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Stock-Based Compensation Predecessor/Successor Narrative (Details)				0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 Successor [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 2010 Umbrella Plan for BNSF Equity Plans [Member]	Feb. 12, 2010 Successor [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 2010 Umbrella Plan for BNSF Equity Plans [Member] Berkshire Class B Common Stock [Member]	Feb. 12, 2010 Successor [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 2010 Umbrella Plan for BNSF Equity Plans [Member] Option With Reload Feature [Member]	Apr. 19, 2006 Predecessor [Member] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Apr. 21, 2004 Predecessor [Member] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Apr. 17, 2002 Predecessor [Member] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Apr. 18, 2001 Predecessor [Member] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Predecessor [Member] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Apr. 18, 1996 Predecessor [Member] 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Initial common stock authorized and reserved for issuance		16,000,000	300,000					20,000,000	900,000
Additional common stock authorized and reserved for issuance				11,000,000	7,000,000	6,000,000	9,000,000
Shares of common stock authorized and available	211,000

The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

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