Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B) 10-Q 8 Aug 22 2022 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jul. 26, 2022
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2022
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
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		599,924
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		1,301,126,370
Security 12b Title	Class B Common Stock
Trading Symbol	BRK.B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.750 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.750% Senior Notes due 2023
Trading Symbol	BRK23
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 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 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 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 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 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 1.500 Senior Notes Due 2030 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	1.500% Senior Notes due 2030
Trading Symbol	BRK30
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 2.000 Senior Notes Due 2034 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	2.000% Senior Notes due 2034
Trading Symbol	BRK34
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 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 Millions, ¥ in Billions		Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
ASSETS
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 21,136		$ 16,434
Investments in equity securities		327,662	[1]	350,719	[2]
Loans and finance receivables		21,877		20,751
Inventories		24,560		20,954
Equipment held for lease		15,125		14,918
Goodwill	[3]	73,618		73,875
Total assets		909,860		958,784
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred		77,268		90,243
Total liabilities		440,207		443,854
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8		8
Capital in excess of par value		35,204		35,592
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(6,175)		(4,027)
Retained earnings		496,126		534,421
Treasury stock, at cost		(63,934)		(59,795)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		461,229		506,199
Noncontrolling interests		8,424		8,731
Total shareholders’ equity		469,653		514,930
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		909,860		958,784
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[4]	26,534		85,319
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		74,803		58,535
Investments in fixed maturity securities		21,136		16,434
Investments in equity securities		327,662		350,719
Equity method investments		17,494		17,375
Loans and finance receivables		21,877		20,751
Other receivables		39,678		35,388
Inventories		24,560		20,954
Property, plant and equipment		20,517		20,834
Equipment held for lease		15,125		14,918
Goodwill		46,951		47,117
Other intangible assets		27,992		28,486
Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance		10,213		10,639
Other		16,302		15,854
Total assets		690,844		743,323
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		88,560		86,664
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		37,234		38,256
Unearned premiums		25,727		23,512
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		22,562		22,452
Other policyholder liabilities		8,998		9,330
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		31,387		30,376
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,907		5,849
Notes payable and other borrowings		42,640		39,272
Total liabilities		263,015		255,711
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[4]	4,074		2,865
Receivables		4,815		4,177
Property, plant and equipment		156,771		155,530
Goodwill		26,667		26,758
Regulatory assets		4,259		3,963
Other		22,430		22,168
Total assets		219,016		215,461
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		16,193		15,696
Regulatory liabilities		7,290		7,214
Notes payable and other borrowings		76,441		74,990
Total liabilities		$ 99,924		$ 97,900
[1]Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $21.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $125.1 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $32.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $25.2 billion and Chevron Corporation – $23.7 billion).[2]Approximately 73% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $24.8 billion; Apple Inc. – $161.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $46.0 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 billion).[3]Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.[4]Includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $1.4 billion at June 30, 2022 and $61.7 billion at December 31, 2021.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member]
Cash equivalents	$ 1.4	$ 61.7

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Revenues:
Leasing revenues		$ 1,887	$ 1,447	$ 3,559	$ 2,771
Total revenues		76,180	69,114	146,990	133,713
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)		(66,919)	27,394	(68,897)	33,094
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses		64,974	60,934	127,370	116,956
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings		(55,713)	35,574	(49,277)	49,851
Equity method earnings		231	147	607	398
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		(55,482)	35,721	(48,670)	50,249
Income tax expense (benefit)		(12,106)	7,296	(10,879)	9,984
Net earnings (loss)		(43,376)	28,425	(37,791)	40,265
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		379	331	504	460
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders		$ (43,755)	$ 28,094	$ (38,295)	$ 39,805
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Earnings per share:
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent		$ (29,754)	$ 18,488	$ (26,005)	$ 26,078
Average equivalent shares outstanding		1,470,577	1,519,576	1,472,628	1,526,392
Equivalent Class B [Member]
Earnings per share:
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent	[1]	$ (19.84)	$ 12.33	$ (17.34)	$ 17.39
Average equivalent shares outstanding		2,205,865,262	2,279,363,382	2,208,942,539	2,289,587,640
Insurance and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned		$ 18,087	$ 17,163	$ 35,579	$ 33,587
Sales and service revenues		40,220	36,743	78,082	70,441
Leasing revenues		1,887	1,447	3,559	2,771
Interest, dividend and other investment income		2,861	1,898	4,723	3,749
Total revenues		63,055	57,251	121,943	110,548
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		13,620	12,175	26,952	23,139
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,282	1,459	2,605	2,939
Insurance underwriting expenses		2,461	3,065	5,228	6,079
Cost of sales and services		31,633	28,761	61,418	55,291
Cost of leasing		1,498	982	2,730	1,864
Selling, general and administrative expenses		3,762	5,045	8,013	8,955
Interest expense		302	298	566	574
Total costs and expenses		54,558	51,785	107,512	98,841
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Freight rail transportation revenues		6,612	5,778	12,556	11,156
Energy operating revenues		4,935	4,302	9,753	9,150
Service revenues and other income		1,578	1,783	2,738	2,859
Total revenues		13,125	11,863	25,047	23,165
Costs and expenses:
Freight rail transportation expenses		4,260	3,588	8,185	7,098
Utilities and energy cost of sales and other expenses		3,844	3,220	7,435	6,809
Other expenses		1,527	1,563	2,683	2,656
Interest expense		785	778	1,555	1,552
Total costs and expenses		$ 10,416	$ 9,149	$ 19,858	$ 18,115
[1]Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth

Consolidated Statements of Ea_2

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical)	Jun. 30, 2022
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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (43,376)	$ 28,425	$ (37,791)	$ 40,265
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments	(211)	12	(447)	(75)
Applicable income taxes	44	(2)	95	18
Foreign currency translation	(1,751)	312	(2,067)	27
Applicable income taxes	63	(11)	52	(14)
Defined benefit pension plans	15	43	41	104
Applicable income taxes	(4)	(9)	(9)	(29)
Other, net	68	13	155	7
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,776)	358	(2,180)	38
Comprehensive income	(45,152)	28,783	(39,971)	40,303
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	350	202	472	338
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ (45,502)	$ 28,581	$ (40,443)	$ 39,965

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 451,336	$ 35,634	$ (4,243)	$ 444,626	$ (32,853)	$ 8,172
Net earnings (loss)	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 (loss)	40,265
Other comprehensive income, net	38
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	478,800	35,643	(4,219)	484,431	(45,446)	8,391
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	456,176	35,638	(4,570)	456,337	(39,418)	8,189
Net earnings (loss)	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
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	514,930	35,600	(4,027)	534,421	(59,795)	8,731
Net earnings (loss)	5,585			5,460		125
Other comprehensive income, net	(404)		(401)			(3)
Acquisition of common stock	(3,111)				(3,111)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(135)	(6)				(129)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2022	516,865	35,594	(4,428)	539,881	(62,906)	8,724
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	514,930	35,600	(4,027)	534,421	(59,795)	8,731
Net earnings (loss)	(37,791)
Other comprehensive income, net	(2,180)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2022	469,653	35,212	(6,175)	496,126	(63,934)	8,424
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2022	516,865	35,594	(4,428)	539,881	(62,906)	8,724
Net earnings (loss)	(43,376)			(43,755)		379
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,776)		(1,747)			(29)
Acquisition of common stock	(1,028)				(1,028)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(1,032)	(382)				(650)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2022	$ 469,653	$ 35,212	$ (6,175)	$ 496,126	$ (63,934)	$ 8,424

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022		Jun. 30, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ (37,791)		$ 40,265
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	68,589		(32,384)
Depreciation and amortization	5,413		5,345
Other	(2,586)		33
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	1,505		2,357
Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance	426		473
Unearned premiums	2,384		2,375
Receivables and originated loans	(6,372)		(4,825)
Other assets	(4,686)		(909)
Other liabilities	1,467		(664)
Income taxes	(12,988)		7,493
Net cash flows from operating activities	15,361		19,559
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities	(57,269)		(3,589)
Sales of equity securities	12,044		8,596
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	(100,355)		(99,731)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	54,637		10,814
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	23,681		77,541
Purchases of loans and finance receivables	(22)		(56)
Collections of loans and finance receivables	130		218
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(103)		(104)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease	(6,833)		(5,663)
Other	(83)		541
Net cash flows from investing activities	(74,173)		(11,433)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in short term borrowings, net	(85)		(65)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(4,191)		(12,560)
Other	(1,464)		(339)
Net cash flows from financing activities	1,607		(13,578)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes	(277)		(112)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(57,482)		(5,564)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year*	88,706		48,396
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of second quarter*	31,224		42,832
Restricted cash, included in other assets at beginning of year	522		406
Restricted cash, included in other assets at end of second quarter	$ 616		$ 534
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	$ 6,972		$ 2,949
Repayments of borrowings	(1,440)		(2,481)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	85,319	[1]	44,714
Cash and cash equivalents at end of second quarter	26,534	[1]	38,924
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	3,189		1,464
Repayments of borrowings	(1,374)		(2,546)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,865	[1]	3,276
Cash and cash equivalents at end of second quarter	$ 4,074	[1]	$ 3,374
[1]Includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $1.4 billion at June 30, 2022 and $61.7 billion at December 31, 2021.

General

General	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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, gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and the magnitude of asset impairment charges may cause significant variations in periodic net earnings. To varying degrees, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our operating businesses. Significant government and private sector actions have been taken since 2020 to control the spread and mitigate the economic effects of the virus. Actions in the latter part of 2021 and during 2022 included temporary business closures or restrictions of business activities in various parts of the world in response to the emergence of variants of the virus. Notwithstanding these efforts, significant disruptions of supply chains and higher costs have persisted in 2022. Further, the development of geopolitical conflicts in 2022 have contributed to disruptions of supply chains, resulting in cost increases for commodities, goods and services in many parts of the world. The economic effects from these events over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncements	Note 2. New accounting pronouncements In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts” (“ASU 2018-12”). ASU 2018-12 requires reassessment of cash flow assumptions at least annually and revision of discount rate assumptions each reporting period in valuing policyholder liabilities of long-duration contracts. Under ASU 2018-12, the effects from changes in cash flow assumptions are reflected in earnings and the effects from changes in discount rate assumptions are reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the cash flow and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 is to be applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented in the financial statements, will require new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt ASU 2018-12 as of January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method, whereby revised cash flow and discount rate assumptions as of January 1, 2021 (the transition date) are applied to contracts then in-force, with liabilities then remeasured as provided under the standard. The cumulative effects from discount rate assumption changes as of the transition date will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and the cumulative effect from cash flow assumption changes will be recorded in retained earnings. While we have not finalized our assessment of the impact of the adoption as of the transition date, we currently believe that the changes in discount rate assumptions will have a greater effect on our recorded liabilities than changes in cash flow assumptions. We currently estimate that as of January 1, 2021, the adoption of ASU 2018-12 will reduce our consolidated shareholders’ equity between $6 billion and $7 billion from the amount previously reported, primarily due to the low interest rate environment at that time. However, the ultimate impact of adopting ASU 2018-12 will be based on the discount rate and cash flow assumptions determined as of the January 1, 2023 adoption date. We, therefore, continue to evaluate the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments in fixed maturity s

Investments in fixed maturity securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized by type below (in millions). Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value June 30, 2022 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 8,893 $ 7 $ (159 ) $ 8,741 Foreign governments 10,935 14 (122 ) 10,827 Corporate bonds 993 257 (3 ) 1,247 Other 293 30 (2 ) 321 $ 21,114 $ 308 $ (286 ) $ 21,136 December 31, 2021 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,286 $ 22 $ (5 ) $ 3,303 Foreign governments 10,998 29 (33 ) 10,994 Corporate bonds 1,363 412 (1 ) 1,774 Other 317 47 (1 ) 363 $ 15,964 $ 510 $ (40 ) $ 16,434 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 June 30, 2022, approximately 94% of our foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2022 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Amounts are in millions. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to 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 $ 10,305 $ 10,057 $ 460 $ 84 $ 208 $ 21,114 Fair value 10,220 9,888 702 92 234 21,136

Investments in equity securitie

Investments in equity securities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in equity securities	Note 4. Investments in equity securities Investments in equity securities as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows (in millions). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value June 30, 2022* Banks, insurance and finance $ 36,837 $ 39,655 $ 76,492 Consumer products 41,785 118,294 160,079 Commercial, industrial and other 71,100 19,991 91,091 $ 149,722 $ 177,940 $ 327,662 * Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $21.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $125.1 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $32.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $25.2 billion and Chevron Corporation – $23.7 billion). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value December 31, 2021* Banks, insurance and finance $ 26,822 $ 62,236 $ 89,058 Consumer products 36,076 154,945 191,021 Commercial, industrial and other 41,707 28,933 70,640 $ 104,605 $ 246,114 $ 350,719 * Approximately 73% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $24.8 billion; Apple Inc. – $161.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $46.0 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 billion). Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 4. Investments in equity securities (Continued) As of June 30, 2022, we owned 151.6 million shares of American Express Company (“American Express”) common stock representing 20.2% of the American Express outstanding common stock. Since 1995, we have been party to an agreement with American Express whereby we agreed to vote a significant portion of our shares in accordance with the recommendations of the American Express Board of Directors and agreed to passivity commitments to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which collectively restrict our ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of American Express. Accordingly, we have not applied the equity method of accounting with respect to our investment in American Express and continue to record our investment at fair value. Our equity security investments also include Occidental Petroleum 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 and 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. During the first six months of 2022, we also acquired approximately 17% of the outstanding common stock of Occidental, which had a fair value of $9.3 billion as of June 30, 2022.

Equity method investments

Equity method investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 manufactures and markets food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 26.6% of the outstanding shares of Kraft Heinz common stock. We recorded equity method earnings from our investment in Kraft Heinz of $71 million in the second quarter and $277 million in the first six months of 2022. We recorded an equity method loss of $7 million in the second quarter and earnings of $143 million in the first six months of 2021. We received dividends on the common stock of $260 million in the first six months of both 2022 and 2021, 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 $12.4 billion at June 30, 2022 and $11.7 billion at December 31, 2021. The carrying value of our investment was approximately $13.0 billion at June 30, 2022 and $13.1 billion at December 31, 2021. As of June 30, 2022, the carrying value of our investment exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by 5% of the carrying value. We evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment as of June 30, 2022. Based on the prevailing facts and circumstances, we concluded recognition of an impairment loss in earnings was not required. Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions). June 25, 2022 December 25, 2021 Assets $ 91,676 $ 93,394 Liabilities 42,674 43,942 Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Sales $ 6,554 $ 6,615 $ 12,599 $ 13,009 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders 265 (27 ) 1,041 536 Other investments that we account for pursuant to the equity method include Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”), Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”) and Iroquois Gas Transmission System L.P. (“Iroquois”). The aggregate carrying value of these investments was approximately $4.5 billion as of June 30, 2022 and $4.3 billion as of December 31, 2021. We recorded equity method earnings from these entities in the first six months of $330 million in 2022 and $255 million in 2021. We received aggregate distributions in the first six months of $137 million in 2022 and $982 million in 2021, including a special distribution received from Pilot of $849 million in the first quarter of 2021. Additional information concerning these investments follows. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 5. Equity method investments (Continued) We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia provides capital solutions, investment 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 June 30, 2022 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 of any losses incurred under the policy. Berkshire Hathaway Energy (“BHE”) subsidiaries own 50% noncontrolling interests in ETT, an owner and operator of electric transmission assets in Texas, and Iroquois, which owns and operates a natural gas pipeline located in New York and Connecticut. We own a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot operates travel centers in North America through more than 800 retail locations across 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces and is a leading supplier of fuel to third parties. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We have 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 second quarter and first six months of 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows (in millions). Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Investment gains (losses): Equity securities: Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period on securities held at the end of the period $ (66,860 ) $ 27,014 $ (68,548 ) $ 31,548 Investment gains on securities sold during the period 32 144 34 670 (66,828 ) 27,158 (68,514 ) 32,218 Fixed maturity securities: Gross realized gains 6 15 12 35 Gross realized losses (27 ) (12 ) (76 ) (13 ) Other (5 ) 12 (11 ) 144 Investment gains (losses) (66,854 ) 27,173 (68,589 ) 32,384 Derivative contract gains (losses) (65 ) 221 (308 ) 710 $ (66,919 ) $ 27,394 $ (68,897 ) $ 33,094 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 six months of 2022 and $8.6 billion in the first six months of 2021. 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. Taxable gains/losses on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and original cost. Equity securities sold produced taxable gains of $76 million in the second quarter of 2022 and taxable losses of $663 million in the first six months of 2022 compared to taxable gains of $228 million in the second quarter and $2.0 billion in the first six months of 2021. Our derivative contract gains and losses derive from equity index put option contracts written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. As of June 30, 2022, we had six open contracts, which had an aggregate fair value liability of $186 million and an aggregate notional value of $2.5 billion.

Loans and finance receivables

Loans and finance receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts $ 23,238 $ 22,065 Allowances for credit losses (803 ) (765 ) Unamortized acquisition discounts and points (558 ) (549 ) $ 21,877 $ 20,751 Loans and finance receivables are principally manufactured home loans, and to a lesser extent, site-built home loans and commercial loans. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for the first six months of 2022 and 2021 follow (in millions). First Six Months 2022 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 765 $ 712 Provision for credit losses 50 49 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (12 ) (22 ) Balance at June 30 $ 803 $ 739 As of June 30, 2022, approximately 99% of manufactured and site-built home loans were evaluated collectively for impairment. As of June 30, 2022, we considered approximately 97% of these loans 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 June 30, 2022 follows (in millions). Origination Year 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 Prior Total Performing $ 3,322 $ 3,807 $ 2,972 $ 2,098 $ 1,588 $ 7,480 $ 21,267 Non-performing 1 4 7 7 6 43 68 $ 3,323 $ 3,811 $ 2,979 $ 2,105 $ 1,594 $ 7,523 $ 21,335 We are also party to two commercial loan agreements with an aggregate carrying value of $1.9 billion at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The larger of these loans is with Seritage Growth Properties (“Seritage”), which had a carrying value of $1.44 billion as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The Seritage loan is pursuant to a $2.0 billion term loan facility and the outstanding loan is secured by mortgages on its real estate properties. The Seritage loan agreement, as amended, allows optional loan prepayments without penalty and further provides Seritage with the option to extend the maturity of the loan to July 31, 2025, if the outstanding principal has been reduced to $800 million by the original expiration date of July 31, 2023. Each of these commercial loans is current as to payment status.

Other receivables

Other receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables	Note 8. Other receivables Other receivables are comprised of the following (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Insurance and other: Insurance premiums receivable $ 17,391 $ 15,050 Reinsurance recoverables 4,836 4,900 Trade receivables 14,511 12,971 Other 3,648 3,146 Allowances for credit losses (708 ) (679 ) $ 39,678 $ 35,388 Railroad, utilities and energy: Trade receivables $ 4,167 $ 3,678 Other 789 650 Allowances for credit losses (141 ) (151 ) $ 4,815 $ 4,177 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 8. Other receivables (Continued) Provisions for credit losses in the first six months with respect to receivables summarized above were $211 million in 2022 and $209 million in 2021. Charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first six months were $189 million in 2022 and $171 million in 2021.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 9. Inventories Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Raw materials $ 6,558 $ 5,743 Work in process and other 3,750 3,192 Finished manufactured goods 5,396 4,530 Goods acquired for resale 8,856 7,489 $ 24,560 $ 20,954

Property, plant and equipment i

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Land, buildings and improvements $ 14,055 $ 14,070 Machinery and equipment 26,082 26,063 Furniture, fixtures and other 4,872 4,640 45,009 44,773 Accumulated depreciation (24,492 ) (23,939 ) $ 20,517 $ 20,834 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. June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Railroad: Land, track structure and other roadway $ 65,821 $ 65,843 Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment 15,957 13,822 Construction in progress 1,186 1,027 82,964 80,692 Accumulated depreciation (16,988 ) (14,978 ) 65,976 65,714 Utilities and energy: Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems 90,810 90,223 Interstate natural gas pipeline assets 17,547 17,423 Independent power plants and other assets 14,488 13,695 Construction in progress 4,774 4,196 127,619 125,537 Accumulated depreciation (36,824 ) (35,721 ) 90,795 89,816 $ 156,771 $ 155,530 Depreciation expense for the first six months of 2022 and 2021 is summarized below (in millions). First Six Months 2022 2021 Insurance and other $ 1,127 $ 1,148 Railroad, utilities and energy 3,091 2,990 $ 4,218 $ 4,138
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. Equipment held for lease is summarized below (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Railcars $ 9,558 $ 9,448 Aircraft 9,798 9,234 Other 5,116 5,053 24,472 23,735 Accumulated depreciation (9,347 ) (8,817 ) $ 15,125 $ 14,918 Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first six months was $593 million in 2022 and $570 million in 2021. Fixed and variable Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Fixed lease revenue $ 1,264 $ 1,105 $ 2,452 $ 2,167 Variable lease revenue 623 342 1,107 604 $ 1,887 $ 1,447 $ 3,559 $ 2,771

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 six months of 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 follow (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 73,875 $ 73,734 Business acquisitions 35 353 Other, including foreign currency translation (292 ) (212 ) Balance at end of period* $ 73,618 $ 73,875 * Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The gross carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization of other intangible assets are summarized as follows (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying value Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying value Insurance and other: Customer relationships $ 27,308 $ 6,763 $ 20,545 $ 27,335 $ 6,450 $ 20,885 Trademarks and trade names 5,174 811 4,363 5,176 802 4,374 Patents and technology 4,846 3,598 1,248 4,763 3,484 1,279 Other 3,304 1,468 1,836 3,390 1,442 1,948 $ 40,632 $ 12,640 $ 27,992 $ 40,664 $ 12,178 $ 28,486 Railroad, utilities and energy: Customer relationships $ 678 $ 412 $ 266 $ 678 $ 396 $ 282 Trademarks, trade names and other 1,014 168 846 1,015 146 869 $ 1,692 $ 580 $ 1,112 $ 1,693 $ 542 $ 1,151 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued) Intangible asset amortization expense in the first six months was $602 million in 2022 and $637 million in 2021. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $18.4 billion as of June 30, 2022 and $18.5 billion as of December 31, 2021 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.

Unpaid losses and loss adjustme

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 six-month periods ending June 30, 2022 and 2021 follows (in millions). 2022 2021 Balances at beginning of year: Gross liabilities $ 86,664 $ 79,854 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (2,960 ) (2,912 ) Net liabilities 83,704 76,942 Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year 27,427 23,651 Prior accident years (887 ) (1,064 ) Total 26,540 22,587 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year (10,085 ) (8,406 ) Prior accident years (13,820 ) (11,169 ) Total (23,905 ) (19,575 ) Foreign currency effect (568 ) 31 Balances at June 30: Net liabilities 85,771 79,985 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 2,789 2,973 Gross liabilities $ 88,560 $ 82,958 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”). Incurred and paid losses and loss adjustment expenses are net of reinsurance recoveries. In the first six months, we recorded net reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $887 million in 2022 and $1.1 billion in 2021, which produced corresponding reductions in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in those periods. These reductions, as percentages of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year, were 1.1% in 2022 and 1.4% in 2021. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years from primary insurance in the first six months were reduced by $313 million in 2022 and $1.1 billion in 2021. The reductions in each period derived primarily from private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims and in 2022 were partly offset by increases in ultimate liabilities for other casualty claims. Estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years attributable to property and casualty reinsurance in the first six months decreased $574 million in 2022 and increased $35 million in 2021.

Retroactive reinsurance contrac

Retroactive reinsurance contracts	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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, after 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 for each of the six-month periods ending June 30, 2022 and 2021 follow (in millions). 2022 2021 Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance Balances at beginning of year $ 38,256 $ (10,639 ) $ 40,966 $ (12,441 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current year contracts — — 82 — Prior years’ contracts (14 ) 426 (3 ) 473 Total (14 ) 426 79 473 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (1,008 ) — (808 ) — Balances at June 30 $ 37,234 $ (10,213 ) $ 40,237 $ (11,968 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges $ 412 $ 552 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 began. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first six months for prior years’ contracts were $412 million in 2022 and $470 million in 2021 and included recurring amortization of deferred charges and the effect of changes in the timing and amount of expected future loss payments. Currently, our largest retroactive reinsurance contract is between our subsidiary, National Indemnity Company, and certain subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”). Our estimated claim liabilities with regard to the AIG contract were approximately $15.2 billion at June 30, 2022 and $15.8 billion at December 31, 2021. Deferred charges related to the AIG contract were $4.24 billion at June 30, 2022 and $4.45 billion at December 31, 2021.

Notes payable and other borrowi

Notes payable and other borrowings	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 June 30, 2022. Weighted Average Interest Rate June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Insurance and other: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2023-2047 3.3 % $ 6,225 $ 6,820 Euro denominated due 2023-2041 1.0 % 7,189 7,792 Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060 0.6 % 6,706 6,797 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2027-2052 3.6 % 14,455 10,758 Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059 2.5 % 2,093 2,325 Euro denominated due 2030-2034 1.8 % 1,304 — Other subsidiary borrowings due 2022-2045 4.1 % 4,375 4,438 Subsidiary short-term borrowings 3.7 % 293 342 $ 42,640 $ 39,272 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 15. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued) In January 2022, Berkshire repaid $600 million of maturing senior notes and issued ¥128.5 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2052 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 March 2022, BHFC issued $4.5 billion of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2052 with a weighted average interest rate of 3.4% and €1.25 billion (approximately $1.4 billion) of senior notes maturing in 2030 and 2034 with a weighted average interest rate of 1.8%. In May 2022, BHFC repaid $775 million of maturing senior notes. The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€8.15 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥914 billion par at June 30, 2022) reflect the applicable exchange rates as of each balance sheet date. 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 $1.4 billion in the second quarter and $2.1 billion in the first six months of 2022 as compared to pre-tax losses of $45 million in the second quarter and pre-tax gains of $675 million in the first six months of 2021. Berkshire also guarantees debt of other subsidiaries, aggregating approximately $3.8 billion at June 30, 2022. 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 June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Railroad, utilities and energy: Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries: BHE senior unsecured debt due 2023-2053 4.3 % $ 13,992 $ 13,003 Subsidiary and other debt due 2022-2064 4.1 % 37,125 36,759 Short-term borrowings 2.8 % 1,948 2,009 Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries due 2022-2097 4.5 % 23,376 23,219 $ 76,441 $ 74,990 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 April 2022, BHE issued $1.0 billion of 4.6% senior notes due in 2053. During the first six months of 2022, BHE subsidiaries issued approximately $1.3 billion of term debt with a weighted average interest rate of 3.5% and maturity dates ranging from 2024 to 2052. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In June 2022, BNSF issued $1.0 billion of 4.45% debentures due in 2053. During the first six months of 2022, BNSF repaid $800 million of term debt. As of June 30, 2022, 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. Our subsidiaries have unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Unused lines of credit were approximately $10.3 billion at June 30, 2022, which included approximately $8.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 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) June 30, 2022 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 8,741 $ 8,741 $ 8,704 $ 37 $ — Foreign governments 10,827 10,827 10,367 460 — Corporate bonds 1,247 1,247 — 1,247 — Other 321 321 — 321 — Investments in equity securities 327,662 327,662 315,715 7 11,940 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 12,959 12,412 12,412 — — Loans and finance receivables 21,877 22,827 — 2,048 20,779 Derivative contract assets (1) 669 669 27 541 101 Derivative contract liabilities (1) 617 617 14 345 258 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 42,640 39,474 — 39,430 44 Railroad, utilities and energy 76,441 73,513 — 73,513 — December 31, 2021 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,303 $ 3,303 $ 3,261 $ 42 $ — Foreign governments 10,994 10,994 10,286 708 — Corporate bonds 1,774 1,774 — 1,774 — Other 363 363 — 363 — Investments in equity securities 350,719 350,719 339,225 8 11,486 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 13,112 11,683 11,683 — — Loans and finance receivables 20,751 22,174 — 2,178 19,996 Derivative contract assets (1) 329 329 6 230 93 Derivative contract liabilities (1) 376 376 2 150 224 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 39,272 42,339 — 42,292 47 Railroad, utilities and energy 74,990 87,065 — 87,065 — (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 six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 follow (in millions). Balance at beginning of year Gains included in earnings Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements Transfers out of Level 3 Balance at June 30 Investments in equity securities: 2022 $ 11,480 $ 455 $ — $ — $ 11,935 2021 8,978 1,559 1,100 — 11,637 Equity index put option contract liabilities: 2021 (1,065 ) 710 — — (355 ) Quantitative information as of June 30, 2022 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 $ 10,051 Discounted cash flow Expected duration 7 years Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination 372 bps Common stock warrants 1,884 Warrant pricing model Expected duration 7 years Volatility 38% 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.

Common stock

Common stock	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 17. Common stock Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first six months of 2022 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, 2021 665,901 (48,788 ) 617,113 1,488,292,852 (197,818,349 ) 1,290,474,503 Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock (11,544 ) — (11,544 ) 17,316,000 — 17,316,000 Treasury stock acquired — (4,402 ) (4,402 ) — (6,850,133 ) (6,850,133 ) Balances at June 30, 2022 654,357 (53,190 ) 601,167 1,505,608,852 (204,668,482 ) 1,300,940,370 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Note 18. Income taxes Our consolidated effective income tax rates were 21.8% in the second quarter and 22.4% in the first six months of 2022 compared to 20.4% in the second quarter and 19.9% in the first six months of 2021. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in certain 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, including investment 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 six months ending June 30, 2022 and 2021 follows (in millions). Unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity securities, net Foreign currency translation Defined benefit pension plans Other Accumulated other comprehensive income First six months of 2022 Balance at beginning of year $ 369 $ (4,092 ) $ (347 ) $ 43 $ (4,027 ) Other comprehensive income, net (352 ) (1,971 ) 27 148 (2,148 ) Balance at end of period $ 17 $ (6,063 ) $ (320 ) $ 191 $ (6,175 ) First six months of 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 536 $ (3,082 ) $ (1,645 ) $ (52 ) $ (4,243 ) Other comprehensive income, net (58 ) (1 ) 73 10 24 Balance at end of period $ 478 $ (3,083 ) $ (1,572 ) $ (42 ) $ (4,219 )

Supplemental cash flow informat

Supplemental cash flow information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 Six Months 2022 2021 Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 1,951 $ 2,508 Interest: Insurance and other 567 699 Railroad, utilities and energy 1,564 1,580

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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. Berkshire and Alleghany Corporation (“Alleghany”) entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger dated as of March 20, 2022, whereby Berkshire will acquire all of Alleghany’s outstanding common stock for cash of approximately $11.6 billion. The Alleghany shareholders voted to approve and adopt the agreement and plan of merger on June 9, 2022. The acquisition of Alleghany is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022 and is subject to the receipt of various regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Alleghany owns property and casualty reinsurance and insurance businesses as well as a diverse portfolio of non-financial businesses. In June 2022, BHE acquired the BHE common stock held by Greg Abel, Berkshire’s Vice Chairman - non-insurance operations, for $870 million. The purchase was pursuant to the terms of a shareholders agreement between Berkshire, BHE and BHE’s non-controlling shareholders. Berkshire recorded a charge of $362 million to capital in excess of par value for the excess of the consideration paid over the carrying value of the acquired noncontrolling interest.

Revenues from contracts with cu

Revenues from contracts with customers	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 second quarter and first six months of 2022 and 2021 (in millions). Other revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP, are primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues. Manufacturing McLane Service and Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and other Total Three months ending June 30, 2022 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 6,142 $ — $ 48 $ — $ — $ — $ 6,190 Building products 5,970 — — — — — 5,970 Consumer products 5,509 — — — — — 5,509 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,979 — — — — 7,979 Food and beverage distribution — 5,002 — — — — 5,002 Auto sales — — 2,675 — — — 2,675 Other retail and wholesale distribution 818 — 4,265 — — — 5,083 Service 302 248 1,078 6,596 1,561 — 9,785 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 4,740 — 4,740 Total 18,741 13,229 8,066 6,596 6,301 — 52,933 Other revenues 995 33 1,527 16 212 20,464 23,247 $ 19,736 $ 13,262 $ 9,593 $ 6,612 $ 6,513 $ 20,464 $ 76,180 Six months ending June 30, 2022 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 12,074 $ — $ 97 $ — $ — $ — $ 12,171 Building products 11,389 — — — — — 11,389 Consumer products 10,602 — — — — — 10,602 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 15,685 — — — — 15,685 Food and beverage distribution — 9,564 — — — — 9,564 Auto sales — — 5,202 — — — 5,202 Other retail and wholesale distribution 1,540 — 8,440 — — — 9,980 Service 566 462 2,084 12,527 2,673 — 18,312 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 9,454 — 9,454 Total 36,171 25,711 15,823 12,527 12,127 — 102,359 Other revenues 1,950 65 2,861 29 364 39,362 44,631 $ 38,121 $ 25,776 $ 18,684 $ 12,556 $ 12,491 $ 39,362 $ 146,990 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 22. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued) Manufacturing McLane Service and Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and other Total Three months ending June 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 5,586 $ — $ 49 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,635 Building products 5,114 — — — — — 5,114 Consumer products 4,604 — — — — — 4,604 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,729 — — — — 7,729 Food and beverage distribution — 4,356 — — — — 4,356 Auto sales — — 2,750 — — — 2,750 Other retail and wholesale distribution 754 — 4,008 — — — 4,762 Service 370 183 1,053 5,763 1,593 — 8,962 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 4,198 — 4,198 Total 16,428 12,268 7,860 5,763 5,791 — 48,110 Other revenues 947 27 1,094 15 294 18,627 21,004 $ 17,375 $ 12,295 $ 8,954 $ 5,778 $ 6,085 $ 18,627 $ 69,114 Six months ending June 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 10,949 $ — $ 99 $ — $ — $ — $ 11,048 Building products 9,513 — — — — — 9,513 Consumer products 8,767 — — — — — 8,767 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 15,171 — — — — 15,171 Food and beverage distribution — 8,360 — — — — 8,360 Auto sales — — 5,062 — — — 5,062 Other retail and wholesale distribution 1,457 — 7,664 — — — 9,121 Service 699 334 1,987 11,128 2,633 — 16,781 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 8,910 — 8,910 Total 31,385 23,865 14,812 11,128 11,543 — 92,733 Other revenues 1,870 52 2,085 28 466 36,479 40,980 $ 33,255 $ 23,917 $ 16,897 $ 11,156 $ 12,009 $ 36,479 $ 133,713 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 June 30, 2022 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 $ 4,019 $ 22,226 $ 26,245 Other sales and service contracts 1,642 2,789 4,431

Business segment data

Business segment data	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 second quarter and first six months of 2022 and 2021 were as follows (in millions). Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ 9,807 $ 9,546 $ 19,361 $ 18,469 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group 3,313 2,755 6,431 5,409 Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group 4,967 4,862 9,787 9,709 Investment income 2,284 1,459 3,648 2,873 Total insurance 20,371 18,622 39,227 36,460 BNSF 6,640 5,809 12,608 11,210 BHE 6,518 6,085 12,501 12,009 Manufacturing 19,772 17,412 38,193 33,325 McLane 13,262 12,295 25,777 23,917 Service and retailing 9,617 8,977 18,732 16,935 76,180 69,200 147,038 133,856 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Corporate, eliminations and other — (86 ) (48 ) (143 ) $ 76,180 $ 69,114 $ 146,990 $ 133,713 Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ (487 ) $ 626 $ (665 ) $ 1,649 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group 242 166 334 372 Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group 967 (327 ) 1,123 (590 ) Investment income 2,283 1,456 3,644 2,868 Total insurance 3,005 1,921 4,436 4,299 BNSF 2,151 1,979 3,960 3,638 BHE 564 739 1,240 1,422 Manufacturing 3,028 2,714 5,852 5,150 McLane 76 84 158 187 Service and retailing 1,199 1,186 2,334 2,124 10,023 8,623 17,980 16,820 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Investment and derivative gains (losses) (66,919 ) 27,394 (68,897 ) 33,094 Interest expense, not allocated to segments (100 ) (144 ) (204 ) (258 ) Equity method investments 231 147 607 398 Corporate, eliminations and other 1,283 (299 ) 1,844 195 $ (55,482 ) $ 35,721 $ (48,670 ) $ 50,249

New accounting pronouncements (

New accounting pronouncements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncements	In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts” (“ASU 2018-12”). ASU 2018-12 requires reassessment of cash flow assumptions at least annually and revision of discount rate assumptions each reporting period in valuing policyholder liabilities of long-duration contracts. Under ASU 2018-12, the effects from changes in cash flow assumptions are reflected in earnings and the effects from changes in discount rate assumptions are reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the cash flow and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 is to be applied retrospectively to the earliest period presented in the financial statements, will require new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt ASU 2018-12 as of January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method, whereby revised cash flow and discount rate assumptions as of January 1, 2021 (the transition date) are applied to contracts then in-force, with liabilities then remeasured as provided under the standard. The cumulative effects from discount rate assumption changes as of the transition date will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and the cumulative effect from cash flow assumption changes will be recorded in retained earnings. While we have not finalized our assessment of the impact of the adoption as of the transition date, we currently believe that the changes in discount rate assumptions will have a greater effect on our recorded liabilities than changes in cash flow assumptions. We currently estimate that as of January 1, 2021, the adoption of ASU 2018-12 will reduce our consolidated shareholders’ equity between $6 billion and $7 billion from the amount previously reported, primarily due to the low interest rate environment at that time. However, the ultimate impact of adopting ASU 2018-12 will be based on the discount rate and cash flow assumptions determined as of the January 1, 2023 adoption date. We, therefore, continue to evaluate the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments in fixed maturity_2

Investments in fixed maturity securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of investments in securities with fixed maturities	Investments in fixed maturity securities as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized by type below (in millions). Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value June 30, 2022 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 8,893 $ 7 $ (159 ) $ 8,741 Foreign governments 10,935 14 (122 ) 10,827 Corporate bonds 993 257 (3 ) 1,247 Other 293 30 (2 ) 321 $ 21,114 $ 308 $ (286 ) $ 21,136 December 31, 2021 U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,286 $ 22 $ (5 ) $ 3,303 Foreign governments 10,998 29 (33 ) 10,994 Corporate bonds 1,363 412 (1 ) 1,774 Other 317 47 (1 ) 363 $ 15,964 $ 510 $ (40 ) $ 16,434
Schedule of amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2022 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Amounts are in millions. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to 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 $ 10,305 $ 10,057 $ 460 $ 84 $ 208 $ 21,114 Fair value 10,220 9,888 702 92 234 21,136

Investments in equity securit_2

Investments in equity securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of investments in equity securities	Investments in equity securities as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows (in millions). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value June 30, 2022* Banks, insurance and finance $ 36,837 $ 39,655 $ 76,492 Consumer products 41,785 118,294 160,079 Commercial, industrial and other 71,100 19,991 91,091 $ 149,722 $ 177,940 $ 327,662 * Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $21.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $125.1 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $32.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $25.2 billion and Chevron Corporation – $23.7 billion). Cost Basis Net Unrealized Gains Fair Value December 31, 2021* Banks, insurance and finance $ 26,822 $ 62,236 $ 89,058 Consumer products 36,076 154,945 191,021 Commercial, industrial and other 41,707 28,933 70,640 $ 104,605 $ 246,114 $ 350,719 * Approximately 73% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $24.8 billion; Apple Inc. – $161.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $46.0 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 billion).

Equity method investments (Tabl

Equity method investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summarized unaudited financial information of Kraft Heinz	Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz follows (in millions). June 25, 2022 December 25, 2021 Assets $ 91,676 $ 93,394 Liabilities 42,674 43,942 Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Sales $ 6,554 $ 6,615 $ 12,599 $ 13,009 Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders 265 (27 ) 1,041 536

Investment and derivative con_2

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of investment and derivative gains and losses	Investment and derivative contract gains/losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows (in millions). Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Investment gains (losses): Equity securities: Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period on securities held at the end of the period $ (66,860 ) $ 27,014 $ (68,548 ) $ 31,548 Investment gains on securities sold during the period 32 144 34 670 (66,828 ) 27,158 (68,514 ) 32,218 Fixed maturity securities: Gross realized gains 6 15 12 35 Gross realized losses (27 ) (12 ) (76 ) (13 ) Other (5 ) 12 (11 ) 144 Investment gains (losses) (66,854 ) 27,173 (68,589 ) 32,384 Derivative contract gains (losses) (65 ) 221 (308 ) 710 $ (66,919 ) $ 27,394 $ (68,897 ) $ 33,094

Loans and finance receivables (

Loans and finance receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Schedule of receivables	Other receivables are comprised of the following (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Insurance and other: Insurance premiums receivable $ 17,391 $ 15,050 Reinsurance recoverables 4,836 4,900 Trade receivables 14,511 12,971 Other 3,648 3,146 Allowances for credit losses (708 ) (679 ) $ 39,678 $ 35,388 Railroad, utilities and energy: Trade receivables $ 4,167 $ 3,678 Other 789 650 Allowances for credit losses (141 ) (151 ) $ 4,815 $ 4,177
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Schedule of receivables	Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts $ 23,238 $ 22,065 Allowances for credit losses (803 ) (765 ) Unamortized acquisition discounts and points (558 ) (549 ) $ 21,877 $ 20,751
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, site-built home loans and commercial loans. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for the first six months of 2022 and 2021 follow (in millions). First Six Months 2022 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 765 $ 712 Provision for credit losses 50 49 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (12 ) (22 ) Balance at June 30 $ 803 $ 739
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 June 30, 2022 follows (in millions). Origination Year 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 Prior Total Performing $ 3,322 $ 3,807 $ 2,972 $ 2,098 $ 1,588 $ 7,480 $ 21,267 Non-performing 1 4 7 7 6 43 68 $ 3,323 $ 3,811 $ 2,979 $ 2,105 $ 1,594 $ 7,523 $ 21,335

Other receivables (Tables)

Other receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of receivables	Other receivables are comprised of the following (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Insurance and other: Insurance premiums receivable $ 17,391 $ 15,050 Reinsurance recoverables 4,836 4,900 Trade receivables 14,511 12,971 Other 3,648 3,146 Allowances for credit losses (708 ) (679 ) $ 39,678 $ 35,388 Railroad, utilities and energy: Trade receivables $ 4,167 $ 3,678 Other 789 650 Allowances for credit losses (141 ) (151 ) $ 4,815 $ 4,177

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of inventories	Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Raw materials $ 6,558 $ 5,743 Work in process and other 3,750 3,192 Finished manufactured goods 5,396 4,530 Goods acquired for resale 8,856 7,489 $ 24,560 $ 20,954

Property, plant and equipment_2

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Schedule of depreciation expense	Depreciation expense for the first six months of 2022 and 2021 is summarized below (in millions). First Six Months 2022 2021 Insurance and other $ 1,127 $ 1,148 Railroad, utilities and energy 3,091 2,990 $ 4,218 $ 4,138
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). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Land, buildings and improvements $ 14,055 $ 14,070 Machinery and equipment 26,082 26,063 Furniture, fixtures and other 4,872 4,640 45,009 44,773 Accumulated depreciation (24,492 ) (23,939 ) $ 20,517 $ 20,834
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. June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Railroad: Land, track structure and other roadway $ 65,821 $ 65,843 Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment 15,957 13,822 Construction in progress 1,186 1,027 82,964 80,692 Accumulated depreciation (16,988 ) (14,978 ) 65,976 65,714 Utilities and energy: Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems 90,810 90,223 Interstate natural gas pipeline assets 17,547 17,423 Independent power plants and other assets 14,488 13,695 Construction in progress 4,774 4,196 127,619 125,537 Accumulated depreciation (36,824 ) (35,721 ) 90,795 89,816 $ 156,771 $ 155,530

Equipment held for lease (Table

Equipment held for lease (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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. Equipment held for lease is summarized below (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Railcars $ 9,558 $ 9,448 Aircraft 9,798 9,234 Other 5,116 5,053 24,472 23,735 Accumulated depreciation (9,347 ) (8,817 ) $ 15,125 $ 14,918
Summary of fixed and variable operating lease revenues	Fixed and variable Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Fixed lease revenue $ 1,264 $ 1,105 $ 2,452 $ 2,167 Variable lease revenue 623 342 1,107 604 $ 1,887 $ 1,447 $ 3,559 $ 2,771

Goodwill and other intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 six months of 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 follow (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 73,875 $ 73,734 Business acquisitions 35 353 Other, including foreign currency translation (292 ) (212 ) Balance at end of period* $ 73,618 $ 73,875 * Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Schedule of intangible assets	The gross carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization of other intangible assets are summarized as follows (in millions). June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying value Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying value Insurance and other: Customer relationships $ 27,308 $ 6,763 $ 20,545 $ 27,335 $ 6,450 $ 20,885 Trademarks and trade names 5,174 811 4,363 5,176 802 4,374 Patents and technology 4,846 3,598 1,248 4,763 3,484 1,279 Other 3,304 1,468 1,836 3,390 1,442 1,948 $ 40,632 $ 12,640 $ 27,992 $ 40,664 $ 12,178 $ 28,486 Railroad, utilities and energy: Customer relationships $ 678 $ 412 $ 266 $ 678 $ 396 $ 282 Trademarks, trade names and other 1,014 168 846 1,015 146 869 $ 1,692 $ 580 $ 1,112 $ 1,693 $ 542 $ 1,151

Unpaid losses and loss adjust_2

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 six-month periods ending June 30, 2022 and 2021 follows (in millions). 2022 2021 Balances at beginning of year: Gross liabilities $ 86,664 $ 79,854 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (2,960 ) (2,912 ) Net liabilities 83,704 76,942 Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year 27,427 23,651 Prior accident years (887 ) (1,064 ) Total 26,540 22,587 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current accident year (10,085 ) (8,406 ) Prior accident years (13,820 ) (11,169 ) Total (23,905 ) (19,575 ) Foreign currency effect (568 ) 31 Balances at June 30: Net liabilities 85,771 79,985 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 2,789 2,973 Gross liabilities $ 88,560 $ 82,958

Retroactive reinsurance contr_2

Retroactive reinsurance contracts (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 for each of the six-month periods ending June 30, 2022 and 2021 follow (in millions). 2022 2021 Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance Balances at beginning of year $ 38,256 $ (10,639 ) $ 40,966 $ (12,441 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses: Current year contracts — — 82 — Prior years’ contracts (14 ) 426 (3 ) 473 Total (14 ) 426 79 473 Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (1,008 ) — (808 ) — Balances at June 30 $ 37,234 $ (10,213 ) $ 40,237 $ (11,968 ) Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges $ 412 $ 552

Notes payable and other borro_2

Notes payable and other borrowings (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 June 30, 2022. Weighted Average Interest Rate June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Insurance and other: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2023-2047 3.3 % $ 6,225 $ 6,820 Euro denominated due 2023-2041 1.0 % 7,189 7,792 Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060 0.6 % 6,706 6,797 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”): U.S. Dollar denominated due 2027-2052 3.6 % 14,455 10,758 Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059 2.5 % 2,093 2,325 Euro denominated due 2030-2034 1.8 % 1,304 — Other subsidiary borrowings due 2022-2045 4.1 % 4,375 4,438 Subsidiary short-term borrowings 3.7 % 293 342 $ 42,640 $ 39,272
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure	Weighted Average Interest Rate June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Railroad, utilities and energy: Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries: BHE senior unsecured debt due 2023-2053 4.3 % $ 13,992 $ 13,003 Subsidiary and other debt due 2022-2064 4.1 % 37,125 36,759 Short-term borrowings 2.8 % 1,948 2,009 Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries due 2022-2097 4.5 % 23,376 23,219 $ 76,441 $ 74,990

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 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) June 30, 2022 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 8,741 $ 8,741 $ 8,704 $ 37 $ — Foreign governments 10,827 10,827 10,367 460 — Corporate bonds 1,247 1,247 — 1,247 — Other 321 321 — 321 — Investments in equity securities 327,662 327,662 315,715 7 11,940 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 12,959 12,412 12,412 — — Loans and finance receivables 21,877 22,827 — 2,048 20,779 Derivative contract assets (1) 669 669 27 541 101 Derivative contract liabilities (1) 617 617 14 345 258 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 42,640 39,474 — 39,430 44 Railroad, utilities and energy 76,441 73,513 — 73,513 — December 31, 2021 Investments in fixed maturity securities: U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 3,303 $ 3,303 $ 3,261 $ 42 $ — Foreign governments 10,994 10,994 10,286 708 — Corporate bonds 1,774 1,774 — 1,774 — Other 363 363 — 363 — Investments in equity securities 350,719 350,719 339,225 8 11,486 Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock 13,112 11,683 11,683 — — Loans and finance receivables 20,751 22,174 — 2,178 19,996 Derivative contract assets (1) 329 329 6 230 93 Derivative contract liabilities (1) 376 376 2 150 224 Notes payable and other borrowings: Insurance and other 39,272 42,339 — 42,292 47 Railroad, utilities and energy 74,990 87,065 — 87,065 — (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 six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 follow (in millions). Balance at beginning of year Gains included in earnings Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements Transfers out of Level 3 Balance at June 30 Investments in equity securities: 2022 $ 11,480 $ 455 $ — $ — $ 11,935 2021 8,978 1,559 1,100 — 11,637 Equity index put option contract liabilities: 2021 (1,065 ) 710 — — (355 )
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis, unobservable inputs, additional information	Quantitative information as of June 30, 2022 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 $ 10,051 Discounted cash flow Expected duration 7 years Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination 372 bps Common stock warrants 1,884 Warrant pricing model Expected duration 7 years Volatility 38%

Common stock (Tables)

Common stock (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in issued, treasury and outstanding Berkshire common stock	Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first six months of 2022 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, 2021 665,901 (48,788 ) 617,113 1,488,292,852 (197,818,349 ) 1,290,474,503 Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock (11,544 ) — (11,544 ) 17,316,000 — 17,316,000 Treasury stock acquired — (4,402 ) (4,402 ) — (6,850,133 ) (6,850,133 ) Balances at June 30, 2022 654,357 (53,190 ) 601,167 1,505,608,852 (204,668,482 ) 1,300,940,370

Accumulated other comprehensi_2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 six months ending June 30, 2022 and 2021 follows (in millions). Unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity securities, net Foreign currency translation Defined benefit pension plans Other Accumulated other comprehensive income First six months of 2022 Balance at beginning of year $ 369 $ (4,092 ) $ (347 ) $ 43 $ (4,027 ) Other comprehensive income, net (352 ) (1,971 ) 27 148 (2,148 ) Balance at end of period $ 17 $ (6,063 ) $ (320 ) $ 191 $ (6,175 ) First six months of 2021 Balance at beginning of year $ 536 $ (3,082 ) $ (1,645 ) $ (52 ) $ (4,243 ) Other comprehensive income, net (58 ) (1 ) 73 10 24 Balance at end of period $ 478 $ (3,083 ) $ (1,572 ) $ (42 ) $ (4,219 )

Supplemental cash flow inform_2

Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 Six Months 2022 2021 Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 1,951 $ 2,508 Interest: Insurance and other 567 699 Railroad, utilities and energy 1,564 1,580

Revenues from contracts with _2

Revenues from contracts with customers (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 second quarter and first six months of 2022 and 2021 (in millions). Other revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP, are primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues. Manufacturing McLane Service and Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and other Total Three months ending June 30, 2022 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 6,142 $ — $ 48 $ — $ — $ — $ 6,190 Building products 5,970 — — — — — 5,970 Consumer products 5,509 — — — — — 5,509 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,979 — — — — 7,979 Food and beverage distribution — 5,002 — — — — 5,002 Auto sales — — 2,675 — — — 2,675 Other retail and wholesale distribution 818 — 4,265 — — — 5,083 Service 302 248 1,078 6,596 1,561 — 9,785 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 4,740 — 4,740 Total 18,741 13,229 8,066 6,596 6,301 — 52,933 Other revenues 995 33 1,527 16 212 20,464 23,247 $ 19,736 $ 13,262 $ 9,593 $ 6,612 $ 6,513 $ 20,464 $ 76,180 Six months ending June 30, 2022 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 12,074 $ — $ 97 $ — $ — $ — $ 12,171 Building products 11,389 — — — — — 11,389 Consumer products 10,602 — — — — — 10,602 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 15,685 — — — — 15,685 Food and beverage distribution — 9,564 — — — — 9,564 Auto sales — — 5,202 — — — 5,202 Other retail and wholesale distribution 1,540 — 8,440 — — — 9,980 Service 566 462 2,084 12,527 2,673 — 18,312 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 9,454 — 9,454 Total 36,171 25,711 15,823 12,527 12,127 — 102,359 Other revenues 1,950 65 2,861 29 364 39,362 44,631 $ 38,121 $ 25,776 $ 18,684 $ 12,556 $ 12,491 $ 39,362 $ 146,990 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Note 22. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued) Manufacturing McLane Service and Retailing BNSF Berkshire Hathaway Energy Insurance, Corporate and other Total Three months ending June 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 5,586 $ — $ 49 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,635 Building products 5,114 — — — — — 5,114 Consumer products 4,604 — — — — — 4,604 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 7,729 — — — — 7,729 Food and beverage distribution — 4,356 — — — — 4,356 Auto sales — — 2,750 — — — 2,750 Other retail and wholesale distribution 754 — 4,008 — — — 4,762 Service 370 183 1,053 5,763 1,593 — 8,962 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 4,198 — 4,198 Total 16,428 12,268 7,860 5,763 5,791 — 48,110 Other revenues 947 27 1,094 15 294 18,627 21,004 $ 17,375 $ 12,295 $ 8,954 $ 5,778 $ 6,085 $ 18,627 $ 69,114 Six months ending June 30, 2021 Manufactured products: Industrial and commercial products $ 10,949 $ — $ 99 $ — $ — $ — $ 11,048 Building products 9,513 — — — — — 9,513 Consumer products 8,767 — — — — — 8,767 Grocery and convenience store distribution — 15,171 — — — — 15,171 Food and beverage distribution — 8,360 — — — — 8,360 Auto sales — — 5,062 — — — 5,062 Other retail and wholesale distribution 1,457 — 7,664 — — — 9,121 Service 699 334 1,987 11,128 2,633 — 16,781 Electricity and natural gas — — — — 8,910 — 8,910 Total 31,385 23,865 14,812 11,128 11,543 — 92,733 Other revenues 1,870 52 2,085 28 466 36,479 40,980 $ 33,255 $ 23,917 $ 16,897 $ 11,156 $ 12,009 $ 36,479 $ 133,713
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 June 30, 2022 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 $ 4,019 $ 22,226 $ 26,245 Other sales and service contracts 1,642 2,789 4,431

Business segment data (Tables)

Business segment data (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022
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 second quarter and first six months of 2022 and 2021 were as follows (in millions). Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ 9,807 $ 9,546 $ 19,361 $ 18,469 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group 3,313 2,755 6,431 5,409 Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group 4,967 4,862 9,787 9,709 Investment income 2,284 1,459 3,648 2,873 Total insurance 20,371 18,622 39,227 36,460 BNSF 6,640 5,809 12,608 11,210 BHE 6,518 6,085 12,501 12,009 Manufacturing 19,772 17,412 38,193 33,325 McLane 13,262 12,295 25,777 23,917 Service and retailing 9,617 8,977 18,732 16,935 76,180 69,200 147,038 133,856 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Corporate, eliminations and other — (86 ) (48 ) (143 ) $ 76,180 $ 69,114 $ 146,990 $ 133,713 Second Quarter First Six Months 2022 2021 2022 2021 Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses Insurance: Underwriting: GEICO $ (487 ) $ 626 $ (665 ) $ 1,649 Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group 242 166 334 372 Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group 967 (327 ) 1,123 (590 ) Investment income 2,283 1,456 3,644 2,868 Total insurance 3,005 1,921 4,436 4,299 BNSF 2,151 1,979 3,960 3,638 BHE 564 739 1,240 1,422 Manufacturing 3,028 2,714 5,852 5,150 McLane 76 84 158 187 Service and retailing 1,199 1,186 2,334 2,124 10,023 8,623 17,980 16,820 Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount Investment and derivative gains (losses) (66,919 ) 27,394 (68,897 ) 33,094 Interest expense, not allocated to segments (100 ) (144 ) (204 ) (258 ) Equity method investments 231 147 607 398 Corporate, eliminations and other 1,283 (299 ) 1,844 195 $ (55,482 ) $ 35,721 $ (48,670 ) $ 50,249

New accounting pronouncements -

New accounting pronouncements - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Shareholders equity	$ 461,229	$ 506,199
ASU 2018-12 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revision of Prior Period, Change in Accounting Principle, Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Shareholders equity			$ (6,000)
ASU 2018-12 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revision of Prior Period, Change in Accounting Principle, Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Shareholders equity			$ (7,000)

Investments in fixed maturity_3

Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	$ 21,114	$ 15,964
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	308	510
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(286)	(40)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	21,136	16,434
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	8,893	3,286
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	7	22
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(159)	(5)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	8,741	3,303
Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	10,935	10,998
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	14	29
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(122)	(33)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	10,827	10,994
Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	993	1,363
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	257	412
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(3)	(1)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	1,247	1,774
Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	293	317
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	30	47
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(2)	(1)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	$ 321	$ 363

Investments in fixed maturity_4

Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2022
Foreign governments [Member] | AA or Higher Credit Rating [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by credit rating	94%

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	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Due in one year or less - amortized cost	$ 10,305
Due after one year through five years - amortized cost	10,057
Due after five years through ten years - amortized cost	460
Due after ten years - amortized cost	84
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	21,114	$ 15,964
Due in one year or less - fair value	10,220
Due after one year through five years - fair value	9,888
Due after five years through ten years - fair value	702
Due after ten years - fair value	92
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	21,136	$ 16,434
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities	208
Fair value of mortgage-backed securities	$ 234

Investments in equity securit_3

Investments in equity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022		Dec. 31, 2021
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	$ 149,722		$ 104,605
Net Unrealized Gains	177,940		246,114
Fair Value	327,662	[1]	350,719	[2]
Banks, insurance and finance [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	36,837		26,822
Net Unrealized Gains	39,655		62,236
Fair Value	76,492		89,058
Consumer products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	41,785		36,076
Net Unrealized Gains	118,294		154,945
Fair Value	160,079		191,021
Commercial, industrial and other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	71,100		41,707
Net Unrealized Gains	19,991		28,933
Fair Value	$ 91,091		$ 70,640
[1]Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $21.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $125.1 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $32.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $25.2 billion and Chevron Corporation – $23.7 billion).[2]Approximately 73% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $24.8 billion; Apple Inc. – $161.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $46.0 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 billion).

Investments in equity securit_4

Investments in equity securities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($) Company		Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) Company
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 327,662	[1]	$ 350,719	[2]
American Express Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	21,000		24,800
Apple Inc. [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	125,100		161,200
Bank of America Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	32,200		46,000
Coca Cola Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	25,200		$ 23,700
Chevron Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 23,700
Equity Securities [Member] | American Express Company, Apple Inc., Bank of America Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Chevron Corporation [Member] | Investment Concentration [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	69%
Number of companies in concentration percentage | Company	5
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			73%
Number of companies in concentration percentage | Company			4
[1]Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $21.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $125.1 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $32.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $25.2 billion and Chevron Corporation – $23.7 billion).[2]Approximately 73% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $24.8 billion; Apple Inc. – $161.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $46.0 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 billion).

Investments in equity securit_5

Investments in equity securities - Narrative (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares
American Express Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment owned, common shares outstanding | shares	151,600,000
Investment owned, percent of common shares outstanding	20.20%
Occidental Petroleum Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of acquired common stock outstanding	17%
Fair value of shares purchased | $	$ 9.3
Occidental Petroleum Corporation [Member] | Investment Commitment [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 Petroleum Corporation [Member] | Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member] | Investment Commitment [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment in preferred stock, liquidation value | $	$ 10
Investment in preferred stock, stated dividend rate	8%
Investment in preferred stock, redemption year start	2029
Investment in preferred stock, redemption price percentage of liquidation preference	105%

Equity method investments - Nar

Equity method investments - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($) Store Location	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($) Store Location	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method earnings (loss)	$ 231,000,000	$ 147,000,000		$ 607,000,000	$ 398,000,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment special distribution			$ 849,000,000
Number of retail | Store	800			800
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%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Haslam Family [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Majority ownership percentage				50.10%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Haslam Family [Member] | Agreement to Acquire Additional Interest in 2023 [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage				20%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Third Party [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage				11.30%
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	26.60%			26.60%
Equity method earnings (loss)	$ 71,000,000	$ (7,000,000)		$ 277,000,000	143,000,000
Common stock dividends received				260,000,000	260,000,000
Equity method investments, fair value	12,400,000,000			12,400,000,000		$ 11,700,000,000
Equity method investments, carrying value	$ 13,000,000,000			$ 13,000,000,000		13,100,000,000
Difference between carrying value and fair value percentage	5%			5%
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, Electric Transmission Texas, LLC and Iroquois Gas Transmission System LP [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method earnings (loss)				$ 330,000,000	255,000,000
Equity method investments, carrying value	$ 4,500,000,000			4,500,000,000		$ 4,300,000,000
Equity method investment aggregate distributions				$ 137,000,000	$ 982,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50%			50%
Commercial paper outstanding	$ 1,470,000,000			$ 1,470,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member] | Jefferies Financial Group Inc. [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50%			50%
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
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Subsidiary [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50%			50%

Equity method investments - Una

Equity method investments - Unaudited financial information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 25, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 25, 2021
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	$ 909,860		$ 909,860			$ 958,784
Sales	76,180	$ 69,114	146,990	$ 133,713
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets					$ 91,676		$ 93,394
Liabilities					$ 42,674		$ 43,942
Sales	6,554	6,615	12,599	13,009
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders	$ 265	$ (27)	$ 1,041	$ 536

Investment and derivative con_3

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
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	$ (66,860)	$ 27,014	$ (68,548)	$ 31,548
Equity securities - Investment gains on securities sold during the period	32	144	34	670
Equity securities - Investment gains (losses), total	(66,828)	27,158	(68,514)	32,218
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized gains	6	15	12	35
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized losses	(27)	(12)	(76)	(13)
Other	(5)	12	(11)	144
Investment gains (losses)	(66,854)	27,173	(68,589)	32,384
Derivative contract gains (losses)	(65)	221	(308)	710
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)	$ (66,919)	$ 27,394	$ (68,897)	$ 33,094

Investment and derivative con_4

Investment and derivative contract gains/losses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Sales of equity securities			$ 12,044	$ 8,596
Taxable gains (losses) on sales of equity securities	$ 76	$ 228	(663)	$ 2,000
Aggregate fair value of liability	186		186
Aggregate Notional value	$ 2,500		$ 2,500

Loans and finance receivables_2

Loans and finance receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$ 23,238	$ 22,065
Allowances for credit losses	(803)	(765)	$ (739)	$ (712)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points	(558)	(549)
Loans and finance receivables	$ 21,877	$ 20,751

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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Allowance For Credit Loss [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 765	$ 712
Provision for credit losses	50	49
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(12)	(22)
Balance at June 30	$ 803	$ 739

Loans and finance receivables_3

Loans and finance receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Aggregated carrying value	$ 23,238,000,000	$ 22,065,000,000
Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Aggregated carrying value	1,900,000,000	1,900,000,000
Seritage Growth Properties [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Aggregated carrying value	1,440,000,000	$ 1,440,000,000
Term loan facility	$ 2,000,000,000
Loan expiration date	Jul. 31, 2023
Extended loan maturity date	Jul. 31, 2025
Maximum principal loan balance to extend loan maturity period	$ 800,000,000
Manufactured and Site-built Home Loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of manufactured and site-built housing loan balances evaluated collectively for impairment	99%
Percent of loan balances considered to be current as to payment status	97%

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	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 23,238	$ 22,065
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2022	3,323
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2021	3,811
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	2,979
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,105
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	1,594
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	7,523
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	21,335
Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2022	3,322
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2021	3,807
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	2,972
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,098
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	1,588
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	7,480
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	21,267
Non-Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2022	1
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2021	4
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	7
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	7
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	6
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	43
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 68

Other receivables (Detail)

Other receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Insurance and Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Insurance premiums receivable	$ 17,391	$ 15,050
Reinsurance recoverables	4,836	4,900
Trade receivables	14,511	12,971
Other	3,648	3,146
Allowances for credit losses	(708)	(679)
Other receivables	39,678	35,388
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade receivables	4,167	3,678
Other	789	650
Allowances for credit losses	(141)	(151)
Receivables	$ 4,815	$ 4,177

Other receivables - Narrative (

Other receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Provisions for credit losses on receivables	$ 211	$ 209
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	$ 189	$ 171

Inventories (Detail)

Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 6,558	$ 5,743
Work in process and other	3,750	3,192
Finished manufactured goods	5,396	4,530
Goods acquired for resale	8,856	7,489
Total inventory	$ 24,560	$ 20,954

Property, plant and equipment (

Property, plant and equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 45,009	$ 44,773
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(24,492)	(23,939)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	20,517	20,834
Insurance and Other [Member] | Land, buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	14,055	14,070
Insurance and Other [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	26,082	26,063
Insurance and Other [Member] | Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,872	4,640
Railroad [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	82,964	80,692
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(16,988)	(14,978)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	65,976	65,714
Railroad [Member] | Land, track structure and other roadway [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	65,821	65,843
Railroad [Member] | Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	15,957	13,822
Railroad [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,186	1,027
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	127,619	125,537
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(36,824)	(35,721)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	90,795	89,816
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	90,810	90,223
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Interstate natural gas pipeline assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	17,547	17,423
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Independent power plants and other assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	14,488	13,695
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,774	4,196
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 156,771	$ 155,530

Property, plant and equipment -

Property, plant and equipment - Depreciation expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 4,218	$ 4,138
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	1,127	1,148
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 3,091	$ 2,990

Equipment held for lease (Detai

Equipment held for lease (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 24,472	$ 23,735
Equipment held for lease, accumulated depreciation	(9,347)	(8,817)
Equipment held for lease, net	15,125	14,918
Railcars [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	9,558	9,448
Aircraft [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	9,798	9,234
Other [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 5,116	$ 5,053

Equipment held for lease - Narr

Equipment held for lease - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease	$ 593	$ 570

Equipment held for lease - Summ

Equipment held for lease - Summary of fixed and variable operating lease revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Operating Leases Lease Income [Abstract]
Fixed lease revenue	$ 1,264	$ 1,105	$ 2,452	$ 2,167
Variable lease revenue	623	342	1,107	604
Total	$ 1,887	$ 1,447	$ 3,559	$ 2,771

Goodwill and other intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2022		Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		$ 73,875	[1]	$ 73,734
Business acquisitions		35		353
Other, including foreign currency translation		(292)		(212)
Balance at end of period	[1]	$ 73,618		$ 73,875
[1]Net of accumulated goodwill impairments of $11.0 billion as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Goodwill and other intangible_4

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
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	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 40,632	$ 40,664
Accumulated amortization	12,640	12,178
Net carrying value	27,992	28,486
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,692	1,693
Accumulated amortization	580	542
Net carrying value	1,112	1,151
Trademarks and trade names [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,174	5,176
Accumulated amortization	811	802
Net carrying value	4,363	4,374
Customer relationships [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,308	27,335
Accumulated amortization	6,763	6,450
Net carrying value	20,545	20,885
Customer relationships [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	678	678
Accumulated amortization	412	396
Net carrying value	266	282
Other intangible assets [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	3,304	3,390
Accumulated amortization	1,468	1,442
Net carrying value	1,836	1,948
Trademarks, Trade Names and Other [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,014	1,015
Accumulated amortization	168	146
Net carrying value	846	869
Patents and technology [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,846	4,763
Accumulated amortization	3,598	3,484
Net carrying value	$ 1,248	$ 1,279

Goodwill and other intangible_6

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible asset amortization expense	$ 602	$ 637
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding goodwill	$ 18,400		$ 18,500

Unpaid losses and loss adjust_3

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities (Detail) - Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Gross liabilities at beginning of year	$ 86,664	$ 79,854
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at beginning of year	(2,960)	(2,912)
Net liabilities at beginning of year	83,704	76,942
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	27,427	23,651
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	(887)	(1,064)
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	26,540	22,587
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	(10,085)	(8,406)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	(13,820)	(11,169)
Total paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(23,905)	(19,575)
Foreign currency effect	(568)	31
Net liabilities at end of period	85,771	79,985
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at end of period	2,789	2,973
Gross liabilities at end of period	$ 88,560	$ 82,958

Unpaid losses and loss adjust_4

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Narrative (Detail) - Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	$ (887)	$ (1,064)
Prior years' losses incurred as a percentage of net liabilities	1.10%	1.40%
Primary Insurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	$ (313)	$ (1,100)
Property and Casualty Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	$ (574)	$ 35

Retroactive reinsurance contr_3

Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities and deferred charges (Detail) - Retroactive Reinsurance [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior years' contracts	$ 412	$ 470
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	412	552
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, beginning of year	38,256	40,966
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events		82
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior years' contracts	(14)	(3)
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	(14)	79
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(1,008)	(808)
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, end of year	37,234	40,237
Deferred Charges Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, beginning of year	(10,639)	(12,441)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior years' contracts	426	473
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	426	473
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, end of year	$ (10,213)	$ (11,968)

Retroactive reinsurance contr_4

Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Narrative (Detail) - Retroactive Reinsurance [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Effects Of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	$ 412	$ 470
NICO [Member] | AIG [Member]
Effects Of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	15,200		$ 15,800
Deferred charges - retroactive reinsurance	$ 4,240		$ 4,450

Notes payable and other borro_3

Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2022 JPY (¥)	Jun. 30, 2022 EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2022 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		¥ 914	€ 8,150	£ 1,750
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 42,640				$ 39,272
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 6,225				6,820
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	2023
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	$ 7,189				7,792
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	1%	1%	1%	1%
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	$ 6,706				6,797
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]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 4,375				4,438
Short-term debt	$ 293				342
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	3.70%	3.70%	3.70%	3.70%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2022
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	$ 14,455				10,758
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	2027
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	2052
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 1,304
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	1.80%	1.80%	1.80%	1.80%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2030
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2034
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	$ 2,093				2,325
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	$ 76,441				74,990
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	$ 13,992				13,003
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	2053
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 37,125				36,759
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	2022
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	$ 1,948				2,009
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	2.80%	2.80%	2.80%	2.80%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") and subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 23,376				$ 23,219
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	2022
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				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)	May 31, 2022 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2022 JPY (¥)	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022 EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2022 JPY (¥)	Jun. 30, 2022 EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2022 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings												¥ 914	€ 8,150	£ 1,750
Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2027 To 2052 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued				$ 1,100	¥ 128.5
Weighted average interest rate, percentage				0.50%	0.50%
Minimum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2027 To 2052 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year				2027	2027
Maximum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2027 To 2052 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year				2052	2052
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 42,640					$ 42,640				$ 42,640					$ 39,272
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	$ 3,800					$ 3,800				$ 3,800
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%	4.10%
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 4,375					$ 4,375				$ 4,375					4,438
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings		$ 775
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings				$ 600
Gains (loss) attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates						1,400			$ (45)	$ 2,100	$ 675
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2027 To 2052 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued							$ 4,500
Weighted average interest rate, percentage							3.40%	3.40%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2030 To 2034 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued							$ 1,400	€ 1,250
Weighted average interest rate, percentage							1.80%	1.80%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year										2022
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2027 To 2052 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2027	2027
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2030 To 2034 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2030	2030
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year										2045
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2027 To 2052 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2052	2052
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2030 To 2034 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year							2034	2034
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 76,441					$ 76,441				$ 76,441					$ 74,990
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%	4.30%	4.30%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | 4.6% Senior Notes Due [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued			$ 1,000
Debt maturity year			2053
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			4.60%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Term Debt [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued										$ 1,300
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.50%					3.50%				3.50%		3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Term Debt [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings										$ 800
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debenture [Member] | 4.45% Debentures Due [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 1,000
Debt maturity year	2053
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.45%					4.45%				4.45%		4.45%	4.45%	4.45%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year										2023
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Term Debt [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year										2024
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year										2053
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Term Debt [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [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	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 10.3
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) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Jun. 30, 2022		Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 21,136		$ 16,434
Investments in equity securities		327,662	[1]	350,719	[2]
Derivative contract liabilities		186
Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		21,136		16,434
Investments in equity securities		327,662		350,719
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments, fair value		12,400		11,700
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		8,741		3,303
Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		10,827		10,994
Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		1,247		1,774
Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		321		363
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		315,715		339,225
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, fair value		12,412		11,683
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		8,704		3,261
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		10,367		10,286
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]	27		6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	14		2
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		7		8
Loans and finance receivables		2,048		2,178
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		39,430		42,292
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		73,513		87,065
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		37		42
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		460		708
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		1,247		1,774
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		321		363
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]	541		230
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	345		150
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		11,940		11,486
Loans and finance receivables		20,779		19,996
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		44		47
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]	101		93
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	258		224
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		327,662		350,719
Loans and finance receivables		21,877		20,751
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		42,640		39,272
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		76,441		74,990
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, fair value		12,959		13,112
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		8,741		3,303
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		10,827		10,994
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		1,247		1,774
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		321		363
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]	669		329
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	617		376
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		327,662		350,719
Loans and finance receivables		22,827		22,174
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		39,474		42,339
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		73,513		87,065
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, fair value		12,412		11,683
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		8,741		3,303
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		10,827		10,994
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		1,247		1,774
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		321		363
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]	669		329
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	$ 617		$ 376
[1]Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $21.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $125.1 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $32.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $25.2 billion and Chevron Corporation – $23.7 billion).[2]Approximately 73% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $24.8 billion; Apple Inc. – $161.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $46.0 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Equity Index Put Option Contract Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities - Beginning Balance		$ (1,065)
Derivative contract liabilities - Gains included in earnings		710
Derivative contract liabilities - Ending Balance		(355)
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 11,480	8,978
Gains included in earnings	455	1,559
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		1,100
Ending Balance	$ 11,935	$ 11,637

Fair value measurements - Other

Fair value measurements - Other information (Detail) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 327,662	[1]	$ 350,719	[2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	11,940		$ 11,486
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]
Investments in equity securities	10,051
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]
Investments in equity securities	$ 1,884
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Measurement Input, Expected Term | 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] | Measurement Input, Expected Term | 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	7 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	0.0372
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Measurement Input, Option Volatility | 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	0.38
[1]Approximately 69% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $21.0 billion; Apple Inc. – $125.1 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $32.2 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $25.2 billion and Chevron Corporation – $23.7 billion).[2]Approximately 73% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $24.8 billion; Apple Inc. – $161.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $46.0 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $23.7 billion).

Common stock - Narrative (Detai

Common stock - Narrative (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($) Vote shares	Dec. 31, 2021 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0
Economic equivalent of Class B share to Class A share	0.0667%
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchase, authorization description	Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined.
Minimum cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills threshold after repurchase of common stock shares, amount | $	$ 30,000,000,000
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number | Vote	1
Shares outstanding	601,167	617,113
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	1,300,940,370	1,290,474,503
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares outstanding	1,468,461	1,477,429

Common stock (Detail)

Common stock (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 shares
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	665,901
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(48,788)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	617,113
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	(11,544)
Conversions of Class A to Class B common stock, Outstanding	(11,544)
Treasury stock acquired	(4,402)
Shares issued, ending balance	654,357
Treasury shares, ending balance	(53,190)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	601,167
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	1,488,292,852
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(197,818,349)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	1,290,474,503
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	17,316,000
Conversions of Class A to Class B common stock, Outstanding	17,316,000
Treasury stock acquired	(6,850,133)
Shares issued, ending balance	1,505,608,852
Treasury shares, ending balance	(204,668,482)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	1,300,940,370

Common stock (Parenthetical) (D

Common stock (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2022 $ / shares shares
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share | $ / shares	$ 5
Common Stock, shares authorized | shares	1,650,000
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share | $ / shares	$ 0.0033
Common Stock, shares authorized | shares	3,225,000,000

Income taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income taxes - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	21.80%	20.40%	22.40%	19.90%

Accumulated other comprehensi_3

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 506,199
Other comprehensive income, net	(2,148)	$ 24
Ending Balance	461,229
Unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity securities, net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	369	536
Other comprehensive income, net	(352)	(58)
Ending Balance	17	478
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(4,092)	(3,082)
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,971)	(1)
Ending Balance	(6,063)	(3,083)
Defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(347)	(1,645)
Other comprehensive income, net	27	73
Ending Balance	(320)	(1,572)
Other AOCI transactions [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	43	(52)
Other comprehensive income, net	148	10
Ending Balance	191	(42)
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(4,027)	(4,243)
Ending Balance	$ (6,175)	$ (4,219)

Supplemental cash flow inform_3

Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 1,951	$ 2,508
Insurance and Other [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	567	699
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 1,564	$ 1,580

Contingencies and Commitments -

Contingencies and Commitments - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 20, 2022	Jun. 30, 2022
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Excess consideration paid for acquiring noncontrolling Interest		$ 362
Alleghany Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of outstanding shares, value	$ 11,600
Business acquisition, agreement date	Mar. 20, 2022
Greg Abel | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of outstanding shares, value		$ 870

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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 52,933	$ 48,110	$ 102,359	$ 92,733
Other revenues	23,247	21,004	44,631	40,980
Total revenues	76,180	69,114	146,990	133,713
Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,190	5,635	12,171	11,048
Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,970	5,114	11,389	9,513
Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,509	4,604	10,602	8,767
Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,979	7,729	15,685	15,171
Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,002	4,356	9,564	8,360
Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,675	2,750	5,202	5,062
Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,083	4,762	9,980	9,121
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	9,785	8,962	18,312	16,781
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,740	4,198	9,454	8,910
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	18,741	16,428	36,171	31,385
Other revenues	995	947	1,950	1,870
Total revenues	19,736	17,375	38,121	33,255
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,142	5,586	12,074	10,949
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,970	5,114	11,389	9,513
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,509	4,604	10,602	8,767
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	818	754	1,540	1,457
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	302	370	566	699
McLane [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	13,229	12,268	25,711	23,865
Other revenues	33	27	65	52
Total revenues	13,262	12,295	25,776	23,917
McLane [Member] | Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,979	7,729	15,685	15,171
McLane [Member] | Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,002	4,356	9,564	8,360
McLane [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	248	183	462	334
Service and Retailing [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	8,066	7,860	15,823	14,812
Other revenues	1,527	1,094	2,861	2,085
Total revenues	9,593	8,954	18,684	16,897
Service and Retailing [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	48	49	97	99
Service and Retailing [Member] | Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,675	2,750	5,202	5,062
Service and Retailing [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,265	4,008	8,440	7,664
Service and Retailing [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,078	1,053	2,084	1,987
BNSF [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,596	5,763	12,527	11,128
Other revenues	16	15	29	28
Total revenues	6,612	5,778	12,556	11,156
BNSF [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,596	5,763	12,527	11,128
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,301	5,791	12,127	11,543
Other revenues	212	294	364	466
Total revenues	6,513	6,085	12,491	12,009
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,561	1,593	2,673	2,633
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,740	4,198	9,454	8,910
Insurance, Corporate and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Other revenues	20,464	18,627	39,362	36,479
Total revenues	$ 20,464	$ 18,627	$ 39,362	$ 36,479

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	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 26,245
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 4,019
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]: 2023-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 22,226
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	$ 4,431
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 1,642
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]: 2023-07-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 2,789
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	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 26,245
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 4,431

Business segment data - Revenue

Business segment data - Revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 76,180	$ 69,114	$ 146,990	$ 133,713
BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,612	5,778	12,556	11,156
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,513	6,085	12,491	12,009
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	19,736	17,375	38,121	33,255
McLane [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,262	12,295	25,776	23,917
Service and Retailing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	9,593	8,954	18,684	16,897
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	76,180	69,200	147,038	133,856
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest, dividend and other investment income	2,284	1,459	3,648	2,873
Total revenues	20,371	18,622	39,227	36,460
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	9,807	9,546	19,361	18,469
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,967	4,862	9,787	9,709
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	3,313	2,755	6,431	5,409
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,640	5,809	12,608	11,210
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,518	6,085	12,501	12,009
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	19,772	17,412	38,193	33,325
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,262	12,295	25,777	23,917
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 9,617	8,977	18,732	16,935
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues		$ (86)	$ (48)	$ (143)

Business segment data - Earning

Business segment data - Earnings (loss) before income taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)	$ (66,919)	$ 27,394	$ (68,897)	$ 33,094
Equity method investments	231	147	607	398
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(55,482)	35,721	(48,670)	50,249
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	10,023	8,623	17,980	16,820
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	3,005	1,921	4,436	4,299
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	2,283	1,456	3,644	2,868
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	(487)	626	(665)	1,649
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	967	(327)	1,123	(590)
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	242	166	334	372
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	2,151	1,979	3,960	3,638
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	564	739	1,240	1,422
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	3,028	2,714	5,852	5,150
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	76	84	158	187
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,199	1,186	2,334	2,124
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains (losses)	(66,919)	27,394	(68,897)	33,094
Interest expense, not allocated to segments	(100)	(144)	(204)	(258)
Equity method investments	231	147	607	398
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	$ 1,283	$ (299)	$ 1,844	$ 195