10-Q

FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

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)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbols	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock 0.750% Senior Notes due 2023 1.125% Senior Notes due 2027 1.625% Senior Notes due 2035 1.300% Senior Notes due 2024 2.150% Senior Notes due 2028 0.250% Senior Notes due 2021 0.625% Senior Notes due 2023 0.000% Senior Notes due 2025 2.375% Senior Notes due 2039 2.625% Senior Notes due 2059	BRK.A BRK.B BRK23 BRK27 BRK35 BRK24 BRK28 BRK21 BRK23A BRK25 BRK39 BRK59	New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

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

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated  filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 23, 2020:

Class A —	692,885
Class B —	1,390,707,370

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

		Page No.
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1.  Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019	2-3
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings—First Quarter 2020 and 2019	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—First Quarter 2020 and 2019	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—First Quarter 2020 and 2019	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First Quarter 2020 and 2019	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7-23
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	24-41
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	41
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	41
Part II – Other Information		41
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	41
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	42
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities	42
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	43
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	43
Item 5.	Other Information	43
Item 6.	Exhibits	43
Signature		43

1

Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents*	$	38,717	$	61,151
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		94,623		63,822
Investments in fixed maturity securities		17,923		18,685
Investments in equity securities		180,782		248,027
Equity method investments		17,483		17,505
Loans and finance receivables		17,660		17,527
Other receivables		34,720		32,418
Inventories		20,172		19,852
Property, plant and equipment		21,258		21,438
Equipment held for lease		14,899		15,065
Goodwill		56,990		57,052
Other intangible assets		30,693		31,051
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		13,488		13,747
Other		13,593		13,232
		573,001		630,572
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents*		3,923		3,024
Receivables		3,237		3,417
Property, plant and equipment		137,264		137,838
Goodwill		24,669		24,830
Regulatory assets		2,963		2,881
Other		15,391		15,167
		187,447		187,157
	$	760,448	$	817,729

* Cash and cash equivalents included U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $19.6 billion at March 31, 2020 and $37.1 billion at December 31, 2019.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
	(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance and Other:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	73,362		$	73,019
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		42,269			42,441
Unearned premiums		21,718			19,782
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		20,193			20,155
Other policyholder liabilities		7,753			7,723
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		25,565			27,611
Payable for purchase of U.S. Treasury Bills		8,630			—
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361			968
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,291			5,281
Notes payable and other borrowings		37,486			37,590
		244,628			234,570
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		14,049			14,708
Regulatory liabilities		7,218			7,311
Notes payable and other borrowings		66,747			65,778
		88,014			87,797
Income taxes, principally deferred		52,571			66,799
Total liabilities		385,213			389,166
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8			8
Capital in excess of par value		35,619			35,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(6,721	)		(5,243	)
Retained earnings		352,359			402,493
Treasury stock, at cost		(9,700	)		(8,125	)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		371,565			424,791
Noncontrolling interests		3,670			3,772
Total shareholders’ equity		375,235			428,563
	$	760,448		$	817,729

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
	(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance premiums earned	$	15,748		$	14,319
Sales and service revenues		31,926			32,409
Leasing revenues		1,428			1,436
Interest, dividend and other investment income		2,276			2,117
		51,378			50,281
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation revenues		5,380			5,725
Energy operating revenues		3,634			3,825
Service revenues and other income		873			847
		9,887			10,397
Total revenues		61,265			60,678
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)		(70,275	)		20,322
Costs and expenses:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		10,979			10,174
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,383			904
Insurance underwriting expenses		2,924			2,756
Cost of sales and services		25,392			25,767
Cost of leasing		1,002			1,020
Selling, general and administrative expenses		4,471			4,432
Interest expense		296			262
		46,447			45,315
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation expenses		3,593			3,982
Utilities and energy cost of sales and other expenses		2,722			2,842
Other expenses		849			653
Interest expense		728			729
		7,892			8,206
Total costs and expenses		54,339			53,521
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings		(63,349	)		27,479
Equity method earnings		300			168
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		(63,049	)		27,647
Income tax expense (benefit)		(13,352	)		5,915
Net earnings (loss)		(49,697	)		21,732
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		49			71
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	(49,746	)	$	21,661
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class A share	$	(30,653	)	$	13,209
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class B share*	$	(20.44	)	$	8.81
Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding		1,622,889			1,639,821
Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding		2,434,333,367			2,459,731,886

* Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth of a Class A share. Accordingly, net earnings per average equivalent Class B share outstanding is equal to one-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount. See Note 18.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in millions)

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
	(Unaudited)
Net earnings (loss)	$	(49,697	)	$	21,732
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments		(180	)		122
Applicable income taxes		41			(28	)
Foreign currency translation		(1,454	)		183
Applicable income taxes		47			(3	)
Defined benefit pension plans		95			66
Applicable income taxes		(21	)		(17	)
Other, net		(59	)		(13	)
Other comprehensive income, net		(1,531	)		310
Comprehensive income		(51,228	)		22,042
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(4	)		93
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	(51,224	)	$	21,949

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

	Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity
	Common stock and capital in excess of par value			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Retained earnings			Treasury stock			Non- controlling interests			Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	35,715		$	(5,015	)	$	321,112		$	(3,109	)	$	3,797		$	352,500
Net earnings		—			—			21,661			—			71			21,732
Other comprehensive income, net		—			288			—			—			22			310
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		13			—			—			(1,690	)		—			(1,677	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(98	)		—			—			—			(176	)		(274	)
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	35,630		$	(4,727	)	$	342,773		$	(4,799	)	$	3,714		$	372,591
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	35,666		$	(5,243	)	$	402,493		$	(8,125	)	$	3,772		$	428,563
Net earnings (loss)		—			—			(49,746	)		—			49			(49,697	)
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement		—			—			(388	)		—			—			(388	)
Other comprehensive income, net		—			(1,478	)		—			—			(53	)		(1,531	)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		—			—			—			(1,575	)		—			(1,575	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(39	)		—			—			—			(98	)		(137	)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	35,627		$	(6,721	)	$	352,359		$	(9,700	)	$	3,670		$	375,235

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	(49,697	)	$	21,732
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses		68,882			(19,552	)
Depreciation and amortization		2,585			2,417
Other		(566	)		(469	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		583			778
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		260			273
Unearned premiums		2,006			2,054
Receivables and originated loans		(2,083	)		(2,237	)
Other assets		(1,140	)		(990	)
Other liabilities		17			(1,800	)
Income taxes		(14,049	)		5,371
Net cash flows from operating activities		6,798			7,577
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities		(4,003	)		(1,527	)
Sales and redemptions of equity securities		2,166			2,063
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		(31,551	)		(30,918	)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		5,328			2,334
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		3,694			21,114
Purchases of loans and finance receivables		(595	)		(14	)
Collections of loans and finance receivables		70			93
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(26	)		(262	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease		(2,968	)		(3,151	)
Other		81			67
Net cash flows from investing activities		(27,804	)		(10,201	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses		1,613			1,996
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses		(1,502	)		(2,811	)
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		4,324			2,945
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		(1,748	)		(1,431	)
Changes in short term borrowings, net		(1,133	)		(503	)
Acquisition of treasury stock		(1,741	)		(1,585	)
Other		(159	)		(289	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(346	)		(1,678	)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes		(184	)		15
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		(21,536	)		(4,287	)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year		64,632			30,811
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of first quarter *	$	43,096		$	26,524
* Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year—
Insurance and Other	$	61,151		$	27,749
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,024			2,612
Restricted cash, included in other assets		457			450
	$	64,632		$	30,811
End of first quarter—
Insurance and Other	$	38,717		$	22,487
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,923			3,652
Restricted cash, included in other assets		456			385
	$	43,096		$	26,524

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020

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”), which includes 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. Changes to those policies due to the adoption of new accounting standards are described in Note 2.

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all 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 more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Given the size of our equity security investment portfolio, changes in market prices and the related changes in unrealized gains on equity securities will produce significant volatility in our interim and annual earnings. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities and gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) spread rapidly across the world in the first quarter of 2020 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The government and private sector responses to contain its spread began to significantly affect our operating businesses in March and will likely adversely affect nearly all of our operations in the second quarter, although such effects may vary significantly. The duration and extent of the effects over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic that may affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition include the nature and duration of the curtailment or closure of our various facilities and the long-term effect on the demand for our products and services. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to us and the estimations of certain losses assumed under insurance and reinsurance contracts may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” on January 1, 2020. ASC 326 provides for the measurement of expected credit losses on financial assets that are carried at amortized cost based on the net amounts expected to be collected. Measurements of expected credit losses therefore include provisions for non-collection, whether the risk is probable or remote. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, credit losses were measured when non-collection was considered probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. We elected to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses on accrued interest and instead reverse uncollectible accrued interest through interest income on a timely basis.

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $388 million representing the cumulative after-tax increase in our allowances for credit losses, which was primarily related to our manufactured housing loans. Expected credit losses for such financial assets are based on the net present value of future principal payments less estimated expenses related to the charge-off and foreclosure of expected uncollectible loans and include provisions for loans that are non-performing or in foreclosure. Our principal credit quality indicator is whether the loans are performing. Expected credit loss estimates consider historical default rates, collateral recovery rates, historical runoff rates, interest rates, reductions of future cash flows for modified loans, the historical time elapsed from last payment until foreclosure, among other matters. In addition, our estimates consider current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

Trade receivables, insurance premium receivables and other receivables are primarily short-term in nature with stated collection terms of less than one year from the date of origination. In establishing credit loss allowances for such receivables, we primarily utilize credit loss history. However, credit loss allowances may be adjusted as a result of current conditions and when we expect reasonable and supportable forecasts to deviate from historical experience. In evaluating expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses, we review the credit quality of the counterparty and consider credit ratings, right-of-offset provisions within reinsurance contracts and other forms of credit enhancement including, collateral, funds held arrangements, guarantees and other publicly available information.

We adopted ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” as of January 1, 2020. Under ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment is represented by the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit and is limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after its adoption date.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used to value policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs arising from the issuance of long-duration insurance and reinsurance contracts, with the effects of changes in cash flow assumptions reflected in earnings and the effects of changes in discount rate assumptions reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 3. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,314	$	85	$	—		$	3,399
Foreign governments		8,126		75		(47	)		8,154
Corporate bonds		5,536		317		(67	)		5,786
Other		515		72		(3	)		584
	$	17,491	$	549	$	(117	)	$	17,923
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,054	$	37	$	(1	)	$	3,090
Foreign governments		8,584		63		(9	)		8,638
Corporate bonds		5,896		459		(3	)		6,352
Other		539		67		(1	)		605
	$	18,073	$	626	$	(14	)	$	18,685

Investments in foreign governments include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of March 31, 2020, approximately 88% of our foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2020 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers.

	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	$	6,774	$	9,579	$	332	$	425	$	381	$	17,491
Fair value		6,761		9,667		365		685		445		17,923

8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the tables below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains/(losses)			Fair Value
March 31, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,845	$	22,046		$	62,891
Consumer products		38,887		45,713			84,600
Commercial, industrial and other		33,517		(226	)		33,291
	$	113,249	$	67,533		$	180,782

* Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2019*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,419	$	61,976	$	102,395
Consumer products		38,887		60,747		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other		31,034		14,964		45,998
	$	110,340	$	137,687	$	248,027

* Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

On August 8, 2019, Berkshire invested a total of $10 billion in Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) newly issued Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion, and warrants to purchase up to 80 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $62.50 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing on the tenth anniversary of issuance at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or mandatorily under certain specified capital return events. Dividends on the preferred stock may be paid in cash or, at Occidental’s option, in shares of Occidental common stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the redemption of the preferred stock. Our investments in Occidental are included in the commercial, industrial and other category in the preceding tables.

Note 5. Equity method investments

Berkshire and its subsidiaries hold investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these is our investment in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 325,442,152 shares of Kraft Heinz common stock representing 26.6% of the outstanding shares.

Shares of Kraft Heinz common stock are publicly-traded and the fair value of our investment was approximately $8.1 billion at March 31, 2020 and $10.5 billion at December 31, 2019. The carrying value of our investment was approximately $13.6 billion at March 31, 2020 and $13.8 billion at December 31, 2019.

As disclosed in Berkshire’s Form 10-Qs for the first three quarters of 2019, Kraft Heinz’s financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2019 were not available until August 13, 2019 when Kraft Heinz filed financial statements for those periods with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, Berkshire did not record equity method earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz for each of those periods until our third quarter of 2019.   Our equity method earnings for the first quarter of 2020 were $101 million.  We received dividends on the common stock of $130 million in each of the first quarters of 2020 and 2019, which were recorded as reductions to the carrying value of our investment.

9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5. Equity method investments (Continued)

As of March 31, 2020, the carrying value of our investment in Kraft Heinz exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by $5.5 billion (40.4%). In light of that fact, we evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment. We utilize no bright-line tests in such evaluations. Based on the available facts and information regarding the operating results of Kraft Heinz, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery, the relative amount of the decline, and the length of time that fair value was less than carrying value, we concluded that recognition of an impairment loss in earnings was not required. However, we will continue to monitor this investment and it is possible that an impairment loss will be recorded in earnings in future periods based on changes in facts and circumstances or intentions.

Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).

	March 28, 2020		December 28, 2019
Assets	$	104,073	$	101,450
Liabilities		52,949		49,701

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Sales	$	6,157	$	5,959
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders		378		405

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”), and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”). The carrying value of our investments in these entities was approximately $3.9 billion as of March 31, 2020 and $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2019. Our equity method earnings from these entities in the first quarter were $199 million in 2020 and $167 million in 2019. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia is a servicer of commercial real estate loans in the U.S., performing primary, master and special servicing functions for U.S. government agency programs, commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions. A source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through its issuance of commercial paper, which is currently limited to $1.5 billion. On March 31, 2020, Berkadia’s commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion. The commercial paper is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy. In addition, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company subsidiary owns a 50% interest in ETT, an owner and operator of electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. American Electric Power owns the other 50% interest.

In 2017, we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot is one of the largest operators of travel centers in North America, supplying more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year via more than 900 retail and fueling locations across 44 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire in 2023 an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot in 2023.

10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6. Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Equity securities:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities    held at the end of the period	$	(68,482	)	$	19,393
Investment gains (losses) during the period		(410	)		161
		(68,892	)		19,554
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		16			5
Gross realized losses		(6	)		(10	)
Other		—			3
	$	(68,882	)	$	19,552

Equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own. The investment losses in the first quarter of 2020 were predominantly related to a significant decline in equity securities prices on securities we held at March 31, 2020.

In the first three months of 2020 and 2019, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we received proceeds of approximately $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, from sales of equity securities. In the preceding table, investment gains/losses on equity securities sold in each period reflect the difference between proceeds from sales and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the period or the purchase date, if later. Our taxable gains on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and original cost. Taxable gains in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were $1,211 million and $518 million, respectively.

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables

Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	18,867		$	18,199
Allowances for credit losses		(702	)		(167	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(505	)		(505	)
	$	17,660		$	17,527

Loans and finance receivables are principally installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. The changes in the allowance for credit losses for each of the first three months of 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balance - beginning of year:	$	167		$	177
Adoption of ASC 326		486			—
Provision for credit losses		86			32
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(37	)		(33	)
Balance - March 31:	$	702		$	176

11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables (Continued)

As of March 31, 2020, approximately 99% of the manufactured housing loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment, with the remainder evaluated individually. As of March 31, 2020, we considered approximately 97% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. Manufactured housing loan balances before discounts and allowances designated as performing or non-performing are presented below by year of loan origination as of March 31, 2020 (in millions).

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior		Total
Performing	$	1,401	$	2,719	$	2,081	$	1,547	$	1,375	$	7,445	$	16,568
Non-performing		8		3		8		9		16		79		123
Total	$	1,409	$	2,722	$	2,089	$	1,556	$	1,391	$	7,524	$	16,691

We are party to an agreement with Seritage Growth Properties to provide a $2.0 billion term loan facility, which matures on July 31, 2023. The outstanding loans under the facility were approximately $1.6 billion as of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. This loan is secured by mortgages on real estate properties. In the first quarter of 2020, we provided a loan of $576 million to Lee Enterprises, Inc. in connection with its acquisition of our newspaper operations and the repayment of its then outstanding credit facilities. We are the sole lender to each of these entities and each of these loans is current as to payment status.

Note 8. Other receivables

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

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Insurance premiums receivable	$	14,699		$	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,890			2,855
Trade receivables		12,512			12,275
Other		5,208			4,327
Allowances for credit losses		(589	)		(418	)
	$	34,720		$	32,418

Receivables of railroad and utilities and energy businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Trade receivables	$	2,970		$	3,120
Other		367			388
Allowances for credit losses		(100	)		(91	)
	$	3,237		$	3,417

Provisions for credit losses on receivables summarized in the preceding tables were $211 million in the first quarter of 2020. Trade receivables of utility and energy businesses included unbilled revenue of $550 million and $638 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Raw materials	$	4,598	$	4,492
Work in process and other		2,751		2,700
Finished manufactured goods		5,011		4,821
Goods acquired for resale		7,812		7,839
	$	20,172	$	19,852

12

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,277		$	13,259
Machinery and equipment		24,231			24,285
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,650			4,666
		42,158			42,210
Accumulated depreciation		(20,900	)		(20,772	)
	$	21,258		$	21,438

A summary of property, plant and equipment of railroad and utilities and energy businesses follows (in millions). The utility generation, transmission and distribution systems and interstate natural gas pipeline assets are owned by regulated public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries.

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	62,643		$	62,404
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,382			13,482
Construction in progress		773			748
		76,798			76,634
Accumulated depreciation		(12,198	)		(12,101	)
		64,600			64,533
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		80,530			81,127
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		8,181			8,165
Independent power plants and other assets		8,792			8,817
Construction in progress		3,819			3,732
		101,322			101,841
Accumulated depreciation		(28,658	)		(28,536	)
		72,664			73,305
	$	137,264		$	137,838

Depreciation expense for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 is summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Insurance and other	$	570	$	542
Railroad, utilities and energy		1,398		1,256
	$	1,968	$	1,798

Note 11. Equipment held for lease

Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. Equipment held for lease is summarized below (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railcars	$	9,269		$	9,260
Aircraft		8,022			8,093
Other equipment held for lease		4,837			4,862
		22,128			22,215
Accumulated depreciation		(7,229	)		(7,150	)
	$	14,899		$	15,065

13

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11. Equipment held for lease (Continued)

Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first quarter was $292 million in 2020 and $286 million in 2019. Operating lease revenues by type for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Fixed lease revenue		Variable lease revenue		Total
First quarter 2020	$	1,096	$	332	$	1,428
First quarter 2019		1,074		362		1,436

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first quarter of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,882		$	81,025
Acquisitions of businesses		15			890
Other, including foreign currency translation		(238	)		(33	)
Balance at end of period	$	81,659		$	81,882

Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other:
Trademarks and trade names	$	5,283	$	764	$	5,286	$	759
Patents and technology		4,591		3,096		4,560		3,032
Customer relationships		27,820		5,137		27,943		5,025
Other		3,291		1,295		3,364		1,286
	$	40,985	$	10,292	$	41,153	$	10,102
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Trademarks and trade names	$	212	$	27	$	212	$	26
Customer relationships		678		333		678		324
Other		113		59		113		58
	$	1,003	$	419	$	1,003	$	408

Intangible asset amortization expense in the first quarter was $325 million in 2020 and $333 million in 2019. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $19.0 billion as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.

Note 13. Derivative contracts

We are party to derivative contracts through certain of our subsidiaries. The most significant derivative contracts consist of equity index put option contracts. The liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follows (in millions).

	Liabilities		Notional Value
March 31, 2020	$	2,361	$	14,171
December 31, 2019		968		14,385

14

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 13. Derivative contracts (Continued)

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. Notional value in the preceding table represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain contracts are denominated in foreign currencies and the related notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. We recorded pre-tax losses on these contracts of $1,393 million in the first quarter of 2020 and pre-tax gains of $770 million in the first quarter of 2019. The losses in the first quarter of 2020 reflected declines of 20% to 25% in index values between December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020, with the declines concentrated in the last six weeks of the quarter.

Substantially all open contracts as of March 31, 2020 will expire by February 2023. The weighted average life of unexpired contracts at March 31, 2020 was approximately 1.5 years.  Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $2.5 billion on the contract inception dates with respect to unexpired contracts as of March 31, 2020 and we have no counterparty credit risk. The aggregate intrinsic value (the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) was $2.0 billion at March 31, 2020 and $397 million at December 31, 2019. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined until the contract expiration dates.

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. We may use forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options to manage a portion of these price risks. Most of the net derivative contract assets or liabilities of our regulated utilities are probable of recovery through rates and are offset by regulatory liabilities or assets.

Note 14. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 15), for each of the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balances – beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	73,019		$	68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,855	)		(3,060	)
Net liabilities		70,164			65,398
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		10,896			9,787
Prior accident years’ events		(200	)		112
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		10,696			9,899
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(3,175	)		(3,123	)
Prior accident years’ events		(6,841	)		(5,884	)
Total payments		(10,016	)		(9,007	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(372	)		81
Balances – March 31:
Net liabilities		70,472			66,371
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,890			3,164
Gross liabilities	$	73,362		$	69,535

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the preceding table were recorded in earnings in each period and related to insured events occurring in the current year (“current accident year”) and events occurring in all prior years (“prior accident years”). We recorded a net reduction of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $200 million in 2020 compared to a net increase of $112 million in 2019 which produced a corresponding reduction and increase, respectively, in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. These reductions/increases, as percentages of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year, were 0.3% in 2020 and 0.2% in 2019.

15

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Continued)

Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events related to primary insurance were reduced by $172 million in 2020 and $100 million in 2019. The decrease in 2020 was primarily attributable to lower than anticipated private passenger automobile and medical professional liability claims. The decrease in 2019 primarily derived from private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims partially offset by higher other liability losses. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events related to property and casualty reinsurance were reduced by $28 million in 2020 and increased by $212 million in 2019. 

Note 15. Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses of short-duration insurance contracts with respect to underlying loss events that occurred prior to the contract inception date. Claims payments may commence immediately after the contract inception date or, when applicable, once a contractual retention amount has been reached. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020						2019
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed			Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances – beginning of year:	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	41,834		$	(14,104	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
Current year contracts		—			—			—			—
Prior years’ contracts		24			259			2			273
Total		24			259			2			273
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(196	)		—			(203	)		—
Balances – March 31:	$	42,269		$	(13,488	)	$	41,633		$	(13,831	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	283					$	275

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter related to contracts written in prior years were $283 million in 2020 and $275 million in 2019. Such losses reflected the recurring amortization of deferred charges and the effects of changes in the timing and amount of projected future loss payments.

Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), is party to a contract with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), in which NICO’s ultimate liability is contractually limited to $20 billion. Our estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to the AIG contract at both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $18.2 billion. Deferred charge assets related to the AIG contract were approximately $6.1 billion at March 31, 2020 and $6.3 billion at December 31, 2019.

Note 16. 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, 2020.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2047		3.2	%	$	8,328	$	8,324
Euro denominated due 2021-2035		1.0	%		7,513		7,641
Japanese Yen denominated due 2024-2049		0.5	%		3,978		3,938
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2049		4.1	%		8,828		8,679
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,131		2,274
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2020-2045		4.1	%		5,241		5,262
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		3.0	%		1,467		1,472
				$	37,486	$	37,590

16

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued)

In March 2020, Berkshire repaid €1.0 billion of maturing senior notes and issued €1.0 billion of 0.0% senior notes due in 2025. Over the remainder of 2020, there are no other senior note maturities and in the first quarter of 2021, $1.6 billion of senior notes will mature. In April 2020, Berkshire issued ¥195.5 billion (approximately $1.8 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060 and a weighted average interest rate of 1.07%.    

Borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and equipment held for lease of certain subsidiaries. BHFC borrowings are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In January 2020, BHFC repaid $350 million of maturing senior notes and in March 2020 issued $500 million of 1.85% senior notes due in 2030. Over the remainder of 2020, $550 million of BHFC senior notes will mature and in the first quarter of 2021, an additional $750 million of senior notes will mature.

The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€6.85 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥430 billion par) reflect the applicable foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the period are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the exchange rates resulted in pre-tax gains of $228 million in the first quarter of 2020 and $170 million in the first quarter of 2019.

In addition to BHFC borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $1.2 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at March 31, 2020. 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 payment obligations.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2021-2050		4.5	%	$	11,459	$	8,581
Subsidiary and other debt due 2020-2064		4.5	%		30,035		30,772
Short-term borrowings		2.4	%		2,088		3,214
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries due 2020-2097		4.6	%		23,165		23,211
				$	66,747	$	65,778

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants, which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios. During the first quarter of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt of approximately $4.0 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2050 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.75%. In April 2020, a BHE subsidiary issued $1.0 billion of term debt consisting of $400 million of 2.7% bonds due in 2030 and $600 million of 3.3% bonds due in 2051. In the first three months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid $1.7 billion of debt and reduced short-term borrowings by approximately $1.1 billion. BHE subsidiary term debt maturities over the remainder of 2020 approximate $800 million.

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051. Over the remainder of 2020, approximately $450 million of senior unsecured debentures will mature. As of March 31, 2020, BNSF, BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

As of March 31, 2020, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $8.2 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included approximately $6.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

17

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables 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, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,399	$	3,399	$	3,353	$	46	$	—
Foreign governments		8,154		8,154		5,054		3,100		—
Corporate bonds		5,786		5,786		—		5,784		2
Other		584		584		—		584		—
Investments in equity securities		180,782		180,782		174,889		44		5,849
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,587		8,051		8,051		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,660		18,350		—		2,206		16,144
Derivative contract assets (1)		180		180		1		23		156
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		186		186		7		120		59
Equity index put options		2,361		2,361		—		—		2,361
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,486		40,215		—		40,210		5
Railroad, utilities and energy		66,747		76,207		—		76,207		—
December 31, 2019
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,090	$	3,090	$	3,046	$	44	$	—
Foreign governments		8,638		8,638		5,437		3,201		—
Corporate bonds		6,352		6,352		—		6,350		2
Other		605		605		—		605		—
Investments in equity securities		248,027		248,027		237,271		46		10,710
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,757		10,456		10,456		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,527		17,861		—		1,809		16,052
Derivative contract assets (1)		145		145		—		23		122
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		76		76		6		59		11
Equity index put options		968		968		—		—		968
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,590		40,589		—		40,569		20
Railroad, utilities and energy		65,778		76,237		—		76,237		—

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

18

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. 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.

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. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations 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 it 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 valuing assets or liabilities.

Reconciliations of significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance – beginning of year			Earnings			Other comprehensive income		Regulatory assets and liabilities			Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance –     March 31
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities:
2020	$	10,407		$	(4,861	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	5,546
2019		7			—			—		—			(1	)		6
Net derivative contract liabilities:
2020		(857	)		(1,324	)		—		(40	)		(43	)		(2,264	)
2019		(2,343	)		820			—		(11	)		(44	)		(1,578	)

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2020, 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 Inputs	Weighted Average
Investments in equity securities:
Preferred stock	$	5,540	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	9 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	375 basis points
Common stock warrants		2	Warrant pricing model	Expected duration	9 years
				Volatility	27%
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361	Option pricing model	Volatility	25%

As described in Note 4, our investments in Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Occidental Preferred”) and Occidental common stock warrants were acquired at an aggregate cost of $10 billion. Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in Occidental Preferred and Occidental common stock warrants. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and may contain provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. In applying discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the Occidental Preferred, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. The Occidental Preferred is redeemable at Occidental’s option beginning in 2029. In valuing the Occidental common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration and volatility of the warrants. The Occidental common stock warrants expire on the one-year anniversary on which no Occidental Preferred remains outstanding.

19

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

Our equity index put option derivative contracts are illiquid and contain contract terms that are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts. We determine the fair value of the equity index put option contract liabilities based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  

Note 18. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first quarter of 2020 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

	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 December 31, 2019		719,307			(17,337	)		701,970			1,408,183,852		(23,702,319	)		1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B    common stock		(4,290	)		—			(4,290	)		6,435,000		—			6,435,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(1,342	)		(1,342	)		—		(5,388,663	)		(5,388,663	)
Balance at March 31, 2020		715,017			(18,679	)		696,338			1,414,618,852		(29,090,982	)		1,385,527,870

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 1,620,023 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and 1,624,958 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

Since we have two classes of common stock, we provide earnings per share data on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for average equivalent Class A shares outstanding and average equivalent Class B shares outstanding. Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of a Class A share. Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding represents average Class A shares outstanding plus one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the average Class B shares outstanding. Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding represents average Class B shares outstanding plus 1,500 times average Class A shares outstanding.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. The program continues to allow share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program.

Note 19. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the first quarter was 21.2% in 2020 and  21.4% in 2019. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in equity securities and production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. Our periodic effective income tax rate will also vary due to the changes in mix of pre-tax earnings, the magnitude of gains or losses included in earnings with respect to our investments in equity securities, and underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.  

20

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 20. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
First three months of 2020:
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	481		$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		(139	)		(1,362	)		71			(48	)		(1,478	)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	342		$	(5,708	)	$	(1,298	)	$	(57	)	$	(6,721	)
First three months of 2019:
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	370		$	(4,603	)	$	(816	)	$	34		$	(5,015	)
Other comprehensive income, net		93			157			50			(12	)		288
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	463		$	(4,446	)	$	(766	)	$	22		$	(4,727	)

Note 21. Supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	595	$	464
Interest:
Insurance and other		409		395
Railroad, utilities and energy		742		683

Note 22. Contingencies and Commitments

We are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking 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. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

21

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers

We recognize revenue when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when or as the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers.

The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 (in millions). Other revenues included in consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP.

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending March 31, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,119	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,163
Building products		3,695		—		—		—		—		—		3,695
Consumer products		3,328		—		—		—		—		—		3,328
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,859		—		—		—		—		7,859
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,806		—		—		—		—		3,806
Auto sales		—		—		1,909		—		—		—		1,909
Other retail and wholesale distribution		605		—		2,933		—		—		—		3,538
Service		387		132		961		5,366		793		—		7,639
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		3,515		—		3,515
Total		14,134		11,797		5,847		5,366		4,308		—		41,452
Other revenues		880		24		1,091		14		199		17,605		19,813
	$	15,014	$	11,821	$	6,938	$	5,380	$	4,507	$	17,605	$	61,265

Three months ending March 31, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,459	$	—	$	46	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,505
Building products		3,552		—		—		—		—		—		3,552
Consumer products		3,290		—		—		—		—		—		3,290
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		8,035		—		—		—		—		8,035
Food and beverage distribution		—		4,125		—		—		—		—		4,125
Auto sales		—		—		1,937		—		—		—		1,937
Other retail and wholesale distribution		544		—		2,921		—		—		—		3,465
Service		348		20		990		5,713		725		—		7,796
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		3,687		—		3,687
Total		14,193		12,180		5,894		5,713		4,412		—		42,392
Other revenues		865		19		1,110		12		260		16,020		18,286
	$	15,058	$	12,199	$	7,004	$	5,725	$	4,672	$	16,020	$	60,678

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of March 31, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	888	$	4,882	$	5,770
Other sales and service contracts		1,162		2,637		3,799

22

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 24. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Revenues of Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	9,109	$	8,622
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,369		2,151
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,270		3,546
Investment income		1,648		1,487
Total insurance		17,396		15,806
BNSF		5,417		5,762
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		4,507		4,672
Manufacturing		15,035		15,070
McLane Company		11,821		12,199
Service and retailing		6,956		7,025
		61,132		60,534
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Corporate, eliminations and other		133		144
	$	61,265	$	60,678

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	984		$	770
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(33	)		(30	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(489	)		(253	)
Investment income		1,647			1,485
Total insurance		2,109			1,972
BNSF		1,584			1,665
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		419			540
Manufacturing		2,111			2,194
McLane Company		65			111
Service and retailing		558			621
		6,846			7,103
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains (losses)		(70,275	)		20,322
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(136	)		(109	)
Equity method investments		300			168
Corporate, eliminations and other		216			163
	$	(63,049	)	$	27,647

23

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

Results of Operations

Net earnings/loss attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders are disaggregated in the table that follows. Amounts are after deducting income taxes and exclude earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Insurance – underwriting	$	363		$	389
Insurance – investment income		1,386			1,237
Railroad		1,190			1,253
Utilities and energy		561			605
Manufacturing, service and retailing		2,038			2,200
Investment and derivative gains (losses)		(55,617	)		16,106
Other		333			(129	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	(49,746	)	$	21,661

Through our subsidiaries, we engage in a number of diverse business activities. We manage our operating businesses on an unusually decentralized basis. There are essentially no centralized or integrated business functions 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. The business segment data (Note 24 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

Prior to the middle of March, many of our operating businesses were experiencing comparative revenue and earnings increases over 2019. As efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated in the second half of March and continued through April, most of our businesses were negatively affected, with the effects to date ranging from relatively minor to severe. Several of our businesses deemed essential have continued to operate, including our railroad, utilities and energy, insurance and certain of our manufacturing, distribution and service businesses. However, revenues of these businesses have slowed considerably in April. Other businesses, including several of our retailing businesses and certain manufacturing and service businesses are being severely impacted due to closures of facilities where crowds can gather, such as retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

In response to the effects of the pandemic, we have implemented various business continuity plans to protect our employees and customers. Such plans include a variety of actions, such as temporarily closing certain retail stores, manufacturing facilities and service centers of businesses that were not subject to government mandated closure. In addition, many of our businesses have implemented practices to protect employees while at work. Such practices have included work-from-home, staggered or reduced work schedules, increased cleaning and sanitation of work spaces, providing employee health screening, eliminating non-essential travel and face-to-face meetings and providing general health reminders intended to help lower the risk of spreading COVID-19.

We have also taken actions in response to the economic losses from reductions in consumer demand for products and services we offer and our inability to produce goods and provide services at certain of our businesses. These actions have included employee furloughs, wage and salary reductions, capital spending reductions and other actions intended to help mitigate the economic losses and preserve capital and liquidity. While we believe that these necessary actions are temporary, we cannot reliably predict when business activities at our numerous and diverse operations will normalize. We also cannot predict how these events will alter the future consumption patterns of consumers and businesses we serve.

Our insurance businesses generated after-tax earnings from underwriting of $363 million in the first quarter of 2020. Insurance underwriting results in 2020 included earnings from primary insurance and losses from reinsurance, which were net of gains from foreign currency remeasurement applicable to certain reinsurance liabilities. After-tax earnings from insurance investment income increased 12.0% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, attributable to higher dividend income.

After-tax earnings of our railroad business in the first quarter of 2020 decreased 5.0% compared to 2019. Earnings in 2020 reflected the effects of lower shipping volumes, offset by productivity improvements which lowered operating costs. Revenues and earnings in the first quarter of 2020 were negatively affected by COVID-19. After-tax earnings of our utilities and energy business decreased 7.3% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses decreased 7.4% in the first quarter of 2020 versus 2019. Earnings of these businesses were generally lower in 2020 attributable to the effects of COVID-19, although such effects varied among our businesses.

24

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

Investment and derivative gains/losses in the first quarters of 2020 and 2019 included significant unrealized losses in 2020 and significant unrealized gains in 2019 from market price changes on our holdings of equity securities. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses, whether realized from dispositions or unrealized from changes in market prices of equity securities, are generally meaningless in understanding our reported results or evaluating the economic performance of our businesses. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

Insurance—Underwriting

Our management views our insurance businesses as possessing two distinct activities – underwriting and investing. Underwriting decisions are the responsibility of the unit managers, while investing decisions are the responsibility of Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett and Berkshire’s corporate investment managers. Accordingly, we evaluate performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income or investment gains/losses. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized as non-operating, based on our long-held strategy of acquiring securities and holding those securities for long periods. We believe that such gains and losses are not meaningful in understanding the operating results of our insurance operations.

The timing and amount of catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to our reinsurance businesses. Generally, we consider pre-tax catastrophe losses in excess of $100 million from a current year event as significant.

Changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years, can also significantly affect our periodic underwriting results. Unpaid loss estimates, including estimates under retroactive reinsurance contracts, were approximately $116 billion as of March 31, 2020. Our periodic underwriting results may also include significant foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuation of non-U.S. Dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities of our U.S. based insurance subsidiaries due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Additionally, our underwriting results for the first quarter of 2020 were negatively affected by estimated losses and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including estimated provisions for claims and uncollectible premiums and incremental operating costs to maintain customer service levels. The potential effects of the pandemic may be further affected by judicial rulings and regulatory and legislative actions pertaining to insurance coverage and claims that we cannot reasonably estimate at this time. We also anticipate our underwriting results in 2020 will be affected from lower premiums for certain business attributable to premium credits granted to policyholders and when premiums are a function of the insured’s payroll.

Underwriting results of our insurance businesses are summarized below (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss):
GEICO	$	984		$	770
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(33	)		(30	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(489	)		(253	)
Pre-tax underwriting earnings		462			487
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		99			98
Net underwriting earnings	$	363		$	389
Effective income tax rate		21.5	%		22.5	%

GEICO

GEICO writes private passenger automobile insurance, offering coverages to insureds in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. GEICO markets its policies mainly by direct response methods where most customers apply for coverage directly to the company via the Internet or over the telephone. A summary of GEICO’s underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020				2019
	Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	9,681			$	9,263
Premiums earned	$	9,109		100.0	$	8,622		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		6,766		74.3		6,556		76.1
Underwriting expenses		1,359		14.9		1,296		15.0
Total losses and expenses		8,125		89.2		7,852		91.1
Pre-tax underwriting earnings	$	984			$	770

25

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

GEICO (Continued)

Premiums written and earned in the first quarter of 2020 increased 4.5% and 5.6%, respectively, compared to 2019.  The premium increases were primarily attributable to voluntary auto policies-in-force growth of 6.5% over the past twelve months, partially offset by a decrease in average premiums per auto policy due to coverage changes. The increase in voluntary auto policies-in-force primarily resulted from new business sales and a decrease in the number of policies not renewed. Voluntary auto policies-in-force increased approximately 380,000 during the first quarter of 2020.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2020 increased $210 million (3.2%) compared to 2019. GEICO’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to earnings in the first quarter of 2020 was 74.3%, a decrease of 1.8 percentage points from 2019, which reflected declines in claims frequencies and increases in claims severities.

Claims frequencies in the first quarter of 2020 were lower for property damage and collision coverages (twelve to fourteen percent range), personal injury coverage (nine to eleven percent range) and bodily injury coverage (six to eight percent range). The declines were attributable to lower policyholder driving as a result of shelter in place actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Average claims severities in the first quarter of 2020 were higher for property damage and collision coverages (seven to nine percent range) and bodily injury coverage (four to six percent range). GEICO’s losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter included reductions in the ultimate claim loss estimates for prior years’ loss events of $148 million in 2020 and $83 million in 2019.

Underwriting expenses in the first quarter of 2020 were $1.4 billion, an increase of $63 million (4.9%) over 2019. GEICO’s underwriting expense to premiums earned ratio in the first quarter of 2020 was 14.9% compared to 15.0% in 2019. The underwriting expense increase was primarily attributable to higher employee-related costs and increased allowances for uncollectible premiums.

In response to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on policyholders, in March, GEICO implemented a country-wide moratorium on the cancellation of coverage due to non-payment and policy expiration through May 31, 2020. The moratorium will continue on a state-by-state basis determined by individual state mandates. On April 8th, GEICO announced the “GEICO Giveback”
credit. The GEICO Giveback will provide a 15 percent premium credit to all voluntary auto and motorcycle policies renewing between April 8, 2020 and October 7, 2020, as well as to any new policies purchased during the same period. The credits are expected to average $150 per auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy for an estimated total premium credits of $2.5 billion. The premium credit is in recognition of COVID-19’s economic impact on policyholders as well as the lower loss frequencies due to various local and state shelter in place orders.

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) provides a variety of commercial insurance solutions, including healthcare malpractice, workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, property and various specialty coverages for small, medium and large clients. The largest of these insurers are Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (“BH Specialty”), Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”), MedPro Group, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies (“GUARD”), and National Indemnity Company (“NICO Primary”). Other BH Primary insurers include U.S. Liability Insurance Company, Central States Indemnity Company and MLMIC Insurance Company.  A summary of BH Primary underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020					2019
	Amount			%		Amount			%
Premiums written	$	2,455				$	2,341
Premiums earned	$	2,369			100.0	$	2,151			100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		1,811			76.4		1,570			73.0
Underwriting expenses		591			25.0		611			28.4
Total losses and expenses		2,402		101.4			2,181		101.4
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(33	)			$	(30	)

Premiums written and earned in the first quarter of 2020 increased 4.9% and 10.1%, respectively, compared to 2019. The increase in premiums written reflected increases from BH Specialty, GUARD and MedPro Group, which were partly offset by decreases from NICO Primary and BHHC. Premiums from workers’ compensation business declined in the first quarter of 2020, reflecting the effects of increased price competition in the market, lower insured payroll levels from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the divestiture of Applied Underwriters in October 2019.

26

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (Continued)

BH Primary generated pre-tax underwriting losses of $33 million in the first quarter of 2020 and $30 million in the first quarter of 2019. Underwriting results in the first quarter of 2020 included claim cost estimates and allowances for credit losses attributable to the pandemic, partly offset by lower other underwriting expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred also included reductions for prior years’ loss events of $24 million in 2020 and $17 million in 2019, which was net of an increase in estimated ultimate claim liabilities for legacy casualty exposures.

BH Primary insurers write significant levels of commercial and professional liability and workers’ compensation insurance and the related claim costs may be subject to higher severity and longer claim-tails. Accordingly, we could experience significant increases in claims liabilities in the future attributable to higher than expected claim settlements, adverse litigation outcomes or judicial rulings, regulatory actions and other factors not currently anticipated.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

We offer excess-of-loss and quota-share reinsurance coverages on property and casualty risks and life and health reinsurance to insurers and reinsurers worldwide through several subsidiaries, led by National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska (“BHLN”) and General Reinsurance Corporation, General Reinsurance AG and General Re Life Corporation (“General Re”). We also periodically assume property and casualty risks under retroactive reinsurance contracts written through NICO. In addition, we write periodic payment annuity contracts predominantly through BHLN.

Generally, we strive to generate underwriting profits. However, time-value-of-money concepts are important elements in establishing prices for retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity businesses due to the expected long durations of the liabilities. We expect to incur pre-tax underwriting losses from such businesses, primarily through deferred charge amortization and discount accretion charges. We receive premiums at the inception of these contracts, which are then available for investment. A summary of Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group’s premiums and pre-tax underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)
	2020		2019		2020			2019
Property/casualty	$	2,723	$	2,322	$	(162	)	$	(40	)
Life/health		1,354		1,027		(229	)		280
Retroactive reinsurance		34		3		(42	)		(323	)
Periodic payment annuity		159		194		(56	)		(170	)
	$	4,270	$	3,546	$	(489	)	$	(253	)

Property/casualty

A summary of property/casualty reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020					2019
	Amount			%		Amount			%
Premiums written	$	4,056				$	3,542
Premiums earned	$	2,723			100.0	$	2,322			100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		2,120			77.9		1,774			76.4
Underwriting expenses		765			28.0		588			25.3
Total losses and expenses		2,885			105.9		2,362			101.7
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(162	)			$	(40	)

Property/casualty premiums written increased $514 million (14.5%) in the first quarter of 2020, while premiums earned increased $401 million (17.3%) over 2019. The increase in premiums written was primarily attributable to new business which included $525 million from a property quota-share contract effective in 2020, partially offset by non-renewals and the unfavorable foreign currency effects of a stronger U.S. Dollar.

27

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Property/casualty (Continued)

Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2020 increased $346 million (19.5%) over 2019. Losses and loss adjustment expenses reflected estimated COVID-19 related claims of approximately $230 million in 2020 and relatively insignificant losses from changes in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2019 included no significant losses from catastrophe events and a net increase in estimated ultimate claim liabilities for prior years’ loss events of $212 million.  

Life/health

A summary of our life/health reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020					2019
	Amount			%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	1,355				$	1,027
Premiums earned	$	1,354			100.0	$	1,027		100.0
Life and health insurance benefits		1,098			81.1		598		58.2
Underwriting expenses		485			35.8		149		14.5
Total benefits and expenses		1,583			116.9		747		72.7
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(229	)			$	280

Life/health premiums earned were $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $327 million (31.8%) compared to 2019. The increase in life/health premiums earned reflected $168 million from a single reinsurance contract covering health insurance risks beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019 and volume growth in several international life markets and in U.S. individual life and health business, partially offset by the unfavorable effects of foreign currency translation attributable to a stronger U.S. Dollar.

The life/health business produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $229 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to pre-tax earnings of $280 million in 2019. We incurred pre-tax losses of $234 million in the first quarter of 2020 from the run-off of variable annuity guarantee reinsurance contracts compared to pre-tax earnings of $89 million in the first quarter of 2019.  Underwriting results from this business reflect changes in estimated liabilities for guaranteed benefits, which derive from changes in securities markets and interest rates and from the periodic amortization of expected profit margins. Life/health underwriting results in the first quarter of 2019 included a one-time pre-tax gain of $163 million attributable to the yearly-renewable-term life reinsurance contract amendment, which effectively eliminated our future exposures under the contract. Underwriting results in the first quarter of 2020 also reflected lower pre-tax earnings from international life business, partially offset by lower pre-tax losses from the run-off of U.S. long-term care business.    

Retroactive reinsurance

There were no significant retroactive reinsurance contracts written in the first quarters of 2020 and 2019. Pre-tax underwriting losses in 2020 and 2019 derived from deferred charge amortization and changes in the estimated timing and amount of future claim payments, as well as from foreign currency gains/losses arising from the periodic remeasurement of liabilities related to contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries that are denominated in foreign currencies.

Pre-tax underwriting results include foreign currency remeasurement gains of $205 million in the first quarter of 2020 and losses of $52 million in 2019. Retroactive reinsurance contracts produced pre-tax underwriting losses before foreign currency gains/losses of $247 million in the first quarter of 2020 and $271 million in 2019.

Gross unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts were $42.3 billion at March 31, 2020 and $42.4 billion at December 31, 2019. Unamortized deferred charge assets related to such reinsurance contracts were $13.5 billion at March 31, 2020 and $13.7 billion at December 31, 2019. Deferred charge assets will be charged to earnings over the expected remaining claims settlement periods through periodic amortization.

28

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (Continued)

Periodic payment annuity

Periodic payment annuity premiums written in the first quarter of 2020 were $159 million, a decrease of $35 million (18.0%) compared to 2019. Periodic payment business is price sensitive. The volumes written can change rapidly due to changes in prices, which are affected by prevailing interest rates, the perceived risks and durations associated with the expected annuity payments and the level of competition.

Periodic payment annuity contracts normally produce pre-tax underwriting losses deriving from the recurring discount accretion of annuity liabilities. Underwriting results also include the effects of mortality and interest rate changes and remeasurement gains and losses related to foreign currency denominated liabilities of certain contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries. During the first quarter, pre-tax underwriting results included remeasurement gains of $105 million in 2020 and losses of $28 million in 2019.

Excluding foreign currency remeasurement gains/losses, pre-tax underwriting losses from periodic payment annuity contracts were $161 million in the first quarter of 2020 and $142 million in the first quarter of 2019.  Discounted periodic payment annuity liabilities were $13.7 billion at March 31, 2020 and $13.5 billion at December 31, 2019. The weighted average discount rate of these liabilities was 4.0% at March 31, 2020.

Insurance—Investment Income

A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Interest and other investment income	$	404		$	513
Dividend income		1,243			972
Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		1,647			1,485
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		261			248
Net investment income	$	1,386		$	1,237
Effective income tax rate		15.8	%		16.6	%

Interest and other investment income decreased $109 million (21.2%) in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to lower income from short-term investments. Dividend income in the first quarter of 2020 increased $271 million (27.9%) compared to 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to the investment in $10 billion liquidation value of 8% cumulative preferred stock of Occidental on August 8, 2019 and higher dividend rates on certain common stock investments. We continue to hold substantial balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. Treasury Bills. Short-term interest yields in the U.S. were higher in the first half of 2019. However, those rates declined over the second half of 2019 and continued to decline through the first quarter of 2020. We expect such rates will remain low over the remainder of 2020 and that our earnings from such investments over the remainder of 2020 will be lower than in 2019. Nevertheless, we believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to short-term investments.

Invested assets of our insurance businesses derive from shareholder capital, including reinvested earnings, and from net liabilities under insurance and reinsurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts, life, annuity and health insurance benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities due to policyholders, less insurance premiums and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float was approximately $130 billion on March 31, 2020 and $129 billion on December 31, 2019. Our average cost of float was negative in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 as our underwriting operations generated pre-tax earnings in each period.

29

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

Insurance—Investment Income (Continued)

A summary of cash and investments held in our insurance businesses as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills	$	70,585	$	64,908
Equity securities		169,764		240,126
Fixed maturity securities		17,798		18,537
Other		2,476		2,481
	$	260,623	$	326,052

Fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2020 were as follows (in millions).

	Amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Carrying value
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,307	$	85	$	3,392
Foreign governments		8,125		28		8,153
Corporate bonds		5,458		252		5,710
Other		472		71		543
	$	17,362	$	436	$	17,798

U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies. Approximately 88% of all foreign government obligations were rated AA or higher. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities. Approximately 98% of corporate bond investments were considered investment-grade by the major rating agencies as of March 31, 2020.

Railroad (“Burlington Northern Santa Fe”)

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC (“BNSF”) operates one of the largest railroad systems in North America, with approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states. BNSF also operates in three Canadian provinces. BNSF classifies its major business groups by type of product shipped which includes consumer products, coal, industrial products and agricultural products. A summary of BNSF’s earnings follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Revenues	$	5,417		$	5,762
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,244			1,400
Fuel		614			711
Purchased services		666			713
Depreciation and amortization		615			591
Equipment rents, materials and other		432			414
Total operating expenses		3,571			3,829
Interest expense		262			268
		3,833			4,097
Pre-tax earnings		1,584			1,665
Income taxes		394			412
Net earnings	$	1,190		$	1,253
Effective income tax rate		24.9	%		24.7	%

30

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

Railroad (“Burlington Northern Santa Fe”) (Continued)

BNSF’s revenues were $5.4 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $345 million (6.0%) versus 2019. During the first quarter of 2020, BNSF’s revenues reflected a 5.2% decrease in volume and a 0.6% comparative decrease in average revenue per car/unit. Volume in the first quarter of 2020 was 2.34 million cars/units compared to 2.46 million in 2019. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2020 were approximately $1.6 billion, a decrease of 4.9% compared to 2019. The decrease is principally a result of the negative impact on volumes of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020, as well as the effects in the first quarter of 2019 of a revenue increase related to the favorable outcome of an arbitration hearing and a reduction to expense from a retirement plan curtailment gain arising from a plan amendment. BNSF’s service, velocity and cost performance improved significantly in 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019 when severe winter weather and flooding on parts of the network negatively affected revenues, expenses and service levels.

Revenues from consumer products were $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 11.8% compared to 2019, reflecting lower average revenue per car/unit and volume decreases of 7.2%. The volume decreases were driven by lower international intermodal volumes as the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to lower U.S. West Coast imports. Volumes further decelerated late in the quarter in the domestic intermodal and automotive segments as the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact to U.S. consumers intensified.

Revenues from industrial products were $1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 0.5% from 2019. The decrease was attributable to a volume decrease of 2.3%, partially offset by higher average revenue per car/unit. Volumes decreased primarily due to lower sand volumes driven by increased competition from locally-sourced (“in-basin”) sand and due to lower liquefied petroleum gas volume attributable to increased pipeline takeaway capacity. These decreases were partially offset by higher demand for petroleum products.

Revenues from agricultural products were $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 2.8% compared to 2019. The increase reflected higher volumes of 3.3%, primarily due to higher domestic grain and soybean meal shipments, partially offset by lower grain exports.

Revenues from coal were $766 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 11.9% compared to 2019. This decrease reflected lower average revenue per car/unit and lower volumes of 7.7%. Volumes decreased primarily due to the effects of low natural gas prices, mild winter weather and plant retirements.

Operating expenses were $3.6 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $258 million (6.7%) compared to 2019. The ratio of operating expenses to revenues decreased 0.6 percentage points to 65.9% in the first quarter of 2020 versus 2019. BNSF's expenses in 2020 reflected lower volume-related costs, productivity improvements and improved weather conditions compared to the first quarter of 2019, offset by a reduction to expense in the first quarter of 2019 from the pension plan curtailment gain.

Compensation and benefits expense decreased $156 million (11.1%) for the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to lower employee counts associated with lower volume and improved productivity. Purchased service expenses decreased $47 million (6.6%) in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to insurance recoveries in 2020 related to the flooding in 2019. Fuel expenses decreased $97 million (13.6%) in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to improved efficiency, lower volumes and lower average fuel prices. Equipment rents, materials and other expenses increased $18 million (4.3%) in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, due to the effects of the pension plan curtailment gain in the first quarter of 2019, offset by lower volume-related costs, personal injury expense, casualty-related costs, miscellaneous taxes and the effects of cost controls in 2020.

BNSF is an important part of the national and global supply chain, and as an essential business it has continued to operate throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic is expected to cause an economic slowdown that could be significant and, therefore, could adversely affect the demand for BNSF’s services. The pandemic continues to rapidly evolve, and the extent to which it may impact BNSF’s business, operating results, financial condition or liquidity will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. We believe BNSF has sufficient liquidity to continue business operations during this volatile period.

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)

We currently own 91.1% of the outstanding common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”), which operates a global energy business. BHE’s domestic regulated utility interests are comprised of PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”) and NV Energy. In Great Britain, BHE subsidiaries operate two regulated electricity distribution businesses referred to as Northern Powergrid. BHE also owns two domestic regulated interstate natural gas pipeline companies. Other energy businesses include a regulated electricity transmission-only business in Alberta, Canada (“AltaLink, L.P.”) and a diversified portfolio of mostly renewable independent power projects. BHE also operates the largest residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

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

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”) (Continued)

The rates our regulated businesses charge customers for energy and services are largely based on the costs of business operations, including income taxes and a return on capital, and are subject to regulatory approval. To the extent such costs are not allowed in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. A summary of BHE’s net earnings follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Revenues:
Energy operating revenue	$	3,634		$	3,825
Real estate operating revenue		893			785
Other income (loss)		(20	)		62
Total revenue		4,507			4,672
Costs and expense:
Energy cost of sales		1,038			1,214
Energy operating expense		1,711			1,651
Real estate operating costs and expense		873			806
Interest expense		466			461
Total costs and expense		4,088			4,132
Pre-tax earnings		419			540
Income tax expense (benefit)*		(201	)		(130	)
Net earnings after income taxes		620			670
Noncontrolling interests		3			3
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy		617			667
Noncontrolling interests		56			62
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	561		$	605
Effective income tax rate		(48.0	)%		(24.1	)%

* Includes significant production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation.

The discussion of BHE’s operating results that follows is based on after-tax earnings, reflecting how the energy businesses are managed and evaluated. A summary of net earnings attributable to BHE follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
PacifiCorp	$	176		$	180
MidAmerican Energy Company		150			190
NV Energy		20			29
Northern Powergrid		87			80
Natural gas pipelines		179			181
Other energy businesses		136			91
Real estate brokerage		10			(22	)
Corporate interest and other		(141	)		(62	)
	$	617		$	667

32

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

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”) (Continued)

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. After-tax earnings were $176 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $4 million (2.2%) compared to 2019. The decline reflected lower utility margin (operating revenue less cost of sales), lower other income and higher interest expense, partly offset by increased allowances for equity and borrowed funds used during construction and increased income tax benefits from production tax credits from repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities. Utility margin was $789 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $5 million compared to 2019, mainly attributable to lower operating revenue from lower average rates and volumes, which declined 1.7%, due in part to the impacts of weather. The lower operating revenue was largely offset by lower coal-fueled and natural gas-fueled generation costs.

MidAmerican Energy Company

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. After-tax earnings were $150 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $40 million (21.1%) as compared to 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower electric and natural gas utility margins and lower other income, partially offset by increased income tax benefits from higher production tax credits driven by repowering existing facilities and new wind projects placed in-service. Electric utility margin in the first quarter of 2020 declined 9% to $391 million, primarily due to lower average retail rates from business mix changes, decreased wholesale revenue from lower volumes and prices and unfavorable retail customer volumes of 0.7%, as lower residential volumes from the impacts of weather were largely offset by a 7.7% increase in industrial volumes. The electric utility margin decrease was partially offset by lower generation and purchased power costs. Natural gas utility margin declined 21% due to a 16.2% reduction in retail customer volumes, primarily due to milder weather conditions in 2020.

NV Energy

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. After-tax earnings were $20 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $9 million (31.0%) compared to 2019. The decrease reflected lower other income and higher depreciation and amortization expense, partly offset by lower interest expense. Electric utility margin in the first quarter of 2020 was $323 million, relatively unchanged versus 2019, as retail customer volumes, including distribution only customers, increased 0.2%, primarily attributable to an increase in the average number of customers.

Northern Powergrid

After-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2020 increased 8.8% as compared to 2019. The increase reflected higher distribution revenues of $8 million, attributable to higher tariff rates, partly offset by a 1.8% decline in distributed units.

Natural gas pipelines

After-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2020 decreased $2 million (1.1%) compared to 2019. The decrease was primarily due to increased operating expenses and higher net interest expense, partially offset by higher transportation revenues from expansion projects.

Other energy businesses

After-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2020 were $136 million, an increase of $45 million (49.5%) compared to 2019. The increase was primarily due to income tax benefits from renewable wind tax equity investments, largely from projects reaching commercial operation.

Real estate brokerage

After-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2020 increased $32 million compared to 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher after-tax earnings from mortgage, brokerage and settlement services in large part attributable to a more favorable interest rate environment, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

Corporate interest and other

After-tax earnings decreased $79 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to state income tax benefits recognized in 2019 and lower other income in 2020.

33

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing

A summary of revenues and earnings of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Earnings *
	2020		2019		2020			2019
Manufacturing	$	15,035	$	15,070	$	2,111		$	2,194
Service and retailing		18,777		19,224		623			732
	$	33,812	$	34,294
Pre-tax earnings						2,734			2,926
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						696			726
					$	2,038		$	2,200
Effective income tax rate						25.1	%		24.5	%

* Excludes certain acquisition accounting expenses, which were primarily from the amortization of identified intangible assets recorded in connection with our business acquisitions. The after-tax acquisition accounting expenses excluded from earnings in the preceding table were $202 million in 2020 and $192 million in 2019. These expenses are included in “Other” in the summary of earnings on page 24 and in the “Other” earnings section on page 38.

Manufacturing

Our manufacturing group includes a variety of industrial, building and consumer products businesses. The industrial products group includes specialty chemicals (The Lubrizol Corporation (“Lubrizol”)), complex metal products for aerospace, power and general industrial markets (Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”)), metal cutting tools/systems (IMC International Metalworking Companies (“IMC”)), equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries (CTB International (“CTB”)), and a variety of industrial products for diverse markets (Marmon, Scott Fetzer and LiquidPower Specialty Products (“LSPI”)). Marmon includes UTLX Company (“UTLX”), which provides various products and services (including equipment leasing) for the rail and mobile crane industries.

The building products group includes homebuilding and manufactured housing finance (Clayton Homes), flooring (Shaw), insulation, roofing and engineered products (Johns Manville), bricks and masonry products (Acme Building Brands), paint and coatings (Benjamin Moore) and residential and commercial construction and engineering products and systems (MiTek). The consumer products group includes leisure vehicles (Forest River), several apparel and footwear operations (including Fruit of the Loom, Garan, Fechheimer, H.H. Brown Shoe Group and Brooks Sports) and high-performance alkaline batteries (Duracell). This group also includes custom picture framing products (Larson Juhl) and jewelry products (Richline). A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of our manufacturing operations follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Pre-tax earnings
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Industrial products	$	7,358	$	7,677	$	1,306	$	1,431
Building products		4,857		4,562		567		482
Consumer products		2,820		2,831		238		281
	$	15,035	$	15,070	$	2,111	$	2,194

Industrial products

Revenues of the industrial products group were $7.4 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 4.2% from 2019. Pre-tax earnings of the group were $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decline of 8.7% compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the group were 17.7% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 18.6% in 2019.

PCC’s revenues were $2.4 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $173 million (6.6%) compared to 2019. In the first quarter of 2020, PCC experienced lower sales across all of its major markets. The decline in aerospace sales was primarily attributable to volume reductions in new programs, such as LEAP, associated with Boeing’s decision to temporarily suspend production of the 737 MAX aircraft, lower market share within the aerostructures business and reduced shipments to customers affected by COVID-19 across the world.

34

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Industrial products (Continued)

PCC’s pre-tax earnings decreased 7.3% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019. The earnings decrease reflected the decline in sales of aerospace products and higher than normal production costs associated with meeting required customer deliveries on new and legacy programs. The increased production costs were due to manufacturing inefficiencies primarily attributable to COVID-19.

Lubrizol’s revenues were $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $72 million (4.3%) compared to 2019. The decline reflected lower volumes. A fire at Lubrizol’s Rouen, France manufacturing, blending and storage facility at the end of the third quarter of 2019 resulted in the suspension of operations. Although these operations were partially restarted in December 2019, volumes continued to be negatively affected in 2020. Lubrizol’s consolidated volume in the first quarter of 2020 declined 4% from 2019, primarily due to a volume decline of 5% in the Additives product lines.

Lubrizol’s pre-tax earnings decreased 9.3% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019. Earnings in the first quarter of 2020 continue to be negatively impacted by costs and lost business associated with the Rouen fire and lower selling prices. These negative impacts were partially offset by lower average raw material costs and favorable product mix.

Marmon’s revenues were $2.0 billion in the first quarter of 2020, substantially unchanged from 2019. Revenues decreased due to lower volumes in the Transportation Products, Retail Solutions, Metal Services, and Foodservice Technology sectors, lower metal prices in the Electrical and Metal Services sectors, the effect of 2019 divestitures and unfavorable foreign currency translation. These decreases were offset by the effect of the 2019 acquisition of Colson Medical Companies, other acquisitions in the Rail & Leasing, Transportation Products and Crane sectors, higher volumes in the Electrical and Plumbing & Refrigeration sectors, and increased revenues in the Rail & Leasing sector on higher railcar equipment sales and railcar fleet utilization.

Marmon’s pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2020 increased $2 million (0.7%) compared to 2019. The increase reflected the effects of business acquisitions and higher earnings in the Rail & Leasing sector and increased other income, offset by lower earnings in the Transportation Products and Crane Services sectors, and increases in restructuring charges and interest expense.

IMC’s revenues were $842 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 5.1% compared to 2019. The revenue decline was attributable to the negative effects of COVID-19 in Asia during the first quarter and in other regions of the world in the latter part of March, and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects, partly offset by the effects of business acquisitions over the past year. IMC’s pre-tax earnings declined 22.3% in the first quarter of 2020 versus 2019, as a result of the impact of the sales decline and changes in sales mix.

Building products

Revenues of the building products group were approximately $4.9 billion in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $295 million (6.5%) compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings of the group were $567 million in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 17.6% over 2019. Pre-tax earnings as percentages of revenues were 11.7% and 10.6% in the first quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Clayton Homes’ revenues were approximately $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $208 million (13.4%) over 2019. The comparative increase was primarily due to an increase in home sales of $173 million (15.3%), reflecting a net increase in units sold and changes in sales mix. Unit sales of site-built homes increased 24% in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to business acquisitions. Manufactured home unit sales increased 12%, primarily attributable to increased wholesale sales. Interest income from lending activities in the first quarter of 2020 increased 6.3% compared to 2019. Loan balances, net of allowances for credit losses, were approximately $15.5 billion as of March 31, 2020 compared to $15.9 billion as of December 31, 2019.

Pre-tax earnings of Clayton Homes were $201 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $14 million (6.7%) compared to 2019. The earnings decline reflected increased provisions for expected credit losses, partly offset by comparatively higher earnings from home building activities and increased interest income, net of interest expense. The increase in credit loss provisions was primarily related to COVID-19.

Aggregate revenues of our other building products businesses were approximately $3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 2.9% versus 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher paint and coatings volumes (including volumes with Ace Hardware Stores), increased roofing and insulation system volumes and product mix changes.

Pre-tax earnings of the other building products businesses were $366 million in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 37.8% over 2019. Earnings in the first quarter of 2020 benefitted from a combination of lower facilities closure costs, higher average gross margins for flooring products, the effects of the aforementioned increases in sales volumes and operating cost control initiatives.

35

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Consumer products

Consumer products revenues were $2.8 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 0.4% versus 2019. Footwear and apparel sales declined 6.1% in the first quarter of 2020 and were substantially offset by revenue increases by Forest River (3.8%) and Duracell (5.7%). Our apparel and footwear businesses experienced lower sales volumes, reflecting the effects of COVID-19 that prompted temporary retail store closures and reduced or cancelled orders and from the ongoing shift by certain major retailers towards private label products.

Consumer products pre-tax earnings were $238 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 15.3% compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the first quarter were 8.4% in 2020 and 9.9% in 2019. The decrease in pre-tax earnings reflected a 34% decline in earnings from footwear and apparel, which included inventory obsolescence allowances related to COVID-19.

Service and retailing

A summary of revenues and pre-tax earnings of our service and retailing businesses follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Pre-tax earnings
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Service	$	3,358	$	3,418	$	425	$	472
Retailing		3,598		3,607		133		149
McLane Company		11,821		12,199		65		111
	$	18,777	$	19,224	$	623	$	732

Service

Our service business group offers fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft (NetJets) and high technology training to operators of aircraft (FlightSafety). We also distribute electronic components (TTI), franchise and service a network of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen) and offer third party logistics services that primarily serve the petroleum and chemical industries (Charter Brokerage). Other service businesses include transportation equipment leasing (XTRA) and furniture leasing (CORT), electronic news distribution, multimedia and regulatory filings (Business Wire), operation of a television station in Miami, Florida (WPLG) and until the time of their sale on March 16, 2020, the publishing of newspapers.

Service group revenues were approximately $3.4 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 1.8% compared to 2019.  In the first quarter of 2020, revenues of TTI were relatively unchanged from 2019, while FlightSafety’s revenues increased slightly and NetJets revenues decreased slightly from 2019. The decrease in NetJets revenues in the first quarter of 2020 reflected lower flight hours, partly offset by an increase in the number of aircraft on lease.

Pre-tax earnings of the service group were $425 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $47 million (10.0%) compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings of the group as a percentage of revenues were 12.7% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 13.8% in 2019. The comparative decline in earnings reflected lower earnings from TTI, FlightSafety, XTRA and CORT. TTI’s earnings decline was attributable to lower gross margin rates. Earnings from NetJets increased in the first quarter of 2020, primarily attributable to improved fleet and operating efficiencies, which improved operating margins over the first two months of 2020. However, the spread of COVID-19 had a significant impact on NetJets’ and FlightSafety’s operations during March and April.

Retailing

Our largest retailing business is Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”), which consists of over 80 auto dealerships that sell new and pre-owned automobiles and offer repair services and related products. BHA also operates two insurance businesses, two auto auctions and an automotive fluid maintenance products distributor. Other retailing businesses include four home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics. Other retailing businesses also include three jewelry businesses (Borsheims, Helzberg and Ben Bridge), See’s Candies (confectionary products), Pampered Chef (high quality kitchen tools), Oriental Trading Company (party supplies, school supplies and toys and novelties) and Detlev Louis Motorrad (“Louis”), a Germany-based retailer of motorcycle accessories.

36

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Retailing (Continued)

Retailing group revenues were $3.6 billion in the first quarter of 2020, relatively unchanged compared to 2019. BHA’s revenues in the first quarter of 2020, which represented approximately 65% of our combined retailing revenues, decreased 0.9% from 2019. BHA’s revenue decrease reflected a 1.5% decrease in new and pre-owned vehicle sales, partly offset by increased vehicle finance and service contract revenue and vehicle service revenue as compared to 2019. Home furnishings group revenues, which represented about 21% of the aggregate retailing group revenues, increased 2.3% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019.

Pre-tax earnings of the retail group were $133 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 10.7% from 2019. BHA’s pre-tax earnings increased 3.6%, primarily due to increased earnings from finance and service contract activities and lower floorplan interest expense, partly offset by lower vehicle sales margins. Aggregate pre-tax earnings for the remainder of our retailing group declined $19 million compared to the first quarter of 2019. The spread of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. resulted in the temporary closures of many of our retail store operations and significantly lower volumes for those operations that remained open.

McLane Company

McLane operates a wholesale distribution business that provides grocery and non-food consumer products to retailers and convenience stores (“grocery”) and to restaurants (“foodservice”). McLane also operates businesses that are wholesale distributors of distilled spirits, wine and beer (“beverage”). The grocery and foodservice businesses generate high sales and very low profit margins. These businesses have several significant customers, including Walmart, 7-Eleven, Yum! Brands and others. Grocery sales comprised approximately 67% of McLane’s consolidated sales in the first quarter of 2020 with food service comprising most of the remainder. A curtailment of purchasing by any of its significant customers could have an adverse impact on periodic revenues and earnings.

Revenues were $11.8 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 3.1% compared to 2019. Revenues in the first quarter of 2020 decreased 2% in the grocery business and 6% in the foodservice business as compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings decreased $46 million (41.4%) as compared to 2019. The earnings decrease in the first quarter of 2020 included charges of $17 million for expected credit losses and inventory losses in the foodservice operations related to COVID-19 and lower sales and gross margin rates in the grocery operations. McLane continues to operate in an intensely competitive business environment, which is negatively affecting its current operating results.

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

A summary of investment and derivative gains/losses follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Investment gains (losses)	$	(68,882	)	$	19,552
Derivative gains (losses)		(1,393	)		770
Gains (losses) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		(70,275	)		20,322
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		(14,658	)		4,216
Net gains (losses)	$	(55,617	)	$	16,106
Effective income tax rate		20.8	%		20.7	%

Investment gains/losses

As a result of a change to GAAP effective in 2018, we are required to include the unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in market prices of investments in equity securities in our reported earnings. While this accounting standard does not change the effect on our consolidated shareholders’ equity or total comprehensive income, it has significantly increased the volatility of our periodic net earnings due to the magnitude of our equity securities portfolio and the inherent volatility of equity securities prices.

Pre-tax investment losses in the first quarter of 2020 included net unrealized losses on equity securities we owned on March 31, 2020 of approximately $68.5 billion. Pre-tax gains in the first quarter of 2019 included $19.4 billion in net unrealized gains on equity securities we owned on March 31, 2019. The unrealized losses in the first quarter of 2020 reflected the widespread declines in equity securities prices in the U.S. and internationally. Taxable investment gains on equity securities sold in the first quarter, which is the difference between sales proceeds and the original cost basis of the securities sold, were $1.2 billion in 2020 and $518 million in 2019.

37

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

Investment gains/losses (Continued)

Investment gains/losses from periodic changes in securities prices will continue to cause significant volatility in our consolidated earnings. We believe that investment gains/losses, whether realized from sales or unrealized from changes in market prices, are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported consolidated earnings or evaluating our periodic economic performance. We continue to believe that the amount of investment gains/losses included in earnings in any given period has little analytical or predictive value.

Derivative gains/losses

Derivative contract gains/losses include the changes in fair value of our equity index put option contract liabilities, which relate to contracts that were originated prior to March 2008. Substantially all remaining contracts will expire by February 2023. The periodic changes in the fair values of these liabilities are recorded in earnings and can be significant due to the volatility of market prices in the underlying equity markets.

As of March 31, 2020, the intrinsic value of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $2.0 billion and our recorded liability at fair value was $2.4 billion. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under our contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts. Pre-tax losses from equity index put option contracts were $1,393 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to pre-tax gains of $770 million in the first quarter of 2019. The losses in 2020 were attributable to the sharp declines in equity index values.

Other

A summary of after-tax other earnings/losses follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Equity method earnings	$	256		$	166
Acquisition accounting expenses		(202	)		(192	)
Corporate interest expense, before foreign currency effects		(96	)		(74	)
Foreign currency exchange rate gains (losses) on Berkshire    and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar senior notes		175			134
Income tax expense adjustment		—			(377	)
Other, principally corporate investment income		200			214
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	333		$	(129	)

After-tax equity method earnings include Berkshire’s share of earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz, Pilot, Berkadia and Electric Transmission of Texas. As discussed in Note 5 to the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, financial results of Kraft Heinz for the first quarter of 2019 were not made available to us until the third quarter of 2019. Accordingly, our consolidated statement of earnings for the first quarter of 2019 does not include our share of Kraft Heinz’s earnings for that period. After-tax earnings related to our Kraft Heinz investment were $99 million for the first quarter of 2020.

After-tax acquisition accounting expenses include charges arising from the application of the acquisition method in connection with certain of Berkshire’s past business acquisitions. Such charges arise primarily from the amortization or impairment of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions.

Foreign currency exchange rate gains and losses pertain to non-U.S. Dollar denominated debt issued by Berkshire and BHFC. As of March 31, 2020, outstanding borrowings included senior notes of €6.85 billion par, ¥430 billion par and £1.75 billion par. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates produce non-cash unrealized gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of these liabilities into U.S. Dollars. The gains and losses recorded in any given period can be significant due the magnitude of the borrowings and the inherent volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.

The income tax expense adjustment in the first quarter of 2019 relates to investments that we made between 2015 and 2018 in certain tax equity investment funds, which aggregated approximately $340 million. In December 2018 and during the first quarter of 2019, we learned of allegations by federal authorities of fraudulent income conduct by the sponsor of these funds and in January 2020, the principals involved in creating the investment funds plead guilty to criminal charges related to the sale of the investments. In the first quarter of 2019, we concluded it was more likely than not that the income tax benefits that we recognized prior to 2019 were not valid.

38

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

Financial Condition

Our consolidated balance sheet continues to reflect very significant liquidity and a very strong capital base. Consolidated shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2020 was $371.6 billion, a decrease of $53.2 billion since December 31, 2019. Net loss attributable to Berkshire shareholders in the first three months of 2020 was $49.7 billion, which included after-tax losses on our investments of approximately $54.5 billion that were primarily due to decreases in market prices of the equity securities we owned at March 31, 2020.

Our operating business groups are preparing for reduced cash flows from reduced revenues and economic activity as a result of COVID-19. We are taking measures to reduce costs as appropriate through the measures previously described in this Report. While we cannot reliably predict when all of our businesses will become fully operational, we currently believe our liquidity and capital strength, which is extremely strong, to be adequate.

At March 31, 2020, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills (net of amounts payable for acquired but not yet settled purchases) of $124.7 billion, which included $105.5 billion in U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities (excluding our investment in Kraft Heinz) were $198.7 billion. Additionally, during the month of April we received approximately $6.1 billion from the sales of equity securities, net of the costs of equity securities purchased. The proceeds from these activities have been primarily reinvested in U.S. Treasury Bills.

Berkshire parent company debt outstanding at March 31, 2020 was $19.8 billion, relatively unchanged since December 31, 2019. In March 2020, Berkshire repaid maturing senior notes of €1.0 billion and issued €1.0 billion of 0.0% senior notes due in 2025. In April 2020, Berkshire issued ¥195.5 billion of senior notes (approximately $1.8 billion), which has a weighted average interest rate of 1.07% and maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060. Over the remainder of 2020, there are no other Berkshire senior note maturities. In the first quarter of 2021, senior notes of $1.6 billion will mature.

Berkshire’s insurance and other subsidiary outstanding borrowings were $17.7 billion at March 31, 2020, which included senior note borrowings of BHFC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, of approximately $11.0 billion. BHFC’s borrowings are used to fund a portion of loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and equipment held for lease by our UTLX railcar leasing business. In January 2020, BHFC repaid $350 million of maturing senior notes and in March 2020, BHFC issued $500 million of 1.85% senior notes due in 2030. Berkshire guarantees the full and timely payment of principal and interest with respect to BHFC’s senior notes. Over the next 12 months, approximately $1.3 billion of BHFC senior notes will mature.

Our railroad, utilities and energy businesses (conducted by BNSF and BHE) maintain very large investments in capital assets (property, plant and equipment) and will regularly make significant capital expenditures in the normal course of business. Capital expenditures of these two operations in the first three months of 2020 were $2.0 billion and we currently forecast additional capital expenditures of approximately $8.8 billion over the remainder of 2020.

BNSF’s outstanding debt was $23.2 billion as of March 31, 2020, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2019. In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries were $43.6 billion at March 31, 2020, an increase of approximately $1.0 billion since December 31, 2019.  In the first three months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt aggregating $4.0 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2050, repaid approximately $1.7 billion of term debt and reduced short-term borrowings by approximately $1.1 billion. In April 2020, a BHE subsidiary issued $1.0 billion of term debt consisting of $400 million of 2.7% bonds due in 2030 and $600 million of 3.3% bonds due in 2051. Over the remainder of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries will repay approximately $800 million of maturing term debt. Berkshire does not guarantee the repayment of debt issued by BNSF, BHE or any of their subsidiaries and is not committed to provide capital to support BNSF, BHE or any of their subsidiaries.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program was amended on July 17, 2018, permitting Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, as conservatively determined by Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board. The program allows share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. The program is expected to continue indefinitely. We will not repurchase our stock if it reduces the total amount of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bill holdings below $20 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. In the first three months of 2020, Berkshire paid $1.7 billion to repurchase shares of Class A and B common stock.

39

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

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 are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, such as notes payable, which require future payments on contractually specified dates and in fixed and determinable amounts. Other obligations pertaining to the acquisition of goods or services in the future are not currently reflected in the financial statements, which will be recognized in future periods as the goods are delivered or services are provided. The timing and amount of the payments under certain contracts, such as insurance and reinsurance contracts, are contingent upon the outcome of future events. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from the estimated liabilities currently recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In the first three months of 2020, Berkshire and its subsidiaries issued new term debt. Principal and interest payments associated with these new term borrowings are expected as follows: in 2020 – $103 million; in 2021 and 2022 – $317 million; in 2023 and 2024 – $317 million; and thereafter – $7.2 billion. In April 2020, Berkshire and certain other subsidiaries issued new term debt aggregating $3.4 billion with maturities ranging from 2023 to 2060.

Except as otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report, our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2020 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, 2019.

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. 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, 2019.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2020 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $116 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing these liabilities, 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 periodic earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses in the period of the change.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2020 included goodwill of acquired businesses of $82 billion and other indefinite-lived intangible assets of $19 billion. We evaluate these assets for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2019. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment reviews include determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units and assets. The key assumptions and inputs used in such determinations may include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment tests. Due to the inherent uncertainty in forecasting cash flows and earnings, actual results may vary significantly from the forecasts.

In response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we considered whether goodwill needed to be reevaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2020, including goodwill for certain reporting units where the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value by less than 20% as of the most recent annual impairment test. Making estimates of the fair value of reporting units at this time are significantly affected by assumptions on the severity, duration or long-term effects of the pandemic on the reporting unit’s business, which we cannot reliably predict at this time. Consequently, any fair value estimates in such instances can be subject to wide variations.

We considered the available facts and made qualitative assessments and judgements for what we believed represent reasonably possible outcomes. While the fair values of certain of these reporting units declined since the time that the tests were conducted in the fourth quarter of 2019, we concluded it is more likely than not that goodwill was not impaired as of March 31, 2020. However, COVID-19 pandemic events will continue to evolve and the negative effects on our companies could prove to be worse than we currently estimate and lead us to record goodwill or indefinite-lived asset impairment charges prior to the next annual impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2020.

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

40

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

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 guarantees 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 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, act of terrorism or cyber attack that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business operations, the frequency and severity of epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks, including COVID-19, that negatively affect our operating results and restrict our access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates, 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.

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, 2020, 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, 2019.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’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 Company’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 Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. During the quarter, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect internal control over financial reporting.

Part II Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking 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 consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

41

Part II Other Information

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 to which reference is made herein. These risk factors are supplemented for the items described below. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or operations. Any adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results could result in a decline in the value of our securities and the loss of all or part of your investment.

Epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks, including COVID-19, could hurt our operating businesses.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected, and in the future it or other epidemics, pandemics or outbreaks may adversely affect, our operations, including our equity securities portfolio. This is or may be due to closures or restrictions requested or mandated by governmental authorities, disruption to supply chains and workforce, reduction of demand for our products and services, credit losses when customers and other counterparties fail to satisfy their obligations to us, and volatility in global equity securities markets, among other factors. We share most of these risks with all businesses.

Unfavorable general economic conditions may significantly reduce our operating earnings and impair our ability to access capital markets at a reasonable cost.

Our operating businesses are subject to economic conditions affecting the general economy or the specific industries in which they operate. To the extent that economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide are depressed by the effects of COVID-19 or otherwise, one or more of our significant operations could be materially harmed. In addition, our utilities and energy businesses and our railroad business regularly utilize debt as a component of their capital structures, and depend on having access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates. To the extent that access to the capital markets is restricted or the cost of funding increases, these operations could be adversely affected.

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

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charles Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. Repurchases may be in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Information with respect to Berkshire’s Class A and Class B common stock repurchased during the first quarter of 2020 follows.

Period	Total number of shares purchased		Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced program		Maximum number or value of shares that yet may be repurchased under the program
January 3 through January 15:
Class A common stock		177	$	339,082.41		177	*
Class B common stock		582,074	$	226.11		582,074	*
February 24 through February 28:
Class A common stock		164	$	325,411.91		164	*
Class B common stock		4,486,775	$	214.00		4,486,775	*
March 2 through March 10:
Class A common stock		1,001	$	301,085.61		1,001	*
Class B common stock		319,814	$	214.18		319,814	*

* The program does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased or obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the repurchase program. Berkshire will not repurchase its common stock if the repurchases reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings to less than $20 billion.

42

Part II Other Information

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
3(i)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2015.
3(ii)	By-Laws Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2016.
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, 2020, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Cover Page (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (vi) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vii) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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 2, 2020	/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG
	(Signature)
	Marc D. Hamburg,
	Senior Vice President and
	Principal Financial Officer

43

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Quarter ended March 31, 2020

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 2, 2020

/s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Chairman—Principal Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Quarter ended March 31, 2020

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 2, 2020

/s/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Senior Vice President—Principal Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended March 31, 2020

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, 2020 (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 2, 2020

/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, 2020

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, 2020 (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 2, 2020

/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 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 months ended March 31, 2020 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. Mines that are closed or idled are not included in the information below if no reportable events occurred at those locations during the three months ended March 31, 2020. 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 months ended March 31, 2020.

	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)		Total Number of Mining Related Fatalities		Pending as of Last Day of Period(6)		Instituted During Period		Resolved During Period
Coal:
Bridger (surface)		—		—		—		—		—	$	1		—		—		—		—
Bridger (underground)		—		—		—		—		—		5		—		—		—		1
Wyodak Coal Crushing     Facility		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Clay, shale and limestone:
Malvern		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Wheeler		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Oklahoma City		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Tulsa		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Bennett		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denton		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Elgin		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Sealy		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Texas Clay		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Leeds		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Montgomery		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
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⁾ For the existence of any proposed penalties under Subpart C 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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Common stock

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Common stock

Note 18. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first quarter of 2020 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

	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 December 31, 2019		719,307			(17,337	)		701,970			1,408,183,852		(23,702,319	)		1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B    common stock		(4,290	)		—			(4,290	)		6,435,000		—			6,435,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(1,342	)		(1,342	)		—		(5,388,663	)		(5,388,663	)
Balance at March 31, 2020		715,017			(18,679	)		696,338			1,414,618,852		(29,090,982	)		1,385,527,870

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 1,620,023 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and 1,624,958 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

Since we have two classes of common stock, we provide earnings per share data on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for average equivalent Class A shares outstanding and average equivalent Class B shares outstanding. Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of a Class A share. Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding represents average Class A shares outstanding plus one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the average Class B shares outstanding. Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding represents average Class B shares outstanding plus 1,500 times average Class A shares outstanding.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. The program continues to allow share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program.

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Insurance [Abstract]

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Note 14. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 15), for each of the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balances – beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	73,019		$	68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,855	)		(3,060	)
Net liabilities		70,164			65,398
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		10,896			9,787
Prior accident years’ events		(200	)		112
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		10,696			9,899
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(3,175	)		(3,123	)
Prior accident years’ events		(6,841	)		(5,884	)
Total payments		(10,016	)		(9,007	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(372	)		81
Balances – March 31:
Net liabilities		70,472			66,371
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,890			3,164
Gross liabilities	$	73,362		$	69,535

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the preceding table were recorded in earnings in each period and related to insured events occurring in the current year (“current accident year”) and events occurring in all prior years (“prior accident years”). We recorded a net reduction of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $200 million in 2020 compared to a net increase of $112 million in 2019 which produced a corresponding reduction and increase, respectively, in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. These reductions/increases, as percentages of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year, were 0.3% in 2020 and 0.2% in 2019.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Continued)

Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events related to primary insurance were reduced by $172 million in 2020 and $100 million in 2019. The decrease in 2020 was primarily attributable to lower than anticipated private passenger automobile and medical professional liability claims. The decrease in 2019 primarily derived from private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims partially offset by higher other liability losses. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events related to property and casualty reinsurance were reduced by $28 million in 2020 and increased by $212 million in 2019. 

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Contingencies and Commitments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and Commitments

Note 22. Contingencies and Commitments

We are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking 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. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

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Common stock (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in issued, treasury and outstanding Berkshire common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first quarter of 2020 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

	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 December 31, 2019		719,307			(17,337	)		701,970			1,408,183,852		(23,702,319	)		1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B    common stock		(4,290	)		—			(4,290	)		6,435,000		—			6,435,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(1,342	)		(1,342	)		—		(5,388,663	)		(5,388,663	)
Balance at March 31, 2020		715,017			(18,679	)		696,338			1,414,618,852		(29,090,982	)		1,385,527,870

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Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Schedule of depreciation expense

Depreciation expense for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 is summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Insurance and other	$	570	$	542
Railroad, utilities and energy		1,398		1,256
	$	1,968	$	1,798

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,277		$	13,259
Machinery and equipment		24,231			24,285
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,650			4,666
		42,158			42,210
Accumulated depreciation		(20,900	)		(20,772	)
	$	21,258		$	21,438

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of railroad and utilities and energy businesses follows (in millions). The utility generation, transmission and distribution systems and interstate natural gas pipeline assets are owned by regulated public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries.

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	62,643		$	62,404
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,382			13,482
Construction in progress		773			748
		76,798			76,634
Accumulated depreciation		(12,198	)		(12,101	)
		64,600			64,533
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		80,530			81,127
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		8,181			8,165
Independent power plants and other assets		8,792			8,817
Construction in progress		3,819			3,732
		101,322			101,841
Accumulated depreciation		(28,658	)		(28,536	)
		72,664			73,305
	$	137,264		$	137,838

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Insurance [Abstract]

Schedule of liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense

A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 15), for each of the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balances – beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	73,019		$	68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,855	)		(3,060	)
Net liabilities		70,164			65,398
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		10,896			9,787
Prior accident years’ events		(200	)		112
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		10,696			9,899
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(3,175	)		(3,123	)
Prior accident years’ events		(6,841	)		(5,884	)
Total payments		(10,016	)		(9,007	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(372	)		81
Balances – March 31:
Net liabilities		70,472			66,371
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,890			3,164
Gross liabilities	$	73,362		$	69,535

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Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 595	$ 464
Insurance and Other [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	409	395
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 742	$ 683

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Business segment data - Revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 61,265	$ 60,678
BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,380	5,725
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	4,507	4,672
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	15,014	15,058
McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	11,821	12,199
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,938	7,004
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	61,132	60,534
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,648	1,487
Total revenues	17,396	15,806
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	9,109	8,622
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,270	3,546
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,369	2,151
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,417	5,762
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	4,507	4,672
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	15,035	15,070
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	11,821	12,199
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,956	7,025
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 133	$ 144

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Loans and finance receivables - Schedule of manufactured housing loan balances before discounts and allowances designated as performing or non-performing by year of loan origination (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 18,867	$ 18,199
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	1,409
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,722
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	2,089
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	1,556
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2016	1,391
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	7,524
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	16,691
Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	1,401
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,719
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	2,081
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	1,547
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2016	1,375
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	7,445
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	16,568
Non-Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	8
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	3
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	8
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	9
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2016	16
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	79
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 123

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Investment gains/losses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Sales and redemptions of equity securities	$ 2,166	$ 2,063
Taxable gains on sales of equity securities	$ 1,211	$ 518

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Common stock (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 shares
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	719,307
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(17,337)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	701,970
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	(4,290)
Treasury stock acquired	(1,342)
Shares issued, ending balance	715,017
Treasury shares, ending balance	(18,679)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	696,338
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	1,408,183,852
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(23,702,319)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	6,435,000
Treasury stock acquired	(5,388,663)
Shares issued, ending balance	1,414,618,852
Treasury shares, ending balance	(29,090,982)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	1,385,527,870

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2020
Foreign governments [Member] | AA or Higher Credit Rating [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by credit rating	88.00%

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Revenues from contracts with customers (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]

Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by reportable segment and source of revenue

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers

We recognize revenue when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when or as the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers.

The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 (in millions). Other revenues included in consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP.

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending March 31, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,119	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,163
Building products		3,695		—		—		—		—		—		3,695
Consumer products		3,328		—		—		—		—		—		3,328
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,859		—		—		—		—		7,859
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,806		—		—		—		—		3,806
Auto sales		—		—		1,909		—		—		—		1,909
Other retail and wholesale distribution		605		—		2,933		—		—		—		3,538
Service		387		132		961		5,366		793		—		7,639
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		3,515		—		3,515
Total		14,134		11,797		5,847		5,366		4,308		—		41,452
Other revenues		880		24		1,091		14		199		17,605		19,813
	$	15,014	$	11,821	$	6,938	$	5,380	$	4,507	$	17,605	$	61,265

Three months ending March 31, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,459	$	—	$	46	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,505
Building products		3,552		—		—		—		—		—		3,552
Consumer products		3,290		—		—		—		—		—		3,290
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		8,035		—		—		—		—		8,035
Food and beverage distribution		—		4,125		—		—		—		—		4,125
Auto sales		—		—		1,937		—		—		—		1,937
Other retail and wholesale distribution		544		—		2,921		—		—		—		3,465
Service		348		20		990		5,713		725		—		7,796
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		3,687		—		3,687
Total		14,193		12,180		5,894		5,713		4,412		—		42,392
Other revenues		865		19		1,110		12		260		16,020		18,286
	$	15,058	$	12,199	$	7,004	$	5,725	$	4,672	$	16,020	$	60,678

Transaction price allocated to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of March 31, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	888	$	4,882	$	5,770
Other sales and service contracts		1,162		2,637		3,799

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Investments in equity securities - Narrative (Detail) - Investment Commitment [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions		3 Months Ended
	Aug. 08, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment commitment description		On August 8, 2019, Berkshire invested a total of $10 billion in Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) newly issued Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion, and warrants to purchase up to 80 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $62.50 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing on the tenth anniversary of issuance at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or mandatorily under certain specified capital return events. Dividends on the preferred stock may be paid in cash or, at Occidental’s option, in shares of Occidental common stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the redemption of the preferred stock. Our investments in Occidental are included in the commercial, industrial and other category in the preceding tables.
Occidental Corporation [Member] | Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock and Warrants [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment commitment amount	$ 10
Occidental Corporation [Member] | Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment in preferred stock, liquidation value	$ 10
Investment in preferred stock, stated dividend rate	8.00%
Investment in preferred stock, period from issuance date to redemption period start date	10 years
Investment in preferred stock, redemption price percentage of liquidation preference	105.00%
Occidental Corporation [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Number of common shares that can be purchased	80,000,000
Exercise price for warrants, per share	$ 62.50

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Reconciliations of changes in claim liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Gross liabilities at beginning of year	$ 73,019	$ 68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at beginning of year	(2,855)	(3,060)
Net liabilities at beginning of year	70,164	65,398
Net liabilities at end of period	70,472	66,371
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at end of period	2,890	3,164
Gross liabilities at end of period	73,362	69,535
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events	10,896	9,787
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(200)	112
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	10,696	9,899
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events	(3,175)	(3,123)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(6,841)	(5,884)
Total payments	(10,016)	(9,007)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ (372)	$ 81

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Property, plant and equipment - Depreciation expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 1,968	$ 1,798
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	570	542
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 1,398	$ 1,256

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 81,882	$ 81,025
Acquisitions of businesses	15	890
Other, including foreign currency translation	(238)	(33)
Balance at end of period	$ 81,659	$ 81,882

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Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2020 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2020 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings										€ 6,850	¥ 430.0	£ 1,750
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings			$ 37,486,000,000				$ 37,486,000,000						$ 37,590,000,000
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation			$ 1,200,000,000				$ 1,200,000,000
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage			4.10%				4.10%			4.10%	4.10%	4.10%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2045
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gains attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates							$ 228,000,000	$ 170,000,000
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings					$ 350,000,000
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2025 at 0.0% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings | €				€ 1,000
Principal amount of debt issued | €				€ 1,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			0.00%				0.00%			0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Debt maturity year			2025	2025
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2025 at 0.0% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued						$ 1,600,000,000
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2023 To 2060 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 1,800,000,000	¥ 195.5
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	1.07%	1.07%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2023 To 2060 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2023	2023
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2023 To 2060 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2060	2060
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2030 at 1.85% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued			$ 500,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			1.85%				1.85%			1.85%	1.85%	1.85%
Debt maturity year			2030	2030
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2030 at 1.85% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Forecast [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturing during period						$ 750,000,000			$ 550,000,000
Insurance and Other [Member] | Other Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2025 at 0.0% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued									0
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings			$ 66,747,000,000				$ 66,747,000,000						$ 65,778,000,000
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings							1,700,000,000
Reduction in short-term borrowings							1,100,000,000
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Forecast [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturing during period									800,000,000
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 1,000,000,000.0
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debt Due 2029 To 2050 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued							$ 4,000,000,000.0
Weighted average interest rate, percentage			3.75%				3.75%			3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debt Due 2029 To 2050 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2025
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debt Due 2029 To 2050 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2050
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Bonds Due 2030 at 2.7% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.70%	2.70%
Debt maturity year	2030	2030
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Bonds Due 2051 at 3.3% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 600,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.30%	3.30%
Debt maturity year	2051	2051
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debenture [Member] | Debentures Due 2051 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Forecast [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturing during period									$ 450,000,000
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debenture [Member] | Debentures Due 2051 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 575,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.05%	3.05%
Debt maturity year	2051	2051

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020		Mar. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ (49,697)		$ 21,732
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	68,882		(19,552)
Depreciation and amortization	2,585		2,417
Other	(566)		(469)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	583		778
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed	260		273
Unearned premiums	2,006		2,054
Receivables and originated loans	(2,083)		(2,237)
Other assets	(1,140)		(990)
Other liabilities	17		(1,800)
Income taxes	(14,049)		5,371
Net cash flows from operating activities	6,798		7,577
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities	(4,003)		(1,527)
Sales and redemptions of equity securities	2,166		2,063
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	(31,551)		(30,918)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	5,328		2,334
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	3,694		21,114
Purchases of loans and finance receivables	(595)		(14)
Collections of loans and finance receivables	70		93
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(26)		(262)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease	(2,968)		(3,151)
Other	81		67
Net cash flows from investing activities	(27,804)		(10,201)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in short term borrowings, net	(1,133)		(503)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(1,741)		(1,585)
Other	(159)		(289)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(346)		(1,678)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes	(184)		15
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(21,536)		(4,287)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	64,632		30,811
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of first quarter *	43,096		26,524
Restricted cash, included in other assets at beginning of year	457		450
Restricted cash, included in other assets at end of first quarter	$ 456		$ 385
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember		us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember
Insurance and Other [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	$ 1,613		$ 1,996
Repayments of borrowings	(1,502)		(2,811)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	61,151	[1]	27,749
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	38,717	[1]	22,487
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	4,324		2,945
Repayments of borrowings	(1,748)		(1,431)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,024	[1]	2,612
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	$ 3,923	[1]	$ 3,652

[1] Cash and cash equivalents included U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $19.6 billion at March 31, 2020 and $37.1 billion at December 31, 2019.

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Sales and service revenues		$ 41,452	$ 42,392
Leasing revenues		1,428	1,436
Total revenues		61,265	60,678
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)		(70,275)	20,322
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses		54,339	53,521
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings		(63,349)	27,479
Equity method earnings		300	168
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		(63,049)	27,647
Income tax expense (benefit)		(13,352)	5,915
Net earnings (loss)		(49,697)	21,732
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		49	71
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders		$ (49,746)	$ 21,661
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent share		$ (30,653)	$ 13,209
Average equivalent shares outstanding		1,622,889	1,639,821
Equivalent Class B [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent share	[1]	$ (20.44)	$ 8.81
Average equivalent shares outstanding		2,434,333,367	2,459,731,886
Insurance and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned		$ 15,748	$ 14,319
Sales and service revenues		31,926	32,409
Leasing revenues		1,428	1,436
Interest, dividend and other investment income		2,276	2,117
Total revenues		51,378	50,281
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		10,979	10,174
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,383	904
Insurance underwriting expenses		2,924	2,756
Cost of sales and services		25,392	25,767
Cost of leasing		1,002	1,020
Selling, general and administrative expenses		4,471	4,432
Interest expense		296	262
Total costs and expenses		46,447	45,315
Freight Rail Transportation [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues		5,380	5,725
Costs and expenses:
Expenses		3,593	3,982
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Sales and service revenues		3,634	3,825
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and other expenses		2,722	2,842
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Service revenues and other income		873	847
Total revenues		9,887	10,397
Costs and expenses:
Other expenses		849	653
Interest expense		728	729
Total costs and expenses		$ 7,892	$ 8,206

[1] Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth of a Class A share. Accordingly, net earnings per average equivalent Class B share outstanding is equal to one-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount. See Note 18.

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Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Raw materials	$	4,598	$	4,492
Work in process and other		2,751		2,700
Finished manufactured goods		5,011		4,821
Goods acquired for resale		7,812		7,839
	$	20,172	$	19,852

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Equity method investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity method investments

Note 5. Equity method investments

Berkshire and its subsidiaries hold investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these is our investment in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 325,442,152 shares of Kraft Heinz common stock representing 26.6% of the outstanding shares.

Shares of Kraft Heinz common stock are publicly-traded and the fair value of our investment was approximately $8.1 billion at March 31, 2020 and $10.5 billion at December 31, 2019. The carrying value of our investment was approximately $13.6 billion at March 31, 2020 and $13.8 billion at December 31, 2019.

As disclosed in Berkshire’s Form 10-Qs for the first three quarters of 2019, Kraft Heinz’s financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2019 were not available until August 13, 2019 when Kraft Heinz filed financial statements for those periods with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, Berkshire did not record equity method earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz for each of those periods until our third quarter of 2019.   Our equity method earnings for the first quarter of 2020 were $101 million.  We received dividends on the common stock of $130 million in each of the first quarters of 2020 and 2019, which were recorded as reductions to the carrying value of our investment.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5. Equity method investments (Continued)

As of March 31, 2020, the carrying value of our investment in Kraft Heinz exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by $5.5 billion (40.4%). In light of that fact, we evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment. We utilize no bright-line tests in such evaluations. Based on the available facts and information regarding the operating results of Kraft Heinz, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery, the relative amount of the decline, and the length of time that fair value was less than carrying value, we concluded that recognition of an impairment loss in earnings was not required. However, we will continue to monitor this investment and it is possible that an impairment loss will be recorded in earnings in future periods based on changes in facts and circumstances or intentions.

Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).

	March 28, 2020		December 28, 2019
Assets	$	104,073	$	101,450
Liabilities		52,949		49,701

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Sales	$	6,157	$	5,959
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders		378		405

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”), and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”). The carrying value of our investments in these entities was approximately $3.9 billion as of March 31, 2020 and $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2019. Our equity method earnings from these entities in the first quarter were $199 million in 2020 and $167 million in 2019. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia is a servicer of commercial real estate loans in the U.S., performing primary, master and special servicing functions for U.S. government agency programs, commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions. A source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through its issuance of commercial paper, which is currently limited to $1.5 billion. On March 31, 2020, Berkadia’s commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion. The commercial paper is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy. In addition, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company subsidiary owns a 50% interest in ETT, an owner and operator of electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. American Electric Power owns the other 50% interest.

In 2017, we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot is one of the largest operators of travel centers in North America, supplying more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year via more than 900 retail and fueling locations across 44 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire in 2023 an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot in 2023.

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Other receivables (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of receivables

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

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Insurance premiums receivable	$	14,699		$	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,890			2,855
Trade receivables		12,512			12,275
Other		5,208			4,327
Allowances for credit losses		(589	)		(418	)
	$	34,720		$	32,418

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of receivables

Receivables of railroad and utilities and energy businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Trade receivables	$	2,970		$	3,120
Other		367			388
Allowances for credit losses		(100	)		(91	)
	$	3,237		$	3,417

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Revenues from contracts with customers

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]

Revenues from contracts with customers

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers

We recognize revenue when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when or as the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers.

The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 (in millions). Other revenues included in consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP.

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending March 31, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,119	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,163
Building products		3,695		—		—		—		—		—		3,695
Consumer products		3,328		—		—		—		—		—		3,328
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,859		—		—		—		—		7,859
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,806		—		—		—		—		3,806
Auto sales		—		—		1,909		—		—		—		1,909
Other retail and wholesale distribution		605		—		2,933		—		—		—		3,538
Service		387		132		961		5,366		793		—		7,639
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		3,515		—		3,515
Total		14,134		11,797		5,847		5,366		4,308		—		41,452
Other revenues		880		24		1,091		14		199		17,605		19,813
	$	15,014	$	11,821	$	6,938	$	5,380	$	4,507	$	17,605	$	61,265

Three months ending March 31, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,459	$	—	$	46	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,505
Building products		3,552		—		—		—		—		—		3,552
Consumer products		3,290		—		—		—		—		—		3,290
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		8,035		—		—		—		—		8,035
Food and beverage distribution		—		4,125		—		—		—		—		4,125
Auto sales		—		—		1,937		—		—		—		1,937
Other retail and wholesale distribution		544		—		2,921		—		—		—		3,465
Service		348		20		990		5,713		725		—		7,796
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		3,687		—		3,687
Total		14,193		12,180		5,894		5,713		4,412		—		42,392
Other revenues		865		19		1,110		12		260		16,020		18,286
	$	15,058	$	12,199	$	7,004	$	5,725	$	4,672	$	16,020	$	60,678

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of March 31, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	888	$	4,882	$	5,770
Other sales and service contracts		1,162		2,637		3,799

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Investments in equity securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the tables below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains/(losses)			Fair Value
March 31, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,845	$	22,046		$	62,891
Consumer products		38,887		45,713			84,600
Commercial, industrial and other		33,517		(226	)		33,291
	$	113,249	$	67,533		$	180,782

* Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2019*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,419	$	61,976	$	102,395
Consumer products		38,887		60,747		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other		31,034		14,964		45,998
	$	110,340	$	137,687	$	248,027

* Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

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Investments in equity securities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) Company		Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Company
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 180,782	[1]	$ 248,027	[2]
American Express Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	13,000		18,900
Apple Inc. [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	63,800		73,700
Bank of America Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	20,200		33,400
The Coca-Cola Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	17,700		22,100
Wells Fargo & Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 9,900		$ 18,600
Equity Securities [Member] | Investment Concentration [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	69.00%		67.00%
Number of companies in concentration percentage | Company	5		5

[1] Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

[2] Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	$ 17,491	$ 18,073
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	549	626
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(117)	(14)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	17,923	18,685
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	3,314	3,054
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	85	37
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities		(1)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	3,399	3,090
Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	8,126	8,584
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	75	63
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(47)	(9)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	8,154	8,638
Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	5,536	5,896
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	317	459
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(67)	(3)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	5,786	6,352
Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	515	539
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	72	67
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(3)	(1)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	$ 584	$ 605

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Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	595	$	464
Interest:
Insurance and other		409		395
Railroad, utilities and energy		742		683

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 23, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity File Number	001-14905
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-0813844
Entity Address, Address Line One	3555 Farnam Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Omaha
Entity Address, State or Province	NE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	68131
City Area Code	402
Local Phone Number	346-1400
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 Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		692,885
Security 12b Title	Class A Common Stock
Trading Symbol	BRK.A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,390,707,370
Security 12b Title	Class B Common Stock
Trading Symbol	BRK.B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.750 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.750% Senior Notes due 2023
Trading Symbol	BRK23
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 1.125 Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	1.125% Senior Notes due 2027
Trading Symbol	BRK27
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 1.625 Senior Notes Due 2035 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	1.625% Senior Notes due 2035
Trading Symbol	BRK35
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 1.300 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	1.300% Senior Notes due 2024
Trading Symbol	BRK24
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 2.150 Senior Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	2.150% Senior Notes due 2028
Trading Symbol	BRK28
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.250 Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.250% Senior Notes due 2021
Trading Symbol	BRK21
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.625 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.625% Senior Notes due 2023
Trading Symbol	BRK23A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.000 Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.000% Senior Notes due 2025
Trading Symbol	BRK25
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 2.375 Senior Notes Due 2039 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	2.375% Senior Notes due 2039
Trading Symbol	BRK39
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 2.625 Senior Notes Due 2059 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	2.625% Senior Notes due 2059
Trading Symbol	BRK59
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

XML

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical)	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Economic equivalent of Class B share to Class A share	0.0667%

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities and deferred charge assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, beginning of year	$ 42,441	$ 41,834
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, end of year	42,269	41,633
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, beginning of year	(13,747)	(14,104)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, end of year	(13,488)	(13,831)
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	283	275
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	283	275
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	24	2
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	24	2
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(196)	(203)
Deferred Charges Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	259	273
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	$ 259	$ 273

XML

Equipment held for lease (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 22,128	$ 22,215
Equipment held for lease, accumulated depreciation	(7,229)	(7,150)
Equipment held for lease, net	14,899	15,065
Railcars [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	9,269	9,260
Aircraft [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	8,022	8,093
Other Equipment Held for Lease [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 4,837	$ 4,862

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 40,985	$ 41,153
Accumulated amortization	10,292	10,102
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,003	1,003
Accumulated amortization	419	408
Trademarks and trade names [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,283	5,286
Accumulated amortization	764	759
Trademarks and trade names [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	212	212
Accumulated amortization	27	26
Customer relationships [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,820	27,943
Accumulated amortization	5,137	5,025
Customer relationships [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	678	678
Accumulated amortization	333	324
Other intangible assets [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	3,291	3,364
Accumulated amortization	1,295	1,286
Other intangible assets [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	113	113
Accumulated amortization	59	58
Patents and technology [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,591	4,560
Accumulated amortization	$ 3,096	$ 3,032

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General

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

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”), which includes 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. Changes to those policies due to the adoption of new accounting standards are described in Note 2.

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all 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 more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Given the size of our equity security investment portfolio, changes in market prices and the related changes in unrealized gains on equity securities will produce significant volatility in our interim and annual earnings. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities and gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) spread rapidly across the world in the first quarter of 2020 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The government and private sector responses to contain its spread began to significantly affect our operating businesses in March and will likely adversely affect nearly all of our operations in the second quarter, although such effects may vary significantly. The duration and extent of the effects over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic that may affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition include the nature and duration of the curtailment or closure of our various facilities and the long-term effect on the demand for our products and services. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to us and the estimations of certain losses assumed under insurance and reinsurance contracts may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.

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Notes payable and other borrowings - Credit agreements - Narrative (Detail) - Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member] - Subsidiaries [Member] $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 8.2
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 6.8

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Other receivables

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Receivables [Abstract]

Other receivables

Note 8. Other receivables

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

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Insurance premiums receivable	$	14,699		$	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,890			2,855
Trade receivables		12,512			12,275
Other		5,208			4,327
Allowances for credit losses		(589	)		(418	)
	$	34,720		$	32,418

Receivables of railroad and utilities and energy businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Trade receivables	$	2,970		$	3,120
Other		367			388
Allowances for credit losses		(100	)		(91	)
	$	3,237		$	3,417

Provisions for credit losses on receivables summarized in the preceding tables were $211 million in the first quarter of 2020. Trade receivables of utility and energy businesses included unbilled revenue of $550 million and $638 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

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Investments in equity securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments in equity securities

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the tables below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains/(losses)			Fair Value
March 31, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,845	$	22,046		$	62,891
Consumer products		38,887		45,713			84,600
Commercial, industrial and other		33,517		(226	)		33,291
	$	113,249	$	67,533		$	180,782

* Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2019*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,419	$	61,976	$	102,395
Consumer products		38,887		60,747		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other		31,034		14,964		45,998
	$	110,340	$	137,687	$	248,027

* Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

On August 8, 2019, Berkshire invested a total of $10 billion in Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) newly issued Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion, and warrants to purchase up to 80 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $62.50 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing on the tenth anniversary of issuance at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or mandatorily under certain specified capital return events. Dividends on the preferred stock may be paid in cash or, at Occidental’s option, in shares of Occidental common stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the redemption of the preferred stock. Our investments in Occidental are included in the commercial, industrial and other category in the preceding tables.

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Business segment data

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segment data

Note 24. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Revenues of Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	9,109	$	8,622
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,369		2,151
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,270		3,546
Investment income		1,648		1,487
Total insurance		17,396		15,806
BNSF		5,417		5,762
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		4,507		4,672
Manufacturing		15,035		15,070
McLane Company		11,821		12,199
Service and retailing		6,956		7,025
		61,132		60,534
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Corporate, eliminations and other		133		144
	$	61,265	$	60,678

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	984		$	770
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(33	)		(30	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(489	)		(253	)
Investment income		1,647			1,485
Total insurance		2,109			1,972
BNSF		1,584			1,665
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		419			540
Manufacturing		2,111			2,194
McLane Company		65			111
Service and retailing		558			621
		6,846			7,103
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains (losses)		(70,275	)		20,322
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(136	)		(109	)
Equity method investments		300			168
Corporate, eliminations and other		216			163
	$	(63,049	)	$	27,647

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Equity method investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Summarized unaudited financial information of Kraft Heinz

As of March 31, 2020, the carrying value of our investment in Kraft Heinz exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by $5.5 billion (40.4%). In light of that fact, we evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment. We utilize no bright-line tests in such evaluations. Based on the available facts and information regarding the operating results of Kraft Heinz, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery, the relative amount of the decline, and the length of time that fair value was less than carrying value, we concluded that recognition of an impairment loss in earnings was not required. However, we will continue to monitor this investment and it is possible that an impairment loss will be recorded in earnings in future periods based on changes in facts and circumstances or intentions.

Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions).

	March 28, 2020		December 28, 2019
Assets	$	104,073	$	101,450
Liabilities		52,949		49,701

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Sales	$	6,157	$	5,959
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders		378		405

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Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Raw materials	$	4,598	$	4,492
Work in process and other		2,751		2,700
Finished manufactured goods		5,011		4,821
Goods acquired for resale		7,812		7,839
	$	20,172	$	19,852

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Supplemental cash flow information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental cash flow information

Note 21. Supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	595	$	464
Interest:
Insurance and other		409		395
Railroad, utilities and energy		742		683

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Fair value measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables 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, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,399	$	3,399	$	3,353	$	46	$	—
Foreign governments		8,154		8,154		5,054		3,100		—
Corporate bonds		5,786		5,786		—		5,784		2
Other		584		584		—		584		—
Investments in equity securities		180,782		180,782		174,889		44		5,849
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,587		8,051		8,051		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,660		18,350		—		2,206		16,144
Derivative contract assets (1)		180		180		1		23		156
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		186		186		7		120		59
Equity index put options		2,361		2,361		—		—		2,361
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,486		40,215		—		40,210		5
Railroad, utilities and energy		66,747		76,207		—		76,207		—
December 31, 2019
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,090	$	3,090	$	3,046	$	44	$	—
Foreign governments		8,638		8,638		5,437		3,201		—
Corporate bonds		6,352		6,352		—		6,350		2
Other		605		605		—		605		—
Investments in equity securities		248,027		248,027		237,271		46		10,710
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,757		10,456		10,456		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,527		17,861		—		1,809		16,052
Derivative contract assets (1)		145		145		—		23		122
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		76		76		6		59		11
Equity index put options		968		968		—		—		968
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,590		40,589		—		40,569		20
Railroad, utilities and energy		65,778		76,237		—		76,237		—

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

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. 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.

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. Pricing evaluations generally reflect discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings, estimated durations 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 it 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 valuing assets or liabilities.

Reconciliations of significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance – beginning of year			Earnings			Other comprehensive income		Regulatory assets and liabilities			Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance –     March 31
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities:
2020	$	10,407		$	(4,861	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	5,546
2019		7			—			—		—			(1	)		6
Net derivative contract liabilities:
2020		(857	)		(1,324	)		—		(40	)		(43	)		(2,264	)
2019		(2,343	)		820			—		(11	)		(44	)		(1,578	)

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2020, 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 Inputs	Weighted Average
Investments in equity securities:
Preferred stock	$	5,540	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	9 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	375 basis points
Common stock warrants		2	Warrant pricing model	Expected duration	9 years
				Volatility	27%
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361	Option pricing model	Volatility	25%

As described in Note 4, our investments in Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Occidental Preferred”) and Occidental common stock warrants were acquired at an aggregate cost of $10 billion. Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in Occidental Preferred and Occidental common stock warrants. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and may contain provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. In applying discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the Occidental Preferred, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. The Occidental Preferred is redeemable at Occidental’s option beginning in 2029. In valuing the Occidental common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration and volatility of the warrants. The Occidental common stock warrants expire on the one-year anniversary on which no Occidental Preferred remains outstanding.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

Our equity index put option derivative contracts are illiquid and contain contract terms that are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts. We determine the fair value of the equity index put option contract liabilities based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  

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Derivative contracts

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative contracts

Note 13. Derivative contracts

We are party to derivative contracts through certain of our subsidiaries. The most significant derivative contracts consist of equity index put option contracts. The liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follows (in millions).

	Liabilities		Notional Value
March 31, 2020	$	2,361	$	14,171
December 31, 2019		968		14,385

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 13. Derivative contracts (Continued)

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. Notional value in the preceding table represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain contracts are denominated in foreign currencies and the related notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. We recorded pre-tax losses on these contracts of $1,393 million in the first quarter of 2020 and pre-tax gains of $770 million in the first quarter of 2019. The losses in the first quarter of 2020 reflected declines of 20% to 25% in index values between December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020, with the declines concentrated in the last six weeks of the quarter.

Substantially all open contracts as of March 31, 2020 will expire by February 2023. The weighted average life of unexpired contracts at March 31, 2020 was approximately 1.5 years.  Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $2.5 billion on the contract inception dates with respect to unexpired contracts as of March 31, 2020 and we have no counterparty credit risk. The aggregate intrinsic value (the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) was $2.0 billion at March 31, 2020 and $397 million at December 31, 2019. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined until the contract expiration dates.

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. We may use forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options to manage a portion of these price risks. Most of the net derivative contract assets or liabilities of our regulated utilities are probable of recovery through rates and are offset by regulatory liabilities or assets.

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Equipment held for lease (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of equipment held for lease

Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. Equipment held for lease is summarized below (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railcars	$	9,269		$	9,260
Aircraft		8,022			8,093
Other equipment held for lease		4,837			4,862
		22,128			22,215
Accumulated depreciation		(7,229	)		(7,150	)
	$	14,899		$	15,065

Summary of operating lease revenues by type

Operating lease revenues by type for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Fixed lease revenue		Variable lease revenue		Total
First quarter 2020	$	1,096	$	332	$	1,428
First quarter 2019		1,074		362		1,436

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Insurance [Abstract]

Reconciliation of changes in retroactive reinsurance claim liabilities and deferred charge assets

Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020						2019
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed			Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances – beginning of year:	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	41,834		$	(14,104	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
Current year contracts		—			—			—			—
Prior years’ contracts		24			259			2			273
Total		24			259			2			273
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(196	)		—			(203	)		—
Balances – March 31:	$	42,269		$	(13,488	)	$	41,633		$	(13,831	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	283					$	275

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Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
First three months of 2020:
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	481		$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		(139	)		(1,362	)		71			(48	)		(1,478	)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	342		$	(5,708	)	$	(1,298	)	$	(57	)	$	(6,721	)
First three months of 2019:
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	370		$	(4,603	)	$	(816	)	$	34		$	(5,015	)
Other comprehensive income, net		93			157			50			(12	)		288
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	463		$	(4,446	)	$	(766	)	$	22		$	(4,727	)

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Accumulated other comprehensive income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 424,791
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,478)	$ 288
Ending Balance	371,565
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	481	370
Other comprehensive income, net	(139)	93
Ending Balance	342	463
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(4,346)	(4,603)
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,362)	157
Ending Balance	(5,708)	(4,446)
Defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(1,369)	(816)
Other comprehensive income, net	71	50
Ending Balance	(1,298)	(766)
Other AOCI transactions [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(9)	34
Other comprehensive income, net	(48)	(12)
Ending Balance	(57)	22
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(5,243)	(5,015)
Ending Balance	$ (6,721)	$ (4,727)

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Revenue from contracts with customers transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (Detail 1) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 5,770
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 3,799

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Loans and finance receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Seritage Growth Properties [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Term loan facility amount	$ 2,000,000,000.0
Expiration date of term loan	Jul. 31, 2023
Outstanding loan balance	$ 1,600,000,000	$ 1,600,000,000
Lee Enterprises, Inc. [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Term loan facility amount	$ 576,000,000
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of manufactured housing loan balances evaluated collectively for impairment	99.00%
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of loan balances considered to be current as to payment status	97.00%

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Investment gains/losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Equity securities - Unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities held at the end of the period	$ (68,482)	$ 19,393
Equity securities - Investment gains (losses) during the period	(410)	161
Equity securities - Investment gains (losses), total	(68,892)	19,554
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized gains	16	5
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized losses	(6)	(10)
Other		3
Investment gains (losses)	$ (68,882)	$ 19,552

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Common stock - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) Vote shares	Dec. 31, 2019 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0
Economic equivalent of Class B share to Class A share	0.0667%
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchase, authorization description	Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined.
Minimum cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills threshold after repurchase of common stock shares, amount | $	$ 20,000,000,000
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number | Vote	1
Shares outstanding	696,338	701,970
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number | Vote	0.0001
Number of shares of Class B stock obtainable from converting one Class A share	1,500
Shares outstanding	1,385,527,870	1,384,481,533
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares outstanding	1,620,023	1,624,958

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member]
Cash equivalents	$ 19.6	$ 37.1

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Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable inputs (Detail) - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net derivative contract liabilities - Beginning Balance	$ (857)	$ (2,343)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in earnings	(1,324)	820
Net derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in regulatory assets and liabilities	(40)	(11)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements	(43)	(44)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Ending Balance	(2,264)	(1,578)
Investments in Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	10,407	7
Gains (losses) included in earnings	(4,861)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(1)
Ending Balance	$ 5,546	$ 6

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 352,500	$ 35,715	$ (5,015)	$ 321,112	$ (3,109)	$ 3,797
Net earnings (loss)	21,732			21,661		71
Other comprehensive income, net	310		288			22
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(1,677)	13			(1,690)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(274)	(98)				(176)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	372,591	35,630	(4,727)	342,773	(4,799)	3,714
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	428,563	35,666	(5,243)	402,493	(8,125)	3,772
Net earnings (loss)	(49,697)			(49,746)		49
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement	(388)			(388)
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,531)		(1,478)			(53)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(1,575)				(1,575)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(137)	(39)				(98)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 375,235	$ 35,627	$ (6,721)	$ 352,359	$ (9,700)	$ 3,670

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Derivative contracts (Detail) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Equity Index Put Options [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 2,361	$ 968
Notional Value	$ 14,171	$ 14,385

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Property and Casualty Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events	$ (28)	$ 212
Primary Insurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events	(172)	(100)
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events	$ (200)	$ 112
Prior years' losses incurred as a percentage of net liabilities	0.30%	0.20%

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Property, plant and equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 42,158	$ 42,210
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(20,900)	(20,772)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	21,258	21,438
Insurance and Other [Member] | Land, buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,277	13,259
Insurance and Other [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	24,231	24,285
Insurance and Other [Member] | Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,650	4,666
Railroad [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	76,798	76,634
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(12,198)	(12,101)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	64,600	64,533
Railroad [Member] | Land, track structure and other roadway [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	62,643	62,404
Railroad [Member] | Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,382	13,482
Railroad [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	773	748
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	101,322	101,841
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(28,658)	(28,536)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	72,664	73,305
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	80,530	81,127
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Interstate natural gas pipeline assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,181	8,165
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Independent power plants and other assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,792	8,817
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,819	3,732
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 137,264	$ 137,838

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Equipment held for lease - Summary of operating lease revenues by type (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Operating Leases Lease Income [Abstract]
Fixed lease revenue	$ 1,096	$ 1,074
Variable lease revenue	332	362
Total	$ 1,428	$ 1,436

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2020 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2020 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		€ 6,850	¥ 430	£ 1,750
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 37,486				$ 37,590
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 8,328				8,324
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2047
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 7,513				7,641
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2021
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2035
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 3,978				3,938
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2024
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2049
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowings	$ 5,241				5,262
Short-term borrowings	$ 1,467				1,472
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2045
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 8,828				8,679
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2049
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Great Britain Pound Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 2,131				2,274
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Great Britain Pound Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2039
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Great Britain Pound Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2059
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 66,747				65,778
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Senior unsecured debt	$ 11,459				8,581
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2021
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2050
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 30,035				30,772
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2064
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 2,088				3,214
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	2.40%	2.40%	2.40%	2.40%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 23,165				$ 23,211
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.60%	4.60%	4.60%	4.60%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2097

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Due in one year or less - amortized cost	$ 6,774
Due after one year through five years - amortized cost	9,579
Due after five years through ten years - amortized cost	332
Due after ten years - amortized cost	425
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	17,491	$ 18,073
Due in one year or less - fair value	6,761
Due after one year through five years - fair value	9,667
Due after five years through ten years - fair value	365
Due after ten years - fair value	685
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	17,923	$ 18,685
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities	381
Fair value of mortgage-backed securities	$ 445

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Business segment data (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of revenues and earnings or loss before income taxes by segment

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Revenues of Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	9,109	$	8,622
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,369		2,151
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,270		3,546
Investment income		1,648		1,487
Total insurance		17,396		15,806
BNSF		5,417		5,762
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		4,507		4,672
Manufacturing		15,035		15,070
McLane Company		11,821		12,199
Service and retailing		6,956		7,025
		61,132		60,534
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Corporate, eliminations and other		133		144
	$	61,265	$	60,678

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	984		$	770
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(33	)		(30	)
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(489	)		(253	)
Investment income		1,647			1,485
Total insurance		2,109			1,972
BNSF		1,584			1,665
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		419			540
Manufacturing		2,111			2,194
McLane Company		65			111
Service and retailing		558			621
		6,846			7,103
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains (losses)		(70,275	)		20,322
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(136	)		(109	)
Equity method investments		300			168
Corporate, eliminations and other		216			163
	$	(63,049	)	$	27,647

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of investments in securities with fixed maturities

Investments in fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,314	$	85	$	—		$	3,399
Foreign governments		8,126		75		(47	)		8,154
Corporate bonds		5,536		317		(67	)		5,786
Other		515		72		(3	)		584
	$	17,491	$	549	$	(117	)	$	17,923
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,054	$	37	$	(1	)	$	3,090
Foreign governments		8,584		63		(9	)		8,638
Corporate bonds		5,896		459		(3	)		6,352
Other		539		67		(1	)		605
	$	18,073	$	626	$	(14	)	$	18,685

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

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2020 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers.

	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	$	6,774	$	9,579	$	332	$	425	$	381	$	17,491
Fair value		6,761		9,667		365		685		445		17,923

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Loans and finance receivables (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]

Schedule of receivables

Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	18,867		$	18,199
Allowances for credit losses		(702	)		(167	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(505	)		(505	)
	$	17,660		$	17,527

Schedule of changes in allowance for credit losses

Loans and finance receivables are principally installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. The changes in the allowance for credit losses for each of the first three months of 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balance - beginning of year:	$	167		$	177
Adoption of ASC 326		486			—
Provision for credit losses		86			32
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(37	)		(33	)
Balance - March 31:	$	702		$	176

Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]

Schedule of manufactured housing loan balances before discounts and allowances designated as performing or non-performing by year of loan origination

Manufactured housing loan balances before discounts and allowances designated as performing or non-performing are presented below by year of loan origination as of March 31, 2020 (in millions).

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior		Total
Performing	$	1,401	$	2,719	$	2,081	$	1,547	$	1,375	$	7,445	$	16,568
Non-performing		8		3		8		9		16		79		123
Total	$	1,409	$	2,722	$	2,089	$	1,556	$	1,391	$	7,524	$	16,691

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Investment gains/losses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investment gains/losses

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6. Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Equity securities:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities    held at the end of the period	$	(68,482	)	$	19,393
Investment gains (losses) during the period		(410	)		161
		(68,892	)		19,554
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		16			5
Gross realized losses		(6	)		(10	)
Other		—			3
	$	(68,882	)	$	19,552

Equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own. The investment losses in the first quarter of 2020 were predominantly related to a significant decline in equity securities prices on securities we held at March 31, 2020.

In the first three months of 2020 and 2019, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we received proceeds of approximately $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, from sales of equity securities. In the preceding table, investment gains/losses on equity securities sold in each period reflect the difference between proceeds from sales and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the period or the purchase date, if later. Our taxable gains on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and original cost. Taxable gains in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were $1,211 million and $518 million, respectively.

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New Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” on January 1, 2020. ASC 326 provides for the measurement of expected credit losses on financial assets that are carried at amortized cost based on the net amounts expected to be collected. Measurements of expected credit losses therefore include provisions for non-collection, whether the risk is probable or remote. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, credit losses were measured when non-collection was considered probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. We elected to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses on accrued interest and instead reverse uncollectible accrued interest through interest income on a timely basis.

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $388 million representing the cumulative after-tax increase in our allowances for credit losses, which was primarily related to our manufactured housing loans. Expected credit losses for such financial assets are based on the net present value of future principal payments less estimated expenses related to the charge-off and foreclosure of expected uncollectible loans and include provisions for loans that are non-performing or in foreclosure. Our principal credit quality indicator is whether the loans are performing. Expected credit loss estimates consider historical default rates, collateral recovery rates, historical runoff rates, interest rates, reductions of future cash flows for modified loans, the historical time elapsed from last payment until foreclosure, among other matters. In addition, our estimates consider current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

Trade receivables, insurance premium receivables and other receivables are primarily short-term in nature with stated collection terms of less than one year from the date of origination. In establishing credit loss allowances for such receivables, we primarily utilize credit loss history. However, credit loss allowances may be adjusted as a result of current conditions and when we expect reasonable and supportable forecasts to deviate from historical experience. In evaluating expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses, we review the credit quality of the counterparty and consider credit ratings, right-of-offset provisions within reinsurance contracts and other forms of credit enhancement including, collateral, funds held arrangements, guarantees and other publicly available information.

We adopted ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” as of January 1, 2020. Under ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment is represented by the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit and is limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after its adoption date.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used to value policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs arising from the issuance of long-duration insurance and reinsurance contracts, with the effects of changes in cash flow assumptions reflected in earnings and the effects of changes in discount rate assumptions reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,277		$	13,259
Machinery and equipment		24,231			24,285
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,650			4,666
		42,158			42,210
Accumulated depreciation		(20,900	)		(20,772	)
	$	21,258		$	21,438

A summary of property, plant and equipment of railroad and utilities and energy businesses follows (in millions). The utility generation, transmission and distribution systems and interstate natural gas pipeline assets are owned by regulated public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries.

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	62,643		$	62,404
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,382			13,482
Construction in progress		773			748
		76,798			76,634
Accumulated depreciation		(12,198	)		(12,101	)
		64,600			64,533
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		80,530			81,127
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		8,181			8,165
Independent power plants and other assets		8,792			8,817
Construction in progress		3,819			3,732
		101,322			101,841
Accumulated depreciation		(28,658	)		(28,536	)
		72,664			73,305
	$	137,264		$	137,838

Depreciation expense for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 is summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020		2019
Insurance and other	$	570	$	542
Railroad, utilities and energy		1,398		1,256
	$	1,968	$	1,798

Equipment held for lease [Member]

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease

Note 11. Equipment held for lease

Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. Equipment held for lease is summarized below (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railcars	$	9,269		$	9,260
Aircraft		8,022			8,093
Other equipment held for lease		4,837			4,862
		22,128			22,215
Accumulated depreciation		(7,229	)		(7,150	)
	$	14,899		$	15,065

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11. Equipment held for lease (Continued)

Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first quarter was $292 million in 2020 and $286 million in 2019. Operating lease revenues by type for the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Fixed lease revenue		Variable lease revenue		Total
First quarter 2020	$	1,096	$	332	$	1,428
First quarter 2019		1,074		362		1,436

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Income taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

Note 19. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rate for the first quarter was 21.2% in 2020 and  21.4% in 2019. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in equity securities and production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. Our periodic effective income tax rate will also vary due to the changes in mix of pre-tax earnings, the magnitude of gains or losses included in earnings with respect to our investments in equity securities, and underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.  

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Insurance [Abstract]

Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Note 15. Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses of short-duration insurance contracts with respect to underlying loss events that occurred prior to the contract inception date. Claims payments may commence immediately after the contract inception date or, when applicable, once a contractual retention amount has been reached. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020						2019
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed			Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances – beginning of year:	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	41,834		$	(14,104	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
Current year contracts		—			—			—			—
Prior years’ contracts		24			259			2			273
Total		24			259			2			273
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(196	)		—			(203	)		—
Balances – March 31:	$	42,269		$	(13,488	)	$	41,633		$	(13,831	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	283					$	275

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter related to contracts written in prior years were $283 million in 2020 and $275 million in 2019. Such losses reflected the recurring amortization of deferred charges and the effects of changes in the timing and amount of projected future loss payments.

Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), is party to a contract with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), in which NICO’s ultimate liability is contractually limited to $20 billion. Our estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to the AIG contract at both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $18.2 billion. Deferred charge assets related to the AIG contract were approximately $6.1 billion at March 31, 2020 and $6.3 billion at December 31, 2019.

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Business segment data - Earnings (loss) before income taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)	$ (70,275)	$ 20,322
Equity method earnings (losses)	300	168
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(63,049)	27,647
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	6,846	7,103
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	2,109	1,972
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Interest, Dividend and Other Investment Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,647	1,485
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	984	770
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	(489)	(253)
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	(33)	(30)
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,584	1,665
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	419	540
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	2,111	2,194
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	65	111
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	558	621
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)	(70,275)	20,322
Interest expense, not allocated to segments	(136)	(109)
Equity method earnings (losses)	300	168
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	$ 216	$ 163

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Common stock (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2020 $ / shares shares
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share | $ / shares	$ 5
Common Stock, shares authorized | shares	1,650,000
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share | $ / shares	$ 0.0033
Common Stock, shares authorized | shares	3,225,000,000

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Loans and finance receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$ 18,867	$ 18,199
Allowances for credit losses	(702)	(167)	$ (176)	$ (177)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points	(505)	(505)
Loans and finance receivables	$ 17,660	$ 17,527

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Equity method investments - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 Store Location gal	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method earnings (losses)	$ 300,000,000	$ 168,000,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of retail | Store			900
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | U.S. States [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of fueling locations | Location			44
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Canadian Provinces [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of fueling locations | Location			6
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gallons of fuel purchased annually | gal			11,000,000,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			38.60%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Agreement to Acquire Additional Interest in 2023 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of additional interest to be acquired			41.40%
Haslam Family [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Majority ownership percentage			50.10%
Haslam Family [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Agreement to Acquire Additional Interest in 2023 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			20.00%
Third Party [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			11.30%
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares owned | shares	325,442,152
Equity method investment ownership percentage	26.60%
Equity method investments, fair value	$ 8,100,000,000			$ 10,500,000,000
Equity method investments, carrying value	13,600,000,000			13,800,000,000
Equity method earnings (losses)	101,000,000
Common stock dividends received	130,000,000	130,000,000
Amount of difference between carrying value and fair value based on quoted market price	$ 5,500,000,000
Difference between carrying value and fair value percentage	(40.40%)
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, carrying value	$ 3,900,000,000			$ 3,700,000,000
Equity method earnings (losses)	$ 199,000,000	$ 167,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%
Commercial paper outstanding	$ 1,470,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maximum outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings	$ 1,500,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member] | Jefferies Financial Group Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Subsidiary [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member] | American Electric Power [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%

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Fair value measurements - Other information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 180,782	[1]	$ 248,027	[2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	5,849		$ 10,710
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Option Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities, fair value	2,361
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	5,540
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Warrant Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 2
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Expected Duration [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs, term	9 years
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Expected Duration [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Warrant Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs, term	9 years
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discount for Transferability Restrictions and Subordination [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs	0.0375
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Volatility [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Option Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs	0.25
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Volatility [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Warrant Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs	0.27

[1] Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

[2] Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

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Other receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 2,890	$ 2,855	$ 3,164	$ 3,060
Insurance and Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Insurance premiums receivable	14,699	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	2,890	2,855
Trade receivables	12,512	12,275
Other	5,208	4,327
Allowances for credit losses	(589)	(418)
Other receivables	34,720	32,418
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade receivables	2,970	3,120
Other	367	388
Allowances for credit losses	(100)	(91)
Receivables	$ 3,237	$ 3,417

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Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by reportable segment and source of revenue (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 41,452	$ 42,392
Other revenues	19,813	18,286
Total revenues	61,265	60,678
Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,163	6,505
Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,695	3,552
Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,328	3,290
Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,859	8,035
Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,806	4,125
Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,909	1,937
Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,538	3,465
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,639	7,796
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,515	3,687
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	14,134	14,193
Other revenues	880	865
Total revenues	15,014	15,058
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,119	6,459
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,695	3,552
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,328	3,290
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	605	544
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	387	348
McLane Company [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	11,797	12,180
Other revenues	24	19
Total revenues	11,821	12,199
McLane Company [Member] | Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,859	8,035
McLane Company [Member] | Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,806	4,125
McLane Company [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	132	20
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,847	5,894
Other revenues	1,091	1,110
Total revenues	6,938	7,004
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	44	46
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,909	1,937
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,933	2,921
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	961	990
BNSF [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,366	5,713
Other revenues	14	12
Total revenues	5,380	5,725
BNSF [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,366	5,713
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,308	4,412
Other revenues	199	260
Total revenues	4,507	4,672
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	793	725
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,515	3,687
Insurance Corporate And Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Other revenues	17,605	16,020
Total revenues	$ 17,605	$ 16,020

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Derivative contracts (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative contracts outstanding

The liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follows (in millions).

	Liabilities		Notional Value
March 31, 2020	$	2,361	$	14,171
December 31, 2019		968		14,385

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables 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, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,399	$	3,399	$	3,353	$	46	$	—
Foreign governments		8,154		8,154		5,054		3,100		—
Corporate bonds		5,786		5,786		—		5,784		2
Other		584		584		—		584		—
Investments in equity securities		180,782		180,782		174,889		44		5,849
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,587		8,051		8,051		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,660		18,350		—		2,206		16,144
Derivative contract assets (1)		180		180		1		23		156
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		186		186		7		120		59
Equity index put options		2,361		2,361		—		—		2,361
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,486		40,215		—		40,210		5
Railroad, utilities and energy		66,747		76,207		—		76,207		—
December 31, 2019
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,090	$	3,090	$	3,046	$	44	$	—
Foreign governments		8,638		8,638		5,437		3,201		—
Corporate bonds		6,352		6,352		—		6,350		2
Other		605		605		—		605		—
Investments in equity securities		248,027		248,027		237,271		46		10,710
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,757		10,456		10,456		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,527		17,861		—		1,809		16,052
Derivative contract assets (1)		145		145		—		23		122
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		76		76		6		59		11
Equity index put options		968		968		—		—		968
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,590		40,589		—		40,569		20
Railroad, utilities and energy		65,778		76,237		—		76,237		—

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

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

Reconciliations of significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance – beginning of year			Earnings			Other comprehensive income		Regulatory assets and liabilities			Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance –     March 31
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities:
2020	$	10,407		$	(4,861	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	5,546
2019		7			—			—		—			(1	)		6
Net derivative contract liabilities:
2020		(857	)		(1,324	)		—		(40	)		(43	)		(2,264	)
2019		(2,343	)		820			—		(11	)		(44	)		(1,578	)

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

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2020, 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 Inputs	Weighted Average
Investments in equity securities:
Preferred stock	$	5,540	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	9 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	375 basis points
Common stock warrants		2	Warrant pricing model	Expected duration	9 years
				Volatility	27%
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361	Option pricing model	Volatility	25%

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Accumulated other comprehensive income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Note 20. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the three months ending March 31, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
First three months of 2020:
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	481		$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		(139	)		(1,362	)		71			(48	)		(1,478	)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	342		$	(5,708	)	$	(1,298	)	$	(57	)	$	(6,721	)
First three months of 2019:
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	370		$	(4,603	)	$	(816	)	$	34		$	(5,015	)
Other comprehensive income, net		93			157			50			(12	)		288
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	463		$	(4,446	)	$	(766	)	$	22		$	(4,727	)

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Notes payable and other borrowings

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Notes payable and other borrowings

Note 16. 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, 2020.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2047		3.2	%	$	8,328	$	8,324
Euro denominated due 2021-2035		1.0	%		7,513		7,641
Japanese Yen denominated due 2024-2049		0.5	%		3,978		3,938
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2049		4.1	%		8,828		8,679
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,131		2,274
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2020-2045		4.1	%		5,241		5,262
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		3.0	%		1,467		1,472
				$	37,486	$	37,590

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued)

In March 2020, Berkshire repaid €1.0 billion of maturing senior notes and issued €1.0 billion of 0.0% senior notes due in 2025. Over the remainder of 2020, there are no other senior note maturities and in the first quarter of 2021, $1.6 billion of senior notes will mature. In April 2020, Berkshire issued ¥195.5 billion (approximately $1.8 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060 and a weighted average interest rate of 1.07%.    

Borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and equipment held for lease of certain subsidiaries. BHFC borrowings are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In January 2020, BHFC repaid $350 million of maturing senior notes and in March 2020 issued $500 million of 1.85% senior notes due in 2030. Over the remainder of 2020, $550 million of BHFC senior notes will mature and in the first quarter of 2021, an additional $750 million of senior notes will mature.

The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€6.85 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥430 billion par) reflect the applicable foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the period are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the exchange rates resulted in pre-tax gains of $228 million in the first quarter of 2020 and $170 million in the first quarter of 2019.

In addition to BHFC borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $1.2 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at March 31, 2020. 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 payment obligations.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2021-2050		4.5	%	$	11,459	$	8,581
Subsidiary and other debt due 2020-2064		4.5	%		30,035		30,772
Short-term borrowings		2.4	%		2,088		3,214
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries due 2020-2097		4.6	%		23,165		23,211
				$	66,747	$	65,778

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants, which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios. During the first quarter of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt of approximately $4.0 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2050 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.75%. In April 2020, a BHE subsidiary issued $1.0 billion of term debt consisting of $400 million of 2.7% bonds due in 2030 and $600 million of 3.3% bonds due in 2051. In the first three months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid $1.7 billion of debt and reduced short-term borrowings by approximately $1.1 billion. BHE subsidiary term debt maturities over the remainder of 2020 approximate $800 million.

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051. Over the remainder of 2020, approximately $450 million of senior unsecured debentures will mature. As of March 31, 2020, BNSF, BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

As of March 31, 2020, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $8.2 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included approximately $6.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

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Other receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provisions for credit losses on receivables	$ 211
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unbilled revenue	$ 550	$ 638

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Revenue from contracts with customers transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (Detail) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 5,770
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-04-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 888
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period	1 year
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 4,882
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 3,799
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-04-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 1,162
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period	1 year
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 2,637
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period

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Income taxes - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	21.20%	21.40%

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Loans and finance receivables - Schedule of changes in allowance for credit losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Allowance For Credit Loss [Abstract]
Balance - beginning of year:	$ 167	$ 177
Adoption of ASC 326	486
Provision for credit losses	86	32
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(37)	(33)
Balance - March 31:	$ 702	$ 176

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Equity method investments - Unaudited financial information (Detail) - The Kraft Heinz Company [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets			$ 104,073	$ 101,450
Liabilities			$ 52,949	$ 49,701
Sales	$ 6,157	$ 5,959
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders	$ 378	$ 405

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Fair value measurements - Narrative (Detail) - Occidental Corporation [Member] - USD ($) $ in Billions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Acquisition of preferred and common stock warrants	$ 10
Preferred Stock [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities, description		The Occidental Preferred is redeemable at Occidental’s option beginning in 2029
Common Stock Warrants [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities, description		The Occidental common stock warrants expire on the one-year anniversary on which no Occidental Preferred remains outstanding

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Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the change in goodwill

Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first quarter of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,882		$	81,025
Acquisitions of businesses		15			890
Other, including foreign currency translation		(238	)		(33	)
Balance at end of period	$	81,659		$	81,882

Schedule of intangible assets

Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other:
Trademarks and trade names	$	5,283	$	764	$	5,286	$	759
Patents and technology		4,591		3,096		4,560		3,032
Customer relationships		27,820		5,137		27,943		5,025
Other		3,291		1,295		3,364		1,286
	$	40,985	$	10,292	$	41,153	$	10,102
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Trademarks and trade names	$	212	$	27	$	212	$	26
Customer relationships		678		333		678		324
Other		113		59		113		58
	$	1,003	$	419	$	1,003	$	408

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

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, 2020.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2047		3.2	%	$	8,328	$	8,324
Euro denominated due 2021-2035		1.0	%		7,513		7,641
Japanese Yen denominated due 2024-2049		0.5	%		3,978		3,938
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2049		4.1	%		8,828		8,679
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,131		2,274
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2020-2045		4.1	%		5,241		5,262
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		3.0	%		1,467		1,472
				$	37,486	$	37,590

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2021-2050		4.5	%	$	11,459	$	8,581
Subsidiary and other debt due 2020-2064		4.5	%		30,035		30,772
Short-term borrowings		2.4	%		2,088		3,214
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries due 2020-2097		4.6	%		23,165		23,211
				$	66,747	$	65,778

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Derivative contracts - Narrative (Detail) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral posting requirements under contracts with collateral provisions	$ 0
Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contract pre-tax gains (losses)	$ (1,393,000,000)	$ 770,000,000
Derivative maturity month and year	2023-02
Weighted average life of unexpired derivative contracts	1 year 6 months
Premiums received at contract inception dates	$ 2,500,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of equity index put option contracts	$ 2,000,000,000.0		$ 397,000,000
Equity Index Put Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of decline in index values	20.00%
Equity Index Put Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of decline in index values	25.00%
Derivative inception month and year	2008-03

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Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 4,598	$ 4,492
Work in process and other	2,751	2,700
Finished manufactured goods	5,011	4,821
Goods acquired for resale	7,812	7,839
Total inventory	$ 20,172	$ 19,852

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Equipment held for lease - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease	$ 292	$ 286

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	$ 42,269	$ 41,633	$ 42,441	$ 41,834
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	13,488	13,831	13,747	$ 14,104
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	283	$ 275
NICO [Member] | AIG [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum contractual liability under contract	20,000
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	18,200		18,200
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	$ 6,100		$ 6,300

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions		Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
ASSETS
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 17,923		$ 18,685
Investments in equity securities		180,782	[1]	248,027	[2]
Loans and finance receivables		17,660		17,527
Inventories		20,172		19,852
Equipment held for lease		14,899		15,065
Goodwill		81,659		81,882
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		13,488		13,747
Total assets		760,448		817,729
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		73,362		73,019
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		42,269		42,441
Income taxes, principally deferred		52,571		66,799
Total liabilities		385,213		389,166
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8		8
Capital in excess of par value		35,619		35,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(6,721)		(5,243)
Retained earnings		352,359		402,493
Treasury stock, at cost		(9,700)		(8,125)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		371,565		424,791
Noncontrolling interests		3,670		3,772
Total shareholders’ equity		375,235		428,563
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		760,448		817,729
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[3]	38,717		61,151
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		94,623		63,822
Investments in fixed maturity securities		17,923		18,685
Investments in equity securities		180,782		248,027
Equity method investments		17,483		17,505
Loans and finance receivables		17,660		17,527
Other receivables		34,720		32,418
Inventories		20,172		19,852
Property, plant and equipment		21,258		21,438
Equipment held for lease		14,899		15,065
Goodwill		56,990		57,052
Other intangible assets		30,693		31,051
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		13,488		13,747
Other		13,593		13,232
Total assets		573,001		630,572
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		73,362		73,019
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		42,269		42,441
Unearned premiums		21,718		19,782
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		20,193		20,155
Other policyholder liabilities		7,753		7,723
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		25,565		27,611
Payable for purchase of U.S. Treasury Bills		8,630
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361		968
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,291		5,281
Notes payable and other borrowings		37,486		37,590
Total liabilities		244,628		234,570
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[3]	3,923		3,024
Receivables		3,237		3,417
Property, plant and equipment		137,264		137,838
Goodwill		24,669		24,830
Regulatory assets		2,963		2,881
Other		15,391		15,167
Total assets		187,447		187,157
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		14,049		14,708
Regulatory liabilities		7,218		7,311
Notes payable and other borrowings		66,747		65,778
Total liabilities		$ 88,014		$ 87,797

[1] Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

[2] Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

[3] Cash and cash equivalents included U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $19.6 billion at March 31, 2020 and $37.1 billion at December 31, 2019.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (49,697)	$ 21,732
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments	(180)	122
Applicable income taxes	41	(28)
Foreign currency translation	(1,454)	183
Applicable income taxes	47	(3)
Defined benefit pension plans	95	66
Applicable income taxes	(21)	(17)
Other, net	(59)	(13)
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,531)	310
Comprehensive income	(51,228)	22,042
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4)	93
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ (51,224)	$ 21,949

XML

Fair value measurements - Financial assets and liabilities (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions		Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2020 EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2020 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2020 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 17,923					$ 18,685
Investments in equity securities		180,782	[1]				248,027	[2]
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value		17,660					17,527
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value				€ 6,850	¥ 430	£ 1,750
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		66,747					65,778
Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		17,923					18,685
Investments in equity securities		180,782					248,027
Equity method investments - carrying value		17,483					17,505
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value		17,660					17,527
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361					968
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		37,486					37,590
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments - carrying value		13,600					13,800
Equity method investments		8,100					10,500
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		3,399					3,090
Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		8,154					8,638
Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		5,786					6,352
Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		584					605
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		174,889					237,271
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments		8,051					10,456
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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		3,353					3,046
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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		5,054					5,437
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	[3]	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	[3]	7					6
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		44					46
Loans and finance receivables		2,206					1,809
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		76,207					76,237
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		40,210					40,569
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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		46					44
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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		3,100					3,201
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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		5,784					6,350
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		584					605
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	[3]	23					23
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	[3]	120					59
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		5,849					10,710
Loans and finance receivables		16,144					16,052
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		5					20
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361					968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [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		2					2
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	[3]	156					122
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	[3]	59					11
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		180,782					248,027
Loans and finance receivables		17,660					17,527
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		66,747					65,778
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		37,486					37,590
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361					968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments		13,587					13,757
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [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		3,399					3,090
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		8,154					8,638
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		5,786					6,352
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		584					605
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[3]	180					145
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [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	[3]	186					76
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		180,782					248,027
Loans and finance receivables		18,350					17,861
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		76,207					76,237
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		40,215					40,589
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities		2,361					968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments		8,051					10,456
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [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		3,399					3,090
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		8,154					8,638
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		5,786					6,352
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		584					605
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[3]	180					145
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [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	[3]	$ 186					$ 76

[1] Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

[2] Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

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

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible asset amortization expense	$ 325	$ 333
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding goodwill	$ 19,000		$ 19,000

XML

Investments in equity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	$ 113,249		$ 110,340
Net Unrealized Gains/(losses)	67,533		137,687
Fair Value	180,782	[1]	248,027	[2]
Banks, insurance and finance [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	40,845		40,419
Net Unrealized Gains/(losses)	22,046		61,976
Fair Value	62,891		102,395
Consumer products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	38,887		38,887
Net Unrealized Gains/(losses)	45,713		60,747
Fair Value	84,600		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	33,517		31,034
Net Unrealized Gains/(losses)	(226)		14,964
Fair Value	$ 33,291		$ 45,998

[1] Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $13.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $63.8 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.7 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $9.9 billion).

[2] Approximately 67% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $18.6 billion).

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New Accounting Pronouncements - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Jan. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ 352,359		$ 402,493
ASU 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings		$ (388)

XML

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” on January 1, 2020. ASC 326 provides for the measurement of expected credit losses on financial assets that are carried at amortized cost based on the net amounts expected to be collected. Measurements of expected credit losses therefore include provisions for non-collection, whether the risk is probable or remote. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, credit losses were measured when non-collection was considered probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. We elected to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses on accrued interest and instead reverse uncollectible accrued interest through interest income on a timely basis.

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $388 million representing the cumulative after-tax increase in our allowances for credit losses, which was primarily related to our manufactured housing loans. Expected credit losses for such financial assets are based on the net present value of future principal payments less estimated expenses related to the charge-off and foreclosure of expected uncollectible loans and include provisions for loans that are non-performing or in foreclosure. Our principal credit quality indicator is whether the loans are performing. Expected credit loss estimates consider historical default rates, collateral recovery rates, historical runoff rates, interest rates, reductions of future cash flows for modified loans, the historical time elapsed from last payment until foreclosure, among other matters. In addition, our estimates consider current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

Trade receivables, insurance premium receivables and other receivables are primarily short-term in nature with stated collection terms of less than one year from the date of origination. In establishing credit loss allowances for such receivables, we primarily utilize credit loss history. However, credit loss allowances may be adjusted as a result of current conditions and when we expect reasonable and supportable forecasts to deviate from historical experience. In evaluating expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses, we review the credit quality of the counterparty and consider credit ratings, right-of-offset provisions within reinsurance contracts and other forms of credit enhancement including, collateral, funds held arrangements, guarantees and other publicly available information.

We adopted ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” as of January 1, 2020. Under ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment is represented by the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit and is limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after its adoption date.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used to value policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs arising from the issuance of long-duration insurance and reinsurance contracts, with the effects of changes in cash flow assumptions reflected in earnings and the effects of changes in discount rate assumptions reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Investment gains/losses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Summary of investment gains and losses

Investment gains/losses in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2020			2019
Equity securities:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities    held at the end of the period	$	(68,482	)	$	19,393
Investment gains (losses) during the period		(410	)		161
		(68,892	)		19,554
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		16			5
Gross realized losses		(6	)		(10	)
Other		—			3
	$	(68,882	)	$	19,552

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first quarter of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,882		$	81,025
Acquisitions of businesses		15			890
Other, including foreign currency translation		(238	)		(33	)
Balance at end of period	$	81,659		$	81,882

Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other:
Trademarks and trade names	$	5,283	$	764	$	5,286	$	759
Patents and technology		4,591		3,096		4,560		3,032
Customer relationships		27,820		5,137		27,943		5,025
Other		3,291		1,295		3,364		1,286
	$	40,985	$	10,292	$	41,153	$	10,102
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Trademarks and trade names	$	212	$	27	$	212	$	26
Customer relationships		678		333		678		324
Other		113		59		113		58
	$	1,003	$	419	$	1,003	$	408

Intangible asset amortization expense in the first quarter was $325 million in 2020 and $333 million in 2019. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $19.0 billion as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.

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Loans and finance receivables

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Receivables [Abstract]

Loans and finance receivables

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables

Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	18,867		$	18,199
Allowances for credit losses		(702	)		(167	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(505	)		(505	)
	$	17,660		$	17,527

Loans and finance receivables are principally installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. The changes in the allowance for credit losses for each of the first three months of 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balance - beginning of year:	$	167		$	177
Adoption of ASC 326		486			—
Provision for credit losses		86			32
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(37	)		(33	)
Balance - March 31:	$	702		$	176

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables (Continued)

As of March 31, 2020, approximately 99% of the manufactured housing loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment, with the remainder evaluated individually. As of March 31, 2020, we considered approximately 97% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. Manufactured housing loan balances before discounts and allowances designated as performing or non-performing are presented below by year of loan origination as of March 31, 2020 (in millions).

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior		Total
Performing	$	1,401	$	2,719	$	2,081	$	1,547	$	1,375	$	7,445	$	16,568
Non-performing		8		3		8		9		16		79		123
Total	$	1,409	$	2,722	$	2,089	$	1,556	$	1,391	$	7,524	$	16,691

We are party to an agreement with Seritage Growth Properties to provide a $2.0 billion term loan facility, which matures on July 31, 2023. The outstanding loans under the facility were approximately $1.6 billion as of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. This loan is secured by mortgages on real estate properties. In the first quarter of 2020, we provided a loan of $576 million to Lee Enterprises, Inc. in connection with its acquisition of our newspaper operations and the repayment of its then outstanding credit facilities. We are the sole lender to each of these entities and each of these loans is current as to payment status.

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Investments in fixed maturity securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments in fixed maturity securities

Note 3. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,314	$	85	$	—		$	3,399
Foreign governments		8,126		75		(47	)		8,154
Corporate bonds		5,536		317		(67	)		5,786
Other		515		72		(3	)		584
	$	17,491	$	549	$	(117	)	$	17,923
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,054	$	37	$	(1	)	$	3,090
Foreign governments		8,584		63		(9	)		8,638
Corporate bonds		5,896		459		(3	)		6,352
Other		539		67		(1	)		605
	$	18,073	$	626	$	(14	)	$	18,685

Investments in foreign governments include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of March 31, 2020, approximately 88% of our foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2020 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers.

	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	$	6,774	$	9,579	$	332	$	425	$	381	$	17,491
Fair value		6,761		9,667		365		685		445		17,923