Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

Prior to the Merger, BNSF shareholders approved the Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and subsequent amendments which authorized BNSF common stock to be issued in connection with stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock.

Following the Merger, no further grants of BNSF stock were made under the BNSF stock-based compensation plans and each outstanding stock option or share award of BNSF common stock was converted into an option or restricted stock unit of Berkshire Class B Common Stock, in accordance with a formula to convert such awards.

Certain outstanding option awards provided for a reload feature if the eligible employee paid all or a portion of the purchase price with Berkshire stock. In that event, the employee was issued new options to purchase additional shares of Berkshire Class B Common Stock equal to the number of shares of stock surrendered in such payment.

Stock Options

All stock options granted in the period presented relate to reload grants. No remaining options at December 31, 2013 provide for a reload feature. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

A summary of the status of stock options is presented below (options in thousands, aggregate intrinsic value in millions):

	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Prices		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance at December 31, 2012	6,931		$	59.00	4.47	$	213
Granted	1		114.75
Exercised	(1,482	)	56.15
Balance at December 31, 2013	5,450		$	59.78	3.77	$	320
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	5,449		$	59.77	3.77	$	320

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $75 million, $95 million and $55 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.