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| <link:definition> 1019 - Disclosure - Derivative contracts </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1020 - Disclosure - Supplemental cash flow information </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1021 - Disclosure - Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1022 - Disclosure - Notes payable and other borrowings </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1023 - Disclosure - Income taxes </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1024 - Disclosure - Dividend restrictions - Insurance subsidiaries </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1025 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1026 - Disclosure - Common stock </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1027 - Disclosure - Pension plans </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1028 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1029 - Disclosure - Business segment data </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1030 - Disclosure - Quarterly data </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1031 - Disclosure - Condensed Financial Information </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1032 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies and practices (Policies) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1033 - Disclosure - Significant business acquisitions (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1036 - Disclosure - Other investments (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1037 - Disclosure - Investment gains/losses and other-than-temporary investment losses (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1038 - Disclosure - Receivables (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1039 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1040 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1041 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1042 - Disclosure - Derivative contracts (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1043 - Disclosure - Supplemental cash flow information (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1044 - Disclosure - Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1049 - Disclosure - Pension plans (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1050 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1051 - Disclosure - Business segment data (Tables) </link:definition> |
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| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1052 - Disclosure - Quarterly data (Tables) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1053 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantBusinessAcquisitionsNarrative" id="DisclosureSignificantBusinessAcquisitionsNarrative"> |
| <link:definition> 1054 - Disclosure - Significant Business Acquisitions - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1055 - Disclosure - Significant Business Acquisitions - Lubrizol (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInFixedMaturitySecurities" id="DisclosureInvestmentsInFixedMaturitySecurities"> |
| <link:definition> 1056 - Disclosure - Investments in fixed maturity securities (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1057 - Disclosure - Investments in fixed maturity securities - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1058 - Disclosure - Investments in fixed maturity securities - Amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities with fixed maturities (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInEquitySecurities" id="DisclosureInvestmentsInEquitySecurities"> |
| <link:definition> 1059 - Disclosure - Investments in equity securities (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1060 - Disclosure - Investments in equity securities - Fair value by segment (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesNarrative" id="DisclosureInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesNarrative"> |
| <link:definition> 1061 - Disclosure - Investments in equity securities - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherInvestments" id="DisclosureOtherInvestments"> |
| <link:definition> 1062 - Disclosure - Other investments (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherInvestmentsNarrative" id="DisclosureOtherInvestmentsNarrative"> |
| <link:definition> 1063 - Disclosure - Other investments - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1064 - Disclosure - Investment gains/losses and other-than-temporary investment losses (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1065 - Disclosure - Investment gains/losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| <link:definition> 1066 - Disclosure - Investment gains/losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses - Other-than-temporary impairment losses (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReceivables" id="DisclosureReceivables"> |
| <link:definition> 1067 - Disclosure - Receivables (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1068 - Disclosure - Receivables - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1069 - Disclosure - Inventories (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" id="DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets"> |
| <link:definition> 1070 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1071 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1072 - Disclosure - Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible assets - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipment" id="DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipment"> |
| <link:definition> 1073 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1074 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1075 - Disclosure - Derivative contracts (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1076 - Disclosure - Derivative contracts - gains and losses (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1077 - Disclosure - Derivative contracts - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1078 - Disclosure - Supplemental cash flow information (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1079 - Disclosure - Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1080 - Disclosure - Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1081 - Disclosure - Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1082 - Disclosure - Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1083 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Liabilities (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1084 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Deferred taxes (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1085 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1086 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Income tax expense components (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1087 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Income tax expense reconciliation (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1088 - Disclosure - Dividend restrictions - Insurance subsidiaries (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1089 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements - Financial Instruments (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1090 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements - Financial assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1091 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable inputs (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1092 - Disclosure - Common stock (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1095 - Disclosure - Pension plans - Net periodic pension expense (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:definition> 1098 - Disclosure - Pension plans - Plan assets roll-forward (Detail) </link:definition> |
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| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansFairValueOfPlanAssets" id="DisclosurePensionPlansFairValueOfPlanAssets"> |
| <link:definition> 1099 - Disclosure - Pension plans - Fair value of plan assets (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAdditionalTabularDisclosures" id="DisclosurePensionPlansAdditionalTabularDisclosures"> |
| <link:definition> 1100 - Disclosure - Pension plans - Additional tabular disclosures (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansNarrative2" id="DisclosurePensionPlansNarrative2"> |
| <link:definition> 1101 - Disclosure - Pension plans - Narrative 2 (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureContingenciesAndCommitmentsCommitmentsNarrative" id="DisclosureContingenciesAndCommitmentsCommitmentsNarrative"> |
| <link:definition> 1102 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments - Commitments - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureContingenciesAndCommitmentsOperatingLeasesMinimumPayments" id="DisclosureContingenciesAndCommitmentsOperatingLeasesMinimumPayments"> |
| <link:definition> 1103 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments - Operating leases minimum payments (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentData" id="DisclosureBusinessSegmentData"> |
| <link:definition> 1104 - Disclosure - Business segment data (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataInsurancePremiumsByGeographicArea" id="DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataInsurancePremiumsByGeographicArea"> |
| <link:definition> 1105 - Disclosure - Business Segment Data - Insurance premiums by geographic area (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataNarrative" id="DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataNarrative"> |
| <link:definition> 1106 - Disclosure - Business Segment Data - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataInsurancePremiumsByType" id="DisclosureBusinessSegmentDataInsurancePremiumsByType"> |
| <link:definition> 1107 - Disclosure - Business Segment Data - Insurance premiums by type (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyData" id="DisclosureQuarterlyData"> |
| <link:definition> 1108 - Disclosure - Quarterly data (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationBalanceSheets" id="ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationBalanceSheets"> |
| <link:definition> 1109 - Schedule - Condensed Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfEarnings" id="ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfEarnings"> |
| <link:definition> 1110 - Schedule - Condensed Financial Information - Statements of Earnings (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfCashFlows" id="ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfCashFlows"> |
| <link:definition> 1111 - Schedule - Condensed Financial Information - Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
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| | | <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/taxonomy/role/ScheduleNoteToCondensedFinancialInformationNarrative" id="ScheduleNoteToCondensedFinancialInformationNarrative"> |
| <link:definition> 1112 - Schedule - Note to Condensed Financial Information - Narrative (Detail) </link:definition> |
| <link:usedOn> link:calculationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:presentationLink </link:usedOn> |
| <link:usedOn> link:definitionLink </link:usedOn> |
| </link:roleType> |
| | | <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="brka-20111231_cal.xml" xlink:title="Calculation Links, all"/> |
| | | <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="brka-20111231_def.xml" xlink:title="Definition Links, all"/> |
| | | <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="brka-20111231_lab.xml" xlink:title="Label Links, all"/> |
| | | <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="brka-20111231_pre.xml" xlink:title="Presentation Links, all"/> |
| | | </appinfo> |
| | </annotation> |
| <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-types-2011-01-31.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2011/elts/us-gaap-2011-01-31.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2011/country-2011-01-31.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011/dei-2011-01-31.xsd"/> |
| <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2011/invest-2011-01-31.xsd"/> |
| <element name="AAOrHigherCreditRatingMember" id="brka_AAOrHigherCreditRatingMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AccountsPayableAccrualsAndOtherLiabilitiesMember" id="brka_AccountsPayableAccrualsAndOtherLiabilitiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AccretionOfDiscountIncludedInPriorYearsIncurredLosses" id="brka_AccretionOfDiscountIncludedInPriorYearsIncurredLosses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AcquisitionOfDebtSecuritiesParValueWhenAcquired" id="brka_AcquisitionOfDebtSecuritiesParValueWhenAcquired" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AllOtherGeographicAreasMember" id="brka_AllOtherGeographicAreasMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNetOfRecoveries" id="brka_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNetOfRecoveries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AmortizationOfDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumed" id="brka_AmortizationOfDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumed" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AnnuitiesInterestRateHighEnd" id="brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateHighEnd" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AnnuitiesInterestRateLowEnd" id="brka_AnnuitiesInterestRateLowEnd" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AssetsExcludingGoodwill" id="brka_AssetsExcludingGoodwill" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AssumedPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth" id="brka_AssumedPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="AssumedPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" id="brka_AssumedPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BankOfAmericaCorporationMember" id="brka_BankOfAmericaCorporationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BanksInsuranceAndFinanceMember" id="brka_BanksInsuranceAndFinanceMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BerkshireHathawayFinanceCorporationMember" id="brka_BerkshireHathawayFinanceCorporationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupInvestmentIncomeMember" id="brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupInvestmentIncomeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupMember" id="brka_BerkshireHathawayInsuranceGroupMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BerkshireHathawayOtherBusinessesMember" id="brka_BerkshireHathawayOtherBusinessesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BerkshireHathawayPrimaryGroupMember" id="brka_BerkshireHathawayPrimaryGroupMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceAndPrimaryGroupsMember" id="brka_BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceAndPrimaryGroupsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceGroupMember" id="brka_BerkshireHathawayReinsuranceGroupMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember" id="brka_BurlingtonNorthernSantaFeCorporationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPricePerShareOfAcquiredCommonStock" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPricePerShareOfAcquiredCommonStock" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLossAttributableToParent" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaNetIncomeLossAttributableToParent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIncomeTaxesPrincipallyDeferred" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIncomeTaxesPrincipallyDeferred" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAbstract" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAccountsPayableAndOtherLiabilities" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAccountsPayableAndOtherLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedAndNoncontrollingInterest" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedAndNoncontrollingInterest" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedNoncontrollingInterestAndNetAssets" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumedNoncontrollingInterestAndNetAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNoncontrollingInterest" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessAcquisitionSharesOfVotingInterestsAcquired" id="brka_BusinessAcquisitionSharesOfVotingInterestsAcquired" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeShares" id="brka_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeShares" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CapitalInstrumentMember" id="brka_CapitalInstrumentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CaptionDomain" id="brka_CaptionDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CargoAndFreightRevenueAndRegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue" id="brka_CargoAndFreightRevenueAndRegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CashContributedToSubsidiaryToFundBusinessAcquisition" id="brka_CashContributedToSubsidiaryToFundBusinessAcquisition" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyAndUndistributedEarningsFromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" id="brka_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyAndUndistributedEarningsFromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CategoryOfGainsLossesDomain" id="brka_CategoryOfGainsLossesDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CededPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth" id="brka_CededPremiumsEarnedLifeAndHealth" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CededPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" id="brka_CededPremiumsWrittenLifeAndHealth" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CommercialIndustrialAndOtherMember" id="brka_CommercialIndustrialAndOtherMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CommercialLoansAndFinanceReceivablesMember" id="brka_CommercialLoansAndFinanceReceivablesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CommitmentsDisclosureLineItems" id="brka_CommitmentsDisclosureLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CommitmentsDisclosureTable" id="brka_CommitmentsDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="CommonStockDisclosureTextBlock" id="brka_CommonStockDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CommonStockThresholdPricePerShare" id="brka_CommonStockThresholdPricePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CommonStockVotingRightsNumberSharesPerClassOfStock" id="brka_CommonStockVotingRightsNumberSharesPerClassOfStock" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ConsumerInstallmentLoansAndFinanceReceivablesMember" id="brka_ConsumerInstallmentLoansAndFinanceReceivablesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ConsumerProductsMember" id="brka_ConsumerProductsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ConversionOfSharesFromOneClassToAnotherAndExercisesByAcquireesOfReplacementStockOptions" id="brka_ConversionOfSharesFromOneClassToAnotherAndExercisesByAcquireesOfReplacementStockOptions" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ConvertiblePerpetualCapitalInstrumentReceivable" id="brka_ConvertiblePerpetualCapitalInstrumentReceivable" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CostsOfServicesAndOperatingExpenses" id="brka_CostsOfServicesAndOperatingExpenses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CreditDefaultContractsHighYieldIndexesMember" id="brka_CreditDefaultContractsHighYieldIndexesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CreditDefaultContractsIndividualCorporateMember" id="brka_CreditDefaultContractsIndividualCorporateMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CreditDefaultContractsStatesMunicipalitiesMember" id="brka_CreditDefaultContractsStatesMunicipalitiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CumulativePerpetualPreferredStockAndWarrantsMember" id="brka_CumulativePerpetualPreferredStockAndWarrantsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="CumulativePerpetualPreferredStockMember" id="brka_CumulativePerpetualPreferredStockMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
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| <element name="DisclosureContingenciesAndCommitmentsCommitmentsNarrativeAbstract" id="brka_DisclosureContingenciesAndCommitmentsCommitmentsNarrativeAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
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| <element name="GeicoMember" id="brka_GeicoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="GeneralElectricCompanyMember" id="brka_GeneralElectricCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="GeneralReMember" id="brka_GeneralReMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="GoldmanSachsGroupIncMember" id="brka_GoldmanSachsGroupIncMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="GuaranteeOfSubsidiaryDebtObligations" id="brka_GuaranteeOfSubsidiaryDebtObligations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="GuaranteeOfSubsidiaryObligationsUnderDerivativeLiabilityContracts" id="brka_GuaranteeOfSubsidiaryObligationsUnderDerivativeLiabilityContracts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ImpairmentLossAsPerecentOfOriginalCost" id="brka_ImpairmentLossAsPerecentOfOriginalCost" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IncomeTaxesLineItems" id="brka_IncomeTaxesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IncomeTaxesPrincipallyDeferred" id="brka_IncomeTaxesPrincipallyDeferred" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IncomeTaxesTable" id="brka_IncomeTaxesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="IncomeTaxReconciliationBusinessCombinationHoldingGain" id="brka_IncomeTaxReconciliationBusinessCombinationHoldingGain" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IncomeTaxReconciliationDividendsReceivedDeductionAndTaxExemptInterestIncome" id="brka_IncomeTaxReconciliationDividendsReceivedDeductionAndTaxExemptInterestIncome" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumed" id="brka_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumed" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeContractAssetsAndLiabilities" id="brka_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeContractAssetsAndLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InsuranceAndOtherMember" id="brka_InsuranceAndOtherMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InsuranceAndOtherSubsidiariesMember" id="brka_InsuranceAndOtherSubsidiariesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InsuranceEntitiesStatutoryRestrictionsOnDividendPaymentsTextBlock" id="brka_InsuranceEntitiesStatutoryRestrictionsOnDividendPaymentsTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InsuranceUnderwritingExpenses" id="brka_InsuranceUnderwritingExpenses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillByMajorClassAxis" id="brka_IntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillByMajorClassAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/> |
| <element name="IntangibleAssetsGrossCarryingAmount" id="brka_IntangibleAssetsGrossCarryingAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InterestsAcquiredAndOtherTransactions" id="brka_InterestsAcquiredAndOtherTransactions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="IntersegmentEliminationsAndOtherReconcilingItemsMember" id="brka_IntersegmentEliminationsAndOtherReconcilingItemsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InventoriesLineItems" id="brka_InventoriesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InventoriesTable" id="brka_InventoriesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="InventoryWorkInProcessAndOtherInventoryNetOfReserves" id="brka_InventoryWorkInProcessAndOtherInventoryNetOfReserves" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentAgreementsMember" id="brka_InvestmentAgreementsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentAndOtherGainsLossesLineItems" id="brka_InvestmentAndOtherGainsLossesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentAndOtherGainsLossesTable" id="brka_InvestmentAndOtherGainsLossesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentClassificationAxis" id="brka_InvestmentClassificationAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentClassificationDomain" id="brka_InvestmentClassificationDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentFundsMember" id="brka_InvestmentFundsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentGainsLossesAxis" id="brka_InvestmentGainsLossesAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentGainsLossesLineItems" id="brka_InvestmentGainsLossesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentGainsLossesTable" id="brka_InvestmentGainsLossesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentGainsLossesTextBlock" id="brka_InvestmentGainsLossesTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentNumberOfSharesPurchased" id="brka_InvestmentNumberOfSharesPurchased" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentOwnedAtCostBeforeOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" id="brka_InvestmentOwnedAtCostBeforeOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentOwnedClassOfWarrantOrRightTotalValueAtExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" id="brka_InvestmentOwnedClassOfWarrantOrRightTotalValueAtExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentOwnedPreferredStockConversionRatio" id="brka_InvestmentOwnedPreferredStockConversionRatio" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentOwnedRedeemablePreferredStockAggregateRedemptionAmount" id="brka_InvestmentOwnedRedeemablePreferredStockAggregateRedemptionAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentOwnedRedeemablePreferredStockAggregateRedemptionPricePerShare" id="brka_InvestmentOwnedRedeemablePreferredStockAggregateRedemptionPricePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentOwnedRedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" id="brka_InvestmentOwnedRedeemablePreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentOwnedWarrantsExercisePrice" id="brka_InvestmentOwnedWarrantsExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesDisclosureTextBlock" id="brka_InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesDisclosureTextBlock" id="brka_InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LiabilityForAsbestosAndEnvironmentalClaimsRelatedToRetroactiveReinsuranceContracts" id="brka_LiabilityForAsbestosAndEnvironmentalClaimsRelatedToRetroactiveReinsuranceContracts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseAcquisitions" id="brka_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseAcquisitions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseBeforeForeignCurrencyAndAcquisitionAdjustmentsNet" id="brka_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseBeforeForeignCurrencyAndAcquisitionAdjustmentsNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseForeignCurrencyTranslation" id="brka_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseForeignCurrencyTranslation" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsPolicyTextBlock" id="brka_LifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LineOfCreditAndCommercialPaperFacilitiesMember" id="brka_LineOfCreditAndCommercialPaperFacilitiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LocomotivesFreightCarsAndOtherEquipmentMember" id="brka_LocomotivesFreightCarsAndOtherEquipmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesPolicyTextBlock" id="brka_LossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LossOnInvestmentsExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" id="brka_LossOnInvestmentsExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="LubrizolSubsidiaryMember" id="brka_LubrizolSubsidiaryMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="MarmonHoldingsMember" id="brka_MarmonHoldingsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="MarmonMember" id="brka_MarmonMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="MclaneCompanyMember" id="brka_MclaneCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="MidamericanMember" id="brka_MidamericanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="MidAmericanSubsidiariesMember" id="brka_MidAmericanSubsidiariesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="MinimumCashEquivalentThresholdAfterRepurchaseOfCommonStockShares" id="brka_MinimumCashEquivalentThresholdAfterRepurchaseOfCommonStockShares" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="MinimumNumberOfTradingDays" id="brka_MinimumNumberOfTradingDays" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NatureOfOperationsAndConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" id="brka_NatureOfOperationsAndConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NetDerivativeContractAssetsLiabilitiesAbstract" id="brka_NetDerivativeContractAssetsLiabilitiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NetDerivativeContractAssetsLiabilitiesMember" id="brka_NetDerivativeContractAssetsLiabilitiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NetInterestExpenseOnIntercompanyBorrowings" id="brka_NetInterestExpenseOnIntercompanyBorrowings" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlock" id="brka_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNoncashFinancialOrEquityInstrumentConsiderationSharesIssued1AtPointInTime" id="brka_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNoncashFinancialOrEquityInstrumentConsiderationSharesIssued1AtPointInTime" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NotesDue2012At1.4Member" id="brka_NotesDue2012At1.4Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NotesPayableAndOtherBorrowingsLineItems" id="brka_NotesPayableAndOtherBorrowingsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NotesPayableAndOtherBorrowingsTable" id="brka_NotesPayableAndOtherBorrowingsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" id="brka_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="NumberOfSharesObtainableFromConvertingOneShareFromOneClassToAnotherClass" id="brka_NumberOfSharesObtainableFromConvertingOneShareFromOneClassToAnotherClass" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherAssetMember" id="brka_OtherAssetMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossAndOtherBeforeTax" id="brka_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossAndOtherBeforeTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherFinanceSubsidiariesMember" id="brka_OtherFinanceSubsidiariesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherFixedMaturitiesAndEquitySecuritiesMember" id="brka_OtherFixedMaturitiesAndEquitySecuritiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesMember" id="brka_OtherFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherIncomeTaxLiabilities" id="brka_OtherIncomeTaxLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherIntangibleAssetMember" id="brka_OtherIntangibleAssetMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherInventoryPurchasedGoodsNetOfReserves" id="brka_OtherInventoryPurchasedGoodsNetOfReserves" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherInvestmentGainLossMember" id="brka_OtherInvestmentGainLossMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherInvestmentMember" id="brka_OtherInvestmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" id="brka_OtherInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherInvestmentsLineItems" id="brka_OtherInvestmentsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherInvestmentsTable" id="brka_OtherInvestmentsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="OtherOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" id="brka_OtherOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherRetirementPlansLineItems" id="brka_OtherRetirementPlansLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherRetirementPlansTable" id="brka_OtherRetirementPlansTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesNotRecordedSharesEquitySecurities" id="brka_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesNotRecordedSharesEquitySecurities" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesSharesEquitySecurities" id="brka_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesSharesEquitySecurities" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsByInvestmentTypeAxis" id="brka_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsByInvestmentTypeAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/> |
| <element name="OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsByInvestmentTypeDomain" id="brka_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsByInvestmentTypeDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PatentsAndTechnologyMember" id="brka_PatentsAndTechnologyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PaymentsForInvestmentsAdvancesAndAcquisitionOfInterestInSubsidiaries" id="brka_PaymentsForInvestmentsAdvancesAndAcquisitionOfInterestInSubsidiaries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PaymentsToMinorityShareholdersAndProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" id="brka_PaymentsToMinorityShareholdersAndProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentageOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesByCreditRating" id="brka_PercentageOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesByCreditRating" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentageOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesByGeographicLocation" id="brka_PercentageOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesByGeographicLocation" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentageOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicArea" id="brka_PercentageOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicArea" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentageOfRevenueByGeographicAreaToReportedRevenue" id="brka_PercentageOfRevenueByGeographicAreaToReportedRevenue" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentOfDerivativeLiabilityByNotionalAmountThatCannotBeSettledBeforeMaturityDateOfUnderlyingObligations" id="brka_PercentOfDerivativeLiabilityByNotionalAmountThatCannotBeSettledBeforeMaturityDateOfUnderlyingObligations" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentOfLoanBalancesEvaluatedCollectivelyForImpairment" id="brka_PercentOfLoanBalancesEvaluatedCollectivelyForImpairment" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentOfLoanBalancesEvaluatedIndividuallyForImpairment" id="brka_PercentOfLoanBalancesEvaluatedIndividuallyForImpairment" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentOfLoanBalancesPerforming" id="brka_PercentOfLoanBalancesPerforming" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PercentOfLoanBalancesWithPaymentStatusCurrent" id="brka_PercentOfLoanBalancesWithPaymentStatusCurrent" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredLifeAnnuityAndHealth" id="brka_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredLifeAnnuityAndHealth" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PreacquisitionDebtMember" id="brka_PreacquisitionDebtMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PremiumsEarnedNetLifeAndHealth" id="brka_PremiumsEarnedNetLifeAndHealth" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" id="brka_PremiumsWrittenNetLifeAndHealth" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PrincipalInsuranceSubsidiariesMember" id="brka_PrincipalInsuranceSubsidiariesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesMember" id="brka_PropertyLiabilityAndCasualtyUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" id="brka_QuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" id="brka_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="RailroadMember" id="brka_RailroadMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="RailroadUtilitiesAndEnergyMember" id="brka_RailroadUtilitiesAndEnergyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="RangeOfTradingDays" id="brka_RangeOfTradingDays" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ReclassificationOfInvestmentAppreciationInNetEarningsBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" id="brka_ReclassificationOfInvestmentAppreciationInNetEarningsBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ReclassificationOfInvestmentAppreciationInNetEarningsTaxPortionAttributableToParent" id="brka_ReclassificationOfInvestmentAppreciationInNetEarningsTaxPortionAttributableToParent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="RedemptionOfDebtMember" id="brka_RedemptionOfDebtMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="RedemptionsOfOtherInvestments" id="brka_RedemptionsOfOtherInvestments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="RedemptionsOfPreferredStock" id="brka_RedemptionsOfPreferredStock" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ReinsuranceRecoverablesAndDeferredCharges" id="brka_ReinsuranceRecoverablesAndDeferredCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ReinsuranceRecoverablesGross" id="brka_ReinsuranceRecoverablesGross" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="RepaymentsOfDebtPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" id="brka_RepaymentsOfDebtPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ReportCaptionAxis" id="brka_ReportCaptionAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/> |
| <element name="RevenueBySignificantCustomerAxis" id="brka_RevenueBySignificantCustomerAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/> |
| <element name="SalesAndServiceRevenuesMember" id="brka_SalesAndServiceRevenuesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationBalanceSheetsAbstract" id="brka_ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationBalanceSheetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract" id="brka_ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfEarningsAbstract" id="brka_ScheduleCondensedFinancialInformationStatementsOfEarningsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleNoteToCondensedFinancialInformationNarrativeAbstract" id="brka_ScheduleNoteToCondensedFinancialInformationNarrativeAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleofAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueofSecuritieswithFixedMaturitiesByContractualMaturityDatesTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleofAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueofSecuritieswithFixedMaturitiesByContractualMaturityDatesTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfDebtMaturitiesDisclosureTableTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfDebtMaturitiesDisclosureTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfIncomeTaxLiabilityTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxLiabilityTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfIndefinitelivedAndFinitelivedIntangibleAssetsTable" id="brka_ScheduleOfIndefinitelivedAndFinitelivedIntangibleAssetsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfInsurancePremiumsWrittenByGeographicRegionTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfInsurancePremiumsWrittenByGeographicRegionTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfInvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfInvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfInvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfInvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfOtherInvestmentsTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfOtherInvestmentsTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsLineItems" id="brka_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsTable" id="brka_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfPensionPlanAmountsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfPensionPlanAmountsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="ScheduleOfTaxProvisionByJurisdictionCategoryAndClassificationTextBlock" id="brka_ScheduleOfTaxProvisionByJurisdictionCategoryAndClassificationTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SeniorNotesDue2013And2014Member" id="brka_SeniorNotesDue2013And2014Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SeniorNotesDueIn2014At1.5Member" id="brka_SeniorNotesDueIn2014At1.5Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SeniorNotesDueIn2016At2.2Member" id="brka_SeniorNotesDueIn2016At2.2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SeniorNotesDueIn2017At1.9Member" id="brka_SeniorNotesDueIn2017At1.9Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SeniorNotesDueIn2021At3.75Member" id="brka_SeniorNotesDueIn2021At3.75Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SeniorNotesDueIn2022At3.4Member" id="brka_SeniorNotesDueIn2022At3.4Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SeriesACumulativeConvertiblePerpetualPreferredStockMember" id="brka_SeriesACumulativeConvertiblePerpetualPreferredStockMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SharesIssuedAndRepurchased" id="brka_SharesIssuedAndRepurchased" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumedAbstract" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesDeferredChargesReinsuranceAssumedAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsuranceLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsuranceLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsurancePremiumAcquisitionCostsAbstract" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInsurancePremiumAcquisitionCostsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoriesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLifeAnnuityAndHealthInsuranceBenefitsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesRegulatedUtilitiesAndEnergyBusinessesAbstract" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesRegulatedUtilitiesAndEnergyBusinessesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="brka_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="SignificantCustomerDomain" id="brka_SignificantCustomerDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract" id="brka_StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract" id="brka_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInShareholdersEquityAbstract" id="brka_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInShareholdersEquityAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" id="brka_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEarningsAbstract" id="brka_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEarningsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="StatutoryAccountingPracticesGoodwillAmortizationYears" id="brka_StatutoryAccountingPracticesGoodwillAmortizationYears" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesAndOther" id="brka_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesAndOther" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SubordinatedDebtDue2018Member" id="brka_SubordinatedDebtDue2018Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SupplementalCashFlowInformationLineItems" id="brka_SupplementalCashFlowInformationLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SupplementalCashFlowInformationTable" id="brka_SupplementalCashFlowInformationTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="SwissReinsuranceCompanyLimitedMember" id="brka_SwissReinsuranceCompanyLimitedMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="SwissReLifeAndHealthAmericaMember" id="brka_SwissReLifeAndHealthAmericaMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="TheLubrizolCorporationMember" id="brka_TheLubrizolCorporationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="TrackStructureAndOtherRoadwayMember" id="brka_TrackStructureAndOtherRoadwayMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="TradeAndOtherReceivablesMember" id="brka_TradeAndOtherReceivablesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" id="brka_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="TypeOfIntangibleAssetDomain" id="brka_TypeOfIntangibleAssetDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnamortizedDeferredChargesOnReinsuranceAssumed" id="brka_UnamortizedDeferredChargesOnReinsuranceAssumed" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnclassifiedFinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember" id="brka_UnclassifiedFinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UndistributedEarningsFromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" id="brka_UndistributedEarningsFromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UndistributedForeignEarningsAmountForTaxDisclosure" id="brka_UndistributedForeignEarningsAmountForTaxDisclosure" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnitedStatesBasedPropertyAndCasualtyInsuranceSubsidiariesMember" id="brka_UnitedStatesBasedPropertyAndCasualtyInsuranceSubsidiariesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnitedStatesMember" id="brka_UnitedStatesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesAxis" id="brka_UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/> |
| <element name="UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesDomain" id="brka_UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesLineItems" id="brka_UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTable" id="brka_UnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/> |
| <element name="UnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAsPercentOfOriginalCostHigh" id="brka_UnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAsPercentOfOriginalCostHigh" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAsPercentOfOriginalCostLow" id="brka_UnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAsPercentOfOriginalCostLow" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UnsecuredNotesDueIn2021At4.25Member" id="brka_UnsecuredNotesDueIn2021At4.25Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UtilitiesAndEnergyMember" id="brka_UtilitiesAndEnergyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="UtilityGenerationDistributionAndTransmissionSystemMember" id="brka_UtilityGenerationDistributionAndTransmissionSystemMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WalMartMember" id="brka_WalMartMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WarrantsExpiring2013Member" id="brka_WarrantsExpiring2013Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WarrantsExpiring2021Member" id="brka_WarrantsExpiring2021Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WellsFargoAndCompanyMember" id="brka_WellsFargoAndCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WescoFinancialCorporationMember" id="brka_WescoFinancialCorporationMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WesternEuropeMember" id="brka_WesternEuropeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WmWrigleyJrCompanyMember" id="brka_WmWrigleyJrCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| <element name="WorkersCompensationDiscountPercentBeforeRateChange" id="brka_WorkersCompensationDiscountPercentBeforeRateChange" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/> |
| </schema> |