37 years	80 years	80 years	30 years

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Other investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Other investments

Note 6. Other investments

Other investments include fixed maturity and equity securities of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“GS”), General Electric Company (“GE”), Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (“Wrigley”), The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) and Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). A summary of other investments follows (in millions).

	Cost		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Carrying Value
March 31, 2013
Other fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,561	$	4,048	$	17,609	$	16,779
Finance and financial products		3,218		1,934		5,152		5,152
	$	16,779	$	5,982	$	22,761	$	21,931
December 31, 2012
Other fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,109	$	3,823	$	16,932	$	16,057
Finance and financial products		3,148		1,804		4,952		4,952
	$	16,257	$	5,627	$	21,884	$	21,009

In 2008, we acquired 50,000 shares of 10% Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of GS (“GS Preferred”) and warrants to purchase 43,478,260 shares of common stock of GS (“GS Warrants”) for a combined cost of $5 billion. The GS Preferred was fully redeemed by GS on April 18, 2011. The GS Warrants remain outstanding and expire on October 1, 2013 and when originally issued were exercisable for an aggregate cost of $5 billion ($115/share).

In 2008, we acquired 30,000 shares of 10% Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of GE (“GE Preferred”) and warrants to purchase 134,831,460 shares of common stock of GE (“GE Warrants”) for a combined cost of $3 billion. The GE Preferred was fully redeemed by GE on October 17, 2011. The GE Warrants remain outstanding and expire on October 16, 2013 and when originally issued were exercisable for an aggregate cost of $3 billion ($22.25/share).

In the first quarter of 2013, the GE Warrants and GS Warrants agreements were amended to provide solely for cashless exercises. Upon exercise, we will receive shares of GE and GS based on the excess, if any, of the market price, as defined, over the exercise price, without payment of additional consideration. As of March 31, 2013, the costs of these warrants include $520 million of unrealized gains and losses, which were included in earnings.

In 2008, we acquired $4.4 billion par amount of 11.45% Wrigley subordinated notes due in 2018 and $2.1 billion of 5% Wrigley preferred stock. The subordinated notes may be called prior to maturity at par plus the prepayment premium applicable at that time. In 2009, we also acquired $1.0 billion par amount of Wrigley senior notes due in December 2013 and 2014. We currently own $800 million and an unconsolidated joint venture in which we hold a 50% economic interest owns $200 million of the Wrigley senior notes. The Wrigley subordinated and senior notes are classified as held-to-maturity and we carry these investments at cost, adjusted for foreign currency exchange rate changes that apply to certain of the senior notes. The Wrigley preferred stock is classified as available-for-sale and recorded in our financial statements at fair value.

In 2009, we acquired 3,000,000 shares of Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock of Dow (“Dow Preferred”) for a cost of $3 billion. Under certain conditions, we can convert each share of the Dow Preferred into 24.201 shares of Dow common stock (equivalent to a conversion price of $41.32 per share). Beginning in April 2014, if Dow’s common stock price exceeds $53.72 per share for any 20 trading days in a consecutive 30-day window, Dow, at its option, at any time, in whole or in part, may convert the Dow Preferred into Dow common stock at the then applicable conversion rate. The Dow Preferred is entitled to dividends at a rate of 8.5% per annum.

On September 1, 2011, we acquired 50,000 shares of 6% Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of BAC (“BAC Preferred”) and warrants to purchase 700,000,000 shares of common stock of BAC (“BAC Warrants”) for a combined cost of $5 billion. The BAC Preferred is redeemable at any time by BAC at a price of $105,000 per share ($5.25 billion in aggregate). The BAC Warrants expire in 2021 and are exercisable for an additional aggregate cost of $5 billion ($7.142857/share).

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Investment gains/losses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Investment gains/losses

Note 7. Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses, including other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses, are summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Fixed maturity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	$	15		$	33
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(54	)		(16	)
Equity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals		109			188
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(1	)		—
OTTI losses		(85	)		(337	)
Other		521			26
	$	505		$	(106	)

Investment gains/losses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows.

Insurance and other	$	434	$	(107	)
Finance and financial products		71		1
	$	505	$	(106	)

We record investments in equity and fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale at fair value and record the difference between fair value and cost in other comprehensive income. OTTI losses recognized in earnings represent reductions in the cost basis of the investment, but not the fair value. Accordingly, the OTTI losses that are included in earnings are generally offset by a corresponding credit to other comprehensive income and therefore have no net effect on shareholders’ equity as of the balance sheet date. In the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, the OTTI losses related to bonds issued by Texas Competitive Electric Holdings. In recognizing these OTTI losses, we concluded that we were unlikely to receive all of the remaining contractual interest and principal amounts when due.

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Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Inventories

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Raw materials	$	1,693	$	1,699
Work in process and other		855		883
Finished manufactured goods		3,266		3,187
Goods acquired for resale		3,859		3,906
	$	9,673	$	9,675

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Derivative contracts - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended								3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Credit Default Contracts - States and Municipalities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Assets [Member]		Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Assets [Member]		Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Credit Default Contracts - Individual Corporate and High Yield Corporate [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Equity Index Put Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Equity Index Put Options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Credit Default Contracts - States and Municipalities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of equity index put option contracts									$ 3,000,000,000	$ 3,900,000,000
Maturity date, range, start									June 2018		2019
Maturity date, range, end									January 2026		2054
Weighted average remaining life of derivative contract									7 years 9 months		18 years 6 months
Notional value											7,800,000,000
Terminated derivative contracts, notional values	8,250,000,000
Notional amount of derivatives expiring within one year								3,300,000,000
Collateral posting requirements under contracts with collateral provisions		10,000,000	40,000,000
Additional collateral posting requirements		1,100,000,000
Assets				77,000,000	[1]	171,000,000	[1]					49,000,000	49,000,000
Liabilities		$ 6,721,000,000	$ 7,933,000,000						$ 6,264,000,000	$ 7,502,000,000				$ 157,000,000	$ 234,000,000

[1] Included in other assets of finance and financial products businesses.

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified					3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican [Member] Debt [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican Subsidiaries [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican Subsidiaries [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican Subsidiaries [Member] Debt [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] BNSF [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] BNSF [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] BNSF [Member] Debt [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Debt [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Other Finance Subsidiaries [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Other Finance Subsidiaries [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Other Finance Subsidiaries [Member] Debt [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Debt [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Insurance and Other Subsidiaries [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Insurance and Other Subsidiaries [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Insurance and Other Subsidiaries [Member] Debt [Member]
Notes payable and other borrowings [Line Items]
Maturity date, range, start					2014			2013			2013					2013			2013					2013			2013
Maturity date, range, end					2037			2042			2097					2042			2036					2047			2035
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate																									0.30%
Senior unsecured debt			$ 4,621	$ 4,621
Weighted Average Interest Rate, percentage			6.30%			5.00%			5.30%					4.00%			4.90%					2.70%			6.00%
Notes payable and other borrowings	36,890	36,156				16,318	17,002		15,951	14,533		12,960	13,045	11,194	11,186		1,766	1,859		13,399	13,535	8,309	8,323
Short-term borrowings																									1,354	1,416
Other borrowings																									$ 3,736	$ 3,796

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Derivative contracts - gains and losses (Detail) (Finance and Financial Products [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	$ 1,206	$ 1,002
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	1,206	1,002
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	1,246	689
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	(14)	340
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	$ (26)	$ (27)

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Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Reconciliation of the change in goodwill

A reconciliation of the change in the carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in millions).

	March 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,523		$	53,213
Acquisitions of businesses		14			1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation		(130	)		(132	)
Balance at end of period	$	54,407		$	54,523

Schedule of intangible assets

Intangible assets other than goodwill are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are summarized by type as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	11,669	$	3,143	$	11,737	$	2,994
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,163		990		2,163		913
	$	13,832	$	4,133	$	13,900	$	3,907
Trademarks and trade names	$	2,799	$	293	$	2,819	$	278
Patents and technology		5,005		2,179		5,014		2,059
Customer relationships		4,532		1,241		4,565		1,155
Other		1,496		420		1,502		415
	$	13,832	$	4,133	$	13,900	$	3,907

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Other investments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	51 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	19 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	40 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	46 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		63 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	63 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 The Dow Chemical Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 The Dow Chemical Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 The Dow Chemical Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Warrants Expiring 2021 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock And Warrants [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Apr. 18, 2011 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock And Warrants [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Warrants Expiring October 1, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 General Electric Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Oct. 17, 2011 General Electric Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 General Electric Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock And Warrants [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 General Electric Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Warrants Expiring October 16, 2013 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Subordinated Debt Due 2018 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Subordinated Debt Due 2018 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Goldman Sachs and General Electric [Member] Other Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member] Common Stock Warrants [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Investment, number of shares purchased			3,000,000		50,000				50,000				30,000
Investment in preferred stock, stated dividend rate				8.50%		6.00%				10.00%				10.00%						5.00%
Number of common shares that can be purchased							700,000,000					43,478,260				134,831,460
Amount paid for an investment			$ 3,000,000,000					$ 5,000,000,000			$ 5,000,000,000				$ 3,000,000,000				$ 2,100,000,000
Aggregate cost to exercise warrants							5,000,000,000					5,000,000,000				3,000,000,000
Exercise price for warrants, per share							$ 7.142857					$ 115				$ 22.25
Unrealized gains and losses on securities																								520,000,000
Acquisition of debt investments, par value when acquired																		4,400,000,000				1,000,000,000
Investment in notes, stated interest rate																	11.45%
Investment owned, face value																					800,000,000		200,000,000
Economic interest in joint venture	50.00%
Conversion ratio of preferred stock into common stock		24.201		24.201
Preferred stock conversion price, per share		$ 41.32		$ 41.32
Common stock threshold price, per share, to trigger the issuer's option to convert preferred stock into common stock		$ 53.72		$ 53.72
Minimum number of trading days in a consecutive-day period that the issuer's common stock price must exceed to trigger the issuer's option to convert preferred stock to common stock		20 days
Range of trading days in a consecutive day period, number of days		30 days
Redemption value of Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, per share						$ 105,000
Redemption value of Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, aggregate value						$ 5,250,000,000

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Notes payable and other borrowings

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Notes payable and other borrowings

Note 14. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of March 31, 2013.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate
				March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire parent company due 2013-2047		2.7	%	$	8,309	$	8,323
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		0.3	%		1,354		1,416
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2013-2035		6.0	%		3,736		3,796
				$	13,399	$	13,535

In January 2013, Berkshire issued $2.6 billion of senior notes with interest rates ranging from 0.8% to 4.5% and maturities that range from 2016 to 2043. In February 2013, Berkshire repaid $2.6 billion of maturing senior notes.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate
				March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”) and its subsidiaries:
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt due 2014-2037		6.3	%	$	4,621	$	4,621
Subsidiary and other debt due 2013-2042		5.0	%		16,318		17,002
Issued by BNSF due 2013-2097		5.3	%		15,951		14,533
				$	36,890	$	36,156

MidAmerican subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. All, or substantially all, of the assets of certain MidAmerican subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure the debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. In March 2013, BNSF issued $1.5 billion in new debentures consisting of $700 million of 3.0% debentures due in 2023 and $800 million of 4.45% debentures due in 2043. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily unsecured. As of March 31, 2013, BNSF and MidAmerican and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt or other borrowings of BNSF, MidAmerican or their subsidiaries.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31,		December 31,
				2013		2012
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2013-2042		4.0	%	$	11,194	$	11,186
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2013-2036		4.9	%		1,766		1,859
				$	12,960	$	13,045

The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In January 2013, BHFC issued $500 million of new senior notes and repaid $500 million of maturing senior notes.

Certain of our subsidiaries have approximately $4.7 billion in the aggregate of unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity at March 31, 2013, to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. In addition to borrowings of BHFC, as of March 31, 2013, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $4.4 billion of other subsidiary borrowings. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all present and future payment obligations.

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Business segment data

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Business segment data

Note 19. Business segment data

Revenues by segment for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Premiums earned:
GEICO	$	4,399		$	4,016
General Re		1,469			1,471
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		2,796			2,071
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		713			507
Investment income		1,001			1,056
Total insurance group		10,378			9,121
BNSF		5,284			5,002
Finance and financial products		950			959
Marmon		1,730			1,793
McLane Company		10,785			8,073
MidAmerican		3,116			2,894
Other businesses		9,945			9,296
		42,188			37,138
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		1,711			896
Eliminations and other		(32	)		113
	$	43,867		$	38,147

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Underwriting gain (loss):
GEICO	$	266		$	124
General Re		95			81
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		974			(191	)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		54			71
Net investment income		996			1,052
Total insurance group		2,385			1,137
BNSF		1,289			1,115
Finance and financial products		169			163
Marmon		266			269
McLane Company		132			102
MidAmerican		553			483
Other businesses		1,091			1,069
		5,885			4,338
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		1,711			896
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses		(72	)		(66	)
Eliminations and other		(229	)		(237	)
	$	7,295		$	4,931

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Investments in equity securities - Fair value by segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 97,163		$ 87,662
Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	95,878		86,467
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	717	[1]	675	[1]
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 568	[1]	$ 520	[1]

[1] Included in other assets.

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Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income and significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	29,254		$	(120	)	$	(1,601	)	$	(33	)	$	27,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		6,308			(560	)		24			12			5,784
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(328	)		—			34			2			(292	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			—			—
Net current period other comprehensive income		5,980			(560	)		58			14			5,492
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	35,234		$	(680	)	$	(1,543	)	$	(19	)	$	32,992
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings for the first quarter of 2013 are included on the following line items:
Insurance and Other
Investment gains/losses	$	(436	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(436	)
Finance and Financial Products
Investment gains/losses		(68	)		—			—			—			(68	)
Other (1)		—			—			46			3			49
Reclassifications before income taxes		(504	)		—			46			3			(455	)
Applicable income taxes		(176	)		—			12			1			(163	)
	$	(328	)	$	—		$	34		$	2		$	(292	)

⁽¹⁾ Amounts are included on various line items, and are immaterial individually and in the aggregate.

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net earnings	$ 5,017	$ 3,366
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	9,641	11,642
Applicable income taxes	(3,326)	(4,051)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	(504)	132
Applicable income taxes	176	(46)
Foreign currency translation	(650)	219
Applicable income taxes	51	1
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans	87	12
Applicable income taxes	(23)	(6)
Other, net	16	(20)
Other comprehensive income, net	5,468	7,883
Comprehensive income	10,485	11,249
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	101	141
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 10,384	$ 11,108

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Significant business acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Significant business acquisitions

Note 3. Significant business acquisitions

Our long-held acquisition strategy is to acquire businesses with consistent earning power, good returns on equity and able and honest management and at sensible prices. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed several smaller-sized business acquisitions, most of which we consider as “bolt-on” acquisitions to several of our existing business operations. Aggregate consideration paid in 2012 for acquisitions was approximately $3.2 billion, which included $438 million for entities that will develop, construct and subsequently operate renewable energy generation facilities. We do not believe that these acquisitions are material, individually or in the aggregate, to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 13,832	$ 13,900
Accumulated amortization	4,133	3,907
Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,799	2,819
Accumulated amortization	293	278
Patents and technology [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,005	5,014
Accumulated amortization	2,179	2,059
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,532	4,565
Accumulated amortization	1,241	1,155
Other intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,496	1,502
Accumulated amortization	420	415
Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	11,669	11,737
Accumulated amortization	3,143	2,994
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,163	2,163
Accumulated amortization	$ 990	$ 913

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Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable inputs (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 Net Derivative Contract (Liabilities) [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Net Derivative Contract (Liabilities) [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Fixed Maturities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fixed Maturities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Equity Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Equity Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Equity Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Other Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Other Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value measurements Significant unobservable inputs [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (7,847)	$ (9,908)
Gains (losses) included in earnings	1,235	1,022
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(3)	(3)
Gains (losses) included in regulatory assets and liabilities	1	9
Settlements, net	(27)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		31
Ending Balance	(6,641)	(8,849)
Beginning Balance			652	784	22	35	35	15,750	11,669
Gains (losses) included in earnings					(1)			520
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income			(2)	6	11			399	2,489
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements				(6)
Dispositions			(1)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3				(129)
Ending Balance			$ 649	$ 655	$ 32	$ 35	$ 35	$ 16,669	$ 14,158

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New accounting pronouncements (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

New accounting pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2013-02 requires disclosure of the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net earnings during the reporting period. We adopted ASU 2013-02 on January 1, 2013 and included the required disclosures in Note 17.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” and in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU 2011-11, as c1arified, enhances disclosures surrounding offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities. The standard applies to derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions and requires companies to disclose gross and net information about financial instruments and derivatives eligible for offset and to disclose financial instruments and derivatives subject to master netting arrangements in financial statements. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” ASU 2012-02 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity determines that it is not more-likely-than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to perform a quantitative impairment test. ASU’s 2011-11 and 2012-02 were adopted on January 1, 2013 and had an immaterial effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date.” ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay plus additional amounts the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance further provides for disclosure of the nature and amount of the obligation. ASU 2013-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Accumulated other comprehensive income - Rollforward (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Foreign currency translation [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Other AOCI transactions [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 32,992	$ 27,500	$ 27,500	$ 29,254	$ (120)	$ (1,601)	$ (33)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			5,784	6,308	(560)	24	12
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(292)	(328)		34	2
Transactions with noncontrolling interests
Net current period other comprehensive income			5,492	5,980	(560)	58	14
Ending Balance	$ 32,992	$ 27,500	$ 32,992	$ 35,234	$ (680)	$ (1,543)	$ (19)

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of March 31, 2013.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate
				March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire parent company due 2013-2047		2.7	%	$	8,309	$	8,323
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		0.3	%		1,354		1,416
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2013-2035		6.0	%		3,736		3,796
				$	13,399	$	13,535

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31,		December 31,
				2013		2012
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2013-2042		4.0	%	$	11,194	$	11,186
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2013-2036		4.9	%		1,766		1,859
				$	12,960	$	13,045

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate
				March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”) and its subsidiaries:
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt due 2014-2037		6.3	%	$	4,621	$	4,621
Subsidiary and other debt due 2013-2042		5.0	%		16,318		17,002
Issued by BNSF due 2013-2097		5.3	%		15,951		14,533
				$	36,890	$	36,156

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Supplemental cash flow information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Supplemental cash flow information

Note 13. Supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2013		2012
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	241	$	199
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		121		138
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		505		465
Finance and financial products businesses		137		158