Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 62,380		$ 48,186
Investments in fixed maturity securities	28,953		29,353
Investments in equity securities	118,909	[1]	117,505	[2]
Inventories	10,182		9,860
Goodwill	58,669		57,011
Total assets	517,363		484,931
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	61,106		57,739
Total liabilities	277,061		260,446
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	8		8
Capital in excess of par value	35,560		35,472
Accumulated other comprehensive income	44,186		44,025
Retained earnings	159,465		143,748
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,763)		(1,363)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	237,456		221,890
Noncontrolling interests	2,846		2,595
Total shareholders' equity	240,302		224,485
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	517,363		484,931
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	55,834		42,433
Investments in fixed maturity securities	28,721		28,785
Investments in equity securities	116,432		115,464
Other investments	13,058		12,334
Investments in H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation	11,830		12,111
Receivables	24,017		20,280
Inventories	10,182		9,860
Property, plant and equipment	14,053		13,623
Goodwill	34,546		33,067
Other	23,738		19,113
Total assets	332,411		307,070
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	71,198		64,866
Unearned premiums	12,703		10,770
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	12,636		11,681
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	23,270		21,979
Notes payable and other borrowings	12,328		12,440
Total liabilities	132,135		121,736
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,951		3,400
Property, plant and equipment	107,719		102,482
Goodwill	22,781		22,603
Other	16,739		16,149
Total assets	151,190		144,634
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	15,268		14,557
Notes payable and other borrowings	49,694		46,655
Total liabilities	64,962		61,212
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,595		2,353
Investments in fixed maturity securities	232		568
Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities	1,215		1,506
Investments in equity securities	983		938
Other investments	6,120		5,617
Loans and finance receivables	12,535		12,826
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease	8,030		7,700
Goodwill	1,342		1,341
Other	1,925		1,884
Total assets	33,762		33,227
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,401		1,299
Derivative contract liabilities	4,667		5,331
Notes payable and other borrowings	12,790		13,129
Total liabilities	$ 18,858		$ 19,759

[1] As of September 30, 2014, approximately 58% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in the equity securities of four companies (American Express Company - $13.3 billion; Wells Fargo & Company - $25.1 billion; International Business Machines Corporation - $13.4 billion; and The Coca-Cola Company - $17.1 billion).

[2] As of December 31, 2013, approximately 55% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in the equity securities of four companies (American Express Company - $13.8 billion; Wells Fargo & Company - $21.9 billion; International Business Machines Corporation - $12.8 billion; and The Coca-Cola Company - $16.5 billion).