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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain" xlink:to="brka_FinanceAndFinancialProductsMember" order="1.4500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="brka_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeContractAssetsAndLiabilities" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" order="1.3800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" order="1.3900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" order="1.4000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="brka_PaymentsToMinorityShareholdersAndProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" order="1.4100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" order="1.4200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="brka_RedemptionsOfOtherInvestments" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLoansReceivable" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfLoansReceivable" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueAbstract" order="1.3500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </definitionLink> |
| <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrative"> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateHighEnd" xlink:label="brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateHighEnd"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateLowEnd" xlink:label="brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateLowEnd"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsNet"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessOfReplacementOrCurrentCostsOverStatedLIFOValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExcessOfReplacementOrCurrentCostsOverStatedLIFOValue"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PercentageOfFIFOInventory" xlink:label="us-gaap_PercentageOfFIFOInventory"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PercentageOfLIFOInventory" xlink:label="us-gaap_PercentageOfLIFOInventory"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumedAbstract" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumedAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsuranceLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsuranceLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsurancePremiumAcquisitionCostsAbstract" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsurancePremiumAcquisitionCostsAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesRegulatedUtilitiesAndEnergyBusinessesAbstract" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesRegulatedUtilitiesAndEnergyBusinessesAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TraditionalLifeInterestRateHighEnd" xlink:label="us-gaap_TraditionalLifeInterestRateHighEnd"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TraditionalLifeInterestRateLowEnd" xlink:label="us-gaap_TraditionalLifeInterestRateLowEnd"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_UnamortizedDeferredChargesOnReinsuranceAssumed" xlink:label="brka_UnamortizedDeferredChargesOnReinsuranceAssumed"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WorkersCompensationDiscountPercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_WorkersCompensationDiscountPercent"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_WorkersCompensationDiscountPercentBeforeRateChange" xlink:label="brka_WorkersCompensationDiscountPercentBeforeRateChange"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumedAbstract" xlink:to="brka_UnamortizedDeferredChargesOnReinsuranceAssumed" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsuranceLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="brka_WorkersCompensationDiscountPercentBeforeRateChange" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsuranceLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WorkersCompensationDiscountPercent" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsurancePremiumAcquisitionCostsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsNet" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PercentageOfLIFOInventory" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PercentageOfFIFOInventory" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExcessOfReplacementOrCurrentCostsOverStatedLIFOValue" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TraditionalLifeInterestRateLowEnd" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TraditionalLifeInterestRateHighEnd" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" xlink:to="brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateLowEnd" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" xlink:to="brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateHighEnd" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumedAbstract" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsurancePremiumAcquisitionCostsAbstract" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesRegulatedUtilitiesAndEnergyBusinessesAbstract" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsuranceLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesRegulatedUtilitiesAndEnergyBusinessesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesRegulatedUtilitiesAndEnergyBusinessesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilities" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </definitionLink> |
| <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantBusinessAcquisitionsNarrative"> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember" xlink:label="brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPricePerShareOfAcquiredCommonStock" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPricePerShareOfAcquiredCommonStock"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionSharesOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionSharesOfVotingInterestsAcquired"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGainOrLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGainOrLoss"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeShares" xlink:label="brka_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeShares"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesPurchaseOfInterestByParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesPurchaseOfInterestByParent"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_MarmonHoldingsMember" xlink:label="brka_MarmonHoldingsMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNoncashFinancialOrEquityInstrumentConsiderationSharesIssued1AtPointInTime" xlink:label="brka_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNoncashFinancialOrEquityInstrumentConsiderationSharesIssued1AtPointInTime"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_TheLubrizolCorporationMember" xlink:label="brka_TheLubrizolCorporationMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_WescoFinancialCorporationMember" xlink:label="brka_WescoFinancialCorporationMember"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="brka_TheLubrizolCorporationMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="brka_MarmonHoldingsMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="brka_WescoFinancialCorporationMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="brka_BusinessAcquisitionSharesOfVotingInterestsAcquired" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="brka_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPricePerShareOfAcquiredCommonStock" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesPurchaseOfInterestByParent" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="brka_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNoncashFinancialOrEquityInstrumentConsiderationSharesIssued1AtPointInTime" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="brka_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeShares" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGainOrLoss" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </definitionLink> |
| <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantBusinessAcquisitionsLubrizol"> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLossAttributableToParent" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLossAttributableToParent"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquired"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsInventory" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsInventory"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIncomeTaxesPrincipallyDeferred" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIncomeTaxesPrincipallyDeferred"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAccountsPayableAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAccountsPayableAndOtherLiabilities"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedAndNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedAndNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedNoncontrollingInterestAndNetAssets" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedNoncontrollingInterestAndNetAssets"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNotesPayableAndLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNotesPayableAndLongTermDebt"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets" xlink:label="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_TheLubrizolCorporationMember" xlink:label="brka_TheLubrizolCorporationMember"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="brka_TheLubrizolCorporationMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAbstract" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="brka_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLossAttributableToParent" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsInventory" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_CreditDefaultContractsHighYieldIndexesMember" xlink:label="brka_CreditDefaultContractsHighYieldIndexesMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_CreditDefaultContractsIndividualCorporateMember" xlink:label="brka_CreditDefaultContractsIndividualCorporateMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_CreditDefaultContractsStatesMunicipalitiesMember" xlink:label="brka_CreditDefaultContractsStatesMunicipalitiesMember"/> |
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| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/> |
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| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
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| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_FinanceAndFinancialProductsMember" xlink:label="brka_FinanceAndFinancialProductsMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain" xlink:label="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/> |
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| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/> |
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| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentData"> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionsToNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionsToNoncurrentAssets"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_AssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="brka_AssetsExcludingGoodwill"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupInvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupInvestmentIncomeMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupMember" xlink:label="brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BerkshireHathawayOtherBusinessesMember" xlink:label="brka_BerkshireHathawayOtherBusinessesMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BerkshireHathawayPrimaryGroupMember" xlink:label="brka_BerkshireHathawayPrimaryGroupMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceAndPrimaryGroupsMember" xlink:label="brka_BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceAndPrimaryGroupsMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceGroupMember" xlink:label="brka_BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceGroupMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember" xlink:label="brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_FinanceAndFinancialProductsReportableSegmentMember" xlink:label="brka_FinanceAndFinancialProductsReportableSegmentMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_GainLossOnInvestmentsAndGainLossOnDerivativeInstruments" xlink:label="brka_GainLossOnInvestmentsAndGainLossOnDerivativeInstruments"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_GeicoMember" xlink:label="brka_GeicoMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_GeneralReMember" xlink:label="brka_GeneralReMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_IntersegmentEliminationsAndOtherReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="brka_IntersegmentEliminationsAndOtherReconcilingItemsMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterestAndDividend"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_MarmonMember" xlink:label="brka_MarmonMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_MclaneCompanyMember" xlink:label="brka_MclaneCompanyMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_MidamericanMember" xlink:label="brka_MidamericanMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenue"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_GeicoMember" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_GeneralReMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceGroupMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_BerkshireHathawayPrimaryGroupMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupInvestmentIncomeMember" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupMember" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_FinanceAndFinancialProductsReportableSegmentMember" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_MarmonMember" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_MclaneCompanyMember" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_MidamericanMember" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_BerkshireHathawayOtherBusinessesMember" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="brka_IntersegmentEliminationsAndOtherReconcilingItemsMember" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_AssetsExcludingGoodwill" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataInsurancePremiumsByGeographicArea"> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_AllOtherGeographicAreasMember" xlink:label="brka_AllOtherGeographicAreasMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_UnitedStatesMember" xlink:label="brka_UnitedStatesMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_WesternEuropeMember" xlink:label="brka_WesternEuropeMember"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="brka_UnitedStatesMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="brka_WesternEuropeMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="brka_AllOtherGeographicAreasMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetPropertyAndCasualty" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </definitionLink> |
| <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataNarrative"> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_CaptionDomain" xlink:label="brka_CaptionDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_CaptionDomain" xlink:label="brka_CaptionDomain_2"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain" xlink:label="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain" xlink:label="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain_2"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_InsuranceAndOtherMember" xlink:label="brka_InsuranceAndOtherMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_PercentageOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicArea" xlink:label="brka_PercentageOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicArea"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_PercentageOfRevenueByGeographicAreaToReportedRevenue" xlink:label="brka_PercentageOfRevenueByGeographicAreaToReportedRevenue"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_PremiumsEarnedNetLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_PremiumsEarnedNetLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_RailroadUtilitiesAndEnergyMember" xlink:label="brka_RailroadUtilitiesAndEnergyMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_ReportCaptionAxis" xlink:label="brka_ReportCaptionAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_RevenueBySignificantCustomerAxis" xlink:label="brka_RevenueBySignificantCustomerAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SalesAndServiceRevenuesMember" xlink:label="brka_SalesAndServiceRevenuesMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantCustomerDomain" xlink:label="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SignificantCustomerDomain" xlink:label="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain_2"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SwissReinsuranceCompanyLimitedMember" xlink:label="brka_SwissReinsuranceCompanyLimitedMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_SwissReLifeAndHealthAmericaMember" xlink:label="brka_SwissReLifeAndHealthAmericaMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_UnitedStatesMember" xlink:label="brka_UnitedStatesMember"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_WalMartMember" xlink:label="brka_WalMartMember"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_CaptionDomain" xlink:to="brka_SalesAndServiceRevenuesMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain" xlink:to="brka_InsuranceAndOtherMember" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_FinancialSegmentsDomain" xlink:to="brka_RailroadUtilitiesAndEnergyMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="brka_ReportCaptionAxis" xlink:to="brka_CaptionDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="brka_ReportCaptionAxis" xlink:to="brka_CaptionDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="brka_RevenueBySignificantCustomerAxis" xlink:to="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="brka_RevenueBySignificantCustomerAxis" xlink:to="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="brka_RevenueBySignificantCustomerAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="brka_FinancialSegmentsAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="brka_ReportCaptionAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="brka_UnitedStatesMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_PremiumsEarnedNetLifeAndHealth" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_PercentageOfRevenueByGeographicAreaToReportedRevenue" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_PercentageOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicArea" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain" xlink:to="brka_SwissReinsuranceCompanyLimitedMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain" xlink:to="brka_SwissReLifeAndHealthAmericaMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain" xlink:to="brka_WalMartMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </definitionLink> |
| <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataInsurancePremiumsByType"> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_AssumedPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_AssumedPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarnedPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarnedPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_AssumedPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_AssumedPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWrittenPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWrittenPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_CededPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_CededPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarnedPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarnedPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_CededPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_CededPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsWrittenPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_CededPremiumsWrittenPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_DirectPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_DirectPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarnedPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarnedPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_DirectPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_DirectPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWrittenPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWrittenPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_PremiumsEarnedNetLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_PremiumsEarnedNetLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="brka-20111231.xsd#brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" xlink:label="brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetPropertyAndCasualty"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/> |
| | <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_DirectPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_AssumedPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_CededPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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