10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013

OR

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

For the transition period from                    to                    

Commission file number 001-14905

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131

(Address of principal executive office)

(Zip Code)

(402) 346-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Class A —	868,448
Class B —	1,162,977,534

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

		Page No.
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1.  Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets— June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012		2
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings— Second Quarter and First Six Months 2013 and 2012		3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income— Second Quarter and First Six Months 2013 and 2012		4
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity— First Six Months 2013 and 2012		4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows— First Six Months 2013 and 2012		5
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		6-21
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			22-37
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			38
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures			38
Part II – Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		39
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		39
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities		39
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		39
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		39
Item 5.	Other Information		39
Item 6.	Exhibits		39
Signature			40

1

Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	June 30, 2013			December 31,  2012
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	31,216		$	42,358
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities		28,756			31,449
Equity securities		101,933			86,467
Other investments		29,484			16,057
Receivables		21,956			21,753
Inventories		9,877			9,675
Property, plant and equipment		19,150			19,188
Goodwill		33,178			33,274
Other		18,982			17,875
		294,532			278,096
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents		2,564			2,570
Property, plant and equipment		89,199			87,684
Goodwill		20,158			20,213
Other		14,696			13,441
		126,617			123,908
Finance and Financial Products:
Cash and cash equivalents		1,915			2,064
Investments in fixed maturity securities		749			842
Other investments		5,235			4,952
Loans and finance receivables		12,855			12,809
Goodwill		1,036			1,036
Other		3,624			3,745
		25,414			25,448
	$	446,563		$	427,452
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance and Other:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	64,423		$	64,160
Unearned premiums		11,360			10,237
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		10,520			10,943
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		21,278			21,149
Notes payable and other borrowings		13,261			13,535
		120,842			120,024
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		13,186			13,113
Notes payable and other borrowings		37,861			36,156
		51,047			49,269
Finance and Financial Products:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		1,067			1,099
Derivative contract liabilities		6,241			7,933
Notes payable and other borrowings		12,831			13,045
		20,139			22,077
Income taxes, principally deferred		49,547			44,494
Total liabilities		241,575			235,864
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8			8
Capital in excess of par value		36,101			37,230
Accumulated other comprehensive income		33,565			27,500
Retained earnings		133,705			124,272
Treasury stock, at cost		(1,363	)		(1,363	)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		202,016			187,647
Noncontrolling interests		2,972			3,941
Total shareholders’ equity		204,988			191,588
	$	446,563		$	427,452

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

	Second Quarter				First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012
	(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance premiums earned	$	8,815	$	8,428	$	18,192	$	16,493
Sales and service revenues		23,873		20,814		46,291		40,078
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,610		1,420		2,621		2,487
Investment gains/losses		455		102		889		(5)
		34,753		30,764		67,993		59,053
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Operating revenues		8,310		7,769		16,661		15,618
Other		68		41		117		88
		8,378		7,810		16,778		15,706
Finance and Financial Products:
Interest, dividend and other investment income		342		372		683		747
Investment gains/losses		37		23		108		24
Derivative gains/losses		461		(1,068)		1,667		(66)
Other		722		645		1,331		1,229
		1,562		(28)		3,789		1,934
		44,693		38,546		88,560		76,693
Costs and expenses:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		5,269		4,586		10,413		9,357
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,063		1,351		2,324		2,443
Insurance underwriting expenses		1,657		1,534		3,240		3,651
Cost of sales and services		19,373		16,821		37,657		32,417
Selling, general and administrative expenses		2,926		2,476		5,780		4,904
Interest expense		107		106		208		209
		30,395		26,874		59,622		52,981
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cost of sales and operating expenses		6,094		5,767		12,205		11,637
Interest expense		452		439		899		867
		6,546		6,206		13,104		12,504
Finance and Financial Products:
Interest expense		132		151		270		311
Other		729		700		1,378		1,351
		861		851		1,648		1,662
		37,802		33,931		74,374		67,147
Earnings before income taxes		6,891		4,615		14,186		9,546
Income tax expense		2,279		1,384		4,557		2,949
Net earnings		4,612		3,231		9,629		6,597
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		71		123		196		244
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway	$	4,541	$	3,108	$	9,433	$	6,353
Average common shares outstanding *		1,643,599		1,651,511		1,643,391		1,651,228
Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders *	$	2,763	$	1,882	$	5,740	$	3,847

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

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

	Second Quarter				First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013			2012
Net earnings	$	4,612	$	3,231	$	9,629		$	6,597
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments		1,411		(1,788)		11,052			9,854
Applicable income taxes		(518)		584		(3,844	)		(3,467	)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings		(271)		(107)		(775	)		25
Applicable income taxes		95		37		271			(9	)
Foreign currency translation		(203)		(537)		(853	)		(318	)
Applicable income taxes		42		6		93			7
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans		25		37		112			49
Applicable income taxes		(7)		(10)		(30	)		(16	)
Other, net		4		1		20			(19	)
Other comprehensive income, net		578		(1,777)		6,046			6,106
Comprehensive income		5,190		1,454		15,675			12,703
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		64		82		165			223
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	5,126	$	1,372	$	15,510		$	12,480

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

	Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity
	Common stock and capital in excess of par value		Accumulated other comprehensive   income		Retained     earnings		Treasury      stock		Non-   controlling   interests		Total
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	37,815	$	17,654	$	109,448	$	(67)	$	4,111	$	168,961
Net earnings		—		—		6,353		—		244		6,597
Other comprehensive income, net		—		6,127		—		—		(21)		6,106
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock		51		—		—		—		—		51
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions		(2)		—		—		—		2		—
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	37,864	$	23,781	$	115,801	$	(67)	$	4,336	$	181,715
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	37,238	$	27,500	$	124,272	$	(1,363)	$	3,941	$	191,588
Net earnings		—		—		9,433		—		196		9,629
Other comprehensive income, net		—		6,077		—		—		(31)		6,046
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock		70		—		—		—		—		70
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions		(1,199)		(12)		—		—		(1,134)		(2,345)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	36,109	$	33,565	$	133,705	$	(1,363)	$	2,972	$	204,988

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

	First Six Months
	2013			2012
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	9,629		$	6,597
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses		(997	)		(19	)
Depreciation		2,682			2,518
Other		450			428
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before business acquisitions:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		583			(539	)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		(309	)		176
Unearned premiums		1,154			1,722
Receivables and originated loans		(180	)		(1,565	)
Derivative contract assets and liabilities		(1,543	)		36
Income taxes		1,908			647
Other assets		(435	)		(973	)
Other liabilities		(31	)		481
Net cash flows from operating activities		12,911			9,509
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturity securities		(4,083	)		(4,605	)
Purchases of equity securities		(6,052	)		(5,277	)
Purchases of other investments		(12,250	)		—
Sales of fixed maturity securities		1,719			1,403
Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities		3,827			3,268
Sales of equity securities		1,454			3,828
Purchases of loans and finance receivables		(326	)		(471	)
Collections of loans and finance receivables		330			425
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(154	)		(469	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(4,758	)		(4,579	)
Other		(2,170	)		(336	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		(22,463	)		(6,813	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses		2,596			1,761
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		3,049			2,849
Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses		1,510			1,586
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses		(2,775	)		(1,915	)
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		(311	)		(524	)
Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses		(1,725	)		(2,167	)
Change in short-term borrowings, net		(973	)		(912	)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests and other		(3,076	)		(19	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(1,705	)		659
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes		(40	)		7
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		(11,297	)		3,362
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year *		46,992			37,299
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first six months *	$	35,695		$	40,661
* Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year—
Insurance and Other	$	42,358		$	33,513
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		2,570			2,246
Finance and Financial Products		2,064			1,540
	$	46,992		$	37,299
End of first six months—
Insurance and Other	$	31,216		$	36,812
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		2,564			2,598
Finance and Financial Products		1,915			1,251
	$	35,695		$	40,661

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2013

Note 1. General

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

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

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

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

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

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

6

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Significant business acquisitions

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

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized  Gains		Unrealized  Losses			Fair Value
June 30, 2013
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,799	$	22	$	(10	)	$	2,811
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,600		152		(4	)		2,748
Foreign governments		10,222		156		(140	)		10,238
Corporate bonds		9,600		1,880		(16	)		11,464
Mortgage-backed securities		2,000		252		(8	)		2,244
	$	27,221	$	2,462	$	(178	)	$	29,505
December 31, 2012
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,742	$	33	$	—		$	2,775
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,735		178		—			2,913
Foreign governments		11,098		302		(45	)		11,355
Corporate bonds		10,410		2,254		(3	)		12,661
Mortgage-backed securities		2,276		318		(7	)		2,587
	$	29,261	$	3,085	$	(55	)	$	32,291

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	28,756	$	31,449
Finance and financial products		749		842
	$	29,505	$	32,291

Investments in foreign government securities include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of June 30, 2013, approximately 94% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies and securities issued or guaranteed by Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and The Netherlands represented approximately 80% of the investments. Unrealized losses on all fixed maturity investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $13 million as of June 30, 2013 and $9 million as of December 31, 2012.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at June 30, 2013 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers of certain of the securities retain early call or prepayment rights. Amounts are in millions.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage-  backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	6,639	$	11,669	$	4,495	$	2,418	$	2,000	$	27,221
Fair value		6,781		12,652		5,045		2,783		2,244		29,505

7

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized  Losses			Fair Value
June 30, 2013
Banks, insurance and finance	$	20,259	$	21,600	$	—		$	41,859
Consumer products		7,272		17,178		—			24,450
Commercial, industrial and other		28,272		9,030		(337	)		36,965
	$	55,803	$	47,808	$	(337	)	$	103,274
December 31, 2012
Banks, insurance and finance	$	18,600	$	14,753	$	(2	)	$	33,351
Consumer products		7,546		14,917		—			22,463
Commercial, industrial and other		24,361		7,687		(200	)		31,848
	$	50,507	$	37,357	$	(202	)	$	87,662

As of June 30, 2013, approximately 58% of the fair value of our equity securities was concentrated within four companies. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we concluded that there were no unrealized losses that were other-than-temporary. Our conclusions were based on: (a) our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery; (b) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of each of these issuers was favorable; (c) our opinion that the relative price declines were not significant; and (d) our belief that it was reasonably possible that market prices will increase to and exceed our cost in a relatively short period of time. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $135 million and $45 million, respectively.

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	101,933	$	86,467
Railroad, utilities and energy *		745		675
Finance and financial products *		596		520
	$	103,274	$	87,662

* Included in other assets.

Note 6. Other investments

Other investments include fixed maturity and equity securities of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“GS”), General Electric Company (“GE”), Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (“Wrigley”), The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) and Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). In 2013, other investments also include investments in H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation (“Heinz Holding”), a newly formed holding company that acquired the H.J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”) on June 7, 2013. A summary of other investments follows (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Carrying Value
June 30, 2013
Fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,741	$	4,233	$	17,974	$	17,234
Finance and financial products		3,254		1,981		5,235		5,235
Investments in Heinz Holding		12,250		—		12,250		12,250
	$	29,245	$	6,214	$	35,459	$	34,719
December 31, 2012
Fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,109	$	3,823	$	16,932	$	16,057
Finance and financial products		3,148		1,804		4,952		4,952
	$	16,257	$	5,627	$	21,884	$	21,009

8

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6. Other investments (Continued)

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

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

In the first quarter of 2013, the GE Warrants and GS Warrants agreements were amended to provide solely for cashless exercises. Upon exercise, we will receive shares of GE and GS based on the excess, if any, of the market price, as defined, over the exercise price, without payment of additional consideration. The aggregate net unrealized gains associated with these investments ($728 million) were included in earnings in 2013 and were reflected in the cost figures in the preceding table as of June 30, 2013.

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

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

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

On February 13, 2013, Berkshire and an affiliate of the global investment firm 3G Capital (such affiliate, “3G”), through a newly formed holding company, Heinz Holding, entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Heinz. The transaction to acquire Heinz was completed on June 7, 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, Heinz shareholders received $72.50 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock, or approximately $23.25 billion in the aggregate. On June 7, 2013, Berkshire and 3G each made equity investments in Heinz Holding, which, together with debt financing obtained by Heinz Holding, was used to acquire Heinz.

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

Berkshire’s investments in Heinz Holding consist of 425 million shares of common stock, warrants to acquire additional shares of common stock, and cumulative compounding preferred stock (“preferred stock”) with a liquidation preference of $8 billion. The aggregate cost of these investments was $12.25 billion. 3G acquired 425 million shares of Heinz Holding common stock for $4.25 billion. In addition, Heinz Holding has reserved 39.6 million shares of common stock for issuance under stock options to management of Heinz.

The preferred stock possesses no voting rights except as required by law or for certain matters specified in the Heinz Holding charter. The preferred stock is entitled to dividends at 9% per annum whether or not declared, is senior in priority to the common stock and is callable after June 7, 2016 at the liquidation value plus an applicable premium and any accrued and unpaid dividends. Under the Heinz Holding charter and a shareholders’ agreement entered into as of the acquisition date (the “shareholders’ agreement”), after June 7, 2021, Berkshire can cause Heinz Holding to sell shares of common stock through public offerings or other issuances (“redemption offerings”), the proceeds of which would be required to be used to redeem any outstanding shares of preferred stock. The warrants are exercisable into approximately 46 million shares of common stock (subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments) for one cent per share and expire on June 7, 2018.

9

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6. Other investments (Continued)

Berkshire and 3G each currently own 50% of the outstanding shares of common stock and possess equal voting interests in Heinz Holding. Under the shareholders’ agreement, unless and until Heinz Holding engages in a public offering, Berkshire and 3G each must approve all significant transactions and governance matters involving Heinz Holding and Heinz so long as Berkshire and 3G each continue to hold at least 66% of their initial common stock investments, except for (i) the declaration and payment of dividends on the preferred stock, and actions related to a Heinz Holding call of the preferred stock, for which Berkshire does not have a vote or approval right, and (ii) redemption offerings and redemptions resulting therefrom, which may only be triggered by Berkshire. No dividends may be paid on the common stock if there are any unpaid dividends on the preferred stock.

Berkshire is accounting for its investments in common stock and common stock warrants on the equity method. Accordingly, Berkshire will recognize its proportionate share of net earnings and other comprehensive income available to common stockholders in its earnings and other comprehensive income beginning as of June 7, 2013. Berkshire has concluded that its investment in preferred stock currently represents an equity investment. The preferred stock does not have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, this investment is carried at cost in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Note 7. Investment gains/losses

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Fixed maturity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	$	67		$	58		$	82	$	91
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(38	)		(329	)		(92)		(345)
Equity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals		261			385			370		573
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(19	)		(7	)		(20)		(7)
OTTI losses		—			—			(85)		(337)
Other		221			18			742		44
	$	492		$	125		$	997	$	19
Investment gains/losses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows (in millions).
Insurance and other	$	455		$	102		$	889	$	(5)
Finance and financial products		37			23			108		24
	$	492		$	125		$	997	$	19

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

Note 8. Receivables

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Insurance premiums receivable	$	8,197		$	7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,951			2,925
Trade and other receivables		11,189			11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(381	)		(386	)
	$	21,956		$	21,753

10

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8. Receivables (Continued)

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	$	12,570		$	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables		623			469
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(338	)		(361	)
	$	12,855		$	12,809

Allowances for uncollectible loans predominantly relate to consumer installment loans. Provisions for consumer loan losses for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 were $128 million and $161 million, respectively. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, for the first six months were $151 million in 2013 and $170 million in 2012. Consumer loan amounts are net of unamortized acquisition discounts of $434 million at June 30, 2013 and $459 million at December 31, 2012. At June 30, 2013, approximately 98% of consumer installment loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment whereas about 71% of commercial loan balances were evaluated individually for impairment. As a part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At June 30, 2013, approximately 98% of consumer installment and commercial loan balances were determined to be performing and approximately 94% of those balances were current as to payment status.

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Raw materials	$	1,719	$	1,699
Work in process and other		861		883
Finished manufactured goods		3,296		3,187
Goods acquired for resale		4,001		3,906
	$	9,877	$	9,675

Note 10. Property, plant and equipment

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

	Ranges of  estimated useful life		June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land		—	$	1,055		$	1,048
Buildings and improvements		2 – 40 years		6,052			6,074
Machinery and equipment		3 – 20 years		15,677			15,436
Furniture, fixtures and other		2 – 20 years		2,945			2,736
Assets held for lease		12 –30 years		6,956			6,731
				32,685			32,025
Accumulated depreciation				(13,535	)		(12,837	)
			$	19,150		$	19,188

Depreciation expense of insurance and other businesses for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 was $994 million and $955 million, respectively.

11

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Property, plant and equipment (Continued)

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

	Ranges of  estimated useful life		June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Railroad:
Land		—	$	5,970		$	5,950
Track structure and other roadway		5 – 100 years		38,798			38,255
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		5 – 37 years		6,804			6,528
Construction in progress		—		1,160			963
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system		5 – 80 years		43,162			42,682
Interstate pipeline assets		3 – 80 years		6,357			6,354
Independent power plants and other assets		3 – 30 years		2,311			1,860
Construction in progress		—		2,819			2,647
				107,381			105,239
Accumulated depreciation				(18,182	)		(17,555	)
			$	89,199		$	87,684

Railroad property, plant and equipment includes the land, other roadway, track structure and rolling stock (primarily locomotives and freight cars) of BNSF. The utility generation, distribution and transmission system and interstate pipeline assets are the regulated assets of public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries. Depreciation expense of the railroad, utilities and energy businesses for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 was $1,597 million and $1,476 million, respectively.

Note 11. Goodwill and other intangible assets

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,523		$	53,213
Acquisitions of businesses		15			1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation		(166	)		(132	)
Balance at end of period	$	54,372		$	54,523

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

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	11,715	$	3,330	$	11,737	$	2,994
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,164		1,070		2,163		913
	$	13,879	$	4,400	$	13,900	$	3,907
Trademarks and trade names	$	2,801	$	310	$	2,819	$	278
Patents and technology		5,035		2,329		5,014		2,059
Customer relationships		4,538		1,325		4,565		1,155
Other		1,505		436		1,502		415
	$	13,879	$	4,400	$	13,900	$	3,907

12

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued)

Amortization expense was $535 million for the first six months of 2013 and $502 million for the first six months of 2012. Intangible assets with indefinite lives as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $2,319 million and $2,328 million, respectively.

Note 12. Derivative contracts

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

	June 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value			Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value
Equity index put options	$	—	$	5,874	$	30,936	(1)	$	—	$	7,502	$	33,357	(1)
Credit default		14		348		10,035	(2)		41		429		11,691	(2)
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		10		19					130		2
	$	24	$	6,241				$	171	$	7,933

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

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

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

Derivative gains/losses of our finance and financial products businesses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows (in millions).

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Equity index put options	$	390		$	(1,173	)	$	1,636	$	(484)
Credit default		99			171			85		511
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		(28	)		(66	)		(54)		(93)
	$	461		$	(1,068	)	$	1,667	$	(66)

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

The aggregate intrinsic value (which is the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $3.2 billion at June 30, 2013 and $3.9 billion at December 31, 2012. However, these contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates which occur between June 2018 and January 2026. Therefore, the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined for many years. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 7.5 years at June 30, 2013.

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

13

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 12. Derivative contracts (Continued)

State/municipality credit contract exposures currently relate to more than 500 debt issues with maturities ranging from 2019 to 2054 and have an aggregate notional value of approximately $7.8 billion. The underlying debt issues have a weighted average maturity of approximately 18.2 years. Pursuant to the contract terms, future loss payments, if any, cannot be settled before the maturity dates of the underlying obligations.

Individual investment grade and high-yield corporate contracts in-force as of June 30, 2013 had an aggregate notional value of approximately $2.2 billion. All of these contracts will expire in 2013. Premiums under individual corporate credit default contracts are, generally, due from counterparties on a quarterly basis over the terms of the contracts. Otherwise, we have no counterparty credit risk under our credit default contracts because all premiums were received at the inception of the contracts.

With limited exceptions, our equity index put option and credit default contracts contain no collateral posting requirements with respect to changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts and/or a downgrade of Berkshire’s credit ratings. As of June 30, 2013, our collateral posting requirements under contracts with collateral provisions were $5 million compared to $40 million at December 31, 2012. If Berkshire’s credit ratings (currently AA from Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 from Moody’s) are downgraded below either A- by Standard & Poor’s or A3 by Moody’s, additional collateral of up to $1.1 billion could be required to be posted.

Our regulated utility subsidiaries are exposed to variations in the prices of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity purchased and sold and natural gas supplied for customers. Derivative instruments, including forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options, are used to manage a portion of these price risks. Derivative contract assets are included in other assets of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $43 million and $49 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Derivative contract liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $178 million and $234 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses under the contracts of our regulated utilities that are probable of recovery through rates are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Unrealized gains or losses on contracts accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or in net earnings, as appropriate.

Note 13. Supplemental cash flow information

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

	First Six Months
	2013		2012
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	2,724	$	1,378
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		178		167
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		918		890
Finance and financial products businesses		284		317

14

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of June 30, 2013.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire parent company due 2013-2047		2.7	%	$	8,312	$	8,323
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		0.3	%		1,281		1,416
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2013-2035		6.0	%		3,668		3,796
				$	13,261	$	13,535

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

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”) and its subsidiaries:
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt due 2014-2037		6.3	%	$	4,621	$	4,621
Subsidiary and other debt due 2013-2042		5.1	%		17,360		17,002
Issued by BNSF due 2013-2097		5.3	%		15,880		14,533
				$	37,861	$	36,156

MidAmerican subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. All, or substantially all, of the assets of certain MidAmerican subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure the debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. During the first six months of 2013, MidAmerican subsidiaries issued term debt of $1.55 billion in the aggregate. MidAmerican and subsidiaries repaid approximately $1.0 billion of debt in 2013. In March 2013, BNSF issued $1.5 billion in new debentures consisting of $700 million of 3.0% debentures due in 2023 and $800 million of 4.45% debentures due in 2043. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily unsecured. As of June 30, 2013, BNSF and MidAmerican and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt or other borrowings of BNSF, MidAmerican or their subsidiaries.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2013-2043		3.8	%	$	11,185	$	11,186
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2013-2036		4.6	%		1,646		1,859
				$	12,831	$	13,045

The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In January 2013, BHFC issued $500 million aggregate of new senior notes consisting of $275 million of 1.6% senior notes due in 2017 and $225 million of 3.0% senior notes due in 2022 and repaid $500 million of maturing senior notes. In May 2013, BHFC issued $1 billion aggregate of new senior notes consisting of $500 million of 1.3% senior notes due in 2018 and $500 million of 4.3% senior notes due in 2043 and repaid $1 billion of maturing senior notes.

Our subsidiaries have approximately $4.7 billion in the aggregate of unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity at June 30, 2013, to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. In addition to borrowings of BHFC, as of June 30, 2013, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $4.3 billion of other subsidiary borrowings. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all present and future payment obligations.

15

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
June 30, 2013
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,811	$	2,811	$	1,128	$	1,682	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,748		2,748		—		2,748		—
Foreign governments		10,238		10,238		4,079		6,159		—
Corporate bonds		11,464		11,464		—		10,833		631
Mortgage-backed securities		2,244		2,244		—		2,244		—
Investments in equity securities		103,274		103,274		103,205		62		7
Other investments carried at fair value		17,200		17,200		—		1,703		15,497
Other investments carried at cost		17,519		18,259		—		—		18,259
Loans and finance receivables		12,855		12,032		—		481		11,551
Derivative contract assets (1)		67		67		1		15		51
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		178		178		5		164		9
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		5,874		5,874		—		—		5,874
Credit default		348		348		—		—		348
Other		19		19		—		19		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,261		13,612		—		13,612		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		37,861		41,194		—		41,194		—
Finance and financial products		12,831		13,234		—		12,509		725
December 31, 2012
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,775	$	2,775	$	1,225	$	1,549	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,913		2,913		—		2,912		1
Foreign governments		11,355		11,355		4,571		6,784		—
Corporate bonds		12,661		12,661		—		12,011		650
Mortgage-backed securities		2,587		2,587		—		2,587		—
Investments in equity securities		87,662		87,662		87,563		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		15,750		15,750		—		—		15,750
Other investments carried at cost		5,259		6,134		—		—		6,134
Loans and finance receivables		12,809		11,991		—		304		11,687
Derivative contract assets (1)		220		220		1		128		91
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		234		234		10		217		7
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		7,502		7,502		—		—		7,502
Credit default		429		429		—		—		429
Other		2		2		—		2		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,535		14,284		—		14,284		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,156		42,074		—		42,074		—
Finance and financial products		13,045		14,005		—		13,194		811

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

16

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Fair value measurements (Continued)

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

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

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

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

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

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

	Investments in fixed maturity securities			Investments in equity securities			Other investments			Net derivative contract liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	784		$	22		$	11,669		$	(9,908	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			—			—			23
Other comprehensive income		5			16			1,770			3
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—			3
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(7	)		—			—			13
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		(129	)		—			—			—
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	653		$	38		$	13,439		$	(9,866	)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	652		$	35		$	15,750		$	(7,847	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			3			520			1,715
Other comprehensive income		(12	)		—			722			(5	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—			2
Dispositions		(8	)		—			—			—
Settlements, net		—			(31	)		—			(45	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		—			—			(1,495	)		—
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	632		$	7		$	15,497		$	(6,180	)

17

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Fair value measurements (Continued)

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

In the second quarter of 2013, we transferred the fair value measurements of the GS Warrants and GE Warrants from Level 3 to Level 2 because we concluded that the unobservable inputs were no longer significant.

Quantitative information as of June 30, 2013, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair value		Principal valuation techniques	Unobservable Input	Weighted Average
Other investments:
Preferred stocks	$	11,696	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	7 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	97 basis     points
Common stock warrants		3,801	Warrant pricing model	Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	22%
Net derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		5,874	Option pricing model	Volatility	21%
Credit default-states/municipalities		337	Discounted cash flow	Credit spreads	76 basis     points

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

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

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

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

18

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Fair value measurements (Continued)

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

Note 16. Common stock

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

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2012		904,528			(9,573	)		894,955			1,123,393,956		(1,408,484	)		1,121,985,472
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(10,681	)		—			(10,681	)		17,218,449		—			17,218,449
Balance at June 30, 2013		893,847			(9,573	)		884,274			1,140,612,405		(1,408,484	)		1,139,203,921

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equivalent to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Unless otherwise required under Delaware General Corporation Law, Class A and Class B common shares vote as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock. On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 1,643,743 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2013 and 1,642,945 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none of which are issued and outstanding.

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

19

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income and significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	29,254		$	(120	)	$	(1,601	)	$	(33	)	$	27,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7,196			(669	)		17			4			6,548
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(504	)		(29	)		59			3			(471	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		—			(12	)		—			—			(12	)
Net current period other comprehensive income		6,692			(710	)		76			7			6,065
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	35,946		$	(830	)	$	(1,525	)	$	(26	)	$	33,565
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings for the first six months of 2013 are included on the following line items:
Investment gains/losses:
Insurance and other	$	(707	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(707	)
Finance and financial products		(68	)		—			—			—			(68	)
Other (1)		—			(29	)		83			7			61
Reclassifications before income taxes		(775	)		(29	)		83			7			(714	)
Applicable income taxes		(271	)		—			24			4			(243	)
	$	(504	)	$	(29	)	$	59		$	3		$	(471	)

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

Note 18. Contingencies and Commitments

We have owned a controlling interest in Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”) since 2008. On June 28, 2013, Berkshire acquired approximately 16% of the then outstanding Marmon noncontrolling interests for approximately $238 million and we currently own about 91.7% of Marmon’s outstanding common stock. We are contractually required to acquire substantially all of the remaining noncontrolling interests of Marmon no later than March 31, 2014, for an amount that will be based on Marmon’s 2013 operating results. On April 29, 2013, Berkshire acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V., the parent company of Iscar, for consideration of $2.05 billion. Berkshire now owns 100% of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V. The differences between the consideration paid and the carrying amounts of these acquired noncontrolling interests were recorded as reductions in Berkshire’s shareholders’ equity of approximately $1.2 billion.

On May 29, 2013, MidAmerican announced that it would acquire NV Energy, Inc. (“NV Energy”), an energy holding company serving approximately 1.3 million electric and natural gas customers in Nevada. Under the terms of the agreement, MidAmerican will purchase all outstanding shares of NV Energy’s common stock for $23.75 per share in cash, or approximately $5.6 billion in the aggregate. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the transaction by NV Energy’s shareholders and the receipt of required state and federal approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014.

20

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 19. Business segment data

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Premiums earned:
GEICO	$	4,597		$	4,132		$	8,996		$	8,148
General Re		1,499			1,426			2,968			2,897
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		1,903			2,334			4,699			4,405
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		816			536			1,529			1,043
Investment income		1,543			1,399			2,544			2,455
Total insurance group		10,358			9,827			20,736			18,948
BNSF		5,322			5,062			10,606			10,064
Finance and financial products		1,064			1,016			2,014			1,975
Marmon		1,816			1,863			3,546			3,656
McLane Company		11,375			9,004			22,160			17,077
MidAmerican		3,056			2,748			6,172			5,642
Other businesses		10,856			9,888			20,801			19,184
		43,847			39,408			86,035			76,546
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		953			(943	)		2,664			(47	)
Eliminations and other		(107	)		81			(139	)		194
	$	44,693		$	38,546		$	88,560		$	76,693

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Underwriting gain (loss):
GEICO	$	336		$	155		$	602		$	279
General Re		24			138			119			219
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		391			613			1,365			422
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		75			51			129			122
Net investment income		1,535			1,393			2,531			2,445
Total insurance group		2,361			2,350			4,746			3,487
BNSF		1,397			1,280			2,686			2,395
Finance and financial products		209			189			378			352
Marmon		314			307			580			576
McLane Company		114			73			246			175
MidAmerican		435			324			988			807
Other businesses		1,383			1,330			2,474			2,399
		6,213			5,853			12,098			10,191
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		953			(943	)		2,664			(47	)
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses		(74	)		(78	)		(146	)		(144	)
Eliminations and other		(201	)		(217	)		(430	)		(454	)
	$	6,891		$	4,615		$	14,186		$	9,546

21

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

Results of Operations

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Insurance – underwriting	$	530		$	619		$	1,431	$	673
Insurance – investment income		1,144			1,068			1,943		1,859
Railroad		884			802			1,682		1,503
Utilities and energy		279			253			673		591
Manufacturing, service and retailing		1,074			1,025			2,018		1,879
Finance and financial products		135			120			244		224
Other		(127	)		(167	)		(290)		(344)
Investment and derivative gains/losses		622			(612	)		1,732		(32)
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire	$	4,541		$	3,108		$	9,433	$	6,353

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

Our insurance businesses generated significant underwriting gains in the first six months of 2013 and 2012. Our railroad and utilities and energy businesses continued to generate significant earnings in 2013. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses in 2013 were mixed, but as indicated in the table above earnings from these businesses increased about 4.8% during the second quarter and 7.4% during the first six months.

Investment and derivative gains/losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 included after-tax gains from derivative contracts of $300 million and $1,084 million, respectively, which were primarily attributable to changes in fair value estimates of our equity index put option derivative contracts. Investment and derivative gains/losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2012 included after-tax losses from derivative contracts of $693 million and $43 million, respectively. We believe that realized investment gains/losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported results or evaluating our economic performance. These gains and losses and changes in the equity and credit markets from period to period have caused and will likely continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

Insurance—Underwriting

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

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

22

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

The timing and amount of catastrophe losses can also produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to BHRG and General Re. In the second quarter of 2013, we incurred pre-tax losses of $189 million related to floods in Europe. In the first six months of 2012, losses from catastrophes were not significant. For the purposes of this discussion, we consider catastrophe losses significant if the pre-tax losses incurred from a single event (or series of related events) exceed $75 million on a consolidated basis. Our periodic underwriting results may be affected significantly by changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years. Periodic underwriting results may also include significant foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuations of certain non-U.S. Dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. BHRG’s underwriting results included pre-tax gains of $251 million in the first six months of 2013 and $36 million in the first six months of 2012 from such foreign currency exchange rate changes, which were included in underwriting expenses. In addition, BHRG’s results for the first six months of 2013 included a one-time pre-tax gain of $255 million arising from amendments to a life reinsurance contract. In 2012, GEICO’s underwriting results reflected unusually high underwriting expenses due to a change in U.S. GAAP.

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

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

	Second Quarter				First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Underwriting gain (loss) attributable to:
GEICO	$	336	$	155	$	602	$	279
General Re		24		138		119		219
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		391		613		1,365		422
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		75		51		129		122
Pre-tax underwriting gain		826		957		2,215		1,042
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		296		338		784		369
Net underwriting gain	$	530	$	619	$	1,431	$	673

GEICO

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

	Second Quarter								First Six Months
	2013				2012				2013				2012
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums earned	$	4,597		100.0	$	4,132		100.0	$	8,996		100.0	$	8,148		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		3,515		76.5		3,145		76.1		6,868		76.3		6,078		74.6
Underwriting expenses		746		16.2		832		20.1		1,526		17.0		1,791		22.0
Total losses and expenses		4,261		92.7		3,977		96.2		8,394		93.3		7,869		96.6
Pre-tax underwriting gain	$	336			$	155			$	602			$	279

Premiums written in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were $4,548 million and $9,389 million, respectively, representing increases of 11.7% and 11.5%, respectively, compared to the corresponding 2012 periods. Premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $465 million (11.3%) and $848 million (10.4%), respectively, compared to premiums earned in the corresponding 2012 periods. The growth in premiums earned for voluntary auto was 10.4%, reflecting an increase in policies-in-force of 8.2% over the past year, and to a lesser degree, higher average premiums per policy. The increase in policies-in-force reflects a 16.6% increase in voluntary auto new business sales. Voluntary auto policies-in-force at June 30, 2013 were approximately 587,000 greater than at December 31, 2012.

23

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

GEICO (Continued)

Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $370 million (11.8%) and $790 million (13.0%), respectively, from the same periods of 2012. The loss ratio (the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to premiums earned) was 76.3% in the first six months of 2013 compared to 74.6% in 2012. In the first six months of 2013, claims frequencies and severities for property damage and collision coverages generally increased in the two to four percent range compared to the first six months of 2012. In addition, average bodily injury severities increased in the two to three percent range, although severities for personal injury protection coverage declined, primarily in Florida.

Underwriting expenses incurred in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 declined $86 million (10.3%) and $265 million (14.8%), respectively, compared with the second quarter and first six months of 2012. Underwriting expenses in 2012 were impacted by a change in U.S. GAAP concerning deferred policy acquisition costs (“DPAC”). DPAC represents the underwriting costs that are eligible to be capitalized and expensed as premiums are earned over the policy period. Policy acquisition costs related to policies written and renewed after December 31, 2011 are deferred at lower levels than before that date. The new accounting standard essentially accelerates the timing of when certain underwriting costs are recognized in earnings. The new accounting standard was adopted on a prospective basis on January 1, 2012. Excluding the effects of the accounting change in 2012, the ratio of underwriting expenses to premiums earned in the first six months of 2013 declined by approximately 0.6 percentage points from the first six months of 2012. The new accounting standard for DPAC does not impact the cash basis periodic underwriting costs or our assessment of GEICO’s underwriting performance.

General Re

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

	Premiums earned								Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)
	Second Quarter				First Six Months				Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013			2012			2013		2012
Property/casualty	$	735	$	702	$	1,493	$	1,437	$	(34	)	$	190		$	62	$	236
Life/health		764		724		1,475		1,460		58			(52	)		57		(17	)
	$	1,499	$	1,426	$	2,968	$	2,897	$	24		$	138		$	119	$	219

Property/casualty

Property/casualty premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $33 million (4.7%) and $56 million (3.9%), respectively, versus the corresponding 2012 periods. Excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes, premiums earned in the first six months of 2013 increased $64 million (4.5%), which was primarily due to increases in international treaty business. Price competition in most property and casualty lines persists. Our underwriters continue to exercise discipline by declining offers to write business where prices are deemed inadequate. We remain prepared to increase premium volumes should market conditions improve.

Property/casualty operations produced a net underwriting loss of $34 million in the second quarter and a net underwriting gain of $62 million for the first six months of 2013 compared to net underwriting gains of $190 million and $236 million, respectively, in the corresponding 2012 periods. For the first six months of 2013 and 2012, property business generated net underwriting gains of $74 million and $210 million, respectively. In 2013, property underwriting results included catastrophe losses of $124 million from floods in Europe, which occurred during the second quarter. There were no significant catastrophe events in the first six months of 2012. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe and large individual losses has produced and is expected to continue to produce significant volatility in periodic underwriting results. In the first six months, property underwriting results also included gains from reductions in prior years’ loss reserves of $114 million in 2013 and $165 million in 2012 as a result of lower than expected losses reported from ceding companies.

24

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

General Re (Continued)

Property/casualty (Continued)

Our casualty/workers’ compensation business produced net underwriting losses of $12 million in the first six months of 2013 compared to a net underwriting gain of $26 million in the corresponding 2012 period. Underwriting results in each year included gains from the reductions of estimated unpaid losses for prior years’ events and underwriting losses for current year business. The gains associated with prior years’ events were attributable to lower than anticipated claim reports. However, casualty business tends to have long claim-tails and it should not be assumed that favorable loss experience in a given period means that the loss reserve estimates currently established will continue to develop favorably.

Life/health

Premiums earned in 2013 increased $40 million (5.5%) for the second quarter and $15 million (1.0%) for the first six months over the comparable 2012 periods. Adjusting for the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes, premiums earned in the first six months of 2013 increased $43 million (2.9%) versus 2012, which was primarily attributable to increased non-U.S. life business.

Life/health operations produced net underwriting gains of $58 million in the second quarter and $57 million during the first six months of 2013. The underwriting gains in 2013 were driven by lower than expected mortality in both the U.S. and international life businesses, offset in part by discount accretion in the long-term care business. The underwriting losses in 2012 were driven by increases in claim liabilities, which were attributable to greater than expected claims frequency and duration in the individual and group disability business in Australia, partially offset by reductions in liability estimates related to the 2011 earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”)

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

	Premiums earned								Pre-tax underwriting gain/loss
	Second Quarter				First Six Months				Second Quarter					First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012			2013			2012
Catastrophe and individual risk	$	200	$	251	$	373	$	385	$	114	$	174		$	292		$	256
Retroactive reinsurance		—		73		319		371		(84)		(39	)		(152	)		(112	)
Multi-line property/casualty		1,106		1,268		2,428		2,393		285		526			836			396
Life and annuity		597		742		1,579		1,256		76		(48	)		389			(118	)
	$	1,903	$	2,334	$	4,699	$	4,405	$	391	$	613		$	1,365		$	422

Premiums earned in the first six months of 2013 from catastrophe and individual risk contracts declined 3% compared to the first six months of 2012. The level of business written in a given period will vary significantly due to changes in market conditions and management’s assessment of the adequacy of premium rates. We have generally constrained the volume of business written in recent years as premium rates have not been attractive enough to warrant increasing volume. However, we have the capacity and desire to write substantially more business when appropriate pricing can be obtained.

Catastrophe and individual risk contracts may provide exceptionally large limits of indemnification. The timing and magnitude of losses produces extraordinary volatility in periodic underwriting results of this business. Underwriting results for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 were favorable due to the absence of exceptionally large catastrophe events. In the second quarter of 2013, underwriting results included an estimated loss of $40 million from floods in Europe. In the first six months of 2012, there were no significant losses from catastrophe events. The first six months underwriting results also included a gain of $15 million in 2013 and a loss of $45 million in 2012 from changes in estimates of prior years’ catastrophe loss reserves.

25

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

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

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

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

The underwriting losses from retroactive policies for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 primarily represent the amortization of deferred charges. In 2013 and 2012, the amortization charges were partially offset by reductions in unpaid loss estimates related to one large contract. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unamortized deferred charges for retroactive contracts were approximately $4.2 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively. Gross unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of retroactive reinsurance contracts were approximately $18.2 billion at June 30, 2013 compared to approximately $18.0 billion as of December 31, 2012.

Premiums earned from multi-line property/casualty business in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 included $462 million and $1,018 million, respectively, from the Swiss Re 20% quota-share contract. In 2012, premiums earned from this contract were $814 million in the second quarter and $1,560 million for the first six months. As previously noted, the Swiss Re quota-share contract expired on December 31, 2012. As of June 30, 2013, unearned premiums related to this contract were $579 million, which will be earned as the contract runs off, with a substantial majority of that amount to be earned in the second half of 2013. Premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 from multi-line business, other than from the Swiss Re quota-share contract, increased $190 million and $577 million, respectively, over 2012, which was primarily attributable to an increase in property quota-share business.

Multi-line property/casualty underwriting generated pre-tax underwriting gains of $285 million in the second quarter and $836 million in the first six months of 2013 compared to pre-tax gains of $526 million in the second quarter and $396 million in the first six months of 2012. Multi-line property/casualty underwriting results regularly include foreign currency transaction gains or losses associated with the changes in the valuation of certain reinsurance liabilities of U.S. based subsidiaries (including liabilities arising under retroactive reinsurance contracts), which are denominated in foreign currencies.

Multi-line property/casualty underwriting results included foreign currency exchange rate gains of $28 million and $217 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 compared to gains of $172 million and $37 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2012. Multi-line property/casualty periodic underwriting results can be significantly impacted by the timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses. Underwriting results in 2013 included estimated losses of $25 million from floods in Europe during the second quarter. There were no significant catastrophe loss events in the first six months of 2012. For the first six months of 2013, the Swiss Re quota-share contract produced underwriting gains of $362 million, an increase of $129 million over 2012. The underwriting results attributable to the Swiss Re quota-share contract included gains of $275 million and $64 million in the first six months of 2013 and 2012, respectively, from reductions in estimated liabilities for prior years’ losses.

Life and annuity premiums earned in the second quarter of 2013 decreased $145 million (20%) from the second quarter of 2012 and for the first six months of 2013 increased $323 million (26%) over 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, premiums of $1.7 billion were earned in connection with a new reinsurance contract under which BHRG assumed certain guaranteed minimum death benefit coverages on a portfolio of variable annuity reinsurance contracts that have been in run-off for a number of years. Substantially all of the premiums expected under this contract were earned at the inception of the contract. In addition, in the first quarter of 2013 BHRG agreed to amend certain provisions of its reinsurance agreement with Swiss Re Life & Health America Inc. (“SRLHA”) covering yearly renewable life insurance business. The amendments essentially commuted coverage with respect to a number of the underlying contracts in exchange for payments to SRLHA of $675 million. The amendments resulted in a reversal of previously recorded premiums of approximately $1.3 billion, which was exceeded by the reversal of life benefits incurred, generating a one-time pre-tax gain of $255 million, which partially offset the significant underwriting losses incurred over the previous three years.

26

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

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

In the second quarter and first six months of 2013, the life and annuity business produced pre-tax underwriting gains of $76 million and $389 million, respectively, versus underwriting losses of $48 million for the second quarter and $118 million for the first six months of 2012. The underwriting gain in the first six months of 2013 was primarily due to the impact of the aforementioned amendments to the SRLHA contract as well as foreign currency exchange gains of $34 million. In the first six months of 2012, foreign currency gains and losses were insignificant. These foreign currency gains and losses are associated with the conversion of non-U.S. denominated liabilities into U.S. Dollars. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, aggregate annuity liabilities were approximately $4.4 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively.

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

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

Premiums earned in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 by BH Primary aggregated $816 million and $1,529 million, respectively, representing increases of $280 million (52%) and $486 million (47%), respectively, over 2012. The increases were primarily due to the inclusion of GUARD and increased volume from the Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies and National Indemnity Company’s primary group. For the first six months, our primary insurers produced underwriting gains of $129 million in 2013 and $122 million in 2012.

Insurance—Investment Income

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

	Second Quarter				First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests	$	1,535	$	1,393	$	2,531	$	2,445
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		391		325		588		586
Net investment income	$	1,144	$	1,068	$	1,943	$	1,859

Investment income consists of interest and dividends earned on cash and investments of our insurance businesses. Pre-tax investment income in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $142 million (10%) and $86 million (4%), respectively, compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2012. The increases in pre-tax investment income in 2013 were primarily attributable to increased dividends earned on equity investments. The increases in dividends earned reflected increased rates for certain of our major equity holdings as well as increased overall investments in equity securities. Our investment income was somewhat greater in the second quarter of 2013 and 2012 than the first quarter of each year, as annual dividends were paid by foreign issuers during the second quarter. We continue to hold significant cash and cash equivalents balances earning near zero yields. However, our management believes that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and strongly insists on safety over yield with respect to cash and cash equivalents.

Invested assets derive from shareholder capital and reinvested earnings as well as net liabilities under insurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses, life, annuity and health benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities to policyholders less premiums and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float approximated $75 billion at June 30, 2013 and $73 billion at December 31, 2012. In the first six months of 2013, the cost of float, as represented by the ratio of our underwriting gain or loss to average float, was negative as our insurance group generated a net underwriting gain.

27

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

Insurance—Investment Income (Continued)

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

	June 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,458	$	26,458
Equity securities		101,425		86,080
Fixed maturity securities		27,138		29,984
Other investments		17,234		16,057
	$	170,255	$	158,579

Fixed maturity securities as of June 30, 2013 were as follows. Amounts are in millions.

	Amortized  cost		Net  unrealized  gains		Fair value
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,799	$	12	$	2,811
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,600		148		2,748
Foreign governments		8,606		15		8,621
Corporate bonds, investment grade		5,835		633		6,468
Corporate bonds, non-investment grade		3,351		1,216		4,567
Mortgage-backed securities		1,711		212		1,923
	$	24,902	$	2,236	$	27,138

All U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies and approximately 83% of all state, municipal and political subdivisions, foreign government obligations and mortgage-backed securities were rated AA or higher. Non-investment grade securities represent securities that are rated below BBB- or Baa3.

Railroad (“BNSF”)

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

	Second Quarter				First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Revenues	$	5,322	$	5,062	$	10,606	$	10,064
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,128		1,078		2,267		2,195
Fuel		1,076		1,102		2,198		2,197
Purchased services		617		614		1,234		1,183
Depreciation and amortization		489		470		972		933
Equipment rents		205		199		403		401
Materials and other		233		164		491		457
Total operating expenses		3,748		3,627		7,565		7,366
Interest expense		177		155		355		303
		3,925		3,782		7,920		7,669
Pre-tax earnings		1,397		1,280		2,686		2,395
Income taxes		513		478		1,004		892
Net earnings	$	884	$	802	$	1,682	$	1,503

Revenues during the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were approximately $5.3 billion and $10.6 billion, respectively, representing increases of $260 million (5%) and $542 million (5%), respectively, over 2012. The overall year-to-date increase in revenues reflected a 3% increase in cars/units handled and a 2% increase in average revenue per car/unit, attributable to rates and business mix. In the second quarter and first six months of 2013, BNSF generated higher revenues from industrial products, consumer products and coal, partially offset by lower revenues from agricultural products.

28

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

Railroad (“BNSF”) (Continued)

The increases in industrial products revenues were driven by 12% and 13% increases in volume during the second quarter and first six months of 2013, reflecting significantly higher petroleum products volumes. The increases in consumer products revenues were attributable to 2% and 4% increases in volume during the second quarter and first six months, respectively, which were due primarily to domestic intermodal volume increases. The increases in coal revenue were attributable to increased volume of 7% and 1% during the second quarter and first six months of 2013, respectively, versus 2012. The increase in the second quarter is primarily due to an increase in coal demand as a result of higher natural gas prices and reduced utility stockpiles, partially offset by the impacts of weather, including flooding on the network. Agricultural products volume declined about 9% and 8% for the second quarter and first six months of 2013, respectively, compared with the prior year periods. The declines were mainly attributable to decreases in grain exports as a result of the drought conditions in the U.S. in 2012 and strong global competition. Revenues (and revenues per car/unit) in each period include fuel surcharges to customers under programs intended to recover incremental fuel costs when fuel prices exceed threshold fuel prices. Surcharges vary by product/commodity, and therefore amounts earned in a given period are impacted by business mix and volume as well as fuel costs. Fuel surcharges in the second quarter of 2013 were relatively unchanged but increased by 2% in the first six months of 2013 as compared to 2012.

Operating expenses in 2013 were $3.7 billion for the second quarter and $7.6 billion for the first six months, representing increases of $121 million (3%) and $199 million (3%), respectively, over 2012. Fuel expenses of $1,076 million in the second quarter and $2,198 million in the first six months of 2013 were relatively unchanged as compared to 2012. Compensation and benefits expenses increased $50 million and $72 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2013, respectively, over 2012, reflecting volume-related costs and inflation, partially offset by cost savings initiatives. Purchased services expenses increased $3 million and $51 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2013, respectively, as compared to 2012, due primarily to volume-related costs, including purchased transportation for BNSF Logistics LLC, a wholly-owned, third-party logistics company. In 2013, materials and other expenses increased $69 million and $34 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2013, respectively, as compared to 2012 due primarily to higher environmental, property tax, material and employee-related expenses. In the first six months of 2012, operating expenses also included a charge of $55 million recorded for an unfavorable arbitration ruling.

Utilities and Energy (“MidAmerican”)

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

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

	Second Quarter								First Six Months
	Revenues				Earnings				Revenues				Earnings
	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
PacifiCorp	$	1,231	$	1,168	$	237	$	180	$	2,480	$	2,377	$	465	$	388
MidAmerican Energy Company		767		714		13		44		1,698		1,595		89		100
Natural gas pipelines		203		195		51		50		504		497		211		210
Northern Powergrid		254		244		99		99		554		507		244		223
Real estate brokerage		510		395		66		35		794		608		72		34
Other		91		32		38		(4)		142		58		47		14
	$	3,056	$	2,748					$	6,172	$	5,642
Earnings before corporate interest and income taxes						504		404						1,128		969
Corporate interest						69		80						140		162
Income taxes						114		37						223		141
Noncontrolling interests						42		34						92		75
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire					$	279	$	253					$	673	$	591

29

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

Utilities and Energy (“MidAmerican”) (Continued)

PacifiCorp’s revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $63 million (5%) and $103 million (4%), respectively, over revenues in the same periods of 2012. The comparative increases were primarily due to higher retail revenues of $72 million for the second quarter and $149 million for the first six months, partially offset by a decrease in wholesale and other revenues. The increases in retail revenues were primarily due to higher prices approved by regulators and, to a lesser degree, by overall higher customer loads. The decrease in wholesale and other revenues reflected lower renewable energy credit revenue and declines in wholesale volumes, partially offset by higher average wholesale prices. PacifiCorp’s earnings before corporate interest and taxes (“EBIT”) in 2013 increased $57 million (32%) in the second quarter and $77 million (20%) in the first six months compared to the corresponding periods in 2012. The increases in EBIT reflected the overall increase in revenues, as higher energy costs and depreciation and amortization expense (due to increased plant in service) were offset by lower other operating expenses. The declines in other operating expenses were primarily attributable to litigation and damage claims in 2012 and lower maintenance expenses.

MEC’s revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $53 million (7%) and $103 million (6%), respectively, compared to 2012. The overall increase in revenues was mainly attributable to higher regulated electric and natural gas revenues, partially offset by lower nonregulated and other revenues. In 2013, regulated retail electric operating revenues increased $7 million for the second quarter and $42 million for the first six months. The increase in revenues for the first six months was primarily due to rate adjustment clauses in Iowa and Illinois, and, to a lesser degree, to an increase in customer load. In the second quarter and first six months of 2013, regulated natural gas revenues increased $51 million and $103 million, compared to 2012, due to higher volumes and increases in recoveries through adjustment clauses as a result of a higher average per-unit cost of gas sold. The increases in volumes reflected the comparatively colder weather conditions in 2013. Nonregulated and other operating revenues in 2013 decreased $48 million for the first six months compared to 2012 due to lower electricity volumes and prices, partially offset by higher natural gas volumes and prices. MEC’s EBIT declined $31 million (70%) in the second quarter and $11 million (11%) in the first six months of 2013 compared to 2012. The declines were due primarily to lower regulated electric operating earnings as increases in energy costs and depreciation and other operating expenses outpaced the increases in revenues, particularly in the second quarter. Regulated electric operating earnings in 2013 declined 53% in the second quarter and 29% for the first six months compared with the corresponding 2012 periods and were partially offset by increases in regulated natural gas operating earnings.

Natural gas pipelines’ revenues and EBIT in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were, in the aggregate, relatively unchanged from revenues and EBIT in the corresponding 2012 periods. In 2013, the natural gas pipelines’ operating earnings declined $13 million in the second quarter and $16 million in the first six months from 2012. These declines were attributable to lower operating revenues and higher operating expenses, but were substantially offset by a gain in 2013 from a contract restructuring. Northern Powergrid’s revenues increased $10 million (4%) in the second quarter of 2013 and $47 million (9%) in the first six months of 2013, compared to 2012, primarily due to higher distribution revenue, partially offset by the foreign currency translation effect of a stronger U.S. Dollar versus the U.K. Pound Sterling. EBIT of Northern Powergrid in the second quarter of 2013 was unchanged from the second quarter of 2012, while EBIT for the first six months of 2013 increased $21 million (9%) over 2012. In the first six months, the increase in revenues was partially offset by higher distribution operating expenses and increased pension, contracting and depreciation expenses.

Real estate brokerage revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $115 million (29%) and $186 million (31%), respectively, over the same periods in 2012. In 2013, EBIT of the real estate brokerage business increased $31 million (89%) for the second quarter and $38 million (112%) as compared to the corresponding 2012 periods. The increases in revenues and EBIT were attributable to increases in closed brokerage transactions and higher average home prices and the impact of businesses acquired during 2012 and 2013. Other activities of MEHC include a portfolio of independent power projects. The increases in revenues and EBIT of other activities were primarily attributable to new wind and solar power electricity generation projects placed in service in 2012 and the first quarter of 2013.

30

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing

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

	Second Quarter								First Six Months
	Revenues				Earnings				Revenues				Earnings
	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
Marmon	$	1,816	$	1,863	$	314	$	307	$	3,546	$	3,656	$	580	$	576
McLane Company		11,375		9,004		114		73		22,160		17,077		246		175
Other manufacturing		7,543		6,997		983		1,002		14,397		13,501		1,792		1,817
Other service		2,310		2,039		324		268		4,414		3,978		533		466
Retailing		1,003		852		76		60		1,990		1,705		149		116
	$	24,047	$	20,755					$	46,507	$	39,917
Pre-tax earnings						1,811		1,710						3,300		3,150
Income taxes						712		598						1,184		1,107
Noncontrolling interests						25		87						98		164
					$	1,074	$	1,025					$	2,018	$	1,879

Marmon

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

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

Marmon’s revenues for the second quarter and the first half of 2013 were $1.8 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively, which represented decreases of $47 million (3%) and $110 million (3%), respectively, compared with the corresponding 2012 periods. Consolidated pre-tax earnings for the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were $314 million and $580 million, respectively, which represented increases of $7 million (2%) and $4 million (1%) over the comparable 2012 periods. Pre-tax earnings in 2013 as percentages of revenues were 17.3% in the second quarter and 16.4% for the first six months. In 2012, pre-tax earnings as percentages of revenues were 16.5% in the second quarter and 15.8% for the first six months. The revenues and earnings information in the following paragraphs is before intercompany eliminations and miscellaneous unallocated items.

Engineered Components’ second quarter and first half 2013 revenues were $614 million and $1,208 million, respectively, which represented declines of $30 million (5%) and $84 million (6%), respectively, as compared to 2012. The revenue declines were primarily due to reductions in volume and steel pricing in Distribution Services and lower copper prices in Electrical & Plumbing Products. Engineered Components’ pre-tax earnings were $58 million and $108 million during the second quarter and first six months of 2013 respectively, which represented decreases of $1 million (1%) and $14 million (11%) from the comparable 2012 periods. The decline in pre-tax earnings for the first six months derived primarily from the Distribution Services sector, which was negatively impacted by reduced volumes and lower margins influenced by steel price reductions. Electrical & Plumbing Products sector pre-tax earnings in the first six months of 2013 increased slightly over 2012 despite lower revenues. Restructuring actions taken in 2012 and again in the first half 2013 have provided the impetus for improved pre-tax earnings in this sector.

Natural Resources’ revenues were $653 million and $1,265 million, in the second quarter and first half of 2013, respectively, which represented declines of $29 million (4%) and $51 million (4%), respectively, compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2012. These declines reflected lower external tank car sales and unusually large prior year projects in the Transportation Services & Engineered Products and the Engineered Wire & Cable sectors, partially offset by an increase in leasing revenue attributable to higher lease rates and new tank car fleet additions. Natural Resources’ pre-tax earnings were $184 million and $341 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2013, slightly lower than earnings in the corresponding prior year periods. The impact of higher rail leasing rates, new tank car fleet additions and higher margins on specialty and utility cable products were more than offset by higher railroad repair costs and the fact that earnings in 2012 benefitted from unusually large projects.

31

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Marmon (Continued)

Retail Technologies’ revenues of $574 million and $1,131 million in the second quarter and first six months, respectively, increased $11 million (2%) and $28 million (3%) as compared to 2012 periods. The year to date revenue increase reflects growth in Highway Technologies’ automotive clutch and heavy duty truck axle products and rebounding demand from a major customer in the Retail Store Fixture sector, partially offset by lower revenues from the Food Service Equipment and Water Treatment sectors. Retail Technologies’ pre-tax earnings were $80 million, and $147 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2013, which represented increases of $9 million (13%) and $12 million (9%), respectively, over the comparable 2012 periods. The pre-tax earnings increases were primarily due to revenue growth in the Highway Technologies and the Retail Store Fixtures sectors, as well as favorable mix and cost savings relating to 2012 restructuring actions taken in Retail Store Fixtures.

McLane Company

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

McLane’s revenues in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were approximately $11.4 billion and $22.2 billion, respectively, representing increases of approximately $2.4 billion (26%) and $5.1 billion (30%), respectively, over revenues in comparable 2012 periods. The increases in revenues in 2013 periods reflected the inclusion of MBM, as well as revenue increases ranging from 10% to 13% in the grocery, other foodservice and beverage businesses, which were primarily related to new customers at each of the businesses. McLane’s pre-tax earnings increased $41 million (56%) in the second quarter and $71 million (41%) for the first six months as compared to the comparable prior year periods. The increases in pre-tax earnings reflected increased revenues and relatively stable net operating margins of the pre-existing business operations, the inclusion of MBM and from a gain that resulted from the sale of McLane’s Brazil-based logistics business.

Other manufacturing

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

Other manufacturing revenues in the second quarter of 2013 increased $546 million (8%) to $7.5 billion, while revenues for the first six months of 2013 increased $896 million (7%) to $14.4 billion compared with the corresponding 2012 periods. Over the first six months of 2013, Forest River generated a 22% increase in revenues due to increased volume and average sales prices. Revenues in 2013 also included the impact of several bolt-on business acquisitions in 2012 and revenue increases from our building products businesses (7% for the second quarter and 5% for the first six months). Pre-tax earnings of our other manufacturing businesses in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were $983 million and $1,792 million, respectively, representing decreases of $19 million (2%) and $25 million (1%), respectively, versus the corresponding 2012 periods. Forest River and our building products businesses in the aggregate generated higher earnings in 2013. In addition, bolt-on acquisitions in 2012 increased earnings in 2013. However, these increases were more than offset by lower earnings from Iscar, Lubrizol and Fruit of the Loom attributable to intensifying price competition and relatively sluggish customer demand in certain markets.

Other service

Our other service businesses include NetJets, the world’s leading provider of fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft and FlightSafety, a provider of high technology training to operators of aircraft. Among the other businesses included in this group are: TTI, a leading electronic components distributor; Business Wire, a leading distributor of corporate news, multimedia and regulatory filings; Dairy Queen, which licenses and services a system of over 6,200 stores that offer prepared dairy treats and food; the Buffalo News; the BH Media Group, which currently includes the Omaha World-Herald, as well as 28 other daily newspapers and numerous other publications; and businesses that provide management and other services to insurance companies.

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Other service (Continued)

Revenues of our other service businesses in 2013 were $2,310 million in the second quarter and $4,414 million in the first six months, representing increases of $271 million (13%) and $436 million (11%), respectively, over the corresponding 2012 periods. Pre-tax earnings of $324 million in the second quarter and $533 million in the first six months of 2013 increased $56 million (21%) and $67 million (14%), respectively, compared to the corresponding 2012 periods. The year-to-date increase in revenues was driven by increases at NetJets, BH Media Group and TTI. The increases in earnings in 2013 were primarily driven by NetJets, BH Media and FlightSafety. For the first six months of 2013, NetJets experienced increased sales of fractional aircraft shares and its earnings increased primarily due to improved flight operations margins, fractional sales margins and reduced net financing costs. The increases in revenues and earnings of BH Media were attributed to bolt-on acquisitions in 2012 and 2013. TTI’s earnings in 2013 were relatively flat versus 2012, as changes in product mix and the impact of price competition reduced overall gross sales margins. The increase in earnings in 2013 at FlightSafety primarily reflected reduced employee benefit costs.

Retailing

Our retailing operations consist of four home furnishings businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), three jewelry businesses (Borsheims, Helzberg and Ben Bridge), See’s Candies, Pampered Chef, a direct seller of high quality kitchen tools and Oriental Trading Company (“OTC”), a direct retailer of party supplies, school supplies and toys and novelties, which we acquired on November 27, 2012. Revenues of our retailing businesses in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased 18% and 17%, respectively, as compared to the revenues in the corresponding periods of 2012. Pre-tax earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 of these businesses increased $16 million (27%) and $33 million (28%), respectively, as compared to earnings in the comparable periods in 2012. The comparative increases in revenues and earnings were primarily attributable to the inclusion of OTC.

Finance and Financial Products

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

	Second Quarter				First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Manufactured housing and finance	$	103	$	64	$	174	$	104
Furniture/transportation equipment leasing		47		35		76		61
Other		59		90		128		187
Pre-tax earnings		209		189		378		352
Income taxes		74		69		134		128
	$	135	$	120	$	244	$	224

Clayton Homes’ pre-tax earnings in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 increased $39 million (61%) and $70 million (67%), respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2012. In 2013, Clayton Homes’ earnings benefitted from lower loan loss provisions, an increase in net interest income, as lower interest expense more than offset reductions in interest income on loan portfolios, and from improved manufacturing results, which was attributable to increased units sold. Clayton Homes’ manufactured housing business continues to operate at a competitive disadvantage compared to traditional single family housing markets, which receive significant interest rate subsidies from the U.S. government through government agency insured mortgages. For the most part, these subsidies are not available to factory built homes. Nevertheless, Clayton Homes remains the largest manufactured housing business in the United States and we believe that it will continue to operate profitably, even under the prevailing conditions.

In the first six months of 2013, pre-tax earnings of CORT and XTRA increased $15 million (25%) versus 2012. The increases primarily reflected increased lease revenues and earnings of XTRA, which benefitted from slight increases in working units and average rental rates, relatively stable operating expenses and foreign currency related income in the second quarter of 2013.

Earnings in 2013 from our other finance business activities include interest and dividends from a portfolio of fixed maturity and equity investments and our share of the earnings of a commercial mortgage servicing business in which we own a 50% interest. In addition, other earnings includes income from interest rate spreads charged to Clayton Homes on borrowings by a Berkshire financing subsidiary that are used to fund loans to Clayton Homes and guaranty fees charged to NetJets. Corresponding expenses are included in Clayton Homes’ and NetJets’ results. In 2012, earnings also included interest income from a small portfolio of long-held commercial real estate loans, which were repaid in full during the third and fourth quarters of 2012.

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

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

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

	Second Quarter				First Six Months
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Investment gains/losses	$	492	$	125	$	1,082	$	356
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments		—		—		(85)		(337)
Derivative gains/losses		461		(1,068)		1,667		(66)
Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		953		(943)		2,664		(47)
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		331		(331)		932		(15)
Net gains/losses	$	622	$	(612)	$	1,732	$	(32)

Pre-tax investment gains/losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were $492 million and $1,082 million, respectively, representing increases of $367 million and $726 million over the corresponding 2012 periods. The net gains in the first six months of 2013 included $728 million related to our investments in General Electric and Goldman Sachs common stock warrants. Beginning in 2013, the unrealized gains or losses associated with these investments are included in earnings.

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

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

Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses in 2013 and 2012 were related to our investments in Texas Competitive Electric Holdings bonds. As of June 30, 2013, gross unrealized losses on our investments in equity and fixed maturity securities (determined on an individual purchase lot basis) were relatively insignificant. Although we have periodically recorded OTTI losses in earnings in the past, we continue to hold positions in certain of the related securities. In cases where the market values of these investments have increased since the dates the OTTI losses were recorded in earnings, these increases are not reflected in earnings but are instead included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. When recorded, OTTI losses have no impact whatsoever on the asset values otherwise recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets or on our consolidated shareholders’ equity. In addition, the recognition of such losses in earnings rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income does not necessarily indicate that sales are imminent or planned and sales ultimately may not occur for a number of years. Furthermore, the recognition of OTTI losses does not necessarily indicate that the loss in value of the security is permanent or that the market price of the security will not subsequently increase to and ultimately exceed our original cost.

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

In 2013, our derivative contracts generated pre-tax gains of $461 million in the second quarter and $1,667 million in the first six months. In 2012, we incurred pre-tax losses of $1,068 million in the second quarter and $66 million in the first six months. In 2013, the gains were primarily attributed to changes in fair values of our equity index put option contracts. In 2012, we incurred losses related to the changes in fair values of the equity index put option contracts, which were partially offset by net gains attributable to our credit default and other contracts.

34

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

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses (Continued)

In 2013, our equity index put option contracts produced pre-tax gains of $390 million in the second quarter and $1,636 million for the first six months, reflecting overall higher equity index values, favorable currency movements and modestly higher interest rate assumptions. In the second quarter of 2012, we incurred pre-tax losses of $1,173 million due primarily to lower equity index values and lower interest rate assumptions. For the first six months of 2012, the pre-tax losses related to these contracts were $484 million, and were primarily attributable to lower interest rate assumptions, as the impact of changes in the indices between the beginning of the year and the end of the second quarter was not significant. Our credit default contracts generated pre-tax gains of $99 million and $85 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2013, respectively. Our remaining credit default contract exposures associated with corporate issuers will expire over the remainder of 2013. Thereafter, our credit default derivative contract exposures will be limited to municipality/state issues. In 2012, our credit default contracts generated pre-tax gains of $171 million and $511 million in the second quarter and first six months, respectively. In 2012, the gains were primarily due to the narrowing of credit default spreads as well as the passage of time.

Financial Condition

Our balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2013 was $202.0 billion, an increase of $14.4 billion since December 31, 2012. In the second quarter of 2013, we reduced our consolidated shareholders’ equity by approximately $1.2 billion as a result of acquisitions of noncontrolling interests as discussed below and in Note 18 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated cash and investments of our insurance and other businesses approximated $191.4 billion at June 30, 2013 including cash and cash equivalents of $31.2 billion. As of June 30, 2013, our insurance subsidiaries held approximately $170.3 billion of invested assets. During the second quarter of 2013, we used cash of approximately $14.5 billion in the aggregate to fund Berkshire’s investments in H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation (“Heinz Holding”) and to acquire certain noncontrolling interests in our subsidiaries. On June 7, 2013, we invested $12.25 billion in Heinz Holding which acquired H.J. Heinz Company. Our investments in Heinz Holding consist of common stock, common stock warrants and preferred stock. Berkshire currently holds 50% of the voting interests in Heinz Holding.

In January 2013, we issued $2.6 billion of parent company senior unsecured notes with maturities ranging from 2016 to 2043. The proceeds were used to fund the repayment of $2.6 billion of notes that matured in February 2013.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, Berkshire acquired 10% of the outstanding shares of Marmon held by noncontrolling interests for aggregate consideration of approximately $1.4 billion, of which approximately $800 million was paid in the fourth quarter, with the remainder paid in March 2013. On June 28, 2013, Berkshire acquired additional noncontrolling interests in Marmon for approximately $238 million. Substantially all of the remaining noncontrolling interests in Marmon will be acquired in the first quarter of 2014. On April 29, 2013, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V., the parent company of Iscar for consideration of $2.05 billion.

Our Board of Directors has authorized Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B common shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares at management’s discretion. The repurchase program is expected to continue indefinitely, but does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B common shares. Repurchases will not be made if they would reduce Berkshire’s consolidated cash and cash equivalent holdings below $20 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. There were no share repurchases during the first six months of 2013.

Our railroad, utilities and energy businesses (conducted by BNSF and MidAmerican) maintain very large investments in capital assets (property, plant and equipment) and will regularly make capital expenditures in the normal course of business. In the first six months of 2013, aggregate capital expenditures of these businesses were $3.5 billion, including $1.8 billion by MidAmerican and $1.7 billion by BNSF. Aggregate capital expenditures by BNSF and MidAmerican of approximately $5.4 billion are forecasted over the remainder of 2013. Future capital expenditures are expected to be funded by cash flows from operations and debt issuances. In March 2013, BNSF issued $1.5 billion in new debentures consisting of $700 million of 3.0% debentures due in 2023 and $800 million of 4.45% debentures due in 2043. BNSF’s outstanding debt was approximately $15.9 billion as of June 30, 2013. In the first six months of 2013, MidAmerican and its subsidiaries issued new term debt of approximately $1.55 billion and repaid borrowings of approximately $1.0 billion and its aggregate outstanding borrowings as of June 30, 2013 were approximately $22.0 billion. BNSF and MidAmerican have aggregate debt and capital lease maturities over the remainder of 2013 of about $1.3 billion. Berkshire has committed until February 28, 2014 to provide up to $2 billion of additional capital to MidAmerican to permit the repayment of its debt obligations or to fund its regulated utility subsidiaries. Berkshire does not guarantee the repayment of debt issued by BNSF, MidAmerican or any of their subsidiaries.

35

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

Financial Condition (Continued)

On May 29, 2013, MidAmerican announced that it would acquire NV Energy, Inc. (“NV Energy”), an energy holding company serving approximately 1.3 million electric and natural gas customers in Nevada. Under the terms of the agreement, MidAmerican will purchase all outstanding shares of NV Energy’s common stock for $23.75 per share in cash, or approximately $5.6 billion in the aggregate. It is currently anticipated that the purchase price will be funded through a combination of cash provided by MidAmerican’s shareholders ($3.6 billion of which Berkshire currently expects to provide approximately $3.5 billion) and the issuance by MidAmerican of senior unsecured debt. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the transaction by NV Energy’s shareholders and the receipt of required state and federal approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014.

Assets of the finance and financial products businesses, which consisted primarily of loans and finance receivables, cash and cash equivalents, fixed maturity investments and equity investments, were approximately $25.4 billion as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Liabilities were $20.1 billion as of June 30, 2013 and $22.1 billion as of December 31, 2012. As of June 30, 2013, notes payable and other borrowings of finance and financial products businesses were $12.8 billion and included approximately $11.2 billion of notes issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”). During the first six months of 2013, BHFC issued $1.5 billion aggregate of new senior notes and repaid $1.5 billion of maturing senior notes. Over the remainder of 2013, an additional $1.95 billion of BHFC debt will mature. We currently intend to issue additional new debt through BHFC to replace some or all of the upcoming debt maturities. The proceeds from the BHFC notes are used to finance originated loans and acquired loans of Clayton Homes. The full and timely payment of principal and interest on the BHFC notes is guaranteed by Berkshire.

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

As described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are party to several equity index put option and credit default contracts. With limited exception, these contracts contain no collateral posting requirements under any circumstances, including changes in either the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts or a downgrade in Berkshire’s credit ratings. Substantially all of these contracts were entered into prior to December 31, 2008. At June 30, 2013, the net liabilities recorded for such contracts were approximately $6.2 billion and our collateral posting requirements were $5 million.

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

Contractual Obligations

We are party to contracts associated with ongoing business and financing activities, which will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods. Certain obligations reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, such as notes payable, require future payments on contractually specified dates and in fixed and determinable amounts. The timing and/or amount of the payment of other obligations, such as losses arising from unpaid property and casualty loss insurance contracts and credit default and equity index put option derivatives contracts, are contingent upon the outcome of future events. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps significantly, from the liability estimates currently recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Other obligations pertain to the acquisition of goods or services in the future, which are not currently reflected in the financial statements, such as minimum rentals under operating leases. Our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2013 were, in the aggregate, not materially different from those disclosed in the “Contractual Obligations” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Reference is also made to Note 18 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

36

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

Critical Accounting Policies

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

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2013 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $64.4 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing loss reserve amounts, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts. A small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude may result in a material effect on reported earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of losses incurred in the period of the change.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2013 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $54.4 billion. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2012. Although we believe that the goodwill reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2013 is not impaired, goodwill may subsequently become impaired as a result of changes in facts and circumstances affecting the valuation of the reporting unit. A goodwill impairment charge could have a material effect on periodic net earnings.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include significant amounts of derivative contract liabilities that are measured at fair value. As of June 30, 2013, our most significant derivative contract exposures relate to equity index put option contracts written between 2004 and 2008. These contracts were entered into in over-the-counter markets and certain elements in the terms and conditions of such contracts are not standard. In particular, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts. Furthermore, there is no source of independent data available to us showing trading volume and actual prices of completed transactions. As a result, the values of these liabilities are based on valuation models that are believed to be used by market participants. Such models or other valuation techniques may use inputs that are observable in the marketplace, while others are unobservable. Unobservable inputs require us to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in establishing prices. Changes in assumptions may have a significant effect on values.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

37

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report and in particular the “Market Risk Disclosures” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of June 30, 2013, there were no material changes in the market risks described in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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

38

Part II Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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

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

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

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

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

Item 5. Other Information

None

Item 6. Exhibits

a. Exhibits

12	Calculation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Consolidated Fixed Charges
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
32.1	Section 1350 Certifications
32.2	Section 1350 Certifications
95	Mine Safety Disclosures
101	The following financial information from Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

39

SIGNATURE

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

	BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: August 2, 2013	/S/  MARC D. HAMBURG
	(Signature) Marc D. Hamburg, Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer

40

EX-12

Exhibit 12

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

Calculation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Consolidated Fixed Charges

(Dollars in millions)

	Six Months Ended		Year Ended December 31,
	June 30, 2013		2012		2011		2010			2009			2008
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	9,433	$	14,824	$	10,254	$	12,967		$	8,055		$	4,994
Income tax expense		4,557		6,924		4,568		5,607			3,538			1,978
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		196		488		492		527			386			602
Earnings from equity method investments		—		—		—		(50	)		(427	)		—
Dividends from equity method investees		—		—		—		20			132			—
Fixed charges		1,674		3,304		3,219		3,084			2,279			2,276
Earnings available for fixed charges	$	15,860	$	25,540	$	18,533	$	22,155		$	13,963		$	9,850
Fixed charges
Interest on indebtedness (including amortization of debt discount and expense)	$	1,377	$	2,744	$	2,664	$	2,558		$	1,992		$	1,963
Rentals representing interest and other		297		560		555		526			287			313
	$	1,674	$	3,304	$	3,219	$	3,084		$	2,279		$	2,276
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		9.47x		7.73x		5.76x		7.18x			6.13x			4.33x

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Quarter ended June 30, 2013

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

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Warren E. Buffett, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: August 2, 2013

/S/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Chairman—Principal Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Quarter ended June 30, 2013

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

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Marc D. Hamburg, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: August 2, 2013

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Senior Vice President—Principal Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended June 30, 2013

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

(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended June 30, 2013 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

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

Dated: August 2, 2013

/S/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Warren E. Buffett

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended June 30, 2013

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

(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended June 30, 2013 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

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

Dated: August 2, 2013

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Marc D. Hamburg

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-95

EXHIBIT 95

MINE SAFETY VIOLATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL MATTER DISCLOSURES

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

REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries operate coal mines and coal processing facilities and Acme Brick and its affiliates operate 20 clay, shale and limestone excavation facilities (collectively, the “mining facilities”) that are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Safety Act”). MSHA inspects mining facilities on a regular basis. The total number of reportable Mine Safety Act citations, orders, assessments and legal actions for the three-month period ended June 30, 2013 are summarized in the table below and are subject to contest and appeal. The severity and assessment of penalties may be reduced or, in some cases, dismissed through the contest and appeal process. Amounts are reported regardless of whether PacifiCorp or Acme has challenged or appealed the matter. Coal, clay and other reserves that are not yet mined and mines that are closed or idled are not included in the information below as no reportable events occurred at those locations during the three-month period ended June 30, 2013. There were no mining-related fatalities during the three-month period ended June 30, 2013. PacifiCorp and Acme have not received any notice of a pattern, or notice of the potential to have a pattern, of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that are of such nature as could have significantly and substantially contributed to the cause and effect of coal or other mine health or safety hazards under Section 104(e) of the Mine Safety Act during the three-month period ended June 30, 2013.

	Mine Safety Act												Legal Actions
Mining Facilities	Section 104 Significant and Substantial Citations(1)		Section 104(b) Orders(2)		Section 104(d) Citations/ Orders(3)		Section 110(b)(2) Violations(4)		Section 107(a) Imminent Danger Orders(5)		Total Value of Proposed MSHA Assessments (in thousands)		Pending as of Last Day of Period(6)		Instituted During Period		Resolved During Period
Coal:
Deer Creek		3		1		—		—		—	$	50		9		7		4
Bridger (surface)		—		—		—		—		—		4		5		2		—
Bridger (underground)		4		—		—		—		—		131		21		3		5
Cottonwood Preparatory Plant		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Wyodak Coal Crushing Facility		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Clay, shale and limestone:
Minnesota		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Malvern		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Wheeler		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Eureka		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Fort Smith		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Kanopolis		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Oklahoma City		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Tulsa		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denver		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Bennett		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denton		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Elgin		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
McQueeney		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Garrison		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Sealy		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Texas Clay		1		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Leeds		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Montgomery		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Lueders		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Cordova		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

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

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

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

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

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

(6) Amounts include contests of 32 proposed penalties under Subpart C, one contest of an order under Subpart B and two laber-related complaints under Subpart E of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission’s procedural rules. The pending legal actions are not exclusive to citations, notices, orders and penalties assessed by MSHA during the reporting period.

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Contingencies and Commitments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			2 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013 Marmon Holdings [Member]	Jun. 28, 2013 Marmon Holdings [Member]	Apr. 29, 2013 IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V. [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V. [Member]	May 29, 2013 MidAmerican [Member] NV Energy [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests outstanding, percentage			16.00%
Payment to acquire noncontrolling interest			$ 238,000,000	$ 2,050,000,000
Percentage of shares owned after stock transactions		91.70%			100.00%
Reduction of shareholders' equity for purchase of noncontrolling interests	1,200,000,000
Potential business acquisition, cash price per share						$ 23.75
Cash committed to be paid for a potential acquiree's equity securities						$ 5,600,000,000

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Property, plant and equipment

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Property, plant and equipment

Note 10. Property, plant and equipment

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

	Ranges of  estimated useful life		June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land		—	$	1,055		$	1,048
Buildings and improvements		2 – 40 years		6,052			6,074
Machinery and equipment		3 – 20 years		15,677			15,436
Furniture, fixtures and other		2 – 20 years		2,945			2,736
Assets held for lease		12 –30 years		6,956			6,731
				32,685			32,025
Accumulated depreciation				(13,535	)		(12,837	)
			$	19,150		$	19,188

Depreciation expense of insurance and other businesses for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 was $994 million and $955 million, respectively.

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

	Ranges of  estimated useful life		June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Railroad:
Land		—	$	5,970		$	5,950
Track structure and other roadway		5 – 100 years		38,798			38,255
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		5 – 37 years		6,804			6,528
Construction in progress		—		1,160			963
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system		5 – 80 years		43,162			42,682
Interstate pipeline assets		3 – 80 years		6,357			6,354
Independent power plants and other assets		3 – 30 years		2,311			1,860
Construction in progress		—		2,819			2,647
				107,381			105,239
Accumulated depreciation				(18,182	)		(17,555	)
			$	89,199		$	87,684

Railroad property, plant and equipment includes the land, other roadway, track structure and rolling stock (primarily locomotives and freight cars) of BNSF. The utility generation, distribution and transmission system and interstate pipeline assets are the regulated assets of public utility and natural gas pipeline subsidiaries. Depreciation expense of the railroad, utilities and energy businesses for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 was $1,597 million and $1,476 million, respectively.

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Investment gains/losses - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
OTTI losses	$ 85	$ 337
Bonds [Member] | Texas Competitive Electric Holdings [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
OTTI losses	$ 85	$ 337

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical) (Class B [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Class B [Member]
Ratio of earnings per Class B share to earnings per Class A share	0.000667

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Significant business acquisitions

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Significant business acquisitions

Note 3. Significant business acquisitions

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

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Accumulated other comprehensive income

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Note 17. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income and significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	29,254		$	(120	)	$	(1,601	)	$	(33	)	$	27,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7,196			(669	)		17			4			6,548
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(504	)		(29	)		59			3			(471	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		—			(12	)		—			—			(12	)
Net current period other comprehensive income		6,692			(710	)		76			7			6,065
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	35,946		$	(830	)	$	(1,525	)	$	(26	)	$	33,565
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings for the first six months of 2013 are included on the following line items:
Investment gains/losses:
Insurance and other	$	(707	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(707	)
Finance and financial products		(68	)		—			—			—			(68	)
Other (1)		—			(29	)		83			7			61
Reclassifications before income taxes		(775	)		(29	)		83			7			(714	)
Applicable income taxes		(271	)		—			24			4			(243	)
	$	(504	)	$	(29	)	$	59		$	3		$	(471	)

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

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Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended							1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Maximum [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Insurance and Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 MidAmerican Subsidiaries [Member] Term Debt [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 MidAmerican and Subsidiaries [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures Due 2023 at 3.0% [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures Due 2023 at 3.0% [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures Due 2043 at 4.45% [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 BNSF [Member] Debentures Due 2043 at 4.45% [Member] Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Subsidiaries [Member] Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member]	May 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2017 at 1.6% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2017 at 1.6% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2022 at 3.0% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2022 at 3.0% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	May 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018 and 2043 [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018 and 2043 [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	May 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018 at 1.3% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2018 at 1.3% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	May 31, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2043 at 4.3% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Senior Notes Due 2043 at 4.3% [Member] Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued								$ 2,600,000,000					$ 1,550,000,000		$ 1,500,000,000		$ 700,000,000		$ 800,000,000				$ 500,000,000		$ 275,000,000		$ 225,000,000		$ 1,000,000,000		$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Issuance date									January 2013							March 2013								January 2013						May 2013
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage										0.80%	4.50%							3.00%		4.45%						1.60%		3.00%				1.30%		4.30%
Maturity date, range, start									2016
Maturity date, range, end									2043
Repayment of long-term debt	2,775,000,000	1,915,000,000	311,000,000	524,000,000	1,725,000,000	2,167,000,000						2,600,000,000
Repayment of debt														1,000,000,000								1,000,000,000	500,000,000
Unused lines of credit available																					4,700,000,000
Guarantee obligation							$ 4,300,000,000

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Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 1,719	$ 1,699
Work in process and other	861	883
Finished manufactured goods	3,296	3,187
Goods acquired for resale	4,001	3,906
Total inventory	$ 9,877	$ 9,675

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Note 11. Goodwill and other intangible assets

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,523		$	53,213
Acquisitions of businesses		15			1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation		(166	)		(132	)
Balance at end of period	$	54,372		$	54,523

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

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	11,715	$	3,330	$	11,737	$	2,994
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,164		1,070		2,163		913
	$	13,879	$	4,400	$	13,900	$	3,907
Trademarks and trade names	$	2,801	$	310	$	2,819	$	278
Patents and technology		5,035		2,329		5,014		2,059
Customer relationships		4,538		1,325		4,565		1,155
Other		1,505		436		1,502		415
	$	13,879	$	4,400	$	13,900	$	3,907

Amortization expense was $535 million for the first six months of 2013 and $502 million for the first six months of 2012. Intangible assets with indefinite lives as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $2,319 million and $2,328 million, respectively.

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Investments in equity securities - Narrative (Detail) (Equity Securities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Investment Concentration [Member] Item
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Concentration percentage			58.00%
Number of companies in concentration percentage			4
Unrealized losses related to securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months	$ 135	$ 45

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Property, plant and equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified																															6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Land [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Land [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad [Member] Land [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Land [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Utilities and Energy [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Utilities and Energy [Member] Construction in progress [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Minimum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Buildings and improvements [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Insurance and Other [Member] Assets held for lease [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Railroad [Member] Track structure and other roadway [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Railroad [Member] Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Utility generation, distribution and transmission system [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Interstate pipeline assets [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Maximum [Member] Utilities and Energy [Member] Independent power plants and other assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 32,685	$ 32,025	$ 6,052	$ 6,074	$ 15,677	$ 15,436	$ 2,945	$ 2,736	$ 6,956	$ 6,731	$ 1,055	$ 1,048	$ 5,970	$ 5,950	$ 38,798	$ 38,255	$ 6,804	$ 6,528	$ 1,160	$ 963	$ 43,162	$ 42,682	$ 6,357	$ 6,354	$ 2,311	$ 1,860	$ 2,819	$ 2,647	$ 107,381	$ 105,239
Accumulated depreciation	(13,535)	(12,837)																											(18,182)	(17,555)
Total Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 19,150	$ 19,188																											$ 89,199	$ 87,684
Estimated useful life (in years)																															2 years	3 years	2 years	12 years	5 years	5 years	5 years	3 years	3 years	40 years	20 years	20 years	30 years	100 years	37 years	80 years	80 years	30 years

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of June 30, 2013.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire parent company due 2013-2047		2.7	%	$	8,312	$	8,323
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		0.3	%		1,281		1,416
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2013-2035		6.0	%		3,668		3,796
				$	13,261	$	13,535

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”) and its subsidiaries:
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt due 2014-2037		6.3	%	$	4,621	$	4,621
Subsidiary and other debt due 2013-2042		5.1	%		17,360		17,002
Issued by BNSF due 2013-2097		5.3	%		15,880		14,533
				$	37,861	$	36,156

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2013-2043		3.8	%	$	11,185	$	11,186
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2013-2036		4.6	%		1,646		1,859
				$	12,831	$	13,045

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New accounting pronouncements (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

New accounting pronouncements

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

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

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

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Business segment data

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Business segment data

Note 19. Business segment data

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Premiums earned:
GEICO	$	4,597		$	4,132		$	8,996		$	8,148
General Re		1,499			1,426			2,968			2,897
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		1,903			2,334			4,699			4,405
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		816			536			1,529			1,043
Investment income		1,543			1,399			2,544			2,455
Total insurance group		10,358			9,827			20,736			18,948
BNSF		5,322			5,062			10,606			10,064
Finance and financial products		1,064			1,016			2,014			1,975
Marmon		1,816			1,863			3,546			3,656
McLane Company		11,375			9,004			22,160			17,077
MidAmerican		3,056			2,748			6,172			5,642
Other businesses		10,856			9,888			20,801			19,184
		43,847			39,408			86,035			76,546
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		953			(943	)		2,664			(47	)
Eliminations and other		(107	)		81			(139	)		194
	$	44,693		$	38,546		$	88,560		$	76,693

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Underwriting gain (loss):
GEICO	$	336		$	155		$	602		$	279
General Re		24			138			119			219
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		391			613			1,365			422
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		75			51			129			122
Net investment income		1,535			1,393			2,531			2,445
Total insurance group		2,361			2,350			4,746			3,487
BNSF		1,397			1,280			2,686			2,395
Finance and financial products		209			189			378			352
Marmon		314			307			580			576
McLane Company		114			73			246			175
MidAmerican		435			324			988			807
Other businesses		1,383			1,330			2,474			2,399
		6,213			5,853			12,098			10,191
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		953			(943	)		2,664			(47	)
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses		(74	)		(78	)		(146	)		(144	)
Eliminations and other		(201	)		(217	)		(430	)		(454	)
	$	6,891		$	4,615		$	14,186		$	9,546

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities (Detail) (Fixed Maturities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Due in one year or less - amortized cost	$ 6,639
Due after one year through five years - amortized cost	11,669
Due after five years through ten years - amortized cost	4,495
Due after ten years - amortized cost	2,418
Total - amortized cost	27,221
Due in one year or less - fair value	6,781
Due after one year through five years - fair value	12,652
Due after five years through ten years - fair value	5,045
Due after ten years - fair value	2,783
Fair Value of Investments	29,505	32,291
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities - amortized cost	2,000
Mortgage-backed securities - fair value	2,244
Fair Value of Investments	$ 2,244	$ 2,587

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Property, plant and equipment (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

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

	Ranges of  estimated useful life		June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land		—	$	1,055		$	1,048
Buildings and improvements		2 – 40 years		6,052			6,074
Machinery and equipment		3 – 20 years		15,677			15,436
Furniture, fixtures and other		2 – 20 years		2,945			2,736
Assets held for lease		12 –30 years		6,956			6,731
				32,685			32,025
Accumulated depreciation				(13,535	)		(12,837	)
			$	19,150		$	19,188

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

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

	Ranges of  estimated useful life		June 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Railroad:
Land		—	$	5,970		$	5,950
Track structure and other roadway		5 – 100 years		38,798			38,255
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		5 – 37 years		6,804			6,528
Construction in progress		—		1,160			963
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, distribution and transmission system		5 – 80 years		43,162			42,682
Interstate pipeline assets		3 – 80 years		6,357			6,354
Independent power plants and other assets		3 – 30 years		2,311			1,860
Construction in progress		—		2,819			2,647
				107,381			105,239
Accumulated depreciation				(18,182	)		(17,555	)
			$	89,199		$	87,684

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Common stock (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Changes in issued and outstanding Berkshire common stock

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

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2012		904,528			(9,573	)		894,955			1,123,393,956		(1,408,484	)		1,121,985,472
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(10,681	)		—			(10,681	)		17,218,449		—			17,218,449
Balance at June 30, 2013		893,847			(9,573	)		884,274			1,140,612,405		(1,408,484	)		1,139,203,921

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Investments in equity securities - Fair value by segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 103,274		$ 87,662
Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	101,933		86,467
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	745	[1]	675	[1]
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 596	[1]	$ 520	[1]

[1] Included in other assets.

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Investment gains/losses (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

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

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Fixed maturity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	$	67		$	58		$	82	$	91
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(38	)		(329	)		(92)		(345)
Equity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals		261			385			370		573
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(19	)		(7	)		(20)		(7)
OTTI losses		—			—			(85)		(337)
Other		221			18			742		44
	$	492		$	125		$	997	$	19
Investment gains/losses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows (in millions).
Insurance and other	$	455		$	102		$	889	$	(5)
Finance and financial products		37			23			108		24
	$	492		$	125		$	997	$	19

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Derivative contracts - Narrative (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral posting requirements under contracts with collateral provisions	$ 5,000,000		$ 40,000,000
Additional collateral posting requirements	1,100,000,000
Liabilities	6,241,000,000		7,933,000,000
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	24,000,000	[1]	171,000,000	[1]
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of equity index put option contracts	3,200,000,000		3,900,000,000
Maturity date, range, start	June 2018
Maturity date, range, end	January 2026
Weighted average remaining life of derivative contract	7 years 6 months
Liabilities	5,874,000,000		7,502,000,000
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts - Individual Corporate and High Yield Corporate [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives expiring within one year	2,200,000,000
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts - States and Municipalities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity date, range, start	2019
Maturity date, range, end	2054
Weighted average remaining life of derivative contract	18 years 2 months 12 days
Notional value	7,800,000,000
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	43,000,000		49,000,000
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 178,000,000		$ 234,000,000

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

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Common stock (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share	$ 5.0000
Common Stock, shares authorized	1,650,000
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share	$ 0.0033
Common Stock, shares authorized	3,225,000,000

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Derivative contracts - gains and losses (Detail) (Finance and Financial Products [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	$ 461	$ (1,068)	$ 1,667	$ (66)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	461	(1,068)	1,667	(66)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	390	(1,173)	1,636	(484)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	99	171	85	511
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	$ (28)	$ (66)	$ (54)	$ (93)

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Significant business acquisitions - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Renewable Energy Generation Entities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate consideration paid for acquisitions	$ 154	$ 469	$ 3,200	$ 438

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Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable inputs (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net Derivative Contract (Liabilities) [Member]
Fair value measurements Significant unobservable inputs [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (7,847)	$ (9,908)
Gains (losses) included in earnings	1,715	23
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(5)	3
Gains (losses) included in regulatory assets and liabilities	2	3
Settlements, net	(45)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		13
Ending Balance	(6,180)	(9,866)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair value measurements Significant unobservable inputs [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	652	784
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(12)	5
Dispositions	(8)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(7)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		(129)
Ending Balance	632	653
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair value measurements Significant unobservable inputs [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	35	22
Gains (losses) included in earnings	3
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income		16
Settlements, net	(31)
Ending Balance	7	38
Other Investments [Member]
Fair value measurements Significant unobservable inputs [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	15,750	11,669
Gains (losses) included in earnings	520
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	722	1,770
Transfers into (out of) Level 3	(1,495)
Ending Balance	$ 15,497	$ 13,439

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Contingencies and Commitments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Contingencies and Commitments

Note 18. Contingencies and Commitments

We have owned a controlling interest in Marmon Holdings, Inc. (“Marmon”) since 2008. On June 28, 2013, Berkshire acquired approximately 16% of the then outstanding Marmon noncontrolling interests for approximately $238 million and we currently own about 91.7% of Marmon’s outstanding common stock. We are contractually required to acquire substantially all of the remaining noncontrolling interests of Marmon no later than March 31, 2014, for an amount that will be based on Marmon’s 2013 operating results. On April 29, 2013, Berkshire acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V., the parent company of Iscar, for consideration of $2.05 billion. Berkshire now owns 100% of IMC International Metalworking Companies B.V. The differences between the consideration paid and the carrying amounts of these acquired noncontrolling interests were recorded as reductions in Berkshire’s shareholders’ equity of approximately $1.2 billion.

On May 29, 2013, MidAmerican announced that it would acquire NV Energy, Inc. (“NV Energy”), an energy holding company serving approximately 1.3 million electric and natural gas customers in Nevada. Under the terms of the agreement, MidAmerican will purchase all outstanding shares of NV Energy’s common stock for $23.75 per share in cash, or approximately $5.6 billion in the aggregate. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the transaction by NV Energy’s shareholders and the receipt of required state and federal approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014.

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 168,961	$ 37,815	$ 17,654	$ 109,448	$ (67)	$ 4,111
Net earnings	6,597			6,353		244
Other comprehensive income, net	6,106		6,127			(21)
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock	51	51
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions		(2)				2
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	181,715	37,864	23,781	115,801	(67)	4,336
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	191,588	37,238	27,500	124,272	(1,363)	3,941
Net earnings	9,629			9,433		196
Other comprehensive income, net	6,046		6,077			(31)
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock	70	70
Changes in noncontrolling interests:
Interests acquired and other transactions	(2,345)	(1,199)	(12)			(1,134)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 204,988	$ 36,109	$ 33,565	$ 133,705	$ (1,363)	$ 2,972

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General

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

General

Note 1. General

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

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

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Investments in fixed maturity securities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Investments in fixed maturity securities

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized  Gains		Unrealized  Losses			Fair Value
June 30, 2013
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,799	$	22	$	(10	)	$	2,811
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,600		152		(4	)		2,748
Foreign governments		10,222		156		(140	)		10,238
Corporate bonds		9,600		1,880		(16	)		11,464
Mortgage-backed securities		2,000		252		(8	)		2,244
	$	27,221	$	2,462	$	(178	)	$	29,505
December 31, 2012
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,742	$	33	$	—		$	2,775
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,735		178		—			2,913
Foreign governments		11,098		302		(45	)		11,355
Corporate bonds		10,410		2,254		(3	)		12,661
Mortgage-backed securities		2,276		318		(7	)		2,587
	$	29,261	$	3,085	$	(55	)	$	32,291

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	28,756	$	31,449
Finance and financial products		749		842
	$	29,505	$	32,291

Investments in foreign government securities include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of June 30, 2013, approximately 94% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies and securities issued or guaranteed by Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and The Netherlands represented approximately 80% of the investments. Unrealized losses on all fixed maturity investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $13 million as of June 30, 2013 and $9 million as of December 31, 2012.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at June 30, 2013 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers of certain of the securities retain early call or prepayment rights. Amounts are in millions.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage-  backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	6,639	$	11,669	$	4,495	$	2,418	$	2,000	$	27,221
Fair value		6,781		12,652		5,045		2,783		2,244		29,505

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Common stock - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Class B [Member] Vote	Jun. 30, 2013 Class A [Member] Vote	Dec. 31, 2012 Class A [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Preferred Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Ratio of net earnings per equivalent common share and dividend and distribution rights of Class B shares to Class A shares	0.000667
Number of votes entitled per share, number	0.0001	1
Number of shares of Class B stock obtainable from converting one Class A share	1,500
Class A equivalent shares outstanding		1,643,743	1,642,945
Preferred Stock, shares authorized				1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued				0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding				0
Shares repurchase, authorization description					In 2011, Berkshire's Board of Directors ("Berkshire's Board") approved a common stock repurchase program. Under the program, as amended in December 2012, Berkshire may repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. Berkshire may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Berkshire's Board authorization does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased.
Minimum cash equivalent threshold after repurchase of common stock shares, amount					$ 20,000,000,000

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New accounting pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

New accounting pronouncements

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

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

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

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

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Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income and significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net			Foreign currency translation			Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	29,254		$	(120	)	$	(1,601	)	$	(33	)	$	27,500
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		7,196			(669	)		17			4			6,548
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(504	)		(29	)		59			3			(471	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		—			(12	)		—			—			(12	)
Net current period other comprehensive income		6,692			(710	)		76			7			6,065
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	35,946		$	(830	)	$	(1,525	)	$	(26	)	$	33,565
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings for the first six months of 2013 are included on the following line items:
Investment gains/losses:
Insurance and other	$	(707	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(707	)
Finance and financial products		(68	)		—			—			—			(68	)
Other (1)		—			(29	)		83			7			61
Reclassifications before income taxes		(775	)		(29	)		83			7			(714	)
Applicable income taxes		(271	)		—			24			4			(243	)
	$	(504	)	$	(29	)	$	59		$	3		$	(471	)

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

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Schedule of investments in securities with fixed maturities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized  Gains		Unrealized  Losses			Fair Value
June 30, 2013
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,799	$	22	$	(10	)	$	2,811
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,600		152		(4	)		2,748
Foreign governments		10,222		156		(140	)		10,238
Corporate bonds		9,600		1,880		(16	)		11,464
Mortgage-backed securities		2,000		252		(8	)		2,244
	$	27,221	$	2,462	$	(178	)	$	29,505
December 31, 2012
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,742	$	33	$	—		$	2,775
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,735		178		—			2,913
Foreign governments		11,098		302		(45	)		11,355
Corporate bonds		10,410		2,254		(3	)		12,661
Mortgage-backed securities		2,276		318		(7	)		2,587
	$	29,261	$	3,085	$	(55	)	$	32,291

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	28,756	$	31,449
Finance and financial products		749		842
	$	29,505	$	32,291

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

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at June 30, 2013 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers of certain of the securities retain early call or prepayment rights. Amounts are in millions.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage-  backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	6,639	$	11,669	$	4,495	$	2,418	$	2,000	$	27,221
Fair value		6,781		12,652		5,045		2,783		2,244		29,505

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Receivables (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of receivables

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Insurance premiums receivable	$	8,197		$	7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,951			2,925
Trade and other receivables		11,189			11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(381	)		(386	)
	$	21,956		$	21,753

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Schedule of receivables

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	$	12,570		$	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables		623			469
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(338	)		(361	)
	$	12,855		$	12,809

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Common stock (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning of year (in shares)	904,528
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition	(10,681)
Shares issued, end of period (in shares)	893,847
Treasury shares, beginning of year	(9,573)
Treasury shares, end of period	(9,573)
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)	894,955
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	884,274
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning of year (in shares)	1,123,393,956
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition	17,218,449
Shares issued, end of period (in shares)	1,140,612,405
Treasury shares, beginning of year	(1,408,484)
Treasury shares, end of period	(1,408,484)
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)	1,121,985,472
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	1,139,203,921

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Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Schedule of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures

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

	First Six Months
	2013		2012
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	2,724	$	1,378
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		178		167
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		918		890
Finance and financial products businesses		284		317

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Fair value measurements - Other information (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Discounted Cash Flow Method [Member] | Net Derivative Contract Liabilities [Member] | Credit Default Contracts - States and Municipalities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, credit spreads	0.76%
Fair value of liability	$ 337
Pricing Model, Option [Member] | Net Derivative Contract Liabilities [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, volatility	21.00%
Fair value of liability	5,874
Other Investments [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow Method [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, expected duration	7 years
Fair value, unobservable input, discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	0.97%
Fair value of asset	11,696
Other Investments [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Pricing Model, Warrant [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, unobservable input, discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	22.00%
Fair value of asset	$ 3,801

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Receivables - Narrative (Detail) (Finance and Financial Products [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provisions for consumer loan losses	$ 128	$ 161
Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries	151	170
Unamortized acquisition discounts on consumer loans	$ 434		$ 459
Percent of loan balances evaluated collectively for impairment	98.00%
Commercial loans and finance receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of loan balances evaluated individually for impairment	71.00%
Loans and finance receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of loan balances that are performing	98.00%
Percent of loan balances that are current as to payment status	94.00%

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Other investments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 29,484	$ 16,057
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying Value	5,235	4,952
Other Investments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	29,245	16,257
Unrealized Gains	6,214	5,627
Fair Value	35,459	21,884
Carrying Value	34,719	21,009
Other Investments [Member] | Heinz Holding [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	12,250
Fair Value	12,250
Carrying Value	12,250
Other Investments [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	13,741	13,109
Unrealized Gains	4,233	3,823
Fair Value	17,974	16,932
Carrying Value	17,234	16,057
Other Investments [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	3,254	3,148
Unrealized Gains	1,981	1,804
Fair Value	5,235	4,952
Carrying Value	$ 5,235	$ 4,952

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail) (Fixed Maturities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Unrealized losses related to securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months	$ 13	$ 9
Foreign governments [Member] | Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and The Netherlands [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by geographic location	80.00%
Foreign governments [Member] | AA or Higher Credit Rating [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by credit rating	94.00%

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012
Revenues:
Investment gains/losses	$ 492		$ 125		$ 997		$ 19
Total revenues	44,693		38,546		88,560		76,693
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses	37,802		33,931		74,374		67,147
Earnings before income taxes	6,891		4,615		14,186		9,546
Income tax expense	2,279		1,384		4,557		2,949
Net earnings	4,612		3,231		9,629		6,597
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	71		123		196		244
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway	4,541		3,108		9,433		6,353
Average common shares outstanding	1,643,599	[1]	1,651,511	[1]	1,643,391	[1]	1,651,228	[1]
Class A [Member]
Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders:
Net earnings per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 2,763	[1]	$ 1,882	[1]	$ 5,740	[1]	$ 3,847	[1]
Insurance and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned	8,815		8,428		18,192		16,493
Sales and service revenues	23,873		20,814		46,291		40,078
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,610		1,420		2,621		2,487
Investment gains/losses	455		102		889		(5)
Total revenues	34,753		30,764		67,993		59,053
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,269		4,586		10,413		9,357
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	1,063		1,351		2,324		2,443
Insurance underwriting expenses	1,657		1,534		3,240		3,651
Cost of sales and services	19,373		16,821		37,657		32,417
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,926		2,476		5,780		4,904
Interest expense	107		106		208		209
Total costs and expenses	30,395		26,874		59,622		52,981
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Operating revenues	8,310		7,769		16,661		15,618
Other	68		41		117		88
Total revenues	8,378		7,810		16,778		15,706
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	6,094		5,767		12,205		11,637
Interest expense	452		439		899		867
Total costs and expenses	6,546		6,206		13,104		12,504
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Revenues:
Interest, dividend and other investment income	342		372		683		747
Investment gains/losses	37		23		108		24
Derivative gains/losses	461		(1,068)		1,667		(66)
Other	722		645		1,331		1,229
Total revenues	1,562		(28)		3,789		1,934
Costs and expenses:
Interest expense	132		151		270		311
Other	729		700		1,378		1,351
Total costs and expenses	$ 861		$ 851		$ 1,648		$ 1,662

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

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Investment gains/losses

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Investment gains/losses

Note 7. Investment gains/losses

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Fixed maturity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	$	67		$	58		$	82	$	91
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(38	)		(329	)		(92)		(345)
Equity securities —
Gross gains from sales and other disposals		261			385			370		573
Gross losses from sales and other disposals		(19	)		(7	)		(20)		(7)
OTTI losses		—			—			(85)		(337)
Other		221			18			742		44
	$	492		$	125		$	997	$	19
Investment gains/losses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows (in millions).
Insurance and other	$	455		$	102		$	889	$	(5)
Finance and financial products		37			23			108		24
	$	492		$	125		$	997	$	19

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

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net earnings	$ 4,612	$ 3,231	$ 9,629	$ 6,597
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	1,411	(1,788)	11,052	9,854
Applicable income taxes	(518)	584	(3,844)	(3,467)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	(271)	(107)	(775)	25
Applicable income taxes	95	37	271	(9)
Foreign currency translation	(203)	(537)	(853)	(318)
Applicable income taxes	42	6	93	7
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans	25	37	112	49
Applicable income taxes	(7)	(10)	(30)	(16)
Other, net	4	1	20	(19)
Other comprehensive income, net	578	(1,777)	6,046	6,106
Comprehensive income	5,190	1,454	15,675	12,703
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	64	82	165	223
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 5,126	$ 1,372	$ 15,510	$ 12,480

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Property, plant and equipment - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 2,682	$ 2,518
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	994	955
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 1,597	$ 1,476

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 35,695	$ 46,992
Investments in equity securities	103,274	87,662
Inventories	9,877	9,675
Goodwill	54,372	54,523
Total assets	446,563	427,452
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	49,547	44,494
Total liabilities	241,575	235,864
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	8	8
Capital in excess of par value	36,101	37,230
Accumulated other comprehensive income	33,565	27,500
Retained earnings	133,705	124,272
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,363)	(1,363)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	202,016	187,647
Noncontrolling interests	2,972	3,941
Total shareholders' equity	204,988	191,588
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	446,563	427,452
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	31,216	42,358
Investments in fixed maturity securities	28,756	31,449
Investments in equity securities	101,933	86,467
Other investments	29,484	16,057
Receivables	21,956	21,753
Inventories	9,877	9,675
Property, plant and equipment	19,150	19,188
Goodwill	33,178	33,274
Other	18,982	17,875
Total assets	294,532	278,096
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	64,423	64,160
Unearned premiums	11,360	10,237
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	10,520	10,943
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	21,278	21,149
Notes payable and other borrowings	13,261	13,535
Total liabilities	120,842	120,024
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,564	2,570
Property, plant and equipment	89,199	87,684
Goodwill	20,158	20,213
Other	14,696	13,441
Total assets	126,617	123,908
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	13,186	13,113
Notes payable and other borrowings	37,861	36,156
Total liabilities	51,047	49,269
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,915	2,064
Investments in fixed maturity securities	749	842
Other investments	5,235	4,952
Loans and finance receivables	12,855	12,809
Goodwill	1,036	1,036
Other	3,624	3,745
Total assets	25,414	25,448
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,067	1,099
Derivative contract liabilities	6,241	7,933
Notes payable and other borrowings	12,831	13,045
Total liabilities	$ 20,139	$ 22,077

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Other investments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	40 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		46 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		66 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	66 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	54 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	22 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013 Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Apr. 18, 2011 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Investments [Member] Warrants Expiring October 1, 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Goldman Sachs Group Inc [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock And Warrants [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 General Electric Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Oct. 17, 2011 General Electric Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 General Electric Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock And Warrants [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 General Electric Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Warrants Expiring October 16, 2013 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Subordinated Debt Due 2018 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Subordinated Debt Due 2018 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Wm Wrigley Jr Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Senior Notes Due 2013 and 2014 [Member] Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 The Dow Chemical Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 The Dow Chemical Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 The Dow Chemical Company [Member] Other Investments [Member] Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock And Warrants [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Bank of America Corporation [Member] Other Investments [Member] Warrants Expiring 2021 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Goldman Sachs and General Electric [Member] Other Investments [Member] Common Stock Warrants [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] 3G Capital (venture partner) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Common Stock [Member] 3G Capital (venture partner) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Heinz [Member] Stock Options [Member] Management [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Heinz [Member] 3G Capital (venture partner) [Member]	Jun. 07, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Heinz [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Other Investments [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Other Investments [Member] Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Compounding Preferred Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Other Investments [Member] Cumulative Compounding Preferred Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Other Investments [Member] Common Stock, Cumulative Compounding Preferred Stock and Warrants [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Other Investments [Member] Warrants Expiring June 7, 2018 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Heinz Holding [Member] Other Investments [Member] Heinz [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Investment, number of shares purchased			50,000				30,000												3,000,000		50,000						425,000,000					425,000,000
Investment in preferred stock, stated dividend rate				10.00%				10.00%						5.00%						8.50%		6.00%											9.00%
Number of common shares that can be purchased					43,478,260					134,831,460														700,000,000												46,000,000
Amount paid for an investment	$ 12,250,000,000					$ 5,000,000,000			$ 3,000,000,000				$ 2,100,000,000						$ 3,000,000,000				$ 5,000,000,000												$ 12,250,000,000
Aggregate cost to exercise warrants					5,000,000,000					3,000,000,000														5,000,000,000
Exercise price for warrants, per share					$ 115					$ 22.25														$ 7.142857												$ 0.01
Aggregate net unrealized gains on securities																									728,000,000
Acquisition of debt investments, par value when acquired												4,400,000,000				1,000,000,000
Investment in notes, stated interest rate											11.45%
Investment owned, face value															800,000,000		200,000,000
Equity method investment ownership percentage		50.00%																								50.00%					50.00%
Conversion ratio of preferred stock into common stock																		24.201		24.201
Preferred stock conversion price, per share																		$ 41.32		$ 41.32
Common stock threshold price, per share, to trigger the issuer's option to convert preferred stock into common stock																		$ 53.72		$ 53.72
Minimum number of trading days in a consecutive-day period that the issuer's common stock price must exceed to trigger the issuer's option to convert preferred stock to common stock																		20 days
Range of trading days in a consecutive day period, number of days																		30 days
Redemption value of Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, per share																						$ 105,000
Redemption value of Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, aggregate value																						5,250,000,000
Business acquisition, cash price per share																														$ 72.50
Aggregate cash paid for acquiree's equity securities																											4,250,000,000			23,250,000,000
Investment in preferred stock, liquidation value																																	$ 8,000,000,000	$ 8,000,000,000
Common shares reserved for issuance under options to management of acquiree																												39,600,000
Investment in preferred stock, call feature																																		Callable after June 7, 2016 at the liquidation value plus an applicable premium and any accrued and unpaid dividends
Minimum percentage of initial common stock investment required to be held to maintain approval rights over significant transactions and governance																													66.00%								66.00%

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Accumulated other comprehensive income - Reclassified Amounts (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	$ 492	$ 125	$ 997		$ 19
Reclassifications before income taxes	6,891	4,615	14,186		9,546
Applicable income taxes	2,279	1,384	4,557		2,949
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings	4,612	3,231	9,629		6,597
Insurance and Other [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	455	102	889		(5)
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	37	23	108		24
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other			61	[1]
Reclassifications before income taxes			(714)
Applicable income taxes			(243)
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings			(471)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses			(707)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses			(68)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications before income taxes			(775)
Applicable income taxes			(271)
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings			(504)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses			(707)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses			(68)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Foreign currency translation [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other			(29)	[1]
Reclassifications before income taxes			(29)
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings			(29)
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other			83	[1]
Reclassifications before income taxes			83
Applicable income taxes			24
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings			59
Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member] | Other AOCI transactions [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other			7	[1]
Reclassifications before income taxes			7
Applicable income taxes			4
Total amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into net earnings			$ 3

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

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Investments in equity securities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Schedule of investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized  Losses			Fair Value
June 30, 2013
Banks, insurance and finance	$	20,259	$	21,600	$	—		$	41,859
Consumer products		7,272		17,178		—			24,450
Commercial, industrial and other		28,272		9,030		(337	)		36,965
	$	55,803	$	47,808	$	(337	)	$	103,274
December 31, 2012
Banks, insurance and finance	$	18,600	$	14,753	$	(2	)	$	33,351
Consumer products		7,546		14,917		—			22,463
Commercial, industrial and other		24,361		7,687		(200	)		31,848
	$	50,507	$	37,357	$	(202	)	$	87,662

As of June 30, 2013, approximately 58% of the fair value of our equity securities was concentrated within four companies. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we concluded that there were no unrealized losses that were other-than-temporary. Our conclusions were based on: (a) our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery; (b) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of each of these issuers was favorable; (c) our opinion that the relative price declines were not significant; and (d) our belief that it was reasonably possible that market prices will increase to and exceed our cost in a relatively short period of time. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $135 million and $45 million, respectively.

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	101,933	$	86,467
Railroad, utilities and energy *		745		675
Finance and financial products *		596		520
	$	103,274	$	87,662

* Included in other assets.

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Common stock

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Common stock

Note 16. Common stock

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

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2012		904,528			(9,573	)		894,955			1,123,393,956		(1,408,484	)		1,121,985,472
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(10,681	)		—			(10,681	)		17,218,449		—			17,218,449
Balance at June 30, 2013		893,847			(9,573	)		884,274			1,140,612,405		(1,408,484	)		1,139,203,921

Each Class A common share is entitled to one vote per share. Class B common stock possesses dividend and distribution rights equal to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of such rights of Class A common stock. Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equivalent to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share. Unless otherwise required under Delaware General Corporation Law, Class A and Class B common shares vote as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock. On an equivalent Class A common stock basis, there were 1,643,743 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2013 and 1,642,945 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none of which are issued and outstanding.

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

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Unrealized Gains on Investments	$ 47,808	$ 37,357
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(337)	(202)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	27,221	29,261
Unrealized Gains on Investments	2,462	3,085
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(178)	(55)
Fair Value of Investments	29,505	32,291
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	2,799	2,742
Unrealized Gains on Investments	22	33
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(10)
Fair Value of Investments	2,811	2,775
Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	2,600	2,735
Unrealized Gains on Investments	152	178
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(4)
Fair Value of Investments	2,748	2,913
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	10,222	11,098
Unrealized Gains on Investments	156	302
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(140)	(45)
Fair Value of Investments	10,238	11,355
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	9,600	10,410
Unrealized Gains on Investments	1,880	2,254
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(16)	(3)
Fair Value of Investments	11,464	12,661
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized Cost of Investments	2,000	2,276
Unrealized Gains on Investments	252	318
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(8)	(7)
Fair Value of Investments	$ 2,244	$ 2,587

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Business segment data (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 44,693	$ 38,546	$ 88,560	$ 76,693
Total earnings before income taxes	6,891	4,615	14,186	9,546
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	43,847	39,408	86,035	76,546
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	6,213	5,853	12,098	10,191
Operating Businesses [Member] | Geico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,597	4,132	8,996	8,148
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	336	155	602	279
Operating Businesses [Member] | General Re [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	1,499	1,426	2,968	2,897
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	24	138	119	219
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	1,903	2,334	4,699	4,405
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	391	613	1,365	422
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	816	536	1,529	1,043
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	75	51	129	122
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group Investment Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,543	1,399	2,544	2,455
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,535	1,393	2,531	2,445
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,358	9,827	20,736	18,948
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	2,361	2,350	4,746	3,487
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	5,322	5,062	10,606	10,064
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,397	1,280	2,686	2,395
Operating Businesses [Member] | Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,064	1,016	2,014	1,975
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	209	189	378	352
Operating Businesses [Member] | Marmon [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,816	1,863	3,546	3,656
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	314	307	580	576
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	11,375	9,004	22,160	17,077
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	114	73	246	175
Operating Businesses [Member] | MidAmerican [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,056	2,748	6,172	5,642
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	435	324	988	807
Operating Businesses [Member] | Other Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,856	9,888	20,801	19,184
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,383	1,330	2,474	2,399
Intersegment Eliminations and Other Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative gains/losses	953	(943)	2,664	(47)
Revenues	(107)	81	(139)	194
Interest expense	(74)	(78)	(146)	(144)
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	$ (201)	$ (217)	$ (430)	$ (454)

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Receivables (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance and Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Insurance premiums receivable	$ 8,197	$ 7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	2,951	2,925
Trade and other receivables	11,189	11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts	(381)	(386)
Receivables	21,956	21,753
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	12,570	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables	623	469
Allowances for uncollectible loans	(338)	(361)
Total loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses	$ 12,855	$ 12,809

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Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 2,724	$ 1,378
Insurance and Other [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	178	167
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	918	890
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 284	$ 317

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

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

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
June 30, 2013
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,811	$	2,811	$	1,128	$	1,682	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,748		2,748		—		2,748		—
Foreign governments		10,238		10,238		4,079		6,159		—
Corporate bonds		11,464		11,464		—		10,833		631
Mortgage-backed securities		2,244		2,244		—		2,244		—
Investments in equity securities		103,274		103,274		103,205		62		7
Other investments carried at fair value		17,200		17,200		—		1,703		15,497
Other investments carried at cost		17,519		18,259		—		—		18,259
Loans and finance receivables		12,855		12,032		—		481		11,551
Derivative contract assets (1)		67		67		1		15		51
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		178		178		5		164		9
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		5,874		5,874		—		—		5,874
Credit default		348		348		—		—		348
Other		19		19		—		19		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,261		13,612		—		13,612		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		37,861		41,194		—		41,194		—
Finance and financial products		12,831		13,234		—		12,509		725
December 31, 2012
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,775	$	2,775	$	1,225	$	1,549	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,913		2,913		—		2,912		1
Foreign governments		11,355		11,355		4,571		6,784		—
Corporate bonds		12,661		12,661		—		12,011		650
Mortgage-backed securities		2,587		2,587		—		2,587		—
Investments in equity securities		87,662		87,662		87,563		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		15,750		15,750		—		—		15,750
Other investments carried at cost		5,259		6,134		—		—		6,134
Loans and finance receivables		12,809		11,991		—		304		11,687
Derivative contract assets (1)		220		220		1		128		91
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		234		234		10		217		7
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		7,502		7,502		—		—		7,502
Credit default		429		429		—		—		429
Other		2		2		—		2		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,535		14,284		—		14,284		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,156		42,074		—		42,074		—
Finance and financial products		13,045		14,005		—		13,194		811

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

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

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

	Investments in fixed maturity securities			Investments in equity securities			Other investments			Net derivative contract liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	784		$	22		$	11,669		$	(9,908	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			—			—			23
Other comprehensive income		5			16			1,770			3
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—			3
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(7	)		—			—			13
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		(129	)		—			—			—
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	653		$	38		$	13,439		$	(9,866	)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	652		$	35		$	15,750		$	(7,847	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			3			520			1,715
Other comprehensive income		(12	)		—			722			(5	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—			2
Dispositions		(8	)		—			—			—
Settlements, net		—			(31	)		—			(45	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		—			—			(1,495	)		—
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	632		$	7		$	15,497		$	(6,180	)

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

Quantitative information as of June 30, 2013, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair value		Principal valuation techniques	Unobservable Input	Weighted Average
Other investments:
Preferred stocks	$	11,696	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	7 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	97 basis     points
Common stock warrants		3,801	Warrant pricing model	Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	22%
Net derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		5,874	Option pricing model	Volatility	21%
Credit default-states/municipalities		337	Discounted cash flow	Credit spreads	76 basis     points

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Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Reconciliation of the change in goodwill

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	54,523		$	53,213
Acquisitions of businesses		15			1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation		(166	)		(132	)
Balance at end of period	$	54,372		$	54,523

Schedule of intangible assets

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

	June 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	11,715	$	3,330	$	11,737	$	2,994
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,164		1,070		2,163		913
	$	13,879	$	4,400	$	13,900	$	3,907
Trademarks and trade names	$	2,801	$	310	$	2,819	$	278
Patents and technology		5,035		2,329		5,014		2,059
Customer relationships		4,538		1,325		4,565		1,155
Other		1,505		436		1,502		415
	$	13,879	$	4,400	$	13,900	$	3,907

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

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Derivative contracts outstanding

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

	June 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value			Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value
Equity index put options	$	—	$	5,874	$	30,936	(1)	$	—	$	7,502	$	33,357	(1)
Credit default		14		348		10,035	(2)		41		429		11,691	(2)
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		10		19					130		2
	$	24	$	6,241				$	171	$	7,933

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

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

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

Derivative gains/losses included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Derivative gains/losses of our finance and financial products businesses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows (in millions).

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Equity index put options	$	390		$	(1,173	)	$	1,636	$	(484)
Credit default		99			171			85		511
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		(28	)		(66	)		(54)		(93)
	$	461		$	(1,068	)	$	1,667	$	(66)

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Other investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Other investments

Note 6. Other investments

Other investments include fixed maturity and equity securities of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“GS”), General Electric Company (“GE”), Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (“Wrigley”), The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) and Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). In 2013, other investments also include investments in H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation (“Heinz Holding”), a newly formed holding company that acquired the H.J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”) on June 7, 2013. A summary of other investments follows (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Carrying Value
June 30, 2013
Fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,741	$	4,233	$	17,974	$	17,234
Finance and financial products		3,254		1,981		5,235		5,235
Investments in Heinz Holding		12,250		—		12,250		12,250
	$	29,245	$	6,214	$	35,459	$	34,719
December 31, 2012
Fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,109	$	3,823	$	16,932	$	16,057
Finance and financial products		3,148		1,804		4,952		4,952
	$	16,257	$	5,627	$	21,884	$	21,009

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

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

In the first quarter of 2013, the GE Warrants and GS Warrants agreements were amended to provide solely for cashless exercises. Upon exercise, we will receive shares of GE and GS based on the excess, if any, of the market price, as defined, over the exercise price, without payment of additional consideration. The aggregate net unrealized gains associated with these investments ($728 million) were included in earnings in 2013 and were reflected in the cost figures in the preceding table as of June 30, 2013.

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

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

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

On February 13, 2013, Berkshire and an affiliate of the global investment firm 3G Capital (such affiliate, “3G”), through a newly formed holding company, Heinz Holding, entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Heinz. The transaction to acquire Heinz was completed on June 7, 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, Heinz shareholders received $72.50 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock, or approximately $23.25 billion in the aggregate. On June 7, 2013, Berkshire and 3G each made equity investments in Heinz Holding, which, together with debt financing obtained by Heinz Holding, was used to acquire Heinz.

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

Berkshire’s investments in Heinz Holding consist of 425 million shares of common stock, warrants to acquire additional shares of common stock, and cumulative compounding preferred stock (“preferred stock”) with a liquidation preference of $8 billion. The aggregate cost of these investments was $12.25 billion. 3G acquired 425 million shares of Heinz Holding common stock for $4.25 billion. In addition, Heinz Holding has reserved 39.6 million shares of common stock for issuance under stock options to management of Heinz.

The preferred stock possesses no voting rights except as required by law or for certain matters specified in the Heinz Holding charter. The preferred stock is entitled to dividends at 9% per annum whether or not declared, is senior in priority to the common stock and is callable after June 7, 2016 at the liquidation value plus an applicable premium and any accrued and unpaid dividends. Under the Heinz Holding charter and a shareholders’ agreement entered into as of the acquisition date (the “shareholders’ agreement”), after June 7, 2021, Berkshire can cause Heinz Holding to sell shares of common stock through public offerings or other issuances (“redemption offerings”), the proceeds of which would be required to be used to redeem any outstanding shares of preferred stock. The warrants are exercisable into approximately 46 million shares of common stock (subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments) for one cent per share and expire on June 7, 2018.

Berkshire and 3G each currently own 50% of the outstanding shares of common stock and possess equal voting interests in Heinz Holding. Under the shareholders’ agreement, unless and until Heinz Holding engages in a public offering, Berkshire and 3G each must approve all significant transactions and governance matters involving Heinz Holding and Heinz so long as Berkshire and 3G each continue to hold at least 66% of their initial common stock investments, except for (i) the declaration and payment of dividends on the preferred stock, and actions related to a Heinz Holding call of the preferred stock, for which Berkshire does not have a vote or approval right, and (ii) redemption offerings and redemptions resulting therefrom, which may only be triggered by Berkshire. No dividends may be paid on the common stock if there are any unpaid dividends on the preferred stock.

Berkshire is accounting for its investments in common stock and common stock warrants on the equity method. Accordingly, Berkshire will recognize its proportionate share of net earnings and other comprehensive income available to common stockholders in its earnings and other comprehensive income beginning as of June 7, 2013. Berkshire has concluded that its investment in preferred stock currently represents an equity investment. The preferred stock does not have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, this investment is carried at cost in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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Derivative contracts (Detail) (Finance and Financial Products [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 6,241		$ 7,933
Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	5,874		7,502
Notional Value	30,936	[1]	33,357	[1]
Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	348		429
Notional Value	10,035	[2]	11,691	[2]
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	19		2
Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	24	[3]	171	[3]
Other Assets [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	14	[3]	41	[3]
Other Assets [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	$ 10	[3]	$ 130	[3]

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

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

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

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Other investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Schedule of other investments

A summary of other investments follows (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Fair Value		Carrying Value
June 30, 2013
Fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,741	$	4,233	$	17,974	$	17,234
Finance and financial products		3,254		1,981		5,235		5,235
Investments in Heinz Holding		12,250		—		12,250		12,250
	$	29,245	$	6,214	$	35,459	$	34,719
December 31, 2012
Fixed maturity and equity securities:
Insurance and other	$	13,109	$	3,823	$	16,932	$	16,057
Finance and financial products		3,148		1,804		4,952		4,952
	$	16,257	$	5,627	$	21,884	$	21,009

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Business segment data (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Schedule of revenues and earnings by segment

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Premiums earned:
GEICO	$	4,597		$	4,132		$	8,996		$	8,148
General Re		1,499			1,426			2,968			2,897
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		1,903			2,334			4,699			4,405
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		816			536			1,529			1,043
Investment income		1,543			1,399			2,544			2,455
Total insurance group		10,358			9,827			20,736			18,948
BNSF		5,322			5,062			10,606			10,064
Finance and financial products		1,064			1,016			2,014			1,975
Marmon		1,816			1,863			3,546			3,656
McLane Company		11,375			9,004			22,160			17,077
MidAmerican		3,056			2,748			6,172			5,642
Other businesses		10,856			9,888			20,801			19,184
		43,847			39,408			86,035			76,546
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		953			(943	)		2,664			(47	)
Eliminations and other		(107	)		81			(139	)		194
	$	44,693		$	38,546		$	88,560		$	76,693

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

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Operating Businesses:
Insurance group:
Underwriting gain (loss):
GEICO	$	336		$	155		$	602		$	279
General Re		24			138			119			219
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		391			613			1,365			422
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		75			51			129			122
Net investment income		1,535			1,393			2,531			2,445
Total insurance group		2,361			2,350			4,746			3,487
BNSF		1,397			1,280			2,686			2,395
Finance and financial products		209			189			378			352
Marmon		314			307			580			576
McLane Company		114			73			246			175
MidAmerican		435			324			988			807
Other businesses		1,383			1,330			2,474			2,399
		6,213			5,853			12,098			10,191
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		953			(943	)		2,664			(47	)
Interest expense, excluding interest allocated to operating businesses		(74	)		(78	)		(146	)		(144	)
Eliminations and other		(201	)		(217	)		(430	)		(454	)
	$	6,891		$	4,615		$	14,186		$	9,546

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Inventories

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Raw materials	$	1,719	$	1,699
Work in process and other		861		883
Finished manufactured goods		3,296		3,187
Goods acquired for resale		4,001		3,906
	$	9,877	$	9,675

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Accumulated other comprehensive income - Rollforward (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Foreign currency translation [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Other AOCI transactions [Member] Portion Attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 33,565	$ 27,500	$ 27,500	$ 29,254	$ (120)	$ (1,601)	$ (33)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			6,548	7,196	(669)	17	4
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(471)	(504)	(29)	59	3
Transactions with noncontrolling interests			(12)		(12)
Net current period other comprehensive income			6,065	6,692	(710)	76	7
Ending Balance	$ 33,565	$ 27,500	$ 33,565	$ 35,946	$ (830)	$ (1,525)	$ (26)

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Investments in equity securities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Investments in equity securities

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized  Losses			Fair Value
June 30, 2013
Banks, insurance and finance	$	20,259	$	21,600	$	—		$	41,859
Consumer products		7,272		17,178		—			24,450
Commercial, industrial and other		28,272		9,030		(337	)		36,965
	$	55,803	$	47,808	$	(337	)	$	103,274
December 31, 2012
Banks, insurance and finance	$	18,600	$	14,753	$	(2	)	$	33,351
Consumer products		7,546		14,917		—			22,463
Commercial, industrial and other		24,361		7,687		(200	)		31,848
	$	50,507	$	37,357	$	(202	)	$	87,662

As of June 30, 2013, approximately 58% of the fair value of our equity securities was concentrated within four companies. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we concluded that there were no unrealized losses that were other-than-temporary. Our conclusions were based on: (a) our ability and intent to hold the securities to recovery; (b) our assessment that the underlying business and financial condition of each of these issuers was favorable; (c) our opinion that the relative price declines were not significant; and (d) our belief that it was reasonably possible that market prices will increase to and exceed our cost in a relatively short period of time. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrealized losses on equity securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months were $135 million and $45 million, respectively.

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

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Insurance and other	$	101,933	$	86,467
Railroad, utilities and energy *		745		675
Finance and financial products *		596		520
	$	103,274	$	87,662

* Included in other assets.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 9,629	$ 6,597
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(997)	(19)
Depreciation	2,682	2,518
Other	450	428
Changes in operating assets and liabilities before business acquisitions:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	583	(539)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed	(309)	176
Unearned premiums	1,154	1,722
Receivables and originated loans	(180)	(1,565)
Derivative contract assets and liabilities	(1,543)	36
Income taxes	1,908	647
Other assets	(435)	(973)
Other liabilities	(31)	481
Net cash flows from operating activities	12,911	9,509
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(4,083)	(4,605)
Purchases of equity securities	(6,052)	(5,277)
Purchases of other investments	(12,250)
Sales of fixed maturity securities	1,719	1,403
Redemptions and maturities of fixed maturity securities	3,827	3,268
Sales of equity securities	1,454	3,828
Purchases of loans and finance receivables	(326)	(471)
Collections of loans and finance receivables	330	425
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(154)	(469)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(4,758)	(4,579)
Other	(2,170)	(336)
Net cash flows from investing activities	(22,463)	(6,813)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in short-term borrowings, net	(973)	(912)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests and other	(3,076)	(19)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(1,705)	659
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes	(40)	7
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	(11,297)	3,362
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	46,992	37,299
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first six months	35,695	40,661
Insurance and Other [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(889)	5
Depreciation	994	955
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	2,596	1,761
Repayments of borrowings	(2,775)	(1,915)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	42,358	33,513
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first six months	31,216	36,812
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Depreciation	1,597	1,476
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	3,049	2,849
Repayments of borrowings	(311)	(524)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,570	2,246
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first six months	2,564	2,598
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(108)	(24)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	1,510	1,586
Repayments of borrowings	(1,725)	(2,167)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,064	1,540
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first six months	$ 1,915	$ 1,251

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Investment gains/losses (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
OTTI losses			$ (85)	$ (337)
Investment gains/losses	492	125	997	19
Insurance and Other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	455	102	889	(5)
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	37	23	108	24
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	67	58	82	91
Gross losses from sales and other disposals	(38)	(329)	(92)	(345)
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross gains from sales and other disposals	261	385	370	573
Gross losses from sales and other disposals	(19)	(7)	(20)	(7)
Other Types of Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains/losses	$ 221	$ 18	$ 742	$ 44

XML

Investments in equity securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	$ 55,803	$ 50,507
Unrealized Gains on Investments	47,808	37,357
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(337)	(202)
Fair Value of Investments	103,274	87,662
Banks, insurance and finance [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	20,259	18,600
Unrealized Gains on Investments	21,600	14,753
Unrealized Losses on Investments		(2)
Fair Value of Investments	41,859	33,351
Consumer products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	7,272	7,546
Unrealized Gains on Investments	17,178	14,917
Fair Value of Investments	24,450	22,463
Commercial, industrial and other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis of Investments	28,272	24,361
Unrealized Gains on Investments	9,030	7,687
Unrealized Losses on Investments	(337)	(200)
Fair Value of Investments	$ 36,965	$ 31,848

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Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Schedule of inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	June 30,		December 31,
	2013		2012
Raw materials	$	1,719	$	1,699
Work in process and other		861		883
Finished manufactured goods		3,296		3,187
Goods acquired for resale		4,001		3,906
	$	9,877	$	9,675

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified					6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended					6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended					6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican [Member] Debt [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican Subsidiaries [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican Subsidiaries [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] MidAmerican Subsidiaries [Member] Debt [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] BNSF [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] BNSF [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] BNSF [Member] Debt [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] Debt [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Other Finance Subsidiaries [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Other Finance Subsidiaries [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Finance and Financial Products [Member] Other Finance Subsidiaries [Member] Debt [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Berkshire Hathaway (Parent) [Member] Debt [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Insurance and Other Subsidiaries [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Insurance and Other [Member] Insurance and Other Subsidiaries [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Insurance and Other [Member] Insurance and Other Subsidiaries [Member] Debt [Member]
Notes payable and other borrowings [Line Items]
Maturity date, range, start					2014			2013			2013					2013			2013					2013			2013
Maturity date, range, end					2037			2042			2097					2043			2036					2047			2035
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate																									0.30%
Senior unsecured debt			$ 4,621	$ 4,621
Weighted Average Interest Rate, percentage			6.30%			5.10%			5.30%					3.80%			4.60%					2.70%			6.00%
Notes payable and other borrowings	37,861	36,156				17,360	17,002		15,880	14,533		12,831	13,045	11,185	11,186		1,646	1,859		13,261	13,535	8,312	8,323
Short-term borrowings																									1,281	1,416
Other borrowings																									$ 3,668	$ 3,796

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 54,523	$ 53,213
Acquisitions of businesses	15	1,442
Other, including foreign currency translation	(166)	(132)
Balance at end of period	$ 54,372	$ 54,523

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Derivative contracts

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Derivative contracts

Note 12. Derivative contracts

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

	June 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value			Assets (3)		Liabilities		Notional Value
Equity index put options	$	—	$	5,874	$	30,936	(1)	$	—	$	7,502	$	33,357	(1)
Credit default		14		348		10,035	(2)		41		429		11,691	(2)
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		10		19					130		2
	$	24	$	6,241				$	171	$	7,933

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

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

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

Derivative gains/losses of our finance and financial products businesses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings were as follows (in millions).

	Second Quarter						First Six Months
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Equity index put options	$	390		$	(1,173	)	$	1,636	$	(484)
Credit default		99			171			85		511
Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency		(28	)		(66	)		(54)		(93)
	$	461		$	(1,068	)	$	1,667	$	(66)

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

The aggregate intrinsic value (which is the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $3.2 billion at June 30, 2013 and $3.9 billion at December 31, 2012. However, these contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates which occur between June 2018 and January 2026. Therefore, the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined for many years. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 7.5 years at June 30, 2013.

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

State/municipality credit contract exposures currently relate to more than 500 debt issues with maturities ranging from 2019 to 2054 and have an aggregate notional value of approximately $7.8 billion. The underlying debt issues have a weighted average maturity of approximately 18.2 years. Pursuant to the contract terms, future loss payments, if any, cannot be settled before the maturity dates of the underlying obligations.

Individual investment grade and high-yield corporate contracts in-force as of June 30, 2013 had an aggregate notional value of approximately $2.2 billion. All of these contracts will expire in 2013. Premiums under individual corporate credit default contracts are, generally, due from counterparties on a quarterly basis over the terms of the contracts. Otherwise, we have no counterparty credit risk under our credit default contracts because all premiums were received at the inception of the contracts.

With limited exceptions, our equity index put option and credit default contracts contain no collateral posting requirements with respect to changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of the contracts and/or a downgrade of Berkshire’s credit ratings. As of June 30, 2013, our collateral posting requirements under contracts with collateral provisions were $5 million compared to $40 million at December 31, 2012. If Berkshire’s credit ratings (currently AA from Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 from Moody’s) are downgraded below either A- by Standard & Poor’s or A3 by Moody’s, additional collateral of up to $1.1 billion could be required to be posted.

Our regulated utility subsidiaries are exposed to variations in the prices of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity purchased and sold and natural gas supplied for customers. Derivative instruments, including forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options, are used to manage a portion of these price risks. Derivative contract assets are included in other assets of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $43 million and $49 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Derivative contract liabilities are included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities of railroad, utilities and energy businesses and were $178 million and $234 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses under the contracts of our regulated utilities that are probable of recovery through rates are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Unrealized gains or losses on contracts accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or in net earnings, as appropriate.

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Receivables

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Receivables

Note 8. Receivables

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Insurance premiums receivable	$	8,197		$	7,845
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,951			2,925
Trade and other receivables		11,189			11,369
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(381	)		(386	)
	$	21,956		$	21,753

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

	June 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Consumer installment loans and finance receivables	$	12,570		$	12,701
Commercial loans and finance receivables		623			469
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(338	)		(361	)
	$	12,855		$	12,809

Allowances for uncollectible loans predominantly relate to consumer installment loans. Provisions for consumer loan losses for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 were $128 million and $161 million, respectively. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, for the first six months were $151 million in 2013 and $170 million in 2012. Consumer loan amounts are net of unamortized acquisition discounts of $434 million at June 30, 2013 and $459 million at December 31, 2012. At June 30, 2013, approximately 98% of consumer installment loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment whereas about 71% of commercial loan balances were evaluated individually for impairment. As a part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At June 30, 2013, approximately 98% of consumer installment and commercial loan balances were determined to be performing and approximately 94% of those balances were current as to payment status.

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Fair value measurements - Financial assets and liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 103,274		$ 87,662
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	37,861		36,156
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	749		842
Other investments carried at cost	5,235		4,952
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value	12,855		12,809
Derivative contract liabilities	6,241		7,933
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	12,831		13,045
Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	28,756		31,449
Investments in equity securities	101,933		86,467
Other investments carried at cost	29,484		16,057
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	13,261		13,535
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	29,505		32,291
Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,811		2,775
Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,748		2,913
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	10,238		11,355
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	11,464		12,661
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,244		2,587
Other Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	35,459		21,884
Other investments carried at cost	34,719		21,009
Other Investments [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	5,235		4,952
Other investments carried at cost	5,235		4,952
Other Investments [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	17,974		16,932
Other investments carried at cost	17,234		16,057
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	103,205		87,563
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	1	[1]	1	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	5	[1]	10	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	62		64
Loans and finance receivables - fair value	481		304
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	15	[1]	128	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	41,194		42,074
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	164	[1]	217	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	12,509		13,194
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	19		2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	13,612		14,284
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	7		35
Loans and finance receivables - fair value	11,551		11,687
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	51	[1]	91	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	9	[1]	7	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	725		811
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	5,874		7,502
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	348		429
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	1,128		1,225
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	4,079		4,571
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	1,682		1,549
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,748		2,912
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	6,159		6,784
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	10,833		12,011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,244		2,587
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	1		1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities			1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	631		650
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	1,703
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	15,497		15,750
Other investments carried at cost	18,259		6,134
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	103,274		87,662
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value	12,855		12,809
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	67	[1]	220	[1]
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	37,861		36,156
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	178	[1]	234	[1]
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	12,831		13,045
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	5,874		7,502
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	348		429
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	19		2
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value	13,261		13,535
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,811		2,775
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,748		2,913
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	10,238		11,355
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	11,464		12,661
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,244		2,587
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	17,200		15,750
Other investments carried at cost	17,519		5,259
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	103,274		87,662
Loans and finance receivables - fair value	12,032		11,991
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	67	[1]	220	[1]
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	41,194		42,074
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	178	[1]	234	[1]
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	13,234		14,005
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	5,874		7,502
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Credit Default Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	348		429
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other, principally interest rate and foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	19		2
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value	13,612		14,284
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,811		2,775
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,748		2,913
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	10,238		11,355
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	11,464		12,661
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities	2,244		2,587
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments carried at fair value	17,200		15,750
Other investments carried at cost	$ 18,259		$ 6,134

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

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Fair value measurements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Fair value measurements

Note 15. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
June 30, 2013
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,811	$	2,811	$	1,128	$	1,682	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,748		2,748		—		2,748		—
Foreign governments		10,238		10,238		4,079		6,159		—
Corporate bonds		11,464		11,464		—		10,833		631
Mortgage-backed securities		2,244		2,244		—		2,244		—
Investments in equity securities		103,274		103,274		103,205		62		7
Other investments carried at fair value		17,200		17,200		—		1,703		15,497
Other investments carried at cost		17,519		18,259		—		—		18,259
Loans and finance receivables		12,855		12,032		—		481		11,551
Derivative contract assets (1)		67		67		1		15		51
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		178		178		5		164		9
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		5,874		5,874		—		—		5,874
Credit default		348		348		—		—		348
Other		19		19		—		19		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,261		13,612		—		13,612		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		37,861		41,194		—		41,194		—
Finance and financial products		12,831		13,234		—		12,509		725
December 31, 2012
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	2,775	$	2,775	$	1,225	$	1,549	$	1
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		2,913		2,913		—		2,912		1
Foreign governments		11,355		11,355		4,571		6,784		—
Corporate bonds		12,661		12,661		—		12,011		650
Mortgage-backed securities		2,587		2,587		—		2,587		—
Investments in equity securities		87,662		87,662		87,563		64		35
Other investments carried at fair value		15,750		15,750		—		—		15,750
Other investments carried at cost		5,259		6,134		—		—		6,134
Loans and finance receivables		12,809		11,991		—		304		11,687
Derivative contract assets (1)		220		220		1		128		91
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		234		234		10		217		7
Finance and financial products:
Equity index put options		7,502		7,502		—		—		7,502
Credit default		429		429		—		—		429
Other		2		2		—		2		—
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		13,535		14,284		—		14,284		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		36,156		42,074		—		42,074		—
Finance and financial products		13,045		14,005		—		13,194		811

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

	Investments in fixed maturity securities			Investments in equity securities			Other investments			Net derivative contract liabilities
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	784		$	22		$	11,669		$	(9,908	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			—			—			23
Other comprehensive income		5			16			1,770			3
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—			3
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(7	)		—			—			13
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		(129	)		—			—			—
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	653		$	38		$	13,439		$	(9,866	)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	652		$	35		$	15,750		$	(7,847	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			3			520			1,715
Other comprehensive income		(12	)		—			722			(5	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			—			—			2
Dispositions		(8	)		—			—			—
Settlements, net		—			(31	)		—			(45	)
Transfers into (out of) Level 3		—			—			(1,495	)		—
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	632		$	7		$	15,497		$	(6,180	)

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

In the second quarter of 2013, we transferred the fair value measurements of the GS Warrants and GE Warrants from Level 3 to Level 2 because we concluded that the unobservable inputs were no longer significant.

Quantitative information as of June 30, 2013, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair value		Principal valuation techniques	Unobservable Input	Weighted Average
Other investments:
Preferred stocks	$	11,696	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	7 years
				Discount for transferability restrictions and subordination	97 basis     points
Common stock warrants		3,801	Warrant pricing model	Discount for transferability and hedging restrictions	22%
Net derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		5,874	Option pricing model	Volatility	21%
Credit default-states/municipalities		337	Discounted cash flow	Credit spreads	76 basis     points

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

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

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

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

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

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Supplemental cash flow information

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Supplemental cash flow information

Note 13. Supplemental cash flow information

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

	First Six Months
	2013		2012
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	2,724	$	1,378
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		178		167
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		918		890
Finance and financial products businesses		284		317

XML

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 25, 2013 Class A [Member]	Jul. 25, 2013 Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	BRKA
Entity Registrant Name	BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001067983
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		868,448	1,162,977,534

XML

Notes payable and other borrowings

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Notes payable and other borrowings

Note 14. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of June 30, 2013.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire parent company due 2013-2047		2.7	%	$	8,312	$	8,323
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		0.3	%		1,281		1,416
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2013-2035		6.0	%		3,668		3,796
				$	13,261	$	13,535

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

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (“MidAmerican”) and its subsidiaries:
MidAmerican senior unsecured debt due 2014-2037		6.3	%	$	4,621	$	4,621
Subsidiary and other debt due 2013-2042		5.1	%		17,360		17,002
Issued by BNSF due 2013-2097		5.3	%		15,880		14,533
				$	37,861	$	36,156

MidAmerican subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. All, or substantially all, of the assets of certain MidAmerican subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure the debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. During the first six months of 2013, MidAmerican subsidiaries issued term debt of $1.55 billion in the aggregate. MidAmerican and subsidiaries repaid approximately $1.0 billion of debt in 2013. In March 2013, BNSF issued $1.5 billion in new debentures consisting of $700 million of 3.0% debentures due in 2023 and $800 million of 4.45% debentures due in 2043. BNSF’s borrowings are primarily unsecured. As of June 30, 2013, BNSF and MidAmerican and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt or other borrowings of BNSF, MidAmerican or their subsidiaries.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2013-2043		3.8	%	$	11,185	$	11,186
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2013-2036		4.6	%		1,646		1,859
				$	12,831	$	13,045

The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In January 2013, BHFC issued $500 million aggregate of new senior notes consisting of $275 million of 1.6% senior notes due in 2017 and $225 million of 3.0% senior notes due in 2022 and repaid $500 million of maturing senior notes. In May 2013, BHFC issued $1 billion aggregate of new senior notes consisting of $500 million of 1.3% senior notes due in 2018 and $500 million of 4.3% senior notes due in 2043 and repaid $1 billion of maturing senior notes.

Our subsidiaries have approximately $4.7 billion in the aggregate of unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity at June 30, 2013, to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. In addition to borrowings of BHFC, as of June 30, 2013, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $4.3 billion of other subsidiary borrowings. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all present and future payment obligations.

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Unclassified Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Unclassified Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 535	$ 502
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding goodwill			$ 2,319	$ 2,328

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 13,879	$ 13,900
Accumulated amortization	4,400	3,907
Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,801	2,819
Accumulated amortization	310	278
Patents and technology [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,035	5,014
Accumulated amortization	2,329	2,059
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,538	4,565
Accumulated amortization	1,325	1,155
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,505	1,502
Accumulated amortization	436	415
Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	11,715	11,737
Accumulated amortization	3,330	2,994
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,164	2,163
Accumulated amortization	$ 1,070	$ 913