10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

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  ☒    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  ☒    No  ☐

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

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

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

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 27, 2018:

Class A —	747,677
Class B —	1,346,076,963

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

		Page No.
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017		2-3
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings—First Quarter 2018 and 2017		4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—First Quarter 2018 and 2017		5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—First Quarter 2018 and 2017		5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First Quarter 2018 and 2017		6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		7-24
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		25-42
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		42
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		42
Part II – Other Information			43
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		43
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		43
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities		43
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		43
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		43
Item 5.	Other Information		43
Item 6.	Exhibits		44
Signature			44

1

Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	50,559	$	25,460
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		48,040		78,515
Investments in fixed maturity securities		19,920		21,353
Investments in equity securities		166,658		164,026
Investment in The Kraft Heinz Company (Fair Value: 2018 – $20,272; 2017 – $25,306)		17,687		17,635
Receivables		30,906		28,578
Inventories		16,244		16,187
Property, plant and equipment		23,807		20,104
Goodwill		55,079		54,985
Other intangible assets		32,260		32,518
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		15,007		15,278
Other		11,939		11,158
		488,106		485,797
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents		3,550		2,910
Property, plant and equipment		128,385		128,184
Goodwill		24,766		24,780
Regulatory assets		2,987		2,950
Other		15,394		15,589
		175,082		174,413
Finance and Financial Products:
Cash and cash equivalents		3,772		3,213
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		2,641		5,856
Loans and finance receivables		13,845		13,748
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease		9,920		9,931
Goodwill		1,492		1,493
Other		7,793		7,644
		39,463		41,885
	$	702,651	$	702,095

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance and Other:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	62,094		$	61,122
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		42,344			42,937
Unearned premiums		18,448			16,040
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		17,935			17,608
Other policyholder liabilities		7,864			7,654
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		25,782			23,099
Notes payable and other borrowings		25,663			27,324
		200,130			195,784
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		10,786			11,334
Regulatory liabilities		7,599			7,511
Notes payable and other borrowings		62,667			62,178
		81,052			81,023
Finance and Financial Products:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		1,566			1,470
Derivative contract liabilities		2,378			2,172
Notes payable and other borrowings		10,755			13,085
		14,699			16,727
Income taxes, principally deferred		55,718			56,607
Total liabilities		351,599			350,141
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8			8
Capital in excess of par value		35,681			35,694
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(2,477	)		58,571
Retained earnings		315,952			255,786
Treasury stock, at cost		(1,763	)		(1,763	)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		347,401			348,296
Noncontrolling interests		3,651			3,658
Total shareholders’ equity		351,052			351,954
	$	702,651		$	702,095

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

	First Quarter
	2018			2017
	(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance premiums earned		$    13,373			$    21,753
Sales and service revenues		31,623			30,229
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,315			1,162
		46,311			53,144
Railroad, Utilities and Energy operating and other revenues		10,102			9,378
Finance and Financial Products:
Sales and service revenues		1,693			1,498
Interest, dividend and other investment income		367			350
		2,060			1,848
Total revenues		58,473			64,370
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses:
Investments gains (losses)		(7,809	)		315
Derivative contract gains (losses)		(206	)		460
		(8,015	)		775
Costs and expenses:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		8,963			18,566
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,287			1,227
Insurance underwriting expenses		2,604			2,339
Cost of sales and services		25,415			24,360
Selling, general and administrative expenses		4,024			4,116
Interest expense		390			270
		42,683			50,878
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cost of sales and operating expenses		7,401			6,754
Interest expense		710			693
		8,111			7,447
Finance and Financial Products:
Cost of sales and services		1,029			867
Selling, general and administrative expenses		467			442
Interest expense		92			104
		1,588			1,413
Total costs and expenses		52,382			59,738
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings		(1,924	)		5,407
Equity method earnings		401			281
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		(1,523	)		5,688
Income tax expense (benefit)		(452	)		1,549
Net earnings (loss)		(1,071	)		4,139
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		67			79
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders		$    (1,138	)		$      4,060
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class A share		$       (692	)		$      2,469
Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class B share*		$      (0.46	)		$        1.65
Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding		1,644,958			1,644,425
Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding		2,467,436,888			2,466,636,938

* Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class B share outstanding are one-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in millions)

	First Quarter
	2018			2017
	(Unaudited)
Net earnings (loss)	$	(1,071	)	$	4,139
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments		(45	)		8,377
Applicable income taxes		(2	)		(2,872	)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings		(221	)		(305	)
Applicable income taxes		46			107
Foreign currency translation		601			558
Applicable income taxes		(6	)		(69	)
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans		(24	)		(10	)
Applicable income taxes		17			7
Other, net		(31	)		3
Other comprehensive income, net		335			5,796
Comprehensive income		(736	)		9,935
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		75			103
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	(811	)	$	9,832

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

	Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity															Total
	Common stock and capital in excess of par value			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Retained earnings			Treasury stock			Non- controlling interests
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	35,689		$	37,298		$	210,846		$	(1,763	)	$	3,358		$	285,428
Net earnings		—			—			4,060			—			79			4,139
Other comprehensive income, net		—			5,772			—			—			24			5,796
Issuance of common stock		34			—			—			—			—			34
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(16	)		—			—			—			(32	)		(48	)
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	35,707		$	43,070		$	214,906		$	(1,763	)	$	3,429		$	295,349
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	35,702		$	58,571		$	255,786		$	(1,763	)	$	3,658		$	351,954
Adoption of new accounting pronouncements		—			(61,375	)		61,304			—			—			(71	)
Net earnings (loss)		—			—			(1,138	)		—			67			(1,071	)
Other comprehensive income, net		—			327			—			—			8			335
Issuance of common stock		24			—			—			—			—			24
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(37	)		—			—			—			(82	)		(119	)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	35,689		$	(2,477	)	$	315,952		$	(1,763	)	$	3,651		$	351,052

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

	First Quarter
	2018			2017
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	(1,071	)	$	4,139
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to operating cash flows:
Investment gains/losses		7,809			(315	)
Depreciation and amortization		2,387			2,243
Other		(1	)		120
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		69			16,900
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		271			(5,783	)
Unearned premiums		2,352			1,829
Receivables and originated loans		(2,186	)		(1,197	)
Other assets		(881	)		(339	)
Other liabilities		(392	)		(753	)
Income taxes		(801	)		1,451
Net cash flows from operating activities		7,556			18,295
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		(13,037	)		(45,342	)
Purchases of equity securities		(14,765	)		(10,590	)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		13,577			10,048
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		35,088			23,990
Sales and redemptions of equity securities		4,240			3,452
Purchases of loans and finance receivables		(41	)		(52	)
Collections of loans and finance receivables		100			97
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(112	)		(1,599	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(2,589	)		(2,355	)
Other		(153	)		(181	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		22,308			(22,532	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses		17			1,203
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		3,613			2,094
Proceeds from borrowings of finance businesses		20			1,298
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses		(1,840	)		(1,130	)
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		(1,221	)		(446	)
Repayments of borrowings of finance businesses		(2,352	)		(1,068	)
Changes in short term borrowings, net		(1,929	)		87
Other		(102	)		(23	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(3,794	)		2,015
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes		92			61
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		26,162			(2,161	)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year		32,212			28,643
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of first quarter *	$	58,374		$	26,482
* Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year—
Insurance and Other	$	25,460		$	23,581
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		2,910			3,939
Finance and Financial Products		3,213			528
Restricted cash, included in other assets		629			595
	$32,212			$28,643
End of first quarter—
Insurance and Other	$	50,559		$	18,362
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,550			5,584
Finance and Financial Products		3,772			2,017
Restricted cash, included in other assets		493			519
	$58,374			$26,482

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2018

Note 1. General

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire” or “Company”) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates in which Berkshire holds controlling financial interests as of the financial statement date. In these notes, the terms “us,” “we” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), which includes information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire’s businesses and financial statement presentations. Our significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report. Changes to those policies due to the adoption of new accounting standards effective January 1, 2018 are described in Note 2. Certain immaterial amounts in 2017 related to equity method earnings were reclassified to conform to current presentations.

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). For a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Changes in market prices of the equity securities we own can produce significant effects on our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Beginning in 2018, those effects are included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, whereas in pre-2018 periods, such effects were included in other comprehensive income. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities and gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01 “Financial Instruments—Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”), ASU 2018-02 “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”) and Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 – “Revenues from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). A summary of the effects of the initial adoption of ASU 2016-01, ASU 2018-02 and ASC 606 follows (in millions).

	ASU 2016-01			ASU 2018-02			ASC 606			Total
Increase (decrease):
Assets	$	—		$	—		$	3,382		$	3,382
Liabilities		—			—			3,453			3,453
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(61,459	)		84			—			(61,375	)
Retained earnings		61,459			(84	)		(71	)		61,304
Shareholders’ equity		—			—			(71	)		(71	)

With respect to ASU 2016-01, we reclassified net after-tax unrealized gains on equity securities as of January 1, 2018 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. We continue to carry our investments in equity securities at fair value and there is no change to the asset values or total shareholders’ equity that we would have otherwise recorded. Beginning in 2018, we are including unrealized gains and losses arising from the changes in the fair values of our equity securities as a component of investment gains in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. ASU 2016-01 prohibited the restatement of prior year financial statements and for periods ending prior to 2018, unrealized gains and losses from the changes in fair value of available-for-sale equity securities were recorded in other comprehensive income.

We also reclassified the stranded deferred income taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income as of January 1, 2018 to retained earnings in connection with our adoption of ASU 2018-02. These stranded deferred income tax effects arose from the reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The effect of the reduction in the statutory income tax rate on accumulated other comprehensive income items was recorded in earnings in December 2017.

We adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method, whereby the cumulative effect of the adoption was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The initial adoption of ASC 606 resulted in an increase to both assets (primarily property, plant and equipment) and other liabilities and a relatively minor reduction in retained earnings as of the beginning of 2018. ASC 606 also provides for certain other disclosures which are included in Note 3.

7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements (Continued)

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,” which provides for the recognition and measurement at the reporting date of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. Currently, credit losses are recognized and measured when such losses become probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. ASU 2016-13 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the implied value of goodwill in measuring an impairment loss. Upon adoption of ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment will represent the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over fair value, limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.

Note 3. Revenues from contracts with customers

As discussed in Note 2, we adopted ASC 606 “Revenues from Contracts with Customers” on January 1, 2018. Our revenue recognition practices under ASC 606 do not differ materially from prior practices. Under ASC 606, revenues are recognized when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers. Our accounting policies related to revenue from contracts with customers follow.

We manufacture and/or distribute a wide variety of industrial, building and consumer products. Our sales contracts provide customers with manufactured products and goods acquired for resale through wholesale and retail channels in exchange for consideration specified under the contracts. Contracts generally represent customer orders for individual products at stated prices. Sales contracts may contain either single or multiple performance obligations. In instances where contracts contain multiple performance obligations, we allocate the expected consideration to each obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of each product or service.

Expected consideration (and therefore revenue) reflects reductions for returns, allowances, volume discounts and other incentives, some of which may be contingent on future events. In certain customer contracts of our grocery distribution business, consideration includes certain state and local excise taxes billed to customers on specified products when those taxes are levied directly upon us by the taxing authorities. Expected consideration excludes sales and value-added taxes collected on behalf of taxing authorities. Revenue includes consideration for shipping and other fulfillment activities performed prior to the customer obtaining control of the goods. We also elect to treat consideration for such services performed after control has passed to the customer as fulfillment activities.

Our product sales revenues are predominantly recognized at a point in time when control of the product transfers to the customer, which coincides with customer pickup or product delivery or acceptance, depending on terms of the arrangement. We recognize sales revenues and related costs with respect to certain contracts over time, primarily from certain castings, forgings and aerostructures contracts. Control of the product units under these contracts transfers continuously to the customer as the product is manufactured, given the products generally have no alternative use and the contract requires the customer to provide reasonable compensation if terminated for reasons other than breach of contract.

Our energy revenue derives primarily from tariff based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory bodies. These tariff based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Our nonregulated energy revenue primarily relates to our renewable energy business.

Energy revenues recognized are equivalent to the amounts we have the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, trade receivables, net included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to customer revenue, and includes unbilled revenue of $582 million and $665 million, respectively. Payments from customers are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price, as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued)

Service revenues mainly derive from contracts with customers in which performance obligations are satisfied over time, including instances where customers receive and consume benefits as we perform the services. Revenues under such contracts are recorded over time. Service revenues primarily derive from contracts for freight rail transportation, real estate brokerage, automotive repair, aircraft management, aviation training and news distribution services.

The primary performance obligation under our freight rail transportation service contracts is to move freight from a point of origin to a point of destination for its customers. The performance obligations are represented by bills of lading which create a series of distinct services that have a similar pattern of transfer to the customer. The revenues for each performance obligation are based on various factors including the product being shipped, the origin and destination pair, and contract incentives which are outlined in various private rate agreements, common carrier public tariffs, interline foreign road agreements and pricing quotes. The transaction price is generally a per car amount to transport railcars from a specified origin to a specified destination. Freight revenues are recognized over time as the service is performed because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the service. Revenues recognized represent the proportion of the service completed as of the balance sheet date. Invoices for freight transportation services are generally issued to customers and paid within thirty days or less. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping a specified cumulative volume or shipping to/from specific locations, are recorded as a reduction to revenue on a pro-rata basis based on actual or projected future customer shipments.

Prior to January 1, 2018, we recognized revenues from the sales of fractional ownership interests in aircraft over the terms of the related management services agreements, as the transfers of the ownership interests were inseparable from the management services agreements. These agreements also include provisions that require us to repurchase the fractional interest at fair market value at contract termination or upon the customer’s request following the minimum commitment period. ASC 606 provides that such contracts are subject to accounting guidance for lease contracts and not ASC 606. The principal effects of this re-characterization were to increase both assets (primarily property, plant and equipment) and other liabilities by approximately $3.5 billion with a small reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The re-categorization of these contracts as operating leases did not have a significant effect on our consolidated revenues or earnings for the first three months of 2018.

The following table summarizes customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (in millions). Other revenues included in our consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and lease income which are not within the scope of ASC 606.

	Manufacturing			McLane Company			Service and Retail			BNSF			Berkshire Hathaway Energy			Finance and Financial Products			Insurance, Corporate and other			Total
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products		$	6,393		$	—		$	54		$	—		$	—		$	161		$	—		$	6,608
Building products			2,919			—			—			—			—			1			—			2,920
Consumer products			2,848			—			—			—			—			848			—			3,696
Grocery and convenience store distribution			—			8,512			—			—			—			—			—			8,512
Food and beverage distribution			—			3,643			—			—			—			—			—			3,643
Auto sales			—			—			1,931			—			—			—			—			1,931
Other retail and wholesale distribution			496			—			2,694			—			—			20			—			3,210
Service			218			17			942			5,580			700			8			—			7,465
Electricity and natural gas			—			—			—			—			3,524			—			—			3,524
Total			12,874			12,172			5,621			5,580			4,224			1,038			—			41,509
Other revenue			38			17			939			10			288			1,022			14,650			16,964
		$	12,912		$	12,189		$	6,560		$	5,590		$	4,512		$	2,060		$	14,650		$	58,473

9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued)

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of March 31, 2018 follows (in millions). Such contracts relate to our utilities and energy businesses.

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	1,007	$	4,352	$	5,359

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2018
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,633	$	11	$	(36	)	$	3,608
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		737		30		(8	)		759
Foreign governments		7,837		83		(32	)		7,888
Corporate bonds		6,308		519		(8	)		6,819
Mortgage-backed securities		761		88		(3	)		846
	$	19,276	$	731	$	(87	)	$	19,920
December 31, 2017
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,975	$	4	$	(26	)	$	3,953
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		847		19		(12	)		854
Foreign governments		8,572		274		(24	)		8,822
Corporate bonds		6,279		588		(5	)		6,862
Mortgage-backed securities		772		92		(2	)		862
	$	20,445	$	977	$	(69	)	$	21,353

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 March 31, 2018, approximately 89% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at March 31, 2018 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers. 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	$	7,178	$	9,884	$	460	$	993	$	761	$	19,276
Fair value		7,227		9,982		515		1,350		846		19,920

10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized  Gains		Fair       Value
March 31, 2018 *
Banks, insurance and finance	$	25,986		$        50,091	$	76,077
Consumer products		38,130		23,864		61,994
Commercial, industrial and other		21,714		13,191		34,905
	$	85,830		$        87,146	$	172,976

* Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $25.2 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized  Gains		Fair       Value
December 31, 2017 *
Banks, insurance and finance	$	25,783		$          55,026	$	80,809
Consumer products		25,177		25,698		50,875
Commercial, industrial and other		23,716		15,140		38,856
	$	74,676		$          95,864	$	170,540

* Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $29.3 billion).

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

	March 31,   2018		December 31,  2017
Insurance and other	$	166,658	$	164,026
Railroad, utilities and energy *		1,755		1,961
Finance and financial products *		4,563		4,553
	$	172,976	$	170,540

* Included in other assets.

Note 6. Equity Method Investments

Berkshire holds investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these is our investment in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 325,442,152 shares of Kraft Heinz common stock representing 26.7% of the outstanding shares. The carrying value of this investment was approximately $17.7 billion at March 31, 2018 and $17.6 billion at December 31, 2017. Our earnings determined under the equity method during the first quarter of 2018 were $265 million and $239 million in the first quarter of 2017. We received dividends on the common stock of $203 million during the first quarter of 2018 and $195 million in 2017, which we recorded as reductions of our investment.

11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6. Equity Method Investments (Continued)

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

	March 31, 2018		December 30, 2017
Assets	$	120,787			$120,232
Liabilities		54,324			53,985
	First Quarter
	2018			2017
Sales	$	6,304			$       6,324
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders	$	993			$          893

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J (“Pilot Flying J”), and Electric Transmission Texas (“ETT”). Our investments in these entities were approximately $3.5 billion as of March 31, 2018 and $3.4 billion as of December 31, 2017 and were included in other assets. Our equity method earnings in these entities for the first quarter were $136 million in 2018 and $42 million in 2017. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Leucadia National Corporation (“Leucadia”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia is a servicer of commercial real estate loans in the U.S., performing primary, master and special servicing functions for U.S. government agency programs, commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions. A source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through its issuance of commercial paper, which is currently limited to $1.5 billion. We support the commercial paper with a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Leucadia is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy. We also own a 50% ownership interest in ETT through a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company. ETT owns and operates electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. American Electric Power owns the other 50% interest.

On October 3, 2017, we entered into an investment agreement and an equity purchase agreement whereby we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot Flying J, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot Flying J is one of the largest operators of travel centers in North America, with more than 27,000 team members, 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada, and approximately $20 billion in annual revenues. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot Flying J and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire in 2023 an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot Flying J with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot Flying J in 2023.

Note 7. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were 29.7% and 27.2%, respectively. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from: (a) dividends received deductions applicable to certain investments in equity securities and (b) income production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. In 2018, our effective income tax rate reflects the U.S. statutory rate of 21%, while the rate for 2017 reflects the U.S. statutory rate of 35%. Our periodic effective income tax rate is also affected by the relative mix of pre-tax earnings or losses and underlying income tax rates applicable to the various taxing jurisdictions.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide clarification in implementing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) when registrants do not have the necessary information available to complete the accounting for an element of the TCJA in the period of its enactment. SAB 118 provides for tax amounts to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement for up to one year from the enactment date for such elements when the accounting effect is not complete, but can be reasonably estimated. We consider our estimate of the tax on accumulated undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries to be provisional and subject to remeasurement when we obtain the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. While we believe our estimate is reasonable, it will take additional time to validate the inputs to the foreign earnings and profits calculations, the basis on which the repatriation tax is determined, and how the applicable states will address the U.S. repatriation tax. We currently expect that our accounting for the repatriation tax under the TCJA will be completed by the end of 2018.

12

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8. Investment gains/losses

A summary of investment gains and losses in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	2018		2017
Equity securities:
Investment gains and losses during 2018 on securities sold in 2018		$   (240)	$	—
Unrealized investment gains and losses on securities held at the end of the period		(7,807)		—
Gross realized gains		—		425
Gross realized losses		—		(125	)
		(8,047)		300
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		359		11
Gross realized losses		(138)		(6	)
Other		17		10
		$(7,809)	$	315

We recognize investment gains and losses when we sell or otherwise dispose of such securities. Beginning in 2018, equity security investment gains and losses also include unrealized gains and losses from changes in market prices during the period. See Note 2. Prior to 2018, we recorded the changes in unrealized gains and losses on our investments in equity securities in other comprehensive income.

Note 9. Receivables

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

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Insurance premiums receivable	$	12,570	$	11,058
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		3,048		3,201
Trade receivables		12,568		11,756
Other		3,078		2,925
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(358)		(362)
	$	30,906	$	28,578

A summary of loans and finance receivables of our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	14,209	$	14,126
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(179)		(180)
Unamortized acquisition discounts		(185)		(198)
	$	13,845	$	13,748

Loans and finance receivables are predominantly installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. Provisions for loan losses in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were $34 million and $38 million, respectively. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first quarter were $35 million in 2018 and $43 million in 2017. At March 31, 2018, approximately 98% of the loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At March 31, 2018, we considered approximately 99% of the loan balances to be performing and approximately 96% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. In June 2017, we agreed to provide a Canada-based financial institution with a C$2 billion (approximately $1.55 billion) one-year secured revolving credit facility. The agreement expires on June 29, 2018. There was no outstanding loan balance as of March 31, 2018.

13

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Raw materials	$	3,094	$	2,997
Work in process and other		2,228		2,315
Finished manufactured goods		4,188		4,179
Goods acquired for resale		6,734		6,696
	$	16,244	$	16,187

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions). In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, we recorded a net asset of approximately $3.5 billion in aircraft sold under fractional aircraft ownership programs in machinery and equipment. Such amount consisted of cost of approximately $5.3 billion and accumulated depreciation of $1.8 billion. We also recorded other liabilities of approximately $3.5 billion for estimated repurchase obligations and unearned lease revenues, substantially offsetting the amount recorded in machinery and equipment. See Note 2.

	March 31,  2018			December 31,  2017
Land	$	2,310			$   2,292
Buildings and improvements		8,961			8,810
Machinery and equipment		27,707			21,935
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,493			4,387
		43,471			37,424
Accumulated depreciation		(19,664	)		(17,320	)
	$	23,807			$20,104

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

	March 31,  2018			December 31,  2017
Railroad:
Land	$	6,090		$	6,088
Track structure and other roadway		51,652			51,320
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		12,600			12,543
Construction in progress		943			989
		71,285			70,940
Accumulated depreciation		(8,954	)		(8,627	)
		62,331			62,313
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		75,068			74,660
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		7,230			7,176
Independent power plants and other assets		7,622			7,499
Construction in progress		2,735			2,556
		92,655			91,891
Accumulated depreciation		(26,601	)		(26,020	)
		66,054			65,871
	$	128,385		$	128,184

14

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease (Continued)

Assets held for lease and property, plant and equipment of our finance and financial products businesses are summarized below (in millions). Assets held for lease includes railcars, intermodal tank containers, cranes, over-the-road trailers, storage units and furniture.

	March 31,  2018				December 31,  2017
Assets held for lease		$	12,337			$	12,318
Land			232				231
Buildings, machinery and other			1,464				1,444
			14,033				13,993
Accumulated depreciation			(4,113	)			(4,062	)
		$	9,920			$	9,931

A summary of depreciation expense for the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Insurance and other	$	649	$	542
Railroad, utilities and energy		1,225		1,175
Finance and financial products		161		159
	$	2,035	$	1,876

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets

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

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,258	$	79,486
Acquisitions of businesses		52		1,545
Other, including foreign currency translation		27		227
Balance at end of period	$	81,337	$	81,258

Other intangible assets are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	40,317	$	8,057	$	40,225	$	7,707
Railroad, utilities and energy		993		334		988		324
	$	41,310	$	8,391	$	41,213	$	8,031
Trademarks and trade names	$	5,394	$	710	$	5,381	$	692
Patents and technology		4,383		2,579		4,341		2,493
Customer relationships		28,353		3,943		28,322		3,722
Other		3,180		1,159		3,169		1,124
	$	41,310	$	8,391	$	41,213	$	8,031

Amortization expense in the first quarter was $352 million in 2018 and $367 million in 2017. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were approximately $18.9 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

15

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 13. Derivative contracts

We are party to derivative contracts primarily through our finance and financial products and our utilities and energy businesses. Currently, the derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses consist of equity index put option contracts written between 2004 and 2008. The liabilities and related notional values of such contracts follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2018					December 31, 2017
	Liabilities		Notional   Value			Liabilities		Notional   Value
Equity index put options	$	2,378	$	29,479	(1)	$	2,172	$	28,753	(1)

⁽¹⁾  Represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming that the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain of these contracts are denominated in foreign currencies. Notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of each balance sheet date.

We record derivative contract liabilities at fair value and include the changes in the fair values of such contracts in earnings as derivative contract gains/losses. A summary of derivative contract gains/losses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018				2017
Equity index put options		$	(206	)		$	460

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. The contracts expire between June 2018 and January 2026. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $4.2 billion on these contracts at the contract inception dates and we have no counterparty credit risk. The aggregate intrinsic value (the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) was approximately $1.0 billion at March 31, 2018 and $789 million at December 31, 2017. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined until the contract expiration dates. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 2.7 years at March 31, 2018.

A limited number of our equity index put option contracts contain 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 March 31, 2018, we did not have any collateral posting requirements. 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, 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. We may use forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options to manage a portion of these price risks. Derivative contract assets included in other assets were $141 million as of March 31, 2018 and $142 million as of December 31, 2017. Derivative contract liabilities included in other liabilities were $105 million as of March 31, 2018 and $82 million as of December 31, 2017. Most of the net derivative contract assets or liabilities of our regulated utilities are probable of recovery through rates and are offset by regulatory liabilities or assets. Unrealized gains or losses on contracts accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income or in net earnings, as appropriate.

Note 14. Supplemental cash flow information

Supplemental cash flow information follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	289	$	26
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		338		306
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		747		737
Finance and financial products businesses		83		78
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions		4		142

16

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under short-duration property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. Reconciliations of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 16), for each of the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

	2018			2017
Balances – beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	61,122		$	53,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(3,201	)		(3,338	)
Net liabilities		57,921			50,041
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		9,475			8,165
Prior accident years’ events		(753	)		134
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		8,722			8,299
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(3,091	)		(2,678	)
Prior accident years’ events		(4,759	)		(4,216	)
Total payments		(7,850	)		(6,894	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		253			77
Balances – March 31:
Net liabilities		59,046			51,523
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		3,048			3,221
Gross liabilities	$	62,094		$	54,744

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2018 included net reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $753 million compared to net increases of $134 million in 2017. We decreased estimated ultimate liabilities with respect to primary insurance by $571 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $261 million in 2017. In each period, these reductions primarily related to medical malpractice, workers’ compensation and private passenger automobile insurance. Estimated ultimate liabilities with respect to property and casualty reinsurance decreased by $182 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to an increase of $395 million in 2017. Incurred losses for prior years’ events in 2017 included increases in the estimated liabilities for certain personal injury claims in the United Kingdom due to a regulatory decision, for unanticipated property claims under certain reinsurance contracts and for estimates of IBNR losses.

17

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 16. Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses of short-duration insurance contracts with respect to underlying loss events that occurred prior to the contract inception date. Claims payments may commence immediately after the contract date or, if applicable, once a contractual retention amount has been reached. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	2018				2017
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances – beginning of year:	$	42,937	$	(15,278)	$	24,972	$	(8,047)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
Current year contracts		—		—		16,448		(6,192)
Prior years’ contracts		(30)		271		(398)		409
Total		(30)		271		16,050		(5,783)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(563)		—		(435)		—
Balances – March 31:	$	42,344	$	(15,007)	$	40,587	$	(13,830)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	241			$	10,267

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts. We do not believe that analysis of losses incurred and paid by accident year of the underlying event is relevant or meaningful given that our exposure to losses incepts when the contract incepts. Further, we believe the classifications of reported claims and case development liabilities has little or no practical analytical value.

In the first quarter of 2017, we entered into an agreement through a Berkshire subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), which became effective on February 2, 2017. Under this agreement, NICO agreed to indemnify AIG for 80% of up to $25 billion of losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses in excess of $25 billion retained by AIG, with respect to certain commercial insurance loss events occurring prior to 2016. As of the effective date, we recorded premiums earned of $10.2 billion, a liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of $16.4 billion and a deferred charge reinsurance assumed asset of $6.2 billion. Berkshire agreed to guarantee the timely payment of all amounts due to AIG under the agreement. Our estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to the AIG contract at March 31, 2018 and at December 31, 2017 were $18.2 billion. Deferred charge assets were approximately $7.4 billion at March 31, 2018 and $7.5 billion at December 31, 2017, which reflected an increase in estimated ultimate liabilities recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 of $1.8 billion.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses related to contracts written in prior years were $241 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $11 million in the first quarter of 2017. Such losses included recurring amortization of deferred charge assets and net gains from contract commutations in 2018 and 2017.

Note 17. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of March 31, 2018.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire:
U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings due 2018-2047		3.0%	$	9,804		$10,603
Euro denominated borrowings due 2020-2035		1.1%		8,383		8,164
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		3.7%		1,800		1,832
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2018-2045		4.0%		5,676		6,725
			$	25,663		$27,324

18

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued)

In 2018, the carrying value of Berkshire’s Euro denominated senior notes increased $217 million due to changes in the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rates. This increase produced a corresponding charge to pre-tax earnings of $217 million, which was recorded as additional non-cash interest expense. During the first quarter of 2018, $800 million of Berkshire U.S. Dollar denominated notes matured.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and its subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2018-2048		4.6%	$	8,627	$	6,452
Subsidiary and other debt due 2018-2064		4.8%		28,871		28,739
Short-term debt		2.6%		2,608		4,488
Issued by BNSF due 2018-2097		4.7%		22,561		22,499
			$	62,667	$	62,178

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios, among other covenants. In January 2018, BHE issued $2.2 billion of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2021 to 2048 with a weighted average interest rate of 3.2%. Proceeds from this debt issuance were used to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes.

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In the first quarter of 2018, BNSF issued $750 million of 4.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2048 and $650 million of debentures matured. As of March 31, 2018, BNSF, BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2018-2043		3.1%	$	10,578	$	12,926
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2019-2028		4.0%		177		159
			$	10,755	$	13,085

Borrowings of BHFC are used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and assets held for lease of certain finance subsidiaries. The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. During the first quarter of 2018, $2.35 billion of BHFC senior notes matured.

As of March 31, 2018, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $7.3 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included about $5.3 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries. In addition to BHFC’s borrowings, at March 31, 2018, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $1.9 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 payment obligations.

19

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 18. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2018
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,608	$	3,608	$	2,399		$  1,209		$    —
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		759		759		—		759		—
Foreign governments		7,888		7,888		5,906		1,982		—
Corporate bonds		6,819		6,819		—		6,813		6
Mortgage-backed securities		846		846		—		846		—
Investments in equity securities		172,976		172,976		172,928		48		—
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		17,687		20,272		20,272		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		13,845		14,084		—		18		14,066
Derivative contract assets (1)		141		141		1		26		114
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		105		105		—		88		17
Equity index put options		2,378		2,378		—		—		2,378
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		25,663		26,046		—		26,046		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		62,667		68,603		—		68,603		—
Finance and financial products		10,755		11,059		—		11,035		24
December 31, 2017
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,953	$	3,953	$	2,360		$  1,593		$    —
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		854		854		—		854		—
Foreign governments		8,822		8,822		6,946		1,876		—
Corporate bonds		6,862		6,862		—		6,856		6
Mortgage-backed securities		862		862		—		862		—
Investments in equity securities		170,540		170,540		170,494		46		—
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		17,635		25,306		25,306		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		13,748		14,136		—		17		14,119
Derivative contract assets (1)		142		142		1		28		113
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		82		82		3		69		10
Equity index put options		2,172		2,172		—		—		2,172
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		27,324		28,180		—		28,180		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		62,178		70,538		—		70,538		—
Finance and financial products		13,085		13,582		—		13,577		5

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

20

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 18. Fair value measurements (Continued)

The fair values of substantially all of our financial instruments were measured using market or income approaches. The hierarchy for measuring fair value consists of Levels 1 through 3, which are described below.

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.

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

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and it may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in valuing assets or liabilities.

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

	Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities			Net derivative  contract liabilities
Three months ending March 31, 2018
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6		$	(2,069	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			(176	)
Other comprehensive income		—			(1	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			(9	)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		—			(26	)
Transfers into/out of Level 3		—			—
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	6		$	(2,281	)
Three months ending March 31, 2017
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	17,321		$	(2,824	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			499
Other comprehensive income		1,157			(2	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			1
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(3	)		(23	)
Transfers into/out of Level 3		(1	)		—
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	18,474		$	(2,349	)

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

21

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 18. Fair value measurements (Continued)

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2018, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair Value		Principal Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Weighted Average
Derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		$2,378		Option pricing model		Volatility		18%

Our equity index put option contracts are illiquid and contain contract terms that are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts and certain of the contracts have relatively long durations. 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 index price, contract duration and dividend and interest rate inputs (including a Berkshire non-performance input) which are observable. However, we believe that the valuation of long-duration options using any model is inherently subjective and, given the lack of observable transactions and prices, acceptable values may be subject to wide ranges. Volatility inputs represent our expectations, which consider the remaining duration of each contract and assume that the contracts will remain outstanding until the expiration dates. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values of the liabilities.

Note 19. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the three months ending March 31, 2018 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, 2017		762,755			(11,680	)		751,075			1,342,066,749		(1,409,762	)		1,340,656,987
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of  replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(3,038	)		—			(3,038	)		4,806,083		—			4,806,083
Balance at March 31, 2018		759,717			(11,680	)		748,037			1,346,872,832		(1,409,762	)		1,345,463,070

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 1,645,012 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and 1,644,846 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

Berkshire’s Board of Directors has approved a common stock repurchase program permitting Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. The program allows share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program.

22

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 20. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 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
2018
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	62,093		$	(3,114	)	$	(420	)	$	12		$	58,571
Reclassifications to retained earnings		(61,340	)		(65	)		36			(6	)		(61,375	)
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications		(74	)		585			(17	)		2			496
Reclassifications into net earnings		(175	)		—			9			(3	)		(169	)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	504		$	(2,594	)	$	(392	)	$	5		$	(2,477	)
Reclassifications into net earnings:
Reclassifications before income taxes	$	(221	)	$	—		$	10		$	(5	)	$	(216	)
Applicable income taxes		(46	)		—			1			(2	)		(47	)
	$	(175	)	$	—		$	9		$	(3	)	$	(169	)
2017
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	43,176		$	(5,268	)	$	(593	)	$	(17	)	$	37,298
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications		5,497			475			(22	)		(6	)		5,944
Reclassifications into net earnings		(198	)		—			18			8			(172	)
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	48,475		$	(4,793	)	$	(597	)	$	(15	)	$	43,070
Reclassifications into net earnings:
Reclassifications before income taxes	$	(305	)	$	—		$	24		$	14		$	(267	)
Applicable income taxes		(107	)		—			6			6			(95	)
	$	(198	)	$	—		$	18		$	8		$	(172	)

Note 21. Contingencies and Commitments

We are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In 2016, NICO entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (“MLMIC”), a writer of medical professional liability insurance domiciled in New York. The acquisition price will be approximately $2.5 billion. The acquisition will involve the conversion of MLMIC from a mutual company to a stock company. The closing of the transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions and the approval of the MLMIC policyholders eligible to vote on the proposed demutualization and sale. We currently expect this acquisition will be completed in the third quarter of 2018.

23

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 22. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, railroad, utilities and energy, finance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses have been grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues by segment for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO		$    7,915		$    6,845
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		3,540		13,232
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		1,918		1,676
Investment income		1,213		1,132
Total insurance		14,586		22,885
BNSF		5,624		5,185
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		4,512		4,231
Manufacturing		12,934		12,097
McLane Company		12,189		12,101
Service and retailing		6,587		6,093
Finance and financial products		2,063		1,849
		58,495		64,441
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Corporate, eliminations and other		(22)		(71)
		$  58,473		$  64,370

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO		$     677		$     175
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(258)		(743)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		99		189
Investment income		1,205		1,129
Total insurance		1,723		750
BNSF		1,513		1,345
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		487		589
Manufacturing		1,855		1,487
McLane Company		60		88
Service and retailing		515		393
Finance and financial products		494		450
		6,647		5,102
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		(8,015)		775
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(337)		(211)
Equity method investments		401		281
Corporate, eliminations and other		(219)		(259)
	$	(1,523)	$	5,688

24

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

Results of Operations

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

	First Quarter
	2018			2017
Insurance – underwriting	$	407		$	(267	)
Insurance – investment income		1,012			908
Railroad		1,145			838
Utilities and energy		585			480
Manufacturing, service and retailing		1,822			1,317
Finance and financial products		374			291
Investment and derivative gains/losses		(6,426	)		504
Other		(57	)		(11	)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	(1,138	)	$	4,060

Through our subsidiaries, we engage in a number of diverse business activities. We manage our operating businesses on an unusually decentralized basis. There are essentially no centralized or integrated business functions and there is minimal involvement by our corporate headquarters in the day-to-day business activities of the operating businesses. Our senior corporate management team participates in and is ultimately responsible for significant capital allocation decisions, investment activities and the selection of the Chief Executive to head each of the operating businesses. Beginning in 2018, our periodic net earnings will include unrealized gains and losses on our investments in equity securities. These gains and losses are likely to be very significant given the size of our current holdings and the volatility inherent in securities prices. Prior to 2018, these gains and losses were recorded in other comprehensive income. Thus, the new accounting treatment has no effect on the consolidated shareholders’ equity we would have otherwise reported. The business segment data (Note 22 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

Our after-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were favorably affected by lower U.S. income tax expense, primarily attributable to a reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 in connection with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) enacted on December 22, 2017. The effect of the lower U.S. statutory income tax rate in 2018, generally resulted in increased comparative after-tax earnings of our various business operations, although the effects varied, reflecting the differences in the mix of earnings subject to tax in the U.S. and internationally and the varying effects of U.S. state and local income taxes. Further, the effective U.S. income tax rates on dividend income under the TCJA are not significantly different from the prior income tax law.

Our insurance businesses generated after-tax earnings from underwriting of $407 million in the first quarter of 2018, compared to a loss of $267 million in 2017. Results in 2018 included reductions of losses for prior years’ property/casualty loss events and the favorable effect of a lower effective income tax rate, partly offset by increased losses on retroactive reinsurance contracts.

Our railroad business generated increased earnings in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, reflecting an increase in unit volume and a lower effective income tax rate, partly offset by increased fuel and other costs. Our utilities and energy business produced higher after-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, reflecting a lower effective income tax rate. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses in the first quarter of 2018 increased 38% over 2017, due to lower effective income tax rates and a 23% increase in pre-tax earnings.

After-tax investment and derivative losses in the first quarter were $6.4 billion in 2018, which included an after-tax charge of approximately $6.2 billion from changes in market values on our investments in equity securities held at March 31, 2018. In the first quarter of 2017, after-tax investment gains on equity securities included only the gains and losses realized from the dispositions or exchanges of securities during the period. In the first quarter of 2017, we also recorded after-tax unrealized gains on our investments in equity securities of approximately $5.3 billion in other comprehensive income. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses, whether realized from dispositions or settlements or from unrealized gains and losses from changes in market prices of equity securities, are generally meaningless in understanding our reported results or evaluating our economic performance of our businesses. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

25

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

Results of Operations (Continued)

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 GEICO, Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (“BHRG”) and 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, while investing decisions are the responsibility of Berkshire’s Chairman and CEO, Warren E. Buffett and Berkshire’s corporate investment managers. Accordingly, we evaluate performance of underwriting operations without any allocation of investment income or investment gains/losses. We consider investment income as a component of our aggregate insurance operating results. However, we consider investment gains and losses, whether realized or unrealized, as non-operating based on our long-held philosophy of acquiring securities and holding those securities for long periods. Accordingly, we believe that such gains and losses are not predictable or necessarily meaningful in understanding the operating results of our insurance businesses.

The timing and amount of catastrophe losses can produce significant volatility in our periodic underwriting results, particularly with respect to our reinsurance businesses. Generally, we consider catastrophe losses in excess of $100 million from a current year event as significant. Changes in estimates for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including amounts established for occurrences in prior years can also significantly affect our periodic underwriting results. Unpaid loss estimates, including estimates under retroactive reinsurance contracts, as of March 31, 2018 were approximately $104 billion. Our periodic underwriting results may also include significant foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from the changes in the valuation of non-U.S. Dollar denominated reinsurance liabilities of our U.S. based insurance subsidiaries due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

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

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Underwriting gain (loss):
GEICO	$	677	$	175
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(258)		(743	)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		99		189
Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)		518		(379)
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		111		(112)
Net underwriting gain (loss)	$	407	$	(267)
Effective income tax rate		21.4%		30.6%

GEICO

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

	First Quarter
	2018				2017
	Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	8,689			$	7,587
Premiums earned	$	7,915		100.0	$	6,845		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		6,075		76.7		5,590		81.7
Underwriting expenses		1,163		14.7		1,080		15.7
Total losses and expenses		7,238		91.4		6,670		97.4
Pre-tax underwriting gain	$	677			$	175

26

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

GEICO (Continued)

Premiums written and earned in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $8.7 billion and $7.9 billion, representing increases of 14.5% and 15.6%, respectively, compared to 2017. These increases reflected voluntary auto policy-in-force growth of 6.5% and increased premiums per auto policy of approximately 8.2% over the past twelve months. The increase in premiums per policy was attributable to rate increases, coverage changes and changes in state and risk mix. The increases in rates were in response to accelerating losses in recent years. Voluntary auto new business sales in the first quarter of 2018 decreased 11.8% compared to the record first quarter of 2017, while our voluntary auto policies-in-force increased approximately 290,000 during the first quarter of 2018.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $6.1 billion, an increase of $485 million (8.7%) compared to 2017. Our ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned (the “loss ratio”) in the first quarter of 2018 was 76.7%, a decline of 5.0 percentage points compared to the first quarter of 2017. The decline in the loss ratio reflected the effects of premium rate increases and comparatively lower storm-related losses.

We also reduced ultimate claim loss estimates for prior years’ loss events by $407 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $93 million in 2017. These reductions produced corresponding increases in pre-tax underwriting gains. The increase in such gains was primarily related to collision and property damage losses, which usually have short claim-tails. Claims frequencies in the first quarter of 2018 for property damage and collision coverages and personal injury protection coverage were down slightly compared to 2017, and decreased about two percent for bodily injury coverage. Average claims severities in the first quarter of 2018 were higher for property damage and collision coverages (four to six percent range) and bodily injury coverage (five to seven percent range).

Our underwriting expenses in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $1.2 billion, an increase of $83 million (7.7%) over 2017. Our expense ratio (underwriting expenses to premiums earned) in the first quarter of 2018 decreased 1.0 percentage point compared to 2017. The largest components of underwriting expenses are employee-related expenses (salaries and benefits) and advertising costs. The increase in underwriting expenses reflects the increase in policies-in-force.

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group

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

With the exception of our retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity businesses, we strive to generate pre-tax underwriting profits. Time-value-of-money concepts are important elements in establishing prices for our retroactive reinsurance and periodic payment annuity businesses due to the expected long durations of the liabilities. We expect to incur pre-tax underwriting losses from such businesses, primarily through deferred charge amortization and discount accretion charges. Premiums received at inception under these contracts are often large, which are then available for investment. A summary of the premiums and pre-tax underwriting results of our reinsurance business follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Property/casualty	$	2,026	$	1,742	$	130	$	(410)
Retroactive reinsurance		—		10,185		(311)		(261)
		2,026		11,927		(181)		(671)
Life/health		1,234		1,085		96		73
Periodic payment annuity		280		220		(173)		(145)
		1,514		1,305		(77)		(72)
	$	3,540	$	13,232	$	(258)	$	(743)

27

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Property/casualty

A summary of premiums and underwriting results of our property/casualty reinsurance businesses follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)
	2018		2017		2018		2017
NICO Group	$	1,054	$	1,088	$	23	$	(269)
General Re Group		972		654		107		(141)
	$	2,026	$	1,742	$	130	$	(410)

NICO Group’s premiums earned in the first quarter of 2018 declined 3% compared to 2017. In each period, approximately 40% of NICO Group’s premiums earned derived from a 10-year, 20% quota-share contract with Insurance Australia Group Ltd. that incepted in July 2015. General Re Group’s premiums earned in the first quarter of 2018 were $972 million, an increase of $318 million (49%) compared to 2017. The increase reflected higher direct and broker markets business and derived primarily from new business and increased participations for renewal business, and foreign currency translation effects. Industry capacity dedicated to property and casualty markets remains high and price competition in most reinsurance markets persists. We continue to decline business when we believe prices are inadequate.

On a combined basis, our property/casualty reinsurance business generated pre-tax underwriting gains of $130 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to pre-tax losses of $410 million in 2017. There were no significant catastrophe loss events in the first quarter of 2018. We incurred estimated losses of $102 million in the first quarter of 2017 from a cyclone in Australia.

In the first quarter of 2018, we also decreased estimated ultimate claims liabilities for prior years’ loss events by $182 million, compared to an increase of $395 million in the first quarter of 2017. The increase in 2017 was driven by the U.K. Ministry of Justice’s decision in the first quarter to reduce the fixed discount rate required in lump sum settlement calculations of U.K. personal injury claims, unanticipated property claims from events in 2016 and increases in estimated incurred-but-not reported losses.

Retroactive reinsurance

Premiums earned in the first quarter of 2017 included $10.2 billion from an aggregate excess-of-loss retroactive reinsurance agreement with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (the “AIG Agreement”), which became effective on February 2, 2017. At the inception of the AIG Agreement, we also recorded losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred of $10.2 billion, representing our initial estimate of the unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses assumed of $16.4 billion, partly offset by an initial deferred charge asset of $6.2 billion. Thus, on the effective date, the AIG Agreement had no effect on our pre-tax underwriting results.

Pre-tax underwriting losses from retroactive reinsurance contracts in the first quarter were $311 million in 2018 and $261 million in 2017. Certain liabilities related to retroactive reinsurance contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries are denominated in foreign currencies. Underwriting results in the first quarter included pre-tax losses of $60 million in 2018 and $89 million in 2017 associated with the re-measurement of such liabilities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Pre-tax underwriting losses before foreign currency gains/losses in the first quarter were $251 million in 2018 and $172 million in 2017. The increase in pre-tax losses was primarily due to increased amortization charges related to the AIG Agreement, which included the effects of a previously reported increase to our ultimate claim liability estimates of approximately $1.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017 and an increase in the related deferred charge asset of $1.7 billion.

Gross unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts were approximately $42.3 billion at March 31, 2018 and $42.9 billion at December 31, 2017. Unamortized deferred charge assets related to such reinsurance contracts were approximately $15.0 billion at March 31, 2018 and $15.3 billion at December 31, 2017. Deferred charge asset balances will be amortized as charges to pre-tax earnings over the expected remaining claims settlement periods.

28

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Life/health

Premiums earned and pre-tax underwriting results of our life/health reinsurance businesses are further summarized as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting gain (loss)
	2018		2017			2018		2017
General Re Group	$	919	$	737		$	47	$	—
BHLN Group		315		348			49		73
	$	1,234	$	1,085		$	96	$	73

General Re Group’s premiums earned in the first quarter of 2018 were $919 million, an increase of $182 million (25%) compared to 2017, which was primarily attributable to growth in the Asia and Australia markets and foreign currency translation effects. The General Re Group produced pre-tax underwriting gains of $47 million in the first quarter of 2018 and break-even results in the first quarter of 2017. First quarter results in 2018 reflected increased pre-tax gains from international life business and lower pre-tax losses from business in North America.

BHLN Group’s pre-tax underwriting results included pre-tax gains of $45 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $78 million in the first quarter of 2017 from the run-off of variable annuity reinsurance contracts that provide guarantees on closed blocks of variable annuity business. Periodic underwriting results from this business reflect changes in estimated liabilities for guaranteed benefits, which result from changes in securities markets and interest rates and from the periodic amortization of expected profit margins. Periodic underwriting results from variable annuity contracts can be volatile, reflecting the volatility of securities markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Estimated liabilities for variable annuity guarantees were approximately $1.7 billion at March 31, 2018 and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2017. BHLN Group’s life reinsurance premiums earned in the first quarter were $311 million in 2018 and $344 million in 2017. This business produced near break-even pre-tax underwriting results in each period.

Periodic payment annuity

Periodic payment annuity premiums earned in the first quarter of 2018 were $280 million, an increase of $60 million (27%) compared to 2017. Pre-tax losses from these contracts in the first quarter of 2018 were $173 million compared to $145 million in 2017. Certain periodic payment annuity liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Great Britain Pound Sterling. First quarter pre-tax underwriting results included pre-tax losses of $70 million in 2018 and $24 million in 2017 associated with the re-measurement of such liabilities due to changes in exchange rates.

Before foreign currency gains and losses, pre-tax underwriting losses were $103 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $121 million in the first quarter of 2017. These losses were primarily attributable to the recurring discount accretion on annuity liabilities, which approximated $11.6 billion at March 31, 2018 and $11.2 billion at December 31, 2017. The weighted average discount rate on our liabilities at March 31, 2018 was approximately 4.1%.

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) consists of a wide variety of independently managed insurance underwriting businesses that primarily provide a variety of commercial insurance solutions, including healthcare malpractice, workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability, property and various specialty coverages for small, medium and large clients. The largest of these insurers include Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (“BH Specialty”), Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (“BHHC”), MedPro Group, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies (“GUARD”) and National Indemnity Company (“NICO Primary”). Other BH Primary insurers include U.S. Liability Insurance Company, Applied Underwriters and Central States Indemnity Company.

29

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (Continued)

A summary of BH Primary underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018				2017
	Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	2,161			$	1,849
Premiums earned	$	1,918		100.0	$	1,676		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		1,251		65.2		1,037		61.9
Underwriting expenses		568		29.6		450		26.8
Total losses and expenses		1,819		94.8		1,487		88.7
Pre-tax underwriting gain	$	99			$	189

Premiums written in the first quarter of 2018 were $2.2 billion, an increase of 17% compared to 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to BH Specialty, MedPro Group, GUARD and BHHC. Premiums earned increased $242 million (14%) compared to the first quarter of 2017, reflecting the growth of written premiums of these businesses over the past year.

BH Primary produced pre-tax underwriting gains of $99 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $189 million in 2017. BH Primary’s first quarter loss ratios were 65.2% in 2018 and 61.9% in 2017. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter included net reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of $164 million in 2018 and $168 million in 2017, which produced corresponding increases in pre-tax underwriting gains. The reductions of prior years’ loss estimates in each year primarily related to healthcare malpractice and workers’ compensation business. BH Primary writes significant levels of commercial liability and workers’ compensation insurance and the related claim costs may be subject to higher severity and longer claim-tails, which could contribute to significant increases in claims liabilities in the future attributable to higher than expected claim settlements, adverse litigation or judicial rulings and other factors we have not anticipated.

Insurance—Investment Income

A summary of net investment income generated from investments held by our insurance operations follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
		2018		2017
Interest and other investment income		$	452	$	246
Dividend income			753		883
Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests			1,205		1,129
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests			193		221
Net investment income		$	1,012	$	908
Effective income tax rate			15.9%		19.5%

Pre-tax interest and other investment income increased $206 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, attributable to an increase in interest income, primarily due to higher interest rates applicable to our short-term investments and to a fair value adjustment related to a limited partnership investment. Dividend income declined $130 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017. The decline was primarily attributable to the impact of Restaurant Brands International’s redemption of our $3 billion investment in 9% preferred stock in December 2017 and other changes in our portfolio of equity securities. We believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to short-term investments.

Invested assets of our insurance businesses derive from shareholder capital, including reinvested earnings, and from net liabilities under insurance contracts or “float.” The major components of float are unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts, life, annuity and health benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities due to policyholders, less premium and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float approximated $116 billion at March 31, 2018 and $114 billion at December 31, 2017. Our average cost of float in the first quarter of 2018 was negative, as our underwriting operations generated pre-tax earnings of $518 million. Our cost of float for the year ending December 31, 2017 was approximately 3%, reflecting pre-tax underwriting losses of approximately $3.2 billion.

30

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 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills	$	66,776	$	73,285
Equity securities		165,828		163,134
Fixed maturity securities		19,679		21,092
	$	252,283	$	257,511

Fixed maturity investments as of March 31, 2018 were as follows (in millions).

	Amortized cost		Unrealized gains/losses			Carrying value
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,626	$	(25	)	$	3,601
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		730		22			752
Foreign governments		7,835		51			7,886
Corporate bonds, investment grade		5,408		346			5,754
Corporate bonds, non-investment grade		729		165			894
Mortgage-backed securities		707		85			792
	$	19,035	$	644		$	19,679

U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies. Approximately 87% 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 rated below BBB- or Baa3. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities.

Railroad (“Burlington Northern Santa Fe”)

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

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Revenues	$	5,624	$	5,185
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,315		1,297
Fuel		767		605
Purchased services		692		626
Depreciation and amortization		571		573
Equipment rents, materials and other		510		487
Total operating expenses		3,855		3,588
Interest expense		256		252
		4,111		3,840
Pre-tax earnings		1,513		1,345
Income taxes		368		507
Net earnings	$	1,145	$	838
Effective income tax rate		24.3%		37.7%

31

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

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

BNSF’s revenues were $5.6 billion in the first quarter of 2018, representing an increase of $439 million (8.5%) versus 2017. During the first quarter of 2018, revenues reflected a 1.8% comparative increase in average revenue per car/unit and a 5.1% increase in volume. Our volume was 2.6 million cars/units in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2.5 million in 2017. We expect modest volume growth over the remainder of the year. The increase in average revenue per car/unit was primarily attributable to higher fuel surcharge revenue driven primarily by higher fuel prices and increased rates per car/unit, partially offset by business mix changes. Pre-tax earnings were approximately $1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 12.5% compared to 2017. The increase was attributable to the increase in revenues, partly offset by higher fuel and volume-related expenses.

Revenues from consumer products were $1.9 billion in the first quarter of 2018, representing an increase of 10.7% compared to 2017, reflecting volume increases of 6.2% as well as higher average revenue per car/unit. The volume increases were primarily attributable to higher domestic intermodal and international intermodal volumes due to economic growth and tightening truck capacity leading to conversion from highway to rail.

Revenues from industrial products were $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 10.9% from 2017, attributable to a volume increase of 9.2% as well as higher average revenue per car/unit. Volumes in the first quarter of 2018 were higher primarily due to increased sand and other products that support drilling and broad strengthening in the industrial sector which drove demand for steel, taconite, chemicals and plastics.

Revenues from agricultural products increased 4.0% to $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to a volume increase of 6.4%, partially offset by lower average revenue per car/unit. Volumes increased due to stronger export and domestic grain shipments as well as higher ethanol and other grain products volumes.

Revenues from coal decreased 1.3% to $948 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, which reflected a decrease in volume of 2.3%, partially offset by higher average revenue per car/unit. The volume decreases in the first quarter of 2018 were primarily due to utility plant retirements, partially offset by market share gains.

Operating expenses were $3.9 billion in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of $267 million (7.4%) compared to 2017. Our ratio of operating expenses to revenues decreased 0.7 percentage points to 68.5% in the first quarter of 2018 versus 2017. Fuel expenses increased $162 million (26.8%) compared to 2017 primarily due to higher average fuel prices and increased volumes. Purchased services expense increased $66 million (10.5%) compared to 2017 due to higher purchased transportation costs of our logistics services business, which are offset in revenues, as well as increased intermodal ramping and drayage activities.

BNSF’s effective income tax rate was 24.3% and 37.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease was driven by the reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate under the TCJA, effective January 1, 2018.

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)

We currently own 90.4% of the outstanding common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”), which operates a global energy business. BHE’s domestic regulated utility interests are comprised of PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company (“MEC”) and NV Energy. In Great Britain, BHE subsidiaries operate two regulated electricity distribution businesses referred to as Northern Powergrid. BHE also owns two domestic regulated interstate natural gas pipeline companies. Other energy businesses include a regulated electricity transmission-only business in Alberta, Canada (“AltaLink, L.P.”) and a diversified portfolio of independent power projects. In addition, BHE also operates the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

32

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

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

The rates our regulated businesses charge customers for energy and services are based, in large part, on the costs of business operations, including income taxes and a return on capital, and are subject to regulatory approval. To the extent these regulated operations are not allowed to include such costs in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduced the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of our domestic regulated utilities from 35% to 21%. The resulting effects of the lower U.S. income tax expense of those regulated utilities are expected to be substantially offset over time by lower revenues and pre-tax earnings. Revenues and earnings of BHE are summarized below (in millions).

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Earnings
	2018		2017		2018			2017
PacifiCorp	$	1,202	$	1,292	$	173		$	265
MidAmerican Energy Company		767		708		40			62
NV Energy		625		594		40			51
Northern Powergrid		275		245		109			103
Natural gas pipelines		379		318		219			200
Other energy businesses		500		487		20			15
Real estate brokerage		764		587		(10	)		3
Corporate interest		—		—		(104	)		(110	)
	$	4,512	$	4,231
Pre-tax earnings						487			589
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						(98	)		109
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders					$	585		$	480
Effective income tax rate						(34.3	)%		8.0	%

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were $1.2 billion, a decrease of 7% compared to the same period in 2017. Retail revenues in the first quarter of 2018 decreased $111 million compared to 2017, reflecting lower average rates ($71 million), primarily due to refund accruals related to 2017 tax reform, and a 3.5% reduction in volumes largely attributable to the impacts of weather. Wholesale and other revenues increased due to higher volumes offset by lower market rates.

Pre-tax earnings decreased $92 million (35%) in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. Utility margins (operating revenues less fuel and purchased energy costs) in the first quarter of 2018 were $751 million, a decrease of $89 million (11%) versus 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in revenues. PacifiCorp’s after-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were $148 million, a decline of $31 million (17%) compared to 2017.

MidAmerican Energy Company

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were $767 million, an increase of $59 million (8%) as compared to the same period in 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, electric operating revenues increased $36 million and natural gas revenues increased $13 million compared to 2017. The increase in electric revenues was attributable to higher retail revenues ($32 million), reflecting comparative increases in aggregate volumes and average rates from higher recoveries through bill riders, largely offset by refund accruals related to 2017 tax reform. The increase in natural gas revenues was primarily due to increased volumes, partially offset by lower average per-unit costs of gas sold and refund accruals related to 2017 tax reform.

Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 decreased $22 million (35%) compared to the same period in 2017. Electric utility margins in the first quarter of 2018 were $361 million, an increase of $30 million compared to 2017, which was due to the net increase in retail revenues. However, this increase was more than offset by increased depreciation, maintenance and other operating expenses. The increase in depreciation reflects higher accruals of $27 million for Iowa regulatory arrangements and wind generation and other plant-in-service of $14 million. MEC’s after-tax earnings are greater than its pre-tax earnings due to the significant production income tax credits it receives related to its wind-powered generating facilities. MEC’s after-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were $103 million, which was relatively unchanged from 2017.

33

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

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

NV Energy

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were $625 million, an increase of $31 million (5%) compared to 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in retail electric operating revenues of $25 million, which reflected increased rates from pass-through cost adjustments, partly offset by lower volumes. Natural gas operating revenue increased $7 million in the first quarter of 2018, primarily due to higher rates, partially offset by lower customer usage.

Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 decreased $11 million (22%) compared to the same period in 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the higher revenues that were offset by higher pass-through cost adjustments and increased depreciation as a result of a 2017 regulatory rate review outcome. Utility margins in the first quarter of 2018 were relatively unchanged from 2017. NV Energy’s after-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were $33 million, which was unchanged from 2017.

Northern Powergrid

Revenues increased $30 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to the favorable foreign currency translation effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar in 2018. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 increased $6 million (6%) compared to 2017, primarily due to foreign currency translation effects, partially offset by higher depreciation and other operating expenses.

Natural gas pipelines

Revenues increased $61 million (19%) in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to higher transportation revenues of $36 million and increased gas sales volumes related to system balancing activities, which were largely offset in cost of sales. Pre-tax earnings increased $19 million (10%) in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017. The increase was primarily due to the changes in transportation revenues, partly offset by a comparative increase in operating expenses, which included the effects of an alternative rate structure approved by Kern River’s regulators that reduced expenses and regulatory liabilities in the first quarter of 2017.

Other energy businesses

Revenues increased $13 million (3%) in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, reflecting a comparative increase of 12% from renewable energy and a comparative decline of 5% from the unregulated service business. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 increased $5 million compared to the same period in 2017, which reflected increased earnings from renewable energy partly offset by higher other operating expenses.

Real estate brokerage

Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 increased 30% as compared to the same period in 2017 due to recent business acquisitions. Pre-tax earnings declined $13 million in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to 2017, primarily due to higher operating and interest expenses, partially offset by higher net revenues.

Corporate interest

Corporate interest includes interest on unsecured debt issued by the BHE holding company and borrowings from Berkshire insurance subsidiaries in connection with certain of BHE’s business acquisitions, which were fully repaid in the third quarter of 2017. Corporate interest declined 5% in the first three months of 2018 as compared to 2017, primarily due to lower average borrowings.

Income taxes

BHE’s effective income tax rates for the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 were approximately (34.3%) and 8.0%, respectively. BHE’s effective income tax rates regularly reflect significant production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation placed in service by our domestic regulated utilities and other energy businesses. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2018 decreased primarily due to the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, as well as from lower state income tax expense, lower U.S. income taxes on foreign earnings, an increase in recognized production tax credits and favorable impacts of rate making.

34

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 (in millions).

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Earnings *
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Manufacturing	$	12,934	$	12,097	$	1,855	$	1,487
Service and retailing		18,776		18,194		575		481
	$	31,710	$	30,291
Pre-tax earnings						2,430		1,968
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						608		651
					$	1,822	$	1,317
Effective income tax rate						24.4%		32.4%

* Excludes certain acquisition accounting expenses, which were primarily from the amortization of identified intangible assets recorded in connection with our business acquisitions. The after-tax acquisition accounting expenses excluded from earnings in the preceding table were $209 million in 2018 and $132 million in 2017. These expenses are included in “Other” in the summary of earnings on page 25 and in the “Other” earnings section on page 40.

Manufacturing

Our manufacturing group includes a variety of businesses that produce and distribute industrial, building and consumer products. Industrial products businesses include specialty chemicals (The Lubrizol Corporation (“Lubrizol”)), complex metal products for aerospace, power and general industrial markets (Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”)), metal cutting tools/systems (IMC International Metalworking Companies (“IMC”)), equipment and systems for the livestock and agricultural industries (CTB International (“CTB”)), and a variety of products for diverse markets (Marmon, Scott Fetzer and LiquidPower Specialty Products (“LSPI”)).

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

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Pre-tax earnings
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Industrial products	$	7,077	$	6,508	$	1,311	$	994
Building products		2,834		2,734		251		249
Consumer products		3,023		2,855		293		244
	$	12,934	$	12,097	$	1,855	$	1,487

Aggregate revenues of our manufacturing businesses in the first quarter of 2018 were $12.9 billion, an increase of $837 million (7%) compared to 2017. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $1.85 billion, an increase of $368 million (25%) from 2017. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2017 included pre-tax losses of $184 million in connection with the disposition of an underperforming bolt-on business acquired by Lubrizol in 2014. Excluding these losses, pre-tax earnings in 2018 increased 11% compared to 2017.

Industrial products

Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $7.1 billion, an increase of $569 million (9%) versus 2017. PCC’s revenues in the first quarter of 2018 increased 6% over 2017, reflecting increased demand in aerospace markets in connection with new aircraft programs, partly offset by lower industrial gas turbine demand. Lubrizol’s revenues in the first quarter of 2018 increased 6% compared to 2017, primarily due to higher prices, changes in product mix and favorable foreign currency translation. Overall, Lubrizol’s unit sales declined slightly from 2017.

35

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Industrial products (Continued)

Marmon’s revenues in the first quarter of 2018 increased 9% compared to 2017. Revenues increased due to higher metals prices, business acquisitions, growth in transportation and HVAC product lines and favorable foreign currency translation. These increases were partly offset by revenue decreases attributable to lower retail store and beverage products sales and lower steel distribution volume. IMC’s revenues increased 27% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017 due to a combination of factors, including business acquisitions, translation effects from a weaker U.S. Dollar, increased unit sales and higher financial income. CTB’s revenues decreased 2% in the first quarter of 2018 versus 2017, primarily due to sluggish demand and selling price pressures for grain systems and lower processing equipment volume, which more than offset increased protein production equipment sales and favorable foreign currency translation.

Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $1.3 billion, an increase of $317 million (32%) compared to 2017. The comparative increase in 2018 earnings was primarily attributable to pre-tax losses of $184 million recognized by Lubrizol in the first quarter of 2017 in connection with the disposition of the underperforming bolt-on business and the recognition of intangible asset impairments and restructuring charges. Excluding the effects of the losses in 2017, pre-tax earnings increased 11% compared to the first quarter of 2017.

Excluding the effects of the aforementioned losses, Lubrizol’s pre-tax earnings increased 19% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, which was primarily due to lower interest expense and favorable foreign currency translation. Lubrizol’s results continue to be adversely affected by significantly higher average raw material costs, including base oil feedstock and petrochemicals. IMC’s pre-tax earnings increased significantly in the first quarter of 2018 versus 2017, reflecting a combination of increased sales, increased manufacturing efficiencies, the effects of business acquisitions and ongoing expense control efforts, partly offset by the effects of rising raw material costs. PCC’s pre-tax earnings decreased 7.5% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017. Results in 2018 were negatively affected by costs and lost earnings from the unplanned temporary shut-down of certain manufacturing facilities in the first quarter of 2018. These plants have been restarted and are expected to become fully operational by the third quarter of 2018. In addition, the aforementioned new aerospace programs involve more complex manufacturing processes and manufacturing costs are initially higher, but are expected to decline as processes and efficiencies develop over time.

Building products

Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $2.8 billion, an increase of $100 million (4%) compared to 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, we generated increased sales of flooring products, primarily from hard surface volumes, and slightly higher revenues from Johns Manville and MiTek’s residential products business. We also experienced comparative volume declines in 2018 for brick/masonry products, while volumes for paint/coatings were relatively unchanged.

Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were $251 million, a slight increase (1%) over 2017. Our operating margins (pre-tax earnings to revenues) in the first quarter were 8.9% in 2018 and 9.1% in 2017. Raw material and production costs continued to rise in the first quarter of 2018, which offset most of the increase in revenues. In particular, we experienced higher prices for steel, titanium dioxide, and petrochemicals in 2018, which contributed to the comparative decline in our operating margin.

Consumer products

Revenues were approximately $3.0 billion in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of $168 million (6%) over 2017. The increase in revenues was primarily due to unit volume increases at Forest River, Brooks Sports and Garan and from the foreign currency translation effects of a weaker U.S. Dollar in 2018, partly offset by lower unit sales at Fruit of the Loom.

Pre-tax earnings were $293 million in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of $49 million (20%) compared to 2017. The increase reflected the changes in revenues described above and also included increased earnings from Duracell. Duracell’s results in the first quarter of 2018 increased primarily due to lower costs from ongoing operational restructuring efforts and comparatively lower restructuring charges in the first quarter of 2018.

36

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Service and retailing

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

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Pre-tax earnings
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Service	$	2,945	$	2,617	$	357	$	260
Retailing		3,642		3,476		158		133
McLane Company		12,189		12,101		60		88
	$	18,776	$	18,194	$	575	$	481

Service

Our service businesses offer fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft (NetJets) and high technology training to operators of aircraft (FlightSafety). We also distribute electronic components (TTI) and franchise and service a network of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen). Service businesses also include the electronic distribution of corporate news, multimedia and regulatory filings (Business Wire), publication of newspapers and other publications (Buffalo News and the BH Media Group) and operation of a television station in Miami, Florida (WPLG). We also offer third party logistics services that primarily serve the petroleum and chemical industries (Charter Brokerage).

Revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $2.9 billion, an increase of $328 million (13%) as compared to 2017. First quarter 2018 revenues of TTI increased 33% compared to 2017, reflecting an industry-wide increase in demand for electronic components in many geographic markets around the world, and from the effects of business acquisitions and foreign currency translation due to a weaker U.S. Dollar. In addition, FlightSafety and Charter Brokerage generated comparative revenue increases in the first quarter of 2018. NetJets revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were relatively unchanged from 2017.

Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were $357 million, an increase of $97 million (37%) compared to 2017. With the exception of our media businesses, all of our service operations generated comparative increases in first quarter earnings, driven by the aforementioned revenue based increases at TTI, FlightSafety and Charter Brokerage and increased earnings at NetJets.

Retailing

Our retailers include Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”). BHA includes over 80 auto dealerships that sell new and pre-owned automobiles, and offer repair services and related products. BHA also operates two insurance businesses, two auto auctions and an automotive fluid maintenance products distributor. Our retailing businesses also include four home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics.

Our other retailing businesses include three jewelry retailing businesses (Borsheims, Helzberg and Ben Bridge), See’s Candies (confectionary products), Pampered Chef (high quality kitchen tools), Oriental Trading Company (party supplies, school supplies and toys and novelties) and Detlev Louis Motorrad (“Louis”), a Germany-based retailer of motorcycle accessories.

Retailing business revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were $3.6 billion, an increase of $166 million (5%) compared to 2017. BHA’s revenues, which represent approximately 64% of our aggregate retailing revenues, increased 4.5% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017. The increase was primarily from increased pre-owned vehicle sales. In addition, See’s Candies revenues increased 23% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017 due to the timing of the Easter holiday. The seasonal effects of the Easter holiday were in the first quarter of 2018 and primarily in the second quarter of 2017. Revenues of our home furnishings businesses increased 4% in the first quarter of 2018 versus 2017, due to higher volumes in certain markets and the effect of a new store, which opened in 2018.

Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 from retailing were $158 million, an increase of $25 million (19%) over 2017, which was primarily attributable to BHA and See’s Candies. Earnings of BHA increased primarily due to increased earnings from finance and insurance activities, partly offset by lower vehicle gross margins. The increase in pre-tax earnings of See’s Candies was attributable to the timing of Easter.

37

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

McLane Company

McLane operates a wholesale distribution business that provides grocery and non-food consumer products to retailers and convenience stores (“grocery”) and to restaurants (“foodservice”). McLane also operates businesses that are wholesale distributors of distilled spirits, wine and beer (“beverage”). The grocery and foodservice units generate high sales volumes and very low profit margins and have several significant customers, including Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven and Yum! Brands. A curtailment of purchasing by any of its significant customers could have an adverse impact on McLane’s periodic revenues and earnings.

Revenues for the first quarter of 2018 were $12.2 billion, an increase of 0.7% over the first quarter of 2017, reflecting a slight increase in grocery sales and a slight decrease in foodservice sales. Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were $60 million, a decrease of $28 million (32%) compared to 2017. McLane continues to operate in an intensely competitive business environment, which is negatively affecting its current operating results. These conditions contributed to declining gross margin rates in the first quarter of 2018, which together with increases in fuel, depreciation and certain other operating expenses produced a 23 basis point decline in its operating margin rate (ratio of pre-tax earnings to revenues) compared to 2017. Our grocery and foodservice businesses is expected to continue to be subject to intense competition over the remainder of 2018.

Finance and Financial Products

Our finance and financial products businesses include manufactured and site built housing and finance (Clayton Homes), transportation equipment manufacturing and leasing businesses (UTLX and XTRA, and together, “transportation equipment leasing”), as well as other leasing and financing activities. A summary of earnings from our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	Revenues				Earnings
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Manufactured housing and finance	$	1,247	$	1,074	$	195	$	176
Transportation equipment leasing		651		624		205		209
Other		165		151		94		65
	$	2,063	$	1,849
Pre-tax earnings						494		450
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						120		159
					$	374	$	291
Effective income tax rate						24.3%		35.5%

Manufactured housing and finance

Clayton Homes’ revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $1.25 billion, an increase of $173 million (16%) compared to 2017. The increase reflected a 25% increase in home sales and a 4% increase in financial services revenue. The increase in home sales was primarily due to increased sales of site built homes, and to a lesser extent, manufactured homes. Average unit prices of site built homes are considerably higher than our traditional manufactured homes. The increase in financial services revenue was primarily attributable to increased interest income from a 3% increase in average loan balances. As of March 31, 2018, Clayton Homes’ loan balances were approximately $13.8 billion.

Pre-tax earnings in the first quarter of 2018 were $195 million, an increase of $19 million (11%) compared to 2017, which was primarily attributable to increased earnings from increased sales of site built homes, financial services and lower corporate overhead costs. The increase in pre-tax earnings from financial services reflected increased interest income and lower credit losses, partly offset by increased interest expense, which reflected increased average balances and borrowing rates.

Transportation equipment leasing

Transportation equipment leasing revenues increased $27 million (4%) in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to increased crane services, over-the-road trailer units on lease, increased equipment sales and favorable foreign currency translation effects, partly offset by decreased railcar lease income. Excess railcar capacity for lease continues to contribute to fewer units on lease and relatively low lease rates.

38

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

Finance and Financial Products (Continued)

Transportation equipment leasing (Continued)

Pre-tax earnings were $205 million in the first quarter of 2018, a decrease of $4 million (2%) compared to 2017. The decrease was due to lower earnings from the railcar leasing business, attributable to the decline in lease revenues and higher repair costs, partly offset by increased earnings from the over-the road-trailer and crane services businesses. Significant components of the operating costs of our leasing businesses, such as depreciation expense and financing costs, do not vary proportionately to revenue changes. Thus, changes in revenues can produce a disproportionate effect on earnings.

Other

Other earnings from our finance activities include CORT furniture leasing and interest and dividends from investment securities. In 2018, other earnings increased $29 million compared to 2017, reflecting increased interest and dividend income and earnings from CORT. Other earnings in 2018 included increased interest income on loans by a Berkshire financing subsidiary to Clayton Homes and UTLX and from other intercompany loans, which are used to finance loans and assets held for lease. Corresponding interest expense is reflected in the earnings of those businesses.

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

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

	First Quarter
	2018			2017
Investment gains/losses	$	(7,809	)	$	315
Derivative gains/losses		(206	)		460
Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		(8,015	)		775
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		(1,589	)		271
Net gains/losses	$	(6,426	)	$	504
Effective income tax rate		19.8%			35.0%

Investment gains/losses

As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, we adopted a new accounting pronouncement as of January 1, 2018 (“ASU 2016-01”), which requires that unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in market values of our investments in equity securities be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Prior to 2018, investment gains/losses related to equity securities were generally recorded when we sold, redeemed or exchanged investments. While ASU 2016-01 does not affect our consolidated shareholders’ equity or total comprehensive income, it is expected to produce a very significant increase in the volatility of our periodic net earnings given the magnitude of our existing equity securities portfolio and the inherent volatility of equity securities prices. Investment gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in earnings reported in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Pre-tax investment losses recorded in earnings in the first quarter of 2018 included unrealized losses on investments in equity securities still held at March 31, 2018 of $7.8 billion. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, such unrealized gains and losses were included in other comprehensive income. ASU 2016-01 did not permit the restatement of prior years’ statements of earnings.

We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses, whether realized from sales or unrealized from changes in market prices, are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported results or evaluating our periodic economic performance. We continue to believe the amount of investment gains/losses included in earnings in any given period typically has little analytical or predictive value. The effects of changes in market prices for equity securities that are now reported in earnings are unpredictable, particularly over quarterly and annual periods.

39

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

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses (Continued)

Derivative gains/losses

Derivative contract gains/losses currently represent the changes in fair value of our equity index put option contract liabilities. The liabilities relate to contracts entered into before March 2008 and expire between June 2018 and January 2026. The periodic changes in the fair values of these contracts are recorded in earnings and can be significant, reflecting the volatility of underlying equity markets and the changes in the inputs used to measure such liabilities.

As of March 31, 2018, equity index put option intrinsic values were approximately $1.0 billion and our recorded liabilities at fair value were approximately $2.4 billion. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under our equity index put option contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates and will be based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts. Derivative contracts produced pre-tax losses in the first quarter of 2018 of $206 million, primarily due to lower equity index values and changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partly offset by the effects of shorter average contract durations. In the first quarter of 2017, these contracts produced pre-tax gains of $460 million, primarily attributable to increased index values and shorter average contract durations.

Other

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

	First Quarter
	2018			2017
Equity method earnings	$	340		$	255
Acquisition accounting expenses		(218	)		(142	)
Corporate interest expense, before foreign currency effects		(77	)		(67	)
Corporate interest expense, Euro note foreign exchange rate effects		(163	)		(57	)
Other		61			—
Net earnings (losses) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	(57	)	$	(11	)

After-tax equity method earnings includes Berkshire’s share of earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz, Pilot Flying J, Berkadia and Electric Transmission of Texas. After-tax other earnings (losses) also include charges arising from the application of the acquisition method in connection with Berkshire’s past business acquisitions. Such charges were primarily from the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions. Berkshire issued Euro-denominated debt during 2015, 2016 and 2017 and at March 31, 2018, the aggregate par amount outstanding was €6.85 billion. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can produce sizable non-cash gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of these liabilities into U.S. Dollars.

Financial Condition

Our consolidated balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Our consolidated shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2018 was $347.4 billion, a decrease of $895 million since December 31, 2017. Net losses attributable to Berkshire shareholders in 2018 were $1.1 billion, which included after-tax losses on our investments in equity securities of approximately $6.4 billion.

At March 31, 2018, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills of approximately $98.6 billion and aggregate investments in securities (excluding our investment in Kraft Heinz) of $186.6 billion. Berkshire parent company debt outstanding at March 31, 2018 was approximately $18.2 billion, a decrease of $580 million from December 31, 2017, which was net of a $217 million increase attributable to foreign currency exchange rate changes applicable to the €6.85 billion par amount of Euro-denominated senior notes. Berkshire term debt of $800 million matured in February 2018 and an additional $750 million will mature in August 2018.

Our railroad, utilities and energy businesses (conducted by BNSF and BHE) maintain very large investments in capital assets (property, plant and equipment) and will regularly make significant capital expenditures in the normal course of business. We forecast capital expenditures of these two operations will approximate $10 billion in 2018, of which approximately $1.6 billion was made in the first quarter.

BNSF’s outstanding debt approximated $22.6 billion as of March 31, 2018, an increase of $62 million since December 31, 2017. In March 2018, BNSF issued $750 million of senior unsecured debentures due in 2048 and repaid debentures of $650 million. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries were approximately $40.1 billion at March 31, 2018, an increase of $427 million since December 31, 2017. In January 2018, BHE issued senior unsecured debt of $2.2 billion with maturities ranging from 2021 to 2048. The proceeds from these borrowings were used to repay certain short-term borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. During the remainder of 2018, approximately $2.9 billion of BHE and subsidiary term debt will mature. Berkshire does not guarantee the repayment of debt issued by BNSF, BHE or any of their subsidiaries and is not committed to provide capital to support BNSF, BHE or any of their subsidiaries.

40

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

Financial Condition (Continued)

Finance and financial products assets were approximately $39.5 billion as of March 31, 2018, a decrease of $2.4 billion from December 31, 2017. Finance assets consist primarily of loans and finance receivables, various types of property held for lease, cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills. Finance and financial products liabilities declined $2.0 billion in the first quarter of 2018 to approximately $14.7 billion at March 31, 2018. The decrease reflected $2.4 billion related to debt maturities of a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”). An additional $2.25 billion of BHFC senior notes will mature over the remainder of 2018. BHFC’s senior note borrowings are used to fund loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and a portion of assets held for lease by our UTLX railcar leasing business. Berkshire guarantees the full and timely payment of principal and interest with respect to BHFC’s senior notes.

Berkshire’s Board of Directors has authorized Berkshire management to repurchase, at its discretion, Berkshire Class A and Class B common stock at prices no higher than a 20% premium over book value per share. We will not repurchase our stock if it reduces the total amount of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. There is no obligation to repurchase any stock and the program is expected to continue indefinitely. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. There were no share repurchases in 2018.

Contractual Obligations

We are party to contracts associated with ongoing business and financing activities, which will result in cash payments to counterparties in future periods. Certain obligations are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, such as notes payable, which require future payments on contractually specified dates and in fixed and determinable amounts. Other obligations pertain to the acquisition of goods or services in the future, such as minimum rentals under operating leases and certain purchase obligations, and are not currently reflected in the financial statements, but will be recognized in future periods as the goods are delivered or services are provided.

The timing and amount of the payments under certain contracts, such as insurance and reinsurance contracts, are contingent upon the outcome of future events and claim settlements. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from the estimated liabilities currently recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Except as otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report, our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2018 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, 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain accounting policies require us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Such estimates and judgments necessarily involve varying, and possibly significant, degrees of uncertainty. Accordingly, certain amounts currently recorded in the financial statements will likely be adjusted in the future based on new available information and changes in other facts and circumstances. Reference is made to “Critical Accounting Policies” discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Berkshire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of approximately $104 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 very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude will result in a material effect on periodic earnings. The effects from changes in these estimates are recorded as a component of insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses in the period of the change.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of approximately $81 billion. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2017. Although we believe that the goodwill reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 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 earnings.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include significant derivative contract liabilities with respect to our equity index put option contracts. The fair values recorded for these liabilities are based on valuation models that utilize various inputs and assumptions that we believe are used by market participants. We further believe that fair values based on such models are inherently subjective and the values in an actual transaction may differ significantly from the model values. Changes in the assumptions utilized within the valuation models may have a significant effect on recorded fair values and periodic earnings.

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

41

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The 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, act of terrorism or cyber attack that causes losses insured by our insurance subsidiaries and/or losses to our business operations, changes in laws or regulations affecting our insurance, railroad, utilities and energy and finance subsidiaries, changes in federal income tax laws, and changes in general economic and market factors that affect the prices of securities or the industries in which we do business.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report and in particular the “Market Risk Disclosures” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of March 31, 2018, 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, 2017.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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

42

Part II Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Berkshire and its subsidiaries are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 to which reference is made herein.

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

Berkshire’s Board of Directors has approved a common stock repurchase program permitting Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. The program allows share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. There were no share repurchases under the program in 2018.

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

43

Item 6. Exhibits

	a. Exhibits
3(i)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2015.
3(ii)	By-Laws          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2016.
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 March 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

SIGNATURE

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

	BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: May 5, 2018	/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG
	(Signature)
	Marc D. Hamburg,
	Senior Vice President and
	Principal Financial Officer

44

EX-12

Exhibit 12

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

Calculation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Consolidated Fixed Charges

(Dollars in millions)

	Three Months Ending				Year Ended December 31,
	March 31, 2018				2017			2016			2015		2014		2013
Net earnings (losses) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders(1)		$	(1,138	)	$	44,940		$	24,074		$	24,083	$	19,872	$	19,476
Income tax expense (benefit)(1)			(452	)		(21,515	)		9,240			10,532		7,935		8,951
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests			67			413			353			331		298		369
Equity method net (earnings) losses			(401	)		(2,938	)		(923	)		122		26		262
Dividends from equity method investments			254			797			952			366		—		—
Fixed charges			1,128			4,529			4,439			4,065		3,882		3,386
Earnings available for fixed charges		$	(542	)	$	26,226		$	38,135		$	39,499	$	32,013	$	32,444
Fixed charges
Interest expense, including amortization(2)		$	975		$	3,927		$	3,741		$	3,446	$	3,253	$	2,801
Rentals representing interest and capitalized interest			153			602			698			619		629		585
		$	1,128		$	4,529		$	4,439		$	4,065	$	3,882	$	3,386
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges			(0.48)x			5.79x			8.59x			9.72x		8.25x		9.58x

(1) Effective January 1, 2018, all changes in the fair values of investments in equity securities are included in earnings, including unrealized gains and losses on securities still held. During the first quarter of 2018, Berkshire’s earnings included pre-tax losses on investments in equity securities of approximately $8.0 billion ($6.4 billion after-tax), which was predominantly related to market value changes during the first three months of 2018 on securities still held at March 31, 2018.

(2) Includes recurring interest expense and excludes foreign currency exchange gains and losses related to Berkshire’s Euro denominated debt and losses from prepayments of debt.

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Quarter ended March 31, 2018

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

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Warren E. Buffett, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: May 5, 2018

/S/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Chairman—Principal Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Quarter ended March 31, 2018

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

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Marc D. Hamburg, certify that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: May 5, 2018

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Senior Vice President—Principal Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended March 31, 2018

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

(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended March 31, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

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

Dated: May 5, 2018

/S/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Warren E. Buffett

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended March 31, 2018

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

(1) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended March 31, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

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

Dated: May 5, 2018

/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Marc D. Hamburg

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-95

EXHIBIT 95

MINE SAFETY VIOLATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL MATTER DISCLOSURES

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

REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries operate coal mines and coal processing facilities and Acme Brick and its affiliates operate clay, shale and limestone excavation facilities (collectively, the “mining facilities”) that are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Safety Act”). MSHA inspects mining facilities on a regular basis. The total number of reportable Mine Safety Act citations, orders, assessments and legal actions for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 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. 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 March 31, 2018. 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 March 31, 2018.

	Mine Safety Act										Total Value of Proposed MSHA Assessments (in thousands)		Total Number of Mining Related Fatalities		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)						Pending as of Last Day of Period(6)		Instituted During Period		Resolved During Period
Coal:
Bridger (surface)		—		—		—		—		—		$    1		—		—		—		—
Bridger (underground)		9		—		—		—		—		9		—		2		1		1
Wyodak Coal Crushing Facility		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Clay, shale and limestone:
Malvern		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Wheeler		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Fort Smith		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Oklahoma City		1		—		—		—		—		(a)		—		—		—		—
Tulsa		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denver		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Bennett		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denton		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Elgin		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Sealy		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Texas Clay		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
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 two contests of proposed penalties under Subpart C of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission’s procedural rules. The pending legal actions are not exclusive to citations, notices, orders and penalties assessed by MSHA during the reporting period.

(a) As of April 27, 2018, the assessment for this citation had not been received but is expected to be less than $1,000.

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 27, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
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
Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		747,677
Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,346,076,963

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS
Investments in fixed maturity securities	$ 19,920		$ 21,353
Investments in equity securities	172,976	[1]	170,540	[2]
Inventories	16,244		16,187
Goodwill	81,337		81,258
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	15,007		15,278
Total assets	702,651		702,095
LIABILITIES
Income taxes, principally deferred	55,718		56,607
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	62,094		61,122
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	42,344		42,937
Total liabilities	351,599		350,141
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	8		8
Capital in excess of par value	35,681		35,694
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,477)		58,571
Retained earnings	315,952		255,786
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,763)		(1,763)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity	347,401		348,296
Noncontrolling interests	3,651		3,658
Shareholders' equity	351,052		351,954
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	702,651		702,095
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	50,559		25,460
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills	48,040		78,515
Investments in fixed maturity securities	19,920		21,353
Investments in equity securities	166,658		164,026
Investment in The Kraft Heinz Company (Fair Value: 2018 - $20,272; 2017 - $25,306)	17,687		17,635
Receivables	30,906		28,578
Inventories	16,244		16,187
Property, plant and equipment	23,807		20,104
Goodwill	55,079		54,985
Other intangible assets	32,260		32,518
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	15,007		15,278
Other	11,939		11,158
Total assets	488,106		485,797
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	62,094		61,122
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	42,344		42,937
Unearned premiums	18,448		16,040
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits	17,935		17,608
Other policyholder liabilities	7,864		7,654
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	25,782		23,099
Notes payable and other borrowings	25,663		27,324
Total liabilities	200,130		195,784
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,550		2,910
Property, plant and equipment	128,385		128,184
Goodwill	24,766		24,780
Regulatory assets	2,987		2,950
Other	15,394		15,589
Total assets	175,082		174,413
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	10,786		11,334
Regulatory liabilities	7,599		7,511
Notes payable and other borrowings	62,667		62,178
Total liabilities	81,052		81,023
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,772		3,213
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills	2,641		5,856
Loans and finance receivables	13,845		13,748
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease	9,920		9,931
Goodwill	1,492		1,493
Other	7,793		7,644
Total assets	39,463		41,885
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	1,566		1,470
Derivative contract liabilities	2,378		2,172
Notes payable and other borrowings	10,755		13,085
Total liabilities	$ 14,699		$ 16,727

[1] Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $25.2 billion).

[2] Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $29.3 billion).

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance and Other [Member]
Investment in The Kraft Heinz Company, Fair Value	$ 20,272	$ 25,306

XML

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenues:
Sales and service revenues		$ 41,509
Total revenues		58,473	$ 64,370
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses:
Investments gains (losses)		(7,809)	315
Derivative contract gains (losses)		(206)	460
Investment and derivative gains/losses		(8,015)	775
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses		52,382	59,738
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity method earnings		(1,924)	5,407
Equity method earnings		401	281
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		(1,523)	5,688
Income tax expense (benefit)		(452)	1,549
Net earnings (loss)		(1,071)	4,139
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		67	79
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders		$ (1,138)	$ 4,060
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders:
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders		$ (692)	$ 2,469
Average equivalent shares outstanding		1,644,958	1,644,425
Equivalent Class B [Member]
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders:
Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	[1]	$ (0.46)	$ 1.65
Average equivalent shares outstanding		2,467,436,888	2,466,636,938
Insurance and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned		$ 13,373	$ 21,753
Sales and service revenues		31,623	30,229
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,315	1,162
Total revenues		46,311	53,144
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		8,963	18,566
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,287	1,227
Insurance underwriting expenses		2,604	2,339
Cost of sales and services		25,415	24,360
Selling, general and administrative expenses		4,024	4,116
Interest expense		390	270
Total costs and expenses		42,683	50,878
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues		10,102	9,378
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses		7,401	6,754
Interest expense		710	693
Total costs and expenses		8,111	7,447
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Revenues:
Sales and service revenues		1,693	1,498
Interest, dividend and other investment income		367	350
Total revenues		2,060	1,848
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and services		1,029	867
Selling, general and administrative expenses		467	442
Interest expense		92	104
Total costs and expenses		$ 1,588	$ 1,413

[1] Net earnings (loss) per average equivalent Class B share outstanding are one-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Class B [Member]
Ratio of earnings per Class B share to earnings per Class A share	0.000667

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (1,071)	$ 4,139
Other comprehensive income:
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments	(45)	8,377
Applicable income taxes	(2)	(2,872)
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	(221)	(305)
Applicable income taxes	46	107
Foreign currency translation	601	558
Applicable income taxes	(6)	(69)
Prior service cost and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans	(24)	(10)
Applicable income taxes	17	7
Other, net	(31)	3
Other comprehensive income, net	335	5,796
Comprehensive income	(736)	9,935
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	75	103
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ (811)	$ 9,832

XML

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 285,428	$ 35,689	$ 37,298	$ 210,846	$ (1,763)	$ 3,358
Net earnings (loss)	4,139			4,060		79
Other comprehensive income, net	5,796		5,772			24
Issuance of common stock	34	34
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(48)	(16)				(32)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	295,349	35,707	43,070	214,906	(1,763)	3,429
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	351,954	35,702	58,571	255,786	(1,763)	3,658
Adoption of new accounting pronouncements	(71)		(61,375)	61,304
Net earnings (loss)	(1,071)			(1,138)		67
Other comprehensive income, net	335		327			8
Issuance of common stock	24	24
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(119)	(37)				(82)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 351,052	$ 35,689	$ (2,477)	$ 315,952	$ (1,763)	$ 3,651

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ (1,071)	$ 4,139
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to operating cash flows:
Investment gains/losses	7,809	(315)
Depreciation and amortization	2,387	2,243
Other	(1)	120
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	69	16,900
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed	271	(5,783)
Unearned premiums	2,352	1,829
Receivables and originated loans	(2,186)	(1,197)
Other assets	(881)	(339)
Other liabilities	(392)	(753)
Income taxes	(801)	1,451
Net cash flows from operating activities	7,556	18,295
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	(13,037)	(45,342)
Purchases of equity securities	(14,765)	(10,590)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	13,577	10,048
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	35,088	23,990
Sales and redemptions of equity securities	4,240	3,452
Purchases of loans and finance receivables	(41)	(52)
Collections of loans and finance receivables	100	97
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(112)	(1,599)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(2,589)	(2,355)
Other	(153)	(181)
Net cash flows from investing activities	22,308	(22,532)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in short term borrowings, net	(1,929)	87
Other	(102)	(23)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(3,794)	2,015
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes	92	61
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	26,162	(2,161)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	32,212	28,643
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of first quarter	58,374	26,482
Restricted cash, included in other assets at beginning of year	629	595
Restricted cash, included in other assets at end of first quarter	493	519
Insurance and Other [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	17	1,203
Repayments of borrowings	(1,840)	(1,130)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	25,460	23,581
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	50,559	18,362
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	3,613	2,094
Repayments of borrowings	(1,221)	(446)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,910	3,939
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	3,550	5,584
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	20	1,298
Repayments of borrowings	(2,352)	(1,068)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,213	528
Cash and cash equivalents at end of first quarter	$ 3,772	$ 2,017

XML

General

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

General

Note 1. General

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire” or “Company”) consolidated with the accounts of all its subsidiaries and affiliates in which Berkshire holds controlling financial interests as of the financial statement date. In these notes, the terms “us,” “we” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Reference is made to Berkshire’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), which includes information necessary or useful to understanding Berkshire’s businesses and financial statement presentations. Our significant accounting policies and practices were presented as Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report. Changes to those policies due to the adoption of new accounting standards effective January 1, 2018 are described in Note 2. Certain immaterial amounts in 2017 related to equity method earnings were reclassified to conform to current presentations.

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). For a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Changes in market prices of the equity securities we own can produce significant effects on our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Beginning in 2018, those effects are included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings, whereas in pre-2018 periods, such effects were included in other comprehensive income. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities and gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

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New Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01 “Financial Instruments—Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”), ASU 2018-02 “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”) and Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 – “Revenues from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). A summary of the effects of the initial adoption of ASU 2016-01, ASU 2018-02 and ASC 606 follows (in millions).

	ASU 2016-01			ASU 2018-02			ASC 606			Total
Increase (decrease):
Assets	$	—		$	—		$	3,382		$	3,382
Liabilities		—			—			3,453			3,453
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(61,459	)		84			—			(61,375	)
Retained earnings		61,459			(84	)		(71	)		61,304
Shareholders’ equity		—			—			(71	)		(71	)

With respect to ASU 2016-01, we reclassified net after-tax unrealized gains on equity securities as of January 1, 2018 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. We continue to carry our investments in equity securities at fair value and there is no change to the asset values or total shareholders’ equity that we would have otherwise recorded. Beginning in 2018, we are including unrealized gains and losses arising from the changes in the fair values of our equity securities as a component of investment gains in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. ASU 2016-01 prohibited the restatement of prior year financial statements and for periods ending prior to 2018, unrealized gains and losses from the changes in fair value of available-for-sale equity securities were recorded in other comprehensive income.

We also reclassified the stranded deferred income taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income as of January 1, 2018 to retained earnings in connection with our adoption of ASU 2018-02. These stranded deferred income tax effects arose from the reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The effect of the reduction in the statutory income tax rate on accumulated other comprehensive income items was recorded in earnings in December 2017.

We adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method, whereby the cumulative effect of the adoption was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The initial adoption of ASC 606 resulted in an increase to both assets (primarily property, plant and equipment) and other liabilities and a relatively minor reduction in retained earnings as of the beginning of 2018. ASC 606 also provides for certain other disclosures which are included in Note 3.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,” which provides for the recognition and measurement at the reporting date of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. Currently, credit losses are recognized and measured when such losses become probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. ASU 2016-13 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the implied value of goodwill in measuring an impairment loss. Upon adoption of ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment will represent the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over fair value, limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.

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Revenues from contracts with customers

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenues from contracts with customers

Note 3. Revenues from contracts with customers

As discussed in Note 2, we adopted ASC 606 “Revenues from Contracts with Customers” on January 1, 2018. Our revenue recognition practices under ASC 606 do not differ materially from prior practices. Under ASC 606, revenues are recognized when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers. Our accounting policies related to revenue from contracts with customers follow.

We manufacture and/or distribute a wide variety of industrial, building and consumer products. Our sales contracts provide customers with manufactured products and goods acquired for resale through wholesale and retail channels in exchange for consideration specified under the contracts. Contracts generally represent customer orders for individual products at stated prices. Sales contracts may contain either single or multiple performance obligations. In instances where contracts contain multiple performance obligations, we allocate the expected consideration to each obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of each product or service.

Expected consideration (and therefore revenue) reflects reductions for returns, allowances, volume discounts and other incentives, some of which may be contingent on future events. In certain customer contracts of our grocery distribution business, consideration includes certain state and local excise taxes billed to customers on specified products when those taxes are levied directly upon us by the taxing authorities. Expected consideration excludes sales and value-added taxes collected on behalf of taxing authorities. Revenue includes consideration for shipping and other fulfillment activities performed prior to the customer obtaining control of the goods. We also elect to treat consideration for such services performed after control has passed to the customer as fulfillment activities.

Our product sales revenues are predominantly recognized at a point in time when control of the product transfers to the customer, which coincides with customer pickup or product delivery or acceptance, depending on terms of the arrangement. We recognize sales revenues and related costs with respect to certain contracts over time, primarily from certain castings, forgings and aerostructures contracts. Control of the product units under these contracts transfers continuously to the customer as the product is manufactured, given the products generally have no alternative use and the contract requires the customer to provide reasonable compensation if terminated for reasons other than breach of contract.

Our energy revenue derives primarily from tariff based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory bodies. These tariff based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Our nonregulated energy revenue primarily relates to our renewable energy business.

Energy revenues recognized are equivalent to the amounts we have the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, trade receivables, net included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to customer revenue, and includes unbilled revenue of $582 million and $665 million, respectively. Payments from customers are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price, as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Service revenues mainly derive from contracts with customers in which performance obligations are satisfied over time, including instances where customers receive and consume benefits as we perform the services. Revenues under such contracts are recorded over time. Service revenues primarily derive from contracts for freight rail transportation, real estate brokerage, automotive repair, aircraft management, aviation training and news distribution services.

The primary performance obligation under our freight rail transportation service contracts is to move freight from a point of origin to a point of destination for its customers. The performance obligations are represented by bills of lading which create a series of distinct services that have a similar pattern of transfer to the customer. The revenues for each performance obligation are based on various factors including the product being shipped, the origin and destination pair, and contract incentives which are outlined in various private rate agreements, common carrier public tariffs, interline foreign road agreements and pricing quotes. The transaction price is generally a per car amount to transport railcars from a specified origin to a specified destination. Freight revenues are recognized over time as the service is performed because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the service. Revenues recognized represent the proportion of the service completed as of the balance sheet date. Invoices for freight transportation services are generally issued to customers and paid within thirty days or less. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping a specified cumulative volume or shipping to/from specific locations, are recorded as a reduction to revenue on a pro-rata basis based on actual or projected future customer shipments.

Prior to January 1, 2018, we recognized revenues from the sales of fractional ownership interests in aircraft over the terms of the related management services agreements, as the transfers of the ownership interests were inseparable from the management services agreements. These agreements also include provisions that require us to repurchase the fractional interest at fair market value at contract termination or upon the customer’s request following the minimum commitment period. ASC 606 provides that such contracts are subject to accounting guidance for lease contracts and not ASC 606. The principal effects of this re-characterization were to increase both assets (primarily property, plant and equipment) and other liabilities by approximately $3.5 billion with a small reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The re-categorization of these contracts as operating leases did not have a significant effect on our consolidated revenues or earnings for the first three months of 2018.

The following table summarizes customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (in millions). Other revenues included in our consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and lease income which are not within the scope of ASC 606.

	Manufacturing			McLane Company			Service and Retail			BNSF			Berkshire Hathaway Energy			Finance and Financial Products			Insurance, Corporate and other			Total
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products		$	6,393		$	—		$	54		$	—		$	—		$	161		$	—		$	6,608
Building products			2,919			—			—			—			—			1			—			2,920
Consumer products			2,848			—			—			—			—			848			—			3,696
Grocery and convenience store distribution			—			8,512			—			—			—			—			—			8,512
Food and beverage distribution			—			3,643			—			—			—			—			—			3,643
Auto sales			—			—			1,931			—			—			—			—			1,931
Other retail and wholesale distribution			496			—			2,694			—			—			20			—			3,210
Service			218			17			942			5,580			700			8			—			7,465
Electricity and natural gas			—			—			—			—			3,524			—			—			3,524
Total			12,874			12,172			5,621			5,580			4,224			1,038			—			41,509
Other revenue			38			17			939			10			288			1,022			14,650			16,964
		$	12,912		$	12,189		$	6,560		$	5,590		$	4,512		$	2,060		$	14,650		$	58,473

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of March 31, 2018 follows (in millions). Such contracts relate to our utilities and energy businesses.

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	1,007	$	4,352	$	5,359

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Investments in fixed maturity securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments in fixed maturity securities

Note 4. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2018
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,633	$	11	$	(36	)	$	3,608
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		737		30		(8	)		759
Foreign governments		7,837		83		(32	)		7,888
Corporate bonds		6,308		519		(8	)		6,819
Mortgage-backed securities		761		88		(3	)		846
	$	19,276	$	731	$	(87	)	$	19,920
December 31, 2017
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,975	$	4	$	(26	)	$	3,953
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		847		19		(12	)		854
Foreign governments		8,572		274		(24	)		8,822
Corporate bonds		6,279		588		(5	)		6,862
Mortgage-backed securities		772		92		(2	)		862
	$	20,445	$	977	$	(69	)	$	21,353

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 March 31, 2018, approximately 89% of foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities at March 31, 2018 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers. 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	$	7,178	$	9,884	$	460	$	993	$	761	$	19,276
Fair value		7,227		9,982		515		1,350		846		19,920

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Investments in equity securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments in equity securities

Note 5. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized  Gains		Fair       Value
March 31, 2018 *
Banks, insurance and finance	$	25,986		$        50,091	$	76,077
Consumer products		38,130		23,864		61,994
Commercial, industrial and other		21,714		13,191		34,905
	$	85,830		$        87,146	$	172,976

* Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $25.2 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized  Gains		Fair       Value
December 31, 2017 *
Banks, insurance and finance	$	25,783		$          55,026	$	80,809
Consumer products		25,177		25,698		50,875
Commercial, industrial and other		23,716		15,140		38,856
	$	74,676		$          95,864	$	170,540

* Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $29.3 billion).

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

	March 31,   2018		December 31,  2017
Insurance and other	$	166,658	$	164,026
Railroad, utilities and energy *		1,755		1,961
Finance and financial products *		4,563		4,553
	$	172,976	$	170,540

* Included in other assets.

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Equity Method Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments

Note 6. Equity Method Investments

Berkshire holds investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these is our investment in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 325,442,152 shares of Kraft Heinz common stock representing 26.7% of the outstanding shares. The carrying value of this investment was approximately $17.7 billion at March 31, 2018 and $17.6 billion at December 31, 2017. Our earnings determined under the equity method during the first quarter of 2018 were $265 million and $239 million in the first quarter of 2017. We received dividends on the common stock of $203 million during the first quarter of 2018 and $195 million in 2017, which we recorded as reductions of our investment.

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

	March 31, 2018		December 30, 2017
Assets	$	120,787			$120,232
Liabilities		54,324			53,985
	First Quarter
	2018			2017
Sales	$	6,304			$       6,324
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders	$	993			$          893

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J (“Pilot Flying J”), and Electric Transmission Texas (“ETT”). Our investments in these entities were approximately $3.5 billion as of March 31, 2018 and $3.4 billion as of December 31, 2017 and were included in other assets. Our equity method earnings in these entities for the first quarter were $136 million in 2018 and $42 million in 2017. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Leucadia National Corporation (“Leucadia”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia is a servicer of commercial real estate loans in the U.S., performing primary, master and special servicing functions for U.S. government agency programs, commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions. A source of funding for Berkadia’s operations is through its issuance of commercial paper, which is currently limited to $1.5 billion. We support the commercial paper with a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Leucadia is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy. We also own a 50% ownership interest in ETT through a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company. ETT owns and operates electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. American Electric Power owns the other 50% interest.

On October 3, 2017, we entered into an investment agreement and an equity purchase agreement whereby we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot Flying J, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot Flying J is one of the largest operators of travel centers in North America, with more than 27,000 team members, 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada, and approximately $20 billion in annual revenues. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot Flying J and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire in 2023 an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot Flying J with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot Flying J in 2023.

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Income taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

Note 7. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were 29.7% and 27.2%, respectively. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from: (a) dividends received deductions applicable to certain investments in equity securities and (b) income production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. In 2018, our effective income tax rate reflects the U.S. statutory rate of 21%, while the rate for 2017 reflects the U.S. statutory rate of 35%. Our periodic effective income tax rate is also affected by the relative mix of pre-tax earnings or losses and underlying income tax rates applicable to the various taxing jurisdictions.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide clarification in implementing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) when registrants do not have the necessary information available to complete the accounting for an element of the TCJA in the period of its enactment. SAB 118 provides for tax amounts to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement for up to one year from the enactment date for such elements when the accounting effect is not complete, but can be reasonably estimated. We consider our estimate of the tax on accumulated undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries to be provisional and subject to remeasurement when we obtain the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. While we believe our estimate is reasonable, it will take additional time to validate the inputs to the foreign earnings and profits calculations, the basis on which the repatriation tax is determined, and how the applicable states will address the U.S. repatriation tax. We currently expect that our accounting for the repatriation tax under the TCJA will be completed by the end of 2018.

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Investment gains/losses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investment gains/losses

Note 8. Investment gains/losses

A summary of investment gains and losses in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	2018		2017
Equity securities:
Investment gains and losses during 2018 on securities sold in 2018		$   (240)	$	—
Unrealized investment gains and losses on securities held at the end of the period		(7,807)		—
Gross realized gains		—		425
Gross realized losses		—		(125	)
		(8,047)		300
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		359		11
Gross realized losses		(138)		(6	)
Other		17		10
		$(7,809)	$	315

We recognize investment gains and losses when we sell or otherwise dispose of such securities. Beginning in 2018, equity security investment gains and losses also include unrealized gains and losses from changes in market prices during the period. See Note 2. Prior to 2018, we recorded the changes in unrealized gains and losses on our investments in equity securities in other comprehensive income.

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Receivables

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

Receivables

Note 9. Receivables

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

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Insurance premiums receivable	$	12,570	$	11,058
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		3,048		3,201
Trade receivables		12,568		11,756
Other		3,078		2,925
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(358)		(362)
	$	30,906	$	28,578

A summary of loans and finance receivables of our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	14,209	$	14,126
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(179)		(180)
Unamortized acquisition discounts		(185)		(198)
	$	13,845	$	13,748

Loans and finance receivables are predominantly installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. Provisions for loan losses in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were $34 million and $38 million, respectively. Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, in the first quarter were $35 million in 2018 and $43 million in 2017. At March 31, 2018, approximately 98% of the loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As part of the evaluation process, credit quality indicators are reviewed and loans are designated as performing or non-performing. At March 31, 2018, we considered approximately 99% of the loan balances to be performing and approximately 96% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. In June 2017, we agreed to provide a Canada-based financial institution with a C$2 billion (approximately $1.55 billion) one-year secured revolving credit facility. The agreement expires on June 29, 2018. There was no outstanding loan balance as of March 31, 2018.

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Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Note 10. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Raw materials	$	3,094	$	2,997
Work in process and other		2,228		2,315
Finished manufactured goods		4,188		4,179
Goods acquired for resale		6,734		6,696
	$	16,244	$	16,187

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Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

Note 11. Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions). In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, we recorded a net asset of approximately $3.5 billion in aircraft sold under fractional aircraft ownership programs in machinery and equipment. Such amount consisted of cost of approximately $5.3 billion and accumulated depreciation of $1.8 billion. We also recorded other liabilities of approximately $3.5 billion for estimated repurchase obligations and unearned lease revenues, substantially offsetting the amount recorded in machinery and equipment. See Note 2.

	March 31,  2018			December 31,  2017
Land	$	2,310			$   2,292
Buildings and improvements		8,961			8,810
Machinery and equipment		27,707			21,935
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,493			4,387
		43,471			37,424
Accumulated depreciation		(19,664	)		(17,320	)
	$	23,807			$20,104

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

	March 31,  2018			December 31,  2017
Railroad:
Land	$	6,090		$	6,088
Track structure and other roadway		51,652			51,320
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		12,600			12,543
Construction in progress		943			989
		71,285			70,940
Accumulated depreciation		(8,954	)		(8,627	)
		62,331			62,313
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		75,068			74,660
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		7,230			7,176
Independent power plants and other assets		7,622			7,499
Construction in progress		2,735			2,556
		92,655			91,891
Accumulated depreciation		(26,601	)		(26,020	)
		66,054			65,871
	$	128,385		$	128,184

Assets held for lease and property, plant and equipment of our finance and financial products businesses are summarized below (in millions). Assets held for lease includes railcars, intermodal tank containers, cranes, over-the-road trailers, storage units and furniture.

	March 31,  2018				December 31,  2017
Assets held for lease		$	12,337			$	12,318
Land			232				231
Buildings, machinery and other			1,464				1,444
			14,033				13,993
Accumulated depreciation			(4,113	)			(4,062	)
		$	9,920			$	9,931

A summary of depreciation expense for the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Insurance and other	$	649	$	542
Railroad, utilities and energy		1,225		1,175
Finance and financial products		161		159
	$	2,035	$	1,876

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets

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

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,258	$	79,486
Acquisitions of businesses		52		1,545
Other, including foreign currency translation		27		227
Balance at end of period	$	81,337	$	81,258

Other intangible assets are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	40,317	$	8,057	$	40,225	$	7,707
Railroad, utilities and energy		993		334		988		324
	$	41,310	$	8,391	$	41,213	$	8,031
Trademarks and trade names	$	5,394	$	710	$	5,381	$	692
Patents and technology		4,383		2,579		4,341		2,493
Customer relationships		28,353		3,943		28,322		3,722
Other		3,180		1,159		3,169		1,124
	$	41,310	$	8,391	$	41,213	$	8,031

Amortization expense in the first quarter was $352 million in 2018 and $367 million in 2017. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were approximately $18.9 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

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Derivative contracts

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative contracts

Note 13. Derivative contracts

We are party to derivative contracts primarily through our finance and financial products and our utilities and energy businesses. Currently, the derivative contracts of our finance and financial products businesses consist of equity index put option contracts written between 2004 and 2008. The liabilities and related notional values of such contracts follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2018					December 31, 2017
	Liabilities		Notional   Value			Liabilities		Notional   Value
Equity index put options	$	2,378	$	29,479	(1)	$	2,172	$	28,753	(1)

⁽¹⁾  Represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming that the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain of these contracts are denominated in foreign currencies. Notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of each balance sheet date.

We record derivative contract liabilities at fair value and include the changes in the fair values of such contracts in earnings as derivative contract gains/losses. A summary of derivative contract gains/losses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018				2017
Equity index put options		$	(206	)		$	460

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. The contracts expire between June 2018 and January 2026. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $4.2 billion on these contracts at the contract inception dates and we have no counterparty credit risk. The aggregate intrinsic value (the undiscounted liability assuming the contracts are settled based on the index values and foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date) was approximately $1.0 billion at March 31, 2018 and $789 million at December 31, 2017. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses on these contracts will not be determined until the contract expiration dates. The remaining weighted average life of all contracts was approximately 2.7 years at March 31, 2018.

A limited number of our equity index put option contracts contain 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 March 31, 2018, we did not have any collateral posting requirements. 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, 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. We may use forward purchases and sales, futures, swaps and options to manage a portion of these price risks. Derivative contract assets included in other assets were $141 million as of March 31, 2018 and $142 million as of December 31, 2017. Derivative contract liabilities included in other liabilities were $105 million as of March 31, 2018 and $82 million as of December 31, 2017. Most of the net derivative contract assets or liabilities of our regulated utilities are probable of recovery through rates and are offset by regulatory liabilities or assets. Unrealized gains or losses on contracts accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income or in net earnings, as appropriate.

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Supplemental cash flow information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental cash flow information

Note 14. Supplemental cash flow information

Supplemental cash flow information follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	289	$	26
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		338		306
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		747		737
Finance and financial products businesses		83		78
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions		4		142

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Insurance [Abstract]

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Note 15. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under short-duration property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. Reconciliations of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 16), for each of the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

	2018			2017
Balances – beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	61,122		$	53,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(3,201	)		(3,338	)
Net liabilities		57,921			50,041
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		9,475			8,165
Prior accident years’ events		(753	)		134
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		8,722			8,299
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(3,091	)		(2,678	)
Prior accident years’ events		(4,759	)		(4,216	)
Total payments		(7,850	)		(6,894	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		253			77
Balances – March 31:
Net liabilities		59,046			51,523
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		3,048			3,221
Gross liabilities	$	62,094		$	54,744

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first quarter of 2018 included net reductions of estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $753 million compared to net increases of $134 million in 2017. We decreased estimated ultimate liabilities with respect to primary insurance by $571 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $261 million in 2017. In each period, these reductions primarily related to medical malpractice, workers’ compensation and private passenger automobile insurance. Estimated ultimate liabilities with respect to property and casualty reinsurance decreased by $182 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to an increase of $395 million in 2017. Incurred losses for prior years’ events in 2017 included increases in the estimated liabilities for certain personal injury claims in the United Kingdom due to a regulatory decision, for unanticipated property claims under certain reinsurance contracts and for estimates of IBNR losses.

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Text Block [Abstract]

Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Note 16. Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Retroactive reinsurance policies provide indemnification of losses and loss adjustment expenses of short-duration insurance contracts with respect to underlying loss events that occurred prior to the contract inception date. Claims payments may commence immediately after the contract date or, if applicable, once a contractual retention amount has been reached. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	2018				2017
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances – beginning of year:	$	42,937	$	(15,278)	$	24,972	$	(8,047)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
Current year contracts		—		—		16,448		(6,192)
Prior years’ contracts		(30)		271		(398)		409
Total		(30)		271		16,050		(5,783)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(563)		—		(435)		—
Balances – March 31:	$	42,344	$	(15,007)	$	40,587	$	(13,830)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	241			$	10,267

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts. We do not believe that analysis of losses incurred and paid by accident year of the underlying event is relevant or meaningful given that our exposure to losses incepts when the contract incepts. Further, we believe the classifications of reported claims and case development liabilities has little or no practical analytical value.

In the first quarter of 2017, we entered into an agreement through a Berkshire subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), which became effective on February 2, 2017. Under this agreement, NICO agreed to indemnify AIG for 80% of up to $25 billion of losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses in excess of $25 billion retained by AIG, with respect to certain commercial insurance loss events occurring prior to 2016. As of the effective date, we recorded premiums earned of $10.2 billion, a liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of $16.4 billion and a deferred charge reinsurance assumed asset of $6.2 billion. Berkshire agreed to guarantee the timely payment of all amounts due to AIG under the agreement. Our estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to the AIG contract at March 31, 2018 and at December 31, 2017 were $18.2 billion. Deferred charge assets were approximately $7.4 billion at March 31, 2018 and $7.5 billion at December 31, 2017, which reflected an increase in estimated ultimate liabilities recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 of $1.8 billion.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses related to contracts written in prior years were $241 million in the first quarter of 2018 and $11 million in the first quarter of 2017. Such losses included recurring amortization of deferred charge assets and net gains from contract commutations in 2018 and 2017.

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Notes payable and other borrowings

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Notes payable and other borrowings

Note 17. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of March 31, 2018.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire:
U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings due 2018-2047		3.0%	$	9,804		$10,603
Euro denominated borrowings due 2020-2035		1.1%		8,383		8,164
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		3.7%		1,800		1,832
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2018-2045		4.0%		5,676		6,725
			$	25,663		$27,324

In 2018, the carrying value of Berkshire’s Euro denominated senior notes increased $217 million due to changes in the Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rates. This increase produced a corresponding charge to pre-tax earnings of $217 million, which was recorded as additional non-cash interest expense. During the first quarter of 2018, $800 million of Berkshire U.S. Dollar denominated notes matured.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and its subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2018-2048		4.6%	$	8,627	$	6,452
Subsidiary and other debt due 2018-2064		4.8%		28,871		28,739
Short-term debt		2.6%		2,608		4,488
Issued by BNSF due 2018-2097		4.7%		22,561		22,499
			$	62,667	$	62,178

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants including, but not limited to, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios, among other covenants. In January 2018, BHE issued $2.2 billion of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2021 to 2048 with a weighted average interest rate of 3.2%. Proceeds from this debt issuance were used to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes.

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In the first quarter of 2018, BNSF issued $750 million of 4.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2048 and $650 million of debentures matured. As of March 31, 2018, BNSF, BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2018-2043		3.1%	$	10,578	$	12,926
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2019-2028		4.0%		177		159
			$	10,755	$	13,085

Borrowings of BHFC are used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and assets held for lease of certain finance subsidiaries. The borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. During the first quarter of 2018, $2.35 billion of BHFC senior notes matured.

As of March 31, 2018, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $7.3 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included about $5.3 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries. In addition to BHFC’s borrowings, at March 31, 2018, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $1.9 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 payment obligations.

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Fair value measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

Note 18. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2018
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,608	$	3,608	$	2,399		$  1,209		$    —
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		759		759		—		759		—
Foreign governments		7,888		7,888		5,906		1,982		—
Corporate bonds		6,819		6,819		—		6,813		6
Mortgage-backed securities		846		846		—		846		—
Investments in equity securities		172,976		172,976		172,928		48		—
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		17,687		20,272		20,272		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		13,845		14,084		—		18		14,066
Derivative contract assets (1)		141		141		1		26		114
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		105		105		—		88		17
Equity index put options		2,378		2,378		—		—		2,378
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		25,663		26,046		—		26,046		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		62,667		68,603		—		68,603		—
Finance and financial products		10,755		11,059		—		11,035		24
December 31, 2017
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,953	$	3,953	$	2,360		$  1,593		$    —
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		854		854		—		854		—
Foreign governments		8,822		8,822		6,946		1,876		—
Corporate bonds		6,862		6,862		—		6,856		6
Mortgage-backed securities		862		862		—		862		—
Investments in equity securities		170,540		170,540		170,494		46		—
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		17,635		25,306		25,306		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		13,748		14,136		—		17		14,119
Derivative contract assets (1)		142		142		1		28		113
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		82		82		3		69		10
Equity index put options		2,172		2,172		—		—		2,172
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		27,324		28,180		—		28,180		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		62,178		70,538		—		70,538		—
Finance and financial products		13,085		13,582		—		13,577		5

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

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities exchanged in active markets.

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

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Management is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets or liabilities and it may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in valuing assets or liabilities.

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

	Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities			Net derivative  contract liabilities
Three months ending March 31, 2018
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6		$	(2,069	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			(176	)
Other comprehensive income		—			(1	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			(9	)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		—			(26	)
Transfers into/out of Level 3		—			—
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	6		$	(2,281	)
Three months ending March 31, 2017
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	17,321		$	(2,824	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			499
Other comprehensive income		1,157			(2	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			1
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(3	)		(23	)
Transfers into/out of Level 3		(1	)		—
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	18,474		$	(2,349	)

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

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2018, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair Value		Principal Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Weighted Average
Derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		$2,378		Option pricing model		Volatility		18%

Our equity index put option contracts are illiquid and contain contract terms that are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts and certain of the contracts have relatively long durations. 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 index price, contract duration and dividend and interest rate inputs (including a Berkshire non-performance input) which are observable. However, we believe that the valuation of long-duration options using any model is inherently subjective and, given the lack of observable transactions and prices, acceptable values may be subject to wide ranges. Volatility inputs represent our expectations, which consider the remaining duration of each contract and assume that the contracts will remain outstanding until the expiration dates. Increases or decreases in the volatility inputs will produce increases or decreases in the fair values of the liabilities.

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Common stock

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Common stock

Note 19. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the three months ending March 31, 2018 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, 2017		762,755			(11,680	)		751,075			1,342,066,749		(1,409,762	)		1,340,656,987
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of  replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(3,038	)		—			(3,038	)		4,806,083		—			4,806,083
Balance at March 31, 2018		759,717			(11,680	)		748,037			1,346,872,832		(1,409,762	)		1,345,463,070

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 1,645,012 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and 1,644,846 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

Berkshire’s Board of Directors has approved a common stock repurchase program permitting Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares. The program allows share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $20 billion. The repurchase program does not obligate Berkshire to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of Class A or Class B shares and there is no expiration date to the program.

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Accumulated other comprehensive income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Note 20. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 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
2018
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	62,093		$	(3,114	)	$	(420	)	$	12		$	58,571
Reclassifications to retained earnings		(61,340	)		(65	)		36			(6	)		(61,375	)
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications		(74	)		585			(17	)		2			496
Reclassifications into net earnings		(175	)		—			9			(3	)		(169	)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	504		$	(2,594	)	$	(392	)	$	5		$	(2,477	)
Reclassifications into net earnings:
Reclassifications before income taxes	$	(221	)	$	—		$	10		$	(5	)	$	(216	)
Applicable income taxes		(46	)		—			1			(2	)		(47	)
	$	(175	)	$	—		$	9		$	(3	)	$	(169	)
2017
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	43,176		$	(5,268	)	$	(593	)	$	(17	)	$	37,298
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications		5,497			475			(22	)		(6	)		5,944
Reclassifications into net earnings		(198	)		—			18			8			(172	)
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	48,475		$	(4,793	)	$	(597	)	$	(15	)	$	43,070
Reclassifications into net earnings:
Reclassifications before income taxes	$	(305	)	$	—		$	24		$	14		$	(267	)
Applicable income taxes		(107	)		—			6			6			(95	)
	$	(198	)	$	—		$	18		$	8		$	(172	)

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Contingencies and Commitments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and Commitments

Note 21. Contingencies and Commitments

We are parties in a variety of legal actions that routinely arise out of the normal course of business, including legal actions seeking to establish liability directly through insurance contracts or indirectly through reinsurance contracts issued by Berkshire subsidiaries. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. We do not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Berkshire and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and penalties. We believe that any liability that may arise as a result of other pending legal actions will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In 2016, NICO entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (“MLMIC”), a writer of medical professional liability insurance domiciled in New York. The acquisition price will be approximately $2.5 billion. The acquisition will involve the conversion of MLMIC from a mutual company to a stock company. The closing of the transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions and the approval of the MLMIC policyholders eligible to vote on the proposed demutualization and sale. We currently expect this acquisition will be completed in the third quarter of 2018.

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Business segment data

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segment data

Note 22. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, railroad, utilities and energy, finance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. Our reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses have been grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues by segment for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO		$    7,915		$    6,845
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		3,540		13,232
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		1,918		1,676
Investment income		1,213		1,132
Total insurance		14,586		22,885
BNSF		5,624		5,185
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		4,512		4,231
Manufacturing		12,934		12,097
McLane Company		12,189		12,101
Service and retailing		6,587		6,093
Finance and financial products		2,063		1,849
		58,495		64,441
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Corporate, eliminations and other		(22)		(71)
		$  58,473		$  64,370

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO		$     677		$     175
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(258)		(743)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		99		189
Investment income		1,205		1,129
Total insurance		1,723		750
BNSF		1,513		1,345
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		487		589
Manufacturing		1,855		1,487
McLane Company		60		88
Service and retailing		515		393
Finance and financial products		494		450
		6,647		5,102
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		(8,015)		775
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(337)		(211)
Equity method investments		401		281
Corporate, eliminations and other		(219)		(259)
	$	(1,523)	$	5,688

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New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01 “Financial Instruments—Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”), ASU 2018-02 “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”) and Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 – “Revenues from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). A summary of the effects of the initial adoption of ASU 2016-01, ASU 2018-02 and ASC 606 follows (in millions).

	ASU 2016-01			ASU 2018-02			ASC 606			Total
Increase (decrease):
Assets	$	—		$	—		$	3,382		$	3,382
Liabilities		—			—			3,453			3,453
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(61,459	)		84			—			(61,375	)
Retained earnings		61,459			(84	)		(71	)		61,304
Shareholders’ equity	$	—		$	—		$	(71	)	$	(71	)

With respect to ASU 2016-01, we reclassified net after-tax unrealized gains on equity securities as of January 1, 2018 from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. We continue to carry our investments in equity securities at fair value and there is no change to the asset values or total shareholders’ equity that we would have otherwise recorded. Beginning in 2018, we are including unrealized gains and losses arising from the changes in the fair values of our equity securities as a component of investment gains in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. ASU 2016-01 prohibited the restatement of prior year financial statements and for periods ending prior to 2018, unrealized gains and losses from the changes in fair value of available-for-sale equity securities were recorded in other comprehensive income.

We also reclassified the stranded deferred income taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income as of January 1, 2018 to retained earnings in connection with our adoption of ASU 2018-02. These stranded deferred income tax effects arose from the reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The effect of the reduction in the statutory income tax rate on accumulated other comprehensive income items was recorded in earnings in December 2017.

We adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method, whereby the cumulative effect of the adoption was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. Prior year financial statements were not restated. The initial adoption of ASC 606 resulted in an increase to both assets (primarily property, plant and equipment) and liabilities and a relatively minor reduction in retained earnings as of the beginning of 2018. ASC 606 also provides for certain other disclosures which are included in Note 3.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,” which provides for the recognition and measurement at the reporting date of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt securities. Currently, credit losses are recognized and measured when such losses become probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. ASU 2016-13 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the implied value of goodwill in measuring an impairment loss. Upon adoption of ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment will represent the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over fair value, limited to the carrying value of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.

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New Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Summary of effects of initial adoption of ASU 2016-01, ASU 2018-02 and ASC 606

A summary of the effects of the initial adoption of ASU 2016-01, ASU 2018-02 and ASC 606 follows (in millions).

	ASU 2016-01			ASU 2018-02			ASC 606			Total
Increase (decrease):
Assets	$	—		$	—		$	3,382		$	3,382
Liabilities		—			—			3,453			3,453
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(61,459	)		84			—			(61,375	)
Retained earnings		61,459			(84	)		(71	)		61,304
Shareholders’ equity		—			—			(71	)		(71	)

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Revenues from contracts with customers (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

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

The following table summarizes customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (in millions). Other revenues included in our consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and lease income which are not within the scope of ASC 606.

	Manufacturing			McLane Company			Service and Retail			BNSF			Berkshire Hathaway Energy			Finance and Financial Products			Insurance, Corporate and other			Total
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products		$	6,393		$	—		$	54		$	—		$	—		$	161		$	—		$	6,608
Building products			2,919			—			—			—			—			1			—			2,920
Consumer products			2,848			—			—			—			—			848			—			3,696
Grocery and convenience store distribution			—			8,512			—			—			—			—			—			8,512
Food and beverage distribution			—			3,643			—			—			—			—			—			3,643
Auto sales			—			—			1,931			—			—			—			—			1,931
Other retail and wholesale distribution			496			—			2,694			—			—			20			—			3,210
Service			218			17			942			5,580			700			8			—			7,465
Electricity and natural gas			—			—			—			—			3,524			—			—			3,524
Total			12,874			12,172			5,621			5,580			4,224			1,038			—			41,509
Other revenue			38			17			939			10			288			1,022			14,650			16,964
		$	12,912		$	12,189		$	6,560		$	5,590		$	4,512		$	2,060		$	14,650		$	58,473

Transaction price allocated to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of March 31, 2018 follows (in millions). Such contracts relate to our utilities and energy businesses.

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	1,007	$	4,352	$	5,359

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of investments in securities with fixed maturities

Investments in securities with fixed maturities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2018
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,633	$	11	$	(36	)	$	3,608
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		737		30		(8	)		759
Foreign governments		7,837		83		(32	)		7,888
Corporate bonds		6,308		519		(8	)		6,819
Mortgage-backed securities		761		88		(3	)		846
	$	19,276	$	731	$	(87	)	$	19,920
December 31, 2017
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,975	$	4	$	(26	)	$	3,953
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		847		19		(12	)		854
Foreign governments		8,572		274		(24	)		8,822
Corporate bonds		6,279		588		(5	)		6,862
Mortgage-backed securities		772		92		(2	)		862
	$	20,445	$	977	$	(69	)	$	21,353

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 March 31, 2018 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers. 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	$	7,178	$	9,884	$	460	$	993	$	761	$	19,276
Fair value		7,227		9,982		515		1,350		846		19,920

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Investments in equity securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized based on the primary industry of the investee in the table below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized  Gains		Fair       Value
March 31, 2018 *
Banks, insurance and finance	$	25,986		$        50,091	$	76,077
Consumer products		38,130		23,864		61,994
Commercial, industrial and other		21,714		13,191		34,905
	$	85,830		$        87,146	$	172,976

* Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $25.2 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized  Gains		Fair       Value
December 31, 2017 *
Banks, insurance and finance	$	25,783		$          55,026	$	80,809
Consumer products		25,177		25,698		50,875
Commercial, industrial and other		23,716		15,140		38,856
	$	74,676		$          95,864	$	170,540

* Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company – $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. – $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company – $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company – $29.3 billion).

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

	March 31,   2018		December 31,  2017
Insurance and other	$	166,658	$	164,026
Railroad, utilities and energy *		1,755		1,961
Finance and financial products *		4,563		4,553
	$	172,976	$	170,540

* Included in other assets.

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Equity Method Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Summarized consolidated financial information of Kraft Heinz

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

	March 31, 2018		December 30, 2017
Assets	$	120,787			$120,232
Liabilities		54,324			53,985
	First Quarter
	2018			2017
Sales	$	6,304			$       6,324
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders	$	993			$          893

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Investment gains/losses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Summary of investment gains and losses

A summary of investment gains and losses in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	2018		2017
Equity securities:
Investment gains and losses during 2018 on securities sold in 2018		$   (240)	$	—
Unrealized investment gains and losses on securities held at the end of the period		(7,807)		—
Gross realized gains		—		425
Gross realized losses		—		(125	)
		(8,047)		300
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		359		11
Gross realized losses		(138)		(6	)
Other		17		10
		$(7,809)	$	315

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Receivables (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of receivables

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

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Insurance premiums receivable	$	12,570	$	11,058
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		3,048		3,201
Trade receivables		12,568		11,756
Other		3,078		2,925
Allowances for uncollectible accounts		(358)		(362)
	$	30,906	$	28,578

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Schedule of receivables

A summary of loans and finance receivables of our finance and financial products businesses follows (in millions).

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	14,209	$	14,126
Allowances for uncollectible loans		(179)		(180)
Unamortized acquisition discounts		(185)		(198)
	$	13,845	$	13,748

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Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	March 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Raw materials	$	3,094	$	2,997
Work in process and other		2,228		2,315
Finished manufactured goods		4,188		4,179
Goods acquired for resale		6,734		6,696
	$	16,244	$	16,187

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

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Schedule of depreciation expense

A summary of depreciation expense for the first quarters of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Insurance and other	$	649	$	542
Railroad, utilities and energy		1,225		1,175
Finance and financial products		161		159
	$	2,035	$	1,876

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions). In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, we recorded a net asset of approximately $3.5 billion in aircraft sold under fractional aircraft ownership programs in machinery and equipment. Such amount consisted of cost of approximately $5.3 billion and accumulated depreciation of $1.8 billion. We also recorded other liabilities of approximately $3.5 billion for estimated repurchase obligations and unearned lease revenues, substantially offsetting the amount recorded in machinery and equipment. See Note 2.

	March 31,  2018			December 31,  2017
Land	$	2,310			$   2,292
Buildings and improvements		8,961			8,810
Machinery and equipment		27,707			21,935
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,493			4,387
		43,471			37,424
Accumulated depreciation		(19,664	)		(17,320	)
	$	23,807			$20,104

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

Assets held for lease and property, plant and equipment of our finance and financial products businesses are summarized below (in millions). Assets held for lease includes railcars, intermodal tank containers, cranes, over-the-road trailers, storage units and furniture.

	March 31,  2018				December 31,  2017
Assets held for lease		$	12,337			$	12,318
Land			232				231
Buildings, machinery and other			1,464				1,444
			14,033				13,993
Accumulated depreciation			(4,113	)			(4,062	)
		$	9,920			$	9,931

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

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

	March 31,  2018			December 31,  2017
Railroad:
Land	$	6,090		$	6,088
Track structure and other roadway		51,652			51,320
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		12,600			12,543
Construction in progress		943			989
		71,285			70,940
Accumulated depreciation		(8,954	)		(8,627	)
		62,331			62,313
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		75,068			74,660
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		7,230			7,176
Independent power plants and other assets		7,622			7,499
Construction in progress		2,735			2,556
		92,655			91,891
Accumulated depreciation		(26,601	)		(26,020	)
		66,054			65,871
	$	128,385		$	128,184

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Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the change in goodwill

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

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,258	$	79,486
Acquisitions of businesses		52		1,545
Other, including foreign currency translation		27		227
Balance at end of period	$	81,337	$	81,258

Schedule of intangible assets

Other intangible assets are summarized as follows (in millions).

	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other	$	40,317	$	8,057	$	40,225	$	7,707
Railroad, utilities and energy		993		334		988		324
	$	41,310	$	8,391	$	41,213	$	8,031
Trademarks and trade names	$	5,394	$	710	$	5,381	$	692
Patents and technology		4,383		2,579		4,341		2,493
Customer relationships		28,353		3,943		28,322		3,722
Other		3,180		1,159		3,169		1,124
	$	41,310	$	8,391	$	41,213	$	8,031

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

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivative contracts outstanding

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

	March 31, 2018					December 31, 2017
	Liabilities		Notional   Value			Liabilities		Notional   Value
Equity index put options	$	2,378	$	29,479	(1)	$	2,172	$	28,753	(1)

⁽¹⁾  Represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming that the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain of these contracts are denominated in foreign currencies. Notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of each balance sheet date.

Derivative gains/losses included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings

A summary of derivative contract gains/losses included in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018				2017
Equity index put options		$	(206	)		$	460

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Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of supplemental cash flow information

Supplemental cash flow information follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	289	$	26
Interest:
Insurance and other businesses		338		306
Railroad, utilities and energy businesses		747		737
Finance and financial products businesses		83		78
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions		4		142

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Insurance [Abstract]

Schedule of liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense

Reconciliations of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 16), for each of the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

	2018			2017
Balances – beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	61,122		$	53,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(3,201	)		(3,338	)
Net liabilities		57,921			50,041
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		9,475			8,165
Prior accident years’ events		(753	)		134
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		8,722			8,299
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(3,091	)		(2,678	)
Prior accident years’ events		(4,759	)		(4,216	)
Total payments		(7,850	)		(6,894	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		253			77
Balances – March 31:
Net liabilities		59,046			51,523
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		3,048			3,221
Gross liabilities	$	62,094		$	54,744

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Text Block [Abstract]

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

Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 follows (in millions).

	2018				2017
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances – beginning of year:	$	42,937	$	(15,278)	$	24,972	$	(8,047)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
Current year contracts		—		—		16,448		(6,192)
Prior years’ contracts		(30)		271		(398)		409
Total		(30)		271		16,050		(5,783)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(563)		—		(435)		—
Balances – March 31:	$	42,344	$	(15,007)	$	40,587	$	(13,830)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	241			$	10,267

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

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 March 31, 2018.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Insurance and other:
Issued by Berkshire:
U.S. Dollar denominated borrowings due 2018-2047		3.0%	$	9,804		$10,603
Euro denominated borrowings due 2020-2035		1.1%		8,383		8,164
Short-term subsidiary borrowings		3.7%		1,800		1,832
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2018-2045		4.0%		5,676		6,725
			$	25,663		$27,324

Finance and Financial Products [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Finance and financial products:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”) due 2018-2043		3.1%	$	10,578	$	12,926
Issued by other subsidiaries due 2019-2028		4.0%		177		159
			$	10,755	$	13,085

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Issued by Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and its subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2018-2048		4.6%	$	8,627	$	6,452
Subsidiary and other debt due 2018-2064		4.8%		28,871		28,739
Short-term debt		2.6%		2,608		4,488
Issued by BNSF due 2018-2097		4.7%		22,561		22,499
			$	62,667	$	62,178

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2018
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,608	$	3,608	$	2,399		$  1,209		$    —
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		759		759		—		759		—
Foreign governments		7,888		7,888		5,906		1,982		—
Corporate bonds		6,819		6,819		—		6,813		6
Mortgage-backed securities		846		846		—		846		—
Investments in equity securities		172,976		172,976		172,928		48		—
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		17,687		20,272		20,272		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		13,845		14,084		—		18		14,066
Derivative contract assets (1)		141		141		1		26		114
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		105		105		—		88		17
Equity index put options		2,378		2,378		—		—		2,378
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		25,663		26,046		—		26,046		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		62,667		68,603		—		68,603		—
Finance and financial products		10,755		11,059		—		11,035		24
December 31, 2017
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,953	$	3,953	$	2,360		$  1,593		$    —
States, municipalities and political subdivisions		854		854		—		854		—
Foreign governments		8,822		8,822		6,946		1,876		—
Corporate bonds		6,862		6,862		—		6,856		6
Mortgage-backed securities		862		862		—		862		—
Investments in equity securities		170,540		170,540		170,494		46		—
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		17,635		25,306		25,306		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		13,748		14,136		—		17		14,119
Derivative contract assets (1)		142		142		1		28		113
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		82		82		3		69		10
Equity index put options		2,172		2,172		—		—		2,172
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		27,324		28,180		—		28,180		—
Railroad, utilities and energy		62,178		70,538		—		70,538		—
Finance and financial products		13,085		13,582		—		13,577		5

(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 three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 follow (in millions).

	Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities			Net derivative  contract liabilities
Three months ending March 31, 2018
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	6		$	(2,069	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			(176	)
Other comprehensive income		—			(1	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			(9	)
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		—			(26	)
Transfers into/out of Level 3		—			—
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	6		$	(2,281	)
Three months ending March 31, 2017
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	17,321		$	(2,824	)
Gains (losses) included in:
Earnings		—			499
Other comprehensive income		1,157			(2	)
Regulatory assets and liabilities		—			1
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(3	)		(23	)
Transfers into/out of Level 3		(1	)		—
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	18,474		$	(2,349	)

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

Quantitative information as of March 31, 2018, with respect to assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (in millions).

	Fair Value		Principal Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Inputs		Weighted Average
Derivative liabilities:
Equity index put options		$2,378		Option pricing model		Volatility		18%

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Common stock (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in issued, treasury and outstanding Berkshire common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the three months ending March 31, 2018 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, 2017		762,755			(11,680	)		751,075			1,342,066,749		(1,409,762	)		1,340,656,987
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of  replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition		(3,038	)		—			(3,038	)		4,806,083		—			4,806,083
Balance at March 31, 2018		759,717			(11,680	)		748,037			1,346,872,832		(1,409,762	)		1,345,463,070

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Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ending March 31, 2018 and 2017 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
2018
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	62,093		$	(3,114	)	$	(420	)	$	12		$	58,571
Reclassifications to retained earnings		(61,340	)		(65	)		36			(6	)		(61,375	)
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications		(74	)		585			(17	)		2			496
Reclassifications into net earnings		(175	)		—			9			(3	)		(169	)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	504		$	(2,594	)	$	(392	)	$	5		$	(2,477	)
Reclassifications into net earnings:
Reclassifications before income taxes	$	(221	)	$	—		$	10		$	(5	)	$	(216	)
Applicable income taxes		(46	)		—			1			(2	)		(47	)
	$	(175	)	$	—		$	9		$	(3	)	$	(169	)
2017
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	43,176		$	(5,268	)	$	(593	)	$	(17	)	$	37,298
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications		5,497			475			(22	)		(6	)		5,944
Reclassifications into net earnings		(198	)		—			18			8			(172	)
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	48,475		$	(4,793	)	$	(597	)	$	(15	)	$	43,070
Reclassifications into net earnings:
Reclassifications before income taxes	$	(305	)	$	—		$	24		$	14		$	(267	)
Applicable income taxes		(107	)		—			6			6			(95	)
	$	(198	)	$	—		$	18		$	8		$	(172	)

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Business segment data (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of revenues and earnings by segment

Revenues by segment for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO		$    7,915		$    6,845
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		3,540		13,232
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		1,918		1,676
Investment income		1,213		1,132
Total insurance		14,586		22,885
BNSF		5,624		5,185
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		4,512		4,231
Manufacturing		12,934		12,097
McLane Company		12,189		12,101
Service and retailing		6,587		6,093
Finance and financial products		2,063		1,849
		58,495		64,441
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Corporate, eliminations and other		(22)		(71)
		$  58,473		$  64,370

Earnings before income taxes by segment for the first quarter of 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions).

	First Quarter
	2018		2017
Operating Businesses:
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO		$     677		$     175
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(258)		(743)
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		99		189
Investment income		1,205		1,129
Total insurance		1,723		750
BNSF		1,513		1,345
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		487		589
Manufacturing		1,855		1,487
McLane Company		60		88
Service and retailing		515		393
Finance and financial products		494		450
		6,647		5,102
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount:
Investment and derivative gains/losses		(8,015)		775
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(337)		(211)
Equity method investments		401		281
Corporate, eliminations and other		(219)		(259)
	$	(1,523)	$	5,688

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Summary of effects of initial adoption of ASU 2016-01, ASU 2018-02 and ASC 606 (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Assets	$ 702,651		$ 702,095
Liabilities	351,599		350,141
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,477)		58,571
Retained earnings	315,952		255,786
Shareholders' equity	$ 351,052		$ 351,954	$ 295,349	$ 285,428
ASU 2018-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		$ 84
Retained earnings		(84)
ASC 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Assets		3,382
Liabilities		3,453
Retained earnings		(71)
Shareholders' equity		(71)
ASU 2016-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(61,459)
Retained earnings		61,459
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Assets		3,382
Liabilities		3,453
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(61,375)
Retained earnings		61,304
Shareholders' equity		$ (71)

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Revenues from contracts with customers - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Assets	$ 702,651		$ 702,095
Liabilities	351,599		350,141
ASC 606 [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Assets		$ 3,382
Liabilities		3,453
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Unbilled revenue	$ 582		$ 665
Sales of Fractional Aircraft Ownership Interests [Member] | ASC 606 [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Liabilities		3,500
Sales of Fractional Aircraft Ownership Interests [Member] | ASC 606 [Member] | Primarily Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Assets		$ 3,500

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Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by reportable segment and source of revenue (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 41,509
Other revenue	16,964
Total revenues	58,473	$ 64,370
Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,608
Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,920
Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,696
Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	8,512
Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,643
Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,931
Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,210
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,465
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,524
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	12,874
Other revenue	38
Total revenues	12,912
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,393
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,919
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,848
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	496
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	218
McLane Company [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	12,172
Other revenue	17
Total revenues	12,189
McLane Company [Member] | Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	8,512
McLane Company [Member] | Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,643
McLane Company [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	17
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,621
Other revenue	939
Total revenues	6,560
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	54
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,931
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,694
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	942
BNSF [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,580
Other revenue	10
Total revenues	5,590
BNSF [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,580
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,224
Other revenue	288
Total revenues	4,512
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	700
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,524
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,038
Other revenue	1,022
Total revenues	2,060
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	161
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member] | Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member] | Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	848
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	20
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	8
Insurance Corporate And Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Other revenue	14,650
Total revenues	$ 14,650

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Revenue from contracts with customers transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (Detail) - Electricity and Natural Gas [Member] $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 5,359
Less than 12 Months [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 1,007
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period	1 year
Greater than 12 Months [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 4,352
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	$ 19,276	$ 20,445
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	731	977
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(87)	(69)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	19,920	21,353
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	3,633	3,975
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	11	4
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(36)	(26)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	3,608	3,953
States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	737	847
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	30	19
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(8)	(12)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	759	854
Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	7,837	8,572
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	83	274
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(32)	(24)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	7,888	8,822
Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	6,308	6,279
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	519	588
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(8)	(5)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	6,819	6,862
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	761	772
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	88	92
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(3)	(2)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	$ 846	$ 862

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2018
Foreign governments [Member] | AA or Higher Credit Rating [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by credit rating	89.00%

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Due in one year or less - amortized cost	$ 7,178
Due after one year through five years - amortized cost	9,884
Due after five years through ten years - amortized cost	460
Due after ten years - amortized cost	993
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	19,276	$ 20,445
Due in one year or less - fair value	7,227
Due after one year through five years - fair value	9,982
Due after five years through ten years - fair value	515
Due after ten years - fair value	1,350
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	19,920	21,353
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities	761
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	761	772
Fair value of mortgage-backed securities	846
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	$ 846	$ 862

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Investments in equity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost basis of investments	$ 85,830		$ 74,676
Net Unrealized Holding Gains on investments	87,146		95,864
Fair value of investments	172,976	[1]	170,540	[2]
Banks, insurance and finance [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost basis of investments	25,986		25,783
Net Unrealized Holding Gains on investments	50,091		55,026
Fair value of investments	76,077		80,809
Consumer products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost basis of investments	38,130		25,177
Net Unrealized Holding Gains on investments	23,864		25,698
Fair value of investments	61,994		50,875
Commercial, industrial and other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost basis of investments	21,714		23,716
Net Unrealized Holding Gains on investments	13,191		15,140
Fair value of investments	$ 34,905		$ 38,856

[1] Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $25.2 billion).

[2] Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $29.3 billion).

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Investments in equity securities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) Company		Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Company
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 172,976	[1]	$ 170,540	[2]
Equity Securities [Member] | Investment Concentration [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	68.00%		65.00%
Number of companies in concentration percentage | Company	5		5
American Express Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 14,100		$ 15,100
Apple Inc. [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	40,700		28,200
Bank of America Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	21,000		20,700
The Coca-Cola Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	17,400		18,400
Wells Fargo & Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 25,200		$ 29,300

[1] Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $25.2 billion).

[2] Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $29.3 billion).

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Investments in equity securities - Fair value by segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		$ 172,976	[1]	$ 170,540	[2]
Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		166,658		164,026
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	[3]	1,755		1,961
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	[3]	$ 4,563		$ 4,553

[1] Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $25.2 billion).

[2] Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $29.3 billion).

[3] Included in other assets.

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Equity Method Investments - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2017 USD ($) Employee Location	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method earnings		$ 401	$ 281
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J, and Electric Transmission Texas [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method earnings		$ 136	42
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage (investee) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage		50.00%
Other Assets [Member] | Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J, and Electric Transmission Texas [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments		$ 3,500		$ 3,400
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Kraft Heinz (previously Heinz Holding) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares owned | shares		325,442,152
Equity method investment ownership percentage		26.70%
Equity method investments		$ 17,687		$ 17,635
Equity method earnings		265	239
Common stock dividends received		$ 203	$ 195
Leucadia National Corporation (venture partner) [Member] | Berkadia Commercial Mortgage (investee) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage		50.00%
American Electric Power [Member] | Electric Transmission Texas [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage		50.00%
Commercial Paper [Member] | Berkadia Commercial Mortgage (investee) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maximum outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings		$ 1,500
Insurance Group [Member] | Leucadia National Corporation (venture partner) [Member] | Berkadia Commercial Mortgage (investee) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Reimbursement rate from joint venture partner of Company's surety bond claim losses		50.00%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location	750
Annual revenues	$ 20,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	38.60%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J [Member] | Haslam Family [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Majority ownership percentage	50.10%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J [Member] | Third Party [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	11.30%
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Subsidiary [Member] | Electric Transmission Texas [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage		50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of team members | Employee	27,000
Agreement to Acquire Additional Interest in 2023 [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of additional interest to be acquired	41.40%
Agreement to Acquire Additional Interest in 2023 [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC, d/b/a Pilot Flying J [Member] | Haslam Family [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	20.00%

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Equity Method Investments - Consolidated financial information (Detail) - Kraft Heinz (previously Heinz Holding) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 30, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	$ 120,787		$ 120,232
Liabilities	54,324		$ 53,985
Sales	6,304	$ 6,324
Net earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders	$ 993	$ 893

XML

Income taxes - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	29.70%	27.20%
Statutory U.S. Corporate income tax rate	21.00%		35.00%

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Summary of investment gains and losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains and losses during 2018 on equity securities sold in 2018	$ (240)
Unrealized investment gains and losses on equity securities held at the end of the period	(7,807)
Investment gains (losses)	(7,809)	$ 315
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains		425
Gross realized losses		(125)
Investment gains (losses)	(8,047)	300
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	359	11
Gross realized losses	(138)	(6)
Other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Investment gains (losses)	$ 17	$ 10

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Receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 3,048	$ 3,201	$ 3,221	$ 3,338
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	14,209	14,126
Allowances for uncollectible loans	(179)	(180)
Unamortized acquisition discounts	(185)	(198)
Total loans and finance receivables of finance and financial products businesses	13,845	13,748
Insurance and Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Insurance premiums receivable	12,570	11,058
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	3,048	3,201
Trade receivables	12,568	11,756
Other	3,078	2,925
Allowances for uncollectible accounts	(358)	(362)
Total receivables of insurance and other businesses	$ 30,906	$ 28,578

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Receivables - Narrative (Detail) - Finance and Financial Products [Member]	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 CAD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 CAD ($)
Loans and finance receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provisions for loan losses		$ 34,000,000	$ 38,000,000
Loan charge-offs, net of recoveries		$ 35,000,000	$ 43,000,000
Percent of loan balances evaluated collectively for impairment				98.00%
Percent of loan balances considered to be performing				99.00%
Percent of loan balances considered to be current as to payment status				96.00%
Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Financial Institution Borrower [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit facility amount	$ 1,550,000,000				$ 2,000,000,000
Expiration period of credit facility	1 year
Expiration date of credit facility	Jun. 29, 2018
Outstanding loan balance				$ 0

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Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 3,094	$ 2,997
Work in process and other	2,228	2,315
Finished manufactured goods	4,188	4,179
Goods acquired for resale	6,734	6,696
Total inventory	$ 16,244	$ 16,187

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Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease - Narrative (Detail) - Insurance and Other [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 23,807	$ 20,104
Property, plant and equipment, gross	43,471	37,424
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	19,664	17,320
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	27,707	$ 21,935
ASC 606 [Member] | Aircraft Sold Under Fractional Aircraft Ownership Programs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other liabilities for estimated repurchase obligations and unearned lease revenues	3,500
ASC 606 [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member] | Aircraft Sold Under Fractional Aircraft Ownership Programs [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,500
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,300
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 1,800

XML

Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease, gross	$ 14,033	$ 13,993
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease, accumulated depreciation	(4,113)	(4,062)
Total property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease, net	9,920	9,931
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Assets held for lease [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease, gross	12,337	12,318
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease, gross	232	231
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Buildings, machinery and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease, gross	1,464	1,444
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	43,471	37,424
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(19,664)	(17,320)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	23,807	20,104
Insurance and Other [Member] | Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,310	2,292
Insurance and Other [Member] | Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,961	8,810
Insurance and Other [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	27,707	21,935
Insurance and Other [Member] | Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,493	4,387
Railroad [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	71,285	70,940
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(8,954)	(8,627)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	62,331	62,313
Railroad [Member] | Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	6,090	6,088
Railroad [Member] | Track structure and other roadway [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	51,652	51,320
Railroad [Member] | Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	12,600	12,543
Railroad [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	943	989
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	92,655	91,891
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(26,601)	(26,020)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	66,054	65,871
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	75,068	74,660
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Interstate natural gas pipeline assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	7,230	7,176
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Independent power plants and other assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	7,622	7,499
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,735	2,556
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 128,385	$ 128,184

XML

Property, plant and equipment and assets held for lease - Depreciation expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 2,035	$ 1,876
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	649	542
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	1,225	1,175
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 161	$ 159

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 81,258	$ 79,486
Acquisitions of businesses	52	1,545
Other, including foreign currency translation	27	227
Balance at end of period	$ 81,337	$ 81,258

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 41,310	$ 41,213
Accumulated amortization	8,391	8,031
Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	40,317	40,225
Accumulated amortization	8,057	7,707
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	993	988
Accumulated amortization	334	324
Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,394	5,381
Accumulated amortization	710	692
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	28,353	28,322
Accumulated amortization	3,943	3,722
Other intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	3,180	3,169
Accumulated amortization	1,159	1,124
Patents and technology [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,383	4,341
Accumulated amortization	$ 2,579	$ 2,493

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 352	$ 367
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding goodwill	$ 18,900		$ 18,900

XML

Derivative contracts (Detail) - Finance and Financial Products [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities		$ 2,378	$ 2,172
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities		2,378	2,172
Notional Value	[1]	$ 29,479	$ 28,753

[1] Represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming that the value of each index is zero at each contract's expiration date. Certain of these contracts are denominated in foreign currencies. Notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of each balance sheet date.

XML

Derivative contracts - Gains and losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	$ (206)	$ 460
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains/losses	$ (206)	$ 460

XML

Derivative contracts - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 2,378,000,000	$ 2,172,000,000
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral posting requirements under contracts with collateral provisions	0
Additional collateral posting requirements	1,100,000,000
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Premiums received at contract inception dates	4,200,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of equity index put option contracts	$ 1,000,000,000	789,000,000
Weighted average remaining life of derivative contracts	2 years 8 months 12 days
Liabilities	$ 2,378,000,000	2,172,000,000
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative inception month and year	2008-03
Derivative maturity month and year	2026-01
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative maturity month and year	2018-06
Other Assets [Member] | Utilities and Energy [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets	$ 141,000,000	142,000,000
Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Utilities and Energy [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 105,000,000	$ 82,000,000

XML

Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 289	$ 26
Liabilities assumed in connection with business acquisitions	4	142
Insurance and Other [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	338	306
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	747	737
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 83	$ 78

XML

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Gross liabilities at beginning of year	$ 61,122	$ 53,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at beginning of year	(3,201)	(3,338)
Net liabilities at beginning of year	57,921	50,041
Net liabilities at end of year	59,046	51,523
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at end of year	3,048	3,221
Gross liabilities at end of year	62,094	54,744
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events	9,475	8,165
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(753)	134
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	8,722	8,299
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events	(3,091)	(2,678)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(4,759)	(4,216)
Total payments	(7,850)	(6,894)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ 253	$ 77

XML

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance, Excluding Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events	$ (753)	$ 134
Primary Insurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events	(571)	(261)
Property and Casualty Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses for (reductions of) prior years' accident events	$ (182)	$ 395

XML

Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities and deferred charge assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, beginning of year	$ 42,937	$ 24,972
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, end of year	42,344	40,587
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, beginning of year	(15,278)	(8,047)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, end of year	(15,007)	(13,830)
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior years' contracts	241	11
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, current year contracts		16,448
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior years' contracts	(30)	(398)
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	(30)	16,050
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(563)	(435)
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Net of Deferred Charges [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	241	10,267
Deferred Charges Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, current year contracts		(6,192)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior years' contracts	271	409
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	$ 271	$ (5,783)

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		$ 42,344,000,000	$ 42,937,000,000	$ 40,587,000,000	$ 24,972,000,000
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		15,007,000,000	15,278,000,000	13,830,000,000	$ 8,047,000,000
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior years' contracts		241,000,000		$ 11,000,000
NICO [Member] | AIG [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance Agreement [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Percentage of losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses reinsured in excess of retained amount	80.00%
Losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses retained amount	$ 25,000,000,000
Premiums earned	10,200,000,000
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	16,400,000,000
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	6,200,000,000	7,400,000,000	7,500,000,000
Net contract liability		$ 18,200,000,000	18,200,000,000
Increase in ultimate liabilities under reinsurance contract			$ 1,800,000,000
NICO [Member] | AIG [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses reinsured in excess of retained amount	$ 25,000,000,000

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 62,667	$ 62,178
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.60%
Senior unsecured debt	$ 8,627	6,452
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2018
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2048
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate	2.60%
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.80%
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 28,871	28,739
Short-term debt	$ 2,608	4,488
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2018
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2064
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.70%
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 22,561	22,499
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | BNSF [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2018
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | BNSF [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2097
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 10,755	13,085
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.10%
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 10,578	12,926
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2018
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2043
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.00%
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 177	159
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2019
Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2028
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 25,663	27,324
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate	3.70%
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.00%
Short-term debt	$ 1,800	1,832
Other borrowings	$ 5,676	6,725
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2018
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2045
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.00%
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 9,804	10,603
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	1.10%
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 8,383	$ 8,164
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2018
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2047
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2035

XML

Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.00%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	1.10%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase in carrying value of notes	$ 217
Insurance and Other [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revaluation attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates	217
Insurance and Other [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings	$ 800
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.00%
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debt Due 2021 to 2048 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued		$ 2,200
Weighted average interest rate, percentage		3.20%
BNSF [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings	$ 650
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.70%
BNSF [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debentures Due 2048 at 4.05% [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debentures [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 750
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	4.05%
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.10%
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings	$ 2,350

XML

Notes payable and other borrowings - Credit agreements - Narrative (Detail) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 7.3
Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and Subsidiaries [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	5.3
Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation	$ 1.9

XML

Fair value measurements - Financial assets and liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 19,920		$ 21,353
Investments in equity securities		172,976	[1]	170,540	[2]
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		62,667		62,178
Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		19,920		21,353
Investments in equity securities		166,658		164,026
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock - carrying value		17,687		17,635
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock - fair value		20,272		25,306
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		25,663		27,324
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value		13,845		13,748
Derivative contract liabilities		2,378		2,172
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		10,755		13,085
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities		2,378
Other Assets [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	[3]	1,755		1,961
Other Assets [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	[3]	4,563		4,553
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		3,608		3,953
States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		759		854
Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		7,888		8,822
Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		6,819		6,862
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		846		862
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		172,928		170,494
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		48		46
Loans and finance receivables - fair value		18		17
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		68,603		70,538
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		26,046		28,180
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		11,035		13,577
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and finance receivables - fair value		14,066		14,119
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		24		5
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities		2,378		2,172
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[4]	1		1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[4]	26		28
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[4]	114		113
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[4]			3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [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]
Derivative contract liabilities	[4]	88		69
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[4]	17		10
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Kraft Heinz (previously Heinz Holding) [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock - fair value		20,272		25,306
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		2,399		2,360
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		1,209		1,593
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | States, municipalities and political subdivisions [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		759		854
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign governments [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		5,906		6,946
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign governments [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		1,982		1,876
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		6,813		6,856
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		6		6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		846		862
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		172,976		170,540
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value		13,845		13,748
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		62,667		62,178
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		25,663		27,324
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [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		10,755		13,085
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities		2,378		2,172
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[4]	141		142
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[4]	105		82
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Kraft Heinz (previously Heinz Holding) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock - carrying value		17,687		17,635
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		3,608		3,953
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [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		759		854
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		7,888		8,822
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		6,819		6,862
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		846		862
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		172,976		170,540
Loans and finance receivables - fair value		14,084		14,136
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value		68,603		70,538
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - fair value		26,046		28,180
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [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		11,059		13,582
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities		2,378		2,172
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[4]	141		142
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[4]	105		82
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Kraft Heinz (previously Heinz Holding) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock - fair value		20,272		25,306
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		3,608		3,953
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [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		759		854
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		7,888		8,822
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		6,819		6,862
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 846		$ 862

[1] Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $14.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $40.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $21.0 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $17.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $25.2 billion).

[2] Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $29.3 billion).

[3] Included in other assets.

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

XML

Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable inputs (Detail) - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurements Significant Unobservable Inputs [Line Items]
Net derivative contract liabilities - Beginning Balance	$ (2,069)	$ (2,824)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in earnings	(176)	499
Net derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(1)	(2)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in regulatory assets and liabilities	(9)	1
Net derivative contract liabilities - Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements	(26)	(23)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Ending Balance	(2,281)	(2,349)
Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Significant Unobservable Inputs [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6	17,321
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income		1,157
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements		(3)
Transfers into/out of Level 3		(1)
Ending Balance	$ 6	$ 18,474

XML

Fair value measurements - Other information (Detail) - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] - Equity Index Put Options [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities, fair value	$ 2,378
Principal valuation techniques	Option pricing model
Unobservable inputs, volatility, weighted average	18.00%

XML

Common stock (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued	759,717	762,755
Treasury shares	(11,680)	(11,680)
Shares outstanding	748,037	751,075
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition	(3,038)
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued	1,346,872,832	1,342,066,749
Treasury shares	(1,409,762)	(1,409,762)
Shares outstanding	1,345,463,070	1,340,656,987
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock and exercises of replacement stock options issued in a business acquisition	4,806,083

XML

Common stock (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2018 $ / shares shares
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share | $ / shares	$ 5
Common Stock, shares authorized | shares	1,650,000
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value per share | $ / shares	$ 0.0033
Common Stock, shares authorized | shares	3,225,000,000

XML

Common stock - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) Vote shares	Dec. 31, 2017 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0
Class B [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 | Vote	0.0001
Number of shares of Class B stock obtainable from converting one Class A share	1,500
Shares outstanding	1,345,463,070	1,340,656,987
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number | Vote	1
Shares outstanding	748,037	751,075
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares outstanding	1,645,012	1,644,846
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchase, authorization description	Berkshire's Board of Directors has approved a common stock repurchase program permitting Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices no higher than a 20% premium over the book value of the shares
Minimum cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills threshold after repurchase of common stock shares, amount | $	$ 20,000,000,000

XML

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 351,954	$ 285,428
Ending Balance	351,052	295,349
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	62,093	43,176
Reclassifications to retained earnings	(61,340)
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications	(74)	5,497
Reclassifications into net earnings	(175)	(198)
Ending Balance	504	48,475
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(3,114)	(5,268)
Reclassifications to retained earnings	(65)
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications	585	475
Ending Balance	(2,594)	(4,793)
Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(420)	(593)
Reclassifications to retained earnings	36
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications	(17)	(22)
Reclassifications into net earnings	9	18
Ending Balance	(392)	(597)
Other AOCI transactions [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	12	(17)
Reclassifications to retained earnings	(6)
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications	2	(6)
Reclassifications into net earnings	(3)	8
Ending Balance	5	(15)
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	58,571	37,298
Reclassifications to retained earnings	(61,375)
Other comprehensive income, net before reclassifications	496	5,944
Reclassifications into net earnings	(169)	(172)
Ending Balance	$ (2,477)	$ 43,070

XML

Accumulated other comprehensive income - Reclassified Amounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications before income taxes	$ (221)	$ (305)
Applicable income taxes	(46)	(107)
Total reclassifications into net earnings	(175)	(198)
Prior service and actuarial gains/losses of defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications before income taxes	10	24
Applicable income taxes	1	6
Total reclassifications into net earnings	9	18
Other AOCI transactions [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications before income taxes	(5)	14
Applicable income taxes	(2)	6
Total reclassifications into net earnings	(3)	8
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications before income taxes	(216)	(267)
Applicable income taxes	(47)	(95)
Total reclassifications into net earnings	$ (169)	$ (172)

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Contingencies and Commitments - Narrative (Detail) $ in Billions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | NICO [Member] | Purchase Agreement [Member] | Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company [Member]
Contingencies and Commitments [Line Items]
Acquisition price	$ 2.5

XML

Business segment data - Revenues by segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 58,473	$ 64,370
BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,590
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	4,512
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,912
McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,189
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,560
Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,060
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	58,495	64,441
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,213	1,132
Total revenues	14,586	22,885
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	7,915	6,845
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	3,540	13,232
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	1,918	1,676
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,624	5,185
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	4,512	4,231
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,934	12,097
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,189	12,101
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,587	6,093
Operating Businesses [Member] | Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,063	1,849
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (22)	$ (71)

XML

Business segment data - Earnings before income taxes by segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative gains/losses	$ (8,015)	$ 775
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(1,523)	5,688
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	6,647	5,102
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,723	750
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Interest, Dividend and Other Investment Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,205	1,129
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	677	175
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	(258)	(743)
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	99	189
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,513	1,345
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	487	589
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	1,855	1,487
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	60	88
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	515	393
Operating Businesses [Member] | Finance and Financial Products Reportable Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	494	450
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative gains/losses	(8,015)	775
Interest expense	(337)	(211)
Equity method investments	401	281
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings before income taxes from operating businesses	$ (219)	$ (259)