Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B) 10-Q 8 Nov 21 2021 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 27, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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		619,938
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		1,303,476,707
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 0.625 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 0.500 Senior Notes Due 2041 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.500% Senior Notes due 2041
Trading Symbol	BRK41
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

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets £ in Millions, $ in Millions, € in Billions, ¥ in Billions		Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
ASSETS
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 18,125		$ 20,410
Investments in equity securities		310,739	[1]	281,170	[2]
Loans and finance receivables		20,397		19,201
Inventories		20,191		19,208
Equipment held for lease		14,752		14,601
Goodwill	[3]	73,770		73,734
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		11,732		12,441
Total assets		920,758		873,729
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		85,754		79,854
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		39,721		40,966
Income taxes, principally deferred		82,248		74,098
Total liabilities		439,683		422,393
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8		8
Capital in excess of par value		35,603		35,626
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(4,834)		(4,243)
Retained earnings		494,775		444,626
Treasury stock, at cost		(53,072)		(32,853)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		472,480		443,164
Noncontrolling interests		8,595		8,172
Total shareholders’ equity		481,075		451,336
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		920,758		873,729
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[4]	65,156		44,714
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		79,209		90,300
Investments in fixed maturity securities		18,125		20,410
Investments in equity securities		310,739		281,170
Equity method investments		16,658		17,303
Loans and finance receivables		20,397		19,201
Other receivables		37,277		32,310
Inventories		20,191		19,208
Property, plant and equipment		20,722		21,200
Equipment held for lease		14,752		14,601
Goodwill		47,090		47,121
Other intangible assets		28,643		29,462
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		11,732		12,441
Other		16,301		14,580
Total assets		706,992		664,021
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		85,754		79,854
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		39,721		40,966
Unearned premiums		25,239		21,395
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		22,409		21,616
Other policyholder liabilities		8,863		8,670
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		31,154		29,279
Derivative contract liabilities		286		1,065
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,840		5,856
Notes payable and other borrowings		39,645		41,522
Total liabilities		258,911		250,223
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[4]	4,833		3,276
Receivables		4,324		3,542
Property, plant and equipment		153,401		151,216
Goodwill		26,680		26,613
Regulatory assets		3,842		3,440
Other		20,686		21,621
Total assets		213,766		209,708
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		15,978		15,224
Regulatory liabilities		7,226		7,475
Notes payable and other borrowings		75,320		75,373
Total liabilities		$ 98,524		$ 98,072
[1]	Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $25.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $128.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $43.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.0 billion).
[2]	Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.3 billion; Apple Inc. – $120.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.3 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.9 billion).
[3]	Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
[4]	Includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $37.9 billion at September 30, 2021 and $23.2 billion at December 31, 2020.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member]
Cash equivalents	$ 37.9	$ 23.2

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenues:
Insurance and other sales and service / Energy operating revenues	$ 49,014	$ 43,494	$ 141,747	$ 122,324
Leasing revenues	1,565	1,316	4,336	3,905
Total revenues	70,583	63,024	204,296	181,129
Investment and derivative contract gains	4,921	31,582	38,015	1,392
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses	63,397	56,966	180,353	172,564
Earnings before income taxes and equity method earnings	12,107	37,640	61,958	9,957
Equity method earnings	377	290	775	333
Earnings before income taxes	12,484	37,930	62,733	10,290
Income tax expense	1,840	7,517	11,824	3,167
Net earnings	10,644	30,413	50,909	7,123
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	300	276	760	437
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 10,344	$ 30,137	$ 50,149	$ 6,686
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Net earnings per average equivalent share	$ 6,882	$ 18,994	$ 33,025	$ 4,160
Average equivalent shares outstanding	1,503,013	1,586,698	1,518,513	1,607,041
Equivalent Class B [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Net earnings per average equivalent share	$ 4.59	$ 12.66	$ 22.02	$ 2.77
Average equivalent shares outstanding	2,254,518,838	2,380,046,304	2,277,769,582	2,410,561,550
Insurance and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned	$ 17,727	$ 15,913	$ 51,314	$ 47,256
Insurance and other sales and service / Energy operating revenues	36,722	32,703	107,163	93,332
Leasing revenues	1,565	1,316	4,336	3,905
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,795	1,717	5,544	6,143
Total revenues	57,809	51,649	168,357	150,636
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses	13,939	11,667	37,078	32,712
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	1,568	1,311	4,507	4,101
Insurance underwriting expenses	3,239	3,228	9,318	9,219
Cost of sales and services	28,984	25,957	84,275	74,565
Cost of leasing	1,116	854	2,980	2,605
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4,889	5,181	13,844	14,304
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		25		10,659
Interest expense	286	263	860	817
Total costs and expenses	54,021	48,486	152,862	148,982
Freight Rail Transportation [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	5,761	5,148	16,917	15,101
Costs and expenses:
Expenses	3,527	3,161	10,625	9,625
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance and other sales and service / Energy operating revenues	5,225	4,451	14,375	11,504
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and other expenses	3,497	3,101	10,306	8,326
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Service revenues and other income	1,788	1,776	4,647	3,888
Total revenues	12,774	11,375	35,939	30,493
Costs and expenses:
Other expenses	1,582	1,481	4,238	3,422
Interest expense	770	737	2,322	2,209
Total costs and expenses	$ 9,376	$ 8,480	$ 27,491	$ 23,582

Consolidated Statements of Ea_2

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Economic equivalent of Class B share to Class A share	0.0667%

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 10,644	$ 30,413	$ 50,909	$ 7,123
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments	(89)	19	(164)	42
Applicable income taxes	20	(4)	38	(13)
Foreign currency translation	(643)	791	(616)	(77)
Applicable income taxes	6	(3)	(8)	34
Defined benefit pension plans	54	(24)	158	86
Applicable income taxes	(13)	8	(42)	(14)
Other, net	38	16	45	(19)
Other comprehensive income, net	(627)	803	(589)	39
Comprehensive income	10,017	31,216	50,320	7,162
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	288	302	762	423
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 9,729	$ 30,914	$ 49,558	$ 6,739

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Retained earningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 428,563	$ (388)	$ 35,666	$ (5,243)	$ 402,493	$ (388)	$ (8,125)	$ 3,772
Net earnings	$ (49,697)				(49,746)			49
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration]	ASU 2016-13 [Member]
Other comprehensive income, net	$ (1,531)			(1,478)				(53)
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
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	428,563	$ (388)	35,666	(5,243)	402,493	$ (388)	(8,125)	3,772
Net earnings	7,123
Other comprehensive income, net	39
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	419,215		35,629	(5,190)	408,791		(24,075)	4,060
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	375,235		35,627	(6,721)	352,359		(9,700)	3,670
Net earnings	26,407				26,295			112
Other comprehensive income, net	767			754				13
Acquisition of common stock	(5,115)						(5,115)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(41)		(4)					(37)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	397,253		35,623	(5,967)	378,654		(14,815)	3,758
Net earnings	30,413				30,137			276
Other comprehensive income, net	803			777				26
Acquisition of common stock	(9,260)						(9,260)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	6		6
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	419,215		35,629	(5,190)	408,791		(24,075)	4,060
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	451,336		35,634	(4,243)	444,626		(32,853)	8,172
Net earnings	11,840				11,711			129
Other comprehensive income, net	(320)			(327)				7
Acquisition of common stock	(6,565)						(6,565)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(115)		4					(119)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	456,176		35,638	(4,570)	456,337		(39,418)	8,189
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	451,336		35,634	(4,243)	444,626		(32,853)	8,172
Net earnings	50,909
Other comprehensive income, net	(589)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	481,075		35,611	(4,834)	494,775		(53,072)	8,595
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	456,176		35,638	(4,570)	456,337		(39,418)	8,189
Net earnings	28,425				28,094			331
Other comprehensive income, net	358			351				7
Acquisition of common stock	(6,028)						(6,028)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(131)		5					(136)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	478,800		35,643	(4,219)	484,431		(45,446)	8,391
Net earnings	10,644				10,344			300
Other comprehensive income, net	(627)			(615)				(12)
Acquisition of common stock	(7,626)						(7,626)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(116)		(32)					(84)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	$ 481,075		$ 35,611	$ (4,834)	$ 494,775		$ (53,072)	$ 8,595

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021		Sep. 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 50,909		$ 7,123
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(37,235)		(2,032)
Depreciation and amortization	8,013		7,692
Other, including asset impairment charges	(717)		10,934
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	4,809		4,480
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed	709		735
Unearned premiums	3,958		2,544
Receivables and originated loans	(6,810)		(3,223)
Other assets	(1,558)		(1,673)
Other liabilities	1,928		2,446
Income taxes	7,620		201
Net cash flows from operating activities	31,626		29,227
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities	(5,004)		(22,406)
Sales of equity securities	11,975		28,564
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	(106,399)		(153,897)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	15,945		23,744
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	103,294		81,252
Purchases of loans and finance receivables	(70)		(619)
Collections of loans and finance receivables	283		268
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(204)		(111)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease	(9,244)		(9,516)
Other	1,505		(1,685)
Net cash flows from investing activities	12,081		(54,406)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in short term borrowings, net	(689)		(1,062)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(20,192)		(15,712)
Other	(755)		(196)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(21,364)		(11,676)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes	(98)		(340)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	22,245		(37,195)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year*	48,396		64,632
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of third quarter*	70,641		27,437
Restricted cash, included in other assets at beginning of year	406		457
Restricted cash, included in other assets at end of third quarter	$ 652		$ 620
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Other		Other
Insurance and Other [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	$ 2,952		$ 3,435
Repayments of borrowings	(3,010)		(2,116)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	44,714	[1]	61,151
Cash and cash equivalents at end of third quarter	65,156	[1]	23,078
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	2,939		6,424
Repayments of borrowings	(2,609)		(2,449)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,276	[1]	3,024
Cash and cash equivalents at end of third quarter	$ 4,833	[1]	$ 3,739
[1]	Includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $37.9 billion at September 30, 2021 and $23.2 billion at December 31, 2020.

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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. 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 and losses 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, gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and the magnitude of asset impairment charges can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings. The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) spread rapidly across the world in 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 of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected nearly all of our operations during 2020 and in particular during the second quarter, although the effects varied significantly. Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, many of our businesses experienced significantly higher sales and earnings relative to the second quarter, reflecting higher customer demand. The extent of the effects over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic that may affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition include the ability to vaccinate a significant number of people in the U.S. and throughout the world, as well as the long-term effect from the pandemic on the demand for certain of 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.

New accounting pronouncements

New accounting pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 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. 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. 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 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 established 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, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments in fixed maturity s

Investments in fixed maturity securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 3. Investments in fixed maturity securities Investments in fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions). Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value September 30, 2021 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,358 $ 30 $ — $ 3,388 Foreign governments 12,407 38 (27 ) 12,418 Corporate bonds 1,510 431 — 1,941 Other 327 52 (1 ) 378 $ 17,602 $ 551 $ (28 ) $ 18,125 December 31, 2020 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,348 $ 55 $ — $ 3,403 Foreign governments 11,233 110 (5 ) 11,338 Corporate bonds 4,729 464 (2 ) 5,191 Other 414 66 (2 ) 478 $ 19,724 $ 695 $ (9 ) $ 20,410 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 September 30, 2021, approximately 90% 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 as of September 30, 2021 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 $ 9,433 $ 7,225 $ 487 $ 206 $ 251 $ 17,602 Fair value 9,436 7,283 758 350 298 18,125

Investments in equity securitie

Investments in equity securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in equity securities	Note 4. Investments in equity securities Investments in equity securities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value September 30, 2021* Banks, insurance and finance $ 26,809 $ 60,931 $ 87,740 Consumer products 34,973 119,421 154,394 Commercial, industrial and other 42,406 26,199 68,605 $ 104,188 $ 206,551 $ 310,739 * Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $25.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $128.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $43.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.0 billion). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value December 31, 2020* Banks, insurance and finance $ 26,312 $ 40,167 $ 66,479 Consumer products 34,747 111,583 146,330 Commercial, industrial and other 47,561 20,800 68,361 $ 108,620 $ 172,550 $ 281,170 * Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.3 billion; Apple Inc. – $120.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.3 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.9 billion). Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 4. Investments in equity securities (Continued) Our equity security investments also include Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion and warrants to purchase up to 83.86 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $59.62 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing in 2029 at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or is mandatorily redeemable under specified events. Dividends on the preferred stock are payable 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.

Equity method investments

Equity method investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 26.5% of the outstanding shares. Our investment in Kraft Heinz produced equity method earnings of $194 million in the third quarter and $337 million in the first nine months of 2021. In 2020, our Kraft Heinz investment generated equity method earnings of $159 million in the third quarter and losses of $180 million in the first nine months. Our earnings in the first nine months of 2020 included charges of approximately $850 million for our proportionate share of the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz. We received dividends on the common stock of $391 million in each of the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, which were recorded as reductions to the carrying value of our investment. Shares of Kraft Heinz common stock are publicly-traded and the fair value of our investment was approximately $12.0 billion at September 30, 2021 and $11.3 billion at December 31, 2020. The carrying value of our investment was approximately $13.3 Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions). September 25, 2021 December 26, 2020 Assets $ 94,897 $ 99,830 Liabilities 44,659 49,587 Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Sales $ 6,324 $ 6,441 $ 19,333 $ 19,246 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders 733 597 1,269 (676 ) * * Includes goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges of approximately $3.2 billion in the first nine months. Other investments that we account for pursuant to the equity method include Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”) and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”). The aggregate carrying value of these investments was approximately $3.4 billion as of September 30, 2021 and $4.0 billion as of December 31, 2020. Our equity method earnings from these entities in the first nine months were $438 million in 2021 and $513 million in 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, we received distributions of $1.0 billion from these other investees, including a non-recurring distribution received from Pilot of $849 million in the first quarter. 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 provides capital solutions, investments sales advisory and mortgage servicing for multifamily and commercial real estate. A source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through commercial paper, which was $1.47 billion at September 30, 2021 and is limited to $1.5 billion. Berkadia’s commercial paper is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us for one-half Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 5. Equity method investments (Continued) 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. We own a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot is the largest operator of travel centers in North America through more than 1,000 retail locations across 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces and through wholesale distribution. 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 an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot in 2023, with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot in 2023.

Investment and derivative contr

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses	Note 6. Investment and derivative contract gains/losses Investment and derivative contract gains/losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions). Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Investment gains (losses): Equity securities: Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period on securities held at the end of the period $ 4,759 $ 30,837 $ 36,163 $ 16,458 Investment gains (losses) on securities sold during the period 75 1,330 889 (13,901 ) 4,834 32,167 37,052 2,557 Fixed maturity securities: Gross realized gains 24 12 59 53 Gross realized losses (7 ) (2 ) (20 ) (22 ) Other — (552 ) 144 (556 ) Investment gains (losses) 4,851 31,625 37,235 2,032 Derivative contract gains (losses) 70 (43 ) 780 (640 ) $ 4,921 $ 31,582 $ 38,015 $ 1,392 Equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own, as well as gains and losses on securities we sold during the period. As reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we received proceeds from sales of equity securities of approximately $12.0 billion in the first nine months of 2021 and $28.6 billion in the first nine months of 2020. In the preceding table, investment gains and losses on equity securities sold during the period represent the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the applicable period or, if later, the purchase date. Our taxable gains/losses on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and original cost. Taxable gains in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 were $941 million and $2.9 billion, respectively, and were $3.9 billion and $666 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively. The derivative contract gains and losses derive from equity index put option contracts written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. Information related to these contracts follows (dollars in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Balance sheet liabilities - at fair value $ 286 $ 1,065 Notional value 8,251 10,991 Intrinsic value 83 727 Weighted average remaining life (in years) 0.6 1.2 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. Intrinsic value is the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Substantially all open contracts as of September 30, 2021 will expire by February 2023. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the index value is below the contract strike price at the contract expiration date. We received aggregate premiums on the contract inception dates of $1.5 billion with respect to unexpired contracts as of September 30, 2021 and we have no counterparty credit risk.

Loans and finance receivables

Loans and finance receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and finance receivables	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 7. Loans and finance receivables Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts $ 21,685 $ 20,436 Allowances for uncollectible loans (744 ) (712 ) Unamortized acquisition discounts and points (544 ) (523 ) $ 20,397 $ 19,201 Loans and finance receivables are principally manufactured home loans, and to a lesser extent, commercial loans and site-built home loans. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for each of the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions). 2021 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 712 $ 167 Adoption of ASC 326 — 486 Provision for credit losses 65 177 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (33 ) (99 ) Balance at September 30 $ 744 $ 731 As of September 30, 2021, approximately 99% of home loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As of September 30, 2021, we considered approximately 97% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. A summary of performing and non-performing home loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination as of September 30, 2021 follows (in millions). Origination Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Prior Total Performing $ 3,794 $ 3,264 $ 2,308 $ 1,748 $ 1,300 $ 7,126 $ 19,540 Non-performing 2 3 6 6 5 40 62 $ 3,796 $ 3,267 $ 2,314 $ 1,754 $ 1,305 $ 7,166 $ 19,602 We are party to an agreement with Seritage Growth Properties to provide a $2.0 billion term loan facility, which expires on July 31, 2023. The outstanding loan under the facility was approximately $1.6 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and is secured by mortgages on real estate properties. In the first quarter of 2020, we provided a loan to Lee Enterprises, Inc. in connection with its acquisition of our newspaper operations and the repayment of its then outstanding credit facilities. The loan balance was $483 million as of September 30, 2021 and $524 million at December 31, 2020. We are the sole lender to each of these entities and each of these loans is current as to payment status.

Other receivables

Other receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables	Note 8. Other receivables Other receivables are comprised of the following (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Insurance and other: Insurance premiums receivable $ 16,151 $ 14,025 Reinsurance recoverables 4,892 4,805 Trade receivables 13,579 11,521 Other 3,344 2,637 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (689 ) (678 ) $ 37,277 $ 32,310 Railroad, utilities and energy: Trade receivables $ 3,780 $ 3,235 Other 720 438 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (176 ) (131 ) $ 4,324 $ 3,542 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 8. Other receivables (Continued) Provisions for credit losses in the first nine months with respect to receivables summarized above were $335 million in 2021 and $449 million in 2020. Charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first nine months were $279 million in 2021 and $238 million in 2020.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 9. Inventories Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Raw materials $ 5,389 $ 4,821 Work in process and other 3,290 2,541 Finished manufactured goods 4,446 4,412 Goods acquired for resale 7,066 7,434 $ 20,191 $ 19,208

Property, plant and equipment i

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease	Note 10. Property, plant and equipment A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Land, buildings and improvements $ 13,846 $ 13,799 Machinery and equipment 25,849 25,488 Furniture, fixtures and other 4,670 4,530 44,365 43,817 Accumulated depreciation (23,643 ) (22,617 ) $ 20,722 $ 21,200 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. September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Railroad: Land, track structure and other roadway $ 65,167 $ 63,824 Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment 13,784 13,523 Construction in progress 1,030 916 79,981 78,263 Accumulated depreciation (14,641 ) (13,175 ) 65,340 65,088 Utilities and energy: Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems 89,026 86,730 Interstate natural gas pipeline assets 17,044 16,667 Independent power plants and other assets 13,009 12,671 Construction in progress 4,343 3,308 123,422 119,376 Accumulated depreciation (35,361 ) (33,248 ) 88,061 86,128 $ 153,401 $ 151,216 Depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 is summarized below (in millions). First Nine Months 2021 2020 Insurance and other $ 1,725 $ 1,725 Railroad, utilities and energy 4,485 4,105 $ 6,210 $ 5,830
Equipment held for lease [Member]
Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 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. A summary of equipment held for lease follows (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Railcars $ 9,482 $ 9,402 Aircraft 8,852 8,204 Other 5,031 4,868 23,365 22,474 Accumulated depreciation (8,613 ) (7,873 ) $ 14,752 $ 14,601 Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first nine months was $861 million in 2021 and $900 million in 2020. Fixed and variable Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fixed lease revenue $ 1,151 $ 1,047 $ 3,318 $ 3,205 Variable lease revenue 414 269 1,018 700 $ 1,565 $ 1,316 $ 4,336 $ 3,905

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 nine months of 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020 follow (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 73,734 $ 81,882 Acquisitions of businesses 182 1,758 Impairment charges — (10,033 ) Other, including foreign currency translation (146 ) 127 Balance at end of period* $ 73,770 $ 73,734 * Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Insurance and other: Customer relationships $ 27,331 $ 6,281 $ 27,374 $ 5,756 Trademarks and trade names 5,178 797 5,206 779 Patents and technology 4,763 3,442 4,766 3,313 Other 3,317 1,426 3,339 1,375 $ 40,589 $ 11,946 $ 40,685 $ 11,223 Railroad, utilities and energy: Customer relationships $ 678 $ 388 $ 678 $ 361 Trademarks, trade names and other 1,005 133 1,003 98 $ 1,683 $ 521 $ 1,681 $ 459 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued) Intangible asset amortization expense in the first nine months was $942 million in 2021 and $962 million in 2020. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $18.3 billion as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names. During 2020, we concluded it was necessary to reevaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of certain of our reporting units for impairment due to the disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. We recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of approximately $10 billion and pre-tax indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $638 million in the second quarter of 2020. Approximately $10 billion of these charges related to Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), the largest business within Berkshire's manufacturing segment. The carrying value of PCC-related goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets prior to the impairment charges was approximately $31 billion.

Unpaid losses and loss adjustme

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Insurance [Abstract]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	Note 13. 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 14), for each of the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (in millions). 2021 2020 Balances at beginning of year: Gross liabilities $ 79,854 $ 73,019 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (2,912 ) (2,855 ) Net liabilities 76,942 70,164 Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year events 38,447 31,777 Prior accident years’ events (2,151 ) 69 Total 36,296 31,846 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year events (15,277 ) (11,691 ) Prior accident years’ events (15,076 ) (15,259 ) Total (30,353 ) (26,950 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment (119 ) 124 Balances at September 30: Net liabilities 82,766 75,184 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 2,988 2,857 Gross liabilities $ 85,754 $ 78,041 Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses shown in the preceding table were recorded in earnings and related to insured events occurring in the current year (“current accident year”) and events occurring in all prior years (“prior accident years”). Current accident year incurred losses in 2021 included approximately $2.7 billion from significant catastrophe events (losses in excess of $100 million per event) in the U.S. and Europe, including approximately $2.2 billion in the third quarter, primarily from Hurricane Ida and floods in Europe. We recorded a net reduction of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2021 compared to a net increase of $69 million in 2020, which produced a corresponding decrease in 2021 and an increase in 2020 in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. These amounts represented 2.8% in 2021 and 0.1% in 2020 of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events with respect to primary insurance were reduced $1.6 billion in the first nine months of 2021 compared to $273 million in 2020. The reduction in 2021 derived primarily from private passenger automobile claims, and to a lesser extent medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events related to reinsurance assumed in the first nine months decreased $564 million in 2021 and increased $342 million in 2020, which included increased provisions for legacy casualty exposures.

Retroactive reinsurance contrac

Retroactive reinsurance contracts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Insurance [Abstract]
Retroactive reinsurance contracts	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 14. 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 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 charges reinsurance assumed for each of the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions). 2021 2020 Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges reinsurance assumed Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges reinsurance assumed Balances at beginning of year $ 40,966 $ (12,441 ) $ 42,441 $ (13,747 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current year contracts 82 — — — Prior years’ contracts (9 ) 709 131 735 Total 73 709 131 735 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (1,318 ) — (786 ) — Balances at September 30 $ 39,721 $ (11,732 ) $ 41,786 $ (13,012 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges $ 782 $ 866 In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts, which reflect when our exposure to losses begins. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for prior years’ contracts were $700 million in 2021 and $866 million in 2020, which consisted of recurring amortization of deferred charges and the effects of changes in the expected timing and amount of future loss payments. Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), is party to a contract with certain subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), in which NICO’s ultimate liability is contractually limited to $20 billion. Claim payments to AIG commenced in 2021. Our estimated unpaid claim liabilities with regard to the AIG contract were approximately $16.8 billion at September 30, 2021, reflecting paid claims of $837 million during the first nine months of 2021, and $17.7 billion at December 31, 2020. Deferred charges related to the AIG contract were approximately $5.0 billion at September 30, 2021 and $5.4 billion at December 31, 2020.

Notes payable and other borrowi

Notes payable and other borrowings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes payable and other borrowings	Note 15. 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 September 30, 2021. Weighted Average Interest Rate September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Insurance and other: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2022-2047 3.3 % $ 6,817 $ 8,308 Euro denominated due 2023-2041 1.0 % 7,934 8,326 Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060 0.6 % 7,028 6,031 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2022-2051 3.6 % 10,757 10,766 Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059 2.5 % 2,315 2,347 Other subsidiary borrowings due 2021-2045 4.1 % 4,497 4,682 Subsidiary short-term borrowings 2.8 % 297 1,062 $ 39,645 $ 41,522 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 15. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued) In the first nine months of 2021, Berkshire repaid €550 million and $1.5 billion of maturing senior notes. In January 2021, Berkshire issued €600 million of 0.5% senior notes due in 2041. In April 2021, Berkshire issued ¥160 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2041 and a weighted average interest rate of 0.5%. 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 2021, BHFC repaid $750 million of maturing senior notes and issued $750 million of 2.5% senior notes due in 2051. The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€6.9 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥785.5 billion par at September 30, 2021) reflect the applicable 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 $264 million in the third quarter and $939 million in the first nine months of 2021. In 2020, exchange rate changes produced pre-tax losses of $549 million in the third quarter and $447 million in the first nine months. In addition to BHFC borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $3.9 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at September 30, 2021. 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 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Railroad, utilities and energy: Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries: BHE senior unsecured debt due 2023-2051 4.3 % $ 13,001 $ 13,447 Subsidiary and other debt due 2021-2064 4.1 % 37,096 36,420 Short-term borrowings 1.6 % 1,968 2,286 Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries due 2021-2097 4.5 % 23,255 23,220 $ 75,320 $ 75,373 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 such debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants, which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios. In the first nine months of 2021, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid $1.7 billion of term debt and issued $2.1 billion of term debt with a weighted average interest rate of 3.0% and maturities ranging from 2051 to 2052. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. During the first nine months of 2021, BNSF repaid $888 million of debt and issued $925 million of 3.3% term debt due in 2051. As of September 30, 2021, 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 September 30, 2021, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $10.5 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included approximately $8.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 16. Fair value measurements Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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) September 30, 2021 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,388 $ 3,388 $ 3,345 $ 43 $ — Foreign governments 12,418 12,418 11,074 1,344 — Corporate bonds 1,941 1,941 — 1,941 — Other 378 378 — 378 — Investments in equity securities 310,739 310,739 298,633 8 12,098 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 13,290 11,983 11,983 — — Loans and finance receivables 20,397 21,743 — 2,391 19,352 Derivative contract assets (1) 540 540 15 407 118 Derivative contract liabilities: Railroad, utilities and energy (1) 130 130 3 69 58 Equity index put options 286 286 — — 286 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 39,645 42,851 — 42,810 41 Railroad, utilities and energy 75,320 87,965 — 87,965 — December 31, 2020 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,403 $ 3,403 $ 3,358 $ 45 $ — Foreign governments 11,338 11,338 9,259 2,079 — Corporate bonds 5,191 5,191 — 5,191 — Other 478 478 — 478 — Investments in equity securities 281,170 281,170 271,848 38 9,284 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 13,336 11,280 11,280 — — Loans and finance receivables 19,201 20,554 — 2,692 17,862 Derivative contract assets (1) 270 270 1 72 197 Derivative contract liabilities: Railroad, utilities and energy (1) 121 121 6 96 19 Equity index put options 1,065 1,065 — — 1,065 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 41,522 46,676 — 46,665 11 Railroad, utilities and energy 75,373 92,593 — 92,593 — (1) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 16. 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 Level 2 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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions). Balance at beginning of year Gains (losses) included in earnings Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements Balance at September 30 Investments in equity securities: 2021 $ 8,978 $ 1,713 $ 1,100 $ 11,791 2020 10,405 (2,235 ) (1 ) 8,169 Equity index put option contract liabilities: 2021 (1,065 ) 780 (1 ) (286 ) 2020 (968 ) (640 ) 61 (1,547 ) Quantitative information as of September 30, 2021 with respect to significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (dollars in millions). Fair Value Principal Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Weighted Average Investments in equity securities: Preferred stock $ 11,179 Discounted cash flow Expected duration 7 years Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination 355 basis points Common stock warrants 612 Warrant pricing model Expected duration 8 years Volatility 37% Equity index put option contract liabilities 286 Option pricing model Volatility 18% Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in certain preferred stocks and common stock warrants that do not have readily determinable market values as defined under GAAP. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and may contain provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. We applied discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the preferred stock and we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. In valuing the 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. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 16. 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.

Common stock

Common stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock	Note 17. Common stock Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first nine months of 2021 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 Balances at December 31, 2020 678,523 (34,592 ) 643,931 1,469,359,852 (119,316,381 ) 1,350,043,471 Conversions of Class A to Class B common stock (11,849 ) — (11,849 ) 17,773,500 — 17,773,500 Treasury stock acquired — (11,285 ) (11,285 ) — (59,366,771 ) (59,366,771 ) Balances at September 30, 2021 666,674 (45,877 ) 620,797 1,487,133,352 (178,683,152 ) 1,308,450,200 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 one-ten-thousandth 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) (1/1,500) 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 $30 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.

Income taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Note 18. Income taxes Our consolidated effective income tax rates were 14.7% for the third quarter and 18.8% for the first nine months of 2021 compared to 19.8% for the third quarter and 30.8% for the first nine months of 2020. 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 with respect to our investments in equity securities, the amount of non-deductible goodwill impairment charges and other expenses and the underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.

Accumulated other comprehensive

Accumulated other comprehensive income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 19. Accumulated other comprehensive income A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the nine months ending September 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (in millions). Unrealized appreciation of investments, net Foreign currency translation Defined benefit pension plans Other Accumulated other comprehensive income First nine months of 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 536 $ (3,082 ) $ (1,645 ) $ (52 ) $ (4,243 ) Other comprehensive income, net (126 ) (619 ) 112 42 (591 ) Balance at end of period $ 410 $ (3,701 ) $ (1,533 ) $ (10 ) $ (4,834 ) First nine months of 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 481 $ (4,346 ) $ (1,369 ) $ (9 ) $ (5,243 ) Other comprehensive income, net 29 (28 ) 67 (15 ) 53 Balance at end of period $ 510 $ (4,374 ) $ (1,302 ) $ (24 ) $ (5,190 )

Supplemental cash flow informat

Supplemental cash flow information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Note 20. Supplemental cash flow information A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions). First Nine Months 2021 2020 Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 4,002 $ 2,715 Interest: Insurance and other 1,040 892 Railroad, utilities and energy 2,335 2,174

Contingencies and commitments

Contingencies and commitments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and commitments	Note 21. 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. On November 1, 2020, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (“BHE”) acquired a large portion of the natural gas transmission and storage business of Dominion Energy, Inc. (“Dominion”) for approximately $2.5 billion. The acquisition included a partial ownership of a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility (“Cove Point”), consisting of 100% of the general partnership interest and 25% of the limited partnership interests. We treat Cove Point as a consolidated subsidiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect its economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits which could be significant to Cove Point. The fair value of the assets acquired was $13.4 billion, including residual goodwill of $1.7 billion, and the fair value of the liabilities assumed was $7.0 billion, including the assumption of approximately $5.6 billion of debt. We also recorded noncontrolling interests of $3.9 billion attributable to limited partnership interests in Cove Point that are held by third parties. In addition, BHE previously agreed to acquire certain other of Dominion’s pipeline business for approximately $1.3 billion. Effective July 9, 2021, BHE and Dominion agreed to terminate this planned transaction due to ongoing uncertainty in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

Revenues from contracts with cu

Revenues from contracts with customers	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Revenues from contracts with customers	Note 22. 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 third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 (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 Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and Other Total Three months ending September 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 5,600 $ — $ 43 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,643 Building products 5,005 — — — — — 5,005 Consumer products 4,758 — — — — — 4,758 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,933 — — — — 7,933 Food and beverage distribution — 4,478 — — — — 4,478 Auto sales — — 2,423 — — — 2,423 Other retail and wholesale distribution 742 — 3,913 — — — 4,655 Service 400 175 1,073 5,747 1,586 — 8,981 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 5,138 — 5,138 Total 16,505 12,586 7,452 5,747 6,724 — 49,014 Other revenues 951 26 1,202 14 289 19,087 21,569 $ 17,456 $ 12,612 $ 8,654 $ 5,761 $ 7,013 $ 19,087 $ 70,583 Nine months ending September 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 16,549 $ — $ 142 $ — $ — $ — $ 16,691 Building products 14,518 — — — — — 14,518 Consumer products 13,525 — — — — — 13,525 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 23,104 — — — — 23,104 Food and beverage distribution — 12,838 — — — — 12,838 Auto sales — — 7,485 — — — 7,485 Other retail and wholesale distribution 2,199 — 11,577 — — — 13,776 Service 1,099 509 3,060 16,875 4,219 — 25,762 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 14,048 — 14,048 Total 47,890 36,451 22,264 16,875 18,267 — 141,747 Other revenues 2,821 78 3,287 42 755 55,566 62,549 $ 50,711 $ 36,529 $ 25,551 $ 16,917 $ 19,022 $ 55,566 $ 204,296 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 22. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued) Manufacturing McLane Company Service and Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and Other Total Three months ending September 30, 2020 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 4,889 $ — $ 54 $ — $ — $ — $ 4,943 Building products 4,322 — — — — — 4,322 Consumer products 4,036 — — — — — 4,036 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,905 — — — — 7,905 Food and beverage distribution — 3,968 — — — — 3,968 Auto sales — — 2,195 — — — 2,195 Other retail and wholesale distribution 599 — 3,182 — — — 3,781 Service 370 144 865 5,135 1,474 — 7,988 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 4,356 — 4,356 Total 14,216 12,017 6,296 5,135 5,830 — 43,494 Other revenues 929 23 966 14 396 17,202 19,530 $ 15,145 $ 12,040 $ 7,262 $ 5,149 $ 6,226 $ 17,202 $ 63,024 Nine months ending September 30, 2020 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 15,639 $ — $ 143 $ — $ — $ — $ 15,782 Building products 11,682 — — — — — 11,682 Consumer products 10,373 — — — — — 10,373 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 23,051 — — — — 23,051 Food and beverage distribution — 11,561 — — — — 11,561 Auto sales — — 5,999 — — — 5,999 Other retail and wholesale distribution 1,691 — 8,735 — — — 10,426 Service 1,105 398 2,460 15,059 3,238 — 22,260 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 11,190 — 11,190 Total 40,490 35,010 17,337 15,059 14,428 — 122,324 Other revenues 2,686 69 2,884 42 964 52,160 58,805 $ 43,176 $ 35,079 $ 20,221 $ 15,101 $ 15,392 $ 52,160 $ 181,129 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 September 30, 2021 and the timing of when the performance obligations are expected to be satisfied follows (in millions). Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Electricity and natural gas $ 2,761 $ 21,377 $ 24,138 Other sales and service contracts 1,402 2,203 3,605

Business segment data

Business segment data	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segment data	Note 23. 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 and 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 third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions). Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenues of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ 9,604 $ 8,540 $ 28,073 $ 26,689 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group 2,964 2,490 8,373 7,103 Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group 5,159 4,883 14,868 13,464 Investment income 1,339 1,223 4,212 4,486 Total insurance 19,066 17,136 55,526 51,742 BNSF 5,790 5,176 17,000 15,195 Berkshire Hathaway Energy 7,013 6,226 19,022 15,392 Manufacturing 17,496 15,170 50,821 43,238 McLane Company 12,612 12,040 36,529 35,079 Service and retailing 8,679 7,279 25,614 20,272 70,656 63,027 204,512 180,918 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Corporate, eliminations and other (73 ) (3 ) (216 ) 211 $ 70,583 $ 63,024 $ 204,296 $ 181,129 Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ (289 ) $ 276 $ 1,360 $ 3,320 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (23 ) (126 ) 349 (63 ) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (708 ) (441 ) (1,298 ) (2,033 ) Investment income 1,337 1,220 4,205 4,480 Total insurance 317 929 4,616 5,704 BNSF 2,029 1,777 5,667 4,855 Berkshire Hathaway Energy 1,375 1,122 2,797 2,074 Manufacturing 2,445 2,255 7,595 5,765 McLane Company (8 ) 96 179 205 Service and retailing 1,110 779 3,234 1,745 7,268 6,958 24,088 20,348 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Investment and derivative gains 4,921 31,582 38,015 1,392 Interest expense, not allocated to segments (128 ) (116 ) (386 ) (363 ) Equity method investments 377 290 775 333 Goodwill and intangible impairments — (25 ) — (10,659 ) Corporate, eliminations and other 46 (759 ) 241 (761 ) $ 12,484 $ 37,930 $ 62,733 $ 10,290

New accounting pronouncements (

New accounting pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 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. 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. 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 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 established 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, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments in fixed maturity_2

Investments in fixed maturity securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of investments in securities with fixed maturities	Investments in fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions). Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value September 30, 2021 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,358 $ 30 $ — $ 3,388 Foreign governments 12,407 38 (27 ) 12,418 Corporate bonds 1,510 431 — 1,941 Other 327 52 (1 ) 378 $ 17,602 $ 551 $ (28 ) $ 18,125 December 31, 2020 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,348 $ 55 $ — $ 3,403 Foreign governments 11,233 110 (5 ) 11,338 Corporate bonds 4,729 464 (2 ) 5,191 Other 414 66 (2 ) 478 $ 19,724 $ 695 $ (9 ) $ 20,410
Schedule of amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2021 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 $ 9,433 $ 7,225 $ 487 $ 206 $ 251 $ 17,602 Fair value 9,436 7,283 758 350 298 18,125

Investments in equity securit_2

Investments in equity securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of investments in equity securities	Investments in equity securities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value September 30, 2021* Banks, insurance and finance $ 26,809 $ 60,931 $ 87,740 Consumer products 34,973 119,421 154,394 Commercial, industrial and other 42,406 26,199 68,605 $ 104,188 $ 206,551 $ 310,739 * Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $25.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $128.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $43.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.0 billion). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value December 31, 2020* Banks, insurance and finance $ 26,312 $ 40,167 $ 66,479 Consumer products 34,747 111,583 146,330 Commercial, industrial and other 47,561 20,800 68,361 $ 108,620 $ 172,550 $ 281,170 * Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.3 billion; Apple Inc. – $120.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.3 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.9 billion).

Equity method investments (Tabl

Equity method investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summarized unaudited financial information of Kraft Heinz	Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions). September 25, 2021 December 26, 2020 Assets $ 94,897 $ 99,830 Liabilities 44,659 49,587 Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Sales $ 6,324 $ 6,441 $ 19,333 $ 19,246 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders 733 597 1,269 (676 ) * * Includes goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges of approximately $3.2 billion in the first nine months.

Investment and derivative con_2

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of investment and derivative gains and losses	Investment and derivative contract gains/losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows (in millions). Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Investment gains (losses): Equity securities: Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period on securities held at the end of the period $ 4,759 $ 30,837 $ 36,163 $ 16,458 Investment gains (losses) on securities sold during the period 75 1,330 889 (13,901 ) 4,834 32,167 37,052 2,557 Fixed maturity securities: Gross realized gains 24 12 59 53 Gross realized losses (7 ) (2 ) (20 ) (22 ) Other — (552 ) 144 (556 ) Investment gains (losses) 4,851 31,625 37,235 2,032 Derivative contract gains (losses) 70 (43 ) 780 (640 ) $ 4,921 $ 31,582 $ 38,015 $ 1,392
Derivative contracts outstanding	Information related to these contracts follows (dollars in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Balance sheet liabilities - at fair value $ 286 $ 1,065 Notional value 8,251 10,991 Intrinsic value 83 727 Weighted average remaining life (in years) 0.6 1.2

Loans and finance receivables (

Loans and finance receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Schedule of receivables	Other receivables are comprised of the following (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Insurance and other: Insurance premiums receivable $ 16,151 $ 14,025 Reinsurance recoverables 4,892 4,805 Trade receivables 13,579 11,521 Other 3,344 2,637 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (689 ) (678 ) $ 37,277 $ 32,310 Railroad, utilities and energy: Trade receivables $ 3,780 $ 3,235 Other 720 438 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (176 ) (131 ) $ 4,324 $ 3,542
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Schedule of receivables	Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts $ 21,685 $ 20,436 Allowances for uncollectible loans (744 ) (712 ) Unamortized acquisition discounts and points (544 ) (523 ) $ 20,397 $ 19,201
Schedule of reconciliation of allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables	Loans and finance receivables are principally manufactured home loans, and to a lesser extent, commercial loans and site-built home loans. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for each of the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions). 2021 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 712 $ 167 Adoption of ASC 326 — 486 Provision for credit losses 65 177 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (33 ) (99 ) Balance at September 30 $ 744 $ 731
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Summary of performing and non-performing home loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination	A summary of performing and non-performing home loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination as of September 30, 2021 follows (in millions). Origination Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 Prior Total Performing $ 3,794 $ 3,264 $ 2,308 $ 1,748 $ 1,300 $ 7,126 $ 19,540 Non-performing 2 3 6 6 5 40 62 $ 3,796 $ 3,267 $ 2,314 $ 1,754 $ 1,305 $ 7,166 $ 19,602

Other receivables (Tables)

Other receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of receivables	Other receivables are comprised of the following (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Insurance and other: Insurance premiums receivable $ 16,151 $ 14,025 Reinsurance recoverables 4,892 4,805 Trade receivables 13,579 11,521 Other 3,344 2,637 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (689 ) (678 ) $ 37,277 $ 32,310 Railroad, utilities and energy: Trade receivables $ 3,780 $ 3,235 Other 720 438 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (176 ) (131 ) $ 4,324 $ 3,542

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventories	Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Raw materials $ 5,389 $ 4,821 Work in process and other 3,290 2,541 Finished manufactured goods 4,446 4,412 Goods acquired for resale 7,066 7,434 $ 20,191 $ 19,208

Property, plant and equipment_2

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Schedule of depreciation expense	Depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020 is summarized below (in millions). First Nine Months 2021 2020 Insurance and other $ 1,725 $ 1,725 Railroad, utilities and energy 4,485 4,105 $ 6,210 $ 5,830
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). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Land, buildings and improvements $ 13,846 $ 13,799 Machinery and equipment 25,849 25,488 Furniture, fixtures and other 4,670 4,530 44,365 43,817 Accumulated depreciation (23,643 ) (22,617 ) $ 20,722 $ 21,200
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. September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Railroad: Land, track structure and other roadway $ 65,167 $ 63,824 Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment 13,784 13,523 Construction in progress 1,030 916 79,981 78,263 Accumulated depreciation (14,641 ) (13,175 ) 65,340 65,088 Utilities and energy: Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems 89,026 86,730 Interstate natural gas pipeline assets 17,044 16,667 Independent power plants and other assets 13,009 12,671 Construction in progress 4,343 3,308 123,422 119,376 Accumulated depreciation (35,361 ) (33,248 ) 88,061 86,128 $ 153,401 $ 151,216

Equipment held for lease (Table

Equipment held for lease (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of equipment held for lease	Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. A summary of equipment held for lease follows (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Railcars $ 9,482 $ 9,402 Aircraft 8,852 8,204 Other 5,031 4,868 23,365 22,474 Accumulated depreciation (8,613 ) (7,873 ) $ 14,752 $ 14,601
Summary of fixed and variable operating lease revenues	Fixed and variable Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Fixed lease revenue $ 1,151 $ 1,047 $ 3,318 $ 3,205 Variable lease revenue 414 269 1,018 700 $ 1,565 $ 1,316 $ 4,336 $ 3,905

Goodwill and other intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 nine months of 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020 follow (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 73,734 $ 81,882 Acquisitions of businesses 182 1,758 Impairment charges — (10,033 ) Other, including foreign currency translation (146 ) 127 Balance at end of period* $ 73,770 $ 73,734 * Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Schedule of intangible assets	Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions). September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Insurance and other: Customer relationships $ 27,331 $ 6,281 $ 27,374 $ 5,756 Trademarks and trade names 5,178 797 5,206 779 Patents and technology 4,763 3,442 4,766 3,313 Other 3,317 1,426 3,339 1,375 $ 40,589 $ 11,946 $ 40,685 $ 11,223 Railroad, utilities and energy: Customer relationships $ 678 $ 388 $ 678 $ 361 Trademarks, trade names and other 1,005 133 1,003 98 $ 1,683 $ 521 $ 1,681 $ 459

Unpaid losses and loss adjust_2

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 14), for each of the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (in millions). 2021 2020 Balances at beginning of year: Gross liabilities $ 79,854 $ 73,019 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (2,912 ) (2,855 ) Net liabilities 76,942 70,164 Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year events 38,447 31,777 Prior accident years’ events (2,151 ) 69 Total 36,296 31,846 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year events (15,277 ) (11,691 ) Prior accident years’ events (15,076 ) (15,259 ) Total (30,353 ) (26,950 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment (119 ) 124 Balances at September 30: Net liabilities 82,766 75,184 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 2,988 2,857 Gross liabilities $ 85,754 $ 78,041

Retroactive reinsurance contr_2

Retroactive reinsurance contracts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Insurance [Abstract]
Reconciliation of changes in retroactive reinsurance claim liabilities and deferred charges	Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charges reinsurance assumed for each of the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions). 2021 2020 Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges reinsurance assumed Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges reinsurance assumed Balances at beginning of year $ 40,966 $ (12,441 ) $ 42,441 $ (13,747 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current year contracts 82 — — — Prior years’ contracts (9 ) 709 131 735 Total 73 709 131 735 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (1,318 ) — (786 ) — Balances at September 30 $ 39,721 $ (11,732 ) $ 41,786 $ (13,012 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges $ 782 $ 866

Notes payable and other borro_2

Notes payable and other borrowings (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 September 30, 2021. Weighted Average Interest Rate September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Insurance and other: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2022-2047 3.3 % $ 6,817 $ 8,308 Euro denominated due 2023-2041 1.0 % 7,934 8,326 Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060 0.6 % 7,028 6,031 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2022-2051 3.6 % 10,757 10,766 Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059 2.5 % 2,315 2,347 Other subsidiary borrowings due 2021-2045 4.1 % 4,497 4,682 Subsidiary short-term borrowings 2.8 % 297 1,062 $ 39,645 $ 41,522
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure	Weighted Average Interest Rate September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Railroad, utilities and energy: Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries: BHE senior unsecured debt due 2023-2051 4.3 % $ 13,001 $ 13,447 Subsidiary and other debt due 2021-2064 4.1 % 37,096 36,420 Short-term borrowings 1.6 % 1,968 2,286 Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries due 2021-2097 4.5 % 23,255 23,220 $ 75,320 $ 75,373

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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) September 30, 2021 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,388 $ 3,388 $ 3,345 $ 43 $ — Foreign governments 12,418 12,418 11,074 1,344 — Corporate bonds 1,941 1,941 — 1,941 — Other 378 378 — 378 — Investments in equity securities 310,739 310,739 298,633 8 12,098 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 13,290 11,983 11,983 — — Loans and finance receivables 20,397 21,743 — 2,391 19,352 Derivative contract assets (1) 540 540 15 407 118 Derivative contract liabilities: Railroad, utilities and energy (1) 130 130 3 69 58 Equity index put options 286 286 — — 286 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 39,645 42,851 — 42,810 41 Railroad, utilities and energy 75,320 87,965 — 87,965 — December 31, 2020 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,403 $ 3,403 $ 3,358 $ 45 $ — Foreign governments 11,338 11,338 9,259 2,079 — Corporate bonds 5,191 5,191 — 5,191 — Other 478 478 — 478 — Investments in equity securities 281,170 281,170 271,848 38 9,284 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 13,336 11,280 11,280 — — Loans and finance receivables 19,201 20,554 — 2,692 17,862 Derivative contract assets (1) 270 270 1 72 197 Derivative contract liabilities: Railroad, utilities and energy (1) 121 121 6 96 19 Equity index put options 1,065 1,065 — — 1,065 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 41,522 46,676 — 46,665 11 Railroad, utilities and energy 75,373 92,593 — 92,593 — (1)
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 nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 follow (in millions). Balance at beginning of year Gains (losses) included in earnings Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements Balance at September 30 Investments in equity securities: 2021 $ 8,978 $ 1,713 $ 1,100 $ 11,791 2020 10,405 (2,235 ) (1 ) 8,169 Equity index put option contract liabilities: 2021 (1,065 ) 780 (1 ) (286 ) 2020 (968 ) (640 ) 61 (1,547 )
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis, unobservable inputs, additional information	Quantitative information as of September 30, 2021 with respect to significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (dollars in millions). Fair Value Principal Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Weighted Average Investments in equity securities: Preferred stock $ 11,179 Discounted cash flow Expected duration 7 years Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination 355 basis points Common stock warrants 612 Warrant pricing model Expected duration 8 years Volatility 37% Equity index put option contract liabilities 286 Option pricing model Volatility 18%

Common stock (Tables)

Common stock (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in issued, treasury and outstanding Berkshire common stock	Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first nine months of 2021 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 Balances at December 31, 2020 678,523 (34,592 ) 643,931 1,469,359,852 (119,316,381 ) 1,350,043,471 Conversions of Class A to Class B common stock (11,849 ) — (11,849 ) 17,773,500 — 17,773,500 Treasury stock acquired — (11,285 ) (11,285 ) — (59,366,771 ) (59,366,771 ) Balances at September 30, 2021 666,674 (45,877 ) 620,797 1,487,133,352 (178,683,152 ) 1,308,450,200

Accumulated other comprehensi_2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 nine months ending September 30, 2021 and 2020 follows (in millions). Unrealized appreciation of investments, net Foreign currency translation Defined benefit pension plans Other Accumulated other comprehensive income First nine months of 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 536 $ (3,082 ) $ (1,645 ) $ (52 ) $ (4,243 ) Other comprehensive income, net (126 ) (619 ) 112 42 (591 ) Balance at end of period $ 410 $ (3,701 ) $ (1,533 ) $ (10 ) $ (4,834 ) First nine months of 2020 Balance at beginning of year $ 481 $ (4,346 ) $ (1,369 ) $ (9 ) $ (5,243 ) Other comprehensive income, net 29 (28 ) 67 (15 ) 53 Balance at end of period $ 510 $ (4,374 ) $ (1,302 ) $ (24 ) $ (5,190 )

Supplemental cash flow inform_2

Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 Nine Months 2021 2020 Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 4,002 $ 2,715 Interest: Insurance and other 1,040 892 Railroad, utilities and energy 2,335 2,174

Revenues from contracts with _2

Revenues from contracts with customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by reportable segment and source of revenue	The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 (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 Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and Other Total Three months ending September 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 5,600 $ — $ 43 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,643 Building products 5,005 — — — — — 5,005 Consumer products 4,758 — — — — — 4,758 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,933 — — — — 7,933 Food and beverage distribution — 4,478 — — — — 4,478 Auto sales — — 2,423 — — — 2,423 Other retail and wholesale distribution 742 — 3,913 — — — 4,655 Service 400 175 1,073 5,747 1,586 — 8,981 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 5,138 — 5,138 Total 16,505 12,586 7,452 5,747 6,724 — 49,014 Other revenues 951 26 1,202 14 289 19,087 21,569 $ 17,456 $ 12,612 $ 8,654 $ 5,761 $ 7,013 $ 19,087 $ 70,583 Nine months ending September 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 16,549 $ — $ 142 $ — $ — $ — $ 16,691 Building products 14,518 — — — — — 14,518 Consumer products 13,525 — — — — — 13,525 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 23,104 — — — — 23,104 Food and beverage distribution — 12,838 — — — — 12,838 Auto sales — — 7,485 — — — 7,485 Other retail and wholesale distribution 2,199 — 11,577 — — — 13,776 Service 1,099 509 3,060 16,875 4,219 — 25,762 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 14,048 — 14,048 Total 47,890 36,451 22,264 16,875 18,267 — 141,747 Other revenues 2,821 78 3,287 42 755 55,566 62,549 $ 50,711 $ 36,529 $ 25,551 $ 16,917 $ 19,022 $ 55,566 $ 204,296 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 22. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued) Manufacturing McLane Company Service and Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and Other Total Three months ending September 30, 2020 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 4,889 $ — $ 54 $ — $ — $ — $ 4,943 Building products 4,322 — — — — — 4,322 Consumer products 4,036 — — — — — 4,036 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,905 — — — — 7,905 Food and beverage distribution — 3,968 — — — — 3,968 Auto sales — — 2,195 — — — 2,195 Other retail and wholesale distribution 599 — 3,182 — — — 3,781 Service 370 144 865 5,135 1,474 — 7,988 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 4,356 — 4,356 Total 14,216 12,017 6,296 5,135 5,830 — 43,494 Other revenues 929 23 966 14 396 17,202 19,530 $ 15,145 $ 12,040 $ 7,262 $ 5,149 $ 6,226 $ 17,202 $ 63,024 Nine months ending September 30, 2020 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 15,639 $ — $ 143 $ — $ — $ — $ 15,782 Building products 11,682 — — — — — 11,682 Consumer products 10,373 — — — — — 10,373 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 23,051 — — — — 23,051 Food and beverage distribution — 11,561 — — — — 11,561 Auto sales — — 5,999 — — — 5,999 Other retail and wholesale distribution 1,691 — 8,735 — — — 10,426 Service 1,105 398 2,460 15,059 3,238 — 22,260 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 11,190 — 11,190 Total 40,490 35,010 17,337 15,059 14,428 — 122,324 Other revenues 2,686 69 2,884 42 964 52,160 58,805 $ 43,176 $ 35,079 $ 20,221 $ 15,101 $ 15,392 $ 52,160 $ 181,129
Transaction price allocated to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations and timing of when performance obligations expected to be satisfied	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 September 30, 2021 and the timing of when the performance obligations are expected to be satisfied follows (in millions). Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Electricity and natural gas $ 2,761 $ 21,377 $ 24,138 Other sales and service contracts 1,402 2,203 3,605

Business segment data (Tables)

Business segment data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
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 and 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 third quarter and first nine months of 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions). Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenues of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ 9,604 $ 8,540 $ 28,073 $ 26,689 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group 2,964 2,490 8,373 7,103 Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group 5,159 4,883 14,868 13,464 Investment income 1,339 1,223 4,212 4,486 Total insurance 19,066 17,136 55,526 51,742 BNSF 5,790 5,176 17,000 15,195 Berkshire Hathaway Energy 7,013 6,226 19,022 15,392 Manufacturing 17,496 15,170 50,821 43,238 McLane Company 12,612 12,040 36,529 35,079 Service and retailing 8,679 7,279 25,614 20,272 70,656 63,027 204,512 180,918 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Corporate, eliminations and other (73 ) (3 ) (216 ) 211 $ 70,583 $ 63,024 $ 204,296 $ 181,129 Third Quarter First Nine Months 2021 2020 2021 2020 Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ (289 ) $ 276 $ 1,360 $ 3,320 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (23 ) (126 ) 349 (63 ) Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (708 ) (441 ) (1,298 ) (2,033 ) Investment income 1,337 1,220 4,205 4,480 Total insurance 317 929 4,616 5,704 BNSF 2,029 1,777 5,667 4,855 Berkshire Hathaway Energy 1,375 1,122 2,797 2,074 Manufacturing 2,445 2,255 7,595 5,765 McLane Company (8 ) 96 179 205 Service and retailing 1,110 779 3,234 1,745 7,268 6,958 24,088 20,348 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Investment and derivative gains 4,921 31,582 38,015 1,392 Interest expense, not allocated to segments (128 ) (116 ) (386 ) (363 ) Equity method investments 377 290 775 333 Goodwill and intangible impairments — (25 ) — (10,659 ) Corporate, eliminations and other 46 (759 ) 241 (761 ) $ 12,484 $ 37,930 $ 62,733 $ 10,290

New accounting pronouncements -

New accounting pronouncements - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jan. 01, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ 494,775	$ 444,626
ASU 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adopted	true
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adoption date	Jan. 1, 2020
ASU 2016-13 [Member] | Cumulative effect, period of adoption, adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings			$ (388)

Investments in fixed maturity_3

Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	$ 17,602	$ 19,724
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	551	695
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(28)	(9)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	18,125	20,410
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	3,358	3,348
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	30	55
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	3,388	3,403
Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	12,407	11,233
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	38	110
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(27)	(5)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	12,418	11,338
Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	1,510	4,729
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	431	464
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities		(2)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	1,941	5,191
Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	327	414
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	52	66
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(1)	(2)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	$ 378	$ 478

Investments in fixed maturity_4

Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2021
Foreign governments [Member] | AA or Higher Credit Rating [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by credit rating	90.00%

Investments in fixed maturity_5

Investments in fixed maturity securities - Amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Due in one year or less - amortized cost	$ 9,433
Due after one year through five years - amortized cost	7,225
Due after five years through ten years - amortized cost	487
Due after ten years - amortized cost	206
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	17,602	$ 19,724
Due in one year or less - fair value	9,436
Due after one year through five years - fair value	7,283
Due after five years through ten years - fair value	758
Due after ten years - fair value	350
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	18,125	$ 20,410
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities	251
Fair value of mortgage-backed securities	$ 298

Investments in equity securit_3

Investments in equity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	$ 104,188		$ 108,620
Net Unrealized Gains	206,551		172,550
Fair Value	310,739	[1]	281,170	[2]
Banks, insurance and finance [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	26,809		26,312
Net Unrealized Gains	60,931		40,167
Fair Value	87,740		66,479
Consumer products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	34,973		34,747
Net Unrealized Gains	119,421		111,583
Fair Value	154,394		146,330
Commercial, industrial and other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	42,406		47,561
Net Unrealized Gains	26,199		20,800
Fair Value	$ 68,605		$ 68,361
[1]	Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $25.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $128.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $43.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.0 billion).
[2]	Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.3 billion; Apple Inc. – $120.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.3 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.9 billion).

Investments in equity securit_4

Investments in equity securities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)Company		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)Company
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 310,739	[1]	$ 281,170	[2]
American Express Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	25,400		18,300
Apple Inc. [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	128,400		120,400
Bank of America Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	43,900		31,300
The Coca-Cola Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 21,000		$ 21,900
Equity Securities [Member] | American Express Company, Apple Inc., Bank of America Corporation and The Coca-Cola Company [Member] | Investment Concentration [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	70.00%		68.00%
Number of companies in concentration percentage | Company	4		4
[1]	Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $25.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $128.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $43.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.0 billion).
[2]	Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.3 billion; Apple Inc. – $120.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.3 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.9 billion).

Investments in equity securit_5

Investments in equity securities - Narrative (Detail) - Investment Commitment [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment commitment description	Our equity security investments also include Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion and warrants to purchase up to 83.86 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $59.62 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing in 2029 at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or is mandatorily redeemable under specified events. Dividends on the preferred stock are payable 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.
Occidental Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Number of common shares that can be purchased | shares	83,860,000
Exercise price for warrants, per share | $ / shares	$ 59.62
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, redemption year start	2029
Investment in preferred stock, redemption price percentage of liquidation preference	105.00%

Equity method investments - Nar

Equity method investments - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)StoreLocationshares	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)StoreLocationshares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method earnings (losses)	$ 377,000,000		$ 290,000,000	$ 775,000,000	$ 333,000,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of retail | Store	1,000			1,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | U.S. States [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of places retail locations located | Location	44			44
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Canadian Provinces [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of places retail locations located | Location	6			6
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			325,442,152
Equity method investment ownership percentage	26.50%			26.50%
Equity method investments, fair value	$ 12,000,000,000			$ 12,000,000,000		$ 11,300,000,000
Equity method investments, carrying value	13,300,000,000			13,300,000,000		13,300,000,000
Equity method earnings (losses)	$ 194,000,000		$ 159,000,000	337,000,000	(180,000,000)
Impairment charges on equity investment					850,000,000
Common stock dividends received				$ 391,000,000	391,000,000
Difference between carrying value and fair value percentage	10.00%			10.00%
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	$ 3,400,000,000			$ 3,400,000,000		$ 4,000,000,000
Equity method earnings (losses)				438,000,000	$ 513,000,000
Equity method investment distributions from other investees				$ 1,000,000,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment non-recurring distribution		$ 849,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%			50.00%
Commercial paper outstanding	$ 1,470,000,000			$ 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			$ 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%			50.00%
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member] | Jefferies Financial Group Inc. [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of obligation to indemnify for any losses incurred under surety policy				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%			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%			50.00%

Equity method investments - Una

Equity method investments - Unaudited financial information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 25, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 26, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	$ 920,758		$ 920,758			$ 873,729
Liabilities	439,683		439,683			$ 422,393
Sales	70,583	$ 63,024	204,296	$ 181,129
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets					$ 94,897		$ 99,830
Liabilities					$ 44,659		$ 49,587
Sales	6,324	6,441	19,333	19,246
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders	$ 733	$ 597	$ 1,269	$ (676)

Equity method investments - U_2

Equity method investments - Unaudited financial information (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment	$ 3.2

Investment and derivative con_3

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Equity securities - Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period on securities held at the end of the period	$ 4,759	$ 30,837	$ 36,163	$ 16,458
Equity securities - Investment gains (losses) on securities sold during the period	75	1,330	889	(13,901)
Equity securities - Investment gains (losses), total	4,834	32,167	37,052	2,557
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized gains	24	12	59	53
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized losses	(7)	(2)	(20)	(22)
Other		(552)	144	(556)
Investment gains (losses)	4,851	31,625	37,235	2,032
Derivative contract gains (losses)	70	(43)	780	(640)
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)	$ 4,921	$ 31,582	$ 38,015	$ 1,392

Investment and derivative con_4

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments Including Marketable Securities And Investments Held At Cost Income Statement Reported Amounts Summary [Line Items]
Sales of equity securities			$ 11,975	$ 28,564
Taxable gains on sales of equity securities	$ 941	$ 3,900	$ 2,900	$ 666
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments Including Marketable Securities And Investments Held At Cost Income Statement Reported Amounts Summary [Line Items]
Derivative maturity month and year			2023-02
Premiums received at contract inception dates	$ 1,500		$ 1,500

Derivative contract (Detail)

Derivative contract (Detail) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Equity Index Put Options [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	$ 286	$ 1,065
Notional value	8,251	10,991
Intrinsic value	$ 83	$ 727
Weighted average remaining life (in years)	7 months 6 days	1 year 2 months 12 days

Loans and finance receivables_2

Loans and finance receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$ 21,685	$ 20,436
Allowances for uncollectible loans	(744)	(712)	$ (731)	$ (167)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points	(544)	(523)
Loans and finance receivables	$ 20,397	$ 19,201

Loans and finance receivables -

Loans and finance receivables - Schedule of reconciliation of allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Allowance For Credit Loss [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 712	$ 167
Adoption of ASC 326		486
Provision for credit losses	65	177
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(33)	(99)
Balance at September 30	$ 744	$ 731

Loans and finance receivables_3

Loans and finance receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Seritage Growth Properties [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Term loan facility amount	$ 2,000,000,000
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]
Outstanding loan balance	$ 483,000,000	$ 524,000,000
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of manufactured housing loan balances evaluated collectively for impairment	99.00%
Percent of loan balances considered to be current as to payment status	97.00%

Loans and finance receivables_4

Loans and finance receivables - Summary of performing and non-performing home loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 21,685	$ 20,436
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2021	3,796
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	3,267
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,314
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	1,754
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	1,305
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	7,166
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	19,602
Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2021	3,794
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	3,264
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,308
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	1,748
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	1,300
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	7,126
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	19,540
Non-Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2021	2
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	3
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	6
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	6
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	5
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	40
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 62

Other receivables (Detail)

Other receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance and Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Insurance premiums receivable	$ 16,151	$ 14,025
Reinsurance recoverables	4,892	4,805
Trade receivables	13,579	11,521
Other	3,344	2,637
Allowances for uncollectible accounts	(689)	(678)
Other receivables	37,277	32,310
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade receivables	3,780	3,235
Other	720	438
Allowances for uncollectible accounts	(176)	(131)
Receivables	$ 4,324	$ 3,542

Other receivables - Narrative (

Other receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Provisions for credit losses on receivables	$ 335	$ 449
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	$ 279	$ 238

Inventories (Detail)

Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 5,389	$ 4,821
Work in process and other	3,290	2,541
Finished manufactured goods	4,446	4,412
Goods acquired for resale	7,066	7,434
Total inventory	$ 20,191	$ 19,208

Property, plant and equipment (

Property, plant and equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 44,365	$ 43,817
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(23,643)	(22,617)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	20,722	21,200
Insurance and Other [Member] | Land, buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,846	13,799
Insurance and Other [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	25,849	25,488
Insurance and Other [Member] | Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,670	4,530
Railroad [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	79,981	78,263
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(14,641)	(13,175)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	65,340	65,088
Railroad [Member] | Land, track structure and other roadway [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	65,167	63,824
Railroad [Member] | Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,784	13,523
Railroad [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,030	916
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	123,422	119,376
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(35,361)	(33,248)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	88,061	86,128
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	89,026	86,730
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Interstate natural gas pipeline assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	17,044	16,667
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Independent power plants and other assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,009	12,671
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,343	3,308
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 153,401	$ 151,216

Property, plant and equipment -

Property, plant and equipment - Depreciation expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 6,210	$ 5,830
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	1,725	1,725
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 4,485	$ 4,105

Equipment held for lease (Detai

Equipment held for lease (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 23,365	$ 22,474
Equipment held for lease, accumulated depreciation	(8,613)	(7,873)
Equipment held for lease, net	14,752	14,601
Railcars [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	9,482	9,402
Aircraft [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	8,852	8,204
Other [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 5,031	$ 4,868

Equipment held for lease - Narr

Equipment held for lease - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease	$ 861	$ 900

Equipment held for lease - Summ

Equipment held for lease - Summary of fixed and variable operating lease revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating Leases Lease Income [Abstract]
Fixed lease revenue	$ 1,151	$ 1,047	$ 3,318	$ 3,205
Variable lease revenue	414	269	1,018	700
Total	$ 1,565	$ 1,316	$ 4,336	$ 3,905

Goodwill and other intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021		Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year			$ 73,734	[1]	$ 81,882
Acquisitions of businesses			182		1,758
Impairment charges		$ (10,000)			(10,033)
Other, including foreign currency translation			(146)		127
Balance at end of period	[1]		$ 73,770		$ 73,734
[1]	Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Goodwill and other intangible_4

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated goodwill impairments	$ 11	$ 11

Goodwill and other intangible_5

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 40,589	$ 40,685
Accumulated amortization	11,946	11,223
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,683	1,681
Accumulated amortization	521	459
Trademarks and trade names [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,178	5,206
Accumulated amortization	797	779
Customer relationships [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,331	27,374
Accumulated amortization	6,281	5,756
Customer relationships [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	678	678
Accumulated amortization	388	361
Other intangible assets [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	3,317	3,339
Accumulated amortization	1,426	1,375
Trademarks, Trade Names and Other [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,005	1,003
Accumulated amortization	133	98
Patents and technology [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,763	4,766
Accumulated amortization	$ 3,442	$ 3,313

Goodwill and other intangible_6

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Line Items]
Intangible asset amortization expense		$ 942	$ 962
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding goodwill		$ 18,300		$ 18,300
Pre tax goodwill impairment	$ 10,000			$ 10,033
Pre tax intangible assets impairment charges	638
PCC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Pre tax impairment charges	10,000
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 31,000

Unpaid losses and loss adjust_3

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Gross liabilities at beginning of year	$ 79,854	$ 73,019
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at beginning of year	(2,912)	(2,855)
Net liabilities at beginning of year	76,942	70,164
Net liabilities at end of period	82,766	75,184
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at end of period	2,988	2,857
Gross liabilities at end of period	85,754	78,041
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	38,447	31,777
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(2,151)	69
Total	36,296	31,846
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events	(15,277)	(11,691)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(15,076)	(15,259)
Total	(30,353)	(26,950)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ (119)	$ 124

Unpaid losses and loss adjust_4

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
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		$ (564,000,000)	$ 342,000,000
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 with respect to current accident year events		38,447,000,000	31,777,000,000
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events		$ (2,151,000,000)	$ 69,000,000
Prior years' losses incurred as a percentage of net liabilities		2.80%	0.10%
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member] | Significant Catastrophe Events [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Minimum losses per significant event in current accident year		$ 100,000,000
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member] | Significant Catastrophe Events [Member] | U.S. and Europe [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses with respect to current accident year events	$ 2,200,000,000	2,700,000,000
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		$ (1,600,000,000)	$ (273,000,000)

Retroactive reinsurance contr_3

Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities and deferred charges (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, beginning of year	$ 40,966	$ 42,441
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, end of year	39,721	41,786
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, beginning of year	(12,441)	(13,747)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, end of year	(11,732)	(13,012)
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	700	866
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	782	866
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 with respect to current accident year events	82
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(9)	131
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	73	131
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(1,318)	(786)
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	709	735
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	$ 709	$ 735

Retroactive reinsurance contr_4

Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Effects Of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	$ 39,721	$ 41,786	$ 40,966	$ 42,441
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	11,732	13,012	12,441	$ 13,747
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Effects Of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events	700	$ 866
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	16,800		17,700
Retroactive reinsurance contracts, claims paid	837
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	$ 5,000		$ 5,400

Notes payable and other borro_3

Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) £ in Millions, $ in Millions, € in Billions, ¥ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021JPY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2021GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		€ 6.9	¥ 785.5	£ 1,750
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 39,645				$ 41,522
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 6,817				8,308
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.30%	3.30%	3.30%	3.30%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2022
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	$ 7,934				8,326
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	2023
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2041
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 7,028				6,031
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	0.60%	0.60%	0.60%	0.60%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2023
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2060
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowings	$ 4,497				4,682
Short-term debt	$ 297				1,062
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	2.80%	2.80%	2.80%	2.80%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2021
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	$ 10,757				10,766
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.60%	3.60%	3.60%	3.60%
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	2022
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	2051
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	$ 2,315				2,347
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	$ 75,320				75,373
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.30%	4.30%	4.30%	4.30%
Senior unsecured debt	$ 13,001				13,447
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2023
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2051
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 37,096				36,420
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2021
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 debt	$ 1,968				2,286
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	1.60%	1.60%	1.60%	1.60%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 23,255				$ 23,220
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2021
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2097

Notes payable and other borro_4

Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2021USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2021JPY (¥)	Jan. 31, 2021EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021JPY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2021GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings									€ 6,900	¥ 785.5	£ 1,750
Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due Ranging From 2026-2041 at 0.5% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 1,500	¥ 160
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	0.50%	0.50%
Minimum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due Ranging From 2026-2041 at 0.5% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2026	2026
Maximum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due Ranging From 2026-2041 at 0.5% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2041	2041
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings				$ 39,645		$ 39,645						$ 41,522
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation				$ 3,900		$ 3,900
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] | Senior Notes [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gains (loss) attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates				$ 264	$ (549)	$ 939	$ (447)
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2041 at 0.5% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings							$ 1,500	€ 550
Principal amount of debt issued | €			€ 600
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			0.50%
Debt maturity year			2041
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2051 at 2.5% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings						750
Principal amount of debt issued						$ 750
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				2.50%		2.50%			2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Debt maturity year						2051
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year						2021
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year						2045
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings				$ 75,320		$ 75,320						$ 75,373
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings						1,700
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Notes Due Ranging From 2051-2052 at 3.0% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued						$ 2,100
Weighted average interest rate, percentage				3.00%		3.00%			3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debenture [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings						$ 888
Principal amount of debt issued						$ 925
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				3.30%		3.30%			3.30%	3.30%	3.30%
Debt maturity year						2051
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Notes Due Ranging From 2051-2052 at 3.0% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year						2051
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Notes Due Ranging From 2051-2052 at 3.0% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year						2052

Notes payable and other borro_5

Notes payable and other borrowings - Credit agreements - Narrative (Detail) - Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member] - Subsidiaries [Member] $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 10.5
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 8.8

Fair value measurements - Finan

Fair value measurements - Financial assets and liabilities (Detail) £ in Millions, $ in Millions, € in Billions, ¥ in Billions		Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2021EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021JPY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2021GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 18,125					$ 20,410
Investments in equity securities		310,739	[1]				281,170	[2]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value				€ 6.9	¥ 785.5	£ 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		75,320					75,373
Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		18,125					20,410
Investments in equity securities		310,739					281,170
Equity method investments - carrying value		16,658					17,303
Derivative contract liabilities		286					1,065
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		39,645					41,522
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments - carrying value		13,300					13,300
Equity method investments		12,000					11,300
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		3,388					3,403
Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		12,418					11,338
Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		1,941					5,191
Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		378					478
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		298,633					271,848
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		11,983					11,280
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		3,345					3,358
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		11,074					9,259
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]	15					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]	3					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		8					38
Loans and finance receivables		2,391					2,692
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		87,965					92,593
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		42,810					46,665
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		43					45
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		1,344					2,079
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		1,941					5,191
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		378					478
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]	407					72
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]	69					96
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		12,098					9,284
Loans and finance receivables		19,352					17,862
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		41					11
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		286					1,065
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]	118					197
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]	58					19
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		310,739					281,170
Loans and finance receivables		20,397					19,201
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		75,320					75,373
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		39,645					41,522
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		286					1,065
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		13,290					13,336
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		3,388					3,403
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		12,418					11,338
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		1,941					5,191
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		378					478
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]	540					270
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]	130					121
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		310,739					281,170
Loans and finance receivables		21,743					20,554
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		87,965					92,593
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		42,851					46,676
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		286					1,065
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		11,983					11,280
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		3,388					3,403
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		12,418					11,338
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		1,941					5,191
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		378					478
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]	540					270
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]	$ 130					$ 121
[1]	Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $25.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $128.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $43.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.0 billion).
[2]	Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.3 billion; Apple Inc. – $120.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.3 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.9 billion).
[3]	Assets are included in other assets and liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities.

Fair value measurements - Signi

Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable inputs (Detail) - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity Index Put Option Contract Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities - Beginning Balance	$ (1,065)	$ (968)
Derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in earnings	780	(640)
Derivative contract liabilities - Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements	(1)	61
Derivative contract liabilities - Ending Balance	(286)	(1,547)
Investments in Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	8,978	10,405
Gains (losses) included in earnings	1,713	(2,235)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements	1,100	(1)
Ending Balance	$ 11,791	$ 8,169

Fair value measurements - Other

Fair value measurements - Other information (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 310,739	[1]	$ 281,170	[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	12,098		$ 9,284
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Option Pricing Model [Member] | Equity Index Put Option Contract Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities, fair value	286
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	11,179
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	$ 612
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	7 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	8 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	0.0355
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Volatility [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Option Pricing Model [Member] | Equity Index Put Option Contract Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs	0.18
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	0.37
[1]	Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $25.4 billion; Apple Inc. – $128.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $43.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.0 billion).
[2]	Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.3 billion; Apple Inc. – $120.4 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $31.3 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $21.9 billion).

Common stock - Narrative (Detai

Common stock - Narrative (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)Voteshares	Dec. 31, 2020shares
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 | $	$ 30,000,000,000
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number | Vote	1
Shares outstanding	620,797	643,931
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	1,308,450,200	1,350,043,471
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares outstanding	1,493,097	1,543,960

Common stock (Detail)

Common stock (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021shares
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	678,523
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(34,592)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	643,931
Conversions of Class A to Class B common stock	(11,849)
Treasury stock acquired	(11,285)
Shares issued, ending balance	666,674
Treasury shares, ending balance	(45,877)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	620,797
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	1,469,359,852
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(119,316,381)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	1,350,043,471
Conversions of Class A to Class B common stock	17,773,500
Treasury stock acquired	(59,366,771)
Shares issued, ending balance	1,487,133,352
Treasury shares, ending balance	(178,683,152)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	1,308,450,200

Common stock (Parenthetical) (D

Common stock (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2021$ / sharesshares
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

Income taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income taxes - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	14.70%	19.80%	18.80%	30.80%

Accumulated other comprehensi_3

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 443,164
Other comprehensive income, net	(591)	$ 53
Balance at end of period	472,480
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	536	481
Other comprehensive income, net	(126)	29
Balance at end of period	410	510
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(3,082)	(4,346)
Other comprehensive income, net	(619)	(28)
Balance at end of period	(3,701)	(4,374)
Defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(1,645)	(1,369)
Other comprehensive income, net	112	67
Balance at end of period	(1,533)	(1,302)
Other AOCI transactions [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(52)	(9)
Other comprehensive income, net	42	(15)
Balance at end of period	(10)	(24)
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(4,243)	(5,243)
Balance at end of period	$ (4,834)	$ (5,190)

Supplemental cash flow inform_3

Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 4,002	$ 2,715
Insurance and Other [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	1,040	892
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 2,335	$ 2,174

Contingencies and Commitments -

Contingencies and Commitments - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	[1]	Dec. 31, 2020	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 73,770		$ 73,734		$ 81,882
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Dominion Energy, Inc. [Member] | Cove Point [Member] | General Partner [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	100.00%
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Dominion Energy, Inc. [Member] | Cove Point [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership percentage	25.00%
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Dominion Energy, Inc. [Member] | First Acquisition Agreement [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, date of acquisition	Nov. 1, 2020
Payment for acquisition of business	$ 2,500
Fair value of assets acquired	13,400
Fair value of liabilities assumed	7,000
Goodwill	1,700
Fair value of liabilities including assumptions of debt	5,600
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Dominion Energy, Inc. [Member] | First Acquisition Agreement [Member] | Limited Partner [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest attributable to limited partnership	$ 3,900
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Dominion Energy, Inc. [Member] | Second Acquisition Agreement [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment for acquisition of business		$ 1,300
[1]	Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Revenue from contracts with cus

Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by reportable segment and source of revenue (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 49,014	$ 43,494	$ 141,747	$ 122,324
Other revenues	21,569	19,530	62,549	58,805
Total revenues	70,583	63,024	204,296	181,129
Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,643	4,943	16,691	15,782
Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,005	4,322	14,518	11,682
Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,758	4,036	13,525	10,373
Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,933	7,905	23,104	23,051
Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,478	3,968	12,838	11,561
Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,423	2,195	7,485	5,999
Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,655	3,781	13,776	10,426
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	8,981	7,988	25,762	22,260
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,138	4,356	14,048	11,190
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	16,505	14,216	47,890	40,490
Other revenues	951	929	2,821	2,686
Total revenues	17,456	15,145	50,711	43,176
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,600	4,889	16,549	15,639
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,005	4,322	14,518	11,682
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,758	4,036	13,525	10,373
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	742	599	2,199	1,691
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	400	370	1,099	1,105
McLane Company [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	12,586	12,017	36,451	35,010
Other revenues	26	23	78	69
Total revenues	12,612	12,040	36,529	35,079
McLane Company [Member] | Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,933	7,905	23,104	23,051
McLane Company [Member] | Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,478	3,968	12,838	11,561
McLane Company [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	175	144	509	398
Service and Retailing [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,452	6,296	22,264	17,337
Other revenues	1,202	966	3,287	2,884
Total revenues	8,654	7,262	25,551	20,221
Service and Retailing [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	43	54	142	143
Service and Retailing [Member] | Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,423	2,195	7,485	5,999
Service and Retailing [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,913	3,182	11,577	8,735
Service and Retailing [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,073	865	3,060	2,460
BNSF [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,747	5,135	16,875	15,059
Other revenues	14	14	42	42
Total revenues	5,761	5,149	16,917	15,101
BNSF [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,747	5,135	16,875	15,059
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,724	5,830	18,267	14,428
Other revenues	289	396	755	964
Total revenues	7,013	6,226	19,022	15,392
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,586	1,474	4,219	3,238
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,138	4,356	14,048	11,190
Insurance, Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Other revenues	19,087	17,202	55,566	52,160
Total revenues	$ 19,087	$ 17,202	$ 55,566	$ 52,160

Revenue from contracts with c_2

Revenue from contracts with customers transaction price allocated to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations and timing of when performance obligations expected to be satisfied (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 24,138
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 2,761
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]: 2022-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 21,377
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	$ 3,605
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 1,402
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]: 2022-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 2,203
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period

Revenue from contracts with c_3

Revenue from contracts with customers transaction price allocated to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations and timing of when performance obligations expected to be satisfied (Detail 1) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 24,138
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 3,605

Business segment data - Revenue

Business segment data - Revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 70,583	$ 63,024	$ 204,296	$ 181,129
BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,761	5,149	16,917	15,101
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,013	6,226	19,022	15,392
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	17,456	15,145	50,711	43,176
McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,612	12,040	36,529	35,079
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	8,654	7,262	25,551	20,221
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	70,656	63,027	204,512	180,918
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,339	1,223	4,212	4,486
Total revenues	19,066	17,136	55,526	51,742
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	9,604	8,540	28,073	26,689
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	5,159	4,883	14,868	13,464
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,964	2,490	8,373	7,103
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,790	5,176	17,000	15,195
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,013	6,226	19,022	15,392
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	17,496	15,170	50,821	43,238
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,612	12,040	36,529	35,079
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	8,679	7,279	25,614	20,272
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (73)	$ (3)	$ (216)	$ 211

Business segment data - Earning

Business segment data - Earnings (loss) before income taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains	$ 4,921	$ 31,582	$ 38,015	$ 1,392
Equity method investments	377	290	775	333
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	12,484	37,930	62,733	10,290
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	7,268	6,958	24,088	20,348
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	317	929	4,616	5,704
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	1,337	1,220	4,205	4,480
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	(289)	276	1,360	3,320
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	(708)	(441)	(1,298)	(2,033)
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	(23)	(126)	349	(63)
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	2,029	1,777	5,667	4,855
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,375	1,122	2,797	2,074
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	2,445	2,255	7,595	5,765
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	(8)	96	179	205
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,110	779	3,234	1,745
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains	4,921	31,582	38,015	1,392
Interest expense, not allocated to segments	(128)	(116)	(386)	(363)
Equity method investments	377	290	775	333
Goodwill and intangible impairments		(25)		(10,659)
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	$ 46	$ (759)	$ 241	$ (761)