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).