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| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 1000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 1 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Earnings </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 6 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 16000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 16 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 49000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 49 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Other comprehensive income </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 7 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 9000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 9 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 244000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 244 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(2) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 8 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -142000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -142 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -15000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -15 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(3) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Transfers into (out of) Level 3 </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 9 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> instant </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> true </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> periodendlabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 801000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 801 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 918000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 918 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Ending Balance </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 10 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName/> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> na </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> na </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> true </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2010-12-31/role/fairvaluemeasurementsreconciliationoffinancialinstrumentsonarecurringbasiswithuseofsignificantunobservableinputsdetail </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns> |
| <Columns> |
| <Id> 3 </Id> |
| <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| <LabelColumn> false </LabelColumn> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <hasSegments> true </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| <MCU> |
| <KeyName> {us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Equity Securities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) </KeyName> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <contextRef> |
| <ContextID> Cur_12mos_20101231_EquitySecuritiesMember_3 </ContextID> |
| <EntitySchema> http://www.sec.gov/CIK </EntitySchema> |
| <EntityValue> 0001067983 </EntityValue> |
| <PeriodDisplayName/> |
| <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| <PeriodStartDate> 2010-01-01T00:00:00 </PeriodStartDate> |
| <PeriodEndDate> 2010-12-31T00:00:00 </PeriodEndDate> |
| <Segments> |
| <anyType xsi:type="Segment"> |
| <IsDefaultForEntity> false </IsDefaultForEntity> |
| <Name/> |
| <IsFromEntityGroup> false </IsFromEntityGroup> |
| <ValueName> Equity Securities [Member] </ValueName> |
| <ValueType> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </ValueType> |
| <Namespace> xbrldi </Namespace> |
| <Schema> http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi </Schema> |
| <DimensionInfo> |
| <Id> us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember </Id> |
| <dimensionId> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </dimensionId> |
| <type> explicitMember </type> |
| </DimensionInfo> |
| </anyType> |
| </Segments> |
| <Scenarios/> |
| </contextRef> |
| <UPS> |
| <UnitProperty> |
| <UnitID> USD </UnitID> |
| <UnitType> Standard </UnitType> |
| <StandardMeasure> |
| <MeasureSchema> http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 </MeasureSchema> |
| <MeasureValue> USD </MeasureValue> |
| <MeasureNamespace> iso4217 </MeasureNamespace> |
| </StandardMeasure> |
| <Scale> 0 </Scale> |
| </UnitProperty> |
| </UPS> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <OriginalCurrencyCode> USD </OriginalCurrencyCode> |
| </MCU> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <Labels> |
| <Label Id="1" Label="Equity Securities [Member]"/> |
| <Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010"/> |
| </Labels> |
| </Columns> |
| <Columns> |
| <Id> 4 </Id> |
| <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| <LabelColumn> false </LabelColumn> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <hasSegments> true </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| <MCU> |
| <KeyName> {us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Equity Securities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) </KeyName> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <contextRef> |
| <ContextID> Pri_12mos_20091231_EquitySecuritiesMember_2 </ContextID> |
| <EntitySchema> http://www.sec.gov/CIK </EntitySchema> |
| <EntityValue> 0001067983 </EntityValue> |
| <PeriodDisplayName/> |
| <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| <PeriodStartDate> 2009-01-01T00:00:00 </PeriodStartDate> |
| <PeriodEndDate> 2009-12-31T00:00:00 </PeriodEndDate> |
| <Segments> |
| <anyType xsi:type="Segment"> |
| <IsDefaultForEntity> false </IsDefaultForEntity> |
| <Name/> |
| <IsFromEntityGroup> false </IsFromEntityGroup> |
| <ValueName> Equity Securities [Member] </ValueName> |
| <ValueType> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </ValueType> |
| <Namespace> xbrldi </Namespace> |
| <Schema> http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi </Schema> |
| <DimensionInfo> |
| <Id> us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember </Id> |
| <dimensionId> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </dimensionId> |
| <type> explicitMember </type> |
| </DimensionInfo> |
| </anyType> |
| </Segments> |
| <Scenarios/> |
| </contextRef> |
| <UPS> |
| <UnitProperty> |
| <UnitID> USD </UnitID> |
| <UnitType> Standard </UnitType> |
| <StandardMeasure> |
| <MeasureSchema> http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 </MeasureSchema> |
| <MeasureValue> USD </MeasureValue> |
| <MeasureNamespace> iso4217 </MeasureNamespace> |
| </StandardMeasure> |
| <Scale> 0 </Scale> |
| </UnitProperty> |
| </UPS> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <OriginalCurrencyCode> USD </OriginalCurrencyCode> |
| </MCU> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <Labels> |
| <Label Id="1" Label="Equity Securities [Member]"/> |
| <Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009"/> |
| </Labels> |
| </Columns> |
| </OriginalInstanceReportColumns> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType/> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> na </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> No authoritative reference available. </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Equity Securities [Member] </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 11 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> true </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> brka_ReconciliationsOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> brka </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> false </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> terselabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:stringItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> string </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis: </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 12 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> instant </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> true </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> periodstartlabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 304000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 304 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 328000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 328 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Beginning Balance </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 13 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> true </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> brka_GainsLossesIncludedInAbstract </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> brka </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> false </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> terselabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:stringItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> string </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Gains (losses) included in: </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 14 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 4000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 4 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Earnings </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 15 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -8000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -8 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 25000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 25 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Other comprehensive income </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 16 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -1000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -1 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -8000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -8 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(2) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 17 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -260000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -260 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -45000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -45 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(3) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Transfers into (out of) Level 3 </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 18 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> instant </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> true </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> periodendlabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 35000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 35 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 304000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 304 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Ending Balance </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 19 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName/> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> na </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> na </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> true </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2010-12-31/role/fairvaluemeasurementsreconciliationoffinancialinstrumentsonarecurringbasiswithuseofsignificantunobservableinputsdetail </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns> |
| <Columns> |
| <Id> 5 </Id> |
| <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| <LabelColumn> false </LabelColumn> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <hasSegments> true </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| <MCU> |
| <KeyName> {us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Other investments [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) </KeyName> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <contextRef> |
| <ContextID> Cur_12mos_20101231_OtherInvestmentsMember </ContextID> |
| <EntitySchema> http://www.sec.gov/CIK </EntitySchema> |
| <EntityValue> 0001067983 </EntityValue> |
| <PeriodDisplayName/> |
| <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| <PeriodStartDate> 2010-01-01T00:00:00 </PeriodStartDate> |
| <PeriodEndDate> 2010-12-31T00:00:00 </PeriodEndDate> |
| <Segments> |
| <anyType xsi:type="Segment"> |
| <IsDefaultForEntity> false </IsDefaultForEntity> |
| <Name/> |
| <IsFromEntityGroup> false </IsFromEntityGroup> |
| <ValueName> Other investments [Member] </ValueName> |
| <ValueType> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </ValueType> |
| <Namespace> xbrldi </Namespace> |
| <Schema> http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi </Schema> |
| <DimensionInfo> |
| <Id> brka_OtherInvestmentsMember </Id> |
| <dimensionId> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </dimensionId> |
| <type> explicitMember </type> |
| </DimensionInfo> |
| </anyType> |
| </Segments> |
| <Scenarios/> |
| </contextRef> |
| <UPS> |
| <UnitProperty> |
| <UnitID> USD </UnitID> |
| <UnitType> Standard </UnitType> |
| <StandardMeasure> |
| <MeasureSchema> http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 </MeasureSchema> |
| <MeasureValue> USD </MeasureValue> |
| <MeasureNamespace> iso4217 </MeasureNamespace> |
| </StandardMeasure> |
| <Scale> 0 </Scale> |
| </UnitProperty> |
| </UPS> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <OriginalCurrencyCode> USD </OriginalCurrencyCode> |
| </MCU> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <Labels> |
| <Label Id="1" Label="Other investments [Member]"/> |
| <Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010"/> |
| </Labels> |
| </Columns> |
| <Columns> |
| <Id> 6 </Id> |
| <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| <LabelColumn> false </LabelColumn> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <hasSegments> true </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| <MCU> |
| <KeyName> {us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Other investments [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) </KeyName> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <contextRef> |
| <ContextID> Pri_12mos_20091231_OtherInvestmentsMember </ContextID> |
| <EntitySchema> http://www.sec.gov/CIK </EntitySchema> |
| <EntityValue> 0001067983 </EntityValue> |
| <PeriodDisplayName/> |
| <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| <PeriodStartDate> 2009-01-01T00:00:00 </PeriodStartDate> |
| <PeriodEndDate> 2009-12-31T00:00:00 </PeriodEndDate> |
| <Segments> |
| <anyType xsi:type="Segment"> |
| <IsDefaultForEntity> false </IsDefaultForEntity> |
| <Name/> |
| <IsFromEntityGroup> false </IsFromEntityGroup> |
| <ValueName> Other investments [Member] </ValueName> |
| <ValueType> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </ValueType> |
| <Namespace> xbrldi </Namespace> |
| <Schema> http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi </Schema> |
| <DimensionInfo> |
| <Id> brka_OtherInvestmentsMember </Id> |
| <dimensionId> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </dimensionId> |
| <type> explicitMember </type> |
| </DimensionInfo> |
| </anyType> |
| </Segments> |
| <Scenarios/> |
| </contextRef> |
| <UPS> |
| <UnitProperty> |
| <UnitID> USD </UnitID> |
| <UnitType> Standard </UnitType> |
| <StandardMeasure> |
| <MeasureSchema> http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 </MeasureSchema> |
| <MeasureValue> USD </MeasureValue> |
| <MeasureNamespace> iso4217 </MeasureNamespace> |
| </StandardMeasure> |
| <Scale> 0 </Scale> |
| </UnitProperty> |
| </UPS> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <OriginalCurrencyCode> USD </OriginalCurrencyCode> |
| </MCU> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <Labels> |
| <Label Id="1" Label="Other investments [Member]"/> |
| <Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009"/> |
| </Labels> |
| </Columns> |
| </OriginalInstanceReportColumns> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType/> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> na </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> No authoritative reference available. </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Other investments [Member] </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 20 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> true </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> brka_ReconciliationsOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> brka </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> false </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> terselabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:stringItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> string </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis: </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 21 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> instant </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> true </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> periodstartlabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 20614000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 20614 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 10275000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 10275 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Beginning Balance </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 22 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> true </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> brka_GainsLossesIncludedInAbstract </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> brka </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> false </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> terselabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:stringItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> string </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Gains (losses) included in: </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 23 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 1305000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 1305 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Earnings </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 24 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -358000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -358 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 4702000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 4702 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Other comprehensive income </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 25 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -3972000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -3972 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 5637000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 5637 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(2) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 26 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> instant </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> true </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> periodendlabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 17589000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 17589 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 20614000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 20614 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Ending Balance </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 27 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName/> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> na </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> na </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> true </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2010-12-31/role/fairvaluemeasurementsreconciliationoffinancialinstrumentsonarecurringbasiswithuseofsignificantunobservableinputsdetail </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns> |
| <Columns> |
| <Id> 7 </Id> |
| <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| <LabelColumn> false </LabelColumn> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <hasSegments> true </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| <MCU> |
| <KeyName> {us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Net derivative contract liabilities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) </KeyName> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <contextRef> |
| <ContextID> Cur_12mos_20101231_NetDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember </ContextID> |
| <EntitySchema> http://www.sec.gov/CIK </EntitySchema> |
| <EntityValue> 0001067983 </EntityValue> |
| <PeriodDisplayName/> |
| <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| <PeriodStartDate> 2010-01-01T00:00:00 </PeriodStartDate> |
| <PeriodEndDate> 2010-12-31T00:00:00 </PeriodEndDate> |
| <Segments> |
| <anyType xsi:type="Segment"> |
| <IsDefaultForEntity> false </IsDefaultForEntity> |
| <Name/> |
| <IsFromEntityGroup> false </IsFromEntityGroup> |
| <ValueName> Net derivative contract liabilities [Member] </ValueName> |
| <ValueType> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </ValueType> |
| <Namespace> xbrldi </Namespace> |
| <Schema> http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi </Schema> |
| <DimensionInfo> |
| <Id> brka_NetDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember </Id> |
| <dimensionId> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </dimensionId> |
| <type> explicitMember </type> |
| </DimensionInfo> |
| </anyType> |
| </Segments> |
| <Scenarios/> |
| </contextRef> |
| <UPS> |
| <UnitProperty> |
| <UnitID> USD </UnitID> |
| <UnitType> Standard </UnitType> |
| <StandardMeasure> |
| <MeasureSchema> http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 </MeasureSchema> |
| <MeasureValue> USD </MeasureValue> |
| <MeasureNamespace> iso4217 </MeasureNamespace> |
| </StandardMeasure> |
| <Scale> 0 </Scale> |
| </UnitProperty> |
| </UPS> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <OriginalCurrencyCode> USD </OriginalCurrencyCode> |
| </MCU> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <Labels> |
| <Label Id="1" Label="Net derivative contract liabilities [Member]"/> |
| <Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010"/> |
| </Labels> |
| </Columns> |
| <Columns> |
| <Id> 8 </Id> |
| <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| <LabelColumn> false </LabelColumn> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <hasSegments> true </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| <MCU> |
| <KeyName> {us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis} : Net derivative contract liabilities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) </KeyName> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <contextRef> |
| <ContextID> Pri_12mos_20091231_NetDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember </ContextID> |
| <EntitySchema> http://www.sec.gov/CIK </EntitySchema> |
| <EntityValue> 0001067983 </EntityValue> |
| <PeriodDisplayName/> |
| <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| <PeriodStartDate> 2009-01-01T00:00:00 </PeriodStartDate> |
| <PeriodEndDate> 2009-12-31T00:00:00 </PeriodEndDate> |
| <Segments> |
| <anyType xsi:type="Segment"> |
| <IsDefaultForEntity> false </IsDefaultForEntity> |
| <Name/> |
| <IsFromEntityGroup> false </IsFromEntityGroup> |
| <ValueName> Net derivative contract liabilities [Member] </ValueName> |
| <ValueType> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </ValueType> |
| <Namespace> xbrldi </Namespace> |
| <Schema> http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi </Schema> |
| <DimensionInfo> |
| <Id> brka_NetDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember </Id> |
| <dimensionId> us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetTypeAxis </dimensionId> |
| <type> explicitMember </type> |
| </DimensionInfo> |
| </anyType> |
| </Segments> |
| <Scenarios/> |
| </contextRef> |
| <UPS> |
| <UnitProperty> |
| <UnitID> USD </UnitID> |
| <UnitType> Standard </UnitType> |
| <StandardMeasure> |
| <MeasureSchema> http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 </MeasureSchema> |
| <MeasureValue> USD </MeasureValue> |
| <MeasureNamespace> iso4217 </MeasureNamespace> |
| </StandardMeasure> |
| <Scale> 0 </Scale> |
| </UnitProperty> |
| </UPS> |
| <CurrencyCode> USD </CurrencyCode> |
| <OriginalCurrencyCode> USD </OriginalCurrencyCode> |
| </MCU> |
| <CurrencySymbol> $ </CurrencySymbol> |
| <Labels> |
| <Label Id="1" Label="Net derivative contract liabilities [Member]"/> |
| <Label Id="2" Label="1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009"/> |
| </Labels> |
| </Columns> |
| </OriginalInstanceReportColumns> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType/> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> na </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> No authoritative reference available. </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Net derivative contract liabilities [Member] </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 28 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> true </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> brka_ReconciliationsOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> brka </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> false </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> terselabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:stringItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> string </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Reconciliations of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis: </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 29 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> instant </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> true </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> periodstartlabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -9196000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -9196 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -14519000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -14519 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Beginning Balance </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 30 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> true </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> brka_GainsLossesIncludedInAbstract </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> brka </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> false </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> na </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> terselabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> false </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 0 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 0 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Other </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:stringItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> string </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> No definition available. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Gains (losses) included in: </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 31 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 471000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 471 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 3635000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 3635 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Earnings </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 32 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> brka_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> brka </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> false </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> This element represents amounts recorded to regulatory assets and liabilities arising from net derivative contract... </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> terselabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -33000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -33 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 47000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 47 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents amounts recorded to regulatory assets and liabilities arising from net derivative contract liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> No authoritative reference available. </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Regulatory assets and liabilities </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 33 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 533000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 533 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 1664000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 1664 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(2) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 34 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> duration </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> false </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole/> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> 3000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> 3 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -23000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -23 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> false </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(3) </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Transfers into (out of) Level 3 </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | <Row> |
| | | <Id> 35 </Id> |
| | | <IsAbstractGroupTitle> false </IsAbstractGroupTitle> |
| | | <Level> 0 </Level> |
| | | <ElementName> us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue </ElementName> |
| | | <ElementPrefix> us-gaap </ElementPrefix> |
| | | <IsBaseElement> true </IsBaseElement> |
| | | <BalanceType> debit </BalanceType> |
| | | <PeriodType> instant </PeriodType> |
| | | <ShortDefinition> No definition available. </ShortDefinition> |
| | | <IsReportTitle> false </IsReportTitle> |
| | | <IsSegmentTitle> false </IsSegmentTitle> |
| | | <IsSubReportEnd> false </IsSubReportEnd> |
| | | <IsCalendarTitle> false </IsCalendarTitle> |
| | | <IsTuple> false </IsTuple> |
| | | <IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> false </IsEquityPrevioslyReportedAsRow> |
| | | <IsEquityAdjustmentRow> false </IsEquityAdjustmentRow> |
| | | <IsBeginningBalance> false </IsBeginningBalance> |
| | | <IsEndingBalance> true </IsEndingBalance> |
| | | <IsReverseSign> false </IsReverseSign> |
| | | <PreferredLabelRole> periodendlabel </PreferredLabelRole> |
| | | <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| | | <Cells> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 1 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -8222000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -8222 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> true </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| <Cell> |
| <Id> 2 </Id> |
| <IsNumeric> true </IsNumeric> |
| <IsRatio> false </IsRatio> |
| <DisplayZeroAsNone> false </DisplayZeroAsNone> |
| <NumericAmount> -9196000000 </NumericAmount> |
| <RoundedNumericAmount> -9196 </RoundedNumericAmount> |
| <NonNumbericText/> |
| <NonNumericTextHeader/> |
| <FootnoteIndexer/> |
| <CurrencyCode/> |
| <CurrencySymbol/> |
| <IsIndependantCurrency> false </IsIndependantCurrency> |
| <ShowCurrencySymbol> true </ShowCurrencySymbol> |
| <DisplayDateInUSFormat> false </DisplayDateInUSFormat> |
| <hasSegments> false </hasSegments> |
| <hasScenarios> false </hasScenarios> |
| </Cell> |
| </Cells> |
| | | <OriginalInstanceReportColumns/> |
| | | <Unit> Monetary </Unit> |
| | | <ElementDataType> xbrli:monetaryItemType </ElementDataType> |
| | | <SimpleDataType> monetary </SimpleDataType> |
| | | <ElementDefenition> This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. </ElementDefenition> |
| | | <ElementReferences> Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c </ElementReferences> |
| | | <IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel> |
| | | <IsEPS> false </IsEPS> |
| | | <Label> Ending Balance </Label> |
| | | </Row> |
| | </Rows> |
| <Footnotes/> |
| <NumberOfCols> 2 </NumberOfCols> |
| <NumberOfRows> 35 </NumberOfRows> |
| <ReportName> Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable inputs (Detail) (USD $) </ReportName> |
| <MonetaryRoundingLevel> Millions </MonetaryRoundingLevel> |
| <SharesRoundingLevel> UnKnown </SharesRoundingLevel> |
| <PerShareRoundingLevel> UnKnown </PerShareRoundingLevel> |
| <ExchangeRateRoundingLevel> UnKnown </ExchangeRateRoundingLevel> |
| <HasCustomUnits> false </HasCustomUnits> |
| <SharesShouldBeRounded> true </SharesShouldBeRounded> |
| </InstanceReport> |