10-Q

FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

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)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbols	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock 0.750% Senior Notes due 2023 1.125% Senior Notes due 2027 1.625% Senior Notes due 2035 1.300% Senior Notes due 2024 2.150% Senior Notes due 2028 0.250% Senior Notes due 2021 0.625% Senior Notes due 2023 0.000% Senior Notes due 2025 2.375% Senior Notes due 2039 2.625% Senior Notes due 2059	BRK.A BRK.B BRK23 BRK27 BRK35 BRK24 BRK28 BRK21 BRK23A BRK25 BRK39 BRK59	New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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 Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 26, 2020:

Class A —	649,184
Class B —	1,370,951,744

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

		Page No.
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1.  Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019	2-3
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings—Third Quarter and First Nine Months 2020 and 2019	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—Third Quarter and First Nine Months 2020 and 2019	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Third Quarter and First Nine Months 2020 and 2019	6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—First Nine Months 2020 and 2019	7
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8-26
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27-47
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	47
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	47
Part II – Other Information		47
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	47
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	48
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities	48
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	49
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	49
Item 5.	Other Information	49
Item 6.	Exhibits	49
Signature		49

1

Part I Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Insurance and Other:
Cash and cash equivalents*	$	23,078	$	61,151
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		118,906		63,822
Investments in fixed maturity securities		19,435		18,685
Investments in equity securities		245,317		248,027
Equity method investments		17,152		17,505
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		17,527
Other receivables		34,389		32,418
Inventories		19,361		19,852
Property, plant and equipment		21,141		21,438
Equipment held for lease		14,714		15,065
Goodwill		47,091		57,052
Other intangible assets		29,652		31,051
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		13,012		13,747
Other		14,121		13,232
		635,953		630,572
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Cash and cash equivalents*		3,739		3,024
Receivables		3,426		3,417
Property, plant and equipment		140,398		137,838
Goodwill		24,774		24,830
Regulatory assets		2,933		2,881
Other		18,723		15,167
		193,993		187,157
	$	829,946	$	817,729

* Cash and cash equivalents includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $2.4 billion at September 30, 2020 and $37.1 billion at December 31, 2019.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in millions)

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
	(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Insurance and Other:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	78,041		$	73,019
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		41,786			42,441
Unearned premiums		22,018			19,782
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		20,975			20,155
Other policyholder liabilities		8,201			7,723
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		28,976			27,611
Payable for purchase of U.S. Treasury Bills		6,795			—
Derivative contract liabilities		1,547			968
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,390			5,281
Notes payable and other borrowings		38,891			37,590
		252,620			234,570
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		15,050			14,708
Regulatory liabilities		6,921			7,311
Notes payable and other borrowings		68,800			65,778
		90,771			87,797
Income taxes, principally deferred		67,340			66,799
Total liabilities		410,731			389,166
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8			8
Capital in excess of par value		35,621			35,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(5,190	)		(5,243	)
Retained earnings		408,791			402,493
Treasury stock, at cost		(24,075	)		(8,125	)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		415,155			424,791
Noncontrolling interests		4,060			3,772
Total shareholders’ equity		419,215			428,563
	$	829,946		$	817,729

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(dollars in millions except per share amounts)

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020		2019
	(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
Revenues:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance premiums earned	$	15,913	$	15,323	$	47,256	$	44,505
Sales and service revenues		32,703		34,026		93,332		100,563
Leasing revenues		1,316		1,438		3,905		4,365
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,717		2,483		6,143		6,895
		51,649		53,270		150,636		156,328
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation revenues		5,148		5,982		15,101		17,558
Energy operating revenues		4,451		4,338		11,504		11,729
Service revenues and other income		1,776		1,382		3,888		3,633
		11,375		11,702		30,493		32,920
Total revenues		63,024		64,972		181,129		189,248
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses		31,582		10,926		1,392		41,296
Costs and expenses:
Insurance and Other:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		11,667		10,858		32,712		31,701
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,311		1,176		4,101		3,245
Insurance underwriting expenses		3,228		2,708		9,219		8,033
Cost of sales and services		25,957		26,950		74,565		79,764
Cost of leasing		854		1,010		2,605		3,030
Selling, general and administrative expenses		5,181		4,384		14,304		13,645
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		25		—		10,659		—
Interest expense		263		261		817		790
		48,486		47,347		148,982		140,208
Railroad, Utilities and Energy:
Freight rail transportation expenses		3,161		3,839		9,625		11,706
Utilities and energy cost of sales and other expenses		3,101		2,981		8,326		8,503
Other expenses		1,481		1,162		3,422		2,990
Interest expense		737		724		2,209		2,178
		8,480		8,706		23,582		25,377
Total costs and expenses		56,966		56,053		172,564		165,585
Earnings before income taxes and equity method earnings		37,640		19,845		9,957		64,959
Equity method earnings		290		644		333		936
Earnings before income taxes		37,930		20,489		10,290		65,895
Income tax expense		7,517		3,832		3,167		13,333
Net earnings		30,413		16,657		7,123		52,562
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		276		133		437		304
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	30,137	$	16,524	$	6,686	$	52,258
Net earnings per average equivalent Class A share	$	18,994	$	10,119	$	4,160	$	31,944
Net earnings per average equivalent Class B share*	$	12.66	$	6.75	$	2.77	$	21.30
Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding		1,586,698		1,633,002		1,607,041		1,635,903
Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding		2,380,046,304		2,449,502,430		2,410,561,550		2,453,854,768

* Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth of a Class A share. Accordingly, net earnings per average equivalent Class B share outstanding is equal to one-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount. See Note 18.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in millions)

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Net earnings	$	30,413		$	16,657		$	7,123		$	52,562
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments		19			(39	)		42			179
Applicable income taxes		(4	)		10			(13	)		(40	)
Foreign currency translation		791			(700	)		(77	)		(534	)
Applicable income taxes		(3	)		6			34			3
Defined benefit pension plans		(24	)		(45	)		86			47
Applicable income taxes		8			7			(14	)		(16	)
Other, net		16			10			(19	)		(35	)
Other comprehensive income, net		803			(751	)		39			(396	)
Comprehensive income		31,216			15,906			7,162			52,166
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		302			112			423			301
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	30,914		$	15,794		$	6,739		$	51,865

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)

	Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity
	Common stock and capital in excess of par value			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Retained earnings			Treasury stock			Non- controlling interests			Total
For the third quarter and first nine months of 2019
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	35,715		$	(5,015	)	$	321,112		$	(3,109	)	$	3,797		$	352,500
Net earnings		—			—			21,661			—			71			21,732
Other comprehensive income, net		—			288			—			—			22			310
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		13			—			—			(1,690	)		—			(1,677	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(98	)		—			—			—			(176	)		(274	)
Balance at March 31, 2019		35,630			(4,727	)		342,773			(4,799	)		3,714			372,591
Net earnings		—			—			14,073			—			100			14,173
Other comprehensive income, net		—			49			—			—			(4	)		45
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		8			—			—			(443	)		—			(435	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(20	)		—			—			—			37			17
Balance at June 30, 2019		35,618			(4,678	)		356,846			(5,242	)		3,847			386,391
Net earnings		—			—			16,524			—			133			16,657
Other comprehensive income, net		—			(730	)		—			—			(21	)		(751	)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		—			—			—			(695	)		—			(695	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other		2			—			(36	)		—			(10	)		(44	)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	35,620		$	(5,408	)	$	373,334		$	(5,937	)	$	3,949		$	401,558
.
For the third quarter and first nine months of 2020
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	35,666		$	(5,243	)	$	402,493		$	(8,125	)	$	3,772		$	428,563
Net earnings		—			—			(49,746	)		—			49			(49,697	)
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement		—			—			(388	)		—			—			(388	)
Other comprehensive income, net		—			(1,478	)		—			—			(53	)		(1,531	)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		—			—			—			(1,575	)		—			(1,575	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(39	)		—			—			—			(98	)		(137	)
Balance at March 31, 2020		35,627			(6,721	)		352,359			(9,700	)		3,670			375,235
Net earnings		—			—			26,295			—			112			26,407
Other comprehensive income, net		—			754			—			—			13			767
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		—			—			—			(5,115	)		—			(5,115	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		(4	)		—			—			—			(37	)		(41	)
Balance at June 30, 2020		35,623			(5,967	)		378,654			(14,815	)		3,758			397,253
Net earnings		—			—			30,137			—			276			30,413
Other comprehensive income, net		—			777			—			—			26			803
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock		—			—			—			(9,260	)		—			(9,260	)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests		6			—			—			—			—			6
Balance at September 30, 2020	$	35,629		$	(5,190	)	$	408,791		$	(24,075	)	$	4,060		$	419,215

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

	First Nine Months
	2020			2019
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	7,123		$	52,562
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses		(2,032	)		(40,079	)
Depreciation and amortization		7,692			7,407
Other, including asset impairment charges		10,934			(1,740	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		4,480			3,252
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed		735			745
Unearned premiums		2,544			2,663
Receivables and originated loans		(3,223	)		(3,618	)
Other assets		(1,673	)		(2,419	)
Other liabilities		2,446			(889	)
Income taxes		201			8,726
Net cash flows from operating activities		29,227			26,610
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities		(22,406	)		(15,090	)
Sales of equity securities		28,564			7,127
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		(153,897	)		(72,189	)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		23,744			13,602
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities		81,252			94,742
Purchases of loans and finance receivables		(619	)		(57	)
Collections of loans and finance receivables		268			259
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(111	)		(732	)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease		(9,516	)		(11,139	)
Other		(1,685	)		(1,067	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		(54,406	)		15,456
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of insurance and other businesses		3,435			8,141
Repayments of borrowings of insurance and other businesses		(2,116	)		(5,046	)
Proceeds from borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		6,424			4,163
Repayments of borrowings of railroad, utilities and energy businesses		(2,449	)		(1,766	)
Changes in short term borrowings, net		(1,062	)		165
Acquisition of treasury stock		(15,712	)		(2,807	)
Other		(196	)		(341	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(11,676	)		2,509
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes		(340	)		(95	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		(37,195	)		44,480
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year		64,632			30,811
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of third quarter *	$	27,437		$	75,291
* Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are comprised of the following:
Beginning of year—
Insurance and Other	$	61,151		$	27,749
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,024			2,612
Restricted cash, included in other assets		457			450
	$	64,632		$	30,811
End of third quarter—
Insurance and Other	$	23,078		$	71,064
Railroad, Utilities and Energy		3,739			3,712
Restricted cash, included in other assets		620			515
	$	27,437		$	75,291

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2020

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 are described in Note 2.

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). For a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Given the size of our equity security investment portfolio, changes in market prices and the related changes in unrealized gains on equity securities will produce significant volatility in our interim and annual earnings. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities, gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and the magnitude of asset impairment charges can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) spread rapidly across the world in 2020 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The government and private sector responses to contain its spread began to significantly affect our operating businesses in March. COVID-19 has since adversely affected nearly all of our operations, although the effects are varying significantly. The duration and extent of the effects over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic that may affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition include the time necessary to develop and produce a safe and effective vaccine that can be widely distributed throughout the world and the long-term effect on the demand for certain of our products and services. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to us and the estimations of certain losses assumed under insurance and reinsurance contracts may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods. Additionally, GEICO’s underwriting results will likely be negatively affected over the remainder of the year and in the first quarter of 2021, as the remaining impact of the GEICO Giveback program (a program whereby all voluntary auto and motorcycle insurance policies renewed and newly issued during the period between April 8, 2020 and October 7, 2020 receive a 15% premium rate reduction) will be reflected in earned premiums during these periods.

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” on January 1, 2020. ASC 326 provides for the measurement of expected credit losses on financial assets that are carried at amortized cost based on the net amounts expected to be collected. Measurements of expected credit losses therefore include provisions for non-collection, whether the risk is probable or remote. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, credit losses were measured when non-collection was considered probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. We elected to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses on accrued interest and instead reverse uncollectible accrued interest through interest income on a timely basis.

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $388 million representing the cumulative after-tax increase in our allowances for credit losses, which was primarily related to our manufactured housing loans. Expected credit losses for such financial assets are based on the net present value of future principal payments less estimated expenses related to the charge-off and foreclosure of expected uncollectible loans and include provisions for loans that are not in foreclosure. Our principal credit quality indicator is whether the loans are performing. Expected credit loss estimates consider historical default rates, collateral recovery rates, historical runoff rates, interest rates, reductions of future cash flows for modified loans, the historical time elapsed from last payment until foreclosure, among other matters. In addition, our estimates consider current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements (Continued)

Trade receivables, insurance premium receivables and other receivables are primarily short-term in duration with stated collection terms of less than one year from the date of origination. In establishing credit loss allowances for such receivables, we primarily utilize credit loss history. However, credit loss allowances may be adjusted as a result of current conditions and when we expect reasonable and supportable forecasts to deviate from historical experience. In evaluating expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverables, we review the credit quality of the counterparty and consider credit ratings, right-of-offset provisions within reinsurance contracts and other forms of credit enhancement including, collateral, funds held arrangements, guarantees, as well as other publicly available information.

We adopted ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” as of January 1, 2020. Under ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment is represented by the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit and is limited to the carrying value of goodwill.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used to value policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs arising from long-duration insurance and reinsurance contracts, with the effects of changes in cash flow assumptions reflected in earnings and the effects of changes in discount rate assumptions reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 3. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
September 30, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,311	$	66	$	—		$	3,377
Foreign governments		9,898		82		(11	)		9,969
Corporate bonds		5,125		455		(6	)		5,574
Other		447		70		(2	)		515
	$	18,781	$	673	$	(19	)	$	19,435
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,054	$	37	$	(1	)	$	3,090
Foreign governments		8,584		63		(9	)		8,638
Corporate bonds		5,896		459		(3	)		6,352
Other		539		67		(1	)		605
	$	18,073	$	626	$	(14	)	$	18,685

Investments in foreign governments include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of September 30, 2020, approximately 87% of our foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2020 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage- backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	9,847	$	7,885	$	302	$	405	$	342	$	18,781
Fair value		9,887		8,030		349		764		405		19,435

9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized in the tables below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
September 30, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	27,145	$	29,065	$	56,210
Consumer products		37,016		98,022		135,038
Commercial, industrial and other		41,468		12,601		54,069
	$	105,629	$	139,688	$	245,317

* Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2019*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,419	$	61,976	$	102,395
Consumer products		38,887		60,747		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other		31,034		14,964		45,998
	$	110,340	$	137,687	$	248,027

* Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

On August 8, 2019, Berkshire invested a total of $10 billion in Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) newly issued Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion, and warrants to purchase up to 80 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $62.50 per share. In accordance with the terms of the warrants, on August 3, 2020, the number of shares of common stock that can be purchased was increased to 83.86 million shares and the exercise price was reduced to $59.62 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing in 2029 at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or mandatorily under certain specified capital return events. Dividends on the preferred stock may be paid in cash or, at Occidental’s option, in shares of Occidental common stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the redemption of the preferred stock. Our investments in Occidental are included in the commercial, industrial and other category in the preceding tables.

Note 5. Equity method investments

Berkshire and its subsidiaries hold investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these is our investment in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 325,442,152 shares of Kraft Heinz common stock representing 26.6% of the outstanding shares.

Shares of Kraft Heinz common stock are publicly-traded and the fair value of our investment was approximately $9.7 billion at September 30, 2020 and $10.5 billion at December 31, 2019. The carrying value of our investment was approximately $13.1 billion at September 30, 2020 and $13.8 billion at December 31, 2019.

10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5. Equity method investments (Continued)

Berkshire’s equity method earnings from Kraft Heinz were $159 million in the third quarter of 2020. Equity method losses from Kraft Heinz were $180 million in the first nine months of 2020, which included approximately $850 million for our proportionate share of goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz. As previously disclosed in Berkshire’s Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2019, Kraft Heinz’s financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2019 were not available until August 13, 2019 when Kraft Heinz filed financial statements for those periods with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, Berkshire did not record equity method earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz for each of those periods until the third quarter of 2019. Berkshire’s equity method earnings in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 included $467 million with respect to Kraft Heinz’s results for the first nine months of 2019, of which $228 million was attributable to Kraft Heinz’s results for the first six months of 2019. Berkshire’s equity method share of the Kraft Heinz goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges for the first nine months of 2019 was $293 million. We received dividends on the common stock of $391 million in each of the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, which were recorded as reductions to the carrying value of our investment.

As of September 30, 2020, the carrying value of our investment in Kraft Heinz exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by $3.4 billion (26% of carrying value). In light of that fact, we evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment. We utilize no bright-line tests in such evaluations. Based on the available facts and information regarding the operating results of Kraft Heinz, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery, the relative amount of the decline, and the length of time that fair value was less than carrying value, we concluded that recognition of an impairment loss in earnings was not required. However, we will continue to monitor this investment and it is possible that an impairment loss will be recorded in earnings in future periods based on changes in facts and circumstances or intentions.

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

	September 26, 2020		December 28, 2019
Assets	$	98,122	$	101,450
Liabilities		48,783		49,701

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020			2019
Sales	$	6,441	$	6,076	$	19,246		$	18,441
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders*		597		899		(676	)		1,753

^* Includes goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges of approximately $3.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020 and $1.1 billion in the first nine months of 2019.

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”) and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”). The carrying value of our investments in these entities was approximately $4.1 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2019. Our equity method earnings from these entities in the first nine months were $513 million in 2020 and $491 million in 2019. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia 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. On September 30, 2020, Berkadia’s commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion. The commercial paper is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy.

A Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company subsidiary owns a 50% interest in ETT, an owner and operator of electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. American Electric Power owns the other 50% interest. In 2017, we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot is the largest operator of travel centers in North America, supplying more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year via more than 950 retail locations across 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces and through wholesale distribution. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot in 2023, with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot in 2023.

11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6. Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Equity securities:
Unrealized investment gains during the period on securities    held at the end of the period	$	30,837		$	10,489		$	16,458		$	39,546
Investment gains/losses on securities sold during the period		1,330			135			(13,901	)		464
		32,167			10,624			2,557			40,010
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		12			59			53			71
Gross realized losses		(2	)		(2	)		(22	)		(18	)
Other		(552	)		11			(556	)		16
	$	31,625		$	10,692		$	2,032		$	40,079

Equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own, as well as gains and losses on securities we sold during the period. As reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we received proceeds from sales of equity securities of approximately $28.6 billion in the first nine months of 2020 and $7.1 billion in the first nine months of 2019. In the preceding table, investment gains/losses on equity securities sold during the period reflect the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the applicable quarterly or annual period or, if later, the purchase date. Our taxable gains/losses on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and original cost. Taxable gains were $3.9 billion in the third quarter and $666 million in first nine months of 2020. Taxable gains were $609 million in the third quarter and $1.96 billion in first nine months of 2019.

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables

Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	19,832		$	18,199
Allowances for credit losses		(731	)		(167	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(517	)		(505	)
	$	18,584		$	17,527

Loans and finance receivables are principally installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for each of the first nine months of 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	167		$	177
Adoption of ASC 326		486			—
Provision for credit losses		177			109
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(99	)		(103	)
Balance at September 30	$	731		$	183

12

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables (Continued)

As of September 30, 2020, approximately 99% of manufactured housing loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As of September 30, 2020, we considered approximately 97% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. A summary of performing and non-performing manufactured housing loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination as of September 30, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior		Total
Performing	$	3,328	$	2,603	$	1,983	$	1,471	$	1,314	$	6,918	$	17,617
Non-performing		3		4		6		7		8		49		77
Total	$	3,331	$	2,607	$	1,989	$	1,478	$	1,322	$	6,967	$	17,694

We are party to an agreement with Seritage Growth Properties to provide a $2.0 billion term loan facility, which expires on July 31, 2023. The outstanding loan under the facility was approximately $1.6 billion at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and is secured by mortgages on real estate properties. In the first quarter of 2020, we provided a loan to Lee Enterprises, Inc. in connection with its acquisition of our newspaper operations and the repayment of its then outstanding credit facilities. The loan balance at September 30, 2020 was $538 million. We are the sole lender to each of these entities and each of these loans is current as to payment status.

Note 8. Other receivables

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Insurance premiums receivable	$	15,379		$	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			2,855
Trade receivables		11,840			12,275
Other		4,916			4,327
Allowances for credit losses		(603	)		(418	)
	$	34,389		$	32,418

Receivables of railroad and utilities and energy businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Trade receivables	$	3,245		$	3,120
Other		305			388
Allowances for credit losses		(124	)		(91	)
	$	3,426		$	3,417

Provisions for credit losses on receivables summarized in the preceding tables were $449 million in the first nine months of 2020. 

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Raw materials	$	4,705	$	4,492
Work in process and other		2,712		2,700
Finished manufactured goods		4,645		4,821
Goods acquired for resale		7,299		7,839
	$	19,361	$	19,852

13

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10. Property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,555		$	13,259
Machinery and equipment		24,765			24,285
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,689			4,666
		43,009			42,210
Accumulated depreciation		(21,868	)		(20,772	)
	$	21,141		$	21,438

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	63,318		$	62,404
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,477			13,482
Construction in progress		1,075			748
		77,870			76,634
Accumulated depreciation		(12,724	)		(12,101	)
		65,146			64,533
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		82,743			81,127
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		8,281			8,165
Independent power plants and other assets		8,952			8,817
Construction in progress		5,132			3,732
		105,108			101,841
Accumulated depreciation		(29,856	)		(28,536	)
		75,252			73,305
	$	140,398		$	137,838

Depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2020 and 2019 is summarized below (in millions).

	First Nine Months
	2020		2019
Insurance and other	$	1,725	$	1,660
Railroad, utilities and energy		4,105		3,881
	$	5,830	$	5,541

14

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11. Equipment held for lease

Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. A summary of equipment held for lease follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railcars	$	9,396		$	9,260
Aircraft		8,061			8,093
Other		4,887			4,862
		22,344			22,215
Accumulated depreciation		(7,630	)		(7,150	)
	$	14,714		$	15,065

Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first nine months was $900 million in 2020 and $880 million in 2019. Operating lease revenues by type for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Fixed lease revenue	$	1,047	$	1,097	$	3,205	$	3,289
Variable lease revenue		269		341		700		1,076
	$	1,316	$	1,438	$	3,905	$	4,365

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first nine months of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 follow (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,882		$	81,025
Acquisitions of businesses		25			890
Impairment charges		(10,021	)		—
Other, including foreign currency translation		(21	)		(33	)
Balance at end of period	$	71,865		$	81,882

Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other:
Customer relationships	$	27,344	$	5,548	$	27,943	$	5,025
Trademarks and trade names		5,193		774		5,286		759
Patents and technology		4,720		3,255		4,560		3,032
Other		3,319		1,347		3,364		1,286
	$	40,576	$	10,924	$	41,153	$	10,102
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Customer relationships	$	678	$	352	$	678	$	324
Trademarks, trade names and other		325		91		325		84
	$	1,003	$	443	$	1,003	$	408

15

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued)

Intangible asset amortization expense in the first nine months was $962 million in 2020 and $986 million in 2019. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $18.3 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $19.0 billion as of December 31, 2019 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.

During the second quarter of 2020, we concluded it was necessary to reevaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of certain of our reporting units for impairment due to the disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. We believed that the most significant of these disruptions related to the air travel and commercial aerospace and supporting industries. We recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of approximately $10 billion and pre-tax indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $638 million in the second quarter of 2020. Approximately $10 billion of these charges related to Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), the largest business within Berkshire's manufacturing segment. The carrying value of PCC-related goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets prior to the impairment charges was approximately $31 billion.

The amounts of the impairment charges were determined based on discounted cash flow methods and reflect our current assessments of the risks and uncertainties associated with the aerospace industry. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment tests. Due to the inherent uncertainty in forecasting cash flows and earnings, actual results in the future may vary significantly from the forecasts.

Disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue to evolve and the effects on our businesses may differ from what we currently estimate. If the effects prove to be worse than is reflected in our current estimates, additional goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges could be required.

Note 13. Derivative contracts

We are party to derivative contracts through certain of our subsidiaries. The most significant derivative contracts consist of equity index put option contracts. The liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follow (in millions).

	Liabilities		Notional Value
September 30, 2020	$	1,547	$	12,472
December 31, 2019		968		14,385

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. Notional value in the preceding table represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain contracts are denominated in foreign currencies and the related notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. These contracts produced pre-tax losses of $43 million in the third quarter and $640 million in the first nine months of 2020 and pre-tax gains of $234 million in the third quarter and $1,217 million in the first nine months of 2019.

Substantially all open contracts as of September 30, 2020 will expire by February 2023. The weighted average life of unexpired contracts at September 30, 2020 was approximately 1.25 years. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the contract expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $2.1 billion on the contract inception dates with respect to unexpired contracts as of September 30, 2020 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 $1.2 billion at September 30, 2020 and $397 million at December 31, 2019. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the contract expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses will not be determined until the contract expiration dates.

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. 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.

16

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 15), for each of the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balances at beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	73,019		$	68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,855	)		(3,060	)
Net liabilities		70,164			65,398
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		31,777			31,179
Prior accident years’ events		69			(396	)
Total		31,846			30,783
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(11,691	)		(13,144	)
Prior accident years’ events		(15,259	)		(13,967	)
Total		(26,950	)		(27,111	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		124			(178	)
Balances at September 30:
Net liabilities		75,184			68,892
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			3,105
Gross liabilities	$	78,041		$	71,997

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses shown in the preceding table were recorded in earnings and related to insured events occurring in the current year (“current accident year”) and events occurring in all prior years (“prior accident years”). We recorded a net increase in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $69 million in the first nine months of 2020 and a net decrease of $396 million in the first nine months of 2019, which produced a corresponding increase and decrease in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. These changes in the ultimate liability estimates as percentages of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year were relatively insignificant.

In the first nine months of 2020, we reduced estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events for primary insurance by $273 million and increased estimates for reinsurance liabilities by $342 million. The net decrease for primary insurance was primarily attributable to lower than anticipated private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims. The net increase related to reinsurance included increased claims estimates for legacy casualty exposures. In the first nine months of 2019, the net decrease in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years was primarily attributable to private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims, partly offset by increased liabilities for legacy casualty exposures and other commercial insurance business. 

17

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. 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 inception date or, when applicable, once a contractual retention amount has been reached. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

	2020						2019
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed			Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances at beginning of year	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	41,834		$	(14,104	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year contracts		—			—			175			(82	)
Prior years’ contracts		131			735			(2	)		827
Total		131			735			173			745
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(786	)		—			(643	)		—
Balances at September 30	$	41,786		$	(13,012	)	$	41,364		$	(13,359	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	866					$	918

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months related to contracts written in prior years were $866 million in 2020 and $825 million in 2019. Such losses reflected the recurring amortization of deferred charges and the effects of changes in the estimated timing and amount of future loss payments.

Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), is party to a contract with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), in which NICO’s ultimate liability is contractually limited to $20 billion. Our estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to the AIG contract at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $18.2 billion. Deferred charge assets related to the AIG contract were approximately $5.8 billion at September 30, 2020 and $6.3 billion at December 31, 2019.

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (dollars in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of September 30, 2020.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2047		3.2	%	$	8,320	$	8,324
Euro denominated due 2021-2035		1.0	%		7,986		7,641
Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060		0.6	%		5,902		3,938
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2049		4.1	%		8,829		8,679
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,218		2,274
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2020-2045		4.2	%		4,676		5,262
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		2.7	%		960		1,472
				$	38,891	$	37,590

18

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued)

In March 2020, Berkshire repaid €1.0 billion of maturing senior notes and issued €1.0 billion of 0.0% senior notes due in 2025. In April 2020, Berkshire issued ¥195.5 billion (approximately $1.8 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060 and a weighted average interest rate of 1.07%.

Borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and equipment held for lease of certain subsidiaries. BHFC borrowings are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In the first nine months of 2020, BHFC repaid $350 million of maturing senior notes and issued $500 million of 1.85% senior notes due in 2030. In October 2020, BHFC repaid $550 million of maturing senior notes and issued $2.5 billion of senior notes consisting of $750 million of 1.45% senior notes due in 2030 and $1.75 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2050.

The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€6.85 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥625.5 billion par) reflect the applicable foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the period are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the exchange rates resulted in pre-tax losses of $549 million in the third quarter and $447 million in the first nine months of 2020 and pre-tax gains of $383 million in the third quarter and $447 million in the first nine months of 2019.

In addition to BHFC borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $1.2 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at September 30, 2020. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all payment obligations.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2021-2050		4.5	%	$	11,462	$	8,581
Subsidiary and other debt due 2020-2064		4.3	%		31,693		30,772
Short-term borrowings		1.8	%		2,400		3,214
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries due 2020-2097		4.6	%		23,245		23,211
				$	68,800	$	65,778

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure such debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants, which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios. During the first nine months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt of approximately $5.5 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2062 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.4%. In the first nine months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid $1.9 billion of debt and reduced short-term borrowings. On October 29, 2020, BHE issued $500 million of 1.65% senior notes due in 2031 and $1.5 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2051.  

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051. During the first nine months of 2020, BNSF repaid $541 million of debt. As of September 30, 2020, BNSF, BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

As of September 30, 2020, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $9.5 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included approximately $7.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

19

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,377	$	3,377	$	3,331	$	46	$	—
Foreign governments		9,969		9,969		6,890		3,079		—
Corporate bonds		5,574		5,574		—		5,574		—
Other		515		515		—		515		—
Investments in equity securities		245,317		245,317		236,804		38		8,475
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,101		9,747		9,747		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		19,737		—		2,509		17,228
Derivative contract assets (1)		261		261		2		64		195
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		109		109		5		93		11
Equity index put options		1,547		1,547		—		—		1,547
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		38,891		43,439		—		43,426		13
Railroad, utilities and energy		68,800		84,315		—		84,315		—
December 31, 2019
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,090	$	3,090	$	3,046	$	44	$	—
Foreign governments		8,638		8,638		5,437		3,201		—
Corporate bonds		6,352		6,352		—		6,350		2
Other		605		605		—		605		—
Investments in equity securities		248,027		248,027		237,271		46		10,710
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,757		10,456		10,456		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,527		17,861		—		1,809		16,052
Derivative contract assets (1)		145		145		—		23		122
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		76		76		6		59		11
Equity index put options		968		968		—		—		968
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,590		40,589		—		40,569		20
Railroad, utilities and energy		65,778		76,237		—		76,237		—

⁽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 17. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance at beginning of year			Earnings			Regulatory assets and liabilities			Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance at September 30
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities:
2020	$	10,407		$	(2,235	)	$	—		$	(2	)	$	8,170
2019		7			499			—			10,002			10,508
Net derivative contract liabilities:
2020		(857	)		(72	)		(36	)		(398	)		(1,363	)
2019		(2,343	)		1,528			(41	)		(282	)		(1,138	)

Quantitative information as of September 30, 2020 with respect to significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (dollars in millions).

	Fair Value		Principal Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Weighted Average
Investments in equity securities:
Preferred stock	$	8,159	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	9 years
				Discount for transferability    restrictions and subordination	375 basis points
Common stock warrants		10	Warrant pricing model	Expected duration	9 years
				Volatility	28%
Derivative contract liabilities		1,547	Option pricing model	Volatility	20%

Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in Occidental Preferred and Occidental common stock warrants. See Note 4 for information regarding these investments. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and may contain provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. In applying discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the Occidental Preferred, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. In valuing the Occidental common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration and volatility of the warrants.

21

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

Our equity index put option derivative contracts are illiquid and contain contract terms that are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts. We determine the fair value of the equity index put option contract liabilities based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model.

As described in Note 12, we recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in the second quarter of 2020. These charges reflected our estimates of fair values of the related reporting units for goodwill and of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, and the related measurements are considered Level 3 measurements.

In estimating fair values of reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets, we consider the available facts and circumstances concerning the reporting unit and the industries in which it operates. The key assumptions and inputs we generally use in such determinations include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as the selection of a discount rate and other inputs. These inputs also include our qualitative assessment of risks and uncertainties. We utilized discounted cash flow/earnings methods to develop our estimates of the fair values and we also considered other publicly available information.

Estimates of the fair value of reporting units can be significantly affected by expectations of the severity, duration or long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reporting unit’s business, which we cannot reliably predict at this time. Consequently, fair value estimates in such instances may be subject to wide variations. We concluded it was appropriate to reflect the increased risks and uncertainties precipitated by the pandemic through a combination of increases in discount rates and reductions to operating and long-term growth assumptions. We also incorporated forecasted operating results that were reduced from what was used in estimating fair value in connection with the 2019 annual impairment test conducted during the fourth quarter.

Note 18. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first nine months of 2020 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balances at December 31, 2019		719,307			(17,337	)		701,970			1,408,183,852		(23,702,319	)		1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B    common stock		(39,694	)		—			(39,694	)		59,541,000		—			59,541,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(11,330	)		(11,330	)		—		(64,487,462	)		(64,487,462	)
Balances at September 30, 2020		679,613			(28,667	)		650,946			1,467,724,852		(88,189,781	)		1,379,535,071

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 1,570,636 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and 1,624,958 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

Since we have two classes of common stock, we provide earnings per share data on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for average equivalent Class A shares outstanding and average equivalent Class B shares outstanding. Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of a Class A share. Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding represents average Class A shares outstanding plus one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the average Class B shares outstanding. Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding represents average Class B shares outstanding plus 1,500 times average Class A shares outstanding.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. The program continues to allow share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $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 19. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates were 19.8% for the third quarter and 30.8% for the first nine months of 2020 and 18.7% for the third quarter and 20.2% for the first nine months of 2019. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in equity securities and production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. Our periodic effective income tax rate will also vary due to the changes in mix of pre-tax earnings, the magnitude of gains or losses with respect to our investments in equity securities and of non-deductible goodwill impairment charges and other expenses and the underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.

Note 20. Accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net		Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
First nine months of 2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	481	$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		29		(28	)		67			(15	)		53
Balance at end of period	$	510	$	(4,374	)	$	(1,302	)	$	(24	)	$	(5,190	)
First nine months of 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	370	$	(4,603	)	$	(816	)	$	34		$	(5,015	)
Other comprehensive income, net		137		(534	)		33			(29	)		(393	)
Balance at end of period	$	507	$	(5,137	)	$	(783	)	$	5		$	(5,408	)

Note 21. Supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Nine Months
	2020		2019
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	2,715	$	4,395
Interest:
Insurance and other		892		879
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,174		2,149
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash acquisition of equity securities		430		—

Note 22. 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 July 2020, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (“BHE”) reached a definitive agreement with Dominion Energy, Inc. (“Dominion”) to acquire substantially all of Dominion’s natural gas transmission and storage business, which includes more than 7,700 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines, about 900 billion cubic feet of operated natural gas storage capacity and partial ownership of a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility. The agreement provided for an aggregate acquisition price of approximately $4.0 billion and that BHE would also assume approximately $5.7 billion of existing asset-related long-term debt.

23

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 22. Contingencies and commitments (Continued)

On October 5, 2020, BHE and Dominion agreed, as permitted under the acquisition agreement, to provide for the acquisition of all originally agreed upon businesses, except for certain pipeline assets (the “Excluded Assets”), for approximately $2.7 billion in cash and BHE’s assumption of approximately $5.3 billion of debt. This acquisition was completed on November 1, 2020. In addition, on October 5, 2020, BHE and Dominion entered into a second acquisition agreement providing for BHE’s acquisition of the Excluded Assets for approximately $1.3 billion in cash and BHE’s assumption of approximately $0.4 billion of debt. The closing of this acquisition is subject to receiving necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to occur in early 2021.

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers

We recognize revenue when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when or as the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers.

The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 (in millions). Other revenues included in consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP.

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	4,889	$	—	$	54	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,943
Building products		4,322		—		—		—		—		—		4,322
Consumer products		4,036		—		—		—		—		—		4,036
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,905		—		—		—		—		7,905
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,968		—		—		—		—		3,968
Auto sales		—		—		2,195		—		—		—		2,195
Other retail and wholesale distribution		599		—		3,182		—		—		—		3,781
Service		370		144		865		5,135		1,474		—		7,988
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,356		—		4,356
Total		14,216		12,017		6,296		5,135		5,830		—		43,494
Other revenues		929		23		966		14		396		17,202		19,530
	$	15,145	$	12,040	$	7,262	$	5,149	$	6,226	$	17,202	$	63,024
Nine months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	15,639	$	—	$	143	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	15,782
Building products		11,682		—		—		—		—		—		11,682
Consumer products		10,373		—		—		—		—		—		10,373
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		23,051		—		—		—		—		23,051
Food and beverage distribution		—		11,561		—		—		—		—		11,561
Auto sales		—		—		5,999		—		—		—		5,999
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,691		—		8,735		—		—		—		10,426
Service		1,105		398		2,460		15,059		3,238		—		22,260
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,190		—		11,190
Total		40,490		35,010		17,337		15,059		14,428		—		122,324
Other revenues		2,686		69		2,884		42		964		52,160		58,805
	$	43,176	$	35,079	$	20,221	$	15,101	$	15,392	$	52,160	$	181,129

24

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued)

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,346	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,390
Building products		4,101		—		—		—		—		—		4,101
Consumer products		3,528		—		—		—		—		—		3,528
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		8,298		—		—		—		—		8,298
Food and beverage distribution		—		4,202		—		—		—		—		4,202
Auto sales		—		—		2,250		—		—		—		2,250
Other retail and wholesale distribution		524		—		2,946		—		—		—		3,470
Service		445		80		1,034		5,967		1,191		—		8,717
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,213		—		4,213
Total		14,944		12,580		6,274		5,967		5,404		—		45,169
Other revenues		937		24		1,080		15		316		17,431		19,803
	$	15,881	$	12,604	$	7,354	$	5,982	$	5,720	$	17,431	$	64,972
Nine months ending September 30, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	19,308	$	—	$	136	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	19,444
Building products		11,796		—		—		—		—		—		11,796
Consumer products		10,487		—		—		—		—		—		10,487
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		24,375		—		—		—		—		24,375
Food and beverage distribution		—		12,648		—		—		—		—		12,648
Auto sales		—		—		6,312		—		—		—		6,312
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,602		—		8,959		—		—		—		10,561
Service		1,222		123		3,068		17,517		3,139		—		25,069
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,329		—		11,329
Total		44,415		37,146		18,475		17,517		14,468		—		132,021
Other revenues		2,715		68		3,323		41		894		50,186		57,227
	$	47,130	$	37,214	$	21,798	$	17,558	$	15,362	$	50,186	$	189,248

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of September 30, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	1,642	$	5,379	$	7,021
Other sales and service contracts		1,206		2,457		3,663

25

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 24. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter					First Nine Months
	2020			2019		2020		2019
Revenues of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	8,540		$	8,996	$	26,689	$	26,487
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,490			2,387		7,103		6,825
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,883			3,940		13,464		11,193
Investment income		1,223			1,789		4,486		4,930
Total insurance		17,136			17,112		51,742		49,435
BNSF		5,176			6,021		15,195		17,676
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		6,226			5,720		15,392		15,362
Manufacturing		15,170			15,897		43,238		47,173
McLane Company		12,040			12,604		35,079		37,214
Service and retailing		7,279			7,378		20,272		21,865
		63,027			64,732		180,918		188,725
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Corporate, eliminations and other		(3	)		240		211		523
	$	63,024		$	64,972	$	181,129	$	189,248

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	276		$	376		$	3,320		$	1,539
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(126	)		153			(63	)		290
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(441	)		52			(2,033	)		(305	)
Investment income		1,220			1,782			4,480			4,916
Total insurance		929			2,363			5,704			6,440
BNSF		1,777			1,941			4,855			5,379
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		1,122			1,061			2,074			2,194
Manufacturing		2,255			2,484			5,765			7,205
McLane Company		96			50			205			220
Service and retailing		779			639			1,745			2,005
		6,958			8,538			20,348			23,443
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Investment and derivative gains/losses		31,582			10,926			1,392			41,296
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(116	)		(96	)		(363	)		(312	)
Equity method investments		290			644			333			936
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		(25	)		—			(10,659	)		—
Corporate, eliminations and other		(759	)		477			(761	)		532
	$	37,930		$	20,489		$	10,290		$	65,895

26

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

Results of Operations

Net earnings 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).

	Third Quarter					First Nine Months
	2020			2019		2020			2019
Insurance – underwriting	$	(213	)	$	440	$	956		$	1,182
Insurance – investment income		1,015			1,484		3,769			4,087
Railroad		1,347			1,466		3,668			4,057
Utilities and energy		1,395			1,178		2,589			2,390
Manufacturing, service and retailing		2,346			2,455		5,833			7,142
Investment and derivative gains/losses		24,737			8,666		765			32,706
Other*		(490	)		835		(10,894	)		694
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	30,137		$	16,524	$	6,686		$	52,258

* Includes goodwill and indefinite-lived asset impairment charges of $11.0 billion in the first nine months of 2020, substantially all of which was recorded in the second quarter.

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. The business segment data (Note 24 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements) should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated beginning in the second half of March, most of our businesses were negatively affected, with the effects to date ranging from relatively minor to severe. Revenues and earnings of most of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses declined considerably, and in certain instances severely, in the second quarter due to closures of facilities where crowds gather, such as retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, public travel restrictions and from closures of certain of our businesses. In the third quarter of 2020, several of these businesses experienced significant increases in revenues and earnings as compared to the second quarter.

Our businesses that are deemed essential have continued to operate through the pandemic, including our railroad, utilities and energy, insurance and certain of our manufacturing, wholesale distribution and service businesses. In response to the effects of the pandemic, our businesses have implemented various business continuity plans to protect our employees and customers. Such plans include a variety of actions, such as temporarily closing certain retail stores, manufacturing facilities and service centers of businesses that were not subject to government mandated closure. Our businesses have also implemented practices to protect employees while at work. Such practices have included work-from-home, staggered or reduced work schedules, increased cleaning and sanitation of work spaces, providing employee health screenings, eliminating non-essential travel and face-to-face meetings and providing general health reminders intended to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19.

We have taken actions in response to the economic losses from reductions in consumer demand for products and services we offer and our inability to produce goods and provide services at certain of our businesses. These actions have included employee furloughs, wage and salary reductions, capital spending reductions and other actions intended to help mitigate the economic losses and preserve capital and liquidity. Certain of our businesses are undertaking and will likely continue to undertake restructuring activities that will resize their operations to better fit expected customer demand. We cannot reliably predict future economic effects of the pandemic or when business activities at our numerous and diverse operations will normalize. Nor can we predict how these events will alter the future consumption patterns of consumers and businesses we serve.

27

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

Results of Operations (Continued)

Insurance underwriting produced after-tax losses of $213 million in the third quarter and after-tax earnings of $956 million in the first nine months of 2020. The effects of the premium rate reductions from the GEICO Giveback program contributed to a significant decline in underwriting earnings in the third quarter of 2020 as compared to the first two quarters of the year. The effects of the rate reductions under the program will continue over the remainder of 2020 and through the first quarter of 2021 as the reduced levels of premiums written are earned and included in our reported revenues. To the extent claims frequencies over this period revert to historical levels, GEICO may incur underwriting losses. Insurance underwriting results in 2020 also included after-tax losses from other primary insurance and from reinsurance activities. After-tax earnings from insurance investment income in 2020 were lower in the third quarter and first nine months as compared to 2019, reflecting lower interest income primarily attributable to declines in interest rates on our substantial holdings of cash and U.S. Treasury Bills.

After-tax earnings of our railroad business decreased 8.1% in the third quarter and 9.6% in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019. Earnings in 2020 reflected lower railroad operating revenues from lower shipping volumes, attributable to the negative effects of COVID-19, partly offset by lower operating costs and the effects of productivity improvements. After-tax earnings of our utilities and energy business increased 18.4% in the third quarter and 8.3% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The increases reflected increased tax benefits from renewable energy and increased earnings from the real estate brokerage business. Earnings from our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses declined 4.4% in the third quarter and 18.3% in the first nine months of 2020 versus 2019. The economic effects of COVID-19 are varying among our manufacturing businesses.

Investment and derivative gains/losses in 2020 and 2019 included significant gains and losses on equity securities, including unrealized gains and losses from market price changes. We believe that investment and derivative gains/losses, whether realized from dispositions or unrealized from changes in market prices of equity securities, are generally meaningless in understanding our reported results or evaluating the economic performance of our businesses. These gains and losses have caused and will continue to cause significant volatility in our periodic earnings.

Other earnings in the first nine months of 2020 included after-tax goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $11.0 billion, including our equity method share of impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz. Substantially all of these charges were recorded in the second quarter. Approximately $9.8 billion of these charges are attributable to impairments of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that were recorded in connection with Berkshire’s acquisition of Precision Castparts in 2016.

Insurance—Underwriting

Our management views our insurance businesses as possessing two distinct activities – 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 an integral 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 strategy of acquiring securities and holding those securities for long periods. We believe that such gains and losses are not 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 pre-tax losses in excess of $100 million from a current year catastrophic event to be 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, were approximately $120 billion as of September 30, 2020. 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 liabilities of our U.S. based insurance subsidiaries due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Underwriting results in 2020 of our commercial insurance and reinsurance businesses were negatively affected by estimated losses and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including estimated provisions for claims and uncollectible premiums and incremental operating costs to maintain customer service levels at certain underwriting units. The potential effects of the pandemic may be further affected by future judicial rulings and regulatory and legislative actions pertaining to insurance coverage and claims that we cannot reasonably estimate at this time. Our underwriting results for the remainder of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 for certain business may be adversely affected from lower premiums attributable to credits granted to policyholders and where premiums are a function of the insured’s payroll.

28

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

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

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss):
GEICO	$	276		$	376		$	3,320		$	1,539
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(126	)		153			(63	)		290
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(441	)		52			(2,033	)		(305	)
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)		(291	)		581			1,224			1,524
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		(78	)		141			268			342
Net underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(213	)	$	440		$	956		$	1,182
Effective income tax rate		26.6	%		24.1	%		21.9	%		23.0	%

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).

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months
	2020				2019				2020				2019
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	8,446			$	9,412			$	26,217			$	27,378
Premiums earned	$	8,540		100.0	$	8,996		100.0	$	26,689		100.0	$	26,487		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		6,858		80.3		7,344		81.6		19,238		72.1		21,176		80.0
Underwriting expenses		1,406		16.5		1,276		14.2		4,131		15.5		3,772		14.2
Total losses and expenses		8,264		96.8		8,620		95.8		23,369		87.6		24,948		94.2
Pre-tax underwriting earnings	$	276			$	376			$	3,320			$	1,539

GEICO’s pre-tax underwriting earnings in the first nine months of 2020 reflected significant declines in losses and loss adjustment expenses attributable to lower claims frequencies from the effects of less driving by policyholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the effects of the GEICO Giveback program (see following paragraph) on earned premiums will continue through the fourth quarter, GEICO could experience pre-tax underwriting losses if claims frequencies increase over the same period, offsetting a portion of the pre-tax underwriting earnings generated in the first nine months of 2020.

Premiums written decreased 10.3% in the third quarter and 4.2% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The GEICO Giveback program provides for a 15% premium credit to all voluntary auto and motorcycle policies renewing between April 8, 2020 and October 7, 2020, as well as to any new policies written during the same period. The GEICO Giveback program reduced premiums written in the first nine months of 2020 by approximately $2.8 billion. Premiums earned decreased 5.1% in the third quarter and were relatively unchanged in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, which included reductions of approximately $1.0 billion in the third quarter and $1.3 billion in the first nine months attributable to the GEICO Giveback program. Premiums earned will very likely decline in the fourth quarter even if policies-in-force and exposures increase.

Voluntary auto policies-in-force grew 5.4% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The increase resulted from a 9.1% decrease in lost policies and a 3.4% decrease in new business sales. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GEICO paused cancellations of insurance policies for non-payment through the end of May 2020. During the third quarter, policy cancellations for non-payment resumed leading to an 18.3% increase in lost policies for the third quarter as compared to 2019.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses decreased $486 million (6.6%) in the third quarter and $1.9 billion (9.2%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. GEICO’s ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses to premiums earned (the “loss ratio”) decreased 1.3 percentage points in the third quarter and 7.9 percentage points in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The decreases in the loss ratio reflected declines in claims frequencies, partly offset by increases in claims severities and the impact of lower premiums earned attributable to the GEICO Giveback program.

29

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

GEICO (Continued)

Claims frequencies in the first nine months of 2020 were lower for property damage, bodily injury and personal injury protection coverages (twenty-nine to thirty-one percent range) and collision coverage (twenty-four to twenty-six percent range) compared to 2019. Average claims severities in the first nine months of 2020 were higher for property damage coverage (ten to twelve percent range), collision coverage (seven to nine percent range) and bodily injury coverage (ten to twelve percent range). GEICO’s loss and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019 included relatively insignificant reductions in the ultimate loss estimates for prior year’s loss events.

Underwriting expenses in the first nine months of 2020 increased $359 million (9.5%) compared to 2019. GEICO’s expense ratio in the first nine months of 2020 (underwriting expenses to premiums earned) increased 1.3 percentage points compared to 2019, of which 0.7 percentage points was attributable to the decline in earned premiums from the GEICO Giveback program. The increase in underwriting expenses reflected higher employee-related and technology costs partly offset by lower premium and state taxes.

Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group

The Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (“BH Primary”) provides 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 are 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, Central States Indemnity Company and MLMIC Insurance Company. A summary of BH Primary underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter									First Nine Months
	2020					2019				2020					2019
	Amount			%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	3,003				$	2,824			$	7,607				$	7,535
Premiums earned	$	2,490			100.0	$	2,387		100.0	$	7,103			100.0	$	6,825		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		1,976			79.4		1,583		66.3		5,369			75.6		4,721		69.2
Underwriting expenses		640			25.7		651		27.3		1,797			25.3		1,814		26.6
Total losses and expenses		2,616			105.1		2,234		93.6		7,166			100.9		6,535		95.8
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	(126	)			$	153			$	(63	)			$	290

Premiums written increased $179 million (6.3%) in the third quarter and $72 million (1.0%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The increases reflected volume increases from BH Specialty in non-U.S. property and casualty and U.S. casualty business and from MedPro Group across several product categories. These increases were partly offset by lower workers’ compensation business (BHHC and GUARD) in the third quarter and first nine months and by lower commercial auto business (BHHC and NICO Primary) over the first half of the year. The declines in workers’ compensation and commercial auto business written reflected the effects of reduced exposures and premium refunds related to the COVID-19 pandemic, volume reductions attributable to increased price competition in the market and the effect of the divestiture of Applied Underwriters in 2019.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2020 included an increase in estimated losses of approximately $400 million attributable to the pandemic (primarily in the first six months) and to Hurricanes Laura and Sally in the third quarter. In addition, losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months were reduced $190 million in 2020 and $274 million in 2019 for changes in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events.

BH Primary insurers write significant levels of liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance and the related claim costs are generally subject to longer claim-tails. Accordingly, we could experience significant increases in claims liabilities in the future attributable to higher than expected claim settlements, adverse litigation outcomes or judicial rulings, regulatory actions and other factors not currently anticipated.

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 subsidiaries, led by National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska (“BHLN”) and General Reinsurance Corporation, General Reinsurance AG and General Re Life Corporation (“General Re”). We also periodically assume property and casualty risks under retroactive reinsurance contracts written through NICO. In addition, we write periodic payment annuity contracts predominantly through BHLN.

30

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (Continued)

Generally, we strive to generate underwriting profits. However, time-value-of-money concepts are important elements in establishing prices for 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. We receive premiums at the inception of these contracts, which are then available for investment. A summary of Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group’s premiums and pre-tax underwriting results follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter										First Nine Months
	Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)						Premiums earned				Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)
	2020		2019		2020			2019			2020		2019		2020			2019
Property/casualty	$	3,428	$	2,614	$	99		$	314		$	8,859	$	7,237	$	(706	)	$	472
Life/health		1,378		1,093		17			37			4,147		3,199		63			227
Retroactive reinsurance		5		—		(394	)		(190	)		39		94		(896	)		(751	)
Periodic payment annuity		68		229		(209	)		(91	)		409		652		(411	)		(336	)
Variable annuity		4		4		46			(18	)		10		11		(83	)		83
	$	4,883	$	3,940	$	(441	)	$	52		$	13,464	$	11,193	$	(2,033	)	$	(305	)

Property/casualty

A summary of property/casualty reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months
	2020				2019				2020					2019
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount			%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	3,960			$	2,435			$	11,011				$	8,304
Premiums earned	$	3,428		100.0	$	2,614		100.0	$	8,859			100.0	$	7,237		100.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		2,544		74.2		1,659		63.5		7,241			81.7		4,888		67.5
Underwriting expenses		785		22.9		641		24.5		2,324			26.3		1,877		26.0
Total losses and expenses		3,329		97.1		2,300		88.0		9,565			108.0		6,765		93.5
Pre-tax underwriting earnings (loss)	$	99			$	314			$	(706	)			$	472

Property/casualty premiums written increased $1.5 billion (62.6%) in the third quarter and $2.7 billion (32.6%) in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019. The increases were primarily attributable to a few new property and liability contracts and increased participations on renewals.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $885 million (53.3%) in the third quarter and $2.4 billion (48.1%) in the first nine months of 2020 over the same periods in 2019. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in 2020 included estimated losses of $113 million in the third quarter and $688 million in the first nine months attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and $308 million from Hurricanes Laura and Sally in the third quarter. Losses incurred in the third quarter of 2019 included $281 million from Typhoon Faxai. Losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months also included a net increase in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events of $342 million in 2020 compared to a net decrease of $75 million in 2019. The increase in 2020 was primarily attributable to legacy environmental, asbestos and other latent injury claims. Underwriting expenses in the first nine months of 2020 increased 23.8% over 2019, primarily due to increased commissions expense on the increased premium volume.

31

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Life/health

A summary of our life/health reinsurance underwriting results follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months
	2020				2019				2020				2019
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
Premiums written	$	1,383			$	1,095			$	4,153			$	3,207
Premiums earned	$	1,378		100.0	$	1,093		100.0	$	4,147		100.0	$	3,199		100.0
Life and health insurance benefits		1,142		82.9		836		76.5		3,328		80.3		2,345		73.3
Underwriting expenses		219		15.9		220		20.1		756		18.2		627		19.6
Total benefits and expenses		1,361		98.8		1,056		96.6		4,084		98.5		2,972		92.9
Pre-tax underwriting earnings	$	17			$	37			$	63			$	227

Life/health premiums written increased $288 million (26.3%) in the third quarter and $946 million (29.5%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the corresponding 2019 periods. The increases were primarily attributable to a new reinsurance contract covering U.S. health insurance risks (approximately $500 million for the first nine months) and from volume growth in the Asian and European life reinsurance markets. The increase in the first nine months was partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation effects.

Life/health underwriting results in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were negatively affected by increased life benefits from COVID-19-related claim estimates ($68 million in the third quarter and $172 million in the first nine months) and increases in liabilities from changes in underlying assumptions in estimating disability benefit liabilities in Australia. Underwriting results in the first nine months of 2019 included a one-time pre-tax gain of $163 million attributable to a yearly-renewable-term life reinsurance contract amendment, partially offset by an increase in estimated disability benefit liabilities in Australia.

Retroactive reinsurance

There were no significant retroactive reinsurance contracts written in the first nine months of 2020 and 2019. Pre-tax underwriting losses in 2020 and 2019 derived from deferred charge amortization and changes in the estimated timing and amounts of future claim payments, as well as from foreign currency gains/losses arising from the periodic remeasurement of non-U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities related to contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries. In the first nine months, these contracts had pre-tax foreign currency remeasurement losses of $22 million in 2020 compared to pre-tax gains of $73 million in 2019. Before foreign currency gains/losses, these contracts produced pre-tax underwriting losses of $874 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to $824 million in the first nine months of 2019.

Unpaid losses assumed under retroactive reinsurance contracts were $41.8 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $42.4 billion as of December 31, 2019. Unamortized deferred charge assets related to such reinsurance contracts were $13.0 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $13.7 billion as of December 31, 2019. Deferred charge assets will be charged to earnings over the expected remaining claims settlement periods through periodic amortization.

Periodic payment annuity

Periodic payment annuity premiums earned decreased $243 million (37.3%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The periodic payment annuity market is price sensitive. The volume of business written can change rapidly due to changes in prices, which are affected by prevailing interest rates, the perceived risks and durations associated with the expected annuity payments and the level of competition.

Periodic payment annuity contracts normally produce pre-tax underwriting losses deriving from the recurring discount accretion on annuity liabilities. Underwriting results also include the effects of mortality and interest rate changes and remeasurement gains and losses related to foreign currency denominated liabilities of certain contracts written by our U.S. subsidiaries. Pre-tax foreign currency remeasurement gains in the first nine months were $38 million in 2020 and $70 million in 2019. Excluding foreign currency remeasurement gains/losses, pre-tax underwriting losses were $449 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to $406 million in the first nine months of 2019. Discounted periodic payment annuity liabilities were $14.0 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $13.5 billion as of December 31, 2019. The weighted average discount rate of these liabilities was 4.0% as of September 30, 2020.

32

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

Insurance—Underwriting (Continued)

Variable annuity

Variable annuity guarantee reinsurance contracts produced pre-tax earnings of $46 million in the third quarter and pre-tax losses of $83 million in the first nine months of 2020 and pre-tax losses of $18 million in the third quarter and pre-tax earnings of $83 million in the first nine months of 2019. Periodic underwriting results from this business reflect changes in remaining liabilities for underlying guaranteed benefits reinsured, which are affected by changes in securities markets and interest rates and from the periodic amortization of expected profit margins. Underwriting results from these contracts can be volatile, reflecting the volatility of securities markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Our recorded liabilities associated with these contracts were approximately $1.6 billion at September 30, 2020.

Insurance—Investment Income

A summary of net investment income attributable to our insurance operations follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Interest and other investment income	$	196		$	556		$	870		$	1,646
Dividend income		1,024			1,226			3,610			3,270
Investment income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		1,220			1,782			4,480			4,916
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		205			298			711			829
Net investment income	$	1,015		$	1,484		$	3,769		$	4,087
Effective income tax rate		16.9	%		16.6	%		15.9	%		16.7	%

Interest and other investment income declined $360 million (64.7%) in the third quarter and $776 million (47.1%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The declines were primarily due to lower income from short-term investments. We continue to hold substantial balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. Treasury Bills. Short-term interest rates declined over the second half of 2019 and continued to decline through the first half of 2020. The decline in rates resulted in significantly lower interest income in the third quarter of 2020. We expect such rates, which are historically low, to remain low and that our earnings from such investments in the fourth quarter of 2020 will be substantially lower than in 2019. Nevertheless, we believe that maintaining ample liquidity is paramount and we insist on safety over yield with respect to short-term investments.

Dividend income decreased $202 million (16.5%) in the third quarter and increased $340 million (10.4%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The increase in the first nine months was primarily attributable to the investment in $10 billion liquidation value of 8% cumulative preferred stock of Occidental on August 8, 2019, partly offset by lower dividends from common stock investments.

Invested assets of our insurance businesses derive from shareholder capital, including reinvested earnings, and from net liabilities under insurance and reinsurance 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 insurance benefit liabilities, unearned premiums and other liabilities due to policyholders, less insurance premiums and reinsurance receivables, deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts and deferred policy acquisition costs. Float was approximately $135 billion on September 30, 2020 and $129 billion on December 31, 2019. Our average cost of float was negative for the first nine months of 2020 as our underwriting operations generated pre-tax earnings of $1.2 billion.

A summary of cash and investments held in our insurance businesses as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills	$	82,525	$	64,908
Equity securities		228,803		240,126
Fixed maturity securities		19,330		18,537
Other		2,440		2,481
	$	333,098	$	326,052

33

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

Insurance—Investment Income (Continued)

Fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2020 were as follows (in millions).

	Amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Carrying value
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,303	$	66	$	3,369
Foreign governments		9,897		70		9,967
Corporate bonds		5,064		449		5,513
Other		412		69		481
	$	18,676	$	654	$	19,330

U.S. government obligations are rated AA+ or Aaa by the major rating agencies. Approximately 87% of all foreign government obligations were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies. Foreign government securities include obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by national or provincial government entities. Approximately 98% of corporate bond investments were considered investment-grade by the major rating agencies.

Railroad (“Burlington Northern Santa Fe”)

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

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Railroad operating revenues	$	5,001		$	5,822		$	14,698		$	17,081
Railroad operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,105			1,318			3,306			4,011
Fuel		394			725			1,335			2,211
Purchased services		479			518			1,429			1,586
Depreciation and amortization		616			598			1,836			1,778
Equipment rents, materials and other		393			485			1,219			1,537
Total		2,987			3,644			9,125			11,123
Railroad operating earnings		2,014			2,178			5,573			5,958
Other revenues (expenses):
Other revenues		175			199			497			595
Other expenses, net		(155	)		(165	)		(436	)		(368	)
Interest expense		(257	)		(271	)		(779	)		(806	)
Pre-tax earnings		1,777			1,941			4,855			5,379
Income taxes		430			475			1,187			1,322
Net earnings	$	1,347		$	1,466		$	3,668		$	4,057
Effective income tax rate		24.2	%		24.5	%		24.5	%		24.6	%

Railroad operating revenues were $5.0 billion in the third quarter and $14.7 billion in the first nine months of 2020, representing decreases of approximately $0.8 billion (14.1%) and $2.4 billion (14.0%), respectively, versus the corresponding periods in 2019. Railroad operating revenues in 2020 reflected lower volumes of 8.3% in the third quarter and 10.5% in the first nine months, as well as a 4.0% year-to-date decrease in average revenue per car/unit resulting from business mix changes and lower fuel surcharge revenue driven by lower fuel prices. Volume in the first nine months of 2020 was 6.88 million cars/units compared to 7.68 million cars/units in 2019. The overall volume decrease was primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted volumes through the first half of the year. While monthly volumes improved sequentially in the third quarter of 2020, volumes continued to be negatively affected by the pandemic.

34

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

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

Pre-tax earnings were $1.8 billion and $4.9 billion in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively, decreases of 8.4% and 9.7%, respectively, compared to 2019. The decreases principally resulted from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes. In addition, pre-tax earnings in the first nine months of 2019 included an operating revenue increase related to the favorable outcome of an arbitration hearing and a retirement plan curtailment gain that is included in other expenses, net in the preceding table. These effects were partially offset by significant improvements in 2020 in service, velocity and cost performance compared to 2019, along with lower costs related to severe winter weather and flooding on parts of the network which negatively affected expenses and service levels in 2019.

Operating revenues from consumer products were $1.9 billion in the third quarter and $5.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 4.5% and 11.2%, respectively, from 2019. The decreases reflected lower average revenue per car/unit for both periods. Volumes increased 0.5% in the third quarter and decreased 6.2% in the first nine months of 2020. Increased retail sales and inventory replenishments by retailers, along with increased e-commerce activity in the third quarter resulted in higher domestic intermodal volumes for the first nine months of 2020. International intermodal volumes and automotive shipments remained low primarily attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operating revenues from industrial products were $1.2 billion in the third quarter and $3.8 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 25.1% and 17.7%, respectively, from 2019. The decreases were attributable to lower volumes of 23.0% in the third quarter and 17.4% in the first nine months of 2020, along with lower average revenue per car/unit in both periods. The volume decreases were primarily driven by a decline in U.S. industrial production due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced demand in the energy sector, which drove lower sand and petroleum products volume.

Operating revenues from agricultural products were $1.2 billion in the third quarter and $3.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020, an increase of 1.7% and decrease of 2.8%, respectively, from 2019. The revenue changes reflected a volume increase of 3.9% in the third quarter and about equal volume in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019, along with lower revenue per car/unit for both periods. The adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes, primarily for ethanol and sweeteners shipments, along with lower soybean exports, were substantially offset by higher grain and meal exports.

Operating revenues from coal were $651 million in the third quarter and $2.0 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 34.6% and 28.7%, respectively, compared to 2019. The decreases reflected lower average revenue per car/unit and lower volume of 25.3% in the third quarter and 22.6% in the first nine months. The volume declines were primarily attributable to lower electricity demand driven by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and mild winter weather in the first quarter, low natural gas prices and utility coal plant retirements.

Railroad operating expenses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 were $3.0 billion and $9.1 billion, respectively, decreases of $0.7 billion (18.0%) and $2.0 billion (18.0%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. The ratio of railroad operating expenses to railroad operating revenues decreased 2.9 percentage points to 59.7% in the third quarter and 3.0 percentage points to 62.1% in the first nine months of 2020 versus the 2019 periods. Railroad operating expenses in 2020 reflected lower volume-related costs, productivity improvements, the effects of cost control initiatives and the effects of improved weather conditions compared to 2019.

Compensation and benefits expenses decreased $213 million (16.2%) in the third quarter and $705 million (17.6%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The decreases were primarily due to lower employee counts associated with lower volume and improved workforce productivity. Fuel expenses decreased $331 million (45.7%) in the third quarter and $876 million (39.6%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The decreases were primarily due to lower average fuel prices, lower volumes and improved fuel efficiency. Purchased service expenses decreased $39 million (7.5%) in the third quarter and $157 million (9.9%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to lower volume, improved productivity and insurance recoveries in the first half of 2020 related to the network flooding in 2019. Equipment rents, materials and other expenses decreased $92 million (19.0%) in the third quarter and $318 million (20.7%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, as a result of lower volume-related costs, the effects of cost controls and lower personal injury expense.

BNSF is an important component of the national and global supply chain and, as an essential business, has continued to operate throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic disruptions that adversely affected the demand for transportation services. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the full extent to which it may impact BNSF's business, operating results, financial condition, or liquidity will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. We believe BNSF's fundamental business remains strong and it has ample liquidity to continue business operations during this volatile period.

35

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

Utilities and Energy (“Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company”)

We currently own 91.1% 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 mostly renewable independent power projects. BHE also operates the largest residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States. On November 1, 2020, BHE acquired certain natural gas transmission and storage businesses of Dominion Energy, Inc. See Note 22 to accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 such costs are not allowed in the approved rates, operating results will be adversely affected. A summary of BHE’s net earnings follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Revenues:
Energy operating revenue	$	4,451		$	4,337		$	11,504		$	11,729
Real estate operating revenue		1,742			1,307			3,828			3,419
Other income (loss)		33			76			60			214
Total revenue		6,226			5,720			15,392			15,362
Costs and expense:
Energy cost of sales		1,169			1,230			3,095			3,471
Energy operating expense		1,952			1,783			5,301			5,115
Real estate operating costs and expense		1,503			1,194			3,492			3,210
Interest expense		480			452			1,430			1,372
Total costs and expense		5,104			4,659			13,318			13,168
Pre-tax earnings		1,122			1,061			2,074			2,194
Income tax expense (benefit)*		(412	)		(241	)		(778	)		(451	)
Net earnings after income taxes		1,534			1,302			2,852			2,645
Noncontrolling interests		4			8			11			15
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy		1,530			1,294			2,841			2,630
Noncontrolling interests		135			116			252			240
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	1,395		$	1,178		$	2,589		$	2,390
Effective income tax rate		(36.7	)%		(22.7	)%		(37.5	)%		(20.6	)%

* Includes significant production tax credits from wind-powered electricity generation.

The discussion of BHE’s operating results that follows is based on after-tax earnings, reflecting how the energy businesses are managed and evaluated. A summary of net earnings attributable to BHE follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020			2019
PacifiCorp	$	286	$	278	$	629		$	626
MidAmerican Energy Company		337		279		695			622
NV Energy		249		206		367			316
Northern Powergrid		26		37		172			181
Natural gas pipelines		78		66		321			295
Other energy businesses		207		219		527			468
Real estate brokerage		177		82		246			150
Corporate interest and other		170		127		(116	)		(28	)
	$	1,530	$	1,294	$	2,841		$	2,630

36

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

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

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp operates a regulated electric utility in portions of several Western states, including Utah, Oregon and Wyoming. After-tax earnings increased $8 million (2.9%) in the third quarter and $3 million (0.5%) in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019. The increases reflected higher utility margin (operating revenue less cost of sales), increased production tax credit benefits driven by repowered wind projects placed in-service and higher allowances for equity and borrowed funds used during construction, partially offset by higher operating expenses and interest expense. The increases in operating expenses were largely due to costs associated with a settlement agreement and wildfires.

Utility margin was $980 million in the third quarter and $2.5 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of $77 million and $50 million, respectively, compared to 2019. The increases reflected higher wholesale revenue and lower coal-fueled and natural gas-fueled generation costs, partially offset by lower retail revenue derived from a 1.8% year-to-date decline in customer volumes due to the impacts of COVID-19, partly offset by an increase in the average number of customers and the favorable impacts of weather.

MidAmerican Energy Company

MEC operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility primarily in Iowa and Illinois. After-tax earnings increased $58 million (20.8%) in the third quarter and $73 million (11.7%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The increases reflected increased income tax benefits, primarily from production tax credits driven primarily by repowered and new wind projects placed in-service, and from higher electric utility margin, partially offset by higher operating expenses, excluding energy efficiency program costs (substantially offset in revenues), and lower allowances for equity and borrowed funds used during construction. The increases in operating expenses were largely due to increased storm restoration costs in 2020 and wind projects placed in-service in 2019.

Electric utility margin, excluding energy efficiency program revenue, increased $11 million to $603 million in the third quarter and $7 million to $1.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The year-to-date electric utility margin increase was attributable to higher operating revenue from a 1.1% increase in retail customer volumes and lower generation and purchased power costs, partially offset by lower wholesale revenue and price impacts from changes in sales mix. The increase in year-to-date electric retail customer volumes was primarily due to increased usage by certain industrial customers, partially offset by the impacts of COVID-19.

NV Energy

NV Energy operates regulated electric and natural gas utilities in Nevada. After-tax earnings increased $43 million (20.9%) in the third quarter and $51 million (16.1%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the corresponding 2019 periods. The increases reflected higher electric utility margin, higher other income (year-to-date only) and lower income tax expense from the favorable impacts of ratemaking, partially offset by higher operating expenses. The increases in operating expenses were mainly due to higher earnings sharing accruals at Nevada Power Company and higher depreciation expense from additional plant placed in-service.

Electric utility margin increased $68 million to $660 million in the third quarter and $80 million to $1.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. These increases were primarily due to higher operating revenue from a 0.4% year-to-date increase in electric retail customer volumes, including distribution-only service customers, and price impacts from changes in sales mix. The increase in year-to-date electric retail customer volumes was primarily due to the favorable impacts of weather, partially offset by the impacts of COVID-19.

Northern Powergrid

After-tax earnings decreased $11 million (29.7%) in the third quarter and $9 million (5.0%) in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019. The earnings decreases reflected higher income tax expense, in large part from a change in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate, and higher distribution-related operating expenses, partially offset by higher other income. The year-to-date decrease was also partially offset by lower interest expense.

Natural gas pipelines

After-tax earnings increased $12 million (18.2%) in the third quarter and $26 million (8.8%) in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. These increases were primarily due to higher transportation revenue and the favorable impact of a rate case settlement at Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by higher operating expenses. The increase in the first nine months was further offset by increased depreciation, lower storage revenue and higher interest expense.

37

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

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

Other energy businesses

After-tax earnings in the third quarter of 2020 declined $12 million (5.5%) compared to 2019. The decrease reflected the effects of favorable regulatory decisions received in 2019 at AltaLink, L.P. as well as lower operating revenue and higher operating expenses from renewable energy projects in 2020. The decreases were partially offset by increased income tax benefits from renewable wind tax equity investments, largely from projects reaching commercial operation.

After-tax earnings in the first nine months of 2020 increased $59 million (12.6%) compared to 2019. The increase was primarily due to the aforementioned income tax benefits from renewable wind tax equity investments, partially offset by lower operating revenue and higher operating expenses from renewable energy projects.

Real estate brokerage

After-tax earnings increased $95 million in the third quarter and $96 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. The increases reflected significantly higher earnings from mortgage services and brokerage services in the third quarter of 2020 as compared to 2019. The increase in earnings from mortgage services was attributable to higher refinance activity from the favorable interest rate environment and the earnings increase from brokerage services was due to a comparative increase in closed units of 12.9% in the third quarter. The year-to-date earnings increase was partially offset by an unfavorable contingent earn-out remeasurement on a previous business acquisition.

Corporate interest and other

After-tax earnings increased $43 million (33.9%) in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to higher federal income tax credits recognized, partially offset by higher operating expenses and interest expense. After-tax earnings decreased $88 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to state income tax benefits recognized in 2019, higher interest expense, higher operating expenses and lower cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies, partially offset by higher federal income tax credits recognized.

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing

A summary of revenues and earnings of our manufacturing, service and retailing businesses follows (dollars in millions).

	Third Quarter										First Nine Months
	Revenues				Earnings *						Revenues				Earnings *
	2020		2019		2020			2019			2020		2019		2020			2019
Manufacturing	$	15,170	$	15,897	$	2,255		$	2,484		$	43,238	$	47,173	$	5,765		$	7,205
Service and retailing		19,319		19,982		875			689			55,351		59,079		1,950			2,225
	$	34,489	$	35,879							$	98,589	$	106,252
Pre-tax earnings						3,130			3,173							7,715			9,430
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests						784			718							1,882			2,288
					$	2,346		$	2,455						$	5,833		$	7,142
Effective income tax rate						24.4	%		22.1	%						24.0	%		23.7	%

* Excludes certain acquisition accounting expenses, which were primarily from the amortization of identifiable intangible assets recorded in connection with our business acquisitions. The after-tax acquisition accounting expenses excluded from earnings in the preceding table were $195 million in the third quarter and $593 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to $201 million in the third quarter and $581 million in the first nine months of 2019. In the first nine months of 2020, such expenses also exclude after-tax goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $10.4 billion. These expenses are included in “Other” in the summary of earnings on page 27 and in the “Other” earnings section on page 44.

Manufacturing

Our manufacturing group includes a variety of industrial, building and consumer products businesses. The industrial products group includes 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 industrial products for diverse markets (Marmon, Scott Fetzer and LiquidPower Specialty Products (“LSPI”)). Marmon includes UTLX Company (“UTLX”), which provides various products and services (including equipment leasing) for the rail and mobile crane industries.

38

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Manufacturing (Continued)

The building products group includes homebuilding and manufactured housing finance (Clayton Homes), 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). The consumer products group includes leisure vehicles (Forest River), several apparel and footwear operations (including Fruit of the Loom, Garan, Fechheimer, H.H. Brown Shoe Group and Brooks Sports) and high-performance alkaline batteries (Duracell). 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).

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months
	Revenues				Pre-tax earnings				Revenues				Pre-tax earnings
	2020		2019		2020		2019		2020		2019		2020		2019
Industrial products	$	6,173	$	7,716	$	940	$	1,458	$	19,320	$	23,280	$	2,781	$	4,441
Building products		5,672		5,281		825		696		15,497		15,212		2,088		1,904
Consumer products		3,325		2,900		490		330		8,421		8,681		896		860
	$	15,170	$	15,897	$	2,255	$	2,484	$	43,238	$	47,173	$	5,765	$	7,205

Industrial products

Revenues of the industrial products group were $6.2 billion in the third quarter and $19.3 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 20.0% in the third quarter and 17.0% in the first nine months from comparable 2019 periods. Pre-tax earnings of the group were $940 million in the third quarter and $2.8 billion in the first nine months of 2020, declines of 35.6% in the third quarter and 37.4% in the first nine months compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the group were 14.4% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 19.1% in 2019. Revenues and earnings were generally lower across each of our industrial products businesses.

PCC’s revenues were $1.5 billion in the third quarter and $5.7 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 41.4% from the third quarter and 26.7% from the first nine months of 2019. Since March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to material declines in commercial air travel and aircraft production. Airlines responded to the pandemic by delaying delivery of aircraft orders or, in some cases, cancelling aircraft orders, resulting in significant reductions in build rates by aircraft manufacturers and significant inventory reduction initiatives being implemented by PCC’s customers. Further, Boeing’s ongoing 737 MAX aircraft production issues have contributed to the declines in aerospace product sales in 2020. These factors resulted in significant declines in demand for PCC’s aerospace products in 2020.

PCC’s pre-tax earnings in 2020 declined 80% in the third quarter and 70% in the first nine months as compared to 2019. These decreases reflected the declines in aerospace products sales, which contributed to reduced manufacturing efficiencies. PCC management continues to undertake aggressive restructuring actions to resize operations in response to reduced expected volumes in aerospace markets. During the first nine months of 2020, PCC significantly reduced its worldwide workforce and expects that by the end of 2020, its workforce will be about 40% lower than at the end of 2019. PCC recorded charges for restructuring and inventory and fixed asset write-downs of approximately $300 million in the first nine months of 2020. Although earnings as a percentage of revenues are expected to continue to be negatively impacted through 2020 due to inefficiencies associated with aligning operations to reduced aircraft build rates, management expects the actions being taken will ultimately improve operations and increase operating margins from the current depressed levels.

Lubrizol’s revenues were $1.5 billion in the third quarter and $4.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 8.7% from the third quarter and 12.5% from the first nine months of 2019. The declines were primarily attributable to lower volumes resulting from the worldwide economic impacts of COVID-19 and the effects of a fire at an additives manufacturing, blending and storage facility in Rouen, France at the end of the third quarter of 2019. While the Rouen operations were well below historical levels through the first nine months of 2020, production capacities are now substantially restored. Lubrizol’s consolidated volume declined 8.3% in the third quarter and 13.0% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting declines in the Additives and Engineered Materials product lines, partly offset by higher volumes in Life Science products.

39

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Industrial products (Continued)

Lubrizol’s pre-tax earnings increased 11.2% in the third quarter and decreased 14.7% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The comparative increase in the third quarter reflected the effects of lower raw material costs and operating expenses more than offsetting lower sales volumes and average selling prices, as the negative effects from the Rouen fire were largely offset by insurance recoveries. The decline for the first nine months was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes, the impact of the Rouen fire, lower average selling prices and effects from foreign currency translation. These negative impacts were partially offset by lower average raw material costs and lower operating expenses.

Marmon’s revenues were $2.0 billion in the third quarter and $5.7 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 6.2% from the third quarter and 9.4% from the first nine months of 2019. In the third quarter of 2020, excluding acquisitions, revenues decreased in almost all of Marmon’s sectors due to lower volumes, primarily attributable to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the largest effects experienced in the Transportation Products and Foodservice Technologies sectors. Additionally, revenues in the first nine months of 2020 decreased due to lower metal prices in the Electrical, Metals Services and Plumbing & Refrigeration sectors and the effect of 2019 divestitures. The drastic declines in oil prices in 2020 also adversely affected volumes and revenues in the Crane, Electrical, Water and Rail & Leasing sectors.

Marmon’s pre-tax earnings decreased 19.3% in the third quarter and 18.1% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The decreases reflected the declines in revenues, increased restructuring charges and lower interest income. We expect additional restructuring initiatives through the end of 2020 in response to the lower product demand, particularly in the sectors most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

IMC’s revenues were $699 million in the third quarter and $2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 17.8% from the third quarter and 16.3% from the first nine months of 2019. The revenue declines were attributable to the negative economic effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and unfavorable foreign currency translation effects in the first half of 2020, partly offset by the effects of business acquisitions over the past year. IMC’s pre-tax earnings declined 32.3% in the third quarter and 35.9% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. The earnings declines were primarily due to the declines in sales and changes in sales mix.

Building products

Revenues of the building products group were $5.7 billion in the third quarter and $15.5 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of $391 million (7.4%) from the third quarter and $285 million (1.9%) from the first nine months of 2019. Pre-tax earnings of the group were $825 million in the third quarter and $2.1 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 18.5% from the third quarter and 9.7% from the first nine months of 2019. Pre-tax earnings as percentages of revenues were 13.5% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 12.5% in the first nine months of 2019.

Clayton Homes’ revenues were $2.3 billion in the third quarter and $6.1 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 22.4% over the third quarter and 14.7% over the first nine months of 2019. The comparative increases were primarily due to increases in home sales of 24.6% in the third quarter and 15.5% in the first nine months, reflecting a net increase in units sold and changes in sales mix. Unit sales of site-built homes increased 29% in the first nine months of 2020, while manufactured home unit sales increased 1%. Financial services revenues, which include mortgage services, insurance and interest income from lending activities, increased 15.7% in the third quarter and 12.5% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019. Loan balances, net of allowances for credit losses, were $16.4 billion as of September 30, 2020 compared to $15.9 billion as of December 31, 2019.

Pre-tax earnings of Clayton Homes were $339 million in the third quarter and $859 million in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 24.7% in the third quarter and 11.7% in the first nine months compared to the same periods in 2019. The earnings increases reflected higher earnings from home building, increased interest income, lower interest expense and higher earnings from mortgage services, partly offset by increased provisions for credit losses and insurance losses. Although loan delinquency rates at the end of September 2020 were below those at the end of September 2019, the credit loss provisions in 2020 reflect expected credit losses, including the estimated impacts on the economy and unemployment rates arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aggregate revenues of our other building products businesses were $3.4 billion in the third quarter and $9.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 1.0% in the third quarter and 5.1% in the first nine months compared to the same periods in 2019. The revenue decreases reflected lower volumes in certain commercial and industrial markets attributable to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, partly offset by increased paint and coatings volumes from a new agreement with Ace Hardware Stores and increased volumes in the residential markets.

Pre-tax earnings of the other building products businesses were $486 million in the third quarter and $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 14.8% from the third quarter and 8.3% from the first nine months of 2019. The earnings increases reflected the effects of lower average input costs, operating cost containment efforts and lower facilities closure costs.

40

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Consumer products

Consumer products revenues were $3.3 billion in the third quarter and $8.4 billion in the first nine months of 2020, an increase of 14.7% in the third quarter and a decrease of 3.0% in the first nine months compared to the same periods in 2019. Forest River sales increased 38.5% in the third quarter and 2.4% in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019. The increase in the third quarter was attributable to a significant increase in recreational vehicle unit sales and changes in sales mix.

Apparel and footwear sales in the third quarter of 2020 were relatively unchanged from the third quarter of 2019 and decreased 10.9% in the first nine months as compared to 2019. Sales volumes in the first half of 2020, particularly in the second quarter, reflected the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included retail store closures, reduced or cancelled orders and pandemic-related disruptions at certain of our manufacturing facilities. Apparel and footwear sales in the third quarter of 2020 exceeded the second quarter of 2020 by 59%, attributable to a higher consumer demand and from retail customers restocking their inventories. Brooks Sports year-to-date revenues in 2020 were higher, partly attributable to the effect of lower sales in the first nine months of 2019 caused by product shipping delays at a new distribution facility. Revenues from Duracell in the first nine months of 2020 also increased over 2019.

Consumer products pre-tax earnings were $490 million in the third quarter and $896 million in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 48.5% in the third quarter and 4.2% in the first nine months compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings as a percentage of revenues for the first nine months were 10.6% in 2020 and 9.9% in 2019. The increase in pre-tax earnings for the third quarter was primarily attributable to Forest River and Duracell, and to a lesser extent from apparel and footwear. Earnings in the first nine months of 2020 included lower earnings from apparel and footwear products and increased earnings from Duracell. Earnings from Forest River were relatively unchanged in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 2019.

Service and retailing

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

	Third Quarter								First Nine Months
	Revenues				Pre-tax earnings				Revenues				Pre-tax earnings
	2020		2019		2020		2019		2020		2019		2020		2019
Service	$	3,068	$	3,341	$	470	$	451	$	9,093	$	10,195	$	1,155	$	1,425
Retailing		4,211		4,037		309		188		11,179		11,670		590		580
McLane Company		12,040		12,604		96		50		35,079		37,214		205		220
	$	19,319	$	19,982	$	875	$	689	$	55,351	$	59,079	$	1,950	$	2,225

Service

Our service business group offers fractional ownership programs for general aviation aircraft (NetJets) and professional aviation training services and flight simulation products (FlightSafety). We also distribute electronic components (TTI), franchise and service a network of quick service restaurants (Dairy Queen) and offer third party logistics services that primarily serve the petroleum and chemical industries (Charter Brokerage). Other service businesses include transportation equipment leasing (XTRA) and furniture leasing (CORT), electronic news distribution, multimedia and regulatory filings (Business Wire), operation of a television station in Miami, Florida (WPLG) and until the time of their sale on March 16, 2020, the publishing of newspapers.

Service group revenues were $3.1 billion in the third quarter and $9.1 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 8.2% in the third quarter and 10.8% in the first nine months as compared to 2019. The aggregate revenues of NetJets and FlightSafety declined 10.8% in the third quarter and 14.3% for the first nine months of 2020, reflecting lower demand for aviation services as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, TTI’s revenues increased 2.4% in the third quarter and decreased 1.2% in the first nine months of 2020 as compared with 2019. The comparative revenue declines in 2020 also included a year-to-date decline of 29.2% at CORT, as well as the effects of the disposition of the newspaper operations in March.

Pre-tax earnings of the service group were $470 million in the third quarter and $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, an increase of $19 million (4.2%) in the third quarter and a decrease of $270 million (18.9%) in the first nine months compared to 2019. Pre-tax earnings of the group as a percentage of revenues were 12.7% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to 14.0% in 2019. The decline in earnings for the first nine months of 2020 was primarily attributable to FlightSafety, NetJets, TTI and CORT. TTI’s earnings decline reflected lower average gross margin rates, attributable to sluggish sales volumes in certain markets and sales price pressures deriving from ample inventory availability within the industry. The declines at NetJets, FlightSafety and CORT were due to lower customer demand for services and increased asset impairment and restructuring charges in the aviation services businesses.

41

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

Manufacturing, Service and Retailing (Continued)

Retailing

Our largest retailing business is Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (“BHA”), which consists of over 80 auto dealerships that sell new and pre-owned automobiles and offer repair services and related products, and represented about 65% of our combined retailing revenues in 2020. BHA also operates two insurance businesses, two auto auctions and an automotive fluid maintenance products distributor. Other retailing businesses include four home furnishings retailing businesses (Nebraska Furniture Mart, R.C. Willey, Star Furniture and Jordan’s), which sell furniture, appliances, flooring and electronics and represented about 20% of the combined retailing revenues in 2020. Other retailing businesses also include three jewelry 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 group revenues were $4.2 billion in the third quarter and $11.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020, an increase of 4.3% in the third quarter and a decrease of 4.2% in the first nine months compared to 2019. The spread of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. resulted in the temporary closures or restricted operations at some of our retail store operations during 2020 and significantly lower sales in the first half of the year. The severity and duration of the effects on our operations from the pandemic have varied widely. Sales volumes increased and operating results improved beginning in the latter part of the second quarter as our operations slowly reopened.

BHA’s revenues decreased 2.5% in the third quarter and 4.9% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. BHA’s revenues in 2020 reflected decreases in new and pre-owned vehicle sales of 2.4% in the third quarter and 5.0% in the first nine months as well as lower vehicle service and repair revenues.

Home furnishings group revenues in 2020 increased 8.5% in the third quarter versus 2019, reflecting stronger consumer demand. Home furnishings revenues decreased 4.9% in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019.

Pre-tax earnings of the retail group were $309 million in the third quarter and $590 million in the first nine months of 2020, increases of 64.4% in the third quarter and 1.7% in the first nine months from 2019. BHA’s pre-tax earnings increased 50.3% in the third quarter and 30.8% in the first nine months of 2020, primarily due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses, lower floorplan interest expense and from higher gross margin rates.

Aggregate pre-tax earnings for the remainder of our retailing group increased $66 million in the third quarter and decreased $82 million in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019. Certain of our smaller operations, including Pampered Chef and Louis experienced significant earnings increases in 2020, while others, including See’s Candy and Oriental Trading Company, experienced significant declines. Also, we incurred charges in the first nine months of 2020 attributable to asset impairments, restructurings and credit losses.

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 businesses generate high sales and very low profit margins. These businesses have several significant customers, including Walmart, 7-Eleven, Yum! Brands and others. Grocery sales comprised about 2/3 of McLane’s consolidated sales in the first nine months of 2020 with foodservice comprising most of the remainder. A curtailment of purchasing by any of its significant customers could have an adverse impact on periodic revenues and earnings.

Revenues were $12.0 billion in the third quarter and $35.1 billion in the first nine months of 2020, decreases of 4.5% in the third quarter and 5.7% in the first nine months compared to 2019. Revenues in the third quarter of 2020 decreased 4.7% in the grocery business (5.4% year-to-date) and 5.2% in the foodservice business (7.7% year-to-date) as compared to 2019. The declines were attributable to COVID-19 related restaurant closures (particularly in the casual dining category) in the foodservice business and lower sales in certain product categories within the grocery business.

Pre-tax earnings increased $46 million (92.0%) in the third quarter and decreased $15 million (6.8%) in the first nine months of 2020 as compared to 2019. The earnings increase in the third quarter reflected ongoing operating expense management efforts and a slight increase in the overall gross margin rate, partly offset by the effects of lower sales. The earnings decrease in the first nine months of 2020 included charges of $23 million for credit and inventory losses in the foodservice operations and the impact of lower sales. McLane continues to operate in an intensely competitive business environment, which is negatively affecting its current operating results.

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

Investment and Derivative Gains/Losses

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

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Investment gains/losses	$	31,625		$	10,692		$	2,032		$	40,079
Derivative gains/losses		(43	)		234			(640	)		1,217
Gains/losses before income taxes and noncontrolling interests		31,582			10,926			1,392			41,296
Income taxes and noncontrolling interests		6,845			2,260			627			8,590
Net gains/losses	$	24,737		$	8,666		$	765		$	32,706
Effective income tax rate		21.3	%		20.8	%		35.1	%		20.8	%

Investment gains/losses

We are required to include the unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in market prices of investments in equity securities in our reported earnings, which significantly increases the volatility of our periodic net earnings due to the magnitude of our equity securities portfolio and the inherent volatility of equity securities prices. Pre-tax investment gains/losses in 2020 included net unrealized gains of $30.8 billion in the third quarter and $16.5 billion in the first nine months on securities we owned on September 30. Net unrealized gains in 2019 on securities owned on September 30, 2019 were $10.5 billion in the third quarter and $39.5 billion in the first nine months. Investment losses from market value changes in the first nine months of 2020 on equity securities sold in 2020 were $13.9 billion. In 2020, taxable investment gains on equity securities sold, which is the difference between sales proceeds and the original cost basis of the securities sold, were $3.9 billion in the third quarter and $0.7 billion in the first nine months. In 2019, taxable investment gains on equity securities sold were $0.6 billion in the third quarter and $2.0 billion in the first nine months.

Investment gains/losses from periodic changes in securities prices will continue to cause significant volatility in our consolidated earnings. We believe that investment gains/losses, whether realized from sales or unrealized from changes in market prices, are often meaningless in terms of understanding our reported consolidated earnings or evaluating our periodic economic performance. We continue to believe that the amount of investment gains/losses included in earnings in any given period has little analytical or predictive value.

Derivative gains/losses

Derivative contract gains/losses include the changes in fair value of our equity index put option contract liabilities, which relate to contracts that were originated prior to March 2008. Substantially all remaining contracts will expire by February 2023. The periodic changes in the fair values of these liabilities are recorded in earnings and can be significant due to the volatility of market prices in the underlying equity markets. As of September 30, 2020, the intrinsic value of our equity index put option contracts was approximately $1.2 billion and our recorded liability at fair value was $1.5 billion. Our ultimate payment obligations, if any, under our contracts will be determined as of the contract expiration dates based on the intrinsic value as defined under the contracts.

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

Other

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

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Equity method earnings	$	244		$	515		$	346		$	812
Acquisition accounting expenses		(195	)		(201	)		(593	)		(581	)
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		(19	)		—			(10,369	)		—
Corporate interest expense, before foreign currency effects		(80	)		(63	)		(252	)		(209	)
Foreign currency exchange rate gains (losses) on Berkshire    and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar senior notes		(412	)		308			(329	)		355
Income tax expense adjustments		(60	)		—			(60	)		(377	)
Other, principally corporate investment income		32			276			363			694
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$	(490	)	$	835		$	(10,894	)	$	694

After-tax equity method earnings include Berkshire’s share of earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz, Pilot, Berkadia and Electric Transmission of Texas. Our Kraft Heinz investment produced after-tax earnings of $142 million for the third quarter and an after-tax loss of $56 million for the first nine months of 2020. The after-tax loss in the first nine months included $611 million attributable to goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz (primarily in the second quarter). As discussed in Note 5 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, financial results of Kraft Heinz for the first and second quarters of 2019 were not available to us until the third quarter. Accordingly, our consolidated statements of earnings for the third quarter of 2019 included our share of Kraft Heinz’s earnings for the first nine months, or $377 million, which included $214 million attributable to goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz.

After-tax acquisition accounting expenses include charges arising from the application of the acquisition method in connection with certain of Berkshire’s past business acquisitions. Such charges arise primarily from the amortization of intangible assets recorded in connection with those business acquisitions. Goodwill and intangible asset impairments in the first nine months of 2020 included charges of $9.8 billion attributable to impairments of goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets that were recorded in connection with our acquisition of PCC in 2016. See Critical Accounting Policies on page 46 for additional details.

Foreign currency exchange rate gains and losses pertain to non-U.S. Dollar denominated debt issued by Berkshire and BHFC. As of September 30, 2020, outstanding borrowings included senior notes of €6.85 billion par, ¥625.5 billion par and £1.75 billion par. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates produce non-cash unrealized gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of these liabilities into U.S. Dollars. The gains and losses recorded in any given period can be significant due the magnitude of the borrowings and the inherent volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.

The income tax expense adjustments relate to investments that we made between 2015 and 2018 in certain tax equity investment funds, which aggregated approximately $340 million. In December 2018 and during the first quarter of 2019, we learned of allegations by federal authorities of fraudulent income conduct by the sponsor of these funds and in January 2020, the principals involved in creating the investment funds plead guilty to criminal charges related to the sale of the investments. In the first quarter of 2019, we concluded it was more likely than not that the income tax benefits that we recognized prior to 2019 were not valid.

Financial Condition

Our consolidated balance sheet continues to reflect very significant liquidity and a very strong capital base. Consolidated shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2020 was $415.2 billion, a decrease of $9.6 billion since December 31, 2019 and an increase of $21.7 billion since June 30, 2020. Net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders were $30.1 billion in the third quarter and $6.7 billion in the first nine months of 2020. Earnings included after-tax gains on our investments of approximately $24.8 billion in the third quarter and $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2020. Changes in the market prices for our investments in equity securities since December 31, 2019 have produced exceptional volatility in our earnings. Our results in 2020 also included after-tax goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges of $11.0 billion.

At September 30, 2020, our insurance and other businesses held cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills (net of amounts payable as of September 30 for purchases that were settled in October) of $135.2 billion, which included $114.1 billion in U.S. Treasury Bills. Investments in equity and fixed maturity securities (excluding our investment in Kraft Heinz) were $264.8 billion.

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

Financial Condition (Continued)

Berkshire parent company debt outstanding at September 30, 2020 was $22.2 billion, an increase of $2.3 billion since December 31, 2019. In the first nine months of 2020, Berkshire repaid maturing senior notes of €1.0 billion and issued €1.0 billion of 0.0% senior notes due in 2025 and ¥195.5 billion of senior notes (approximately $1.8 billion), which has a weighted average interest rate of 1.07% and maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060. In the first quarter of 2021, senior notes of $1.6 billion will mature.

Berkshire’s insurance and other subsidiary outstanding borrowings were $16.7 billion at September 30, 2020, which included senior note borrowings of BHFC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary, of approximately $11.0 billion. BHFC’s borrowings are used to fund a portion of loans originated and acquired by Clayton Homes and equipment held for lease by our UTLX railcar leasing business. In the first nine months of 2020, BHFC repaid $350 million of maturing senior notes and issued $500 million of 1.85% senior notes due in 2030. In October 2020, BHFC repaid $550 million of maturing senior notes and issued $2.5 billion of senior notes, consisting of $750 million of 1.45% senior notes due in 2030 and $1.75 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2050. Berkshire guarantees the full and timely payment of principal and interest with respect to BHFC’s senior notes. In the first quarter of 2021, approximately $750 million of BHFC senior notes will mature.

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. Capital expenditures of these two operations in the first nine months of 2020 were $7.1 billion and we currently forecast additional capital expenditures of approximately $3 billion over the remainder of 2020.

BNSF’s outstanding debt was $23.2 billion as of September 30, 2020, relatively unchanged from December 31, 2019. In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051. Outstanding borrowings of BHE and its subsidiaries were $45.6 billion at September 30, 2020, an increase of approximately $3.0 billion since December 31, 2019. In the first nine months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt aggregating $5.5 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2062, repaid approximately $1.9 billion of debt and reduced short-term borrowings. Over the remainder of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries will repay debt of approximately $640 million. On October 29, 2020, BHE issued $500 million of 1.65% senior notes due in 2031 and $1.5 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2051. 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.

In July 2020, BHE reached a definitive agreement with Dominion Energy, Inc. (“Dominion”) to acquire substantially all of Dominion’s natural gas transmission and storage businesses. As discussed in Note 22 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, on November 1, 2020, BHE acquired certain of the Dominion businesses for $2.7 billion in cash and assumed $5.3 billion of Dominion debt. The acquisition of the remainder of the Dominion businesses is expected to close in early 2021.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program was amended on July 17, 2018, permitting Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares at prices below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, as conservatively determined by Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board. 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. The program is expected to continue indefinitely. We will not repurchase our stock if it reduces the total amount of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bill holdings below $20 billion. Financial strength and redundant liquidity will always be of paramount importance at Berkshire. In the first nine months of 2020, Berkshire paid $15.7 billion, including $9.0 billion in the third quarter, to repurchase shares of Class A and B common stock.

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 pertaining to the acquisition of goods or services in the future are not currently reflected in the financial statements, which 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. Actual payments will likely vary, perhaps materially, from the estimated liabilities currently recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In the first nine months of 2020, Berkshire and its subsidiaries issued new term debt. Principal and interest payments associated with these new term borrowings are expected as follows: in 2020 – $82 million; in 2021 and 2022 – $472 million; in 2023 and 2024 – $1.0 billion; and thereafter – $12.2 billion. In October 2020, Berkshire subsidiaries issued new term debt aggregating $4.5 billion with maturities ranging from 2030 to 2051.

45

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

Contractual Obligations (Continued)

Except as otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report, our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2020 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, 2019.

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 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, 2019.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2020 includes estimated liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses from property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts of $119.8 billion. Due to the inherent uncertainties in the processes of establishing these liabilities, the actual ultimate claim amounts will likely differ from the currently recorded amounts. A very small percentage change in estimates of this magnitude can 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 September 30, 2020 included goodwill of acquired businesses of $71.9 billion and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $18.3 billion. We evaluate these assets for impairment at least annually and we conducted our most recent annual review during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment reviews include determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units and assets. The key assumptions and inputs used in such determinations may include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate and other inputs. Significant judgment by management is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment tests. Due to the inherent subjectivity and uncertainty in forecasting future cash flows and earnings over long periods of time, actual results may vary materially from the forecasts.

In response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we considered whether goodwill needed to be reevaluated for impairment. As of June 30, 2020, we determined it was necessary to quantitively reevaluate goodwill for impairment for certain reporting units, and most significantly for PCC. As a result of our reviews, we recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $10.0 billion and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $638 million in the second quarter of 2020, of which approximately $10 billion related to PCC.

Prior to the reevaluation, the carrying value of our goodwill in PCC was approximately $17 billion. Additionally, the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets in PCC was approximately $14 billion. Substantially all of these amounts were recorded in connection with Berkshire’s acquisition of PCC in 2016. We believe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial airlines and aircraft manufacturers is particularly severe. We considered a number of factors in our reevaluation, including but not limited to the announcements by airlines concerning potential future demand, employment levels and aircraft orders, announcements by manufactures on reduced aircraft production, and the actions we are taking or may take to restructure our operations to fit lower expected demand. In our judgment, the timing and extent of the recovery in the commercial airline and aerospace industries may be dependent on the development and wide-scale distribution of medicines or vaccines that effectively treat the virus. Consequently, we deemed it prudent under the prevailing circumstances to increase the discount rates and reduce our prior long-term forecasts of future cash flows for purposes of reviewing for impairments. The amounts of these adjustments were based on qualitative assessments by Berkshire.

As of September 30, 2020, we concluded it is more likely than not that goodwill recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet was not impaired. Making estimates of the fair value of reporting units and judgments on goodwill impairments at this time are and will likely be significantly affected by assumptions on the severity, duration or long-term effects of the pandemic on the reporting unit’s business, which we cannot reliably predict. Consequently, any fair value estimates in such instances can be subject to wide variations. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could prove to be worse than we currently estimate for our reporting units, including reporting units where we recorded impairment charges during the first nine months of 2020, and could lead us to record additional goodwill or indefinite-lived asset impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2020.

46

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

Critical Accounting Policies (Continued)

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of Berkshire officials during presentations about Berkshire or its subsidiaries are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, which include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects and possible future Berkshire actions, which may be provided by management, are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Berkshire and its subsidiaries, economic and market factors and the industries in which we do business, among other things. These statements are not 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 principal 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, the frequency and severity of epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks, including COVID-19, that negatively affect our operating results and restrict our access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates, 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 September 30, 2020, 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, 2019.

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.

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 consolidated 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.

47

Part II Other Information

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our significant business risks are described in Item 1A to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 to which reference is made herein. These risk factors are supplemented for the items described below. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or operations. Any adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results could result in a decline in the value of our securities and the loss of all or part of your investment.

Epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks, including COVID-19, could hurt our operating businesses.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected, and in the future it or other epidemics, pandemics or outbreaks may adversely affect, our operations, including our equity securities portfolio. This is or may be due to closures or restrictions requested or mandated by governmental authorities, disruption to supply chains and workforce, reduction of demand for our products and services, credit losses when customers and other counterparties fail to satisfy their obligations to us, and volatility in global equity securities markets, among other factors. We share most of these risks with all businesses.

Unfavorable general economic conditions may significantly reduce our operating earnings and impair our ability to access capital markets at a reasonable cost.

Our operating businesses are subject to economic conditions affecting the general economy or the specific industries in which they operate. To the extent that economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide are depressed by the effects of COVID-19 or otherwise, one or more of our significant operations could be materially harmed. In addition, our utilities and energy businesses and our railroad business regularly utilize debt as a component of their capital structures, and depend on having access to borrowed funds through the capital markets at reasonable rates. To the extent that access to the capital markets is restricted or the cost of funding increases, these operations could be adversely affected.

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

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charles Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. Repurchases may be in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Information with respect to Berkshire’s Class A and Class B common stock repurchased during the third quarter of 2020 follows.

Period	Total number of shares purchased		Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced program		Maximum number or value of shares that yet may be repurchased under the program
July
Class A common stock		1,965	$	280,778.84		1,965	*
Class B common stock		10,521,719	$	187.93		10,521,719	*
August
Class A common stock		2,531	$	316,766.16		2,531	*
Class B common stock		10,846,595	$	209.96		10,846,595	*
September
Class A common stock		3,670	$	325,251.28		3,670	*
Class B common stock		11,387,889	$	215.80		11,387,889	*

* The program does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased or 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 repurchase program. Berkshire will not repurchase its common stock if the repurchases reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings to less than $20 billion.

48

Part II Other Information

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

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

Item 5. Other Information

None

Item 6. Exhibits

	a. Exhibits
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 August 4, 2016.
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 September 30, 2020, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Cover Page (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (vi) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vii) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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: November 7, 2020	/S/ MARC D. HAMBURG
	(Signature)
	Marc D. Hamburg,
	Senior Vice President and
	Principal Financial Officer

49

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Quarter ended September 30, 2020

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: November 7, 2020

/s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Chairman—Principal Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Quarter ended September 30, 2020

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: November 7, 2020

/s/ MARC D. HAMBURG

Senior Vice President—Principal Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended September 30, 2020

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 September 30, 2020 (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: November 7, 2020

/s/ WARREN E. BUFFETT

Warren E. Buffett

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Section 1350 Certifications

Quarter ended September 30, 2020

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 September 30, 2020 (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: November 7, 2020

/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 months ended September 30, 2020 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. Mines that are closed or idled are not included in the information below as no reportable events occurred at those locations during the three months ended September 30, 2020. 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 months ended September 30, 2020.

	Mine Safety Act														Legal Actions
Mining Facilities	Section 104 Significant and Substantial Citations(1)		Section 104(b) Orders(2)		Section 104(d) Citations/ Orders(3)		Section 110(b)(2) Violations(4)		Section 107(a) Imminent Danger Orders(5)		Total Value of Proposed MSHA Assessments (in thousands)		Total Number of Mining Related Fatalities		Pending as of Last Day of Period(6)		Instituted During Period		Resolved During Period
Coal:
Bridger (surface)		—		—		—		—		—	$	—		—		—		—		—
Bridger (underground)		3		—		—		—		—		3		—		—		—		—
Wyodak Coal Crushing     Facility		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Clay, shale and limestone:
Malvern		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Wheeler		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Oklahoma City		1		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Tulsa		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Bennett		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Denton		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Elgin		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Sealy		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Texas Clay		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Leeds		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Montgomery		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
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 failures 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 failures (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⁾ For the existence of any 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.

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 26, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity File Number	001-14905
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-0813844
Entity Address, Address Line One	3555 Farnam Street
Entity Address, City or Town	Omaha
Entity Address, State or Province	NE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	68131
City Area Code	402
Local Phone Number	346-1400
Entity Registrant Name	BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001067983
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		649,184
Security 12b Title	Class A Common Stock
Trading Symbol	BRK.A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,370,951,744
Security 12b Title	Class B Common Stock
Trading Symbol	BRK.B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.750 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.750% Senior Notes due 2023
Trading Symbol	BRK23
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 1.125 Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	1.125% Senior Notes due 2027
Trading Symbol	BRK27
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 1.625 Senior Notes Due 2035 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	1.625% Senior Notes due 2035
Trading Symbol	BRK35
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 1.300 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	1.300% Senior Notes due 2024
Trading Symbol	BRK24
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 2.150 Senior Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	2.150% Senior Notes due 2028
Trading Symbol	BRK28
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.250 Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.250% Senior Notes due 2021
Trading Symbol	BRK21
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.625 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.625% Senior Notes due 2023
Trading Symbol	BRK23A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 0.000 Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	0.000% Senior Notes due 2025
Trading Symbol	BRK25
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 2.375 Senior Notes Due 2039 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	2.375% Senior Notes due 2039
Trading Symbol	BRK39
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
M 2.625 Senior Notes Due 2059 [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	2.625% Senior Notes due 2059
Trading Symbol	BRK59
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions		Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
ASSETS
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 19,435		$ 18,685
Investments in equity securities		245,317	[1]	248,027	[2]
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		17,527
Inventories		19,361		19,852
Equipment held for lease		14,714		15,065
Goodwill		71,865		81,882
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		13,012		13,747
Total assets		829,946		817,729
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		78,041		73,019
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		41,786		42,441
Income taxes, principally deferred		67,340		66,799
Total liabilities		410,731		389,166
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		8		8
Capital in excess of par value		35,621		35,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(5,190)		(5,243)
Retained earnings		408,791		402,493
Treasury stock, at cost		(24,075)		(8,125)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ equity		415,155		424,791
Noncontrolling interests		4,060		3,772
Total shareholders’ equity		419,215		428,563
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		829,946		817,729
Insurance and Other [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[3]	23,078		61,151
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills		118,906		63,822
Investments in fixed maturity securities		19,435		18,685
Investments in equity securities		245,317		248,027
Equity method investments		17,152		17,505
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		17,527
Other receivables		34,389		32,418
Inventories		19,361		19,852
Property, plant and equipment		21,141		21,438
Equipment held for lease		14,714		15,065
Goodwill		47,091		57,052
Other intangible assets		29,652		31,051
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts		13,012		13,747
Other		14,121		13,232
Total assets		635,953		630,572
LIABILITIES
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		78,041		73,019
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts		41,786		42,441
Unearned premiums		22,018		19,782
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		20,975		20,155
Other policyholder liabilities		8,201		7,723
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		28,976		27,611
Payable for purchase of U.S. Treasury Bills		6,795
Derivative contract liabilities		1,547		968
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues		5,390		5,281
Notes payable and other borrowings		38,891		37,590
Total liabilities		252,620		234,570
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	[3]	3,739		3,024
Receivables		3,426		3,417
Property, plant and equipment		140,398		137,838
Goodwill		24,774		24,830
Regulatory assets		2,933		2,881
Other		18,723		15,167
Total assets		193,993		187,157
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities		15,050		14,708
Regulatory liabilities		6,921		7,311
Notes payable and other borrowings		68,800		65,778
Total liabilities		$ 90,771		$ 87,797

[1] Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

[2] Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

[3] Cash and cash equivalents includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $2.4 billion at September 30, 2020 and $37.1 billion at December 31, 2019.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury Bills [Member]
Cash equivalents	$ 2.4	$ 37.1

XML

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenues:
Sales and service revenues		$ 43,494	$ 45,169	$ 122,324	$ 132,021
Leasing revenues		1,316	1,438	3,905	4,365
Total revenues		63,024	64,972	181,129	189,248
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses		31,582	10,926	1,392	41,296
Costs and expenses:
Total costs and expenses		56,966	56,053	172,564	165,585
Earnings before income taxes and equity method earnings		37,640	19,845	9,957	64,959
Equity method earnings		290	644	333	936
Earnings before income taxes		37,930	20,489	10,290	65,895
Income tax expense		7,517	3,832	3,167	13,333
Net earnings		30,413	16,657	7,123	52,562
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		276	133	437	304
Net earnings attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders		$ 30,137	$ 16,524	$ 6,686	$ 52,258
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Net earnings per average equivalent share		$ 18,994	$ 10,119	$ 4,160	$ 31,944
Average equivalent shares outstanding		1,586,698	1,633,002	1,607,041	1,635,903
Equivalent Class B [Member]
Costs and expenses:
Net earnings per average equivalent share	[1]	$ 12.66	$ 6.75	$ 2.77	$ 21.30
Average equivalent shares outstanding		2,380,046,304	2,449,502,430	2,410,561,550	2,453,854,768
Insurance and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums earned		$ 15,913	$ 15,323	$ 47,256	$ 44,505
Sales and service revenues		32,703	34,026	93,332	100,563
Leasing revenues		1,316	1,438	3,905	4,365
Interest, dividend and other investment income		1,717	2,483	6,143	6,895
Total revenues		51,649	53,270	150,636	156,328
Costs and expenses:
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses		11,667	10,858	32,712	31,701
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits		1,311	1,176	4,101	3,245
Insurance underwriting expenses		3,228	2,708	9,219	8,033
Cost of sales and services		25,957	26,950	74,565	79,764
Cost of leasing		854	1,010	2,605	3,030
Selling, general and administrative expenses		5,181	4,384	14,304	13,645
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		25		10,659
Interest expense		263	261	817	790
Total costs and expenses		48,486	47,347	148,982	140,208
Freight Rail Transportation [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues		5,148	5,982	15,101	17,558
Costs and expenses:
Expenses		3,161	3,839	9,625	11,706
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Sales and service revenues		4,451	4,338	11,504	11,729
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and other expenses		3,101	2,981	8,326	8,503
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Revenues:
Service revenues and other income		1,776	1,382	3,888	3,633
Total revenues		11,375	11,702	30,493	32,920
Costs and expenses:
Other expenses		1,481	1,162	3,422	2,990
Interest expense		737	724	2,209	2,178
Total costs and expenses		$ 8,480	$ 8,706	$ 23,582	$ 25,377

[1] Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth of a Class A share. Accordingly, net earnings per average equivalent Class B share outstanding is equal to one-fifteen-hundredth of the equivalent Class A amount. See Note 18.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Economic equivalent of Class B share to Class A share	0.0667%

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 30,413	$ 16,657	$ 7,123	$ 52,562
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments	19	(39)	42	179
Applicable income taxes	(4)	10	(13)	(40)
Foreign currency translation	791	(700)	(77)	(534)
Applicable income taxes	(3)	6	34	3
Defined benefit pension plans	(24)	(45)	86	47
Applicable income taxes	8	7	(14)	(16)
Other, net	16	10	(19)	(35)
Other comprehensive income, net	803	(751)	39	(396)
Comprehensive income	31,216	15,906	7,162	52,166
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	302	112	423	301
Comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders	$ 30,914	$ 15,794	$ 6,739	$ 51,865

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Cumulative effect, period of adoption, adjustment	Common stock and capital in excess of par value	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Retained earnings	Retained earnings Cumulative effect, period of adoption, adjustment	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 352,500		$ 35,715	$ (5,015)	$ 321,112		$ (3,109)	$ 3,797
Net earnings	21,732				21,661			71
Other comprehensive income, net	310			288				22
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(1,677)		13				(1,690)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(274)		(98)					(176)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	372,591		35,630	(4,727)	342,773		(4,799)	3,714
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	352,500		35,715	(5,015)	321,112		(3,109)	3,797
Net earnings	52,562
Other comprehensive income, net	(396)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	401,558		35,620	(5,408)	373,334		(5,937)	3,949
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	372,591		35,630	(4,727)	342,773		(4,799)	3,714
Net earnings	14,173				14,073			100
Other comprehensive income, net	45			49				(4)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(435)		8				(443)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	17		(20)					37
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	386,391		35,618	(4,678)	356,846		(5,242)	3,847
Net earnings	16,657				16,524			133
Other comprehensive income, net	(751)			(730)				(21)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(695)						(695)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests and other	(44)		2		(36)			(10)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	401,558		35,620	(5,408)	373,334		(5,937)	3,949
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 428,563	$ (388)	35,666	(5,243)	402,493	$ (388)	(8,125)	3,772
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Net earnings	$ (49,697)				(49,746)			49
Other comprehensive income, net	(1,531)			(1,478)				(53)
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(1,575)						(1,575)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(137)		(39)					(98)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	375,235		35,627	(6,721)	352,359		(9,700)	3,670
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	428,563	$ (388)	35,666	(5,243)	402,493	$ (388)	(8,125)	3,772
Net earnings	7,123
Other comprehensive income, net	39
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	419,215		35,629	(5,190)	408,791		(24,075)	4,060
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	375,235		35,627	(6,721)	352,359		(9,700)	3,670
Net earnings	26,407				26,295			112
Other comprehensive income, net	767			754				13
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(5,115)						(5,115)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(41)		(4)					(37)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	397,253		35,623	(5,967)	378,654		(14,815)	3,758
Net earnings	30,413				30,137			276
Other comprehensive income, net	803			777				26
Issuance (acquisition) of common stock	(9,260)						(9,260)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	6		6
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 419,215		$ 35,629	$ (5,190)	$ 408,791		$ (24,075)	$ 4,060

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020		Sep. 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 7,123		$ 52,562
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to operating cash flows:
Investment (gains) losses	(2,032)		(40,079)
Depreciation and amortization	7,692		7,407
Other, including asset impairment charges	10,934		(1,740)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	4,480		3,252
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed	735		745
Unearned premiums	2,544		2,663
Receivables and originated loans	(3,223)		(3,618)
Other assets	(1,673)		(2,419)
Other liabilities	2,446		(889)
Income taxes	201		8,726
Net cash flows from operating activities	29,227		26,610
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities	(22,406)		(15,090)
Sales of equity securities	28,564		7,127
Purchases of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	(153,897)		(72,189)
Sales of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	23,744		13,602
Redemptions and maturities of U.S. Treasury Bills and fixed maturity securities	81,252		94,742
Purchases of loans and finance receivables	(619)		(57)
Collections of loans and finance receivables	268		259
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(111)		(732)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and equipment held for lease	(9,516)		(11,139)
Other	(1,685)		(1,067)
Net cash flows from investing activities	(54,406)		15,456
Cash flows from financing activities:
Changes in short term borrowings, net	(1,062)		165
Acquisition of treasury stock	(15,712)		(2,807)
Other	(196)		(341)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(11,676)		2,509
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes	(340)		(95)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(37,195)		44,480
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	64,632		30,811
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of third quarter *	27,437		75,291
Restricted cash, included in other assets at beginning of year	457		450
Restricted cash, included in other assets at end of third quarter	$ 620		$ 515
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember		us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember
Insurance and Other [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	$ 3,435		$ 8,141
Repayments of borrowings	(2,116)		(5,046)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	61,151	[1]	27,749
Cash and cash equivalents at end of third quarter	23,078	[1]	71,064
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	6,424		4,163
Repayments of borrowings	(2,449)		(1,766)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,024	[1]	2,612
Cash and cash equivalents at end of third quarter	$ 3,739	[1]	$ 3,712

[1] Cash and cash equivalents includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $2.4 billion at September 30, 2020 and $37.1 billion at December 31, 2019.

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General

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

General

Note 1. General

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

Financial information in this Quarterly Report reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). For a number of reasons, our results for interim periods are not normally indicative of results to be expected for the year. The timing and magnitude of catastrophe losses incurred by insurance subsidiaries and the estimation error inherent to the process of determining liabilities for unpaid losses of insurance subsidiaries can be more significant to results of interim periods than to results for a full year. Given the size of our equity security investment portfolio, changes in market prices and the related changes in unrealized gains on equity securities will produce significant volatility in our interim and annual earnings. In addition, changes in the fair values of certain derivative contract liabilities, gains and losses from the periodic revaluation of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and the magnitude of asset impairment charges can cause significant variations in periodic net earnings.

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) spread rapidly across the world in 2020 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The government and private sector responses to contain its spread began to significantly affect our operating businesses in March. COVID-19 has since adversely affected nearly all of our operations, although the effects are varying significantly. The duration and extent of the effects over longer terms cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The risks and uncertainties resulting from the pandemic that may affect our future earnings, cash flows and financial condition include the time necessary to develop and produce a safe and effective vaccine that can be widely distributed throughout the world and the long-term effect on the demand for certain of our products and services. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to us and the estimations of certain losses assumed under insurance and reinsurance contracts may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods. Additionally, GEICO’s underwriting results will likely be negatively affected over the remainder of the year and in the first quarter of 2021, as the remaining impact of the GEICO Giveback program (a program whereby all voluntary auto and motorcycle insurance policies renewed and newly issued during the period between April 8, 2020 and October 7, 2020 receive a 15% premium rate reduction) will be reflected in earned premiums during these periods.

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New accounting pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

New accounting pronouncements

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” on January 1, 2020. ASC 326 provides for the measurement of expected credit losses on financial assets that are carried at amortized cost based on the net amounts expected to be collected. Measurements of expected credit losses therefore include provisions for non-collection, whether the risk is probable or remote. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, credit losses were measured when non-collection was considered probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. We elected to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses on accrued interest and instead reverse uncollectible accrued interest through interest income on a timely basis.

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $388 million representing the cumulative after-tax increase in our allowances for credit losses, which was primarily related to our manufactured housing loans. Expected credit losses for such financial assets are based on the net present value of future principal payments less estimated expenses related to the charge-off and foreclosure of expected uncollectible loans and include provisions for loans that are not in foreclosure. Our principal credit quality indicator is whether the loans are performing. Expected credit loss estimates consider historical default rates, collateral recovery rates, historical runoff rates, interest rates, reductions of future cash flows for modified loans, the historical time elapsed from last payment until foreclosure, among other matters. In addition, our estimates consider current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements (Continued)

Trade receivables, insurance premium receivables and other receivables are primarily short-term in duration with stated collection terms of less than one year from the date of origination. In establishing credit loss allowances for such receivables, we primarily utilize credit loss history. However, credit loss allowances may be adjusted as a result of current conditions and when we expect reasonable and supportable forecasts to deviate from historical experience. In evaluating expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverables, we review the credit quality of the counterparty and consider credit ratings, right-of-offset provisions within reinsurance contracts and other forms of credit enhancement including, collateral, funds held arrangements, guarantees, as well as other publicly available information.

We adopted ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” as of January 1, 2020. Under ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment is represented by the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit and is limited to the carrying value of goodwill.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used to value policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs arising from long-duration insurance and reinsurance contracts, with the effects of changes in cash flow assumptions reflected in earnings and the effects of changes in discount rate assumptions reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Investments in fixed maturity securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments in fixed maturity securities

Note 3. Investments in fixed maturity securities

Investments in fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
September 30, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,311	$	66	$	—		$	3,377
Foreign governments		9,898		82		(11	)		9,969
Corporate bonds		5,125		455		(6	)		5,574
Other		447		70		(2	)		515
	$	18,781	$	673	$	(19	)	$	19,435
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,054	$	37	$	(1	)	$	3,090
Foreign governments		8,584		63		(9	)		8,638
Corporate bonds		5,896		459		(3	)		6,352
Other		539		67		(1	)		605
	$	18,073	$	626	$	(14	)	$	18,685

Investments in foreign governments include securities issued by national and provincial government entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of September 30, 2020, approximately 87% of our foreign government holdings were rated AA or higher by at least one of the major rating agencies.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2020 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage- backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	9,847	$	7,885	$	302	$	405	$	342	$	18,781
Fair value		9,887		8,030		349		764		405		19,435

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Investments in equity securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments in equity securities

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4. Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized in the tables below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
September 30, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	27,145	$	29,065	$	56,210
Consumer products		37,016		98,022		135,038
Commercial, industrial and other		41,468		12,601		54,069
	$	105,629	$	139,688	$	245,317

* Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2019*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,419	$	61,976	$	102,395
Consumer products		38,887		60,747		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other		31,034		14,964		45,998
	$	110,340	$	137,687	$	248,027

* Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

On August 8, 2019, Berkshire invested a total of $10 billion in Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) newly issued Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion, and warrants to purchase up to 80 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $62.50 per share. In accordance with the terms of the warrants, on August 3, 2020, the number of shares of common stock that can be purchased was increased to 83.86 million shares and the exercise price was reduced to $59.62 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing in 2029 at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or mandatorily under certain specified capital return events. Dividends on the preferred stock may be paid in cash or, at Occidental’s option, in shares of Occidental common stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the redemption of the preferred stock. Our investments in Occidental are included in the commercial, industrial and other category in the preceding tables.

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Equity method investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity method investments

Note 5. Equity method investments

Berkshire and its subsidiaries hold investments in certain businesses that are accounted for pursuant to the equity method. Currently, the most significant of these is our investment in the common stock of The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”). Kraft Heinz is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of food and beverage products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee and other grocery products. Berkshire currently owns 325,442,152 shares of Kraft Heinz common stock representing 26.6% of the outstanding shares.

Shares of Kraft Heinz common stock are publicly-traded and the fair value of our investment was approximately $9.7 billion at September 30, 2020 and $10.5 billion at December 31, 2019. The carrying value of our investment was approximately $13.1 billion at September 30, 2020 and $13.8 billion at December 31, 2019.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5. Equity method investments (Continued)

Berkshire’s equity method earnings from Kraft Heinz were $159 million in the third quarter of 2020. Equity method losses from Kraft Heinz were $180 million in the first nine months of 2020, which included approximately $850 million for our proportionate share of goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges recorded by Kraft Heinz. As previously disclosed in Berkshire’s Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2019, Kraft Heinz’s financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2019 were not available until August 13, 2019 when Kraft Heinz filed financial statements for those periods with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, Berkshire did not record equity method earnings attributable to Kraft Heinz for each of those periods until the third quarter of 2019. Berkshire’s equity method earnings in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 included $467 million with respect to Kraft Heinz’s results for the first nine months of 2019, of which $228 million was attributable to Kraft Heinz’s results for the first six months of 2019. Berkshire’s equity method share of the Kraft Heinz goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges for the first nine months of 2019 was $293 million. We received dividends on the common stock of $391 million in each of the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, which were recorded as reductions to the carrying value of our investment.

As of September 30, 2020, the carrying value of our investment in Kraft Heinz exceeded the fair value based on the quoted market price by $3.4 billion (26% of carrying value). In light of that fact, we evaluated our investment in Kraft Heinz for impairment. We utilize no bright-line tests in such evaluations. Based on the available facts and information regarding the operating results of Kraft Heinz, our ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery, the relative amount of the decline, and the length of time that fair value was less than carrying value, we concluded that recognition of an impairment loss in earnings was not required. However, we will continue to monitor this investment and it is possible that an impairment loss will be recorded in earnings in future periods based on changes in facts and circumstances or intentions.

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

	September 26, 2020		December 28, 2019
Assets	$	98,122	$	101,450
Liabilities		48,783		49,701

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020			2019
Sales	$	6,441	$	6,076	$	19,246		$	18,441
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders*		597		899		(676	)		1,753

^{* Includes goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges of approximately $3.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020 and $1.1 billion in the first nine months of 2019.}

Other investments accounted for pursuant to the equity method include our investments in Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”), Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot”) and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (“ETT”). The carrying value of our investments in these entities was approximately $4.1 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2019. Our equity method earnings from these entities in the first nine months were $513 million in 2020 and $491 million in 2019. Additional information concerning these investments follows.

We own a 50% interest in Berkadia, with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (“Jefferies”) owning the other 50% interest. Berkadia 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. On September 30, 2020, Berkadia’s commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion. The commercial paper is supported by a surety policy issued by a Berkshire insurance subsidiary. Jefferies is obligated to indemnify us for one-half of any losses incurred under the policy.

A Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company subsidiary owns a 50% interest in ETT, an owner and operator of electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. American Electric Power owns the other 50% interest. In 2017, we acquired a 38.6% interest in Pilot, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pilot is the largest operator of travel centers in North America, supplying more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year via more than 950 retail locations across 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces and through wholesale distribution. The Haslam family currently owns a 50.1% interest in Pilot and a third party owns the remaining 11.3% interest. We also entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 41.4% interest in Pilot in 2023, with the Haslam family retaining a 20% interest. As a result, Berkshire will become the majority owner of Pilot in 2023.

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Investment gains/losses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investment gains/losses

Note 6. Investment gains/losses

Investment gains/losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Equity securities:
Unrealized investment gains during the period on securities    held at the end of the period	$	30,837		$	10,489		$	16,458		$	39,546
Investment gains/losses on securities sold during the period		1,330			135			(13,901	)		464
		32,167			10,624			2,557			40,010
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		12			59			53			71
Gross realized losses		(2	)		(2	)		(22	)		(18	)
Other		(552	)		11			(556	)		16
	$	31,625		$	10,692		$	2,032		$	40,079

Equity securities gains and losses include unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair values during the period on equity securities we still own, as well as gains and losses on securities we sold during the period. As reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we received proceeds from sales of equity securities of approximately $28.6 billion in the first nine months of 2020 and $7.1 billion in the first nine months of 2019. In the preceding table, investment gains/losses on equity securities sold during the period reflect the difference between the sales proceeds and the fair value of the equity securities sold at the beginning of the applicable quarterly or annual period or, if later, the purchase date. Our taxable gains/losses on equity securities sold are generally the difference between the proceeds from sales and original cost. Taxable gains were $3.9 billion in the third quarter and $666 million in first nine months of 2020. Taxable gains were $609 million in the third quarter and $1.96 billion in first nine months of 2019.

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Loans and finance receivables

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Receivables [Abstract]

Loans and finance receivables

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables

Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	19,832		$	18,199
Allowances for credit losses		(731	)		(167	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(517	)		(505	)
	$	18,584		$	17,527

Loans and finance receivables are principally installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for each of the first nine months of 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	167		$	177
Adoption of ASC 326		486			—
Provision for credit losses		177			109
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(99	)		(103	)
Balance at September 30	$	731		$	183

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7. Loans and finance receivables (Continued)

As of September 30, 2020, approximately 99% of manufactured housing loan balances were evaluated collectively for impairment. As of September 30, 2020, we considered approximately 97% of the loan balances to be current as to payment status. A summary of performing and non-performing manufactured housing loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination as of September 30, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior		Total
Performing	$	3,328	$	2,603	$	1,983	$	1,471	$	1,314	$	6,918	$	17,617
Non-performing		3		4		6		7		8		49		77
Total	$	3,331	$	2,607	$	1,989	$	1,478	$	1,322	$	6,967	$	17,694

We are party to an agreement with Seritage Growth Properties to provide a $2.0 billion term loan facility, which expires on July 31, 2023. The outstanding loan under the facility was approximately $1.6 billion at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and is secured by mortgages on real estate properties. In the first quarter of 2020, we provided a loan to Lee Enterprises, Inc. in connection with its acquisition of our newspaper operations and the repayment of its then outstanding credit facilities. The loan balance at September 30, 2020 was $538 million. We are the sole lender to each of these entities and each of these loans is current as to payment status.

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Other receivables

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Receivables [Abstract]

Other receivables

Note 8. Other receivables

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Insurance premiums receivable	$	15,379		$	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			2,855
Trade receivables		11,840			12,275
Other		4,916			4,327
Allowances for credit losses		(603	)		(418	)
	$	34,389		$	32,418

Receivables of railroad and utilities and energy businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Trade receivables	$	3,245		$	3,120
Other		305			388
Allowances for credit losses		(124	)		(91	)
	$	3,426		$	3,417

Provisions for credit losses on receivables summarized in the preceding tables were $449 million in the first nine months of 2020. 

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Inventories

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Raw materials	$	4,705	$	4,492
Work in process and other		2,712		2,700
Finished manufactured goods		4,645		4,821
Goods acquired for resale		7,299		7,839
	$	19,361	$	19,852

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Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease

Note 10. Property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,555		$	13,259
Machinery and equipment		24,765			24,285
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,689			4,666
		43,009			42,210
Accumulated depreciation		(21,868	)		(20,772	)
	$	21,141		$	21,438

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	63,318		$	62,404
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,477			13,482
Construction in progress		1,075			748
		77,870			76,634
Accumulated depreciation		(12,724	)		(12,101	)
		65,146			64,533
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		82,743			81,127
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		8,281			8,165
Independent power plants and other assets		8,952			8,817
Construction in progress		5,132			3,732
		105,108			101,841
Accumulated depreciation		(29,856	)		(28,536	)
		75,252			73,305
	$	140,398		$	137,838

Depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2020 and 2019 is summarized below (in millions).

	First Nine Months
	2020		2019
Insurance and other	$	1,725	$	1,660
Railroad, utilities and energy		4,105		3,881
	$	5,830	$	5,541

Equipment held for lease [Member]

Property, plant and equipment including equipment held for lease

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 11. Equipment held for lease

Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. A summary of equipment held for lease follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railcars	$	9,396		$	9,260
Aircraft		8,061			8,093
Other		4,887			4,862
		22,344			22,215
Accumulated depreciation		(7,630	)		(7,150	)
	$	14,714		$	15,065

Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease in the first nine months was $900 million in 2020 and $880 million in 2019. Operating lease revenues by type for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Fixed lease revenue	$	1,047	$	1,097	$	3,205	$	3,289
Variable lease revenue		269		341		700		1,076
	$	1,316	$	1,438	$	3,905	$	4,365

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first nine months of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 follow (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,882		$	81,025
Acquisitions of businesses		25			890
Impairment charges		(10,021	)		—
Other, including foreign currency translation		(21	)		(33	)
Balance at end of period	$	71,865		$	81,882

Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other:
Customer relationships	$	27,344	$	5,548	$	27,943	$	5,025
Trademarks and trade names		5,193		774		5,286		759
Patents and technology		4,720		3,255		4,560		3,032
Other		3,319		1,347		3,364		1,286
	$	40,576	$	10,924	$	41,153	$	10,102
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Customer relationships	$	678	$	352	$	678	$	324
Trademarks, trade names and other		325		91		325		84
	$	1,003	$	443	$	1,003	$	408

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 12. Goodwill and other intangible assets (Continued)

Intangible asset amortization expense in the first nine months was $962 million in 2020 and $986 million in 2019. Intangible assets with indefinite lives were $18.3 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $19.0 billion as of December 31, 2019 and primarily related to certain customer relationships and trademarks and trade names.

During the second quarter of 2020, we concluded it was necessary to reevaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of certain of our reporting units for impairment due to the disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. We believed that the most significant of these disruptions related to the air travel and commercial aerospace and supporting industries. We recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of approximately $10 billion and pre-tax indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $638 million in the second quarter of 2020. Approximately $10 billion of these charges related to Precision Castparts Corp. (“PCC”), the largest business within Berkshire's manufacturing segment. The carrying value of PCC-related goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets prior to the impairment charges was approximately $31 billion.

The amounts of the impairment charges were determined based on discounted cash flow methods and reflect our current assessments of the risks and uncertainties associated with the aerospace industry. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and in performing impairment tests. Due to the inherent uncertainty in forecasting cash flows and earnings, actual results in the future may vary significantly from the forecasts.

Disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue to evolve and the effects on our businesses may differ from what we currently estimate. If the effects prove to be worse than is reflected in our current estimates, additional goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges could be required.

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Derivative contracts

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative contracts

Note 13. Derivative contracts

We are party to derivative contracts through certain of our subsidiaries. The most significant derivative contracts consist of equity index put option contracts. The liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follow (in millions).

	Liabilities		Notional Value
September 30, 2020	$	1,547	$	12,472
December 31, 2019		968		14,385

The equity index put option contracts are European style options written prior to March 2008 on four major equity indexes. Notional value in the preceding table represents the aggregate undiscounted amounts payable assuming the value of each index is zero at each contract’s expiration date. Certain contracts are denominated in foreign currencies and the related notional amounts are based on the foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. These contracts produced pre-tax losses of $43 million in the third quarter and $640 million in the first nine months of 2020 and pre-tax gains of $234 million in the third quarter and $1,217 million in the first nine months of 2019.

Substantially all open contracts as of September 30, 2020 will expire by February 2023. The weighted average life of unexpired contracts at September 30, 2020 was approximately 1.25 years. Future payments, if any, under any given contract will be required if the prevailing index value is below the contract strike price at the contract expiration date. We received aggregate premiums of $2.1 billion on the contract inception dates with respect to unexpired contracts as of September 30, 2020 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 $1.2 billion at September 30, 2020 and $397 million at December 31, 2019. These contracts may not be unilaterally terminated or fully settled before the contract expiration dates and the ultimate amount of cash basis gains or losses will not be determined until the contract expiration dates.

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. 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.

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Insurance [Abstract]

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 14. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

Our liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (also referred to as “claim liabilities”) under property and casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts are based upon estimates of the ultimate claim costs associated with claim occurrences as of the balance sheet date and include estimates for incurred-but-not-reported (“IBNR”) claims. A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 15), for each of the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balances at beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	73,019		$	68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,855	)		(3,060	)
Net liabilities		70,164			65,398
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		31,777			31,179
Prior accident years’ events		69			(396	)
Total		31,846			30,783
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(11,691	)		(13,144	)
Prior accident years’ events		(15,259	)		(13,967	)
Total		(26,950	)		(27,111	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		124			(178	)
Balances at September 30:
Net liabilities		75,184			68,892
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			3,105
Gross liabilities	$	78,041		$	71,997

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses shown in the preceding table were recorded in earnings and related to insured events occurring in the current year (“current accident year”) and events occurring in all prior years (“prior accident years”). We recorded a net increase in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years of $69 million in the first nine months of 2020 and a net decrease of $396 million in the first nine months of 2019, which produced a corresponding increase and decrease in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. These changes in the ultimate liability estimates as percentages of the net liabilities at the beginning of each year were relatively insignificant.

In the first nine months of 2020, we reduced estimated ultimate liabilities for prior years’ loss events for primary insurance by $273 million and increased estimates for reinsurance liabilities by $342 million. The net decrease for primary insurance was primarily attributable to lower than anticipated private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims. The net increase related to reinsurance included increased claims estimates for legacy casualty exposures. In the first nine months of 2019, the net decrease in estimated ultimate liabilities for prior accident years was primarily attributable to private passenger automobile, medical professional liability and workers’ compensation claims, partly offset by increased liabilities for legacy casualty exposures and other commercial insurance business. 

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Insurance [Abstract]

Retroactive reinsurance contracts

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 15. 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 inception date or, when applicable, once a contractual retention amount has been reached. Reconciliations of the changes in estimated liabilities for retroactive reinsurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“claim liabilities”) and related deferred charge reinsurance assumed assets for each of the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

	2020						2019
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed			Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances at beginning of year	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	41,834		$	(14,104	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year contracts		—			—			175			(82	)
Prior years’ contracts		131			735			(2	)		827
Total		131			735			173			745
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(786	)		—			(643	)		—
Balances at September 30	$	41,786		$	(13,012	)	$	41,364		$	(13,359	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	866					$	918

In the preceding table, classifications of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on the inception dates of the contracts. Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the first nine months related to contracts written in prior years were $866 million in 2020 and $825 million in 2019. Such losses reflected the recurring amortization of deferred charges and the effects of changes in the estimated timing and amount of future loss payments.

Berkshire’s subsidiary, National Indemnity Company (“NICO”), is party to a contract with various subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “AIG”), in which NICO’s ultimate liability is contractually limited to $20 billion. Our estimated ultimate claim liabilities with respect to the AIG contract at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $18.2 billion. Deferred charge assets related to the AIG contract were approximately $5.8 billion at September 30, 2020 and $6.3 billion at December 31, 2019.

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Notes payable and other borrowings

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Notes payable and other borrowings

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (dollars in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of September 30, 2020.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2047		3.2	%	$	8,320	$	8,324
Euro denominated due 2021-2035		1.0	%		7,986		7,641
Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060		0.6	%		5,902		3,938
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2049		4.1	%		8,829		8,679
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,218		2,274
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2020-2045		4.2	%		4,676		5,262
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		2.7	%		960		1,472
				$	38,891	$	37,590

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 16. Notes payable and other borrowings (Continued)

In March 2020, Berkshire repaid €1.0 billion of maturing senior notes and issued €1.0 billion of 0.0% senior notes due in 2025. In April 2020, Berkshire issued ¥195.5 billion (approximately $1.8 billion) of senior notes with maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2060 and a weighted average interest rate of 1.07%.

Borrowings of BHFC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Berkshire, consist of senior unsecured notes used to fund manufactured housing loans originated or acquired and equipment held for lease of certain subsidiaries. BHFC borrowings are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Berkshire. In the first nine months of 2020, BHFC repaid $350 million of maturing senior notes and issued $500 million of 1.85% senior notes due in 2030. In October 2020, BHFC repaid $550 million of maturing senior notes and issued $2.5 billion of senior notes consisting of $750 million of 1.45% senior notes due in 2030 and $1.75 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2050.

The carrying values of Berkshire and BHFC non-U.S. Dollar denominated senior notes (€6.85 billion, £1.75 billion and ¥625.5 billion par) reflect the applicable foreign currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the period are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the exchange rates resulted in pre-tax losses of $549 million in the third quarter and $447 million in the first nine months of 2020 and pre-tax gains of $383 million in the third quarter and $447 million in the first nine months of 2019.

In addition to BHFC borrowings, Berkshire guaranteed approximately $1.2 billion of other subsidiary borrowings at September 30, 2020. Generally, Berkshire’s guarantee of a subsidiary’s debt obligation is an absolute, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of all payment obligations.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2021-2050		4.5	%	$	11,462	$	8,581
Subsidiary and other debt due 2020-2064		4.3	%		31,693		30,772
Short-term borrowings		1.8	%		2,400		3,214
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries due 2020-2097		4.6	%		23,245		23,211
				$	68,800	$	65,778

BHE subsidiary debt represents amounts issued pursuant to separate financing agreements. Substantially all of the assets of certain BHE subsidiaries are, or may be, pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise secure such debt. These borrowing arrangements generally contain various covenants, which pertain to leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and/or debt service coverage ratios. During the first nine months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries issued new term debt of approximately $5.5 billion with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2062 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.4%. In the first nine months of 2020, BHE and its subsidiaries repaid $1.9 billion of debt and reduced short-term borrowings. On October 29, 2020, BHE issued $500 million of 1.65% senior notes due in 2031 and $1.5 billion of 2.85% senior notes due in 2051.  

BNSF’s borrowings are primarily senior unsecured debentures. In April 2020, BNSF issued $575 million of 3.05% senior unsecured debentures due in 2051. During the first nine months of 2020, BNSF repaid $541 million of debt. As of September 30, 2020, BNSF, BHE and their subsidiaries were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. Berkshire does not guarantee any debt, borrowings or lines of credit of BNSF, BHE or their subsidiaries.

As of September 30, 2020, our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity aggregating approximately $9.5 billion to support short-term borrowing programs and provide additional liquidity. Such unused lines of credit included approximately $7.8 billion related to BHE and its subsidiaries.

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Fair value measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,377	$	3,377	$	3,331	$	46	$	—
Foreign governments		9,969		9,969		6,890		3,079		—
Corporate bonds		5,574		5,574		—		5,574		—
Other		515		515		—		515		—
Investments in equity securities		245,317		245,317		236,804		38		8,475
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,101		9,747		9,747		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		19,737		—		2,509		17,228
Derivative contract assets (1)		261		261		2		64		195
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		109		109		5		93		11
Equity index put options		1,547		1,547		—		—		1,547
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		38,891		43,439		—		43,426		13
Railroad, utilities and energy		68,800		84,315		—		84,315		—
December 31, 2019
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,090	$	3,090	$	3,046	$	44	$	—
Foreign governments		8,638		8,638		5,437		3,201		—
Corporate bonds		6,352		6,352		—		6,350		2
Other		605		605		—		605		—
Investments in equity securities		248,027		248,027		237,271		46		10,710
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,757		10,456		10,456		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,527		17,861		—		1,809		16,052
Derivative contract assets (1)		145		145		—		23		122
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		76		76		6		59		11
Equity index put options		968		968		—		—		968
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,590		40,589		—		40,569		20
Railroad, utilities and energy		65,778		76,237		—		76,237		—

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

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance at beginning of year			Earnings			Regulatory assets and liabilities			Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance at September 30
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities:
2020	$	10,407		$	(2,235	)	$	—		$	(2	)	$	8,170
2019		7			499			—			10,002			10,508
Net derivative contract liabilities:
2020		(857	)		(72	)		(36	)		(398	)		(1,363	)
2019		(2,343	)		1,528			(41	)		(282	)		(1,138	)

Quantitative information as of September 30, 2020 with respect to significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (dollars in millions).

	Fair Value		Principal Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Weighted Average
Investments in equity securities:
Preferred stock	$	8,159	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	9 years
				Discount for transferability    restrictions and subordination	375 basis points
Common stock warrants		10	Warrant pricing model	Expected duration	9 years
				Volatility	28%
Derivative contract liabilities		1,547	Option pricing model	Volatility	20%

Investments in equity securities in the preceding table include our investments in Occidental Preferred and Occidental common stock warrants. See Note 4 for information regarding these investments. These investments are subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and may contain provisions that prevent us from economically hedging our investments. In applying discounted cash flow techniques in valuing the Occidental Preferred, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration of the investment and the effects of subordination in liquidation. In valuing the Occidental common stock warrants, we used a warrant valuation model. While most of the inputs to the model are observable, we made assumptions regarding the expected duration and volatility of the warrants.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 17. Fair value measurements (Continued)

Our equity index put option derivative contracts are illiquid and contain contract terms that are not standard in derivatives markets. For example, we are not required to post collateral under most of our contracts. We determine the fair value of the equity index put option contract liabilities based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model.

As described in Note 12, we recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in the second quarter of 2020. These charges reflected our estimates of fair values of the related reporting units for goodwill and of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, and the related measurements are considered Level 3 measurements.

In estimating fair values of reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets, we consider the available facts and circumstances concerning the reporting unit and the industries in which it operates. The key assumptions and inputs we generally use in such determinations include forecasting revenues and expenses, cash flows and capital expenditures, as well as the selection of a discount rate and other inputs. These inputs also include our qualitative assessment of risks and uncertainties. We utilized discounted cash flow/earnings methods to develop our estimates of the fair values and we also considered other publicly available information.

Estimates of the fair value of reporting units can be significantly affected by expectations of the severity, duration or long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reporting unit’s business, which we cannot reliably predict at this time. Consequently, fair value estimates in such instances may be subject to wide variations. We concluded it was appropriate to reflect the increased risks and uncertainties precipitated by the pandemic through a combination of increases in discount rates and reductions to operating and long-term growth assumptions. We also incorporated forecasted operating results that were reduced from what was used in estimating fair value in connection with the 2019 annual impairment test conducted during the fourth quarter.

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Common stock

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Common stock

Note 18. Common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first nine months of 2020 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balances at December 31, 2019		719,307			(17,337	)		701,970			1,408,183,852		(23,702,319	)		1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B    common stock		(39,694	)		—			(39,694	)		59,541,000		—			59,541,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(11,330	)		(11,330	)		—		(64,487,462	)		(64,487,462	)
Balances at September 30, 2020		679,613			(28,667	)		650,946			1,467,724,852		(88,189,781	)		1,379,535,071

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 1,570,636 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and 1,624,958 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

Since we have two classes of common stock, we provide earnings per share data on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for average equivalent Class A shares outstanding and average equivalent Class B shares outstanding. Class B shares are economically equivalent to one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of a Class A share. Average equivalent Class A shares outstanding represents average Class A shares outstanding plus one-fifteen-hundredth (1/1,500) of the average Class B shares outstanding. Average equivalent Class B shares outstanding represents average Class B shares outstanding plus 1,500 times average Class A shares outstanding.

Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined. The program continues to allow share repurchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and does not specify a maximum number of shares to be repurchased. However, repurchases will not be made if they would reduce the total value of Berkshire’s consolidated cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills holdings below $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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Income taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

Note 19. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates were 19.8% for the third quarter and 30.8% for the first nine months of 2020 and 18.7% for the third quarter and 20.2% for the first nine months of 2019. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in equity securities and production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. Our periodic effective income tax rate will also vary due to the changes in mix of pre-tax earnings, the magnitude of gains or losses with respect to our investments in equity securities and of non-deductible goodwill impairment charges and other expenses and the underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.

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Accumulated other comprehensive income

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

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 for the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net		Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
First nine months of 2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	481	$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		29		(28	)		67			(15	)		53
Balance at end of period	$	510	$	(4,374	)	$	(1,302	)	$	(24	)	$	(5,190	)
First nine months of 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	370	$	(4,603	)	$	(816	)	$	34		$	(5,015	)
Other comprehensive income, net		137		(534	)		33			(29	)		(393	)
Balance at end of period	$	507	$	(5,137	)	$	(783	)	$	5		$	(5,408	)

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Supplemental cash flow information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental cash flow information

Note 21. Supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Nine Months
	2020		2019
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	2,715	$	4,395
Interest:
Insurance and other		892		879
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,174		2,149
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash acquisition of equity securities		430		—

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Contingencies and commitments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and commitments

Note 22. 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 July 2020, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (“BHE”) reached a definitive agreement with Dominion Energy, Inc. (“Dominion”) to acquire substantially all of Dominion’s natural gas transmission and storage business, which includes more than 7,700 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines, about 900 billion cubic feet of operated natural gas storage capacity and partial ownership of a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility. The agreement provided for an aggregate acquisition price of approximately $4.0 billion and that BHE would also assume approximately $5.7 billion of existing asset-related long-term debt.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 22. Contingencies and commitments (Continued)

On October 5, 2020, BHE and Dominion agreed, as permitted under the acquisition agreement, to provide for the acquisition of all originally agreed upon businesses, except for certain pipeline assets (the “Excluded Assets”), for approximately $2.7 billion in cash and BHE’s assumption of approximately $5.3 billion of debt. This acquisition was completed on November 1, 2020. In addition, on October 5, 2020, BHE and Dominion entered into a second acquisition agreement providing for BHE’s acquisition of the Excluded Assets for approximately $1.3 billion in cash and BHE’s assumption of approximately $0.4 billion of debt. The closing of this acquisition is subject to receiving necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to occur in early 2021.

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Revenues from contracts with customers

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]

Revenues from contracts with customers

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers

We recognize revenue when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when or as the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers.

The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 (in millions). Other revenues included in consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP.

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	4,889	$	—	$	54	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,943
Building products		4,322		—		—		—		—		—		4,322
Consumer products		4,036		—		—		—		—		—		4,036
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,905		—		—		—		—		7,905
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,968		—		—		—		—		3,968
Auto sales		—		—		2,195		—		—		—		2,195
Other retail and wholesale distribution		599		—		3,182		—		—		—		3,781
Service		370		144		865		5,135		1,474		—		7,988
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,356		—		4,356
Total		14,216		12,017		6,296		5,135		5,830		—		43,494
Other revenues		929		23		966		14		396		17,202		19,530
	$	15,145	$	12,040	$	7,262	$	5,149	$	6,226	$	17,202	$	63,024
Nine months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	15,639	$	—	$	143	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	15,782
Building products		11,682		—		—		—		—		—		11,682
Consumer products		10,373		—		—		—		—		—		10,373
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		23,051		—		—		—		—		23,051
Food and beverage distribution		—		11,561		—		—		—		—		11,561
Auto sales		—		—		5,999		—		—		—		5,999
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,691		—		8,735		—		—		—		10,426
Service		1,105		398		2,460		15,059		3,238		—		22,260
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,190		—		11,190
Total		40,490		35,010		17,337		15,059		14,428		—		122,324
Other revenues		2,686		69		2,884		42		964		52,160		58,805
	$	43,176	$	35,079	$	20,221	$	15,101	$	15,392	$	52,160	$	181,129

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers (Continued)

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,346	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,390
Building products		4,101		—		—		—		—		—		4,101
Consumer products		3,528		—		—		—		—		—		3,528
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		8,298		—		—		—		—		8,298
Food and beverage distribution		—		4,202		—		—		—		—		4,202
Auto sales		—		—		2,250		—		—		—		2,250
Other retail and wholesale distribution		524		—		2,946		—		—		—		3,470
Service		445		80		1,034		5,967		1,191		—		8,717
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,213		—		4,213
Total		14,944		12,580		6,274		5,967		5,404		—		45,169
Other revenues		937		24		1,080		15		316		17,431		19,803
	$	15,881	$	12,604	$	7,354	$	5,982	$	5,720	$	17,431	$	64,972
Nine months ending September 30, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	19,308	$	—	$	136	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	19,444
Building products		11,796		—		—		—		—		—		11,796
Consumer products		10,487		—		—		—		—		—		10,487
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		24,375		—		—		—		—		24,375
Food and beverage distribution		—		12,648		—		—		—		—		12,648
Auto sales		—		—		6,312		—		—		—		6,312
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,602		—		8,959		—		—		—		10,561
Service		1,222		123		3,068		17,517		3,139		—		25,069
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,329		—		11,329
Total		44,415		37,146		18,475		17,517		14,468		—		132,021
Other revenues		2,715		68		3,323		41		894		50,186		57,227
	$	47,130	$	37,214	$	21,798	$	17,558	$	15,362	$	50,186	$	189,248

A summary of the transaction price allocated to the significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations relating to contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of September 30, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	1,642	$	5,379	$	7,021
Other sales and service contracts		1,206		2,457		3,663

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Business segment data

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segment data

Note 24. Business segment data

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter					First Nine Months
	2020			2019		2020		2019
Revenues of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	8,540		$	8,996	$	26,689	$	26,487
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,490			2,387		7,103		6,825
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,883			3,940		13,464		11,193
Investment income		1,223			1,789		4,486		4,930
Total insurance		17,136			17,112		51,742		49,435
BNSF		5,176			6,021		15,195		17,676
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		6,226			5,720		15,392		15,362
Manufacturing		15,170			15,897		43,238		47,173
McLane Company		12,040			12,604		35,079		37,214
Service and retailing		7,279			7,378		20,272		21,865
		63,027			64,732		180,918		188,725
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Corporate, eliminations and other		(3	)		240		211		523
	$	63,024		$	64,972	$	181,129	$	189,248

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	276		$	376		$	3,320		$	1,539
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(126	)		153			(63	)		290
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(441	)		52			(2,033	)		(305	)
Investment income		1,220			1,782			4,480			4,916
Total insurance		929			2,363			5,704			6,440
BNSF		1,777			1,941			4,855			5,379
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		1,122			1,061			2,074			2,194
Manufacturing		2,255			2,484			5,765			7,205
McLane Company		96			50			205			220
Service and retailing		779			639			1,745			2,005
		6,958			8,538			20,348			23,443
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Investment and derivative gains/losses		31,582			10,926			1,392			41,296
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(116	)		(96	)		(363	)		(312	)
Equity method investments		290			644			333			936
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		(25	)		—			(10,659	)		—
Corporate, eliminations and other		(759	)		477			(761	)		532
	$	37,930		$	20,489		$	10,290		$	65,895

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New accounting pronouncements (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

New accounting pronouncements

We adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” on January 1, 2020. ASC 326 provides for the measurement of expected credit losses on financial assets that are carried at amortized cost based on the net amounts expected to be collected. Measurements of expected credit losses therefore include provisions for non-collection, whether the risk is probable or remote. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, credit losses were measured when non-collection was considered probable based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. We elected to not measure an allowance for expected credit losses on accrued interest and instead reverse uncollectible accrued interest through interest income on a timely basis.

Upon adoption of ASC 326, we recorded a charge to retained earnings of $388 million representing the cumulative after-tax increase in our allowances for credit losses, which was primarily related to our manufactured housing loans. Expected credit losses for such financial assets are based on the net present value of future principal payments less estimated expenses related to the charge-off and foreclosure of expected uncollectible loans and include provisions for loans that are not in foreclosure. Our principal credit quality indicator is whether the loans are performing. Expected credit loss estimates consider historical default rates, collateral recovery rates, historical runoff rates, interest rates, reductions of future cash flows for modified loans, the historical time elapsed from last payment until foreclosure, among other matters. In addition, our estimates consider current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2. New accounting pronouncements (Continued)

Trade receivables, insurance premium receivables and other receivables are primarily short-term in duration with stated collection terms of less than one year from the date of origination. In establishing credit loss allowances for such receivables, we primarily utilize credit loss history. However, credit loss allowances may be adjusted as a result of current conditions and when we expect reasonable and supportable forecasts to deviate from historical experience. In evaluating expected credit losses of reinsurance recoverables, we review the credit quality of the counterparty and consider credit ratings, right-of-offset provisions within reinsurance contracts and other forms of credit enhancement including, collateral, funds held arrangements, guarantees, as well as other publicly available information.

We adopted ASU 2017-04 “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” as of January 1, 2020. Under ASU 2017-04, the measurement of a goodwill impairment is represented by the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit and is limited to the carrying value of goodwill.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-12 “Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts.” ASU 2018-12 requires periodic reassessment of actuarial and discount rate assumptions used to value policyholder liabilities and deferred acquisition costs arising from long-duration insurance and reinsurance contracts, with the effects of changes in cash flow assumptions reflected in earnings and the effects of changes in discount rate assumptions reflected in other comprehensive income. Currently, the actuarial and discount rate assumptions are set at the contract inception date and not subsequently changed, except under limited circumstances. ASU 2018-12 requires new disclosures and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of investments in securities with fixed maturities

Investments in fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized by type below (in millions).

	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
September 30, 2020
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,311	$	66	$	—		$	3,377
Foreign governments		9,898		82		(11	)		9,969
Corporate bonds		5,125		455		(6	)		5,574
Other		447		70		(2	)		515
	$	18,781	$	673	$	(19	)	$	19,435
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,054	$	37	$	(1	)	$	3,090
Foreign governments		8,584		63		(9	)		8,638
Corporate bonds		5,896		459		(3	)		6,352
Other		539		67		(1	)		605
	$	18,073	$	626	$	(14	)	$	18,685

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

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2020 are summarized below by contractual maturity dates (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to early call or prepayment rights held by issuers.

	Due in one year or less		Due after one year through five years		Due after five years through ten years		Due after ten years		Mortgage- backed securities		Total
Amortized cost	$	9,847	$	7,885	$	302	$	405	$	342	$	18,781
Fair value		9,887		8,030		349		764		405		19,435

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Investments in equity securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are summarized in the tables below (in millions).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
September 30, 2020*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	27,145	$	29,065	$	56,210
Consumer products		37,016		98,022		135,038
Commercial, industrial and other		41,468		12,601		54,069
	$	105,629	$	139,688	$	245,317

* Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

	Cost Basis		Net Unrealized Gains		Fair Value
December 31, 2019*
Banks, insurance and finance	$	40,419	$	61,976	$	102,395
Consumer products		38,887		60,747		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other		31,034		14,964		45,998
	$	110,340	$	137,687	$	248,027

* Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

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Equity method investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Summarized unaudited financial information of Kraft Heinz

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

	September 26, 2020		December 28, 2019
Assets	$	98,122	$	101,450
Liabilities		48,783		49,701

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020			2019
Sales	$	6,441	$	6,076	$	19,246		$	18,441
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders*		597		899		(676	)		1,753

^{* Includes goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges of approximately $3.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020 and $1.1 billion in the first nine months of 2019.}

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Investment gains/losses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Summary of investment gains and losses

Investment gains/losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Equity securities:
Unrealized investment gains during the period on securities    held at the end of the period	$	30,837		$	10,489		$	16,458		$	39,546
Investment gains/losses on securities sold during the period		1,330			135			(13,901	)		464
		32,167			10,624			2,557			40,010
Fixed maturity securities:
Gross realized gains		12			59			53			71
Gross realized losses		(2	)		(2	)		(22	)		(18	)
Other		(552	)		11			(556	)		16
	$	31,625		$	10,692		$	2,032		$	40,079

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Loans and finance receivables (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]

Schedule of receivables

Loans and finance receivables are summarized as follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$	19,832		$	18,199
Allowances for credit losses		(731	)		(167	)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points		(517	)		(505	)
	$	18,584		$	17,527

Schedule of reconciliation of allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables

Loans and finance receivables are principally installment loans originated or acquired by our manufactured housing business. Reconciliations of the allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables for each of the first nine months of 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	167		$	177
Adoption of ASC 326		486			—
Provision for credit losses		177			109
Charge-offs, net of recoveries		(99	)		(103	)
Balance at September 30	$	731		$	183

Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]

Summary of performing and non-performing manufactured housing loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination

A summary of performing and non-performing manufactured housing loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination as of September 30, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Loans and Financing Receivables by Origination Year
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior		Total
Performing	$	3,328	$	2,603	$	1,983	$	1,471	$	1,314	$	6,918	$	17,617
Non-performing		3		4		6		7		8		49		77
Total	$	3,331	$	2,607	$	1,989	$	1,478	$	1,322	$	6,967	$	17,694

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Other receivables (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of receivables

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Insurance premiums receivable	$	15,379		$	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			2,855
Trade receivables		11,840			12,275
Other		4,916			4,327
Allowances for credit losses		(603	)		(418	)
	$	34,389		$	32,418

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of receivables

Receivables of railroad and utilities and energy businesses are comprised of the following (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Trade receivables	$	3,245		$	3,120
Other		305			388
Allowances for credit losses		(124	)		(91	)
	$	3,426		$	3,417

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Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following (in millions).

	September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Raw materials	$	4,705	$	4,492
Work in process and other		2,712		2,700
Finished manufactured goods		4,645		4,821
Goods acquired for resale		7,299		7,839
	$	19,361	$	19,852

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

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Schedule of depreciation expense

Depreciation expense for the first nine months of 2020 and 2019 is summarized below (in millions).

	First Nine Months
	2020		2019
Insurance and other	$	1,725	$	1,660
Railroad, utilities and energy		4,105		3,881
	$	5,830	$	5,541

Insurance and Other [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment of our insurance and other businesses follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Land, buildings and improvements	$	13,555		$	13,259
Machinery and equipment		24,765			24,285
Furniture, fixtures and other		4,689			4,666
		43,009			42,210
Accumulated depreciation		(21,868	)		(20,772	)
	$	21,141		$	21,438

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of property, plant and equipment

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

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railroad:
Land, track structure and other roadway	$	63,318		$	62,404
Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment		13,477			13,482
Construction in progress		1,075			748
		77,870			76,634
Accumulated depreciation		(12,724	)		(12,101	)
		65,146			64,533
Utilities and energy:
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems		82,743			81,127
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets		8,281			8,165
Independent power plants and other assets		8,952			8,817
Construction in progress		5,132			3,732
		105,108			101,841
Accumulated depreciation		(29,856	)		(28,536	)
		75,252			73,305
	$	140,398		$	137,838

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Equipment held for lease (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of equipment held for lease

Equipment held for lease includes railcars, aircraft, over-the-road trailers, intermodal tank containers, cranes, storage units and furniture. A summary of equipment held for lease follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Railcars	$	9,396		$	9,260
Aircraft		8,061			8,093
Other		4,887			4,862
		22,344			22,215
Accumulated depreciation		(7,630	)		(7,150	)
	$	14,714		$	15,065

Summary of operating lease revenues by type

Operating lease revenues by type for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter				First Nine Months
	2020		2019		2020		2019
Fixed lease revenue	$	1,047	$	1,097	$	3,205	$	3,289
Variable lease revenue		269		341		700		1,076
	$	1,316	$	1,438	$	3,905	$	4,365

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Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the change in goodwill

Reconciliations of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the first nine months of 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 follow (in millions).

	September 30, 2020			December 31, 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	81,882		$	81,025
Acquisitions of businesses		25			890
Impairment charges		(10,021	)		—
Other, including foreign currency translation		(21	)		(33	)
Balance at end of period	$	71,865		$	81,882

Schedule of intangible assets

Other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are summarized as follows (in millions).

	September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Insurance and other:
Customer relationships	$	27,344	$	5,548	$	27,943	$	5,025
Trademarks and trade names		5,193		774		5,286		759
Patents and technology		4,720		3,255		4,560		3,032
Other		3,319		1,347		3,364		1,286
	$	40,576	$	10,924	$	41,153	$	10,102
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Customer relationships	$	678	$	352	$	678	$	324
Trademarks, trade names and other		325		91		325		84
	$	1,003	$	443	$	1,003	$	408

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Derivative contracts (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative contracts outstanding

The liabilities and related notional values of these contracts follow (in millions).

	Liabilities		Notional Value
September 30, 2020	$	1,547	$	12,472
December 31, 2019		968		14,385

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Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Insurance [Abstract]

Schedule of liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense

A reconciliation of the changes in claim liabilities, excluding liabilities under retroactive reinsurance contracts (see Note 15), for each of the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	2020			2019
Balances at beginning of year:
Gross liabilities	$	73,019		$	68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		(2,855	)		(3,060	)
Net liabilities		70,164			65,398
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		31,777			31,179
Prior accident years’ events		69			(396	)
Total		31,846			30,783
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year events		(11,691	)		(13,144	)
Prior accident years’ events		(15,259	)		(13,967	)
Total		(26,950	)		(27,111	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		124			(178	)
Balances at September 30:
Net liabilities		75,184			68,892
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		2,857			3,105
Gross liabilities	$	78,041		$	71,997

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Retroactive reinsurance contracts (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Insurance [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 nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

	2020						2019
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed			Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			Deferred charges reinsurance assumed
Balances at beginning of year	$	42,441		$	(13,747	)	$	41,834		$	(14,104	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current year contracts		—			—			175			(82	)
Prior years’ contracts		131			735			(2	)		827
Total		131			735			173			745
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		(786	)		—			(643	)		—
Balances at September 30	$	41,786		$	(13,012	)	$	41,364		$	(13,359	)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of deferred charges	$	866					$	918

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Notes payable and other borrowings (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

Notes payable and other borrowings are summarized below (dollars in millions). The weighted average interest rates and maturity date ranges shown in the following tables are based on borrowings as of September 30, 2020.

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Insurance and other:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2047		3.2	%	$	8,320	$	8,324
Euro denominated due 2021-2035		1.0	%		7,986		7,641
Japanese Yen denominated due 2023-2060		0.6	%		5,902		3,938
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation (“BHFC”):
U.S. Dollar denominated due 2020-2049		4.1	%		8,829		8,679
Great Britain Pound denominated due 2039-2059		2.5	%		2,218		2,274
Other subsidiary borrowings due 2020-2045		4.2	%		4,676		5,262
Subsidiary short-term borrowings		2.7	%		960		1,472
				$	38,891	$	37,590

Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]

Schedule of short and long term outstanding debt disclosure

	Weighted Average Interest Rate			September 30, 2020		December 31, 2019
Railroad, utilities and energy:
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (“BHE”) and subsidiaries:
BHE senior unsecured debt due 2021-2050		4.5	%	$	11,462	$	8,581
Subsidiary and other debt due 2020-2064		4.3	%		31,693		30,772
Short-term borrowings		1.8	%		2,400		3,214
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and subsidiaries due 2020-2097		4.6	%		23,245		23,211
				$	68,800	$	65,778

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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

Our financial assets and liabilities are summarized below as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy (in millions). The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, U.S. Treasury Bills, other receivables and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2020
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,377	$	3,377	$	3,331	$	46	$	—
Foreign governments		9,969		9,969		6,890		3,079		—
Corporate bonds		5,574		5,574		—		5,574		—
Other		515		515		—		515		—
Investments in equity securities		245,317		245,317		236,804		38		8,475
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,101		9,747		9,747		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		18,584		19,737		—		2,509		17,228
Derivative contract assets (1)		261		261		2		64		195
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		109		109		5		93		11
Equity index put options		1,547		1,547		—		—		1,547
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		38,891		43,439		—		43,426		13
Railroad, utilities and energy		68,800		84,315		—		84,315		—
December 31, 2019
Investments in fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations    and agencies	$	3,090	$	3,090	$	3,046	$	44	$	—
Foreign governments		8,638		8,638		5,437		3,201		—
Corporate bonds		6,352		6,352		—		6,350		2
Other		605		605		—		605		—
Investments in equity securities		248,027		248,027		237,271		46		10,710
Investment in Kraft Heinz common stock		13,757		10,456		10,456		—		—
Loans and finance receivables		17,527		17,861		—		1,809		16,052
Derivative contract assets (1)		145		145		—		23		122
Derivative contract liabilities:
Railroad, utilities and energy (1)		76		76		6		59		11
Equity index put options		968		968		—		—		968
Notes payable and other borrowings:
Insurance and other		37,590		40,589		—		40,569		20
Railroad, utilities and energy		65,778		76,237		—		76,237		—

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

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

Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 follow (in millions).

				Gains (losses) included in:
	Balance at beginning of year			Earnings			Regulatory assets and liabilities			Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements			Balance at September 30
Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities:
2020	$	10,407		$	(2,235	)	$	—		$	(2	)	$	8,170
2019		7			499			—			10,002			10,508
Net derivative contract liabilities:
2020		(857	)		(72	)		(36	)		(398	)		(1,363	)
2019		(2,343	)		1,528			(41	)		(282	)		(1,138	)

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

Quantitative information as of September 30, 2020 with respect to significant assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis with the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) follows (dollars in millions).

	Fair Value		Principal Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Weighted Average
Investments in equity securities:
Preferred stock	$	8,159	Discounted cash flow	Expected duration	9 years
				Discount for transferability    restrictions and subordination	375 basis points
Common stock warrants		10	Warrant pricing model	Expected duration	9 years
				Volatility	28%
Derivative contract liabilities		1,547	Option pricing model	Volatility	20%

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Common stock (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in issued, treasury and outstanding Berkshire common stock

Changes in Berkshire’s issued, treasury and outstanding common stock during the first nine months of 2020 are shown in the table below. In addition to our common stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized, but none are issued.

	Class A, $5 Par Value (1,650,000 shares authorized)									Class B, $0.0033 Par Value (3,225,000,000 shares authorized)
	Issued			Treasury			Outstanding			Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
Balances at December 31, 2019		719,307			(17,337	)		701,970			1,408,183,852		(23,702,319	)		1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B    common stock		(39,694	)		—			(39,694	)		59,541,000		—			59,541,000
Treasury stock acquired		—			(11,330	)		(11,330	)		—		(64,487,462	)		(64,487,462	)
Balances at September 30, 2020		679,613			(28,667	)		650,946			1,467,724,852		(88,189,781	)		1,379,535,071

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Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income

A summary of the net changes in after-tax accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders for the nine months ending September 30, 2020 and 2019 follows (in millions).

	Unrealized appreciation of investments, net		Foreign currency translation			Defined benefit pension plans			Other			Accumulated other comprehensive income
First nine months of 2020
Balance at beginning of year	$	481	$	(4,346	)	$	(1,369	)	$	(9	)	$	(5,243	)
Other comprehensive income, net		29		(28	)		67			(15	)		53
Balance at end of period	$	510	$	(4,374	)	$	(1,302	)	$	(24	)	$	(5,190	)
First nine months of 2019
Balance at beginning of year	$	370	$	(4,603	)	$	(816	)	$	34		$	(5,015	)
Other comprehensive income, net		137		(534	)		33			(29	)		(393	)
Balance at end of period	$	507	$	(5,137	)	$	(783	)	$	5		$	(5,408	)

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Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of supplemental cash flow information

A summary of supplemental cash flow information is presented in the following table (in millions).

	First Nine Months
	2020		2019
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$	2,715	$	4,395
Interest:
Insurance and other		892		879
Railroad, utilities and energy		2,174		2,149
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash acquisition of equity securities		430		—

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Revenues from contracts with customers (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]

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

Note 23. Revenues from contracts with customers

We recognize revenue when a good or service is transferred to a customer. A good or service is transferred when or as the customer obtains control of that good or service. Revenues are based on the consideration we expect to receive in connection with our promises to deliver goods and services to our customers.

The following tables summarize customer contract revenues disaggregated by reportable segment and the source of the revenue for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 (in millions). Other revenues included in consolidated revenues were primarily insurance premiums earned, interest, dividend and other investment income and leasing revenues, which are not considered to be revenues from contracts with customers under GAAP.

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	4,889	$	—	$	54	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	4,943
Building products		4,322		—		—		—		—		—		4,322
Consumer products		4,036		—		—		—		—		—		4,036
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		7,905		—		—		—		—		7,905
Food and beverage distribution		—		3,968		—		—		—		—		3,968
Auto sales		—		—		2,195		—		—		—		2,195
Other retail and wholesale distribution		599		—		3,182		—		—		—		3,781
Service		370		144		865		5,135		1,474		—		7,988
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,356		—		4,356
Total		14,216		12,017		6,296		5,135		5,830		—		43,494
Other revenues		929		23		966		14		396		17,202		19,530
	$	15,145	$	12,040	$	7,262	$	5,149	$	6,226	$	17,202	$	63,024
Nine months ending September 30, 2020
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	15,639	$	—	$	143	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	15,782
Building products		11,682		—		—		—		—		—		11,682
Consumer products		10,373		—		—		—		—		—		10,373
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		23,051		—		—		—		—		23,051
Food and beverage distribution		—		11,561		—		—		—		—		11,561
Auto sales		—		—		5,999		—		—		—		5,999
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,691		—		8,735		—		—		—		10,426
Service		1,105		398		2,460		15,059		3,238		—		22,260
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,190		—		11,190
Total		40,490		35,010		17,337		15,059		14,428		—		122,324
Other revenues		2,686		69		2,884		42		964		52,160		58,805
	$	43,176	$	35,079	$	20,221	$	15,101	$	15,392	$	52,160	$	181,129

	Manufacturing		McLane Company		Service and Retail		BNSF		Berkshire Hathaway Energy		Insurance, Corporate and other		Total
Three months ending September 30, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	6,346	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	6,390
Building products		4,101		—		—		—		—		—		4,101
Consumer products		3,528		—		—		—		—		—		3,528
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		8,298		—		—		—		—		8,298
Food and beverage distribution		—		4,202		—		—		—		—		4,202
Auto sales		—		—		2,250		—		—		—		2,250
Other retail and wholesale distribution		524		—		2,946		—		—		—		3,470
Service		445		80		1,034		5,967		1,191		—		8,717
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		4,213		—		4,213
Total		14,944		12,580		6,274		5,967		5,404		—		45,169
Other revenues		937		24		1,080		15		316		17,431		19,803
	$	15,881	$	12,604	$	7,354	$	5,982	$	5,720	$	17,431	$	64,972
Nine months ending September 30, 2019
Manufactured products:
Industrial and commercial products	$	19,308	$	—	$	136	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	19,444
Building products		11,796		—		—		—		—		—		11,796
Consumer products		10,487		—		—		—		—		—		10,487
Grocery and convenience store distribution		—		24,375		—		—		—		—		24,375
Food and beverage distribution		—		12,648		—		—		—		—		12,648
Auto sales		—		—		6,312		—		—		—		6,312
Other retail and wholesale distribution		1,602		—		8,959		—		—		—		10,561
Service		1,222		123		3,068		17,517		3,139		—		25,069
Electricity and natural gas		—		—		—		—		11,329		—		11,329
Total		44,415		37,146		18,475		17,517		14,468		—		132,021
Other revenues		2,715		68		3,323		41		894		50,186		57,227
	$	47,130	$	37,214	$	21,798	$	17,558	$	15,362	$	50,186	$	189,248

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 September 30, 2020 follows (in millions).

	Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:
	Less than 12 months		Greater than 12 months		Total
Electricity and natural gas	$	1,642	$	5,379	$	7,021
Other sales and service contracts		1,206		2,457		3,663

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Business segment data (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of revenues and earnings or loss before income taxes by segment

Our operating businesses include a large and diverse group of insurance, manufacturing, service and retailing businesses. We organize our reportable business segments in a manner that reflects how management views those business activities. Certain businesses are grouped together for segment reporting based upon similar products or product lines, marketing, selling and distribution characteristics, even though those business units are operated under separate local management. Revenues and earnings before income taxes by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions).

	Third Quarter					First Nine Months
	2020			2019		2020		2019
Revenues of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	8,540		$	8,996	$	26,689	$	26,487
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		2,490			2,387		7,103		6,825
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		4,883			3,940		13,464		11,193
Investment income		1,223			1,789		4,486		4,930
Total insurance		17,136			17,112		51,742		49,435
BNSF		5,176			6,021		15,195		17,676
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		6,226			5,720		15,392		15,362
Manufacturing		15,170			15,897		43,238		47,173
McLane Company		12,040			12,604		35,079		37,214
Service and retailing		7,279			7,378		20,272		21,865
		63,027			64,732		180,918		188,725
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Corporate, eliminations and other		(3	)		240		211		523
	$	63,024		$	64,972	$	181,129	$	189,248

	Third Quarter						First Nine Months
	2020			2019			2020			2019
Earnings Before Income Taxes of Operating Businesses
Insurance:
Underwriting:
GEICO	$	276		$	376		$	3,320		$	1,539
Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group		(126	)		153			(63	)		290
Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group		(441	)		52			(2,033	)		(305	)
Investment income		1,220			1,782			4,480			4,916
Total insurance		929			2,363			5,704			6,440
BNSF		1,777			1,941			4,855			5,379
Berkshire Hathaway Energy		1,122			1,061			2,074			2,194
Manufacturing		2,255			2,484			5,765			7,205
McLane Company		96			50			205			220
Service and retailing		779			639			1,745			2,005
		6,958			8,538			20,348			23,443
Reconciliation of segments to consolidated amount
Investment and derivative gains/losses		31,582			10,926			1,392			41,296
Interest expense, not allocated to segments		(116	)		(96	)		(363	)		(312	)
Equity method investments		290			644			333			936
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments		(25	)		—			(10,659	)		—
Corporate, eliminations and other		(759	)		477			(761	)		532
	$	37,930		$	20,489		$	10,290		$	65,895

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General - Narrative (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 07, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reduction in premium rate of insurance policies program percentage	15.00%

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New accounting pronouncements - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Jan. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ 408,791		$ 402,493
ASU 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adopted	true
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adoption date	Jan. 01, 2020
ASU 2016-13 [Member] | Cumulative effect, period of adoption, adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings		$ (388)
ASU 2017-04 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adopted	true
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adoption date	Jan. 01, 2020

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Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	$ 18,781	$ 18,073
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	673	626
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(19)	(14)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	19,435	18,685
U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	3,311	3,054
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	66	37
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities		(1)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	3,377	3,090
Foreign governments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	9,898	8,584
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	82	63
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(11)	(9)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	9,969	8,638
Corporate bonds [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	5,125	5,896
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	455	459
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(6)	(3)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	5,574	6,352
Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	447	539
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	70	67
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities	(2)	(1)
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	$ 515	$ 605

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2020
Foreign governments [Member] | AA or Higher Credit Rating [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Percentage of fixed maturity investments by credit rating	87.00%

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Investments in fixed maturity securities - Amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Due in one year or less - amortized cost	$ 9,847
Due after one year through five years - amortized cost	7,885
Due after five years through ten years - amortized cost	302
Due after ten years - amortized cost	405
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities	18,781	$ 18,073
Due in one year or less - fair value	9,887
Due after one year through five years - fair value	8,030
Due after five years through ten years - fair value	349
Due after ten years - fair value	764
Fair value of fixed maturity securities	19,435	$ 18,685
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities	342
Fair value of mortgage-backed securities	$ 405

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Investments in equity securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	$ 105,629		$ 110,340
Net Unrealized Gains	139,688		137,687
Fair Value	245,317	[1]	248,027	[2]
Banks, insurance and finance [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	27,145		40,419
Net Unrealized Gains	29,065		61,976
Fair Value	56,210		102,395
Consumer products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	37,016		38,887
Net Unrealized Gains	98,022		60,747
Fair Value	135,038		99,634
Commercial, industrial and other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	41,468		31,034
Net Unrealized Gains	12,601		14,964
Fair Value	$ 54,069		$ 45,998

[1] Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

[2] Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

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Investments in equity securities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Company		Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Company
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 245,317	[1]	$ 248,027	[2]
American Express Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	15,200		18,900
Apple Inc. [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	111,700		73,700
Bank of America Corporation [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	24,900		33,400
The Coca-Cola Company [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 19,700		$ 22,100
Equity Securities [Member] | Investment Concentration [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	70.00%		60.00%
Number of companies in concentration percentage | Company	4		4

[1] Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

[2] Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

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Investments in equity securities - Narrative (Detail) - Investment Commitment [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions			9 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2020	Aug. 08, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment commitment description			On August 8, 2019, Berkshire invested a total of $10 billion in Occidental Corporation (“Occidental”) newly issued Occidental Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation value of $10 billion, and warrants to purchase up to 80 million shares of Occidental common stock at an exercise price of $62.50 per share. In accordance with the terms of the warrants, on August 3, 2020, the number of shares of common stock that can be purchased was increased to 83.86 million shares and the exercise price was reduced to $59.62 per share. The preferred stock accrues dividends at 8% per annum and is redeemable at the option of Occidental commencing in 2029 at a redemption price equal to 105% of the liquidation preference plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, or mandatorily under certain specified capital return events. Dividends on the preferred stock may be paid in cash or, at Occidental’s option, in shares of Occidental common stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part until one year after the redemption of the preferred stock. Our investments in Occidental are included in the commercial, industrial and other category in the preceding tables.
Occidental Corporation [Member] | Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock and Warrants [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment commitment amount		$ 10
Occidental Corporation [Member] | Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investment in preferred stock, liquidation value		$ 10
Investment in preferred stock, stated dividend rate		8.00%
Investment in preferred stock, redemption year start		2029
Investment in preferred stock, redemption price percentage of liquidation preference		105.00%
Occidental Corporation [Member] | Warrant [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Number of common shares that can be purchased	83,860,000	80,000,000
Exercise price for warrants, per share		$ 62.50
Exercise price for warrants, per share	$ 59.62

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Equity method investments - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 Store Location gal	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method earnings (losses)	$ 290,000,000	$ 644,000,000		$ 333,000,000	$ 936,000,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of retail | Store						950
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | U.S. States [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of fueling locations | Location						44
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Canadian Provinces [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of fueling locations | Location						6
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gallons of fuel purchased annually | gal						11,000,000,000
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage						38.60%
Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Agreement to Acquire Additional Interest in 2023 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of additional interest to be acquired						41.40%
Haslam Family [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Majority ownership percentage						50.10%
Haslam Family [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member] | Agreement to Acquire Additional Interest in 2023 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage						20.00%
Third Party [Member] | Pilot Travel Centers LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage						11.30%
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares owned | shares	325,442,152			325,442,152
Equity method investment ownership percentage	26.60%			26.60%
Equity method investments, fair value	$ 9,700,000,000			$ 9,700,000,000			$ 10,500,000,000
Equity method investments, carrying value	13,100,000,000			13,100,000,000			13,800,000,000
Equity method earnings (losses)	159,000,000		$ 228,000,000	(180,000,000)	467,000,000
Goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges from equity method investments				850,000,000	293,000,000
Common stock dividends received				391,000,000	391,000,000
Amount of difference between carrying value and fair value based on quoted market price	$ 3,400,000,000			$ 3,400,000,000
Difference between carrying value and fair value percentage	26.00%			26.00%
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, and Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments, carrying value	$ 4,100,000,000			$ 4,100,000,000			$ 3,700,000,000
Equity method earnings (losses)				$ 513,000,000	$ 491,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%			50.00%
Commercial paper outstanding	$ 1,470,000,000			$ 1,470,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maximum outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings	$ 1,500,000,000			$ 1,500,000,000
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member] | Jefferies Financial Group Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%			50.00%
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Subsidiary [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%			50.00%
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC [Member] | American Electric Power [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment ownership percentage	50.00%			50.00%

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Equity method investments - Unaudited financial information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 28, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets		$ 829,946		$ 829,946			$ 817,729
Liabilities		410,731		410,731			$ 389,166
Sales		63,024	$ 64,972	181,129	$ 189,248
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets						$ 98,122		$ 101,450
Liabilities						$ 48,783		$ 49,701
Sales		6,441	6,076	19,246	18,441
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Kraft Heinz common shareholders*	[1]	$ 597	$ 899	$ (676)	$ 1,753

[1] Includes goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges of approximately $3.2 billion in the first nine months of 2020 and $1.1 billion in the first nine months of 2019.

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Equity method investments - Unaudited financial information (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Goodwill and identifiable intangible asset impairment charges	$ 3.2	$ 1.1

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Investment gains/losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Equity securities - Unrealized investment gains during the period on securities held at the end of the period	$ 30,837	$ 10,489	$ 16,458	$ 39,546
Investment gains/losses on securities sold during the period	1,330	135	(13,901)	464
Equity securities - Investment gains (losses), total	32,167	10,624	2,557	40,010
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized gains	12	59	53	71
Fixed maturity securities - Gross realized losses	(2)	(2)	(22)	(18)
Other	(552)	11	(556)	16
Investment gains (losses)	$ 31,625	$ 10,692	$ 2,032	$ 40,079

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Investment gains/losses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Sales of equity securities			$ 28,564	$ 7,127
Taxable gains (loss) on sales of equity securities	$ 3,900	$ 609	$ 666	$ 1,960

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Loans and finance receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans and finance receivables before allowances and discounts	$ 19,832	$ 18,199
Allowances for credit losses	(731)	(167)	$ (183)	$ (177)
Unamortized acquisition discounts and points	(517)	(505)
Loans and finance receivables	$ 18,584	$ 17,527

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Loans and finance receivables - Schedule of reconciliation of allowance for credit losses on loans and finance receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Allowance For Credit Loss [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 167	$ 177
Adoption of ASC 326	486
Provision for credit losses	177	109
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(99)	(103)
Balance at September 30	$ 731	$ 183

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Loans and finance receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Seritage Growth Properties [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Term loan facility amount	$ 2,000,000,000.0
Expiration date of term loan	Jul. 31, 2023
Outstanding loan balance	$ 1,600,000,000	$ 1,600,000,000
Lee Enterprises, Inc. [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Outstanding loan balance	$ 538,000,000
Loans and Finance Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of manufactured housing loan balances evaluated collectively for impairment	99.00%
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percent of loan balances considered to be current as to payment status	97.00%

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Loans and finance receivables - Summary of performing and non-performing manufactured housing loans before discounts and allowances by year of loan origination (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 19,832	$ 18,199
Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	3,331
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,607
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	1,989
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	1,478
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2016	1,322
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	6,967
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	17,694
Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	3,328
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	2,603
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	1,983
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	1,471
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2016	1,314
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	6,918
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	17,617
Non-Performing [Member] | Manufactured Housing Loan Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2020	3
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2019	4
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2018	6
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2017	7
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, 2016	8
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Prior	49
Loans and financing receivables by origination year, Total	$ 77

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Other receivables (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 2,857	$ 2,855	$ 3,105	$ 3,060
Insurance and Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Insurance premiums receivable	15,379	13,379
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	2,857	2,855
Trade receivables	11,840	12,275
Other	4,916	4,327
Allowances for credit losses	(603)	(418)
Other receivables	34,389	32,418
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade receivables	3,245	3,120
Other	305	388
Allowances for credit losses	(124)	(91)
Receivables	$ 3,426	$ 3,417

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Other receivables - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Receivables [Abstract]
Provisions for credit losses on receivables	$ 449

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Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 4,705	$ 4,492
Work in process and other	2,712	2,700
Finished manufactured goods	4,645	4,821
Goods acquired for resale	7,299	7,839
Total inventory	$ 19,361	$ 19,852

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Property, plant and equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 43,009	$ 42,210
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(21,868)	(20,772)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	21,141	21,438
Insurance and Other [Member] | Land, buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,555	13,259
Insurance and Other [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	24,765	24,285
Insurance and Other [Member] | Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,689	4,666
Railroad [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	77,870	76,634
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(12,724)	(12,101)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	65,146	64,533
Railroad [Member] | Land, track structure and other roadway [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	63,318	62,404
Railroad [Member] | Locomotives, freight cars and other equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,477	13,482
Railroad [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,075	748
Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	105,108	101,841
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	(29,856)	(28,536)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	75,252	73,305
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	82,743	81,127
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Interstate natural gas pipeline assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,281	8,165
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Independent power plants and other assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,952	8,817
Utilities and Energy [Member] | Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,132	3,732
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 140,398	$ 137,838

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Property, plant and equipment - Depreciation expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 5,830	$ 5,541
Insurance and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	1,725	1,660
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 4,105	$ 3,881

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Equipment held for lease (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 22,344	$ 22,215
Equipment held for lease, accumulated depreciation	(7,630)	(7,150)
Equipment held for lease, net	14,714	15,065
Railcars [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	9,396	9,260
Aircraft [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	8,061	8,093
Other [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Equipment held for lease, gross	$ 4,887	$ 4,862

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Equipment held for lease - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Depreciation expense for equipment held for lease	$ 900	$ 880

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Equipment held for lease - Summary of operating lease revenues by type (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Operating Leases Lease Income [Abstract]
Fixed lease revenue	$ 1,047	$ 1,097	$ 3,205	$ 3,289
Variable lease revenue	269	341	700	1,076
Total	$ 1,316	$ 1,438	$ 3,905	$ 4,365

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		$ 81,882	$ 81,025
Acquisitions of businesses		25	890
Impairment charges	$ (10,000)	(10,021)
Other, including foreign currency translation		(21)	(33)
Balance at end of period		$ 71,865	$ 81,882

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 40,576	$ 41,153
Accumulated amortization	10,924	10,102
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,003	1,003
Accumulated amortization	443	408
Trademarks and trade names [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,193	5,286
Accumulated amortization	774	759
Customer relationships [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,344	27,943
Accumulated amortization	5,548	5,025
Customer relationships [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	678	678
Accumulated amortization	352	324
Other intangible assets [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	3,319	3,364
Accumulated amortization	1,347	1,286
Trademarks, Trade Names and Other [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	325	325
Accumulated amortization	91	84
Patents and technology [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	4,720	4,560
Accumulated amortization	$ 3,255	$ 3,032

XML

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Intangible asset amortization expense		$ 962	$ 986
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, excluding goodwill		18,300		$ 19,000
Pre tax goodwill impairment	$ 10,000	$ 10,021
Pre tax intangible assets impairment charges	638
PCC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Pre tax impairment charges	10,000
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 31,000

XML

Derivative contracts (Detail) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Equity Index Put Options [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 1,547	$ 968
Notional Value	$ 12,472	$ 14,385

XML

Derivative contracts - Narrative (Detail) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral posting requirements under contracts with collateral provisions	$ 0		$ 0
Equity Index Put Options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative contract pre-tax gains (losses)	(43,000,000)	$ 234,000,000	$ (640,000,000)	$ 1,217,000,000
Derivative maturity month and year			2023-02
Weighted average life of unexpired derivative contracts			1 year 3 months
Premiums received at contract inception dates	2,100,000,000		$ 2,100,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of equity index put option contracts	$ 1,200,000,000		$ 1,200,000,000		$ 397,000,000
Equity Index Put Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative inception month and year			2008-03

XML

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Reconciliations of changes in claim liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Gross liabilities at beginning of year	$ 73,019	$ 68,458
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at beginning of year	(2,855)	(3,060)
Net liabilities at beginning of year	70,164	65,398
Net liabilities at end of period	75,184	68,892
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at end of period	2,857	3,105
Gross liabilities at end of period	78,041	71,997
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	31,777	31,179
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	69	(396)
Total	31,846	30,783
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events	(11,691)	(13,144)
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	(15,259)	(13,967)
Total	(26,950)	(27,111)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ 124	$ (178)

XML

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
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	$ (273)
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	342
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	$ 69	$ (396)

XML

Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Reconciliation of changes in claim liabilities and deferred charge assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, beginning of year	$ 42,441	$ 41,834
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, end of year	41,786	41,364
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, beginning of year	(13,747)	(14,104)
Deferred charges reinsurance assumed, end of year	(13,012)	(13,359)
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	866	825
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	866	918
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 accident year events		175
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	131	(2)
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	131	173
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(786)	(643)
Deferred Charges Reinsurance Assumed [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year events		(82)
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	735	827
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	$ 735	$ 745

XML

Retroactive reinsurance contracts - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	$ 41,786	$ 41,364	$ 42,441	$ 41,834
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	13,012	13,359	13,747	$ 14,104
Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years' events	866	$ 825
NICO [Member] | AIG [Member] | Retroactive Reinsurance [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Maximum contractual liability under contract	20,000
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts	18,200		18,200
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts	$ 5,800		$ 6,300

XML

Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2020 JPY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2020 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		€ 6,850	¥ 625.5	£ 1,750
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 68,800				$ 65,778
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	38,891				37,590
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowings	4,676				5,262
Short-term borrowings	$ 960				1,472
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.20%	4.20%	4.20%	4.20%
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	2.70%	2.70%	2.70%	2.70%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 8,320				8,324
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 7,986				7,641
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 5,902				3,938
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	0.60%	0.60%	0.60%	0.60%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2021
Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2023
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2045
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2047
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Euro Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2035
Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Japanese Yen Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2060
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Senior unsecured debt	$ 11,462				8,581
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2021
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2050
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 31,693				30,772
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.30%	4.30%	4.30%	4.30%
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Subsidiaries | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2064
Burlington Northern Santa Fe And Subsidiaries | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 23,245				23,211
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.60%	4.60%	4.60%	4.60%
Burlington Northern Santa Fe And Subsidiaries | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Burlington Northern Santa Fe And Subsidiaries | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2097
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 8,829				8,679
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%	4.10%
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Great Britain Pound Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings	$ 2,218				2,274
Weighted average interest rate, percentage	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2020
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Great Britain Pound Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2039
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | U.S. Dollar Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2049
Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Great Britain Pound Denominated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year	2059
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term borrowings	$ 2,400				$ 3,214
Short-term borrowings, weighted average interest rate	1.80%	1.80%	1.80%	1.80%

XML

Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions		1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2020 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020 JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2020 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2020 JPY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2020 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings										€ 6,850	¥ 625.5	£ 1,750
Insurance and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings						$ 38,891		$ 38,891					$ 37,590
Insurance and Other [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Subsidiaries Excluding Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation						$ 1,200		$ 1,200
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage						4.20%		4.20%		4.20%	4.20%	4.20%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year								2020
Insurance and Other [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year								2045
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gains (losses) attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates						$ (549)	$ 383	$ (447)	$ 447
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings								350
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings		$ 550
Principal amount of debt issued		2,500
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2025 at 0.0% [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings | €					€ 1,000
Principal amount of debt issued | €					€ 1,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage					0.00%
Debt maturity year					2025
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2023 To 2060 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued			$ 1,800	¥ 195.5
Weighted average interest rate, percentage			1.07%	1.07%
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2023 To 2060 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year			2023	2023
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Due 2023 To 2060 [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Parent) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year			2060	2060
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2030 at 1.85% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued								$ 500
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						1.85%		1.85%		1.85%	1.85%	1.85%
Debt maturity year								2030
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2030 at 1.45% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued		$ 750
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		1.45%
Debt maturity year		2030
Insurance and Other [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2050 at 2.85% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corporation [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued		$ 1,750
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		2.85%
Debt maturity year		2050
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings						$ 68,800		$ 68,800					$ 65,778
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings								$ 1,900
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate, percentage						4.50%		4.50%		4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year								2021
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year								2050
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debt Due 2025 To 2062 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued								$ 5,500
Weighted average interest rate, percentage						3.40%		3.40%		3.40%	3.40%	3.40%
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debt Due 2025 To 2062 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year								2025
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Debt Due 2025 To 2062 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt maturity year								2062
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2031 at 1.65% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 500
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	1.65%
Debt maturity year	2031
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Notes Due 2051 at 2.85% [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt issued	$ 1,500
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	2.85%
Debt maturity year	2051
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debenture [Member] | Debentures Due 2051 [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of borrowings								$ 541
Principal amount of debt issued			$ 575
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			3.05%	3.05%
Debt maturity year			2051	2051

XML

Notes payable and other borrowings - Credit agreements - Narrative (Detail) - Line of Credit and Commercial Paper Facilities [Member] - Subsidiaries [Member] $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 9.5
Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Subsidiaries [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit available	$ 7.8

XML

Fair value measurements - Financial assets and liabilities (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, ¥ in Billions		Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2020 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2020 JPY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2020 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		$ 19,435					$ 18,685
Investments in equity securities		245,317	[1]				248,027	[2]
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value		18,584					17,527
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value				€ 6,850	¥ 625.5	£ 1,750
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		68,800					65,778
Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		19,435					18,685
Investments in equity securities		245,317					248,027
Equity method investments - carrying value		17,152					17,505
Loans and finance receivables - carrying value		18,584					17,527
Derivative contract liabilities		1,547					968
Notes payable and other borrowings - carrying value		38,891					37,590
The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments - carrying value		13,100					13,800
Equity method investments		9,700					10,500
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		3,377					3,090
Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		9,969					8,638
Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		5,574					6,352
Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		515					605
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		236,804					237,271
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments		9,747					10,456
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		3,331					3,046
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		6,890					5,437
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[3]	2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices (Level 1) [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	5					6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		38					46
Loans and finance receivables		2,509					1,809
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		84,315					76,237
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		43,426					40,569
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Treasury, U.S. government corporations and agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		46					44
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		3,079					3,201
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		5,574					6,350
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		515					605
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[3]	64					23
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	93					59
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities		8,475					10,710
Loans and finance receivables		17,228					16,052
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes payable and other borrowings		13					20
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		1,547					968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities							2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[3]	195					122
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	11					11
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		245,317					248,027
Loans and finance receivables		18,584					17,527
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		68,800					65,778
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		38,891					37,590
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		1,547					968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments		13,101					13,757
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		3,377					3,090
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		9,969					8,638
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		5,574					6,352
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		515					605
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[3]	261					145
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Carrying Value [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	109					76
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		245,317					248,027
Loans and finance receivables		19,737					17,861
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		84,315					76,237
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		43,439					40,589
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		1,547					968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | The Kraft Heinz Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments		9,747					10,456
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		3,377					3,090
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		9,969					8,638
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		5,574					6,352
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in fixed maturity securities		515					605
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract assets	[3]	261					145
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities [Member] | Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities	[3]	$ 109					$ 76

[1] Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

[2] Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

[3] 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net derivative contract liabilities - Beginning Balance	$ (857)	$ (2,343)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in earnings	(72)	1,528
Net derivative contract liabilities - Gains (losses) included in regulatory assets and liabilities	(36)	(41)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements	(398)	(282)
Net derivative contract liabilities - Ending Balance	(1,363)	(1,138)
Investments in Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	10,407	7
Gains (losses) included in earnings	(2,235)	499
Acquisitions, dispositions and settlements	(2)	10,002
Ending Balance	$ 8,170	$ 10,508

XML

Fair value measurements - Other information (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 245,317	[1]	$ 248,027	[2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	8,475		$ 10,710
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Option Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative contract liabilities, fair value	1,547
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	8,159
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Warrant Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value of investments	$ 10
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Expected Duration [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs, term	9 years
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Expected Duration [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Warrant Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs, term	9 years
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Discount for Transferability Restrictions and Subordination [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs	0.0375
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Volatility [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Option Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs	0.20
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Volatility [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Common Stock Warrants [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Warrant Pricing Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Unobservable inputs	0.28

[1] Approximately 70% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $15.2 billion; Apple Inc. – $111.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $24.9 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $19.7 billion).

[2] Approximately 60% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in four companies (American Express Company – $18.9 billion; Apple Inc. – $73.7 billion; Bank of America Corporation – $33.4 billion and The Coca-Cola Company – $22.1 billion).

XML

Common stock - Narrative (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Vote shares	Dec. 31, 2019 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0
Economic equivalent of Class B share to Class A share	0.0667%
Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchase, authorization description	Berkshire’s common stock repurchase program permits Berkshire to repurchase its Class A and Class B shares any time that Warren Buffett, Berkshire’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of the Board, believe that the repurchase price is below Berkshire’s intrinsic value, conservatively determined.
Minimum cash, cash equivalents and U.S. Treasury Bills threshold after repurchase of common stock shares, amount | $	$ 20,000,000,000
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number | Vote	1
Shares outstanding	650,946	701,970
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes entitled per share, number | Vote	0.0001
Number of shares of Class B stock obtainable from converting one Class A share	1,500
Shares outstanding	1,379,535,071	1,384,481,533
Equivalent Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares outstanding	1,570,636	1,624,958

XML

Common stock (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 shares
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	719,307
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(17,337)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	701,970
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	(39,694)
Treasury stock acquired	(11,330)
Shares issued, ending balance	679,613
Treasury shares, ending balance	(28,667)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	650,946
Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, beginning balance	1,408,183,852
Treasury shares, beginning balance	(23,702,319)
Shares outstanding, beginning balance	1,384,481,533
Conversions of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	59,541,000
Treasury stock acquired	(64,487,462)
Shares issued, ending balance	1,467,724,852
Treasury shares, ending balance	(88,189,781)
Shares outstanding, ending balance	1,379,535,071

XML

Common stock (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2020 $ / 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

Income taxes - Narrative (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	19.80%	18.70%	30.80%	20.20%

XML

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 424,791
Other comprehensive income, net	53	$ (393)
Balance at end of period	415,155
Unrealized appreciation of investments, net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	481	370
Other comprehensive income, net	29	137
Balance at end of period	510	507
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(4,346)	(4,603)
Other comprehensive income, net	(28)	(534)
Balance at end of period	(4,374)	(5,137)
Defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(1,369)	(816)
Other comprehensive income, net	67	33
Balance at end of period	(1,302)	(783)
Other AOCI transactions [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(9)	34
Other comprehensive income, net	(15)	(29)
Balance at end of period	(24)	5
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(5,243)	(5,015)
Balance at end of period	$ (5,190)	$ (5,408)

XML

Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$ 2,715	$ 4,395
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash acquisition of equity securities	430
Insurance and Other [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	892	879
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 2,174	$ 2,149

XML

Contingencies and Commitments - Narrative (Detail) - Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] - Dominion Energy, Inc. [Member] $ in Billions		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 05, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2020 USD ($) Bcfe mi	Sep. 30, 2020
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Business acquisition, contingent acquisition description			to acquire substantially all of Dominion’s natural gas transmission and storage business, which includes more than 7,700 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines, about 900 billion cubic feet of operated natural gas storage capacity and partial ownership of a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility.
Natural gas storage capacity acquired | Bcfe		900
Business combination, contingent consideration acquisition price		$ 4.0
Business acquisition, asset-related long-term debt		$ 5.7
First Acquisition Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Business acquisition, date of acquisition	Oct. 05, 2020
Payment for acquisition of business in cash	$ 2.7
Business acquisition assumed debt	$ 5.3
Business acquisition, date of completed	Nov. 01, 2020
Second Acquisition Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Business acquisition, date of acquisition	Oct. 05, 2020
Payment for acquisition of business in cash	$ 1.3
Business acquisition assumed debt	$ 0.4
Minimum [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Business acquisition, length of pipelines acquired | mi		7,700

XML

Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by reportable segment and source of revenue (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	$ 43,494	$ 45,169	$ 122,324	$ 132,021
Other revenues	19,530	19,803	58,805	57,227
Total revenues	63,024	64,972	181,129	189,248
Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,943	6,390	15,782	19,444
Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,322	4,101	11,682	11,796
Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,036	3,528	10,373	10,487
Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,905	8,298	23,051	24,375
Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,968	4,202	11,561	12,648
Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,195	2,250	5,999	6,312
Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,781	3,470	10,426	10,561
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,988	8,717	22,260	25,069
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,356	4,213	11,190	11,329
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	14,216	14,944	40,490	44,415
Other revenues	929	937	2,686	2,715
Total revenues	15,145	15,881	43,176	47,130
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,889	6,346	15,639	19,308
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Building Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,322	4,101	11,682	11,796
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Consumer Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,036	3,528	10,373	10,487
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	599	524	1,691	1,602
Manufacturing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	370	445	1,105	1,222
McLane Company [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	12,017	12,580	35,010	37,146
Other revenues	23	24	69	68
Total revenues	12,040	12,604	35,079	37,214
McLane Company [Member] | Grocery and Convenience Store Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	7,905	8,298	23,051	24,375
McLane Company [Member] | Food and Beverage Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,968	4,202	11,561	12,648
McLane Company [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	144	80	398	123
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	6,296	6,274	17,337	18,475
Other revenues	966	1,080	2,884	3,323
Total revenues	7,262	7,354	20,221	21,798
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Industrial and Commercial Products [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	54	44	143	136
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Auto Sales [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	2,195	2,250	5,999	6,312
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Other Retail and Wholesale Distribution [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	3,182	2,946	8,735	8,959
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	865	1,034	2,460	3,068
BNSF [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,135	5,967	15,059	17,517
Other revenues	14	15	42	41
Total revenues	5,149	5,982	15,101	17,558
BNSF [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,135	5,967	15,059	17,517
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	5,830	5,404	14,428	14,468
Other revenues	396	316	964	894
Total revenues	6,226	5,720	15,392	15,362
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	1,474	1,191	3,238	3,139
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member] | Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customers	4,356	4,213	11,190	11,329
Insurance Corporate And Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Other revenues	17,202	17,431	52,160	50,186
Total revenues	$ 17,202	$ 17,431	$ 52,160	$ 50,186

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Revenue from contracts with customers transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 7,021
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 1,642
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period	1 year
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 5,379
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 3,663
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 1,206
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period	1 year
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 2,457
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, period

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Revenue from contracts with customers transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations (Detail 1) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Electricity and Natural Gas [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 7,021
Other Sales and Service Contracts [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations	$ 3,663

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Business segment data - Revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 63,024	$ 64,972	$ 181,129	$ 189,248
BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,149	5,982	15,101	17,558
Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,226	5,720	15,392	15,362
Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	15,145	15,881	43,176	47,130
McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,040	12,604	35,079	37,214
Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,262	7,354	20,221	21,798
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	63,027	64,732	180,918	188,725
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest, dividend and other investment income	1,223	1,789	4,486	4,930
Total revenues	17,136	17,112	51,742	49,435
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	8,540	8,996	26,689	26,487
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,883	3,940	13,464	11,193
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,490	2,387	7,103	6,825
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,176	6,021	15,195	17,676
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,226	5,720	15,392	15,362
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	15,170	15,897	43,238	47,173
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,040	12,604	35,079	37,214
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,279	7,378	20,272	21,865
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (3)	$ 240	$ 211	$ 523

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Business segment data - Earnings (loss) before income taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses	$ 31,582	$ 10,926	$ 1,392	$ 41,296
Equity method earnings (losses)	290	644	333	936
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	37,930	20,489	10,290	65,895
Operating Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	6,958	8,538	20,348	23,443
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	929	2,363	5,704	6,440
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Interest, Dividend and Other Investment Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,220	1,782	4,480	4,916
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | GEICO [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	276	376	3,320	1,539
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	(441)	52	(2,033)	(305)
Operating Businesses [Member] | Insurance Group [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group [Member] | Insurance Premiums Earned [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	(126)	153	(63)	290
Operating Businesses [Member] | BNSF [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,777	1,941	4,855	5,379
Operating Businesses [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Energy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	1,122	1,061	2,074	2,194
Operating Businesses [Member] | Manufacturing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	2,255	2,484	5,765	7,205
Operating Businesses [Member] | McLane Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	96	50	205	220
Operating Businesses [Member] | Service and Retailing Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	779	639	1,745	2,005
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment and derivative contract gains/losses	31,582	10,926	1,392	41,296
Interest expense, not allocated to segments	(116)	(96)	(363)	(312)
Equity method earnings (losses)	290	644	333	936
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments	(25)		(10,659)
Corporate, Eliminations and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from operating businesses	$ (759)	$ 477	$ (761)	$ 532